Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan, chair of the Committee on Games and Amusement of the City Council, bares during this week's Aprubado sa Konseho that Davao City is experiencing strong revenue collection from cockfighting activities in the city. LEAN DAVAL JR
Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan, chair of the Committee on Games and Amusement of the City Council, announced on Tuesday that the city is experiencing strong revenue collection from “sabong” or cockfighting activities in Davao City.
Bonguyan said that based on the report of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) the city has been able to collect P42 million a year from sabong since 2022, which is higher than the P12 million a year revenue collected pre-pandemic. This revenue comes from “sabong” activities in the city alone.
This also showed after the amendments to the 2021 Revenue Code.
“I am happy to announce na informed kita sa City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) that before pandemic sa atong sabong naa tay-revenue na P12 million a year but this time after our ordinance na amend ang revenue code, nausab ang atoang mga taxes on that, niabot na ug P42 million a year ang na-contribute sa sabong operators,” Bonguyan said during the Aprubado sa Konseho media forum.
Bonguyan said this is a big help in the revenue of Davao City.
She added that the city is expecting that the revenue from cockfighting will increase this year due to scheduled stag derbies next month and in August.
“Happy na ang CTO but I believe na mas mudako pa ni karon kay last time nag-adjust pa sila sila sa bag-ong system. This time murag gina-expect nato nga mas mutaas pa ang atong revenue from sabong labi na karon nga naa ta’y stag season in July and August. Mao na ang expected nga daghan schedules for derby in Davao City wherein dako nga tax ang makuha sa Davao City,” Bonguyan said.
Presently, there are four active cockpit arenas nga ga-apply ug special permit for derby in Davao City namely New Matina Gallera, Aquino Colesium, RB Force Complex Cockpit Arena in Cabaguio, and Calinan Cockpit Arena.
Laborers unload bags of imported rice at a retailer's store along Monteverde St, Davao City on Friday, January 5, 2024. The Department of Agriculture has recently announced that about 500,000 metric tons of rice are expected to arrive until February as the government is prepareing for the adverse effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon. MindaNews photo
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Monday assured that the government has flexibility to review and tweak rice tariff depending on changes in the economic environment.
“It’s already in the EO signed by the President, ‘di ba, that there is a periodic review. Anytime naman if there are circumstances, there are special changes in the economic environment, dapat ‘yung mgapolicies natin may flexibility (It’s already in the EO signed by the President that there is a periodic review. Anytime there are circumstances, there are special changes in the economic environment, our policies should have flexibility),” Balisacan told reporters at the sidelines of the World Bank’s Philippine Human Capital Review report launch at the Ascott Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.
Balisacan was pertaining to Executive Order No. 62 recently issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
EO 62 ordered the modification of tariff rates on various products to ensure continuous supply of goods and to protect the purchasing power of the Filipino people.
Under the EO, the rice tariff was reduced from 35 percent to 15 percent until 2028.
The lower rice tariff are expected to reduce rice prices by PHP6 to PHP7 in the coming months.
Officials of the Department of Agriculture, however, earlier called for a quarterly review of the rice tariff.
Balisacan said tariffs need to be reviewed especially if there are drastic changes in the economic environment.
“If they are no longer, as I said, if the situations have changed, economic situations, they should be reviewed,” he said.
“As I said, if [the] situation changes, we must have, the government must have that flexibility to re-examine its tools. If the tools have become already quite dull for a particular event, then you have to, be able to, to change those tools,” he said.
“That’s what a dynamic economy is all about. If you cannot adjust, if you cannot navigate major changes around us, because you are so constrained from all your policy tools, then you will not be able to survive a major shock.”
Balisacan said the country also has a system, under the comprehensive tariff reform program, which calls for a review of the tariff structure every five years.
“Our tariff structure should be consistent with the rest of ASEAN. Kasi member [tayo] of the economic community (We are a member of the economic community),” he said. (PNA)
Councilor Dante Apostol, chair of the Committee on Franchising and Public Utilities of the City Council, says during this week's Aprubado sa Konseho that Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODAs) in Davao City will be affected by the implementation of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS). LEAN DAVAL JR
Councilor Dante L. Apostol, chair of the Committee on Franchising and Public Utilities of the City Council, admitted on Tuesday that Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODAs) in Davao City will be directly affected by the implementation of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).
His committee is designated as a member of the Davao City Motorized Tricycle for Hire Franchising and Regulatory Board.
This is one of the workings of the committee and we are tasked to attend MTH meetings regarding the opening of MTH road, extension of existing roads, and subsequently, the approval of motorized tricycle operators permit.
Apostol said there are currently four pending TODA applications for routes and extension of routes. However, he said, the approval is only temporary because of the pending implementation of the HPBS.
“Temporary lang ang approval tungod kay pending sa implementation sa atoang bus system. Pag maapektuhan ang ruta sa maong mga motorized tricycle routes posible ning maundang. Posibleng dunay changes or amendments sa maong routes. Kanang mga ruta maagian sa HPBS,” he said during the Aprubado sa Konseho media forum.
HPBS is one of the flagship projects of the Build, Build, Build program, which is being implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the city government of Davao.
The Davao HPBS is a proposed bus-based public transport system for the city, consisting of a core bus network of over 100 kilometers, and a feeder network of over 500 kilometers.
HPBS would replace the existing jeepney network with a four-tier (MetroDavao, DavaoInter, DavaoFeeder, and DavaoLocal), 29-route network operating with larger buses (including 18m articulated and 12m bus units), which significantly reduce the number of public transport vehicles on the roadways (reducing PUVs). Small 10m buses will also be introduced.
HPBS also includes the development of public transport terminals, depots, and a driving school as key supporting facilities of the modern service; 1,119 bus stops; and more than 1,000 new bus fleets.
His name means bright or sky. His name in Greek methodology means the strongest of the gods in the Ancient Greek religion because he has both power and intelligence. His name is synonymous with golf in Davao City which he calls home.
And now, his name is engraved as the champion in the recent Philippines Amateur Open Championship held at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club north course.
His name is Zeus Sara.
Zeus star has been shining brightly in the Philippine Amateur golf arena in recent months. He was a member of the Philippine team that finished second behind champion China in the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship at Kebab Golf Seri Selangor, Malaysia. He is a member of the RP team for the Nomura Cup ,also known as the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Team Championship, a biennial amateur team golf championship for men to be held later this year in Vietnam.
He’s due to leave first week of July to compete at the IMG Junior World in San Diego, California, USA after finishing second in the IMG Junior qualifying in Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac in April of this year.
Zeus has expanded his horizon.
After winning practically all the individual honors in amateur golf in his hometown Davao City, Zeus moved a notch higher by competing in a new playing field, to a much competitive Luzon and Metro Manila. And compete he did. He made his mark in Junior golf and now has set his goal in a higher level.
The Philippine Open Amateur golf championship.
His journey at the Philippine Open Amateur Golf tournament started by competing in the 36 holes’ stroke play elimination round. His two days’ adventure however has its share of ups and downs. Maybe a part of rookie jitters and nerves.
Zeus Day 1 is promising. Surprisingly he was among the leader after Day 1 in stroke play. He trailed the leader by a stroke but hit his foot on the second day and stumbled to finish at 12th position among the 16 final qualifiers.
He regained his composure at the start of Day 1 Match play version by beating 5th ranked Bobe Salahug 4 &3. His joy and happiness however is short lived upon learning that his next opponent at the quarter finals opponent would be his play mate and buddy from Davao, Edison Tabalin. The two Davao protagonist however fought tooth and nail with the younger Zeus prevailing in the end over his much seasoned golfing buddy in the same dominating 4 & 3 score.
Come the semis where Zeus Sara is pitted against top ranked Jolo Magcalayo.
“My strategy is just to hit the fairways so that I can have a good chance of hitting green. Hitting it close to the pin is the plan but we will focus on making pars” said Zeus prior to the match.
Buoyed up by his new found confidence and nerve of steel Zeus fought with conviction amidst the encouragement of his mom Jing Torres and Davao supporters among the gallery that ultimately tamed Magcalayo 2&1. The closest so far in his conquest.
The finals is set. Coined as the battle of ages. Pitting the youth against the most senior among the competitors. The 18 year old Zeus who recently graduated from Grade 12 in Mapua Malayan College in Davao City is among the top guns in Junior golf in the country while the 41-year-old businessman Gary Sales is a seasoned veteran in amateur golf scene aspiring to have the coveted crown to be added among his collection in his closet.
But the expected grand finale, a battle royale did not materialize in the finals. Devoid of drama and thrill the young Zeus dominated the grueling 36 holes finals with an imposing 5&4 victory. The highly anticipated battle royale has turned into a formality in the coronation of the new king of Philippine Amateur golf.
“It definitely wasn’t easy, but I got the job done! I’m so honored to call myself a Philippine Amateur Match Play Champion and to have my name on the iconic perpetual trophy. Feels good to finally win again” said Sara humbly after receiving his trophy.
What’s next for Zeus?
“He’ll rest for a while Sir” said his mom Jhing Torres. He’ll be preparing for the San Diego Tournament early July. After that, there’s the Nomura Cup in Vietnam kaya ma busy talaga sya. Let’s support him meanwhile thru prayers” Torres concluded.
The challenges await in the horizon of the golfing world. Keep on reaching for the stars, keep on scaling the heights to be conquered.
A resident of Mati City showcases his skimboarding skills at a beachfront in Dahican. The Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) said as the tourism sector is on the verge of recovery, the agency is seeing the the surge of tourists coming to Davao Oriental. Edge Davao
Fitch Solutions’ unit BMI has forecast that tourist arrivals in the Philippines next year may exceed the 8.2 million visitors before the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a commentary released Monday, BMI projected a 32.6-percent increase in tourist arrivals this year to reach 6.6 million from 5 million arrivals in 2023.
“The 2024 arrivals will be at 81 percent of the pre-pandemic level in 2019 (8.2 million arrivals),” it said.
It added that with the 1.6 million visitors in the first quarter of the year, this indicates that post-pandemic recovery is underway.
“We forecast the Philippines’ arrivals to continue to increase over the remainder of our medium-term forecast period, fully recovering in 2025 as they reach 8.3 million, rising above the pre-pandemic level in 2019,” BMI said.
By 2028, the Philippines is expected to attract 9.4 million tourists, or growing by 14 percent annually from 2024 to 2028.
“We expect arrivals growth to be driven by key source markets in Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe,” BMI said.
In the first quarter of 2024, top sources of foreign visitors are South Korea, the United States, China, Japan, and Australia.
“While we have a positive outlook for Philippines’ arrivals, there are short-term risks stemming from high living costs in many markets globally, and tighter credit conditions which will weigh on consumer spending, particularly on nonessential categories such as travel,” it added. (PNA)
A dredging barge is moored near a beachfront where the landing site of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) is located. LEAN DAVAL JR
A store worker prepares commercial rice for a customer at a community market in Davao City on Monday. The country is expected to remain the world’s biggest importer of rice next year, according to the data released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). LEAN DAVAL JR
The Department of Agriculture said on Saturday that the executive order modifying the import duty rates of various commodities would reduce imported rice prices by P6 to P7.
“Ini-expect natin, ayon na rin sa unang pagtaya ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), na bababa ang halaga ng imported na bigas from six to seven pesos because of this tariff reduction,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said.
(We expect, based on the initial forecast of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), that the price of imported rice would decrease from P6 to P7 because of this tariff reduction.)
De Mesa said that under EO 62, the tariff reduction for rice would be implemented earlier on July 6, 2024, or 15 days after its publication, while tariff reduction for commodities will take effect 30 days after its publication.
“So kung July 6 siya magiging effective, we can expect within August na magkakaroon na ng mga darating na bigas kung i-a-apply agad ‘yung bagong tariff scheme sa bigas,” De Mesa said.
So, if it becomes effective on July 6, we can expect arrivals within August if such a new tariff scheme for rice is applied immediately.)
Under Executive Order No. 62, several commodities such as animal products, plants, pharmaceutical needs, chemicals, etc. would be subject to the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates of duty, or what other countries vowed to impose on imports from other World Trade Organization members.
“There is a need for a new multi-year and comprehensive tariff schedule that will provide a transparent and predictable tariff structure, and allow businesses to engage in medium- to long-term planning to improve productivity and competitiveness, facilitate trade, and enhance consumer welfare,” the EO read.
“The implementation of an updated comprehensive tariff schedule aims to augment supply, manage prices, and temper inflationary pressure of various commodities, consistent with the Philippine national interest and the objective of safeguarding the purchasing power of Filipinos,” it added.
Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, is proud to announce the grand opening of its first greener store in San Pedro, Laguna. This milestone is a testament to Watsons’ steadfast commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard for a more eco-friendly retail in the Philippines.
The Watsons Greener Store is a pioneering project, utilizing renewable energy, sustainable store materials, and energy-efficient appliances. The store’s materials and fixtures adhere to greener building standards, earning certification from Pi Energy Inc. This ensures that the store’s operations align with environmental standards, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Sustainable Elements of a Greener Store :
Renewable Energy Sources: The store is primarily powered by solar energy, exemplifying Watsons’ dedication to minimizing its environmental impact through sustainable energy solutions. By utilizing solar panels, the store saves approximately 7.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the CO2 absorption of around 377 trees annually.
Sustainable In-store Materials & Fixtures: Marketing materials, including signages and displays, are crafted from Solidus material instead of Sintra board containing PVC or plastic reducing environmental impact. Additionally, all marketing materials are made from recycled paper and boards with FSC® certification, ensuring they originate from responsibly managed forests. The store also utilizes wood for its display racks and fixtures, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: The store uses LED lights that do not contain toxic materials, are 100% recyclable, and reduce energy consumption by up to a third. Additionally, the store utilizes inverter air conditioners and refrigerators that consume 40% less energy than conventional units.
Sustainable Choices Products: Watsons offers a wide range of sustainable choices products that advocate Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, Refill Packs & Better Packaging from responsibly- sourced materials.
Refill Station: Watsons introduces the first refill station outside Metro Manila, customers can conveniently replenish their Naturals by Watsons bottles with their favorite body wash and shampoo variants. The store also sells refillable bottles with screw caps, allowing customers to save up to 40% compared to standard purchases.
Waste Minimization Initiatives: The store encourages customers to bring reusable shopping bags and actively promotes waste reduction, segregation, and recycling.
The store opening was attended by Jin P. Jimenez, Director for Store Operations, Alisandrea Coloma, Senior Manager for Sustainability alongside local government officials Hon. Ramil Hernandez, Governor of the Province of Laguna, and Hon. Mayor Art Francis Mercado of San Pedro, Laguna. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort between Watsons and the local community to promote sustainable development in the province.
“Today, we proudly inaugurate the first Watsons Greener Store in San Pedro, Laguna, this store sets a new standard in sustainable retailing, embodying our dedication to fostering a vibrant culture of sustainability in every facet of our operations. By empowering our customers to embrace sustainable products and practices, we aim to make a meaningful impact on our planet,” said Jin P. Jimenez, Director for Store Operations.
The opening of Watsons Greener Store marks a significant shift towards sustainable practices in the retail industry, making sustainability a more achievable goal for everyday shoppers. Watsons aims to minimize waste and empower customers to make eco-conscious choices, contributing to a healthier planet. By integrating sustainability into its operations, Watsons reduces its environmental footprint and inspires customers to adopt greener lifestyles. This commitment reflects Watsons’ broader mission to foster a healthier planet while empowering individuals to make informed, sustainable choices.
For more information about the Watsons Greener Store and its sustainability initiatives, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.
Vice President Sara Duterte made a special appearance in Davao City’s Pride Parade on Sunday.
The Pride Parade, among the highlights of the ongoing Duaw Davao summer festival, drew an estimated crowd of 8,000 LGBTQIA community members, supporters, and local organizations celebrating unity and diversity in Davao City.
Coinciding with the celebration of Pride Month this month of June, Duterte said Pride Month serves as a reminder of the power of love over hate, discrimination, and indifference toward a sector that had historically been subjected to shame, persecution, and inequitable opportunities in life.
“Over the past many years, we have witnessed how we have become a nation that promotes inclusivity, advances the welfare of disadvantaged sectors, and champions the cause for equality. This is a victory for all — not only for those who dreamed of a world without othering — a world where everyone is valued, accepted, and empowered, but also for all of us who toppled down the wall that isolated the LGBT sector and deprived them of recognition, respect, acceptance, and love,” the vice president said in her message.
She urged the public to take pride in standing for the cause of the LGBT sector, especially those that promote shared values and aspirations as a democracy.
“Let Pride Month become a celebration of our humanity. Magtulungan tayo upang tiyakin na ang bawat Pilipino, lalo na ang ating mga kabataan, ay ligtas, tunay na naririnig, at buong pusong kinikilala. Mabuhay ang pag-ibig at pagkakapantay-pantay para sa lahat,” she said.
The vice president appeared in public following her resignation as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and co-chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELcac) last week.
Meanwhile, Duaw Davao, which will be held from June 20 to 30, 2024, will revolve around four components: Davao Tourism, the Feast of San Pedro, Pride Month, and Lifestyle and Leisure.
