BY ALEX ALAGON
MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Sec. Leo Tereso Magno clarified yesterday in a press briefing that the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to the soon-to-be-opened Bucana Bridge was not a political event.
It was, he said, a simple visit by the head of government of the country, where one of its chartered cities is a beneficiary of an infrastructure project funded through a grant from another nation.
We fully agree with Secretary Leo. He could not have been more correct in saying that the presidential visit was not laced with politics. Politics only came into the picture when some netizens started advancing the idea that the President would claim the bridge as a product of the efforts of his administration.
These netizens even advance the publication through a post on social media, with a timeline of the various activities that led to the realization of the bridge project. That is, from conceptualization, to coming up with a blueprint of the project design, to design revision, to right-of-way acquisition, to finding ways to finance the project.
These are the anti-Marcos netizens did to pre-empt any move by the President to claim credit for the realization of the bridge project. But did Marcos, Jr. really claim credit for fulfilling the long-desired additional span to ease the burgeoning traffic situation in the city proper?
Frankly, we did not find one. Neither did we find even a single statement by the President alluding to his administration being responsible for such a gargantuan project.
Unfortunately, many of those against the President are quick to weaponize their fear of a credit grab by Marcos, Jr. It is our take that actuations like these are among reasons why any hope for a rapprochement or even just putting some civility in the relations among the country’s fighting top political leaders for the sake of a united effort to attain real development is a look far beyond the horizon.
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Yesterday passengers from Toril to Davao City – and possibly from the city’s downtown back home – were queuing for a ride on the fare-free buses operated by the local government under its Transport Modernization Program.
Certainly, the number of passengers would have boosted the income of drivers of public utility jeeps plying the Davao City-Toril-Davao City route had they taken the latter utility vehicles. This is exactly what we meant when we wrote here a few columns back that the fielding of fare-free buses on several routes in the city is both a welcome and an abhorred development in this southern Mindanao metropolis.
Yes, the passenger buses with each unit having so much legroom will be patronized by Davaoenos. They could even be hoping that such a project will not end because getting a free ride would definitely mean additional savings for the income-earning passengers.
But the thousands of drivers who depend on their daily driving of PUJs would mean more deprivation. Possibly, with their depleted income from fare collection, the public utility jeep drivers may quit driving as their income would just be enough to pay for the daily maintenance of their driven vehicles.
And this is where the problem is passed on to the operators whose utility vehicles may end up lying idle for lack of drivers. When this happens the operators will likely miss paying their monthly amortizations for the vehicles acquired by them mostly through financing.
We can only hope that the city government is ready with mitigating measures to confront these possible consequences.
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Here is this internationally-known forwarding company claiming sophistication in its service to clients.
The company prides itself on a computerized tracking system for the whereabouts of the boat that loads the cargoes shipped through them.
The problem however, is that those operating the tracker system are clearly telling half-truths most of the time. And our family is one of the many expecting “Balikbayan” boxes shipped by a sister who is in the United States. The boxes were loaded the first week of July this year. When our son inquired in the second week of November about the ship carrying the cargo for us through the forwarding firm’s tracking system, he was told that the ship was arriving in Manila on the 23rd of that month. But when we inquired again after the 23rd, we were told that the boat was to arrive in Manila on December 2.
Yesterday, we followed up again, and we were advised that the vessel had already arrived, but the boxes will have to undergo Customs inspection.
Well, considering previous years’ experiences where some boxes were used by smugglers and shenanigans to hide their illegal cargo, we feel that having the boxes subjected to Customs scrutiny is just fair.
What we feel is not proper, as far as the forwarding company is concerned, is its non-definitive answers to inquiries about the boat’s arrival and the possible delivery of the expected boxes to the consignee/s.
MANILA, Philippines — Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum continues to garner international recognition by bagging the prestigious Double Gold Medal from the Asia Spirits Ratings, a leading spirits brand competition based in Hong Kong. The award-winning Philippine product was also declared Rum of the Year and Best Spirit of the Year by Value for 2025.
“Every medal we receive is an honor not just for Tanduay but for the Philippines. We share this recognition with our hardworking team, whose dedication and passion enable us to showcase the best of Filipino craftsmanship to the world,” said Roy Kristoffer Sumang, International Business Development Manager of Tanduay.
The Asia Spirits Ratings recognizes spirit brands according to their quality, value for money, and what they look like. To earn a Double Gold, a product needs to score 96-100 points. The Gold Medal is awarded to those who score 90-95 points; the Silver Medal to those who score 85-89 points; and the Bronze Medal to those who score 80-84 points.
Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum received the highest score in the contest, earning 96 points, to earn the top honor alongside Kenya’s Mara Gin. The judges were particularly impressed with Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum’s taste, noting how “gingerbread and biscotti aromas open to a layered palate of chocolate, almond, and nutmeg, finishing long with butterscotch and warm spice.”
More Tanduay Products Receive Medals
Apart from Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum, several Tanduay products also earned medals from Asia Spirits Ratings.
Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, Tanduay Double Rum, and Tanduay 10-Year Old Rum all received Silver Medals. Embassy Whisky, Tanduay Overproof Rum, Tanduay Rhum Dark 5 Years, Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, Tanduay 1854, and Tanduay Superior were awarded Bronze Medals.
“These medals inspire us to continue Tanduay’s winning legacy by staying true to our tradition while constantly pursuing product innovation,” Sumang said.
A recent Metrobank survey in October found that Filipinos’ reasons for saving evolve as they move through different life stages. Younger adults tend to focus on financial security and personal needs, working adults prioritize buying a home or funding travel, and middle-aged savers concentrate on retirement and their children’s education.
For many Filipinos, saving is a way to feel prepared for the future. Elders often remind the younger generation to “mag-ipon (to save),” advice that continues to resonate. While priorities have shifted over time, the goal remains the same: financial security and peace of mind.
The survey of more than 1200 respondents who answered the question “Para saan ang ipon mo?”, revealed that about 21% of Filipinos save primarily to build an emergency fund or set aside money for future needs. This aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey, which found that roughly 4 in 5 savers allocate funds for emergencies. Other common goals include buying or improving a home, which motivates about 16% of respondents, and leisure activities such as travel, concerts, or hobbies, cited by 14%.
Savings priorities also differ by location. In Metro Manila, financial stability is the leading motivator, with 23% of respondents listing it as their main goal. Home-related expenses follow at 19%, and travel or leisure at 17%.
Outside the capital, education is the priority, with 20% saving for tuition or other school-related costs for themselves or family members. Metrobank noted that these differences show both access and opportunity: residents in Metro Manila generally earn more and have easier access to schools and financial services, while those in other regions prioritize education as a path to a better future.
Age further influences savings behavior. Among young adults (18-24 years old), financial security is the top motivator, followed by personal purchases such as gadgets or clothes (21%), and education-related expenses (18%). For young Filipinos living outside Metro Manila, about 1 in 4 save specifically for schooling.
Working adults (25-44 years old) tend to prioritize home ownership and financial stability, each cited by 23% of respondents. Travel and leisure also remain important, motivating 18% of this group. For the middle- aged respondents (45-64 years old), priorities shift toward retirement, securing children’s future, and travel. About 23% of middle-aged respondents save for retirement, 20% for children’s education and future needs, and 14% for travel or leisure. Nationwide, these patterns remain consistent, showing that long-term planning and family considerations are top of mind for older savers.
To help Filipinos reach their financial goals, Metrobank has made opening an account simpler and more accessible than before. The Metrobank eSavings Account is a secure digital account designed for first-time deposit clients, allowing them to save, manage, and grow their money. Clients who maintain a minimum balance of PHP 2,000 enjoy benefits such as AXA life insurance with coverage of up to PHP1 million*, including terminal illness coverage; up to four InstaPay rebates per month; and invest in Online Time Deposit to enjoy an interest rate of up to 4.5% per annum.
Opening an eSavings account is easy. You only need to download the Metrobank App, tap ‘Open an Account’ and accept the Terms and Conditions. Then, provide your personal information, scan your valid ID, and take a selfie to verify your account. Don’t forget to make an initial deposit of PHP 2,000 within seven days to avoid account closure. Once all these are done, get a fully verified account for all your financial transactions within one to two days.
With a Metrobank eSavings account, clients can steadily work toward their savings goals while building a long-term financial partnership with the bank. The account also streamlines access to credit cards, home loans, and investment opportunities.
*FREE 1 year AXA Life insurance, when you open an account on or before December 31, 2025, and maintain the minimum balance requirement.
Cebu City, Philippines – The Universal Cultural Foundation Inc. (UCFI), in partnership with NUServe, the corporate social responsibility arm of NUSTAR Resort Cebu, turned over two batches of in-kind relief donations to the Cebu City Government on November 17 and December 1, 2025, at during a handover ceremony at Cebu City Hall.
A total budget of ₱5 million was activated for emergency relief assistance which covers for the procurement goods including solar lights, emergency tents, food, daily necessities, hygiene kits, and mosquito nets. The relief program is being implemented in three batches, with the final batch scheduled for release before year-end. Each turnover is aligned with Cebu City LGU’s identified priority needs.
The initial delivery, received by Mayor Nestor Archival, included 400 care packages containing essential food and hygiene items, along with 400 tents and 800 mosquito nets for affected communities. The succeeding batches include additional food provisions and construction materials for rebuilding structures in heavily affected municipalities.
UCFI and NUServe remain committed to supporting ongoing relief and recovery efforts across Cebu City and Cebu Province, reinforcing their shared mission of community care and resilience through current and future initiatives.
DISCOVERY Samal invites guests to celebrate the upcoming long weekend from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8 with an itinerary designed to refresh the spirit, energize the body, and immerse guests in the signature warmth and hospitality of Samal Island. Blending adventure, wellness, family experiences, and indulgent dining, the resort offers a long-weekend escape filled with memorable moments across its beach, pool, activity hubs, and expansive grounds.
Weekend water activities and oceanfront energy
Guests are welcomed into the weekend with invigorating aquatic fitness sessions. On Saturday morning, Aqua Aerobics begins at 10:30 am and runs until 10:50 am at the Beach Club Pool, offering a refreshing way to energize the day. Those staying into Sunday are invited to enjoy the same revitalizing session at 10:30 am, allowing them to ease into the morning with gentle movement and cool water.
Saturday continues with a livelier poolside atmosphere as the Zumba and Aqua Dance Party fills the afternoon from 4 pm to 5 pm, turning the pool area into a vibrant dance space framed by island sun and music. The day also features the Limbo Dance Challenge from 4:15 pm to 4:30 pm, encouraging guests to join the fun in a friendly and laughter-filled competition.
Monday maintains a more relaxed pace, allowing guests to shift their attention from structured activities to the natural pleasures of the sea, where complimentary crystal kayaks and paddleboards allow them to explore the coastline at their own leisure.
Spa retreats and wellness experiences
Guests seeking quiet moments of balance can retreat to the Samal Escape Spa, open from 9 am to 10 pm daily. The spa offers soothing and rejuvenating treatments designed to calm the senses and release tension through thoughtful, restorative techniques. Accessible to those with room or restaurant reservations, the spa creates an ambiance where every stroke and every scent nurtures deep relaxation.
Fitness enthusiasts may also maintain their health routines at the Fit Studio, open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Equipped with cardio machines and strength-training equipment, the studio enables guests to stay active throughout their stay while enjoying views and convenience that elevate their workout experience.
Kids’ activities and sandbox playtime
Families traveling with young children will find Saturday particularly engaging as Kid’s Corner welcomes little ones from 3 pm to 4 pm at the Sandbox. This dedicated program allows children to explore arts, crafts, and interactive play led by trained staff, creating a joyful environment where creativity thrives.
Beyond scheduled activities, the Sandbox play facility, open from 10 am to 6 pm, offers a vibrant space for children to enjoy imaginative play throughout the day. From morning swimming to afternoon arts and crafts, the Sandbox serves as a lively extension of the resort’s family-friendly hospitality.
Indoor recreation and family bonding at Mindanao Pavilion
Guests seeking indoor entertainment may explore the Mindanao Pavilion, which operates from 10 am to 10 pm. The pavilion brings families and groups together through an array of classic indoor games such as billiards, table tennis, board games, karaoke, and arcade play. Whether guests choose lively competition or casual relaxation, the pavilion offers a cool and comfortable refuge from the midday sun and a delightful complement to the resort’s outdoor offerings.
Guests can enjoy Discovery Samal’s Happy Hour Packages, available daily from 10 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 5 pm, featuring special rates on popular water activities. Options include the Thrill and Chill package at Php 3,500 with 30 minutes each of jet ski and kayak or paddleboard use, and the Banana Blast package at Php 4,500, which pairs a five-minute banana boat ride for five with a 30-minute jet ski session. For a fuller experience, the All-in Splash Pass at Php 8,000 offers one hour of jet skiing, a five-minute banana boat ride, and 30 minutes each of kayaking and paddleboarding. Guests may also choose the Sea Explorer package at Php 2,000, which includes a 15-minute banana boat ride for five and a 30-minute paddle session, or opt for Double Paddle Fun at Php 800 for an hour of kayaking and an hour of paddleboarding. Snorkeling rentals are available at Php 750 from 9 am to 5 pm, and life jackets at Php 250 from 6 am to 9 pm.
Outdoor play and classic beachside activities
The long weekend culminates on Monday afternoon with a spirited Beach Volleyball session held from 4 pm to 5 pm at the beachfront. This friendly game invites families and friends to gather by the shore, enjoy light physical activity, and celebrate the holiday with a refreshing burst of social fun.
Throughout the weekend, guests also have the option to explore the property through a leisurely self-guided walk, admire the landscapes surrounding the resort, or visit the serene resort chapel where panoramic views of the sea and cityscape create a peaceful and reflective escape.
All activities and facilities are exclusively available to guests with confirmed room or restaurant reservations. This ensures that every experience at Discovery Samal is enjoyed with comfort, convenience, and the attentive service that defines the resort’s signature island hospitality.
THE 21ST City Council approved the proposed Supplemental Budget No. 2 amounting to P881,074,646.71 on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said SB No. 2 covers the General Fund Proper, the Development Fund, and the city’s Economic Enterprises.
In his report, Dayanghirang, chairperson of the committee on finance and appropriations, considered SB 2 “very essential and urgently needed” in sustaining the programs and projects.
The General Fund Proper will have the largest share, at P786,216,154.41, followed by the Development Fund with P83,691,820.97 and Economic Enterprises (operation of markets) with P11,166,671.33.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office received the largest allocation at P407,930,000, equivalent to 51.89% of the General Fund.
Dayanghirang said this will fund the environmental and sanitary services of the office, such as procurement of 20 10-wheel garbage compactor trucks, three bulldozers, two hydraulic excavators, and one three-wheel cargo motorcycle for garbage collection.
Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Office will receive P211,140,980, or 26.86% of the General Fund.
Dayanghirang said this will support social preparation activities involving indigenous peoples, senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities, solo parents, Overseas Filipino Worker families, children in need of special protection, out-of-school youth, and other socially disadvantaged groups.
On the other hand, the City Engineer’s Office will receive a P108,246,500, representing 13.77% of the entire general fund proper.
From this fund, P16 million will be utilized to procure a wheel loader, and the rest is intended for infrastructure projects.
Other offices under the General Fund to receive augmentation are the City Mayor’s Office, Public Safety and Security Office, Sangguniang Panlungsod Office, City Administrator’s Office, Davao City Housing Office, General Services Office, City Accountant’s Office, City Assessor’s Office, City Legal Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Health Office, and City Agriculturist Office.
The P11,166,671.33 allocated under Economic Enterprises is specifically for the Agdao Public Market.
The SB2 will be sourced from the surplus of CY 2024 operations, totaling P617,035,493.92, consisting of the General Fund Proper with a budget of P605,868,822.59 and Economic Enterprises (operation of markets) with P11,166,671.33.
Another source is reversion of appropriations, totaling P264,039,152.79, consisting of the General Fund Proper in the current year and the Development Fund with prior years sourced from the General Fund Proper Transfer and the 20 percent development fund.
The 2024 surplus constitutes 70.03% of the total sources of funds, while the remaining 29.97% comes from the reversion of current and prior years’ appropriations
THE CITY Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) announced on Wednesday temporary road closures in several streets for the Pasko Fiesta activities.
CTTMO said this is to give way for the Banda Dasig and Para sa Pasko event on Sunday, Dec. 7, which starts with a parade at 1 p.m.
The temporary road closure will be implemented at Roxas Avenue (from Quezon Blvd. to Ponciano Rotonda); C.M. Recto Avenue (from San Pedro St. to Roxas Avenue); Bonifacio Street (from C.M.Recto Avenue to Iñigo Street); Iñigo Street (from Bonifacio Street to San Pedro Street); and San Pedro Street (from C.M.Recto Avenue to Iñigo Street)
CTTMO also advised motorists to avoid parking in these streets starting at 8 a.m. in the morning for the preparation of the parade.
The parade route will be from Roxas Avenue, left turn to CM Recto Avenue, right turn to Bonifacio Street, left turn to Inigo Street, left turn to San Pedro Street, toward San Pedro Square.
For the Banda Dasig sa Pasko Fiesta, there are a total of 27 entries in the Elementary School-based category, and 18 in the Open Category. Eleven entries will also vie for the Parada sa Pasko crown.
Meanwhile, CTTMO also released the traffic management plan for the Siyam ka Kadlawon activity with Misa de Aguinaldo at San Pedro St. and Pamainit sa Pasko.
The Pamainit sa Pasko will be in Bolton St. (from corner San Pedro Street to corner Pichon Street) on Dec. 16-24, from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
CTTMO will observe the clearing and regulating of vehicles in the vicinity of Bolton St.
Meanwhile, a no-entry policy takes effect for vehicles coming from CM Recto Avenue; Rizal Street cor. Bolton Street; and from Pichon Street going to San Pedro Street.
- DCPO promises “no mercy” for firecracker ban violators
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) warned that it will enforce a zero-tolerance policy against anyone violating the two-decade-old firecracker and pyrotechnics ban throughout the holiday season.
Acting city director Colonel Mannan Caracas Muarip said they will arrest and charge individuals caught manufacturing, selling, distributing, possessing, or using firecrackers.
“For more than 20 years, Davao City has enjoyed a peaceful, injury-free, and safe celebration of the holidays because our people respected the Firecracker Ban. Let this serve as a strong warning: anyone who violates this ordinance will be dealt with accordingly. There will be no mercy for offenders,” Muarip stated.
Muarip underscored that City Ordinance No. 060-02 remains a cornerstone of the city’s public safety efforts, primarily aimed at preventing firecracker-related injuries, fire incidents, and air pollution.
The DCPO and other security units have already begun conducting heightened patrol operations in relation to the ordinance. The ban covers all conventional firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, as well as improvised devices such as bamboo cannons and PVC cannons using lighter fluid.
Penalties for violations
The DCPO released the specific penalties applicable under the ordinance, warning that charges will be immediate and decisive:
First-time offenders will pay a ₱1,000 fine or 20–30 days imprisonment or both, ₱3,000 or 1–3 months imprisonment or both for the second offense, and ₱5,000 fine or 3–6 months imprisonment, or both.
Muarip urged all residents to maintain the city’s tradition of disciplined and safe noise-making by utilizing harmless alternatives such as pots and pans or torotots (blow horns).
DAVAO Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) will conduct switching power interruptions on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. These are necessary to facilitate the line-clearing activity along the Marsman footbridge and the line-upgrading works of the Kapalong line.
The first power interruption will be for 8 hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., affecting customers from Marsman going to New Katipunan, including the entire Sto. Tomas Poblacion area.
The second interruption will be for 10 hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., affecting customers from New Katipunan going to Luna Kapalong.
Meanwhile, the normalization or return of loads to their normal setup will be conducted for 45 minutes anytime between 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Specifically affected are those from Sto. Tomas Fire Station to New Katipunan.
Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience caused by these scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.
Safety is paramount to the company, and Davao Light reminds the public to always take extra precautions when passing by activity areas where line repairs and maintenance are being done. Please heed and follow warning signs, especially in areas where personnel operate heavy equipment.
Please contact our 24/7 Customer Contact Service at (082) 229 3572 or 0919 056 3572 for any power interruption that will fall outside the given schedule.
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