BY ALEX ALAGON
As SM City Zamboanga officially opens its doors to the public, premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) strengthens its commitment to making technology accessible with the launch of its newest digital lifestyle destination.
Located on the second floor in the Cyberzone, the new store carries the latest iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch devices and accessories, as well as premium accessories from partner brands.
“Power Mac Center fully supports Zamboanga’s continued transformation. We’re opening a new hub designed to make it more convenient for customers to access the tech tools that empower them to create, communicate, and build the life they want,” PMC director for marketing and product management Joey Alvarez.
Customers celebrated the opening of Power Mac Center SM City Zamboanga with special limited-time offers on select devices and accessories. These included discounts of up to P21,000 on select iPhone models, P17,000 on MacBook Air, P16,000 on iPad, P2,700 on AirPods, and up to 20% off on premium accessories. Additional trade-in value was also offered for eligible devices.
Holistic support for businesses and the academe
As Zamboanga City navigates progress, a new Power Mac Center presence signals confidence in the strength of the industries and communities within.
Local businesses and organizations looking to boost their operational efficiency and service delivery can simply approach PMC SM City Zamboanga or any branch for a consultation on Apple integration.
Meanwhile, members of the academe get to enjoy huge discounts on select products. Teachers can easily upgrade their teaching tools and skills, while parents can give their kids the gift of possibility through tech as they move up to a higher level or graduate to the real world.
Earn and pay with points.
Purchases made at the new PMC SM City Zamboanga store allowed customers to earn points through the 1 Infinite loyalty program. To participate, customers downloaded the 1 Infinite app from the App Store or Google Play and created an account or logged in using their registered email.
Members earned one (1) point for every P200 spent under basic tiers (Connected, Lunar, Stellar) or one (1) point for every P100 spent under upper tiers (Astra, Cosmos) by presenting their membership in stores or entering their details in the Web Store. Points could be used to pay for premium devices, accessories, and select services and training courses (1 point = P1).
1 Infinite members also enjoyed up to 50% discount on Apple training courses and exclusive perks from Basecamp and Mobile Care, PMC’s official training and service and training arms. Full program details and mechanics were made available on the Power Mac Center website.
Power Mac Center stores in Zamboanga
The strategic expansion is part of PMC’s commitment to bringing Apple technology closer to Filipinos across the country. The tools, expertise, and service are now increasingly accessible to the community, supporting various creativity and productivity pursuits.
PMC SM City Zamboanga store hours are from Mondays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It expands PMC’s presence in the region to four, counting the stores in KCC Mall de Zamboanga (also with a Mobile Care branch), SM City Mindpro, and Robinsons Pagadian.
BY CHELSEA JEAN VALENTOS, MERRY CRIS DURON, & ROSELYN DIAZ/DNSC interns
THE TRICYCLE Alliance of Davao City filed a petition on Tuesday’s City Council session for an additional P10 to the minimum fare, as their take-home pay has been reduced due to the rising fuel prices.
Represented by chairman Michael Ybañez, the group requested lawmakers to file a resolution supporting their request to increase the fare to P20, plus P5 per kilometer.
Ybañez said the current P10 minimum fare for tricycles is already out of date since it was last approved in 2020.
Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the petition of transport groups to increase the fare for provincial buses, jeepneys, and Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).
On March 14, the agency okayed the P0.35-P1 fare increase for provincial buses.
LTFRB XI also approved a P1 increase for the first four kilometers, including a 20-centavo adjustment per kilometer, in the minimum fare for traditional and modern jeepneys. As for the TVNS, a flat rate of P20 has been added to the fare.
The new rates should have started on March 19, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an order maintaining the status quo.
Marcos said that it is not the time to increase the fare, considering the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“I-defer natin yan, i-postpone na muna natin yan dahil ay nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa commuter, manggagawa, estudyante,” he said.
Marcos emphasized the need to continue providing support to affected Filipinos, especially the users of the transportation system.
AS THE global fallout from the US-Iran conflict threatens local fuel prices, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) joined the 21st City Council on Tuesday to coordinate a unified response to the mounting economic pressure.
During the 12th Regular Session, presided over by Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, security officials met with representatives from the Department of Energy and the Department of Trade and Industry.
The session focused on the energy implications of the Middle East tensions and how they might affect the peace and order of Davao City.
Lt. Col. Nolan Raquid, representing acting city director Col. Mannan Muarip, assured that they have measures in place to ensure that public safety remains stable even as economic challenges arise.
Oil price hike again
Several oil companies, including Jetti Petroleum, Seaoil, and Unioil, raised fuel prices on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Gasoline increased by ₱8–₱9.70 per liter, diesel by ₱16.80–₱18, and kerosene by ₱21.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz continues its ₱5-per-liter rollback on diesel and gasoline, now expanded to more stations nationwide.
On March 9, the DCPO convened an inter-agency meeting to prepare for the potential domestic ripple effects of the ongoing US-Iran and Middle East tensions.
Muarip spearheaded the session, attended by key representatives from Task Force Davao, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), who affirmed their commitment to a synchronized response.
“While global tensions may seem distant, their ripple effects can directly impact our local communities,” Muarip emphasized during the briefing. “Proactive planning and unity among agencies ensure that Davao City remains resilient in the face of these external challenges.”
The inter-agency body coordinated with the DOE and the Consumer Protection Division to prevent price manipulation or artificial shortages. It also seeks to ensure that the CTTMO and PSSO (Public Safety and Security Office) are prepared for potential transport disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Task Force Davao and the Coast Guard Station Davao tightened coordination to maintain public order and secure vital installations.
LCDR Mark Anthony Tolentino of the PCG and Col Alvin Tenorio of Task Force Davao were among those who expressed support for the DCPO’s initiative, noting that the synergy between maritime and land-based security is crucial during periods of global uncertainty.
Muarip said that preparedness is not just about operational readiness, but about “building trust and transparency” with the public as the situation evolves.
A MOTHER’S plea for help for her daughter’s education was met with swift compassion by Police Station 3 (Talomo) personnel, proving that modern policing in Davao City extends far beyond law enforcement.
The mother personally approached the station to seek help for her daughter, a Grade 10 student at EMAR Human and Environmental College and a long-time PS3 scholar.
The student was at risk of missing her graduation ceremony on March 27, 2026, due to an unpaid tuition balance of P4,000.
The family’s situation had reached a breaking point following the demolition of their home in Arroyo Compound, Matina Crossing, last month.
Adding to their struggle, the father—the family’s primary provider—was recently hospitalized after suffering a stroke, leaving them with no stable income to cover the graduation fees.
Moved by the family’s plight, Major Genesis B. Oriel, station commander of PS3-Talomo, immediately mobilized his personnel.
Through a collective “pass-the-hat” effort and personal contributions, the officers raised the full amount needed to clear the school’s requirements.
The funds were formally turned over to the mother and daughter today, March 24, along with a food pack to assist with their immediate needs.
“This is not just about money—it’s about holding on to a child’s dream when everything around her is falling apart,” said Oriel.
“As a parent, you feel the pain of wanting to give everything to your child but having nothing left. No student who has worked hard through such hardship should lose her moment because of circumstances beyond her control. If we can be the reason she keeps going, that is what truly matters.”
The initiative is part of PS3-Talomo’s broader community advocacy, including the “Adopt and Save a Child” program and the PS3 Talomo Community Learning Hub, which focuses on youth development and poverty alleviation.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) tapped the local judiciary to conduct a specialized writeshop on Tuesday, March 24, focusing on the meticulous handling of seized evidence.
The seminar brought together 40 personnel from the City Special Operations Group (CSOG) and drug enforcement units from 19 police stations to eliminate technical errors in the tagging and preservation of illegal drugs that often lead to dismissed cases.
Acting Executive Judge Marie Estrellita Tolintino-Rojas of RTC Branch 17 emphasized that capacity-building is the backbone of a successful prosecution.
Tolintino-Rojas told investigators that proper handling and tagging are vital in preserving the integrity of evidence.
Representing city police director Col Mannan Muarip, Lt. Col Nolan Raquid reminded officers that in the world of narcotics investigation, “haste makes waste.”
He urged investigators to remain detail-oriented, noting that the outcome of a case often hinges on the initial minutes of evidence collection at the crime scene.
The collaboration highlights a strengthening “justice zone” in Davao, where the police and the courts work in tandem to ensure that due process is strictly followed and justice is served fairly.
AN EMERGENCY transport vehicle carrying a patient was delayed on Monday afternoon after colliding with a pick-up truck along Ma-a Road at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Monday, March 23, in front of the New NCCC Mall.
According to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), a DOH-registered Nissan ambulance and a Mitsubishi Strada pickup were both traveling toward MacArthur Highway when the collision occurred.
Initial investigation revealed that the pick-up, driven by a 41-year-old businessman, was executing a slow left-hand turn into a designated slot.
Simultaneously, the ambulance—with sirens blaring and a patient on board—attempted to bypass heavy traffic congestion by counterflowing.
The pick-up driver told investigators he heard the siren but could not determine its direction due to the gridlock. Neither driver noticed the other until the front of the ambulance struck the left side of the pickup in an “angled” collision.
While both vehicles sustained significant body damage and misalignment, no injuries were reported among the drivers or the patient.
DCPO spokesperson Hazel Caballero told TIMES on Tuesday that the patient was immediately transferred to another ambulance.
BY SHETORI ROBLES & MERRY CRIS DURON/DNSC Interns
THE CHURCH of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched its newest temple in Davao City on March 23, now located at Anahaw and Ma-a roads in Barangay Ma-a, Talomo District
It is the 5th temple in the Philippines and will offer free tours for the public from March 26 to Apr 10, excluding Sundays
Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are distinct from meetinghouses or chapels, which serve as places for Sunday worship.
Each temple is regarded as a House of the Lord, where sacred ordinances are performed to reaffirm faith in Jesus Christ and unite families for eternity.
Visitors will tour the temple’s highlights, first, at the recommended desk area, adorned with the city’s famous symbols like the waling-waling orchid and Mt. Apo.
Next is the baptistry room, modeled after the “Brazen Sea” in the Old Testament, located below ground, which features a font resting on twelve oxen for baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors.
Nearby, the bridal room offers a quiet space for brides preparing for eternal marriages.
The instruction room delivers lessons on life’s purpose and the world’s creation.
Furthermore, the celestial room stands out as a serene haven symbolizing heaven, where many feel profound peace and reverence.
Finally, the Sealing Room, where marriages are performed and families are sealed together for eternity.
Each space invites reflection and devotion, providing non-members a unique window into the faith’s practices.
Dedication of the temple will commence on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., to be presided over by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Following its dedication, the temple is set to become a spiritual hub for members across Mindanao.
Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
MALAYAN Insurance Co., Inc., one of the leading non-life insurance providers in the Philippines, has announced the launch of its new 0% interest installment payment facilities. This initiative is designed to make comprehensive insurance coverage more accessible and budget-friendly for Filipinos by allowing them to spread their premium payments over manageable monthly terms at no additional cost.
As economic priorities shift, maintaining financial security and asset protection can sometimes take a back seat to immediate expenses. Recognizing this, Malayan Insurance’s new payment structure empowers policyholders to secure vital protections— AutoMaster car insurance and Home Protect—without the financial strain of a one-time lump-sum payment.
This new payment facility significantly lightens the financial footprint for customers by allowing them to divide their total annual premiums into flexible terms—such as 3 or 6 months—without incurring any interest or hidden financing fees. Even with these manageable staggered payments, policyholders are guaranteed immediate, full, and uncompromised protection the moment their installment plan is approved, ensuring there are zero gaps in their security.
“Our mission has always been to give our clients peace of mind and financial security during life’s unexpected events,” said Paolo Y. Abaya, President and Chief Executive Officer of Malayan Insurance
“Through these 0% installment options, we aim to remove financial barriers to protection and ensure that every Filipino can safeguard what matters most—easily and affordably.”
The new installment facilities are available immediately for policies through select participating credit card partners. Customers can easily opt for this payment method via Malayan Insurance’s official website.
For more information about the 0% installment options or to request a customized coverage quote, visit www.malayan.com.
THE UNIVERSITY of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion conducted an online survey from March 11 – 22, 2026, targeting 1,200 Davaoeños from the three districts of Davao City to describe their sentiment with regard to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Since the survey was done online via sponsored ads on three Meta Platforms (Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram), IPO relied heavily on online, pre-defined, targeted social media users who met the inclusion criteria and were targeted for contact within the defined geographical radius. Respondents were defined to be at least 18 years old, have valid/active email addresses, and a resident in Davao City.
The survey was done at a 95% confidence level and a +/- 2.83% margin of error. The questions asked are related to their awareness about the ongoing conflict, their perception of the possible effects of this conflict, and their stand on the military actions taken by the United States and Israel against Iran.
When asked about their knowledge of the ongoing Middle East conflict, an overwhelming majority of the respondents (99.0%) reported that they are aware, while only 1.0% indicated otherwise.
When questioned about their stand towards the military actions of the United States and Israel against Iran, 8 out of 10 Davaeoños strongly expressed that they do not support these actions, while 15.2% or at most 2 of 10 Davaoeños indicated support.
When clarified as to why they support the military actions of the US and Israel against Iran, the minority justified that such actions are necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons (52.2%), for regional security (23.6%), and for the protection of allies in the Middle East (19.3%).
On the other hand, humanitarian concerns were the primary reasons for those who opposed the military actions. Nearly 7 out of 10 Davaeoños believe that such actions cause unnecessary destruction and civilian casualities while nearly 3 out of 10 Davaoeños expressed concern that the conflict may escalate further.
When asked about their perception of the possible effects of the Middle East conflict, Davaoeños were mostly concerned about the potential increases in oil prices (95.2%), followed by global economic instability (89.5%) and the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East (89.5%).
Approximately 8 of 10 Davaoeños were concerned about the possible increase in prices of imported goods (81.0%) and the escalation of the ongoing war (79.0%).
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