2 Americans rescued from distressed yacht off Davao Oriental
Two Americans were rescued after their yacht stalled off the coast of Davao Oriental yesterday......»»
14 rescued as boat sinks off Quezon
Fourteen people were rescued when their boat capsized in the waters off Burdeos, Quezon on Saturday night......»»
7 missing passengers rescued after boat capsizes off Palawan waters
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued seven individuals last Friday after their motorbanca capsized in the vicinity waters off Isla Verde, Roxas, Palawan......»»
13 rescued as cargo vessel tilts off Zamboanga del Norte
Thirteen crewmembers of a cargo vessel that tilted off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte amid rough seas were rescued on Monday......»»
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......»»
DSWD chief visits flood-hit Davao Oriental
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian visits Caraga town in Davao Oriental on Saturday (February 3) where he led the distribution of family food packs to some 512 residents hit by torrential rains and flooding incidents that have been affecting the province lately. Aside from relief distribution, Secretary Gatchalian inspected some […].....»»
Davao Oriental under state of calamity
The entire province of Davao Oriental has been declared under a state of calamity following the impact of the shear line, allowing the provincial local government unit to access its Quick Response Fund for rehabilitation efforts. The unanimous resolution was approved during a regular session in Sangguniang Panlalawigan, based on comprehensive assessment and recommendation from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Governor Niño Uy. This declaration is crucial for providing emergency aid to the affected constituents and enforcing price control on essential items. Rapid Disaster Assessment and Needs Assessment reports indicate that around 63,337 families are affected, with 645 families and 1,830 individuals currently displaced and in evacuation centers. The damages in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock are estimated to be significant. Several municipalities have already declared a state of calamity, and the entire province is yet to announce its final assessment on the value loss in agriculture. This declaration aims to expedite rehabilitation and recovery plans to restore normalcy in the affected areas......»»
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......»»
43 people in watercraft that sunk off Zamboanga City rescued
Personnel of the Maritime Police had promptly rescued 43 passengers of a pumpboat that capsized in the territorial waters of Zamboanga City while on its way to Tabuan Lasa town in the island province of Basilan on Saturday night......»»
Magnitude 6.1 quake rocks Davao Oriental
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Davao Oriental yesterday......»»
Another bridge in Davao Oriental collapsed
A bridge in Caraga, Davao Oriental collapsed due to continuous heavy rains, following the impact of Tropical Depression Kabayan. This is the third main bridge damaged by extreme weather conditions since December 2023. The damaged bridges are still under construction. The collapse has caused isolation for some communities and led to landslides in Barangay Pichon, with at least 64 families sheltered in evacuation centers. The local government, alongside various agencies, is conducting an impact assessment to determine the damage to agriculture and infrastructure. Classes in public and private institutions are suspended until January 20. The community is rallying for strength and optimism amidst the challenges......»»
Three juvenile Black-winged kites rescued in Sultan Kudarat province
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 8 March) – The three chicks rescued by a farmer at a sugarcane plantation in Barangay Katiko, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat last Wednesday were juvenile Black-winged kites or Black-shouldered kites, Dr. Jayson Ibañez, Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) director for operations, said. Ibanez told MindaNews on Thursday that Black-winged kites are categorized […].....»»
PEF decries continued illegal hunting of Philippine Eagles
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 29 February) – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) expressed alarm over the persistence of illegal hunting activities in the mountains after juvenile Philippine Eagle Kalatungan was rescued, and after examination, was found wounded with two air gun pellets. The raptor was rescued in Sitio Balmar, Barangay Nabaliwa in Pangantucan, Bukidnon last February […].....»»
50 animals rescued in Masara landslide
AROUND 50 animals were rescued by the Davao de Oro Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) as part of their Animal Rescue Welfare Program following the tragic Masara landslide on the night of February 6, 2024......»»
Newborn found, rescued in Calinan
A newborn baby boy was discovered and rescued at Apigo Farm in Calinan, Davao City on January 22, 2024. Elmer Cawayan, a caretaker at the farm, found the infant wrapped in a black cloth and promptly alerted the authorities. The baby is currently under the care of the Calinan Police Station, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. A video posted online expressed outrage at the parents' abandonment of the child, while the newborn is receiving medical attention at Dr. Lorenzo Principe Clinic. The Calinan Police Station is actively investigating to identify the infant's parents......»»
Hundreds rescued from love scam center in the Philippines - Saudi Gazette
Hundreds rescued from love scam center in the Philippines Saudi Gazette.....»»
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......»»
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......»»
Manila-based shipping firm eyes resumption of Davao-Lupon ferry services
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/February 20) – A Metro Manila-based shipbuilding company is eyeing to resume the Davao City – Lupon, Davao Oriental ferry boat operation in October, a City Council official said Tuesday. Councilor Conrado Baluran, Committee of Transportation and Communications chair, said that shipping firm Pinoy Catamaran proposed the possibility of servicing the stalled ferry […].....»»
Filipina rescued from mail-order bride syndicate
The Bureau of Immigration rescued a suspected victim of a mail-order bride syndicate, targeting Filipinas sent to China under false pretenses......»»
8ID deploys troops to secure Negros Oriental’s BSKE 2023
The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army rendered a send-off ceremony for the Company size troops who will be augmented to the troops of JTF-Spear in province of Negros Oriental for the conduct of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) 2023......»»