BY ALEX ALAGON
Who says a smart, feature-packed tablet has to come with a hefty price tag? This holiday season, Samsung introduces the all-new Galaxy Tab A11 WiFi | LTE, a versatile tablet designed to fit seamlessly into the daily lives of every family member. Combining powerful performance, premium features, and intuitive AI integration, the Galaxy Tab A11 is your first step into the Galaxy Tab Ecosystem, perfect for learning, entertainment, and productivity — all wrapped in a sleek, portable design.
Every day made easier
Life moves fast, from early morning agendas to after-school adventures, but staying on top of it all is effortless with the new Galaxy Tab A11. With the Solve Math feature in Samsung Notes, learning becomes more fun and interactive, helping kids explore new concepts step by step with curiosity. Whether it is an after-school study session or weekend practice, the tablet transforms mathematical challenges into an enriching experience for growing minds.
The Galaxy Tab A11 is also a reliable companion throughout the day. From managing work emails and video calls to online shopping and planning family activities, its 5,100mAh battery and seamless connectivity ensure that productivity keeps up with life’s joys and demands.
Meanwhile, you can also enjoy streaming the latest shows, playing casual games, or shooting and editing videos on the vibrant 8.7-inch main display, all powered by smooth Octa-Core processors. Multitasking feels effortless, whether switching between apps, streaming videos, or creating content.
Clearly capture life’s moments
Capturing and sharing moments has never been easier. The 8MP rear camera with autofocus and 5MP front camera let you snap vibrant photos, record smooth Full HD videos, and enjoy seamless video calls, turning everyday moments into memories that last.
With up to 4GB of memory and 64GB of built-in storage, the Galaxy Tab A11 lets you multitask efficiently and keep all your essentials close at hand. Need more room? Expand up to a massive 2TB with a microSD card, so your photos, videos, and important files are always right where you need them. Life moves fast; now you can capture it all without missing a beat.
Entertainment anytime, anywhere
Whether it is a family weekend movie marathon, educational tutorials, casual gaming, or pairing your favorite Galaxy Buds for private listening, the Galaxy Tab A11 brings your entertainment to life with a high 90Hz refresh rate. And with a bright, clear screen that stays visible even in direct sunlight, you can enjoy your go-to content anytime, anywhere.
Not only that! Its vibrant, crisp visuals, Dolby-engineered Dual Speakers deliver rich, multidimensional audio that pulls you right into the action. From your top pick playlists to the blockbusters, every sound is crisp, clear, and deeply engaging. Plus, with a 3.5mm audio jack, you can easily plug in your wired headphones and enjoy your content your way.
Enjoy Exclusive Discounts and Premium Perks this Holiday Season!
Available in elegant Gray, the Galaxy Tab A11 starts at ₱7,990 for the Wi-Fi variant and ₱10,990 for the LTE variant, making it the perfect entry point into the powerful and connected Galaxy ecosystem.
Enjoy a ₱1,000 off your new Galaxy Tab A11 when you buy from Samsung Retail Stores! Plus, elevate your experience with up to 10% off (worth up to ₱4,099) on select Galaxy wearables, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Buds, and Galaxy Fit3 when you purchase them together with your tablet until December 31, 2025.
Make your Galaxy Tab A11 even more versatile with a Book Cover for a discounted price of ₱600 (SRP ₱1,990) and a free 128GB memory card when you buy until Dec. 31, 2025. For added peace of mind, you can also enjoy up to 30% off on a 1-year Samsung Care+ plan.
To make it even easier to step into the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab A11 is also available through 0% installment plans for up to 12 months via credit cards until Dec. 31, 2025.
In its continuing mission to make a positive impact, TP in the Philippines, through its Citizen of the World (COTW) program, recently turned over a donation to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to support ongoing disaster relief and humanitarian efforts nationwide following the recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
The turnover ceremony was attended by Miranda Collard, chief executive officer of TP in the Americas; Anish Mukker, Chief Executive Officer of TP.AI and chief operating officer of TP in India and TP in the Philippines; Rahul Jolly, chief executive officer of TP in the Philippines; and Jeffrey Johnson, chief people officer of TP in the Philippines and president of Citizen of the World Foundation.
Representing the Philippine Red Cross were Richard Gordon, chairman and chief executive officer, and Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General.
During his message of support, Johnson underscored TP’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian partnership and volunteerism through Citizen of the World, sharing that “our people continue to drive meaningful change through compassion in action — from disaster relief to community programs across the country.”
In response, Gordon expressed appreciation for TP’s continuous support, noting that the company’s consistent contributions over the years have made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos.
Following the donation handover, TP leaders joined a symbolic packing activity, preparing relief kits to be distributed by the Philippine Red Cross to families in need.
For more than a decade, TP in the Philippines has supported the Philippine Red Cross through monetary aid, volunteer initiatives, and blood donation drives nationwide. This enduring partnership continues to embody the spirit of Citizen of the World — empowering people to unite for the greater good and build stronger, more resilient communities.
SIGNIFY, the world leader in lighting, officially introduced its latest lighting solutions, the EcoLink Professional Lighting, at the PHILCONSTRUCT 2025 held at the SMX Convention Center.
Poised to deliver reliable and affordably priced luminaires, the EcoLink Professional Lighting is the Ilaw na Pangmalakasan that directly addresses the key challenges faced by the construction and industrial sectors. Budgeting is crucial for construction projects, and builders often face the challenge of balancing cost and the caliber of the products they use. With the new EcoLink Professional Lighting, pocket-friendly lighting solutions are now within reach to illuminate any commercial and professional spaces.
The product range showcased during the expo includes outdoor solutions, from LED Streetlights, LED Floodlights, and Waterproof Bare Battens, as well as indoor luminaires such as LED Panel Lights, LED Highbays, and various Batten options.
The cornerstone of the EcoLink professional Lighting is the VoltSafe Technology. This industry-leading feature provides 2.5kV surge protection, offering a robust defense against voltage spikes and surges for a more consistent lighting performance with reduced maintenance costs, providing peace of mind for project owners. The EcoLink Professional Lighting also meets stringent safety and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and comes with up to a 2-year warranty.
EcoLink’s design philosophy centers on practical innovation, providing lighting solutions that are simple to install, highly durable in tough Philippine conditions, and cost-effective for commercial applications. Whether lighting up streets, warehouses, or compact office spaces, EcoLink Professional Lighting delivers reliable brightness that supports productivity and safety; truly the Ilaw na Pangmalakasan that the market needs.
“The EcoLink Professional Lighting was designed to address the realities of budgeting construction projects and help contractors maximize their resources,” shared Raghuraman Chandrasekhar, commercial leader for professional, Signify Philippines. “We believe that they do not have to compromise, especially with EcoLink as the ingenious solution that will provide reliable lighting that won’t break the bank. This product offering is our way of helping contractors to finish strong and on top of their projects.”
Apart from the new product line, Signify also unveiled its PRO Resellers Network, demonstrating its strong support for its lighting resellers. This exclusive program offers up to Php 30,000 worth of e-gift vouchers, exclusive reseller discounts, marketing support, and other perks, while Signify VIP Contractors Club members can also enjoy premium rewards such as travel and staycation trips.
The launch of the EcoLink Professional Lighting reinforces Signify’s dedication to supporting the construction and industrial sectors in the Philippines through sustainable and affordable lighting. As the global leader in lighting, Signify continues to align its expertise with local industry needs, ensuring that every project is built on a foundation of light that’s reliable, efficient, and ready for the future.
IN A symbolic handover ceremony that underscored the enduring spirit of cross-border collaboration, the hosting rights for the annual BIMP-EAGA Trade and Tourism Fair were officially transferred to Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday, Nov. 11, marking a pivotal moment for economic integration in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Haji Alimen Jaafar, BIMP-EAGA Business Council Brunei Darussalam country director, accepted the responsibility during the closing ceremony of the three-day expo at Abreeza Mall. Flanked by fellows from BEBC Brunei Kim Chung, and Redentor Laudin, Jaafar emphasized the collective vision driving the sub-region’s progress.
“Today we stand united in the BIMP EAGA Trade and Tourism Fair in Davao City, a testament to our shared commitment to regional growth,” he said.
The event, which kicked off on November 9, has drawn hundreds of visitors eager to explore the diverse array of products, services, and investment opportunities from across the BIMP-EAGA. Booths featuring Halal-certified industries, creative enterprises, eco-cultural destinations, investment-ready ventures, and sustainable trade initiatives have transformed the mall into a bustling hub of commerce and cultural exchange.
“What we have witnessed in the past days is more than just trade and tourism. It is actually a celebration of regional collaboration, shared aspirations, friendships, and the enduring spirit of the BIMP EAGA community,” said Undersecretary Janet Lopoz of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
Lopoz was joined by a cadre of key regional figures, including Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar of DOT Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns Office and chair of the BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development Cluster, DOT Xl Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan, and Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Romeo Castañaga, during the turnover ceremony.
Echoing the fair’s themes of innovation and heritage preservation, Abubakar shared her reflections on the expo’s impact. “What I personally found inspiring throughout this tourism and trade fair is seeing how tourism continues to evolve as a force for good, creating livelihood opportunities, strengthening cross-border ties, and preserving our shared cultural heritage,” she said.
As the fair enters its final day, excitement is already building for Brunei’s turn at the helm. Next year, the Sultanate will host the 29th Ministerial Meeting on BIMP-EAGA and the Trade and Tourism Fair, promising deeper discussions on infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable development. Officials anticipate the event will leverage Brunei’s strategic position and expertise in Halal industries to elevate the sub-region’s global profile.
With the handover complete, stakeholders across BIMP-EAGA are optimistic that Brunei’s stewardship will propel the initiative into a new era of prosperity, one collaborative step at a time.
A FIRE reached a second alarm in Barangay Buhangin on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 13, completely destroying 12 houses and partially damaging two others, displacing 20 families or 60 individuals.
The incident occurred at Purok San Nicholas, corner Snow White, Barangay Buhangin, with authorities reporting the fire started at 1:37 p.m.
According to the Davao City Fire District (DCFD), firefighters struggled with the narrow pathways in the densely populated residential area, which extended the time needed to fully extinguish the blaze.
The fire was declared under control at 3 p.m. and was finally declared a fire-out at 4:27 p.m.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
“As of now, the cause of the fire is still under investigation,” Fire Senior Inspector Frances Mae Sendrijas, spokesperson for the DCFD, told TIMES on Friday.
She confirmed the extended response time was due primarily to the tightly packed houses, which made overhauling—the process of ensuring the fire does not rekindle—more difficult.
She further elaborated on the access problems: “The paths in the area are extremely narrow, making it difficult for our large fire trucks to penetrate the immediate location of the fire. What happened was we needed to lay out long fire hoses to reach the location, and then our larger trucks and tankers had to feed water from the main highway.”
The DCFD confirmed the final tally of damages included 12 structures totally burned and two structures partially damaged.
The 20 affected families are currently receiving assistance from the city government and disaster response units.
Meanwhile, she said the investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing.
Photo courtesy of Filipino Chinese Firefighters of Davao FB page
THE MUNICIPALITY of Dangcagan in Bukidnon has issued Executive Order No. 29, urging residents to adopt a “culture of security” in support of the government’s anti-terrorism and peacekeeping initiatives.
The directive aims to promote vigilance, cooperation, and shared responsibility among citizens to enhance community-based security within the municipality.
The initiative highlights four key principles every resident is encouraged to practice: Volunteer in community patrols and inspections; Report any suspicious activities;
Remind others to follow security measures and participate actively in local defense and peacekeeping programs.
The order also underscores proper conduct during security operations—such as slowing down at checkpoints and staying alert in public places—to ensure safety and coordination with authorities.
The 89th Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division and its operationally controlled unit, the Bravo Company of the 72nd Infantry Battalion (72IB) under the leadership of 1Lt John Kevin Balagtas, expressed full support for the LGU’s efforts.
The Army units emphasized that civilian participation plays a vital role in sustaining peace and national security.
Through the united efforts of the local government, security forces, and the community, Dangcagan envisions a safer, more resilient environment against potential threats.
TEN TOURISM schools in the city competed in the First Tourism Skills Olympics organized by the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) on Nov. 10.
In an interview with the City Information Office, Gracie Plata, CTOO’s tourism operations specialist, said the event will empower young tourism students in tourism operations, development, and promotion.
“This is a competition where tourism schools and tourism students can hone their skills for the excellence of tourism service in Davao City and the entire region,” Plata said.
The first of its kind in Davao City and the entire region, the students competed in four categories: tour guiding, tour circuit development, tourism video creation, and tourism brochure creation.
“The main objective is to train our tourism students, give them a platform for practical application to hone their skills in the tourism and hospitality industry,” Plata said.
The participating schools were: Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) – Davao; University of the Immaculate Concepcion; Philippine Women’s College (PWC); Davao Doctors College; University of the Mindanao (UM) Davao; Holy Cross of Davao College; Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao; International Management School (IMS); Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc; and AMYA Polytechnic College.
For the Tourism Video Creation, LPU Davao won, followed by IMS as 2nd and HCDC as third. Meanwhile, PWC won Tourism Brochure Creation; Mapua was second, and IMS was third.
For the Tourism Circuit Design, UM Davao won, while LPU Davao was second, and PWC claimed third place. In Tour Guiding, UM Davao won, followed by IMS, and HCDC in third place.
The CTOO said there are limited categories for the first edition, but they will add more as they aim to make the event an annual activity.
Plata said that they plan to hold the Olympics in September 2026 in line with the celebration of Tourism Month.
THE PHILIPPINES hosted the 33rd Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), which took place in Davao City, the birthplace of regional cooperation.
Outgoing Malaysian chairman, represented by Deputy Director General for Policy Datuk Dr. Zunika Binti Mohamed, the Economic Planning Unit of Malaysia, expressed confidence in the Philippines’ ability to advance the region’s shared goals. Malaysia was the host country for the 32nd SOM.
“We take pride in the spirit of solidarity and mutual support that has enabled meaningful progress across our sub-region,” Mohamed said. “We are confident in the Philippines’ leadership and commitment to advancing our shared goals.”
Janet M. Lopoz, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) executive director, and the Philippine Senior Official for BIMP-EAGA accepted the chairmanship during the turnover on behalf of the Philippine Signing Minister, MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.
In her message, she emphasized the country’s intent to further the existing gains of the region.
“Malaysia’s leadership has provided us with a strong foundation on which we can continue to build. Now, as the Philippines takes on the chairmanship of the senior officials meeting, we do so with a deep sense of responsibility and at the same time optimism,” Lopoz said.
She added that the gathering in Davao City is “deeply meaningful” as it is in the city where the BIMP-EAGA inaugural Senior Officials’ Meeting and Ministerial Meeting in 1994 took place.
Under the Philippines’ leadership, she said it will focus on climate resilience, energy transition, digital transformation, and inclusive economic recovery, key pillars of BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035.
The 33rd SOM leads to the Ministerial Meeting, which will finalize action plans for the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035, part of a weeklong series of BIMP-EAGA events in Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, from Nov. 9-14.
The SOM brought together senior representatives from the four member economies, including Executive Director Janet M. Lopoz, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Philippine Senior Official for BIMP-EAGA; Deputy Director General for Policy Datuk Dr. Zunika Binti Mohamed, Economic Planning Unit of Malaysia; Deputy for Regional and Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation Raden Nurcahyo, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia; and Deputy Permanent Secretary Pg. Norhaslina Pg. Hj. Ibrahim, Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam.
- P15.8-B allocation higher than 2025 annual budget
THE CITY Council approved the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, totalling P15,846,054,435, representing a 10.8% increase from the 2025 budget of P14.3 billion.
During its special session on Thursday, Nov. 13, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the committee on finance, ways and means, and appropriations, said the higher 2026 budget can be attributed to the 14.86% increase in the City’s National Tax Allotment for 2026, equivalent to P1,312,237,121, and the projected 4.26% increase in locally sourced revenues at P230,773,600.
The city’s budget sources include national tax allotment amounting to P10,140,378,300; local revenues of P5,654,078250, and P95 million share from economic zones.
The bulk or 86.16% (P13,652,181,390) is allocated for the General Fund covering the expenditures for personnel services, maintenance, and other operating expenses (MOOE), and capital outlays of the various departments, offices, and units of the city government.
A 12.80% or P2,028,075,660 is allocated for the Development Fund covering the infrastructure projects to be implemented for development infrastructure projects for general public services, social development, economic development, and environmental development.
Meanwhile, the remaining 1.04% or P165,807,385 is allocated for Economic Enterprises, which will support the operation of five public markets: Mintal, Toril, Calinan, Bankerohan, and Agdao; two slaughterhouses: Ma-a and Langub; operation of Sta. Ana Port; operation of 11 public cemeteries; operation of the Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC); operation of Magsaysay Park.
During its second reading on Tuesday, the August body did not raise questions and unanimously approved the measure.
Dayanghirang shared the committee report, in which the Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte recommended the passage of the annual appropriations.
“Mayor Sebastian is trying to balance everything through consultation and consensus process,” the councilor said.
Dayanghirang said the mayor prioritized poverty alleviation, infrastructure, solid waste management, education, scholarship program, agriculture and agribusiness, transportation planning, peace and order, disaster risk reduction and mitigation, ICT, and tourism development.
The Office of the City Mayor has the largest allocation of P5.008 billion, or 36.69% of the total budget.
Of this amount, this will be divided among various offices, including but not limited to Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents, Development program of the 182 barangays, and units such as the Ancillary Services Unit, Internal Audit Service Unit, Senior Citizen Affairs Office, Vices Regulation Unit, among others.
