Davao City: Then and now
Revisit Davao City's colorful history and learn the roots of our unity......»»
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......»»
Man shots dead his wife and then himself in Batangas
LUCENA CITY – A man gunned down his wife, then killed himself on Saturday, April 6, in Cuenca town in Batangas. The Region 4A police said in a report Sunday, April 7, that at around 7 a.m., one alias “Candido” and his wife, Elsa Mendaña, alighted from their owner-type jeep in Barangay Balagbag. READ: Husband.....»»
Aboitiz-led Apo Agua starts supplying water to Davao City
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 10 January)—Consumers here can expect better supply as the P12-billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) of the Aboitiz-led Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. has commenced operations on December 1, 2023, three years after the completion target. In a joint statement released by the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Apo […].....»»
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.....»»
P38 daily wage hike for Davao region workers
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 20 February) – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Davao Region (RTWPB-Davao) has approved a P38 daily increase for minimum wage earners in the region, to be implemented in two tranches starting next month. In an announcement released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Davao on February 19, it said […].....»»
Shear line damages P172-M worth of agri products, infra in Davao region
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 23 January) – The recent heavy rains brought by the shear line destroyed at least P172 million worth of agricultural products and infrastructure in the Davao region. Data from the Department of Agriculture – Davao region (DA-Davao) said the initial damage to palay, corn and other high-value crops reached P145.3 million. […].....»»
Only 5 barangays in Davao City have active anti-mosquito disease task force
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 January)—Only five out of 182 barangays in Davao City have an active Barangay Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force. Dr. Thomas Miguel Ababon, head of the City Health Office, said at the iSpeak media forum at City Hall Thursday that mosquito-borne task forces in the city “seems difficult to sustain” despite […].....»»
5 dead, 2 missing in Davao de Oro floods
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 02 February) – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Davao reported five persons were confirmed dead while two others were still missing due to flooding and landslides in Davao de Oro province. During Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Friday, OCD-Davao director Ednar G. Dayanghirang also said seven persons were injured […].....»»
Balik-Tanaw | Hear then, the pitch of God’s kingdom
Some are surprised to hear Jesus begin his ministry with an announcement of a new kingdom. His first public words sound almost like a political announcement: “The kingdom of God has come near!” Is Jesus launching a new political movement, beginning a new social system? The post Balik-Tanaw | Hear then, the pitch of God’s kingdom appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Polong’s wife is Davao’s barangay association head
The wife of Davao City First District Congressman Paolo Duterte, January Duterte, is now president of the city’s Association of Barangay Captains which gives her a seat in the Davao City council......»»
Police beef up security in Davao region for Holy Week
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 March) – Around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure various areas in the Davao region for the Holy Week observance, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao said on Monday. Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, PRO-Davao spokesperson, said the deployment of more security personnel was intended to ensure that […].....»»
3,500 students affected in Masara landslide
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / February 21) – More than two weeks after the landslide in Masara in the municipality of Maco in Davao de Oro, 3,558 students have still not returned to the classroom, according to the Department of Education in the Davao Region (DepEd-Davao). Jenielito Atillo, DepEd-Davao spokesperson, said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps […].....»»
Councilor urges social media influencers to observe local laws
The Davao City councilor, Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, has urged social media influencers to familiarize themselves with local ordinances before promoting areas to their followers. Ocampo, who heads the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, appreciates the promotion of Davao City by social media influencers but emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws before attracting crowds to specific areas. He expressed gratitude for the promotion but highlighted the challenge of controlling the influx of people once a location is featured. Ocampo plans to collaborate with Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, to accredit social media vloggers through the local government unit. He underscored the need for accredited vloggers, recognizing their contributions to the city and addressing any mistakes they might make. This initiative aims to balance recognition for positive actions with corrective measures for any missteps. The concerns arose in November 2023 when a Davao City-based environment group criticized a travel vlogger for promoting recreational activities in a river within the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. Following a waste dumping incident on January 11, 2024, the group urged Dabawenyos, especially vloggers and influencers, to refrain from visiting protected areas for leisure. They emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting rules and regulations before endorsing specific parts of the city......»»
Over 600-K affected by shear line in Davao
Over 600,000 people in Davao Region were affected by a shear line, causing unprecedented damage and extensive flooding and landslides. The regional director of the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region emphasized the need to address these issues and called for collaboration to prevent future disasters. The agriculture sector suffered over P50 million in damages, while infrastructure incurred around P25 million in damages. The report also highlighted the impact on road sections, bridges, and houses, with significant assistance provided by OCD-Davao. Plans are underway for a region-wide flooding dialogue and realignment of projects with disaster prevention efforts in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways. Related stories include urging proactive measures in establishing disaster services at barangays and the expedited release of aid for Davao disaster victims......»»
Davao City creates committees for 2024 Davraa hosting
THE City Government of Davao, through Executive Order No. 4, Series of 2024, has created various committees for the hosting of the 2024 Davao Regional Athletics Association (Davraa) Meet in Davao City, its compositions and functions......»»
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 […].....»»
39 LGUs in Davao region suspend classes due to bad weather
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 16 January) – At least 39 localities in the Davao region, including this city, suspended classes in public and private schools as of 7:55 a.m. Tuesday due to heavy rains since Monday night, which triggered flooding in some areas. The local government unit (LGU) of Davao City suspended classes in all […].....»»
Entangled shoelace leads to cyclist’s death in Davao
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 01 March) – A 15-year-old cyclist died after he fell off his bicycle when his shoelace got wrapped around one of its pedals while scaling Hilltop in Barangay Langub, Davao City around 7:20 a.m. on Friday. In a police report, Capt. Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for the Davao City Police Office, said […].....»»
Davao Light pushes for paperless billing
The Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) is advocating for paperless billing, citing its positive impact on the environment. Fermin Edillon, the head of the Reputation Enhancement Department at Davao Light, emphasized the company's large customer base and the significant paper consumption associated with traditional billing. He highlighted the environmental benefits of opting for paperless bills, urging Dabawenyos to consider this eco-friendly alternative. Despite the availability of paperless billing options, Edillon acknowledged that some still prefer traditional paper bills. However, Davao Light has enhanced its paperless bill services, offering options such as the MobileAP app for internet users and the Ebill text option for those without internet access. While promoting paperless billing, Edillon clarified that traditional paper bills will still be available. Residents expressed support for paperless billing, citing its convenience, but also emphasized the need for considerations, especially for those less proficient with technology. The push for paperless billing aligns with efforts to reduce environmental impact and enhance customer convenience......»»
Cebu City taxpayers can now avail services online
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City taxpayers can now avail of services of the Office of the City Assessors (OCCA) through an online portal according to OCCA’s computer division head. Nelyn P. Sanrojo, OCCA’s computer division head, said that clients could now avail of its services such as the issuance of a certified true copy.....»»