BY ALEX ALAGON
BY ALJAVE M. MONTEROLA AND LEE JOSHUA L. SARDOMA/DNSC Interns
A MEDICAL specialist from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) urged the public to practice stronger prevention amid the growing threat of lifestyle diseases.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw on April 27, Dr. Marocel C. Montillano, SPMC’s Public Health Unit specialist under the Department of Family and Community Medicine, emphasized that many of today’s leading illnesses are no longer infectious but are driven by lifestyle factors.
“Kapag ang inyong kultura ay pinalaki ang mga anak na pinapakain ng processed food, ang pagkain na hindi natural ay ang aanihin nila balang araw,” Montillano said.
Montillano stressed that lifestyle diseases, while non-contagious and not strictly hereditary, are closely linked to behavior, environment, and cultural influences, particularly within families and communities, where early habits and food choices shape long-term health outcomes.
She said lifestyle medicine, an evidence-based approach, could help as it focuses on modifying daily habits to prevent and, in some cases, reverse disease.
Montillano also explained the six pillars that could be central to this approach, which include: proper nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, avoidance of harmful substances, and strong social connections.
“Health outcomes are influenced by several determinants, including healthcare services contribution (20%), individual behavior (30%), physical environment (10%), and broader social factors such as education, culture, and economic conditions (40%),” Montillano said.
She added that greater awareness among patients improves recovery prospects, as understanding the root of illness encourages compliance with prescribed treatment.
BY ALJAVE M. MONTEROLA AND ROCHELLE ANN L. UBAUB/DNSC Interns
THE BUWAN ng Kalutong Pilipino 2026, showcasing the rich culture of different provinces in the Davao Region and strengthening local identity and tourism, was launched on April 24, 2026, at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Abreeza under the theme “Connected by Taste: Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN.”
The three-day celebration, running from April 24 to 26, brings together local government units, tourism stakeholders, and private partners in a unified effort to promote Filipino cuisine as both a cultural identity and a driver of regional tourism.
Tanya Rabat-Tan, Department of Tourism XI regional director, said the initiative centers on preserving and reviving traditional dishes that reflect the region’s heritage, emphasizing the importance of bringing heirloom recipes back into everyday life.
“It’s actually a celebration of honoring our heritage, especially our heirloom dishes. Itong campaign natin we’re promoting the forgotten treasures because we want them to be center na naman sa ating life,” she said.
Participating provinces across the Davao Region showcase their signature delicacies, fresh produce, and traditional practices, highlighting the depth and diversity of local culinary heritage.
Davao City presents a wide array of fresh fruits and locally made goods through partnerships with homegrown brands like Gran Verde Farm, featuring locally sourced cacao turned into flavored granules for public tasting, highlighting the city’s growing value-added food industry.
Davao del Norte, meanwhile, brings together a diverse mix of products from its municipalities, featuring Tagum’s signature pies, Samal’s mango tart, and the popular “pandesama,” while also integrating cultural elements from indigenous groups such as the Ata-Manobo.
Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental highlight both innovation and tradition, presenting flavored pancit canton varieties, banana chips, local wines, and chocolates alongside handcrafted katutubo dolls made by indigenous communities, reflecting the provinces’ creative and cultural strengths.
Davao Oriental continues to draw attention with its best-selling ready-to-eat fried squid from Dahican, Mati City, a consistent crowd favorite, along with “Dumang,” a powdered chili that represents one of the province’s unique culinary specialties.
Tan further expressed appreciation for the strong support behind the event, emphasizing the collaboration among sectors.
“Grateful kaayo ko that overflowing ang participation ang national agencies, even the agency has something to do with sa mandate, and of course overflowing ang support gikan sa Tourism Sector, the private sector, and the LGUs always partner natin,” she said.
Adding depth to the celebration is Chef Tahir A. Malikol through his “Flavors Without Borders” segment, which highlights Halal Filipino cuisine for ASEAN and features heirloom dishes from the Bangsa Kagan community.
Among the featured dishes are Tinuwan na Manok, a traditional Kagan dish from Davao Oriental known for its rich, soupy flavor, and the Sinuglaw Pomelo Lime Coconut Salad, a modern Davao creation that combines grilled and fresh elements with local fruits.
Organizers said the event not only celebrates Filipino food but also reinforces cultural pride and strengthens the Davao Region’s position as a growing culinary and tourism destination.
BY ALDRIN JAMES BOHOL, JADE GUMBAN & ROCHELLE ANN UBAUB/DNSC Interns
THE AUTISM Society Philippines (ASP) Davao Chapter held the Angels Walk for Autism on April 26, at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center, with the theme “AUMBITIOUS – Aarangkada. Aangat.”
ASP Davao president Uswaldo Parreñas led the annual event, which gathers families, advocates, and community members in a show of love and support for persons with autism.
“We stand together with one message, one purpose, and one shared hope. Filipinos on the autism spectrum—and the families who care for them—are reaching for the stars… with ambition, purpose, and contribution. But reaching for the stars does not happen by chance. It happens when we build a society that makes inclusion real,” Parreñas said.
The activity aimed to foster greater understanding and inclusion while pushing for positive change in how society views and supports individuals on the autism spectrum.
Councilor Antoinette Principe called for action over awareness and empowerment over sympathy, pushing for inclusive facilities while drawing from her experience as a mother of a child with special needs.
“This is precisely why I push for the establishment of the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children, not as a token project but as a commitment that no child, no family, and no individual should be left behind,” Principe said.
Meanwhile, Sinag ng Dabaw 2026 Christine Joy Bermudo highlighted in her speech that children with autism have unique potentials, unique strengths, and perspectives that deserve to be recognized and valued.
“As said, inclusion is not just an idea; it is our shared responsibility. That is why I hope to contribute to creating a community where individuals with autism are empowered to reach their full potential,” Bermudo emphasized.
This year, the event marked a major win: the Senate approved, on third reading, the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act (Senate Bill No. 1822) on March 9, 2026. The landmark law mandates national action on early detection, inclusive education, health services, and social protection for persons with autism. Still, advocates stressed urgent development needs remain.
THE NAVAL Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) conducted its Civil-Military Operations (CMO) from the Sea in Barangay Carmen, Loreto, Dinagat Island, on Friday, April 24.
Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, commander of NFEM, led the strategic initiative, which utilized naval assets to transport essential government services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) within the province.
The mission provided free medical and dental services to a total of 1,804 residents, addressing critical healthcare gaps in the island community.
The outreach was a joint effort involving the Civil Military Operations Unit–Eastern Mindanao, the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, and the local government of Loreto.
Non-government partners, including the Davao Advent Mission and medical personnel from Camp Panacan Hospital, also joined the fleet to ensure the delivery of comprehensive care.
“This mission underscores our commitment not just to maritime defense, but to humanitarian assistance and active community engagement,” the NFEM stated.
In addition to medical consultations, the Navy facilitated community relations activities, including the distribution of food packs and gift-giving for pre-identified beneficiaries.
The “CMO from the Sea” framework is designed to project a “mission-oriented presence” in areas that are difficult to reach by land, ensuring that residents in the furthest reaches of Eastern Mindanao feel the presence of the national government.
Authorities confirmed that the high turnout of nearly 2,000 residents highlights the continued need for mobile government interventions in remote island clusters.
THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI officially rolled out the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Land-Based Service Contracting Program on Monday, April 27, offering a 20% fare discount to commuters across various routes in the region.
Regional director Nonito A. Llanos III said the program initially involves seven transport cooperatives and corporations operating modernized Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs).
The discounted fares are available during peak hours— 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. — from Mondays to Fridays.
Participating routes
Commuters traveling the following routes via modernized PUVs can avail of the discount:
- Davao City – Baganga (via Mati City)
- Digos City – Malalag
- Digos City – Bansalan
- Digos City – Magsaysay Proper (via Bansalan or Matanao)
- Digos City – Inawayan, Sta. Cruz
- Malita, Davao Occidental – Davao City
To identify participating vehicles, passengers should look for official tarpaulin signage displayed on the front of the units.
Double discounts for priority groups
In a significant move for vulnerable sectors, the 20% Service Contracting discount is stackable.
This means that senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students will receive their mandatory 20% discount on top of the program’s 20% reduction.
The initiative follows directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DOTr Secretary Atty. Giovanni Z. Lopez, and LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II.
Director Llanos III emphasized that the program provides a dual benefit. “This initiative is designed not only to provide much-needed relief to our commuters through reduced fares but also to support our Transport Service Entities (TSEs) in sustaining operations amid rising fuel prices,” Llanos said. “We are striking a balance—easing the burden on the riding public while ensuring our operators remain viable and capable of delivering safe service.”
As of Monday, five TSEs have begun operations under the program. Two more are scheduled to start tomorrow, April 28, while another two cooperatives are currently awaiting final approval to join the approved routes.
OPERATIVES of Police Station 16 (Ma-a) arrested a “high-value” drug suspect and seized approximately ₱210,800 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation on Sunday morning.
The suspect, identified by the alias Arce, was apprehended at approximately 11:57 a.m. on April 26 at Purok 1-B, Lower Dampa, Barangay Magtuod. Police records identify Arce as a recidivist and a high-value individual (HVI) in the local drug trade.
The operation, led by Ma-a police station commander, Maj Philip Dave A. Uddin, is part of the Davao City Police Office’s (DCPO) intensified campaign against illegal drugs under city director Col Peter Bauzon Madria.
“This successful operation highlights our firm resolve to dismantle drug networks and hold repeat offenders accountable,” Madria said in a statement.
He credited the arrest to the “high level of coordination” between law enforcement, barangay officials, and vigilant community members.
The confiscated illegal drugs have been turned over for laboratory examination, and the suspect is facing a charge for violating Republic Act 9165( Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
A PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) personnel assigned to the Southeastern Mindanao headquarters is facing dismissal after being caught in a joint anti-drug operation in Barangay Sasa on April 23.
The suspect, identified by the PCG as Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Edgardo Lugto, was apprehended by a multi-agency team that included PCG intelligence operatives, PDEA Region XI, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI.
Authorities recovered approximately 12 grams of suspected shabu from PO3 Lugto, with an estimated street value of up to ₱81,600, along with various drug paraphernalia.
Lugto was reportedly assigned to the Human Resource Management Unit of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao.
His arrest followed a separate operation in Cebu City on April 22, where another PCG member, Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Neil Vincent Dandan Panugaling, was caught in a buy-bust operation that dismantled a suspected drug den.
Zero tolerance policy
PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, has ordered the immediate preventive suspension of both personnel to pave the way for an impartial investigation.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to all PCG officers and personnel: the Command will not tolerate involvement in illegal activities or any act that undermines the integrity of the service,” Admiral Gavan said.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab emphasized that the agency is fully cooperating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement bodies.
She noted that the PCG “does not shield its personnel from accountability.”
If proven guilty, both Lugto and Panugaling face criminal charges and administrative sanctions, which include dishonorable dismissal from the service and the forfeiture of all benefits.
The Davao operation involved a coordinated effort between the PCG, PDEA XI, the Maritime Safety and Law Enforcement Command-Southeastern Mindanao, the Department of Justice, and officials from Barangay Sasa.
DAVAO City police director Col Peter B. Madria spearheaded a comprehensive series of unit inspections at Camp Capt. Domingo E. Leonor, on Monday morning, April 27, as part of personnel discipline and operational readiness.
Starting at 7:40 a.m., Madria conducted on-site evaluations of key administrative and technical units, including the City Plans and Programs Unit, the Personnel Accounting and Information Section, and the City Information, Communication, and Technology Management Unit.
The inspections also covered the Communication and Electronics Section and the 2nd City Mobile Force Company.
Focus on marksmanship and discipline
During his visit to the 2nd CMFC, Madria underscored the necessity of technical proficiency, particularly regarding the force’s issued equipment.
He issued a directive for the regular conduct of “dry fire” exercises—drills practiced without live ammunition—to build muscle memory and confidence among officers.
“Familiarity with firearms and consistent discipline in handling equipment are vital to our operational readiness,” Madria emphasized during the inspection.
The DCPO leadership stated that these internal audits are part of a broader commitment to capability enhancement.
By ensuring that technical and mobile units are functioning at peak efficiency, the command aims to foster greater public safety and strengthen the bond of trust between the police and the Davao City community.
According to the DCPO, these inspections will remain a regular fixture of Madria’s leadership to ensure all units remain responsive to the city’s security needs.
THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI will roll out the cash relief assistance for qualified public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers across Davao City on April 28-30 and on May 5-7.
Each beneficiary will receive P5,000 cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.
A total of 6,329 drivers are expected to receive P5, 000 each.
Drivers are advised to claim personally, and bring a valid driver’s license and a photocopy of the license. Proxies will not be honored.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board XI reminded that only those who received text messages from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) are advised to go to the payout venue according to schedule.
Drivers who did not receive a text message are advised to approach the CSWDO for appropriate action and verification of status to avoid confusion.
To note, a total of 437 tricycle drivers are expected to receive P5,000 cash relief assistance from the DSWD on April 8, but several tricycle drivers went home frustrated after not being included in the list.
The DSWD XI rolled out the aid to qualified tricycle drivers in Davao City, guided by the masterlist from the city government.
DSWD XI regional director Rhuelo Aradanas clarified that only those on the masterlist were prioritized.
Aradanas said, noting this is just the initial payout, and hinted at a possible second batch, whose date is yet to be scheduled.
Davao City registered the lowest turnout of 387, served only on April 8.
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