PARADISE Island Park and Beach Resort is facing the biggest challenge in more than 40 years of existence as it closed 20 of its total 80 rooms as workers ramped up the ground clearing to prepare for the Samal Island-Davao Bridge Connector (SIDC) project.  The establishment, along with the adjacent Costa Marina Beach Resort, has a pending mandamus and prohibition case before the Supreme Court after losing its petition at the Court of Appeals. For environment-related issues, the mandamus is a legal remedy that compels a government agency to perform its duty to enforce environmental laws.&nb ..read more

A LAWMAKER revealed the proposal to establish the city’s first public Internet center is currently pending in the 20th City Council.  Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, the committee on information systems chair, said during the Aprubado sa Konseho, on April 23, that the proposal is currently on first reading.  The facility will be an extension of the City Library and Information Center and is targeted to be established in People’s Park in Palma Gil Street as a pilot area. “Once the first center will be successful, we will also propose to put up centers in the second and third districts ..read more

THE LAND Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI is awaiting the deputization authority from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to penalize fare-contracting taxi drivers, a recurring concern of passengers, especially at the airport.  In an interview on Apr. 22, Nonito Llanos, LTFRB XI regional director pointed out that the action serves as a third warning to operators and drivers.  “We are just awaiting our deputization order from the LTO so that we can penalize the drivers because some of the drivers take advantage of the fact that the LTFRB can only penalize operators, but ..read more

By Gio J. Tanudtanud   THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-XI continues to bolster fish production and support fisherfolk in Davao Region. During the Agribiz forum at SM Lanang on April 4, BFAR XI regional director Dir. Relly B. Garcia said their initiatives will provide the necessary equipment for fishermen and fingerlings for marine farms in the region. For instance, BFAR-XI will distribute three 62-foot FRP boats to beneficiaries in Mati City, Malita, and Davao City. The boats are equipped with complete fishing gear, accessories, and navigational and communication equipment ..read more

THE PHILIPPINE Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that some parts of the Davao Region may expect dry conditions as there will be a 60% reduction in rainfall by the end of April 2024.  During the Agribiz forum on Apr. 23, Engr. Lolita Vinalay, PAGASA Davao Meteorological officer chief, said the region’s rainfall reduction will persist for two successive months. “Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao City, by the end of April, the province will experience a dry condition according to the forecast. Davao Oriental and Davao ..read more

POLICE already have two persons of interest in the bodies found on Sunday, April 21, at Camella Northpoint in Bajada as investigators narrowed the motive down to a crime of passion. Major Marvin Hugos, commander of Bajada Police Station, confirmed the identities of the victims through their IDs. They were Jennifer Delos Santos Chavez, a resident of Bacoor City in Cavite, was found dead inside room 319 with stab wounds.  Meanwhile, Jeffrey Patac Predas, a resident of Parañaque City, was found on the ground floor with multiple stab wounds. Hugos stated love triangle was the likely motive bu ..read more

By Christnel Angel Olo and Ellyza Salvador/UM Interns THE NATIONAL Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), urged Mindanao-based organizations and institutions to nominate local artists for the Order of National Artists (Order ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining).  “We are here to send a strong message that artistic excellence knows no geographical boundaries and our culture thrives in every cluster of our nation. We recognize the invaluable contributions of artists from Mindanao whose talents and creativity enriched the develop ..read more

By Jackylyn Artiaga / UM Intern PEPSI Philippines Inc. delivered an electrifying surprise to Davaoenos with the much-anticipated Pepsi Pulse free event at Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym), hosted by Kaiser Boado and Cara Eriguel. Attendees were treated to an evening brimming with excitement as Pepsi showcased the latest trends, promotions, and innovations, collaborating with GCash to not only entertain but also support small businesses like sari-sari stores through organized activities, fun games, and opportunities to learn about business growth strategies. Pepsi had a roving cara ..read more

AS HEAT indexes continue to rise above 40°C in some regions of the country, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI urged employers from public and private sectors in the Davao Region to implement work-from-home (WFH) setups.  During the Kapihan forum on Apr. 22, Atty. Randolph Pensoy, DOLE XI regional director, said the office highly encouraged WFH arrangements for employees mostly exposed to heat.  “We are not giving a mandate or obligation but we are highly encouraging every employer to facilitate and to address this kind of phenomenon, masyadong mataas ang heat index ‘di ..read more

THE MANHUNT for the killers of slain retired colonel Samuel Afdal is ongoing after receiving the arrest warrant from the court on April 12.  In a press conference on Friday, April 19, Atty. Xilexferen Barroga, a lawyer for the Afdal family, Judge Juris Dilinila-Callanta of Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 85, signed the warrant on April 5 against Ryan Mark Baylon, the victim’s business associate, and Rosalino “Okie” Degracia, ex-rebel,  for the murder of the retired colonel. No bail was recommended for both Baylon and Degracia. To recall, Afdal was ambushed on Oct. 26, 2 ..read more