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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......»»
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......»»
Philippines rises 23 spots in World Happiness Report
The Philippines rose 23 spots to land 53rd in the in the 2024 World Happiness Report. The Philippines was 76th in the World Happiness Report in 2023 and 60th in the 2022 report. The country also ranks as the 2nd happiest country in Southeast Asia, next to Singapore, which placed 30th. READ MORE: What makes Cebuano.....»»
Pag-IBIG to increase member contributions in February 2024
MANILA, Philippines — The Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Fund said that it will raise its member contributions in February 2024. In a phone interview on Tuesday, it said that monthly contributions from employees and employers will be increased to P200, from the minimum P100. ALSO READ: PhilHealth members’ contribution rises to 5%.....»»
Rama promises to transform Cebu City into a ‘Super City’ by 2031
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Mayor Michael Rama has made another promise to the Cebuanos, and that is to transform Cebu City into a ‘Super City’ by 2031. At the same time, Rama also made a commitment to transform all of the 80 barangays into “city-like barangays” by then. Rama’s ‘Super City’ vision was the highlight.....»»
Ex-President Duterte is lone 2024 Datu Bago awardee
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / March 5)—Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who also served as mayor for over two decades, will be the lone 2024 Datu Bago awardee. Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, who also chairs the Datu Bago Awards Organization (DBAO), said it is high time for Duterte to receive the award as the “most deserving […].....»»
Phoenix rises from 21-point hole to stay alive vs Hotshots
The Phoenix Fuel Masters flipped the script in the second half and successfully clawed back from a 21-point second quarter deficit to force a Game 4 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against the Magnolia Hotshots, 103-85, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City......»»
Davao de Oro landslide: Death toll rises to 98; over 5,300 in evacuation centers
TAGUM CITY — Two bodies have been found by responders at a landslide-hit village in Maco town, Davao de Oro on Saturday, bringing the death toll of the Feb. 6 disaster to 98, local disaster officials said. In a 7 p.m. bulletin on Saturday, the Maco local government said the number of missing persons was.....»»
VM Quitain: City Council will revisit firecracker ban if necessary
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews – 11 January) – Davao City vice-mayor J Melchor Quitain Jr. said the City ordinance 060-02 also known as firecracker ban ordinance is “as good as it is now” but they would “revisit” it if necessary. Quitain said this amid allegations that organizers of the recent “Paghinugyaw: Sugat sa Bag-ong Tuig,” Davao City’s […].....»»
Sara reveals she will run in next polls
Summary: Sara Duterte, the Vice President and Education Secretary, announced her intention to run in the next election during a visit to flood victims in Barangay Bago Gallera. In a Facebook Live video, she mentioned that her brothers, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, may not run in the next election, prompting her decision to campaign. However, she did not specify the position she would be running for. The upcoming election will be the 2025 midterm senatorial elections for senators, congressmen, and local officials, with the presidential national elections scheduled for 2028. Duterte also emphasized the importance of barangay development councils in times of calamity and stressed the need for disaster resilience and awareness among barangay officials and children. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of safety and security, urging trust in security personnel and caution against scammers and swindlers. Duterte also emphasized the importance of education for the younger generation and the equal opportunities it provides. This announcement comes amidst her visits to various areas in the Philippines, where she has been extending aid and addressing pertinent issues such as disaster resilience and community safety......»»
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......»»
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......»»
Cebu City’s Singapore-like goal is about instilling discipline and respect, city administrator says
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Discipline and respect are what will make Cebu City a Singapore-like city. According to Cebu City Administrator and Lawyer Collin Rosell, speaking on Friday, March 1, during the “League of Lupong Tagapamayapa – Cebu City Chapter General Assembly and Board of Directors Election,” held near a pier in Cebu City, Mayor.....»»
Mayor Honey calls on city officials, employees, to begin each day with a prayer
“Start your day with a prayer.” This was the appeal made by Mayor Honey Lacuna to all the officials and employees of the Manila city government, as the capital city joins the nation in the observance of the “National Bible’s Month.” The mayor also lauded City Administrator Bernie Ang, host of the flag raising ceremony, […].....»»
Mandaue City changes venue for cash aid distribution due to intense heat
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines – Mandaue City will make adjustments to the distribution of financial assistance for senior citizens due to the intense heat. Earlier, the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs in Mandaue City posted the schedule for the distribution of the first tranche of cash assistance from April 16 to 24. The schedule also.....»»
Philippine inflation rises to 3.4 pct in February
MANILA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Year-on-year inflation in the Philippines rose to 3.4 percent in February from 2.8 percent in January, the first uptrend after a downtrend for four straight months, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday. The uptrend in the overall inflation in February was primarily influenced by the higher year-on-year increase in the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic bevera.....»»
Death toll in truck crash in central Philippines rises to 15
MANILA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the truck crash in the central Philippines on Wednesday rose to 15 as one of the critically injured died in a hospital, police said Thursday. Police said two other injured people are recuperating at a local hospital. The truck was traveling along a highway in Mabinay town in Negros Oriental province on Wednesday afternoon, when the driver lost control of the.....»»
Death toll in truck crash in central Philippines rises to 15
MANILA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the truck crash in the central Philippines on Wednesday rose to 15 as one of the critically injured died in a hospital, police said Thursday. Police said two other injured people are recuperating at a local hospital. The truck was traveling along a highway in Mabinay town in Negros Oriental province on Wednesday afternoon, when the driver lost control of the.....»»
Philippine landslide death toll rises to 71, search for 47 continues
MANILA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the Feb. 6 landslide that hit a mining town in Davao de Oro province in the southern Philippines has risen to 71, a government official said Tuesday. Leah Anora of the Department of the Interior and Local Government told a press conference at Maco, the municipality where the tragedy occurred, that rescuers are still looking for 47 missing people. Thirty-two.....»»
Philippine landslide death toll rises to 71, search for 47 continues
MANILA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the Feb. 6 landslide that hit a mining town in Davao de Oro province in the southern Philippines has risen to 71, a government official said Tuesday. Leah Anora of the Department of the Interior and Local Government told a press conference at Maco, the municipality where the tragedy occurred, that rescuers are still looking for 47 missing people. Thirty-two.....»»