We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
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......»»
FACT CHECK | Roque’s claim that Task Force Davao will be disbanded is false
MindaNews fact-checked the claims of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that Task Force (TF) Davao will be disbanded as Dabawenyos expressed concern that the city’s security will be weakened if such will happen. His claim is false, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The AFP has refuted the claims of former presidential […].....»»
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......»»
Measles outbreak reaches Polk County in South Florida
The measles outbreak in Florida has taken a concerning turn with the first confirmed case reported in Polk County. The infected resident, aged between 20.....»»
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......»»
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 […].....»»
P76.1 billion COVID-19 allowance for health workers released
The health emergency allowance of health workers who served during the COVID pandemic amounting to P76.1 billion has been released......»»
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......»»
EDITORIAL - Honoring the heroes
Murals were painted in recognition of their sacrifices and they were hailed as heroes of a pandemic that has killed over seven million people and infected 775,364,261 between Jan. 5, 2020 and April 21 this year, based on official data......»»
DOH: Anthrax risk very low for most Filipinos
The chance of getting infected with anthrax is "very low" for most people, the Department of Health said after cases of the infectious disease were reported in other countries. .....»»
Why Everyone is Getting Sick: Exploring the Flu, COVID-19, RSV Outbreaks
Seasonal Influenza Cases Surge Nationally, Hospitals Struggle with COVID-19 Admissions In a concerning development, seasonal influenza activity has remained elevated across the United States, with.....»»
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......»»
Davao Metro Shuttle declines offer to manage bus system
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — The Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation has declined the offer of the City Government of Davao to operate the Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project (DCPTMP), a public mass transportation project that will replace the jeepneys with buses, an executive of the bus company said. In an interview at […].....»»
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......»»
Al-ag proposes to repeal ordinance requiring delivery riders biz permits
Davao City Councilor Bernie Al-ag has proposed the repeal of an ordinance that requires delivery riders to obtain business permits. The ordinance in question, City Ordinance 0612-21 series of 2021, classified delivery riders as independent service contractors, mandating them to apply for business permits. However, a joint memorandum circular issued by various government agencies exempts individuals providing personal services, including delivery riders, from securing business permits. Al-ag emphasized that the city government must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the memorandum. While the proposed repeal is pending, Al-ag advised delivery riders to comply with the existing ordinance. He expressed confidence in the passage of the repeal, citing the solid basis provided by the joint memorandum. Despite a group of delivery riders seeking an audience with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte on the matter, Al-ag's proposal was drafted in response to a separate petition. He clarified that the repeal is not about monetary collection but aligning with national law, which exempts delivery riders from obtaining business permits. Al-ag remains optimistic about the repeal's approval, pointing to the support provided by the joint memorandum as a strong foundation for his proposal......»»
Delays in road works causing traffic congestion in Davao
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 10 March) – Vehicle owners in the city had been airing complaints that delays in road works being done by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) have been causing traffic congestion. Manny de Mesa, a logistics truck driver, told MindaNews it is “very time-consuming” to enter […].....»»
FDA delists COVID-19 meds, devices from VAT exemption
The Food and Drug Administration has released a list of COVID-19 medicines that were removed from the group of health products given an exemption from value-added tax or VAT......»»
2024 CDC COVID guidelines: essential information on isolation duration – Reviewed
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently updated its COVID-19 guidelines, shortening the time individuals are expected to isolate in efforts to.....»»
Largest Covid-19 Vaccine Study Reveals Links to Health Conditions
A recent study conducted by the Global Vaccine Data Network has found that Covid-19 vaccines are linked to an increased risk of various medical conditions,.....»»