We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
EDITORIAL — 115th in transparency
With the recent controversy involving secret funds for both national and local government agencies, people may question the improvement, slight as it is at just one notch, in the Philippines’ ranking in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index......»»
DPWH tallies 268 gov’t and school buildings partially destroyed in Hinatuan quake
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Region reported that a total of 268 school and national government buildings were partially destroyed by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on December 2. The estimated damage amounted to P108,497,894.84 for school buildings and P1,899,365.60 for national government buildings. The damages included cracks on walls and falling debris such as ceilings. According to Engr. Alexander Turingan of DPWH XI, there were no reported damages in Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur. Franz Irag, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI operations head, emphasized the importance of addressing damages to school buildings, which also serve as evacuation centers during calamities. Dean Ortiz, spokesperson of DPWH XI, highlighted the agency's focus on national roads and bridges, clarifying that they will respond to requests to inspect private and government buildings. Architect Kashagar Toghyani, officer-in-charge of the Office City Building Official (OCBO) of Davao City, urged private building owners to promptly engage professional engineers to assess structural integrity, especially for buildings housing more than 10 individuals. He emphasized the necessity of fire inspections and transparency with building occupants to ensure their safety. The recent earthquakes did not affect government buildings in the Davao Region, and DPWH is committed to conducting thorough assessments and ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants in the aftermath of the quake......»»
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......»»
US House votes for possible TikTok ban if Chinese owners don’t sell
WASHINGTON — The House passed legislation Saturday that would ban TikTok in the United States if the popular social media platform’s China-based owner doesn’t sell its stake within a year, but don’t expect the app to go away anytime soon. The decision by House Republicans to include TikTok as part of a larger foreign aid package,.....»»
Viber delivers personal AI services to users
Rakuten Viber, the leading global platform for private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, has partnered with AI studio Inflection to bring its cutting-edge conversational AI expertise to Viber users in the Philippines......»»
Agoda Unveils Asia’s Top 9 Nature Destinations
To mark the launch of Eco Deals 2024, Agoda’s flagship US$1 million partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the digital travel platform has compiled a list of some of Asia’s favored nature destinations across Asia, based on searches made on Agoda in January 2024. Enric Casals, Vice President of Southeast Asia, Agoda, […].....»»
PSAA vows to serve as great platform for aspiring cagers
Count the Philippine School Athletic Association (PSAA) as another school-based basketball league that will guide and open opportunities for Filipino youth and help them reach their dreams of succeeding in basketball......»»
Marcos Jr. mobilizes PFP to prepare for 2025 polls
President Marcos yesterday mobilized the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas to forge alliances and prepare for the 2025 elections while continuing to push for national unity as Filipinos have been reaping its benefits almost two years into his term......»»
Marcoses vs Dutertes: Peace, unity sought
Senator Francis Tolentino called for peace in the word war between the Marcoses and Dutertes, saying the country stands to lose in the bickering among kin of the country’s two top leaders......»»
New presidential museum eyed in Baguio
The government will put up a new presidential museum in Baguio City soon, according to First Lady Liza Marcos, who said it will help promote unity and allow Filipinos as well as foreign tourists to learn more about the country’s current and previous leaders......»»
From the Newsrooms: March 10 to 16, 2024
THE STATE of the ruling alliance has taken back the news spotlight as the President and his predecessor engaged in yet another sharp exchange, suggesting that all is not well in Team Unity. The depth of hostility between the two remains the subject of public speculation.The media this week reported yet another back-and-forth between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the former president, Rodrigo Duterte. The ex.....»»
US Officials Warn of New Axis of Evil With China at the Fore
WASHINGTON - U.S. military and defense officials are increasingly concerned that as China and Russia forge ever stronger ties, they might attempt to challenge Western unity and eventually alter the balance of power on the world stage.The commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that the evolving relationship between Beijing and Moscow is a "big portion" of.....»»
Davao City: Then and now
Revisit Davao City's colorful history and learn the roots of our unity......»»
Ban Ki-moon conferred honor, addresses Senate
Former United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon called for unity, for nations to come together in cooperation, partnership and solidarity and to redouble efforts to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals......»»
MILF cash grant anomaly probed
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity will investigate allegations of irregularities in the cash assistance given to decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front members......»»
Understanding the Demands of Indian Farmers in Crop Prices: The Daily Guardia
Title: Indian Farmers March Towards Capital Demanding for Guaranteed Crop Prices In a powerful display of unity, tens of thousands of Indian farmers have embarked.....»»
Fueling empowerment and unity at Women’s Run PH at SM By the Bay
RUNRIO, the organizer of Women’s Run PH, is excited to unveil the partnership with the FCC as the title sponsor and co-organizer for this year's series, officially renamed as FCC “Women’s Run PH.”.....»»
[WATCH] NCT 127 kicks it with Filipino fans at ‘NEO CITY: THE UNITY’ tour in Bulacan
Still got the post-concert depression or missed the show? Watch this #RapplerFancam of NCT 127’s memorable show!.....»»
One Nation, United and Undivided
Statement from the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), representing the collective interests of local government units and officials across the nation, steadfastly champions the principle of “One Nation, United, Undivided.” Our commitment is to foster unity and progress for all Filipinos, recognizing that […].....»»
Waitangi: Symbol of unity and partnership
On Feb. 6, people in New Zealand commemorate Waitangi Day, an important milestone in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history......»»