Sisterhood
FIVE sisterhood agreements are being finalized between Davao City and foreign cities, an initiative that is expected to strengthen Davao’s economy even in the face of an economic slowdown.
Rachelle Zozobrado, chair of the City Council committee on international relations, expects the sisterhood agreements to become final before the year ends with the cities of Manado and Bitung in Indonesia; Mersin City in Turkey; Darwin City in Northern Territory, Australia; Uijeongbu City in Korea, and Tacoma City in Washington, DC.
Extended
THE actuarial life of the Government Service Insurance System’s (GSIS) pension fund has been extended by an additional 28 years.
With investments in government security bonds and treasury bills coupled with the very selective investment outlets, the actuarial life of GSIS’s pension funds was extended to 2055 from its previous life span of only until 2027.
Peace councils
Task Force Davao yesterday reached out to the United Muslim Council for Peace and Development (UMCPD), public utility drivers and sidewalk vendors to serve as eyes and ears of the government in the fight to shield the city from terror attacks.
TF Davao urged them to help look out for suspicious-looking individuals as well as unattended baggage on busy streets and transport terminals in their respective areas.
Myth
THE Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) lambasted the proposed Hedcor hydropower plant in Tamugan-Panigan River in its new study, which was released Wednesday.
Titled “The Myth of Power Crisis: A Prelude to Water Privatization,” the study cites factors that threaten Davao City’s sole water supply, the Tamugan River. It also presents data debunking Hedcor’s proposal to solve a looming power crisis in Mindanao.
Foreign aid
THE European Commission has approved additional funding to help address the plight of thousands of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Mindanao.
The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (Echo) approved the release of an additional amount of at least P200 million in humanitarian assistance to help civilians who are suffering from the effects of the ongoing conflict.
