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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......»»
DOT seeks inclusion in protected areas board amid Chocolate Hills issue
Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco —INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo After the recent controversy surrounding a resort development near Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced plans to advocate for its inclusion in the national government’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a.....»»
DOT To Launch Tourism Program for OFWs
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have teamed up for the Balik Bayani sa Turismo program, recognizing the key role OFWs play in boosting the Philippine economy. Aligned with the National Government’s OFWs Reintegration Program, it focuses on providing livelihood and financial literacy opportunities through tourism training for OFWs and their […].....»»
Historic surf meet carves new tourism niche for Baler
The inaugural World Surf League (WSL) competition launched here will create a new niche for the municipality and the province in terms of tourism, a Department of Tourism (DOT) official said......»»
Mabalacat LGU reopens old town hall as arts, culture center
Mabalacat LGU reopens old town hall as arts, culture center.....»»
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......»»
Diving tourism contributes 1.3 bln USD to Philippine economy in 2023
MANILA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Diving tourism contributed more than 73 billion pesos (1.3 billion U.S. dollars) to the Philippine economy in 2023, nearly twice the revenue the industry earned in 2022, the country's Department of Tourism said Friday. Diving tourism raked 37 billion pesos (661 million dollars) in revenue in 2022, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said at the Philippine International Dive Expo.....»»
Diving tourism contributes 1.3 bln USD to Philippine economy in 2023
MANILA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Diving tourism contributed more than 73 billion pesos (1.3 billion U.S. dollars) to the Philippine economy in 2023, nearly twice the revenue the industry earned in 2022, the country's Department of Tourism said Friday. Diving tourism raked 37 billion pesos (661 million dollars) in revenue in 2022, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said at the Philippine International Dive Expo.....»»
ADB approves 655,000 USD to help Philippine rural banks digitization
MANILA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it will provide grants totaling 655,000 U.S. dollars for the digitization of nine rural banks and a bank consortium in the Philippines. The grants are part of ADB's Fintech for Inclusion Transformation (FIT) program. The grant awardees were chosen from among rural banks nationwide serving women, farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, sma.....»»
ADB approves 655,000 USD to help Philippine rural banks digitization
MANILA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it will provide grants totaling 655,000 U.S. dollars for the digitization of nine rural banks and a bank consortium in the Philippines. The grants are part of ADB's Fintech for Inclusion Transformation (FIT) program. The grant awardees were chosen from among rural banks nationwide serving women, farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, sma.....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 19 February 2024
DOT-10 opens historical trail in Cagayan de Oro The Department of Tourism-Region 10 (DOT-10) has launched the “Cagayan de Oro Historical Trail Walkthrough,” which covered the historical sites in the city. The trail will start at the wooden cross in front of the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in downtown Cagayan de Oro. The cross, erected in […].....»»
DOT Usec Bathan issues apology for viral post on helping friend in Japan
Tourism Undersecretary for legal and special concerns Mae Elaine Bathan, also the chief of staff of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, on Friday issued a statement acknowledging that she should be more mindful of her social media activity following her viral Facebook post that drew criticisms......»»
DOT eyes exceeding P1.5 trillion in domestic visitor receipts for 2024
Tourism Secretary Frasco said on Sunday that the Department of Tourism aims to outperform the previous domestic visitor receipts, citing last year's strong performance......»»
Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023 celebrates foremost developers, projects and agencies
The Southeast Asia real estate market currently faces challenges in the face of the global economic environment and tightening access to finance, however, the winners at this eighth annual Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards were celebrated in recognition of their resilience and adaptability to both the evolving needs of home seekers and the surrounding market conditions......»»
Producers Savings Bank acquires Leyte rural bank
Producers Savings Bank Corp. has completed its merger with one more rural bank, bolstering the bank’s assets and profit growth via its branch network expansion......»»
BFP feeds, orients rural school children in San Carlos
BFP feeds, orients rural school children in San Carlos.....»»
Moalboal s native chicken production project set to boost rural incomes, agricultural productivity
Moalboal s native chicken production project set to boost rural incomes, agricultural productivity.....»»
Maharlika fund eyes JV for rural telco towers
The Maharlika Investment Corp.is in the process of tapping foreign partners for a joint venture in building telecommunication towers in rural areas in a bid to address the digital gap......»»
Rural Missionaries of Philippines: Can we get back to our ministries?
For more than two years, the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines is unable to access their funds in the bank and use them for their mission activities......»»
PLDT arm strengthens tieup with Tarlac rural bank
The business arm of PLDT Inc. has strengthened its partnership to further boost the digitalization journey of Signabank Rural Bank of Sta. Ignacia based in Tarlac......»»