BY ALEX ALAGON
BY ALJAVE M. MONTEROLA & LEE JOSHUA L. SARDOMA/DNSC Interns
THE RADIO Emergency Communication Operations Network Inc. will hold its 34th annual national convention in Davao City from April 24 to 26, aiming to strengthen responsiveness while maintaining service connections as the organization continues to advance.
Speaking during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on April 22, 2026, RECON national president Winston Abubakar announced that the event will also mark the group’s 34th founding anniversary.
“Since this organization was born here in Davao City, I intended to return to the original host for the 34th founding anniversary,” Abubakar said.
Founded in 1988, RECON has carried out hundreds of volunteer initiatives as a civic organization, serving as a force multiplier in communication and security efforts.
The organization has participated in major events such as Kadayawan and Araw ng Dabaw, along with other large-scale activities in the city.
RECON currently has around 15,000 volunteers across 132 chapters nationwide.
“Nationwide ang members sa RECON, pero mas daghan sa Visayas ug particularly sa Mindanao,” said RECON officer Vince Molejon.
In the Davao Region, the RECON Davao Cluster consists of 21 chapters, 15 of which are based in Davao City.
The two-day convention will begin with a fellowship day to recognize partners and volunteers who have made significant contributions to the organization.
On the second day, a plenary session will tackle proposed changes in operations, finance, legal matters, and other key areas.
Former Police General Filmore B. Escobal and Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go have confirmed their attendance in one of the convention sessions.
BY APRIL MARGRETTE ALNAS, BRAELL EBRADO & LISETTE DONAIRE/UM Intern
THE WORLD Travel Expo returns to Davao on May 15 -17 at Ayala Abreeza Mall, marking its fourth year of promoting domestic travel by showcasing local exhibitors in the region.
Miles Caballero, managing director of the World Travel Expo, shared that there will be around 25 exhibitors coming from Visayas and Mindanao to showcase their properties and services, featuring hotels, restaurants, airlines, traveling agencies, and tour operators.
The three-day event aims to highlight local exhibitors promoting Philippine Tourism, with participating exhibitors offering exclusive deals, promos, and packages at the upcoming event.
Among the participating exhibitors in Davao are Grand Regal Hotel, this year’s official event partner, along with Montefrio Garden Resort and other properties from Davao, Bohol, Boracay, and Cebu.
Dominic Sebastian Del Rosario of Grand Regal Hotel emphasized the importance of promoting Davao tourism, highlighting what Davao has to offer, from the scenery of the city to its islands and highlands.
“Davao has so much things to offer, not only Grand Regal, the heritage, of course, the Davaoeno spirit is what we are promoting, and we live up to that genuine experience the travelers expect from Davao,” he said
Luis Salazar from Montefrio Garden Resort shared that they aim to help Davaoenos beat the summer heat by rolling out summer promos to entice guests to come and experience the highlands of Mount Apo.
Additionally, he announced that they will be offering room rates as low as 15% on the upcoming expo.
“We advise our guests to prepare your cash and cards because you will really be tempted during the World Travel Expo because deals and promos await you,” he said
Aside from the exhibits, the expo also included activities such as a selfie challenge, a content creation challenge, a dress like Wanda challenge, and a chance to win up to P5,000 cash prize.
When asked about the recent global crisis and how they coped, Davao City’s hospitality industry shared their strategies in keeping quality service to their guests while keeping the prices stable.
Grand Regal Hotel incorporated energy-saving practices such as turning off unnecessary lights and closing some floors during downtimes, helping the establishment run smoothly without raising prices.
Similarly, Montefrio Garden Resort also focused on cutting unnecessary things to keep the same quality services without raising prices much.
“We really cut down on expenditures like electricity and gasoline. These must be compromised, but we still deliver the same results,” Salazar said.
Both establishments highlighted their commitment to keeping prices stable, especially for food and services, as keeping customers happy and maintaining trust matters more than making adjustments that could affect guest satisfaction.
BY ALDRIN JAMES A. BOHOL, DNSC Intern
THE DAVAO City Council recognized the outstanding performance of local youth at the Actions for Earth-Global Youth Summit 2026, underscoring the city’s commitment to nurturing a generation that is globally competitive and environmentally conscious.
In a privilege speech on Tuesday at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Councilor Antoinette G. Principe, chairperson of the committee on education, science and technology, arts and culture, emphasized that the recognition goes beyond individual excellence.
She noted that it reflects Davao City’s goal of building a generation that is informed, proactive, and deeply rooted in social responsibility.
The international gathering, held from March 26 to 30, 2026, at Microtel by Wyndham Davao, brought together young leaders from various countries, including the Philippines.
“What is truly commendable… is the outstanding performance of our very own Davaoeño youth, who proudly represented not just our city, but our country on this global platform,” Principe said.
Councilor Principe specifically recognized three young achievers who brought honor to the city: Kayden Axel M. Maglangit of Davao City Special School, who secured 2nd Place in the Junior Category for his project, “Smart Pavement: Maximizing Land for Responsible Energy”; Jasline P. Suan from the University of Mindanao, who earned 2nd Place in the Senior Category for “Project Soilmates: Scrap to Sprout Initiative”; and Von B. Jabagaton, an alumnus of the University of the Immaculate Conception, who placed 3rd in the Senior Category for his project, “Green Circles.”
“These young individuals exemplify innovation, environmental consciousness, and the intellectual capacity of Davao’s youth to compete and excel on the global stage,” Principe emphasized.
Councilor Principe continues to advocate for more initiatives and opportunities for future collaboration on youth-driven, environmentally sustainable projects.
“Colleagues, if we are serious about shaping the future, then we must invest not only in infrastructure, but in intellect; not only in programs, but in people, especially our youth,” she stressed.
Vice President Sara Duterte also acknowledged the summit delegates in a statement on April 18, highlighting several Davao-based semi-finalists: Peter Nicholas Plaza of Mati Doctors Academy for ‘Bantay Bughaw’; Ron Edward Dulhao of Ateneo de Davao University for ‘Kape’t Bisig’; and a team from Central Mindanao University for the ‘Walastik Program,’ composed of Marquel Ian Tabafa, Willa Mae R. Sugay, Alfy Joy Dua, and Jun Cres Gio.
BY BRAELL EBRADO/UM Intern
A MOBILE app designed to enhance the income of farmers and increase agricultural yield will soon be available to the public.
During the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum on Tuesday, April 21, Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, chairperson of the committee on information technology and of future generations, confirmed that the app’s development is already underway.
Militar and the Davao City Agriculture’s Office initially planned to conduct a benchmark study in Butuan City to look at adopting its agricultural platform, AgriBoost. However, they decided to shift to a virtual meeting instead due to high fuel costs.
He emphasized that, instead of adopting the existing platform, the City Information Technology Center has committed to developing a more advanced solution tailored to the needs of Davaoeños, such as an improved tracking system and functionality to better connect farmers with consumers.
“The City Information Technology Center can develop a much more enhanced system—one that is better and makes tracking easier compared to what is currently used in Butuan,” he said.
The project is part of the city’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen its digital farm-to-market system and improve direct access between farmers and consumers.
MANILA, Philippines – Infobip, a global cloud communications platform, has deepened its partnership with SM Supermalls, the Philippines’ largest mall operator, to leverage Infobip’s SaaS solutions and Viber for Business to enhance the customer experience across both physical and digital touchpoints.
The collaboration, which builds on a longstanding relationship between Infobip and SM Supermalls, reflects how large Philippine enterprises are adapting to changing consumer behavior, as Filipino mallgoers increasingly expect faster, more personalized, and mobile-first interactions from brands.
Guray Ozturk, Infobip’s head of customer growth for Asia-Pacific, said the partnership provides SM Supermalls with access to Infobip’s SaaS platform and Viber solutions to roll out data-driven campaigns at scale. These campaigns include personalized offers, promotions, and re-engagement messages sent to customers who opted in to receive marketing communication from the brand. They can be triggered by customer-initiated actions such as connecting to mall Wi-Fi and other intentional digital interactions within SM malls.
“As customer expectations continue to evolve, we are focused on meeting mallgoers where they already are – on their mobile phones. By working with SM Supermalls and leveraging our SaaS platform together with Viber for Business, we are enabling more timely, relevant, and personalized engagement that strengthens customer loyalty while supporting SM Supermalls’ broader digital strategy,” Ozturk said.
Through this approach, SM Supermalls is able to move beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all promotions and deliver more tailored campaigns that answer customer needs, encourage repeat visits and strengthen long-term customer relationships. The use of rich types of Viber Business Messages also allows SM Supermalls to provide a more intuitive and seamless customer experience across both physical and digital touchpoints.
The initiative also supports SM Supermalls’ objectives of driving foot traffic, encouraging repeat visits, and strengthening customer loyalty through a more data-led engagement model. By gaining deeper insights into opted-in customer behavior and engagement patterns, the company is able to continuously refine its campaigns and develop new use cases aligned with evolving shopper needs.
“At SM Supermalls, we put an emphasis on creating meaningful moments for the communities we serve. Today, personalization means recognizing that our shoppers belong to tribes shaped by shared passions and lifestyles. By turning digital insight into real-world experiences, we engage each community in ways that feel personal and purposeful. Together with Infobip and Viber for Business, we’re building deeper connections, so every SM mall visit feels less like a transaction and more like a place where people truly belong,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, group head and executive vice president for SM Supermalls’ Shopping Center Management Corporation (SCMC).
This partnership with SM Supermalls reflects a broader shift among Philippine retailers toward data-led digital engagement and loyalty programs, positioning Infobip as a strategic partner enabling enterprises to leverage Viber for Business to modernize customer experience in a highly mobile-first market.
“Filipino shoppers today expect more than transactional updates. They want seamless and convenient experiences. Working with Infobip, we’re enabling enterprises like SM Supermalls to engage customers on Viber in ways that are relevant, trusted, secure, and integrated into customers’ mobile-first lifestyles,” said Cecile Tizon, Senior Director, Global Enterprise Sales & Philippines Commercial Director at Rakuten Viber.
Infobip works closely with some of the world’s largest enterprises, providing the AI-driven infrastructure required to run customer engagement at scale. Designed for high-volume environments, its platform enables organizations to automate journeys, execute sophisticated campaigns, and deliver consistent, personalized experiences at every stage of the customer journey.
OVER 100 housing and real estate stakeholders gathered for the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) Golf Cup 2026, a premier industry event combining meaningful networking and camaraderie, recognizing top golfers, and celebrating both their skill on the greens and excellence in housing development.
Centered on the theme “Driving Developments Forward,” the fourth edition of the tournament highlighted how strategy, focus, and discipline on the golf course underscore the demands of delivering sustainable, inclusive housing. Beyond the game, the event served as a platform for strengthening partnerships and fostering shared goals across the housing industry.
The tournament officially opened with a ceremonial tee-off led by Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas, SHDA Chairman of the Board; Mr. Kerwin Padua, SHDA President; and Mr. John Paul Dy, SHDA Central Luzon Chapter President and Golf Organizing Committee Chairman. They were joined by prominent figures, including Mr. Charlie Brown Tan, National President of the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines; Mr. Romarico Alvarez, Chairman of P.A. Properties; Mr. Eugene Lin, President of HCG Philippines; Mr. Jeffrey Cham, Area Manager of Pacific Paints (Boysen) Philippines, Inc.; and Ms. Audrey Belle Po, Operations Manager of World Home Depot Corp.
More than a competition, the tournament reflects SHDA’s broader commitment to uniting developers, partners, and stakeholders in a shared effort to solidify collaboration, align priorities, and drive innovation across the sector.
“Events like the SHDA Golf Cup remind us that joint efforts and strategic planning are not only vital on the course but also in advancing the housing industry forward. Through initiatives like this, we aim to deepen our networks and collectively work toward innovative solutions that address the evolving needs in the real estate sector,” said John Paul Dy, SHDA Central Luzon Chapter president and golf organizing committee chairman.
Participants showcased impressive skills across multiple categories. Vince G. Siy claimed the Low Net Champion, while Eugene Lin secured the Low Gross title. In Class A, Daboy Del Carmen emerged as champion, followed by Timothy Roxas as 1st Runner-Up and Jason Barcelon as 2nd Runner-Up. Class B was led by champion Romarico Alvarez, with Juan Gabriel Siojo as 1st Runner-Up and Michael Paolo Bellosillo as 2nd Runner-Up. Mary May Enriquez topped Class C, followed by Oca Balaoing as 1st Runner-Up, and George Mercado as 2nd Runner-Up.
Special awards highlighted precision and performance, with Matthew Roxas earning Nearest to the Pin at Hole 3, Timothy Roxas recording the Longest Drive at Hole 13, Carlo Villegas winning Most Accurate Shot at Hole 3, and Adrian Aquino posting the Longest Putt at Hole 18.
Moreover, industry leaders emphasized that beyond competition, the event reflects a shared commitment to raising standards and advancing solutions to meet the country’s housing gap.
“The tournament served as a platform where developers, investors, financial institutions, and industry partners exchanged ideas, built connections, and inspired innovation in housing,” said Kerwin Padua, SHDA president. “Just as each shot on the course requires strategy and focus, every housing development demands careful planning and commitment to quality.”
SHDA chairman of the board, Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas noted, “The discipline and focus showcased in this tournament mirror the same rigor we continuously apply in delivering quality housing developments nationwide. We celebrate the teamwork, discipline, and vision that drive the housing industry toward progress.”
Looking ahead, SHDA is set to celebrate its 56th anniversary and convene its annual National Developers Convention, underscoring its role in shaping industry dialogue and supporting initiatives to address the country’s housing backlog.
As the leading organization representing the housing and subdivision development sector, SHDA continues to welcome developers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders to join its growing network and participate in initiatives that shape policies and promote best practices.
BEFORE scale, there was structure.
Long before PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) became associated with scale, its foundations were shaped by discipline. The company draws from a business tradition established by Dr. Lucio C. Tan, one that valued restraint, steady decision-making, and clarity of purpose over rapid expansion. It was a way of building that favored structure first, allowing growth to follow in its own time.
It is within this environment that PHC took shape, assuming responsibility for key real estate assets in Metro Manila. Guided by the strength and stability of the business ecosystem it is part of, the company has focused on managing its properties with care, seeing them not simply as assets to be held, but as spaces with a role to play over time.
“Managing property is only one facet of our role. Our current focus is on how our employees, our tenants, and the community experience the work environment over time. By ensuring our office and retail spaces support both daily activity and long-term goals, we create enduring environments that define a legacy far beyond the physical assets themselves.” Atty. Michael Leslie D. Delos Reyes, PHC interim chief operating officer, said.
PHC’s properties have grown alongside the cities they inhabit and have formed part of their respective skylines as they took shape. The PNB Financial Center continues to hold a prominent position along President Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay, while the PNB Makati Center places PHC firmly within the country’s most competitive financial corridor, known for its scale, access, and credibility.
Rooted in the value of its longstanding portfolio, PHC continues to evolve its approach with an eye toward future readiness. The company has focused on elevating asset performance, sharpening leasing initiatives, and positioning select properties for purposeful development. It also continues to introduce innovations that support long‑term relevance, ensuring its developments evolve into sustainable spaces that serve both people and the environment.
This direction becomes visible in the way PHC’s properties have expanded their roles within the city. Once known primarily as the headquarters of the bank and a trusted address for established enterprises, the PNB Financial Center is now a setting for shared moments beyond the workplace. Its event spaces have hosted corporate galas, high‑profile launches, awards nights, and cultural showcases. These layered uses continue to shape the property into a cultural hub that complements Pasay’s growing urban character.
The PNB Makati Center has come into its own as a mixed‑use commercial destination that brings together major corporate offices, co‑working environments, and a carefully curated mix of retail and lifestyle offerings.
“PHC continues the legacy of discipline and long-term perspective associated with our chairman, Dr. Lucio C. Tan, whose vision remains the guiding force for the entire LT Group. This visionary and steady leadership is reflected in the company’s deliberate growth and development priorities. Through proactive stewardship and measured evolution, PHC advances its mission of shaping enduring spaces and defining a legacy that stands the test of time.” Atty. Delos Reyes said.
SUGARCANE for chewing posted a dramatic rise in 2025 with 148.5% increase in sales volume at source, according to the PSA XI commercial crops annual average farmgate prices in the region for 2025.
While it is only priced at P20.06/kg, cheaper than other commercial crops, it outperformed other crops in terms of growth rate compared to the same period last year.
Philippine Statistics Authority(PSA)XI defined farmgate price as the price received by farmers for their crops at the location of the farm.
Marketing costs, such as transport among others, incurred in selling the produce are not included in the farm prices.
Sugarcane for chewing growth was most visible in the second quarter of the year, where it hit a staggering 207.7% growth rate.
While this pace moderated by the fourth quarter to a 52.0% increase, it remained the top crop in year-over-year price improvement.
PSA reported its growth significantly outpaced other high-performing crops like Coconut Green or young buko which also recorded a triple-digit annual growth of 109.5%.
While sugarcane dominated in growth rate, Cacao (Cocoa Beans) posted the highest value.
Cacao maintained the highest annual average farmgate price in the region at P257.34 per kilogram supported by a solid 60.0% annual growth rate (2024 vs 2025).
Citing the quarterly data from PSAXI, Cacao’s value peaked early in the year, reaching P275.27 per kilogram, bringing a massive growth of 225.0% compared to the same period in 2024.
Although the price reduced slightly in the third quarter to P223.49 per kilogram, it rebounded to end the year at P262.62 per kilogram.
Cacao remained high value, far exceeding other high-end commodities like Coffee Arabica (P215.73/kg) and Coffee Liberica (P214.11/kg).
Coffee Arabica struggled despite its high value, ending 2025 with an annual growth rate of -14.8%. However, it is still the most-sought variety of coffee beans.
On the other hand, Coffee Robusta is priced P200/kg, with a growth rate of 60.1%; while Coffee Excelsa is priced the lowest among coffee beans varieties at P180.70/kg, posting a 30.1% growth rate.
PSA XI noted the contrast underscores the volatility of the commercial crop market, where high value do not guarantee growth.
Photo by Victoria Priessnitz/Unsplash
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) is ramping up the enforcement of the local decency ordinance, issuing citations to nearly 700 individuals for being half-naked in public in just a single week.
Data released by the DCPO showed that from April 12 to 18, exactly 696 individuals were flagged for violating the city’s ordinance against appearing half-naked in public spaces.
During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero clarified that the enforcement is a long-standing policy, although many violations occur after dark and in residential outskirts.
“This is not a new implementation. We see these violations in public places, especially in plazas near residential areas, and mostly during the evening,” Caballero told reporters on Wednesday, April 21, 2026.
Since Jan. 1, 2026, the DCPO has recorded 5,075 violations for being half-naked in public, making it one of the most frequently violated ordinances in the city after traffic and curfew regulations.
While the numbers are high, Caballero noted that officers do exercise a level of discretion. She explained that while there is “consideration” for those caught just outside their doorsteps, the law is strictly applied once a person enters a designated public space.
The “half-naked” citations were part of a wider push by the DCPO to enforce city ordinances during the same seven-day period.
According to the DCPO’s weekly accomplishment report, other major enforcement actions included:
- Traffic Code Violations: 2,634 citations
- Curfew on Minors: 354 individuals apprehended
- Anti-Smoking Ordinance: 245 violators caught
- Speed Limit Ordinance: 146 drivers cited
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