Dabaw Star

15/11/2023

PhilHealth on health discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs): “We must insist on these privileges as they have been set by relevant laws.”

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) issued a warning to all accredited health facilities in the country, after receiving reports about the failure to deduct senior citizen or PWD discounts from hospital bills. 🏥

“We have to give whatever the law mandates. This is our responsibility to our members, to ensure that their senior citizen or PWD privileges, whichever is applicable, are properly deducted from their hospital bills," Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer, said.

Senior citizens and PWDs are encouraged to report similar incidents to PhilHealth, the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs, or the National Council for Disability Affairs.

15/11/2023

Let’s start the Christmas giveaways early!⭐️ WIN 1,000 GCASH! ⭐️

Follow Dabaw Star and share this post! 2 lucky followers will be chosen on November 24 and will receive 1000 GCash each!

Community stories for every Dabawenyo

14/11/2023

Today’s youth, tomorrow’s drivers and road users 🚗

The Land Transportation Office-Davao (LTO-Davao) is committed to educating young individuals about traffic rules and regulations so they learn to be responsible drivers and road users in the future.

Michael Ervin Yarra, LTO-Davao Hearing Officer, highlighted the importance of road safety and that injuries or fatalities are not the only grounds for reckless driving. Their goal is to encourage young drivers to always practice discipline and obey traffic rules and regulations. 🚦

Land Transportation Office Region XI

10/11/2023

Davao tourism leaders welcome the resumption of Quanzhou-Davao flight 🙌

During the ceremony at the Davao International Airport, Tanya Rabat Tan, Department of Tourism Regional Director, said that the said flight would create tourism opportunities for the region.

"This exciting development certainly brings a multitude of benefits to tourism, especially for Davao Region. We hope to welcome more travelers who are seeking to explore our stunning seascapes and landscapes, and immerse in our vibrant local experiences."

The Xiamen Air Quanzhou-Davao flight is seen to boost the number of direct international flights to Davao City. Additionally, Jennifer Romero, OIC of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office, also shared that more overseas flights are being discussed with various agencies and sectors. 🛫

“We are working for more. We are collaborating with the Department of Tourism. We have the anticipated Air Connectivity Council which will promote and help airline companies to offer more flights to Davao City.”

08/11/2023

: Saloy Organic Farmers Association (SOFA) made it to the world’s top 50 cacao beans 🎉

The Davao-based farmers’ association is the only Philippine representative that made it to the top 50 out of 222 cacao bean samples from 52 origins across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, as recognized by the prestigious global cacao competition, Cacao of Excellence.

For the next level of the competition, the Best 50 cacao will undergo processing into dark chocolate, which will be evaluated for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. The Cacao of Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place on February 8, 2024 in Armsterdam, The Netherlands.

Way to go, Davao cacao! 🌟

Photo credit to Auro Chocolate

06/11/2023

Davao City Police gears up for Christmas season!

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO), together with other security agencies, is now preparing for the upcoming Christmas season in Davao City.

In a bid to deter crimes during the Christmas holidays, DCPO City Director Colonel Alberto Lupaz said in a press conference last November 3 that they will be deploying more personnel to enhance police patrol operations in the city. Lupaz added that they will intensify their anti-criminality campaign in coordination with the Police Regional Office XI.

The DCPO chief also highlighted that the recently turned over motor vehicles by the City Government of Davao to DCPO will greatly help their police operations. In September this year, Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the turnover of 55 motorcycle units to several police stations in the city.

06/11/2023

Ironman 70.3 Davao to boost tourism for Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur as they jointly host the much anticipated race event next year 🎉

In a press conference last October 25 at Matina Enclaves, Sta. Cruz tourism and investments Promotions Officer Julius Paner shared, “Considering we are next to Davao City and we are also a tourist destination, so this will boost maybe an increase in foreign visitor arrivals.” He also added that the event will create tourism opportunities for Sta. Cruz, being the trail-running capital of Davao Region.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Romero, OIC of Davao City’s tourism operation office, highlighted that the 2024 Ironman 70.3 Davao will take place in August, so visitors will also get to experience the Kadayawan vibe.

The main venue of the race will be the Davao City Coastal Road and the bike segment will reach towards the municipality of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. 💪

04/11/2023

Congratulations to our lucky followers, Rona P. de Mesa and Mymy Rombano Repomanta 👏🏻

Please send us a message on messenger ☺️

Thank you to everyone who participated. Watch out for our next giveaway! ⭐️

03/11/2023

Happy birthday, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte!

03/11/2023

: 1st anniversary of an insurgency-free Davao Region 👏👏

On October 27, 2023 at the Arcadia Event Center, Matina Enclaves in Davao City, a special celebration was held in line with the Davao Region’s first year of being insurgency-free. Davao Region was officially declared insurgency-free last October 12, 2022, after all NPA units within the region had been dismantled.

In her message, former Guerilla Front 55 Secretary A***n Jane Ramos said, "The success we've achieved is not an isolated victory. It's a blueprint for what can be accomplished when we unite in the pursuit of peace and progress.”

Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of commitment by former rebels and the IP community to maintaining an insurgency-free region. 🤝

02/11/2023

Great news! There will be enough public buses for the long weekend!

Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) Manager Aisa Usop announced last October 30 that there will be enough buses to accommodate passengers during the Undas 2023 holidays.

DCOTT has already coordinated with LTFRB and LTO to augment public buses in case the need arises. Usop also said that she has already instructed bus operators to dispatch their buses on time to accommodate the influx of passengers and ensure a smooth flow of bus operations.

DCOTT also reminded passengers to avoid traveling during peak hours and plan their trips accordingly.

01/11/2023

The Davao-Quanzhou-Davao flight is back! ✈️

It can be noted that the said flight halted operations at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Now operating twice weekly–every Sunday and Wednesday, flight MF8696 has an estimated flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The first Quanzhou-Davao flight took off at 8:45 a.m. from the Jinjiang Airport and landed at about 12:25 p.m. at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. 👏

Photo credit to the Davao City Tourism Operations Office

31/10/2023

Durian partnership: Philippines 🤝Malaysia

During the recent three-day Durian Summit at SM Lanang Premier, two partnership agreements regarding durian farm management were signed by Philippine and Malaysian firms.

✍️ Planters Products Philippines entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOU) with Malaysian company Regaltech for a 500-acre durian project in North Cotabato.

✍️ The Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) also signed a pact of collaboration with Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Planters Association (Masda) to promote strategic areas that will benefit both organizations.

These agreements create opportunities for collaboration, friendly cooperation, and mutually beneficial relationships between the Philippines and Malaysia. 🇵🇭🇲🇾

Photo credit to Agri Info Davao

29/10/2023

Davao City Earthquake Disaster Response Ordinance approved 👍

During the 40th Regular Session on October 24, the 20th Davao City Council passed the said ordinance on its third and final reading.

The ordinance, aligned with the National Building Code of the Philippines, dictates that:

🔴 All buildings and structures must be designed according to their intended purpose and must ensure adequate environmental safeguards.

🔴 These structures shall be kept safe, sanitary, and in good working condition to maintain the safety and functionality of the intended purpose.

The ordinance also mandates building owners to install Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERIs) to monitor earthquakes and strengthen their buildings. Furthermore, a Davao City Earthquake Response Task Force will be established to execute suitable actions in case of an earthquake.

28/10/2023

A HUGE SUCCESS! The first Philippine Asia Durian Summit aims to boost the production of high-quality durian through sound agricultural processes 🙌

Held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang last October 25-27, the summit brought together various stakeholders from the government and private sectors to explore collaboration opportunities for increasing the durian yield.

It was an avenue for local and foreign durian industry players to share ideas and insights on the latest developments and best practices in durian production and farming techniques. 🤝

Photo credit to Agri Info Davao

28/10/2023

⭐️ WIN 1,000 GCASH! ⭐️ Follow Dabaw Star and share this post! 2 lucky followers will be chosen on November 4 and will receive 1000 GCash each!

Community stories for every Dabawenyo

26/10/2023

House of Hope aims to give hope to more kids with cancer in Davao City ✨

Dr. Mae Dolendo, Program Director of the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer in Davao City, shared that their goal is to accommodate more patients by increasing their capacity with additional facilities in the next 5-10 years.

House of Hope is a non-profit organization that provides support to children battling cancer through the Davao Children’s Cancer Fund. It collaborates with partners such as St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City, Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City, La Vina General Hospital in Valencia, and Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City. 🤝

25/10/2023

SPOTTED: A pair of Philippine eagles in Mt. Apo doing aerial courtship display 😍

The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) says in a Facebook post that the aerial courtship display signals the start of the breeding season.

“Another moment for our national bird, known for being monogamous or in other words, pairing with only one other Philippine eagle individual FOR LIFE. 🦅💚

With the help of our Indigenous Forest guards across the island, other pairs in their respective nesting sites have been seen showing similar signs, too.”

19/10/2023

the wealthiest city and province in Mindanao are…

🌟 Davao City and Provincial Government of Davao de Oro 🌟 according to the Commission on Audit’s (COA) 2022 Annual Financial Report (AFR) on local government units.

Davao City’s total assets increased to P29.701 billion from P26.555 billion in 2021 and moved up one spot from its previous ranking. Meanwhile, Davao de Oro’s total assets stood at P23.107 billion, maintaining its standing as the fourth wealthiest province in the Philippines. 🙌

The said report covered 81 provinces, 147 cities, and 1,487 municipalities, including the Bangsamoro government with 27 municipalities.

15/10/2023

Not one, but two vital youth ordinances got approved by the 20th Davao City Council during its 38th regular session last October 10 🙌

⭐ Davao City Youth Development Council (DCYDC) ordinance
⭐ Davao City Youth Development Division - Local Youth Development Office (DCYDD-LYDO) ordinance

The newly established division, which is dedicated to addressing youth concerns, will be under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). Meanwhile, the council will have the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) president and vice-president as its chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively, and members will be youth or youth-serving organizations.

The Youth Development Council is not exclusive to those affiliated with the SK, instead, it’s a broader entity for all youth. The council’s implementation is targeted for 2024, with a budget allocation of P7 million from the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO). 👍

Jaffar Marohomsalic
SK Pederasyon - Davao

12/10/2023

: Employment program for senior citizens is being proposed in Davao City 👏

In his privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Atty. Diosdado Angelo Reyes Mahipus Jr. said, “We seldom see senior citizens provided with work opportunities for them to continue to be financially self-reliant and to contribute to society, especially with their wisdom and experience.”

According to Councilor Mahipus, he had done a consultation with senior citizens and they are enthusiastic about re-employment and community service. Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte is also supportive of the said proposal, encouraging the private sector to create more job opportunities for the elderly.

11/10/2023

: A reminder from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ✍️

PhilHealth members are encouraged to be aware and cautious of possible fraudulent activities that might put their PhilHealth accounts at risk.

The following measures are strongly recommended by PhilHealth Chief Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.:

☑️ regularly change passwords of online accounts
☑️ enable multi-factor authentication
☑️ do not open, click, or share suspicious emails and links
☑️ do not answer suspicious calls and texts
☑️ monitor and report suspicious activities in online accounts

After a recent hacking incident involving PhilHealth’s system, 100% of its public-facing applications, such as the website, Member Portal, eClaims, EPRS for employer remittances, were already back online as of October 6. 👍

10/10/2023

Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) expects 1.8 million tourist arrivals for 2023 🤩

Based on their own forecast, CTOO Head Jennifer Romero is optimistic that tourist arrivals will get closer to 2019 figures, which was a banner year for Davao City. The data is a promising indicator that Davao City has recovered from the impact of the pandemic and tourism numbers will continue to increase for the remainder of the year.

In addition, for 2024, the CTOO also looks forward to a further increase in tourist arrivals, with Davao City hosting big events such as the Ironman 70.3, Kadayawan, and Araw ng Dabaw, among others. 🎉

09/10/2023

Kudos, Dabawenyos! 🙌

Davao City remains to be among the country’s highly urbanized cities (HUC), according to the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.

DTI’s Cities And Municipalities Competitive Index is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the National Competitiveness Council together with the Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCCs) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development.

While Davao City’s ranking slightly dropped from 4th place in 2022 to 6th in 2023, Davao City Investments and Promotion Center (DCIPC) Head April Marie Dayap said that we remain highly competitive. The change in the ranking could be attributed to other cities and municipalities stepping up their efforts and making significant progress. 👏

06/10/2023

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines optimistic about the potential of durian fruits exportation from Davao City to Australia 🇦🇺

Thus, the Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) hopes to resume discussions with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Australia for the export of Davao durians.

According to DIADC President Emmanuel Belviz, they are aiming to finalize plans for the next season and prepare for the durian exportation to Australia. Upon a mutual agreement with PTIC-Sydney, DIADC targets shipments during the peak months of late February to April. 👍

05/10/2023

: United States (US) government to provide support for Filipino farmers in adopting agricultural technology (agritech). 👏

According to US Embassy Senior Commercial Officer Paul Taylor, they are committed to helping the Philippines address food security challenges especially in Mindanao, by connecting Filipino farmers with foreign private sectors for long-term and sustainable partnerships.

The US embassy is collaborating with the Business Council for International Understanding and leading agritech firms in the US in support of our country’s agricultural productivity. 🤝



Photo credit to Agri Info Davao FB Page

04/10/2023

Business permit applications in Davao City have reached almost 50,000 as of end-September 2023 👍

Based on data from the City Government of Davao, this year’s business permit applications have so far surpassed the total of 49,326 applications in 2022.

The recovery of businesses post-pandemic could be a key driver of the increasing number of business applications. Maribel Paguican, Business Bureau Head, also noted that most of the 5,293 new applicants included trading services and delivery service contractors.

To ensure that business operations are compliant with our city ordinances, the Business Bureau continues to conduct rounds and monitoring activities throughout the city. Business operators that do not have permits yet are encouraged to have their businesses registered in support of our local economy.

03/10/2023

The City College of Davao (CCD) aims for the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) institutional recognition prior to the next school year 🌟

CHED’s recognition will certify CCD as an institution of tertiary education, allowing it to add more bachelor’s degree courses for its undergraduate program.

According to CCD President Wenefredo Cagape, they have complied with the requirements such as highly qualified teaching and non-teaching faculty, fully equipped laboratories and a library, comprehensive syllabi, and course packs and modules, among others. The final requirement, which is the project development plan of CCD’s permanent site in Bago Oshiro, is already being finalized. 🙌

03/10/2023

Kudos to Task Force Davao for successfully intercepting a boatload of smuggled ci******es worth P28.8 million 🙌

The operation led to the arrest of 13 people and seizure of about 1,152 boxes of contraband found in the boat.

To continuously ensure our city’s safety and security, TF Davao works closely with the Davao City Police Office regarding foot patrols, mobile patrols, and random checkpoints. Motorboat patrols are also being conducted together with the maritime patrol of the Philippine National Police, Coast Guard, and the Philippine Navy.

25/09/2023

Davao City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) gets an upgrade and goes paperless 💻

The 20th Davao City Council allocated P4 million for SP’s Paperless Session System and Legislative Information Support System (LISSP). This budget allocation covers:

✅ Less Paper Session System hardware
✅ broadband
✅ firewall
✅ phase 2 of the LISSP
✅ one-year cloud subscription

In addition, the Council will also acquire 30 tablets, 1 document camera, 8 notebooks/laptops, and 6 indoor access points.

This initiative is in line with our local government’s digitalization efforts, and by minimizing the usage of paper, we are also able to help reduce waste while saving on printing and storage costs. 👏

22/09/2023

Fisherfolk in Davao City received P3,000 worth of fuel subsidy 🙌

The fuel subsidies, provided by the Fishery Resource Management Services Division of the Davao City Agriculturist's Office (Cagro) in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Davao Region (Bfar-Davao Region), were already distributed to 80% of the initial group of 600 fisherfolk. Bfar has yet to make an official announcement on the disbursement of subsidies to the remaining fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, Cagro has also submitted to Bfar the second tranche of beneficiaries, which includes about 200 fisherfolk.

In addition to the fuel subsidies, Davao City’s local government unit (LGU) has also provided free fishing boats and equipment to support the fisherfolk in their livelihood. 🎣

20/09/2023

📣 Calling all eligible beneficiaries of the lifeline rate power subsidy!

With the new qualifications now in place, Davao Light and Power Co. (Davao Light) encourages qualified individuals to apply for the subsidy. Eligible beneficiaries include those covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Out of its over 475,000 customers, Davao Light has identified about 65,000 eligible beneficiaries.

An onsite application event is ongoing at SM Lanang Premier from September 18 to 30, 8 am - 5 pm. This is an initiative of Davao Light, in partnership with SM Lanang Premier, Department of Social Welfare and Development - Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) and the Department of Energy-Mindanao (DOE-Mindanao). 👍

According to DLPC, “the Lifeline Rate provides a discount on electricity bills of qualified marginalized or low-income customers whose monthly electricity consumption is 100kWh or below. The subsidy is based on the discount level set by the Energy Regulatory Commission and is applied to the generation, transmission, distribution, supply, metering, and systems loss charges only.”

19/09/2023

: Our newly renovated Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) building is well underway and set for completion by the start of 2024. 🤩

Davao City Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain, Jr. said that the renovation, which is now in its final stages, will have a resemblance of a museum–featuring a new photo exhibit on the gallery of legislators. This upgrade will provide visitors a glimpse of our city’s rich history.

Furthermore, Vice-Mayor Quitain also shared plans to renovate and modernize the Sanggunian Session Hall, which will include LED walls, an enhanced public address system, and improved alarm and fire detection prevention systems.

Way to go, Davao City! 👏

19/09/2023

The Davao Bus Project Social Development Program now has over 9,000 registered beneficiaries.

The program is aimed at supporting drivers and operators affected by our city’s bus project. According to CSWDO representative Riza Ibañez, our local government will be providing both financial and non-financial assistance to Project-Affected People (PAPs). The financial assistance will serve as compensation while the non-financial aspect will include educational and livelihood support. 🙌

Our City Government is encouraging all PAPs to complete their registrations. Financial aid is targeted for distribution when the initial bus operations begin by the end of 2024.

Davao Bus - Social Development Program

17/09/2023

P7 million worth of fines collected from violators of anti-smoking, liquor ban, and sobriety ordinances in Davao City as of July 2023 🤯

The Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been working closely for the strict implementation of these ordinances in our city, especially after the pandemic.

Majority of the cases were violations of the liquor ban, however, there were also several violators of the anti-smoking ordinance especially during our last Kadayawan Festival. 😬

17/09/2023

Davao City supports campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness 🎀

The 20th City Council recently passed a resolution to host Breast Cancer Awareness Month (aka Pink October) activities this 2023 and yearly every October.

Councilor Pilar Braga, Education Committee Chair and proponent of the resolution said it’s important to raise awareness and advocate for access to affordable preventative screening, considering that we have a growing number of breast cancer cases in the country. While women are at a higher risk of breast cancer, Braga emphasized that males can also develop the disease, thus the inexpensive preventative screening should be offered to both women and men.

In support of this effort, all Dabawenyos are encouraged to participate in the Pink Walk this October. 🙌

15/09/2023

: A big congratulations to Franklin Mejorada Jr. for ranking 2nd in the 2023 Mining Engineering Licensure Examination! 🙌

Franklin graduated from the University of Southeastern Philippines through the Undergraduate Scholarship Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST scholarship played a crucial role in Franklin’s education, providing the necessary financial support for him and his family throughout his university journey. 🌟

14/09/2023

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte supports the proposed public internet center at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) 👍👍👍

Councilor Bonz Militar, Chairperson of the Council’s information technology committee, announced this in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio.

This remarkable initiative is aligned with Mayor Duterte’s digitalization goals for our city. Upon the Council’s approval, this project will be the first public literacy center of its kind across the country, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

With the public internet center, Dabawenyos can:

🌐 have easy access to government services
🌐 do better research for academic purposes
🌐 connect with their families and loved ones
🌐 build their computer skills

…and more!

Konsehal Bonz Militar

12/09/2023

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) encourages Filipinos to consider Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), in an effort to address the job-skills mismatch in our country.

According to Tesda Secretary and Director General Suharto T. Mangudadatu, Ph.D, TVET is a great alternative to traditional academic programs. It equips students with the necessary skills for specific trades or professions without having to complete a 4 or 5-year degree.

Tesda advocates for TVET as a way for Filipinos to have more employment opportunities. 👏

12/09/2023

📉 According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Davao Region’s inflation rate dropped from 4.3 % to 3.9% and remained below the 5.3% national average in August 2023.

PSA said the lower inflation rate could be attributed to the decrease in commodity groups such as housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

Additionally, education services also decreased, as well as furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance.