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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......»»
What has it meant or what will it mean for you to find shelter, safety, and forgiveness in Jesus?
What has it meant or what will it mean for you to find shelter, safety, and forgiveness in Jesus? How does He provide what you need for your cares, fears, and burdens?.....»»
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......»»
How young Filipinos see their future
This semester, I’m teaching an undergraduate class in UP called “Professional Writing,” a course I designed more than 20 years ago to help English and Creative Writing majors (and other seniors in search of interesting electives) get a handle on what the “real world” out there expects of them, in the kind of everyday jobs they’re likely to land. Not Shakespeare, not Jose Garcia Villa, not lyric poetry and neither the full-length play, but rather the more mundane assignments you get paid a salary for: business letters, press releases, feature articles, AVP scripts, brochures and speeches......»»
REVIEW – San Rafael: Reminding us what teaching a love story is for
BOOK REVIEW: San Rafael by Leila Rispens-Noel8 Letters Bookstore & Publishing, 2023 One sweltering afternoon, Isabel headed for the lagoon. She walked through a rocky narrow track with dense cogon and other grasses on either side. Ice-cold water cascaded down the rocky hill, its roar filling the air. The water was crystal clear-clear enough to […].....»»
Man up on ICC probers’ visit, says dela Rosa to Malacañang
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa urged Malacañang to be truthful about the reported arrival in the country of investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC), as disclosed by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who also claimed that former President Rodrigo Duterte would be ordered arrested “very, very soon.” “What I am asking.....»»
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......»»
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......»»
The power of words and reading
My favorite quotation on reading and books is from former US president Barack Obama, who said in a 2017 interview on what books mean to him: “…(reading) reintroduced me to the power of words as a way to figure out who you are and what you think, and what you believe, and what’s important, and to sort through and interpret this swirl of events that is happening around you every minute.”.....»»
PhilHealth members’ contribution rises to 5% in 2024
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) members will see a premium contribution hike from four to five percent this year. The increase is in line with the Universal Health Care (UHC) law, according to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. “Kailangan natin ng pondo para matugunan ang ating mga nasimulang.....»»
LPA affects 394 families in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 31 January)— A total of 394 families or 1,411 individuals in the provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental have been affected by the trough of the low pressure area (LPA) which brings in rains in several parts of Mindanao, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-Davao. Franz […].....»»
P3-M damage reported in school building fire
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported a devastating fire at F. Bustamante National High School in Tibungco, Davao City, on January 14, causing an estimated P3 million in damages. The fire affected 14 rooms, with nine being totally damaged and one partially damaged. The Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao (BFP-Davao) struggled to contain the blaze, which lasted for two hours. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or houses affected despite the school's proximity to a residential area. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. This incident adds to a series of school fires in the region, with three state-owned schools destroyed in 2023. The BFP-Davao and Team Davao Rescue have responded to over 15 fire incidents in the first and second weeks of January 2024, indicating a significant increase compared to the same period in 2023......»»
Classes suspended in Davao City, three Davao provinces amid heavy rain
Classes in all levels are suspended in Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental today, January 16, following heavy rains and bad weather conditions brought by the shear line weather......»»
ACT-Agri Kaagapay pinamalas noong Mahal na Araw
Muling ipinamalas ng ACT-Agri-Kaagapay Organization sa pamumuno ni Ms. Virginia Ledesma Rodriguez ang malasakit at pagkalinga sa kapwa makaraang mamigay ng pagkain at mineral water nitong Semana Santa sa libu-libong Pilipino. The post ACT-Agri Kaagapay pinamalas noong Mahal na Araw first appeared on Abante......»»
Kuh payag magkadyowa uli pero may kundisyon; umamin sa ‘kasalanan’
BUKAS pa rin ang isip at puso ng Pop Diva at OPM icon na si Kuh Ledesma sakaling may dumating na bagong lalaki sa kanyang buhay. Pero mabilis niyang kinlaro na hindi naman daw siya naghahanap na magiging dyowa, kung may ibibigay sa kanya si Lord na bagong partner in life ay masaya niya itong.....»»
SSS Surpass 2023 Revenue Target by 9.5%
The Social Security System (SSS) said it surpassed its revenue target for 2023, the highest revenue ever recorded according to SSS Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet. In a press release, SSS said they had initially set the revenue target for last year at Php330 billion but have achieved 9.5% more or Php362.20 billion. “Our […].....»»
On sonic symphony and heartfelt honors
The Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP), led by chairman Monaco consul general Dr. Fortune Ledesma and president Olga Martel, hosted a mesmerizing dinner event in cooperation with the Austrian Embassy Manila at the ambassador’s residence, featuring the musical prowess of Isabela Samson Madero, ARSM......»»
SEC asks Google, Apple: Remove Binance from app marketplaces
In SEC’s press release on Tuesday, it said that it sent separate letters to Google and Apple asking them to remove the applications controlled by Binance in their respective application marketplaces in the Philippines......»»
Bantayog ng mga Bayani honors 13 ‘pillars’
Engraved in golden letters on the granite Wall of Remembrance at the Bantayog Memorial Center in Quezon City are the names of the heroes and martyrs who fought with the people against the long Marcos dictatorship. The post Bantayog ng mga Bayani honors 13 ‘pillars’ appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Bantayog ng mga Bayani honors 13 ‘pillars’
Engraved in golden letters on the granite Wall of Remembrance at the Bantayog Memorial Center in Quezon City are the names of the heroes and martyrs who fought with the people against the long Marcos dictatorship......»»