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......»»
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey: 4 in 5 Travelers Care About More Sustainable Travel
As Pinoy travelers venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 92% of Filipino travelers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel […].....»»
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......»»
Striking drivers, operators face financial woes
For single-unit operators like Chel Mallonga, 45, the impact of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) would be drastic. Once consolidation pushes through, single-unit operators will no longer be granted franchises. The post Striking drivers, operators face financial woes appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
The Mental Wellness Odyssey: Unveiling Travel’s Transformative Power
In our hectic world, travel transcends leisure, impacting mental health beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, as supported by scientific evidence. Escape Stress: Travel breaks routine, offering a refreshing respite from daily demands, reducing stress. Joyful Exploration: Experiences, not possessions, bring happiness. Travel’s thrill and diversity elevate joy. Mindful Journey: Travel promotes mindfulness, offering moments […].....»»
Abalos warns colorum PUV operators of hefty fines
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has warned operators of colorum public utility vehicles of up to P1 million in fines as the government cracks down on unauthorized PUVs......»»
PSSO warns anew vs building structures atop dikes, coastal road
The Davao City Public Safety and Security Office's (PSSO) Coastal Road and Davao River Monitoring Team has issued a renewed warning to Dabawenyos against constructing buildings on top of dikes and along the coastal road. This caution follows the dismantling of 334 illegal structures from October 2020 to the third week of January 2023. PSSO Head Angel Sumagaysay emphasized that these structures, including house extensions, kitchen extensions, cages, and sala extensions, are typically found atop or attached to dikes and gabions near the Davao River. Recent operations in the Talomo District involved the removal of a hut at Purok 8 Iñigo, Matina Pangi, and a reconstructed fisherman's kiosk at the Punta Dumalag section of the Coastal Area. Sumagaysay highlighted that the PSSO collaborates with barangays to identify and address illegal structures, and owners are given the choice to self-demolish or have the PSSO carry out the demolition. Sumagaysay stressed that illegal structures on dikes and gabions pose risks to the structure's integrity, potentially leading to increased flooding and related issues. He urged residents living near the river to refrain from constructing any form of extension or additional structure on the dikes, emphasizing the need to preserve their stability to prevent flooding and overflow. The PSSO does not have a specific target number of structures to dismantle, but rather identifies them during monitoring and inspection, working in coordination with barangays and purok leaders. Sumagaysay hopes that the public comprehends the purpose behind these dismantling efforts, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the dikes to mitigate flooding risks......»»
The Filipino superfans travelling thousands of miles to see Taylor Swift - Philippines
Swifties from across the country are spending big so they can travel to see stars Eras tour in Japan, Singapore and Australia Taylor Swift Melbourne concert live updates: Eras tour hits Australia For Allan Villa, seeing Taylor Swift live in concert is an unmissable experience, worthy of the backbreaking travel that will be required to take him there. From Masbate Island, where he lives, Villa will travel four hours by boa.....»»
Young Pinoy travelers willing to splurge on experience-driven tours
As the world moves past the pandemic and the chaotic period of revenge travel, a transformative shift in travel dynamics is happening right now, especially among millennial and Gen Z travelers, according to Asia’s leading platform for experiences and travel services Klook......»»
Government, stakeholders’ cooperation vital for tourism development – travel agency
The Philippine government and private tourism stakeholders should keep cooperating to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry, according to travel agency Rajah Travel......»»
Palawan pasok sa Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations ngayong 2024
WALANG kupas pa rin ang kagandahan ng isla ng Palawan! Marami pa rin kasi ang nabibighani at tumatangkilik na puntahan ang isa sa kilalang tourist spot ng Pilipinas. Sa katunayan nga, pang-apat ang Palawan sa listahan ng “Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations” ng travel platform na Tripadvisor para sa taong ito. Sa website, inilarawan ang.....»»
PDEA warns vs. proliferation of Marijuana-flavored vapes
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has cautioned the public on the proliferation of electronic cigarettes or vape containing marijuana oil. It issued the warning after monitoring an upsurge in the product’s presence nationwide during its recent anti-illegal drugs operations. PDEA also said the item is illegal and it poses health risks......»»
Jeepney drivers, operators prod SC on TRO vs PUVMP
Jeepney drivers and operators yesterday asked the Supreme Court to act on their petition for a temporary restraining order against the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program ahead of the April 30 franchise consolidation deadline......»»
Public utility trike operators urged to renew franchise, warned vs overpricing
THE Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) conducted a dialogue with the different Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (Todas) of Toril District to remind drivers of the provisions of the Traffic Code of the City......»»
1st District drivers, operators to adopt PUVMP
1st District drivers, operators to adopt PUVMP.....»»
Bacolod City aids unlicensed tricycle operators secure permits
Bacolod City aids unlicensed tricycle operators secure permits.....»»
Clean up, deep well operators told
Deep well operators in this city have until today to comply with an order issued by the sanitation division of the City Health Services Office......»»
How ‘final extension’ of PUV consolidation affects jeepney operators, commuters
Until April 30, jeepney and UV Express operators may still join an existing cooperative or corporation, or form their own. But the option to keep their individual franchise is off the table......»»
Editoryal: Mulo sa operators wa gitagad
Editoryal: Mulo sa operators wa gitagad.....»»
LTFRB: PUJ drivers, operators sa Davao dili maapektuhan sa PUVMP
LTFRB: PUJ drivers, operators sa Davao dili maapektuhan sa PUVMP.....»»
Drivers, operators of unconsolidated PUVs have options – OTC
t is the not the end of the line for public utility vehicle operators and drivers who were not able to consolidate or apply for consolidation of their franchises before the Dec. 31 deadline, as they still have options to sustain their livelihood, the Office of Transportation Cooperatives said yesterday......»»