Home Blog Page 149

Davao City to add GIS kiosk for its biz and building permits renewal

By
MindaNews
-
EARLY BIRDS. A handful of traders renew their business permits at the “One Stop Shop” site at the Almendras Gym, Davao City on Wednesday (3 January 2024). According to city government personnel, they are expecting more number of clients on the third week of January. MindaNews photo

Davao City is going high-tech in the processing of its business and building permits, adding a geographical information system (GIS) kiosk “by early this year” to hasten the process.

A GIS kiosk aims to help clients in the City Planning and Development Office’s (CPDO) evaluations, approvals, and issuance of business and building permits through the kiosk’s digitalized mapping system, which could determine if their businesses were compliant with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2019-2028.

The GIS kiosk will also help to hasten processing of filling up the business location capture form, a requirement for renewal and application of business permits since 2020.

“It will use coordinates to determine if their area of business is non-compliant with our CLUP,” Arnel Llido, Project Evaluation Officer III of CPDO, told MindaNews in an interview Thursday.

Llido said that the GIS kiosk will be placed near the Business Permit Licensing System (BPLS) kiosk, which is under the Business Bureau’s mandate. Both kiosks will be situated in the Business Bureau office inside the Sangguniang Panlungsod building.

According to a report from the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, it was raised during the deliberation of the 2024 city budget that the CPDO cannot yet put up a separate kiosk for building permits due to the “unavailability of its mapping system to be accessed outside of its office.”

“[T]he CPDO was reminded to provide prime attention to this concern to truly carry out the mandate of efficient delivery of government services and the ease of doing business,” the report read.

However, Llido said they are in continuous talks with the Business Bureau “since last year” to make amends in where they will properly place and install necessary equipment, connectivity, data storage, and similar needs, while considering the space and convenience of the clients.

“The kiosk is not installed yet but our mapping system is ready. We’re just waiting where it will be situated,” Llido said.

Currently, building permit clients would go to the Business Bureau for fees and other permits, then would go to the CPDO office for evaluation and their compliance with the CLUP and application for business location capture form.

Meanwhile, application of business permits can also be done online and through walk-ins in the Business Bureau office.

Maribel Paguican, Business Bureau head, said that during this time of business renewals, 10 satellite offices were also operational among different locations, including Gaisano Grand Citigate for Buhangin District residents; Davao City Recreation Center, commonly known as Almendras Gym for Agdao and Talomo District residents; Toril District Office for Toril residents; Calinan Gym for Calinan District residents; Baguio District Treasury Office for Marilog; and other locations in Paquibato and Bunawan.

The online application for building permit through ocboapp.davaocity.gov.ph/ocboapp is currently unavailable. However, zoning maps and watershed maps are available through CPDO’s website. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)

CAgro pushes for good farming practices to increase produce

By
CIO Davao City
-
Passersby buy vegetables at the organic farmers' market at Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao
Passersby buy vegetables at the organic farmers' market at Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

Plant monitoring for identification of insects and viruses, sanitation, and crop rotation are among the farming practices that could ensure the health of plants, an official said.

City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgro) focal person for Fruits and Vegetables Etzie Rose Nalzaro said that plant monitoring for identification of viruses or bacteria that affect plants is important.

“I-investigate gyud unsay naga cause sa iya, if makita nimo nga kani nga part naay insekto naga-atake tanggalon na nimo (You should investigate the cause of the disease of the plant and if you can see that there are parts infested with insects, you should cut it off),” Nalzaro said.

She added that disposal of infected plant parts should also be done with care and sanitation.

“Kung mutanggal tag nagsakit nga plant parts sa atong gulay, mugamit ta’g pruning shears or scissors, dapat i-sterilize nato siya before ta sa healthy mubalhin. Ngano man, sa agriculture ang sakit sa tanom ingon ana pud siya ka kuti kay gamay lang nimo nga action is na spread na nimo and nakatag na nimo sa tibuok nimo nga garden ang mga sakit. Dapat mag-matngon pud ang atong mga farmers no nga proper sanitation sa atong mga gamit (Once we remove plant parts affected by the disease, and we use pruning shears, we must sterilize it before we transfer to healthy plants because, in agriculture in plant diseases, it is that sensitive, with only a small action, you may spread the disease to the whole garden that is why our farmers should also observe proper sanitation in their farming tools),” Nalzaro added.

Nalzaro also said that crop rotation is a good farming practice to control disease or pest infestation.

“Kung kamatis karon, the other nga cropping season lahi nga gulay dili family sa kamatis. Mag change napud ka rotate crop para kadto nga sakit dili magbalik-balik (if you plant tomatoes now the next cropping season should be another vegetable which is not in the family of tomatoes. You should change or rotate the crop so that the same plant disease will not occur again),” she said.

She said that should Dabawenyos need technical assistance in their plants the Cagro is very willing to go to their gardens and farms to check their plant condition.

“With regards to insects pest infestation, infection sa inyong mga garden, kung gusto magpatabang technical assistance, willing pud kaayo mi mubisita sa inyong mga farms, amoa nang adtuan, i-monitor among tagaan og diagnosis para matambalan dayon nga sakit unsa na sakit or insekto nga naga atake sa atong gulayan.(With regards to insects, and pest infestation in your gardens, if you want to ask for technical assistance, we are very willing to visit your farms, we will go there, monitor, and give a diagnosis to give remedy to the disease or the insects that attack your vegetable gardens),” she said.

Dabawenyo farmers and vegetable gardeners may go to the district offices of the CAgro or to their main office at the City Hall Annex at Magallanes Street to request this service.

She said that those who also need seeds for planting should not hesitate to go to their office because they provide such. Should the farmers look for seeds not available in their office, they can also contact and link farmers with other agencies. CIO

Flavo Rosa and LBC: A Partnership for Growth

By
Press Release
-

Manila, Philippines: Businesses rooted in creativity and craftsmanship often go through a tug-of-war. On one side, there’s the passion and artistry where the brand is rooted on; on the other, the complex logistics required to run it and turn it into a lucrative venture.

Both aspects are equally critical to its success, but for many businesses, focusing on one often means neglecting the other. Yet Flavo Rosa, a brand synonymous with tradition and quality in Barong Tagalog pieces, still managed to find its rhythm by partnering with LBC Express, Inc. And it was through this collaboration that Flavo Rosa managed to keep its artistic passion alive while ensuring that the company’s operations were in trusted hands.

A Tradition Revived

It all started with Mrs. Mercedita Antenor Paraiso’s vision. Deeply influenced by Lumban’s longstanding tradition of hand embroidery and Barong crafting, it inspired her to start her own venture and Flavo Rosa was born.

With a consistent focus on quality and a goal of preserving the authentic designs of Lumban Barongs, she started her entrepreneurial journey in her own home. Initially, she simply sourced barong materials from established business owners, displaying them in a modest glass stand within her home and offering them to friends both locally and overseas. But as time progressed and she slowly familiarized herself with the nuances of the business, she began collaborating with skilled Lumban Bordadoras, and started producing her own materials. In time, this collaboration would demonstrate the value of partnerships for her business. Aling Baby, along with the many skilled embroiderers of Lumban, Laguna would ultimately serve as her business’ angel– helping her establish the impeccable craftsmanship of her line and allowing her to reintroduce traditional and classic barong designs, garnering admiration from clients both in the Philippines and abroad.

And as more and more people got introduced to her work, word spread about the exceptional quality and authenticity behind Flavo Rosa’s barongs. Over time, the brand not only drew customers from various parts of the Philippines but also began to get noticed internationally.

Navigating the Digital Era

To say that the pandemic threw a wrench in Flavo Rosa’s thriving operations just as it was starting to find its footing in a larger market is an understatement. Like most businesses, the brand found themselves in uncharted territory when COVID hit. The usual methods of operation were suddenly rendered ineffective or obsolete. And Flavo Rosa, deeply reliant on traditional channels of selling, faced the same challenge. However, instead of seeing it as a setback, they saw an opportunity to evolve.

Recognizing the potential of the digital space, Flavo Rosa made the strategic decision to expand online.
This shift not only made their products more accessible but also introduced their unique Barongs to a whole new audience. Their digital presence became a virtual showcase, allowing customers to appreciate the intricacies of each piece from the comfort of their homes.

The move proved beneficial. Despite the uncertainty of the times, there was a clear demand for their Barongs. A significant portion of this demand came from couples who, despite changing wedding plans

Here’s what went down on the Watsons Health Expo’s second day

By
Press Release
-

The biggest Health Expo in the Philippines by Watsons continues their 2nd Day of the expo with even more fun and exciting activities!

The SM Megatrade Halls were jam packed with crowds as soon as the doors opened, as the Day 1 of the expo showed everyone why this is the biggest Health Expo in the country! Taking home bags and bags of products from major health and wellness brands in the market, getting free access to talks of the country’s best of the best health experts – plus, free consultations!

Watson’s Health Expo Day 2 started with a healthy stretch and dance-fun activity with Dance Fitness Coach Roco, and Rope Flow PH. Activities like Dancing and Jump Ropes promote cardio strength, coordination, and balance that’s fit for all ages.

The event was graced with the presence of Philippine OB-Gyne Society and filled everyone with an insightful discussion on “Coping with Menopause” featuring Gilyn Angela J. Marasigan. Going through Menopause will need crucial support and acknowledgement and knowing how to develop healthy habits, regular exercise, balanced diet and stress management.

This was followed by a series of talks such as “A Talk on Peripheral Neuropathy” by P&G, which featured one of PH’s most sought-after leading men, Gabby Concepcion as their celebrity endorser.

Dr. Bea Maxine Chan from Nutrabliss by Watsons also shared her tips and gathered everyone at her workshop about developing “Happy Healthy Habits!”

One of the facets of forming healthy habits are of course getting that good rest and sleep. This was highlighted by Organica Nutritions on their discussion about “The World of Wellness with Organica Nutritions Inc.” followed shortly by Bewell-C with Nico Locco, Dr. Ruth Happie Sengson with “Cervical Cancer & HPV Related Diseases”, Sam Corrales’ self-care talk and “What’s in my bag” segment with Buscopan, Essentiale with Dr. Lyien Ho, and Pharmaton Energy with Pat Gatus which everyone definitely needed to hear!

The event was finished off with a fun workout session with Wandergym.

Don’t miss out on the fun and exciting prizes that awaits you, visit us at the Watsons Health Expo at SM Megamall Megatrade Halls 1-3, today until February 4, 2024!

For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

Rep. Pulong vows to intensify programs, efforts for Filipinos

By
Maya Padillo
-
Davao City First District Rep. Paolo
Davao City First District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte says the approval of House Bill 9021 is a big step to enact the proposal and provide a remedy for the poor service of telecom companies and other internet service providers (ISPs). LEAN DAVAL JR

Davao City First District Representative Paolo ‘Pulong” Duterte vowed to intensify his programs and efforts for needy Filipinos.

The multi-awarded lawmaker issued the statement following the distribution of assistance from the staff of his office to the 500 fire victims in Davao City.

“As we have done in previous years, we shall accord the resilience of our Filipino families with much-intensified efforts through our programs and services. Whatever circumstance it may be, those in need can rely on us for support and assistance,” he said.

The Office of the First Congressional District’s Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) program tendered a banquet for at least 500 fire victims of three separate fire incidents in Davao City with a banquet including 20 lechon on December 31, 2023.

The activity started in Barangay Leon Garcia in Agdao at 4 p.m.

The PPP team handed out food and cash to the fire victims comprised of 133 owners, 165 sharers, 44 renters, and 34 boarders and caretakers.

Rep. Pulong’s team also visited the fire victims of San Francisco De Asis Village in Barangay 74-A Matina Crossing and distributed assistance to over 100 fire victims.

The said fire, which happened on December 31, 2023, razed 17 houses.

The fire victims, comprised of 17 owners, two sharers, 17 renters, and eight boarders received food packs. The team also distributed hot porridge and new clothes to them.

The PPP team served seven roasted pigs and other dishes (chicken barbecue, grilled fish, and bihon or rice vermicelli) with boiled rice and ice cream.

Rep. Pulong’s team then proceeded to Purok 33, Ramon Magsaysay, Calinan to extend immediate assistance to the fire victims of the January 1, 2024 fire.

The fire razed three houses and a commercial building affecting around seven families.

Market reminder

By
Lean Daval Jr.
-
To maintain an orderly operation at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City, a personnel of the City Economic Enterprise Office roams around the market and remind the vendors using a megaphone on Thursday to always follow the policies and stay at their designated areas. LEAN DAVAL JR
To maintain an orderly operation at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City, a personnel of the City Economic Enterprise Office roams around the market and remind the vendors using a megaphone on Thursday to always follow the policies and stay at their designated areas. LEAN DAVAL JR

PH debt increases to P14.51T as of end of November 2023

By
Edge Davao
-
The Davao City Tourism Operations Office (DCTOO) says the city’s tourism industry needs to push for foreign as well as local tourists to visit the King City of the South after it was included among 18 of Asia’s “underrated” places reported by CNN Philippines. Lean Daval Jr.

The Philippines’ sovereign debt ballooned to a new record high as of the end of November 2023 as the government increased its local borrowings.

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury on Wednesday shows that the national government’s running debt balance as of end-November last year stood at P14.51 trillion, up 0.19% from P14.48 trillion seen as of end-October 2023.

The Treasury said the month-on-month increment in the government debt stock was “primarily due to the net issuance of domestic securities.”

In an emailed commentary, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the higher debt incurred during the period was amid the new government borrowings needed to fund the continued budget deficits since the start of 2023.

Of the total running debt, the lion’s share or 69.09% were sourced locally while the remaining 30.91% were from foreign sources.

The country’s domestic debt totaled P10.02 trillion, up 1.23% from P9.9 trillion as of end-October 2023 “due to the net issuance of government securities.”

“New domestic debt issued during the month totaled P171.091 billion while principal redemption amounted to P45.14 billion, underlying a net issuance of P125.95 billion,” the Treasury said.

Ricafort, likewise, said the higher domestic debt was “due to net new local debt issuance, higher prices/inflation that increased government expenditures that led to the continued budget deficit that needs to be financed by new government borrowings, as well as higher interest rates that increased financing costs of the government.”

Nevertheless, the domestic debt pile’s increase was partially offset by the P3.87-billion effect of peso appreciation on foreign currency-denominated domestic securities.

Year-to-date, domestic debt registered an increase of P816.02 billion or 8.86%.

Meanwhile, the country’s external debt amounted to P4.48 trillion, down 2.06% from P4.6 trillion as of the end of the prior month.

“For November, the lower level of external debt was due to the net repayment of foreign loans amounting to P1.08 billion and favorable foreign exchange movements, wherein the P109.37 billion reduction attributed to peso appreciation against the US dollar far exceeded the upward adjustment linked to third-currency appreciation of P16.30 billion,” the Treasury said.

The country’s debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, which measures the amount of the government’s debt relative to the size of the economy, improved at 60.2% as of the third quarter of the year from 61% of the second quarter.

This came after the faster economic growth seen in the same period of 5.9%, from 4.3% in the second quarter.

A lower debt-to-GDP ratio indicates that the country can pay off its debt without having adverse impacts on the economy.

Under the administration’s Medium Term Fiscal Framework, the government aims to bring down the debt-to-GDP ratio to less than 60% by 2025 and further shrink it to 51.1% by 2028.

Dabawenyos urged to wear masks, practice proper hygiene vs. flu virus

By
Philippine News Agency
-
A vendor takes advantage of the high foot traffic and the warm weather to sell ice cream during All Souls' Day celebration at Wireless Cemetery in Father Selga Street, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao
A vendor takes advantage of the high foot traffic and the warm weather to sell ice cream during All Souls' Day celebration at Wireless Cemetery in Father Selga Street, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

A physician from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) urged the public here Wednesday to wear face masks and practice proper hygiene to avoid contracting the flu virus.

In a virtual press briefing, Dr. Alisa Betina Lim, the chief resident of the SPMC-Department of Emergency Medicine, warned that mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as “walking pneumonia,” is present in the country.

“Since it’s a respiratory symptom, and we can prevent it by wearing face masks, especially in crowded areas,” Lim said.

She clarified though that there is no reported case of mycoplasma pneumonia yet in the city.

Despite this, she reminded residents to remain vigilant against the ongoing threat to public health.

Lim noted that SPMC dealt with numerous emergency flu cases only last month, as December is considered a flu season.

She pointed out that proper handwashing and hygiene are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is less severe compared to the typical pneumonia.

However, patients with underlying health conditions and weak immune systems may experience severe symptoms. (PNA)

DCOTT online booking system smoothens travel transactions

By
Maya Padillo
-
Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) manager Aisa Usop says the terminal's online booking system has helped passengers to have a smoother travel transactions specially during the holidays. LEAN DAVAL JR
Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) manager Aisa Usop says the terminal's online booking system has helped passengers to have a smoother travel transactions specially during the holidays. LEAN DAVAL JR

Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) manager Aisa Usop disclosed on Thursday that the online booking system helped passengers with smoother travel transactions at the terminal, particularly during the holidays.

Usop said DCOTT is facing a massive influx of passengers especially since many passengers are travelling back to Davao City or to their provinces after the New Year celebration. However, she said it is being managed well without reported untoward incidents.

“Maybe nakatabang pud ang online booking nato sa pagkapaspas sa flow. Naay nag avail sa atoang online booking,” she said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Thursday.

In December last year, DCOTT relaunched its online booking system where passengers can buy bus tickets online. When a passenger has their ticket printed online, they simply head to the bus they have been assigned or they requested.

Usop said several passengers have availed of the online booking system based on DCOTT management’s query to the passengers.

Usop also said that despite the influx of passengers, DCOTT was peaceful and orderly from December 1, 2023 until December 31. 2023.

“If we are going to compare last year ug karon mas daghan ang pasahero karon. Kaya lang dili sila matanggong ug dugay sa sulod sa terminal kay makasakay dayon sila. Amo pud gipreparahan ang after New Year in which tama gihapon ang atong pangagpas. Even gahapon (Wednesday) grabe ang influx sa pasahero. On Jnauary 2 hangtod gabii naa gihapon mga pasahero,” she said.

Usop shared that according to the bus controllers, their income is much better today.

“Nag ask pud ko sa mga bus controllers ngano makasulti sila nga mas daghan karon, sulti nila ang income. The income will depend on the number of bus trips,” she said.

Usop also announced that they exceeded last year’s income.

She said DCOTT has reached its target of P44 million for the year 2023 with an excess of more or less P8 million.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) the City Treasurer’s Office reported that it is almost P53 million meaning the excess is more or less P8 million,” Usop said.

US willing to invest in Mindanao Railway Project, envoy says

By
Philippine News Agency
-
DOTr Photo

The United States has offered to support the stalled Mindanao Railway Project, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Wednesday.

In a text message, the envoy said the US has indicated its interest in investing “over a billion dollars” in the infrastructure program, with the financing expected to come from the US International Development Financial Corporation (DFC).

The envoy first made the announcement in his December 31 Philstar column as part of his yearend report to the Filipino community in the US.

“The US has also offered assistance for the Mindanao Railway Project, with financing expected to come from the US International Development Financial Corporation (DFC) that invests in infrastructure and development projects to help developing countries create jobs and foster economic growth,” he penned.

“The Mindanao Railway Project was supposed to be financed by China but last November, the Philippines decided not to pursue Chinese official development assistance (ODA) financing for the construction of the railway,” he added.

Romualdez said a representative from the DFC will also be part of the highly-anticipated US presidential trade and investment delegation that will visit the Philippines in March 2024.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier said the country has dropped China as a source of funding for the Mindanao Railway Project due to lack of progress in negotiations.

The Transportation chief also confirmed that the government is looking for other sources possibly a “combination of Philippine government support, ODA, and private sector support” to fund the PHP81.7 billion Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment. (PNA)

1...148149150...6,266Page 149 of 6,266
© 2021 Edge Davao | All Rights Reserved.