BY ALEX ALAGON
BY APRIL MARGRETTE ALNAS & BRAELL EBRADO/UM Interns
THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI will organize six job fairs across Davao Region, offering thousands of employment opportunities, to mark Labor Day on May 1.
Suzette Jane Antiveros, DOLE XI regional employment programs focal person, said the initiative aims to expand the reach of their job fairs by holding simultaneous events, particularly in the provinces.
The venues for the job fair in Davao Region are at SM Davao, Gaisano Grand Mall of Digos, ABC Gym in Malita, Provincial Capitol Gym in Mati City, and the Assumption College of Nabunturan, scheduled on May 1, 2026, while NCCC Mall of Tagum will be held on April 30.
Antiveros reported 68 participating employers across various industries, including tech, BPO, retail, and construction, offering 3,589 job vacancies, mainly entry-level positions.
In Davao City, 1,823 job vacancies are open with 25 participating employers, and SM Davao City will open registration as early as 7 a.m., with online registration also available, as a high number of applicants is expected.
She invited fresh graduates, senior high school graduates, and individuals who want a career change to try their luck at the job fair.
“Currently, many employers are trying to connect with DOLE to participate in our job fair activities. As a result, we can see that there are still a lot of job opportunities here in Davao Region,” she said.
Additionally, DOLE XI is aiming to exceed last year’s hired-on-the-spot rate of 21%.
She said DOLE XI will post the list of participating employers, available job vacancies, and the registration process within the week. Job seekers are encouraged to review the participating employers and job qualifications, and to prepare relevant documents to ensure a smoother application process.
BY LISETTE DONAIRE AND APRIL MARGRETTE ALNAS | UM Intern
JUNIOR Chamber International (JCI) simultaneously celebrates its JCI Week 2026 across the 200 chapters in the Philippines from April 19-25,2026, with a national launch in Zamboanga City this past Sunday.
As part of JCI Week, JCI Davao Region aims to empower its members and the community by organizing several events, including skills development training, a courtesy visit to the Sangguinang Panglusod, community projects, regional bazaars, a business forum, and other social events.
Rod John Pandili, regional vice president at JCI Davao Region, invited Davaoeños, including non-members, to attend their skill development training posted on their social media pages.
In Davao Region, the organization initiated a community outreach, highlighted by the Davao Region Bazaar on April 22, followed by a trivia night on April 23 at Magic Mic Family KTV, and other social events such as a billiards night that promote interaction while highlighting advocacies.
JCI aims to empower entrepreneurs through its business forum by providing guidance, support, and opportunities.
“We really wanted to help entrepreneurs in Davao City through the business forum. So, we are hoping that through this crisis we are experiencing, we can empower them,” he said.
ABOITIZ Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), was recognized by the Municipality of Manolo Fortich as one of its top taxpayers for 2025 during the town’s 109th Charter Day celebration.
The recognition was given in view of the company’s consistent tax contributions, which help support the municipality’s operations and development programs. These contributions help fund public services and local priorities such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other community needs identified by the local government unit.
For Aboitiz Renewables, the recognition reflects its role in Manolo Fortich not only as a company operating in the area but also as a contributor to the municipality’s broader growth. It also shows the company’s relationship and collaboration with the local government and the community in one of its host areas in Bukidnon.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Municipality of Manolo Fortich as one of its top taxpayers for 2025. This recognition reflects the shared relationship we have built with the local government and the community over the years,” said Noreen Vicencio, first vice president and general manager for hydro operations at Aboitiz Renewables. “For us, it is a reminder that beyond renewable energy generation, we have a role in supporting the growth and priorities of the communities that host our operations.”
Beyond power generation, Aboitiz Renewables also contributes to the local economy by implementing community programs in its host communities. These include corporate social responsibility initiatives and programs under Energy Regulation No. 1-94 (ER 1-94), which provide benefits to host local government units, communities, and residents of areas hosting energy facilities.
Under ER 1-94, host communities receive direct support through the Electrification Fund, Development and Livelihood Fund, and Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health, and Environment Enhancement Fund, which help finance practical projects for local government units and communities hosting power facilities.
Aboitiz Renewables operates hydropower facilities in Bukidnon, including the Manolo Fortich 1 and Manolo Fortich 2 hydro plants, which form part of its broader renewable energy presence in the province.
THE WAIT is over—the new MacBook Neo officially drops in the Philippines at 7 p.m. on April 23. Whether you’re powering through work, school, or side hustles, this is the must-have tool that keeps up with you and is fit for you. If it’s already on your list, now’s the right time to make the move.
And with GGives, availing becomes more manageable through lighter and more affordable terms while enjoying promos from partner merchants.
Making it more within reach with GGives
Pre-order the MacBook Neo through GGives and enjoy a lighter way to pay with flexible installments. During the pre-order period from April 11 to 23, 2026, you can also take advantage of no down payment and a low 0.9% interest rate, making it even more affordable to upgrade.
Plus, when you pre-order from select partner merchants, you’ll receive exclusive freebies (*until supplies last):
- Abenson & Electroworld – Free JisuLife Fan*
- Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, & Open Source by Beyond the Box – Free Momax Powerbank*
- Power Mac Center – Free pair of Apple Earpods 3.5mm headphone plug*
- The Loop – Free Anker Soundcore R50i NC True Wireless BT Earbuds*
- Digimap & Digiplanet- Free AmazingThing Polishing Cloth*
To avail of these offers, eligible users simply need to:
- Be a GCash user with an active GGives account
- Choose GGives as their payment option in-store and select a 12- or 24-month plan
If you’re not yet activated, just head to the GCash app, tap “Borrow”, select “GGives,” and complete the quick application. Once approved, you’ll see your available credit limit (subject to evaluation).
With GGives, getting the MacBook Neo becomes lighter and more affordable—letting you balance what you need now with what works for your budget.
Access GCredit and GGives through your GCash dashboard or find them under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
For more details on the Apple Preferred 0.9% GGives Interest Rate Promo, visit https://gcash.com/promos/ggives-apple-exclusive-0-9-interest-rate-promo.
AMID rising regional tensions, the Japanese government has expressed its readiness to extend maritime law enforcement support to Davao, emphasizing the need for stronger coastal defense capabilities across the Philippine archipelago.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo highlighted that while international attention remains fixed on the South China Sea, the maritime security of Mindanao is equally vital to his government’s regional strategy.
“The Philippines is surrounded by sea in every direction,” Ambassador Endo told reporters. “It is very important to work with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other maritime-related authorities to enhance law enforcement capabilities at sea.”
Support for Davao’s law enforcement
While much of Japan’s recent maritime assistance has focused on the national level—including the provision of multi-role response vessels to the PCG—Ambassador Endo wants localized cooperation in Southern Mindanao.
He noted that if a specific need arises in the region, Japan is prepared to collaborate directly with local maritime units.
“In that sense, if there is any need, we are quite happy to work with the law enforcement authority in Davao,” he said.
Beyond regional tensions
The Ambassador’s statement reflects Japan’s broader “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” policy, which treats maritime security not just as a matter of territorial defense, but as a prerequisite for safe trade and economic stability.
By offering to bolster Davao’s maritime law enforcement, Japan aims to ensure that local authorities have the tools and training necessary to monitor territorial waters, combat piracy, and protect the region’s growing blue economy.
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI warned corrupt government employees after arresting four suspects during an entrapment operation outside the Land Transportation Office (LTO) XI regional headquarters in Ecoland on Monday morning.
The operation, which took place around 11 a.m. on April 20, resulted in the arrest of two men and two women.
The sting was launched following a formal request from LTO XI regional director, Atty. Raphael Robillo, to purge the agency of “fixers.”
NBI-Southeastern Mindanao assistant regional director Gerald Intes revealed that the arrests were made simultaneously with two nearby establishments: EZ Auto Driving Academy and Blessed Pedro Calungsod Medical Laboratory.
According to Intes, the suspects would approach clients outside the LTO gates, offering to expedite vehicle registrations and licensing for a “service fee.”
These fees were allegedly split between the fixers, the private clinics or insurance companies, and their contacts inside the LTO.
“The transaction begins at the gate. The fixers bring the clients to specific offices for medical exams or insurance, and then the transaction moves inside the LTO,” Intes explained. “You cannot complete these registrations without someone working on the inside.”
NBI agents used marked money to entrap the targets. Once the signal was given, the four were apprehended and brought to a secure location for questioning, where they were personally confronted by Robillo.
While the four suspects face charges for violating Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (amending the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007), the investigation is far from over.
Intes confirmed that the NBI has been granted full clearance by Robillo to investigate LTO personnel—including officials and rank-and-file employees—who may be colluding with these fixers.
“This is a warning to those inside the LTO: we are already working on you,” Intes said. “Director Robillo gave us the clearance to work on anyone, regardless of rank. We are moving inside now.”
The suspects’ names are withheld pending the formal filing of charges. However, one female suspect, an encoder for a medical laboratory, denied any illegal transaction.
The NBI crime laboratory is currently processing the suspects for traces of fluorescent powder from the marked money. As of press time, TIMES is still awaiting a formal statement from LTO XI regarding the internal crackdown.
MYMarkS 2026 was supported by the brands the youth looked up to.
The Mindanao Youth Marketing Summit (MYMarkS) returned for its third year on April 14 and 15, 2026 at the Limketkai Atrium Center in Cagayan de Oro City, bringing together leading names in Philippine marketing for a two-day gathering centered on this year’s theme, Excellence Lives Here.
Organized by Brandev Insights and Consulting and the Xavier University Junior Marketing Association, with advocacy partners Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. and GIGIL, MYMarkS 2026 gathered speakers from across branding, business, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and creative communications to engage the next generation of Mindanaoan business leaders.
Excellence Lives Here
This year’s theme challenged the long-held idea that Mindanaoan students must look outside the region for opportunity, exposure, and success, making the case that excellence can be built right at home.
“MYMarkS is a vital milestone in our Mindanao business students’ journey toward excellence and realizing their full potential. It means a lot that the nation’s most iconic brands and respected marketing leaders are choosing to stand alongside them along the way,” said Raymund Acedera, Co-Convenor of MYMarkS and Co-Founder of Brandev Insights and Consulting.
Speaker lineup
The summit opened with Fredy Ong, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Philippines, who delivered the keynote Purpose Driven Brands. Also featured on Day 1 were Raymund Acedera on Designing Brands for Excellence and Edie Acedera, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Brandev Insights and Consulting, on Insight-Inspired Brand Strategy. GIGIL’s Jake Yrastorza and Badong Abesamis took the stage for Creative Excellence That Moves Brands, while Donald Lim, President and COO of DITO CME, spoke on Leveraging AI for Winning Brands. Elpidio Paras, President and CEO of Parasat Cable TV, Inc. and Owner and CEO of Dahilayan Adventure Park, discussed Entrepreneurial Excellence, while Gem-Gem Tero II of Power House Studios spoke on Passion Into Action.
Day 2 featured Agnes Adviento of Nestlé Philippines on Journey from Mindanao to Global Brands and Jerome Dela Fuente of Limketkai Luxe Hotel on Preparing Opportunities in the Regions. The day also included the panel Excellence Built Here: Stories of Mindanao Brands, with Dorothy Go of Panagatan Seafood Restaurant, Harold Laborte of Capilli Trading Inc., and Golda Lim of Cakeboom Cakes and Party Flavors. Josiah Go, Chairman and Chief Innovation Strategist of Mansmith and Fielders, Inc., closed the summit with the keynote Enduring Marketing Principles that Build Brand Trust, followed by the Marketing Educators Masterclass Marketing Rescue.
MYMarkS is a not-for-profit, capability-building conference and the first, only, and biggest of its kind in Mindanao. Through keynotes, panels, and a hands-on marketing competition, it continues to give delegates the knowledge and confidence to build their dreams right here in Mindanao.
The summit debuted in 2024 at SM CDO Downtown, where 558 business students from 9 universities gathered for a one-day program with 6 industry thought leaders. Its 2025 edition expanded to two days at the Limketkai Center Atrium, drawing 780 marketing students from 14 universities and 12 industry thought leaders. MYMarkS 2026 was supported by brands including Unilever, Jollibee, Chowking, McDonald’s, Gardenia, Coke, Nestlé, URC, Selecta, San Miguel Foods, Del Monte, Ecossential Foods, The Limketkai Atrium, and Luxe Hotel, among others.
Jollibee is kicking off its JolliKids Fun Camp this summer, offering children a fun and structured way to spend school break through guided activities that mix play, learning, and social interaction inside select stores nationwide.
“JolliKids Fun Camp is about more than keeping kids busy during the summer,” said Dorothy Dee Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “It is seeing them light up as they try new things, discover what they can do, and naturally build friendships along the way. At the end of the day, they are learning without even thinking of it as learning because they are having fun with other kids.”
Open to children aged 4 to 12, the three-day program runs in short sessions of two to three hours and will be held in participating stores across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The camp runs from April 20 to June 30, 2026, with registration ongoing.
The program is designed as an exciting guided in-store experience where children are introduced to simple restaurant tasks in a supervised setting. These include taking and serving orders, assisting in dine-in and drive-thru operations, and preparing their familiar favorites such as Jolly Spaghetti, Yumburger, and Choco Sundae. Participants will also get to learn Filipino values through a Values Book storytelling session and get a chance to dance and celebrate with Jollibee to cap off the program.
Beyond the activities, the camp is designed to help children meet new friends, experience basic service roles, enjoy hands-on food preparation, and practice simple values such as teamwork and responsibility, all while learning through play.
Registration is set at P799 per participant, inclusive of a camp apron, cap, tote bag, a Jollibee Values Book, workshop materials, and meals for the three-day program. Interested parents may register through participating stores or visit
With more families seeking structured yet enjoyable activities during school break, the program positions itself as a blend of learning, social development, and play in a supervised environment.
Autism Society Philippines Davao lobbies to expand PWD special employment to individuals on spectrum
THE AUTISM Society Philippines (ASP) is calling on the city government to expand the PWD special employment to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
ASP president Uswaldo Parreñas recognized the city government’s special employment for PWD ordinance, but wishes if possible, to expand it to cater to the autism spectrum.
“There is a need to also include a specific program to help the individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Parreñas said.
The city government and Jollibee Group officially signed the memorandum of agreement on Sept. 11, 2025, formally integrating the senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) workforce.
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr, proponent of the Special Employment ordinance, said the council is eyeing to expand the opportunity to other PWDs, as it is currently limited to the deaf and has difficulty hearing.
It can be noted that the first batch of 21 PWDs, employed in various Jollibee Food Corporation food chains in the city, concluded their work last March.
Parreñas said the ASP provides skills training to adults with ASD to prepare them for possible employment, which is supported by SM, among others.
“We have started this with SM, where they try to employ adults with autism, but this is not on a full-time basis, parang short term lang siya, hindi diretsong eight hours, sometimes halfway lang,” he said.
The official said the characteristics of the individuals with ASD in terms of patience are a factor in the difficulty in finding jobs suitable for them.
However, the ASP is negotiating with other companies for employment in the specific sector.
“Daghang interested, but the challenge is we still have to give training to these individuals, hindi natin basta basta diretso na,” he said.
Under the Autism Works program of ASP, there were six individuals employed pre-pandemic, but the program was halted.
The ASP is working to resume the program to give hope and a chance to individuals with ASD.
The group lauded the City Person with Disability Affairs Office for the proposed Autism Center.
“The PDAO is helping us a lot, and in fact, they are planning to have an Autism Center, mas maganda yan kasi may specific area kung asa moadto,” Parreñas said.
He stressed there is a need to have a separate center for individuals with ASD to focus more on their needs for medical assistance and possible employment.
Parents and guardians of kids 0-6 years of age can avail of the free services from the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children.
While it caters to children aged 0-6 years old with ASD, it does not focus on them but also caters to Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay, Speech or Language Impairment, Specific Learning Disorder, Physical Disability, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment/Hearing Loss, Sensory Delays, and cognitive delays.
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