Daily Archives

July 8, 2026

Therma Marine named top real property taxpayer in Maco, Davao de Oro

by Contributor July 8, 2026

written by Contributor

Maco, Davao de Oro – Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, was recognized as the top real property taxpayer and second largest business taxpayer in Maco, Davao de Oro for 2025 during the 59th Araw ng Maco celebration last June.

Consistent top real property taxpayer. On behalf of TMI, Operations Manager Engr. Jerik R. Jorgensen (center left) and Reputation and Stakeholder Management Manager Chrisyl Garcia (center right) receive a plaque of recognition during the 59th Araw ng Maco celebration for the company being named the municipality’s “Top 1 Real Property Taxpayer” and “Top 2 Business Taxpayer”.

With an estimated P23 million real property tax contribution for the year, TMI Mobile 1 helps strengthen the municipality’s fiscal capacity to deliver essential services and pursue key infrastructure projects.

In addition, through corporate social responsibility initiatives, TMI Mobile 1 also supports Maco’s health services, Adopt-an-Estero rehabilitation efforts, disaster response capabilities, and vulnerable sector livelihoods, helping advance inclusive and sustainable development, especially in its host community of Barangay San Roque.

“TMI has been a valuable partner in Maco’s development. Their consistent contributions help us improve public services, strengthen community programs, and create more opportunities for our people. We are honored to recognize their commitment to the progress of our municipality,” said Maco Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando.

TMI was also recognized with the same awards last year for the preceding fiscal year.

Adopt-an-Estero Program. Community members, volunteer-employees of TMI Mobile 1, the local government of Maco, and other government agencies join forces to clean up an estero in Barangay San Juan, Maco, Davao de Oro during a clean-up drive.

“Just as we help provide stability to the power grid, we also strive to be a steady partner in powering progress in Maco,” said TMI Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance Engr. Benedicto Dejan Jr. “This recognition inspires us to continue creating meaningful impact through our contributions and supporting local development.”

Located in Barangay San Roque, Maco, Davao de Oro, the 100-megawatt TMI Mobile 1 plays a vital role in supporting the stability and reliability of the Mindanao power grid through the provision of ancillary services.

TMI Mobile 1 is also home to the first-ever barge-mounted hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Philippines. The BESS project was a strategic response to critical concerns about energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

July 8, 2026 0 comments

AboitizPower, DENR-EMB turn over air quality monitoring station in Digos City

by Contributor July 8, 2026

written by Contributor

Strengthening Environmental Stewardship. Environmental Management Bureau Davao Region Director Alnulfo Alvarez (Center Left), alongside Safety, Health, and Environment Manager Earl Joey Liquit (Center Right), Nimfa Alipan of DENR-PENRO Davao del Sur (left), and Mary Ann Guillena of LGU Digos City, Davao del Sur, spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAMS) in Digos City, Davao del Sur, on June 22, 2026.

DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR — In a major boost to regional environmental sustainability, Therma South, Inc. (TSI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region XI officially launched the province’s first Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAMS) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Davao del Sur PENRO compound.

The public-private partnership activates round-the-clock, real-time air quality tracking to empower local data-driven environmental planning and pave the way for Digos City’s designation as a recognized airshed management area.

With the facility’s activation, 24/7 monitoring within a 4-kilometer radius of strategic areas in Digos City. The station is equipped to track fine dust and airborne particles, generating critical baseline data to be used for environmental planning and decision-making at both the local and national levels.

DENR-EMB Region XI Regional Director Alnulfo Alvarez lauded the private sector’s proactive role in supporting local environmental preservation, emphasizing that public-private synergies are crucial in advancing Digos City’s proposed designation as part of an airshed management area.

“We are proposing Digos City as an airshed. In Region XI, Davao City is currently the only designated airshed. Digos City is poised to be the next, followed by Tagum City and Mati City. Our partnership empowers policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to craft responsive ordinances, programs, and interventions that address current and future environmental challenges,” EMB-XI Director Alvarez said.

The official establishment of an airshed will lead to the creation of an Airshed Governing Board, which will oversee a more systematic approach to air quality management in the locality. As a key partner, TSI aims to utilize this platform to foster knowledge-sharing and scale best practices for effective environmental management across the region.

“Ever since Therma South began operations, we have remained committed to protecting the environment beyond our role as a power generator. We value this collaboration and look forward to further enhancing this technology to expand its benefits and better serve our communities,” said TSI SHE Manager Earl Joey Liquit.

The initiative is part of the Adopt-an-Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station Program, a framework under which TSI will continue to support the long-term implementation and sustainability of the facility. This partnership directly advances efforts to reduce air pollutants and build sustainable, climate-resilient cities.

July 8, 2026 0 comments

Community

Pitik Queen shows how to lock in more everyday savings with upgraded GrabUnlimited

by Contributor July 8, 2026

written by Contributor

WE ALL know the feeling. You want to order food, restock groceries, or book a ride, but the budget voice in your head says, “Tipid muna.”

GrabUnlimited makes that decision a little easier.

In Grab’s newest online video, viral social media sensation and Pitik Queen Ian Mark Kamangkang puts his signature tight belt and dance moves to good use, turning a familiar Filipino budgeting habit into the campaign’s main story.

Known online for cinching his belt and breaking into his now-iconic moves, Ian Mark brings humor to a very relatable dilemma: when the budget feels tight, should everyday conveniences like food delivery, groceries, and rides be the first to go?

GrabUnlimited offers a different answer. Instead of tightening their belts to cut back, users can make smarter Save Moves that help them lock in more value across the Grab app.

The upgraded GrabUnlimited gives subscribers more ways to save across the Grab ecosystem, from food and groceries to rides and rewards.

For only PHP 48 per month through the annual plan, users can lock in year-round perks designed for everyday needs.For GrabFood, savings are now easier to unlock.

The minimum order value for discounted delivery has been lowered from Php 475 to just Php 390, allowing GrabUnlimited members to enjoy up to Php 49 off on delivery fees with a lower spend requirement.

Members can also get 20% off on food orders from participating merchants, making daily meals, cravings, and group orders easier on the wallet.

GrabUnlimited now also includes GrabMart delivery discounts, giving members up to Php 80 off on delivery fees for groceries, pantry staples, household items, and other everyday essentials.

*With the upgraded GrabUnlimited, Filipino consumers need not tighten their belts to enjoy savings across food, groceries, and rides for only Php 48 per month through the annual plan.*

It is a timely upgrade for users who want to save not only on food delivery, but also on the things they regularly need at home.

Furthermore, Grab is rolling out Top-Up Packs, giving GrabUnlimited members access to preferential rates and discounts at participating GrabFood restaurants and GrabMart stores.

For a minimal upfront fee starting at PHP 29, subscribers can purchase restaurant- or store-specific voucher bundles from participating brands and unlock up to PHP 1,500 in extra savings.

GrabUnlimited members will also continue to enjoy transport perks, including 8% off GrabCar rides with a minimum fare of PHP 99 and an increased maximum discount of PHP 70.

Members also exclusively earn base GrabCoins on all cashless transactions, helping them collect points faster and unlock more savings across the app.

The upgraded subscription comes with a more budget-friendly annual plan that brings the cost down to only Php 48 per month.

For users who regularly order, shop, or book rides through Grab, the annual plan offers a practical way to lock in savings before the spending even begins.

With GrabUnlimited, Grab is giving Filipino users more ways to make everyday convenience feel more sulit. Whether it is a weekday lunch, a grocery run, a ride across the city, or a planned purchase from a favorite brand, the subscription helps users stretch their budget without giving up the services that make daily life easier.

As Ian Mark Kamangkang shows in the campaign, tipid does not always mean saying no. With the right Save Moves, it can also mean knowing where to get more value out of every peso.

July 8, 2026 0 comments

Health

P1.65-M downloaded to City Health Office to boost Universal Health Care

by Nova Mae Francas July 8, 2026

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development Davao partnered with the Davao City Health Office (CHO) to boost the local implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

The City Council approved on Tuesday an ordinance authorizing Mayor Sebastian Duterte to sign a partnership agreement with the DOH.

The agreement paves the way for the DOH to release P1,650,000 to the Davao City Health Office (CHO) to boost the local implementation of Republic Act 11223, or the UHC Law.

According to Dr. Annie Larosa, cluster head of the local health system of the Davao Center for Health Development, downloaded funds will be heavily utilized to strengthen the city’s health framework.

Larosa expressed that while Davao City has achieved a 100% score in the “Preparatory” phase (Level 1) of its health system maturity, data shows the city still faces structural gaps. It currently stands at 55% for the “Organizational” phase (Level 2) and 50% for the “Functional” phase (Level 3), with local authorities targeting a 90% functional rate by the end of the year.

Larosa emphasized that to bridge the remaining gaps, the city must pass a mandatory city-wide health integration ordinance and complete unmet disaster risk management training for emergency responders.

Sherrie Amor Campaner, acting head of CHO Technical Services Division, reported that the city currently has 19 identified primary care facilities, all of which are fully accredited by PhilHealth for its primary care benefit package, “Yakap” formerly “Konsulta.”

However, only six of these facilities hold official DOH licenses, while the remaining 13 are still processing compliance documents.While PhilHealth has granted a moratorium for 2026 allowing unlicensed facilities to remain accredited, she said that a strict DOH license-to-operate requirement will be enforced starting next year.

“Starting next year, a DOH license to operate will be strictly required for PhilHealth accreditation,” she said.

The capabilities of these facilities vary as some operate as “4-in-1” units featuring birthing facilities, primary care, a TB-DOTS facility, and family planning services, while others host animal bite centers or infirmaries.

Current data from the CHO also reveals underutilization of the local primary health system.

Campaner said while the city’s public doctors can accommodate up to 600,000 patients under standard DOH ratios (1 physician per 20,000 population), only about 300,000 residents have actively registered. Of those registered, actual medical availability or “first patient encounters” remains low at just 20% to 30%.

Health officials urged residents to manually register with their local health centers to access free laboratory procedures and check-ups covered by PhilHealth.

July 8, 2026 0 comments

News

11 minors rescued after jumping into sea to evade curfew patrol along Davao Coastal Road

by Rhoda Grace Saron July 8, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A ROUTINE curfew patrol escalated into a late-night maritime rescue operation early Sunday morning after 11 minors jumped into the sea to evade local barangay authorities along the Davao City Coastal Road in Barangay Leon Garcia, Agdao around 12:40 a.m. on July 5.

According to the police report, barangay peacekeepers (tanods) were enforcing the City Curfew Ordinance when they spotted a group of adolescents loitering along the seawall.

Panicking at the sight of the approaching officials, the 11 minors leaped directly off the edge into the open waters below.

Recognizing the immediate threat of drowning, barangay officials immediately radioed for emergency reinforcement. Personnel of the Davao City Police Office and the Philippine Coast Guard rushed to the scene, successfully pulling all 11 individuals safely out of the water.

The minors were transported to the Sta. Ana Police Station for immediate medical evaluation and formal profiling. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and none of the minors were found in possession of illicit items.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) was brought in to conduct psychosocial evaluations and intake processing.

Moreover, barangay officials convened mandatory late-night conferences with the minors’ respective parents and legal guardians.

Following the standardized counseling sessions and official documentation, all 11 minors were safely released into the custody of their parents later that morning.

Authorities issued a fresh reminder to families to strictly monitor their children’s whereabouts, especially at night.

July 8, 2026 0 comments

News

Roadside riot

by Rhoda Grace Saron July 8, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

Six minors in custody after daylight stabbing of high schoolers in Damosa

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) arrested six minors following a broad-daylight stabbing that left two high school students hospitalized on Monday afternoon.

The incident, which transpired at approximately 4:20 p.m. on July 6, occurred at the busy corner of Diamond Village in Damosa—a heavily trafficked area frequently packed with students heading home from nearby campuses.

According to police investigators, the two victims were walking home when they were ambushed and swarmed by a group of youths.

The first victim sustained three deep puncture wounds to his back, while the secondary victim suffered a single stab wound.Both teenagers were rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (MPMC) to undergo emergency medical treatment and stabilization.

Elements of the DCPO Police Station 4 (Sasa) immediately launched a hot-pursuit operation. Tracking intelligence leads to San Jose, Buhangin, officers cornered and took custody of the six minors involved.

Among those apprehended was the primary assailant, identified only as alias Justin.” Following positive identification by the victims, Justin surrendered the weapon used in the assault—a Swiss knife—to the arresting officers.

Because the suspects are legally classified as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), the DCPO is handling the case under specific protective and restorative justice protocols.The DCPO reassured anxious parents and local school administrators that campus security remains a top priority.

“This prompt resolution highlights DCPO’s proactive interventions in addressing cases involving CICL and Children-at-Risk (CAR),” DCPO chief PCOL Peter Madria said.

The rescued minors and the recovered Swiss knife are currently being held at Police Station 4 for formal documentation, proper disposition, and turnover to social welfare authorities for further legal processing.

July 8, 2026 0 comments

Community

McDonald’s Volunteers Nationwide Support Brigada Eskwela Through Good Trip

by Contributor July 8, 2026

written by Contributor

Volunteers from the McDonald’s Restaurant Support Center went on a “Good Trip” to help clean, repair, and repaint classrooms at Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Quezon City.

Manila — As students prepare to return to school, McDonald’s Philippines once again joined the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program, mobilizing over 10,000 volunteers from its nationwide store operations network to support more than 700 public schools across the country.

Volunteers helped clean, repair, and repaint classrooms while also providing McDonald’s meals to teachers, parents, and community volunteers. In Quezon City, employees from the McDonald’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC) participated in Brigada Eskwela at Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School through Good Trip, the company’s employee volunteerism platform. Volunteers repainted Grade 4 and Grade 5 classrooms, cleaned school facilities, and distributed school kits that included raincoats for students.

Building a Culture of Malasakit

The activity reflects McDonald’s core value of Malasakit, which guides how the company serves both customers and communities.

“It is a powerful reflection of who we are as McDonald’s. It speaks of our culture of malasakit, our spirit of volunteerism, and our shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of others, especially for the benefit of our youth,” said Ben Marasigan, Vice President for McDonald’s Human Capital Group.

For Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School, which serves nearly 5,000 students, the support helped ease resource constraints. Aside from classroom improvements, the school received cleaning tools, school supplies, signages, and raincoats to help students stay protected during the rainy season.

“Our partnership with McDonald’s is important because it reminds us that we are not alone in our mission of providing children with a better future,” said Assistant Principal Enelda Martinez.

Making a Difference Together

For employees like Senior Financial Analyst Francesca Acop, whose grandparents were public school teachers, volunteering through Brigada Eskwela was a meaningful way to give back and help create a better learning environment for students.

More than preparing classrooms for the new school year, McDonald’s Brigada Eskwela participation demonstrates how collective action, volunteerism, and Malasakit can help build stronger communities and brighter futures for Filipino students.

July 8, 2026 0 comments