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.
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.
BEHIND every home is a story—one shaped by sacrifice, perseverance, and the quiet courage to keep dreaming despite life’s challenges. For many Filipino families, owning a home is not achieved overnight. It is built through years of hard work, putting family first, saving little by little, and holding on to the belief that life will get better.
Through its growing community of homeowners, P.A. Properties continues to witness these powerful transformations—stories that embody the journey from “Noon” to “Ngayon.”
From breadwinner to homeowner
Jaapar Muhajil, a unit owner at San Jose Residencias in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, spent much of his life putting others first. Coming from a large family of 16 siblings, with parents working as sidewalk vendors, Jaapar took on the responsibility of supporting his family early on.
After finishing his studies, he immediately worked to help provide for them, setting aside his own dreams—including owning a home.
In 2024, that long-awaited dream became reality when he successfully purchased his own condominium unit. With the assistance of P.A. Properties, his housing loan was approved in less than three months.
Today, Jaapar stands as a testament to perseverance and hope.
“Mahirap, pero ang bawat pawis at paghihirap ay magiging worth it din. Work hard for it. Dreams really do come true.”
Noon: Breadwinner prioritizing family over personal dreams
Ngayon: Proud homeowner with renewed hope for the future
From dreamers to homeowners
For Jorelyn and Jeff Molavin, homeowners at Nuvista San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, the dream of having a home began early in life.
Growing up in humble circumstances, they envisioned a future in a peaceful and secure community—a place with open spaces, fresh air, and room to raise a family.
Even before proposing, Jeff made a life-changing decision: he secured a home for their future.
Receiving the keys marked the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with love, growth, and shared aspirations.
“Okay lang magdahan-dahan at ma-delay ang pangarap.”
“Dati, ipinagdarasal lang. Ngayon, meron na.”
Noon: Dreaming of a better life and home
Ngayon: Building a future together in their own home
Building dreams together
For Daylene and Rommel Gonzalvo, homeowners at Nuvista Lipa, owning a home meant more than just having a roof over their heads—it meant security and peace of mind.
Daylene grew up in a modest home made of light materials, constantly vulnerable to typhoons. With limited resources, finishing her education was already a challenge she overcame with determination and support from relatives.
When she married Rommel, they shared one goal: to build a better life and eventually own a home.
In 2022, through hard work and teamwork, they achieved that dream.
Today, they no longer live in fear during storms. Instead, they continue to improve their home—brick by brick, dream by dream.
Noon: Fragile home, uncertainty during typhoons, daily struggles
Ngayon: Safe, secure home and a steadily improving life
More than a house, it’s a life changed
These stories reflect a deeper truth—homeownership is more than a financial milestone. It is a life-changing achievement that strengthens families, restores dignity, and inspires hope for the future.
From breadwinners and young couples to families who started with very little, each journey is proof that with determination, patience, and hard work, dreams can become reality.
Share your story: Kwentong Buhay, Kwentong Bahay Season 3
P.A. Properties invites its homeowners to be part of “Kwentong Buhay, Kwentong Bahay” Vlogging Competition Season 3, now featuring the theme “Noon vs. Ngayon” and offering bigger prizes.
Homeowners are encouraged to share their own journeys—from struggles to success—and inspire others through their stories.
Because behind every home is a story worth telling.
TIKTOK Shop reinforced its commitment to protecting intellectual property rights (IP) through its latest IP Bootcamp in partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The session brought together brand owners, rights holders, and platform partners for practical discussions on strengthening IP protection in the digital marketplace.
The session featured updates on TikTok Shop’s Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC), insights from IPOPHL on the Philippines’ IP enforcement landscape, and a panel discussion with TikTok Shop Mall brand partners on how stronger IP protection supports business growth in the digital marketplace.
The IP Bootcamp coincides with National Intellectual Property Month, underscoring the role of IP in fostering trust, innovation, and a more secure e-commerce ecosystem.
Strengthening trust through proactive IP protection
For TikTok Shop, intellectual property protection remains central to creating a safe and trusted shopping experience for both consumers and businesses, especially as the online commerce landscape continues to evolve.
“Safety is at the core of how we operate on TikTok Shop, as a marketplace only thrives when it is built on authenticity,” said Yves Gonzalez, head of public policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop. “When a consumer clicks ‘buy’ on the platform, they are also buying into the promise of a brand. Our responsibility is to help ensure that promise is protected through strong policies, proactive enforcement, and tools that empower rights holders to act in real time.”
Globally, between January and June 2025, more than 40 million products were proactively rejected from being listed on TikTok Shop for intellectual property rights (IPR) violations, while more than 2 million products were removed after being listed. These efforts reflect the platform’s continued investments in systems and processes designed to keep counterfeit and infringing goods off the platform. (TikTok Shop Safety Report)
Through its IPPC, TikTok Shop provides a one-stop integrated platform where rights holders and authorized representatives can register, monitor, and report suspected IP infringements more efficiently. By equipping businesses with more direct and accessible tools to protect their brands, TikTok Shop aims to help rights holders respond faster to violations and focus on growth, innovation, and customer engagement.
Supporting brands and business growth on TikTok Shop Mall
The IP Bootcamp also highlighted how stronger IP safeguards can help brands grow with greater confidence online, particularly on TikTok Shop Mall, where shoppers can access a curated selection of local and international brands with 100% authentic and original products.
During the panel discussion, TikTok Shop Mall brand partners shared how trust, authenticity, and platform support have helped them strengthen their presence and connect with highly engaged audiences through content-driven discovery. The conversation also highlighted how stronger IP protection can create tangible commercial value by helping businesses protect brand equity, reduce counterfeit-related risks, and participate more confidently in digital commerce.
“Protecting intellectual property is essential to maintaining the integrity of our brand and the trust we’ve built with Filipino customers over time. TikTok Shop Mall allows us to engage with consumers in a more meaningful and confident way, knowing that there are strong safeguards in place that help us protect our products while we grow in a fast-moving digital space,” said Cristina Montinola, franchise & export manager, Bench.
“For a global brand like PUMA, maintaining brand integrity across every market is critical. TikTok Shop Mall’s commitment to authenticity and its IP protection measures give us added confidence that our brand is properly represented online, while also enabling us to connect with highly engaged communities through content-driven discovery in a way that supports both trust and growth,” said Javier Sabarre, SEA marketplace manager, PUMA.
A continuing partnership for safer and smarter online shopping
TikTok Shop’s partnership with the IPOPHL includes the co-development of educational content under the #TikTokShopSmart initiative, designed to help both consumers and sellers better understand how to identify counterfeit goods, protect intellectual property, and shop more safely online.
For consumers, this includes practical, easy-to-follow guidance on spotting fake products and making more informed purchase decisions, while seller-focused content highlights tools such as TikTok Shop’s IPPC, and how rights holders can better safeguard their brands on the platform.
“Intellectual property protection is essential to fostering innovation, fair competition, and consumer trust in today’s digital economy. Our continued partnership with TikTok Shop reflects a shared commitment to equipping businesses, rights holders, and consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to help build a safer and more accountable e-commerce environment,” said Atty. Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan, director of the Bureau of Legal Affairs and supervising director of the IP Rights Enforcement Office (IEO) of the IPOPHL.
By bringing together government, platforms, and brand owners, TikTok Shop and IPOPHL aim to reinforce IP protection’s role as a key enabler of sustainable business growth and a more trusted online marketplace. As digital commerce continues to expand, both organizations said collaboration and education will remain critical to help the broader digital ecosystem thrive responsibly.
MANILA, Philippines— Shopee Philippines and the Philippine National Police-Eastern Police District (PNP-EPD) have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at helping the families of police personnel build sustainable livelihoods through e-commerce.
The collaboration brings Shopee’s flagship digital skills training initiative, the Tatak Pinoy program, directly to PNP, equipping police families with the tools and knowledge to start and grow online businesses.
The MOU reflects a shared commitment to the financial well-being of the men and women who serve on the front lines of public safety. Under this initiative, which PNP-EPD has named “Love at First Click: Negosyong Online para sa Pamilyang Pulis,” police families will be equipped with the digital skills and practical knowledge they need to establish and grow their online businesses through e-commerce.
“We have always believed that e-commerce can be a powerful equalizer and that belief extends beyond the marketplace,” said Jack Ng, head of commercial, Shopee Philippines. “Through this partnership with PNP Eastern Police District, we want to give the families of our police personnel the same opportunities we are bringing to entrepreneurs across the country: real, practical skills that can help them build businesses and improve their quality of life.”
The Shopee Tatak Pinoy MSME Roadshow, which has trained over 700 MSME sellers across 10 cities since 2025, will serve as the foundation of the collaboration. Police families will have access to hands-on training in online store setup, digital marketing, order fulfillment, and customer engagement. This is the same curriculum that has helped entrepreneurs transition from informal businesses to thriving online stores.
“Our partnership with Shopee reflects our belief that supporting our personnel goes beyond the badge. The PNP Eastern Police District has always been committed not only to the safety of our communities, but to the well-being of the men and women who protect them—and the families who stand behind them,” said PNP-EPD Brigadier General Aden Lagradante. “When we give our personnel’s families access to real livelihood opportunities, we are investing in their future and strengthening the foundation of our organization from within.”
The partnership underscores Shopee’s broader mission to build an inclusive digital economy, one that reaches not just traditional entrepreneurs but communities that stand to benefit most from access to e-commerce tools and training. As the Tatak Pinoy Roadshow continues its nationwide expansion, Shopee remains committed to finding new ways to bring digital opportunities to more Filipinos.
LOAN growth in the Philippines is accelerating—making it critical to ensure that expansion is supported by strong financial safeguards.
More Filipinos and businesses are turning to formal credit, deepening financial participation. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shows banking lending grew by 9.5% in February 2026, driven by both business and consumer demand. While this reflects economic momentum, it also increases the need for stronger financial safeguards, especially amid global uncertainty.
In volatile conditions, borrowing often rises. Businesses seek capital to manage operations or fund unexpected expenses, while households rely on credit to cope with higher costs. In these moments, speed often becomes a priority. However, when lending accelerates without sufficient safeguards, the risks compound: mispriced loans, overextended borrowers, and erosion of trust in the system.
“Strong loan growth is encouraging, but it must go hand in hand with responsible lending,” said Pia Arellano, president and CEO of CIBI Information Inc. “In uncertain environments, decisions are made faster, often with less room for error. Reliable data becomes critical to ensure that lending remains sound and borrowers are not taking on unsustainable debt.”
As credit activity expands, the ability to access accurate, decision-grade data becomes a key differentiator for businesses. Credit bureaus play a central role by providing verified and consolidated information, giving lenders a clearer view of a borrower’s capacity and financial behavior. This reduces reliance on fragmented data and enables faster, more confident credit decisions without compromising quality.
For businesses, this translates into stronger credit evaluation, more disciplined lending, and better alignment between growth targets and lending quality. Rather than slowing expansion, better data infrastructure enables organizations to scale responsibly while protecting margins and customer relationships.
A growing credit market without strong information systems can quickly become fragile. With the right data in place, lending becomes more targeted and sustainable, supporting financial stability and continued economic activity.
“Access to credit should create opportunities, not risks,” Arellano added. “Credit bureaus help make that possible by giving both lenders and borrowers the information they need to make better financial decisions. That’s what ultimately keeps the system working for everyone.”
Beyond individual institutions, the impact is broader. Stronger data ecosystems enable fairer access to credit, support more resilient business growth, and reinforce trust across the financial system. Over time, this helps ensure that expanding credit translates not just into higher activity, but into a more stable, transparent, and inclusive financial landscape in the Philippines.
CONSUMERS in the Davao Region are urging the government to secure funding for the Samal Island–Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project, as any delay could have long-term consequences for both local leaders and the communities they serve.
Recent reports from the Regional Development Council XI (RDC-XI), through its Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), indicate that the bridge, one of the region’s most vital infrastructure projects, is facing delays due to funding constraints. Without immediate intervention, a work suspension could take effect by May 30, 2026, potentially pushing the project’s completion to as late as September 2030. The P23-billion project is largely financed through a loan from the Chinese government, which underscores the importance of ensuring that funding flows remain uninterrupted.
At the same time, RDC XI chair Governor Edwin Jubahib has sought to ease concerns, sharing that in a recent meeting with Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, assurances were given that the project will proceed as planned and be completed by 2028.
However, with the project already at 55.97 percent completion as of March 25, any delay at this stage would not only be inefficient but could also stall the economic momentum of the Davao Region. Interruptions in funding and construction risk undermine the very gains the project is meant to deliver.
For consumers, the implications are immediate and tangible. A delay would prolong the current dependence on vessel transport across the Pakiputan Strait, where the movement of goods remains vulnerable to fluctuating shipping costs and weather conditions. Any increase in transport costs is inevitably passed on to consumers, driving up the prices of basic goods and services. Limited vessel availability also constrains supply, further affecting affordability and accessibility.
The bridge also plays a critical role in strengthening energy security. It will enable the installation of additional power lines, providing a vital safeguard in the event of disruptions to existing submarine cables. This added resilience is essential to ensuring stable and reliable electricity for households and businesses alike.
In light of these realities, consumers call on the government to act decisively: secure the necessary funding, prevent disruptions, and prioritize the timely completion of the SIDC Connector Project. Improved connectivity will ensure a more efficient flow of goods and services, and with it, more affordable prices for consumers.
For decades, the bridge has been a shared aspiration not only for the people of Samal Island but for the entire Davao Region. It represents expanded opportunities and a stronger economic integration. Delaying it now would only hold back the region’s progress.
Ryan Amper
Convenor
Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083
