We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Uncertainty looms over Davao-Samal Bridge project amid RoW hurdles
The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge project, has faced numerous setbacks due to right-of-way (ROW) acquisition challenges. The project was halted on January 3, 2024, due to issues with landowners near a pier in Lanang at Davao City, leading to delays in the project's implementation. While there have been conflicting statements regarding the project's status, the National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Region (Neda-Davao) aims to complete the detailed engineering plans for the substructure of the west land via dock once the Deed of Transfer Possession in Davao City is released. However, ROW issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, the project is still considered a priority and is included in the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) for 2023–2028. The project is funded through China’s Official Development Assistance with an estimated budget of P23.04 billion, and negotiations with the Philippine government are ongoing with a target completion date in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline remains as ROW hurdles persist, impacting the much-anticipated toll-free four-lane concrete exodus bridge spanning a 3.98-kilometer distance......»»
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......»»
Traveling on Peak Times or Off-Peak Times? The Pros and Cons
Ever wondered if it’s smarter to travel when everyone else is or pick a quieter time? When you decide to hit the road can really shake up your travel experience, costs, and how easy things go. Think beyond the logistics – it’s also about what you personally like and how much you can deal with […].....»»
Korda triumphs in sudden death anew; Saso, Pagdanganan waver
Yuka Saso failed to sustain a third round 69 as she struggled with five bogeys against three birdies, while ICTSI stablemate Bianca Pagdanganan also faced difficulties, limping with a 78 to end up at tied 55th with 290......»»
Mayor Chan promises legal assistance to swindling victims
LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU — The Lapu-Lapu City Government, through the City Legal Office (CLO), promised to provide legal assistance against an alleged swindler, along with her accomplice, after they repeatedly sold lots with questionable status in Barangay Canjulao. On Monday, February 19, the alleged swindler faced around 15 individuals who were her victims, with the.....»»
What happens when AI reaps what it sows?
Artificial intelligence tools are trained on internet data, which is also a toxic pit of disinformation and hate speech. How can people make sure AI tools do not put out the same? Experts weigh in......»»
More Pinoys identify with Marcos than Duterte – poll
A majority of Filipinos identify themselves either as pro-Marcos administration or pro-Duterte family, with most of them saying they support the current President more than his predecessor, according to a survey on political preference conducted by the OCTA Research Group......»»
More Pinoys identify with Marcos than Duterte – poll
A majority of Filipinos identify themselves either as pro-Marcos administration or pro-Duterte family, with most of them saying they support the current President more than his predecessor, according to a survey on political preference conducted by the OCTA Research Group......»»
Satisfaction with AFP at 86% – OCTA poll
A large majority of Filipinos remain satisfied with the performance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the fourth quarter of 2023, a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group showed......»»
55% of Filipinos favor gov’t cooperation with ICC probe — survey
Results of the poll released Sunday showed that 55% of adult Filipinos are in favor of the government cooperating with the probe into alleged crimes against humanity committed during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. .....»»
75% dissatisfied with government effort vs inflation – poll
Despite the easing inflation reported in recent months, three in every four Filipinos now say they are dissatisfied with the government’s efforts to control the rising cost of basic commodities, a recent survey conducted by the OCTA Research group showed......»»
Samal resort gets notice of violation over hawksbill turtle hatchlings
The Department of Natural Resources-Davao Region (DENR-Davao) has issued a notice of violation to Isla Reta Beach Resort in Samal for the illegal possession of hawksbill turtle hatchlings. The resort violated Republic Act 9147, which prohibits the exploitation of wildlife resources and their habitats. The law strictly prohibits collecting, hunting, or possessing wildlife or their by-products, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. In response to the notice, the resort's owner must release the turtle hatchlings within a day, or face legal action. Despite the resort's intention to care for and release the hatchlings after six months, DENR-Davao found 130 hatchlings inside styro boxes and emphasized the critical importance of immediately releasing them to ensure their survival. The Philippines recognizes five sea turtle species, with hawksbill and leatherback classified as critically endangered. DENR-Davao encourages individuals to report wildlife sightings and pledges to conduct public awareness campaigns for wildlife conservation. Isla Reta Beach Resort faced criticism for unauthorized plans to raise the hatchlings......»»
When legends meet
Eight-year NBA veteran and once the highest-paid basketball player in Europe Josh Childress wasn’t born yet when Yoyong Martirez played on the Philippine team at the 1972 Munich Olympics. But when they met up during the recent EASL Final Four here, there was instant connection between the two cage legends......»»
An intimate portrait of Tessie Agana’s life and times
“She started out when she was about six years old, and (she did) ‘Roberta,’ the big movie when she was eight years old. From eight to 14, it was when she made a lot of her movies as a child star.”.....»»
Angono artist Seth Corda paints structures found in nature
An architect by profession, artist Seth Corda continues to blend his technical knowledge with colorful strokes and patterns into his artworks......»»
PVL puts premium on fairness with maiden Rookie Draft
The Premier Volleyball League is introducing a novel fair play recognition system to enhance its competition dynamics while reverting back to the previous technical timeout format in the All-Filipino Conference unfolding on February 20......»»
FACES OF CEBU: Christian “The Bomb” Araneta, 28, professional boxer
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebu waited for seven years to produce another world title challenger in boxing. Last January 26, 2024, Christian “The Bomb” Araneta, a native of Borbon town, north Cebu ended that drought with a devastating first round technical knockout win against Arvin “Hurricane” Magramo. Know more about Araneta here: The 28-year-old Araneta will be.....»»
‘Content creation’ now among Tesda courses
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has added “content creation” to its list of courses that vocational training centers can adopt and offer, in response to the emergence of online platforms as a lucrative source of income. Tesda Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu said the agency had come up with competency standards on content creation for social media that.....»»
Araneta earns world title shot with dominant TKO over Magramo
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Christian “The Bomb” Araneta finally earned a world title shot in devastating fashion after scoring a technical knockout victory against fellow Filipino Arvin “Hurricane” Magramo in the main event of “Kumbati 16” at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino on Friday evening, January 26, 2024. Araneta made easy work on Magramo, stopping the.....»»
MinDA, airline firm plan two-day visit to Manado
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 17 January)—The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and executives of an airline company are planning to conduct a two-day technical visit to Manado, Indonesia in the last week of January to discuss with their counterparts the possible resumption of Davao-Manado-Davao flights. Dr. Adrian Tamayo, public relations division chief of MinDA, told MindaNews […].....»»