BY ALEX ALAGON
Iligan City, Philippines — Maxim Rides & Food Delivery is now authorized to operate motorcycle taxi services in Iligan, offering residents a convenient new way to get around the city.
With fares starting at Php 20, the service provides an affordable commuting option for daily travelers. The launch also creates new income opportunities for local driver-partners, enabling more residents to earn through a flexible platform.
Driver-partners operate from a commission scheme designed to be more favorable than many platforms in the market–helping them keep more of what they earn. Whether performing full-time or part-time, driver-partners can earn based on their availability and goals. All motorcycle taxi driver-partners undergo proper onboarding and an orientation on motorcycle taxi guidelines to ensure safety and service quality for every ride.
“Our goal in Iligan is to make daily travel easier for everyone while helping local residents earn extra income through flexible timetables,” said Myrrh Ornopia, Head of Maxim Iligan. “We want our service to benefit both riders and the community.” Maxim continues to strengthen its motorcycle taxi operations in key cities, including Metro Manila, Batangas, and Cagayan de Oro. Through close coordination with local government units and transport authorities, the company remains committed to developing safe, reliable, and well-regulated motorcycle transportation services nationwide.
- VP duterte files perjury case vs alleged ex-aide
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte filed a perjury case against a man she claims is being used as a pawn in a coordinated effort to unseat her on Wednesday, March 4.
In a media release, the vice president announced the filing of criminal charges against Ramil Madriaga, a central figure in recent House of Representatives discussions regarding a potential impeachment.
Duterte labeled Madriaga’s testimonies as “fabricated stories” intended to deceive the public.
“We cannot allow invented stories to be used to mislead the people,” Duterte said in a statement.
“Today, I filed a perjury case against Ramil Madriaga to hold him accountable for his lies.
“The vice president linked the current situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation involving her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
She argued that the same “tactics” used by critics like Antonio Trillanes—citing witnesses like Arturo Lascañas and Edgar Matobato—are now being deployed against her.
“If these lies had been questioned and charged back then, they would not have been used in the ICC against the former president,” VP Duterte noted.
Duterte pointed out that Madriaga faces kidnapping charges, which undermines his credibility.
She claimed he initially “pretended to be a campaign supporter” before suddenly emerging as a witness for impeachment.
Meanwhile, Madriaga has yet to respond to the case filed against him by the vice president.
THE LOCAL government’s crackdown on property defacement claimed another arrest last night as enforcement teams continued their “Anti-Vandalism Operations” across the city.
At approximately the evening of March 3 , personnel from the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) caught a 21-year-old man in the act of vandalizing a structure in Matina Crossing .
The suspect, identified only by the alias Mel, was apprehended on-site before he could flee the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is a resident of the very same barangay he was caught defacing.
Following the apprehension, PSSO officers formally turned Mel over to the Talomo Police Station.
He is currently facing charges for violating the city’s Anti-Vandalism Ordinance , which strictly prohibits the unauthorized painting, marking, or defacing of both public and private property.
PSSO said their operations remain consistent adding that they are committed to maintaining the cleanliness and order of our city structures.
THE EFFICIENCY of local government units can reduce regional poverty as it is directly correlated to productivity and job creation, the World Bank said in a report.
World Bank economist Irene Azardon said the ability of local governments to translate their growth into poverty reduction depends on their capacity to manage resources and deliver core services.
“When LGUs operate effectively, they create an environment that supports higher productivity, which is essential for raising incomes and reducing poverty in lagging regions,” Azardon said.
In the report “Closing the Gaps: The Role of Urbanization and Local Service Delivery for Integrated Development in the Philippines,” Azardon said LGUs must shift their spending toward economic services and infrastructure to support local industries and job markets.
World Bank data showed that LGUs currently spend heavily on general public services rather than core local services like health and economic development.
Azardon recommended LGUs to not rely heavily on the national tax allotment but generate more own source revenue, which will allow them to invest more in infrastructure and services that drive development.
She added that modernizing LGU finances through updated revenue collection can improve allocative efficiency “Better LGU management leads to higher regional productivity,” the economist stressed.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno supported the World Bank’s recommendation on empowering LGUs to reduce poverty.
Magno said the agency continues to empower LGUs with technical capacity and hands-on guidance to attract private investments.
The secretary said this is the core of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk and PPP Facilitation Initiative, through the collaboration of the PPP Center and MinDA.
“We will conduct a caravan for our PPP with a roadshow starting in Region 9, and we will tour in every region to remind them that PPP is a tool they can use in their locality,” Magno said.
PPP Desk, working jointly with the PPP Center, serves as a dedicated unit to facilitate and coordinate PPP initiatives and support in Mindanao to help develop and implement sustainable infrastructure projects.
The PPP Desk stands as a technical and coordination hub for LGUs in Mindanao to guide them in crafting local PPP policies, and connect the LGUs to potential private sector investors.
MinDA lists PPP priorities in Mindanao, which include water systems, energy and utilities in off-grid areas to achieve a 50/50 energy mix by 2030, transport and connectivity, digital infra; agriculture and food security; tourism and hospitality; and health and public services.
On Feb 24, 2026, MinDA and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration in ecozone development, and open wider investment opportunities across Mindanao especially for LGUs.
MODERNO Home Depot officially launched its fourth store in Davao City at Gims Building along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue on Tuesday, Mar 3, bringing the company’s premium and smart home appliances of bath, kitchen, and lights nearer to its clients.
The company is one of the country’s leading brands for smart sanitary solutions with a blend of modern design. The grand opening event was attended by Moderno Home Depot founder Rovie Sanchez together with co-owner Jean Sanchez.
The store offers a wide range of trending products from smart toilets, digital sinks, vanity sets, door locks, showers, and many more. The official website also features exclusive Moderno Bathroom packages for customers to explore.
Jean Sanchez shared in an interview that their products are focused on innovation and are mostly smart devices where appliances also come with eco-mode.
“More on the techy side, I guess, but not too expensive I’d say. Because smart toilers usually ranged from P70 up to P200,000, but we offer in Modern Home Depot at mid range prices,” she said.
Sanchez also said they had been receiving many inquiries and orders coming from Davao Region where they decided to bring a new branch closer to Davaoenos instead of shipping products from Luzon to Mindanao.
“So, we know there is an actual demand not just in interest but actual purchasing power of Davaoeños,” she said.
THE CONSULATE-GENERAL of Japan in Davao is proud to present the “Japanese Cuisine Tasting and Sake Pairing Lunch” on March 6, 2026, at the Lumpini Ballroom, Dusit D2 Davao.
This exclusive event forms part of the year-long commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the Philippines.
This curated tasting experience aims to promote premium Japanese ingredients and sake to Davao’s leading restaurateurs and hotel industry professionals.
Attendees will experience a sophisticated four-course menu designed to showcase the harmony between authentic Japanese flavors and world-class sake.
Culinary Excellence and Expert Pairings The event features a collaborative kitchen led by Chef Shunsuke Hoshida, the Official Chef for the Consulate-General of Japan in Davao, and Chef Ferdinand Recaborda, Executive Sous Chef of Dusit D2 Davao’s Madayaw Café.
Chef Hoshida, who possesses expert knowledge in sake (Kikizake), has meticulously paired each dish with sake sourced from renowned Japanese breweries.
Menu Highlights Include:
• Appetizer: Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio paired with Mutsu Hassen Tokubetsu Junmai Red Label (Aomori).
• Sushi Selection: Bluefin Tuna from the Goto Islands and Grilled Eel from Kagoshima, paired with Inazo Junmai Ginjo (Yamagata).
• Main Dish: Omi Wagyu Roast Beef and Hiroshima Deep-fried Oysters, paired with the exceptionally refined Kubota Manju Junmai Daiginjo (Niigata).
• Dessert: A tropical fusion of Mango Pudding with Banana, Pineapple, and Papaya, supported by local partners Nakashin Davao International and Dole Philippines, paired with Kubota Senju Junmai Ginjo (Niigata).
Culture and Connection Beyond the palate, the event serves as a cultural bridge. Guests will view a Traditional Sake Making video presentation, and an Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement) display will also be featured at the venue.
Furthermore, the event aims to generate momentum for the upcoming GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama (International Horticultural Exposition), highlighting Japan’s commitment to global horticultural innovation.
Event Schedule (March 6, 2026)
• 11:40 AM: Registration
• 12:10 PM: Opening Ceremony and Remarks by Consul General Ono and General Manager Vanessa Sualengco
• 12:40 PM: Formal Tasting Service Commences
• 02:20 PM: Chef’s Appearance and Q&A Session
Photo by Frederick Shaw for Unsplash
SINGAPORE (March 3, 2026) – Disney Cruise Line today celebrated a landmark occasion as the Disney Adventure made its much-anticipated arrival to its new home port of Singapore. Excitement and pride filled the electric atmosphere as the ship approached the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore with a stunning water salute, this evening. The skies lit up with a dazzling array of fireworks to welcome the Disney Adventure, marking the start of an extraordinary new chapter in cruise vacation experiences for guests in the region.
The Disney Adventure will set sail on her maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, 2026, embarking on three- and four-night sailings at sea designed for families and guests of all ages. Drawing on over 100 years of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, guests onboard the ship can look forward to world-class entertainment, immersive dining experiences, and artful accommodations. The Disney Adventure will continue Disney Cruise Line’s tradition and reputation of delivering the most magical and relaxing vacations at sea, bringing this immersive Disney storytelling to more people globally than ever before.
“The arrival of the Disney Adventure in Singapore marks a significant milestone in our global expansion, introducing Disney cruising to Asia for the very first time,” said Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences. “Honoring Disney Cruise Line’s legacy of unforgettable journeys, our newest ship brings together our signature storytelling and creativity in an exciting new destination.”
The launch of the Disney Adventure is part of an unprecedented period of growth for Disney Experiences, which currently has more expansion projects under way than ever before. For Disney Cruise Line, that growth includes moving toward a 13-ship fleet by 2031 following other ship debuts over the last two years including the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.
Singapore’s position as Asia Pacific’s leading cruise hub is anchored by comprehensive airlinks with direct flights from over 160 cities, and world-class cruise infrastructure, including the recently expanded Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. In 2025, Singapore’s cruise industry grew to achieve over 2 million passenger throughput received from 375 ship calls.
The Disney Adventure’s five-year homeporting commitment marks a major milestone to catalyse fly-cruise demand and capture a significant share of the region’s rapidly expanding cruise audience. The ship is expected to generate substantial economic impact across tourism and maritime sectors while reinforcing Singapore’s role as a leading cruise hub in Asia Pacific.
Melissa Ow, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “Disney Cruise Line’s decision to homeport their newest ship in Singapore is a testament to our appeal as a premier cruise destination. Singapore’s repertoire of compelling onshore tourism experiences is a fitting complement to the Disney Adventure’s unique entertainment-led vacation at sea. The Disney Adventure’s arrival brings us a step closer towards realising our Tourism 2040 vision to drive quality tourism growth. Together with Disney Cruise Line, we’re excited to bring magical experiences to travelers from around the world.”
Besides the fleet’s signature international food spread, guests can look forward to enjoying a wide array of dining options onboard, from regional Asian food favorites to innovative drinks, including bubble tea. Complementing the spectacular food and beverage offerings will be nearly 17,000 square feet of retail space where guests can look forward to exclusive collections and shop to their hearts’ content. Several retail experiences on the Disney Adventure are new to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including the World of Disney store, National Geographic Store, and the Duffy and Friends Shop. Entertainment highlights onboard include the all-new musical spectacular, “Remember,” developed exclusively for the Disney Adventure; as well as shows like “Duffy and the Friend Ship”, which will feature original tunes and songs; as well as thrilling Marvel-themed attractions like the Ironcycle Test Run – the longest rollercoaster at sea.
For more information on new sailing dates and to book, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com/adventure or contact their preferred travel agents.
EIGHTY years after its founding, Wesleyan University-Philippines in Cabanatuan City in the province of Nueva Ecija is looking ahead—renewing its partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) which is pivoting toward artificial intelligence, automation and intelligent systems.
“Technology is here to stay, and among its most significant advances is artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Irineo Alvaro Jr., president of Wesleyan University-Philippines. “Its value lies in strengthening human reasoning and capability—not replacing them—and this partnership with Smart allows us to explore that potential in meaningful ways.”
Now entering Phase 5, SWEEP trains its sights on artificial intelligence and emerging digital innovations. The new chapter introduces students to practical, industry-relevant skills such as prompt engineering, AI-assisted coding, data analysis, generative tools, and automated decision systems—technologies that are rapidly reshaping communication and customer experience.
“Smart supports the development of industry-ready engineers and technopreneurs who can contribute to the country’s digital transformation,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Engagement at Smart. “Through SWEEP, students gain exposure to real-world applications that help build a strong foundation for their future careers.”
But the program’s emphasis extends beyond technical exposure. Phase 5 is designed to help students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and design perspectives needed to apply AI responsibly in real-world settings, ensuring that technology serves as an enabler rather than a substitute for human judgment.
SWEEP also gives students exposure to immersive technologies that are shaping the future of digital interaction. Extended reality (XR)—which includes virtual, augmented, and mixed reality—allows learners to engage with interactive environments that blur the boundaries between physical and digital spaces. The program also introduces concepts behind the metaverse, opening up connected digital ecosystems for collaboration, learning, and innovation.
Phase 5 further explores network disaggregation, a shift away from traditional, all-in-one networking systems toward modular architectures that allow organizations to combine open hardware, software, and network functions from multiple providers. This approach offers greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency for modern enterprises.
As part of SWEEP, Wesleyan students benefit from mentorships led by Smart engineers, gaining insight into how advanced technologies are applied in areas such as systems monitoring and diagnostics, customer support workflows, preventive maintenance, and other day-to-day operational functions.
And to help prepare Wesleyan educators for the future of learning, Smart hosted an ‘AI for All’ bootcamp for the school’s basic education teachers. The workshop offers a hands-on experience with AI-powered applications that can create more dynamic lessons, provide instant feedback, analyze data for insights, and automate routine administrative tasks.
Wesleyan University-Philippines is among the earliest adopters of SWEEP, having formalized its participation in 2003. It is also the first partner institution to bag the SWEEP Award, Smart’s innovation grant recognizing excellence in engineering education.
Since its launch, SWEEP has trained more than 43,000 faculty members and students, facilitated internships for over 4,000 individuals within the PLDT Group, and supported the creation of six startups. More than 1,000 graduates from partner schools have since joined Smart, underscoring the program’s role in building industry-ready talent for the country’s digital future.
IN A powerful display of eloquence and conviction, Clifford James Danduan of the University of Mindanao emerged as this year’s champion of the 4th Mindanao Leg of the Voice of the Youth oratorical contest held last February 28 at Ayala Malls Abreeza.
ln a powerful display of eloquence and conviction, Clifford James Danduan of the University of Mindanao emerged as this year’s champion of the 4th Mindanao Leg of the Voice of the Youth oratorical contest held last February 28 at Ayala Malls Abreeza.
The event, which drew the region’s most promising young orators to a single stage, was organized by the Rotary Club of Central Davao in partnership with the Davao Travel Agencies Association, Inc.
This year’s theme, “Lives on Purpose – Youth United for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” pushed the boundaries of student discourse, challenging participants to explore their roles in fostering inclusive communities and taking purposeful action in a modern world.
Danduan, a 4th-year BA Communication student, secured the championship under the guidance of his coach, Jeniffer L. Danduan. For his triumph, he received a medal and PhP8,000 pesos, while his coach was recognized with a certificate and PhP3,000. He will represent Mindanao at the National Competition on April 29, which will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Manila Bay.
The podium was rounded out by Paul Christian Cariño of the Joji Ilagan College of Business and Tourism, who claimed second place with the support of coach Dr. Esiel B. Cabrera. Third place was awarded to Cheas Pentason of the Ateneo de Davao University, coached by Luigi Tomale Felicia.
The competition featured a total of sixteen outstanding orators representing various academic institutions around Mindanao. Each speaker brought a unique perspective to the theme, making the task of the board of judges—composed of Marilou W. Ampuan Al Hajj, Nemalyn Ledda, and this writer—a formidable one.
During his address to the delegates, Rotary Club of Central Davao president David Jude A. Pama emphasized the deeper significance of the gathering.
“We gather not just to listen to speeches, but to witness the power of conviction. The Rotary Oratorical Contest has long been a platform where the leaders of tomorrow test their courage, resilience,and ability to cope with difficulties,” he said.
Through this annual leg, the Rotary Club of Central Davao remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a platform for Mindanaoan youth. By encouraging them to speak boldly and share their ideas, the organization continues to cultivate a generation capable of leading through the transformative power of words.
