Home Author
Author

Gio Tanudtanud

Community

Matina Town Square to mark 25th anniversary

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud


MATINA Town Square (MTS) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with lively night events to spotlight homegrown cuisines, local music, arts, and culture from Sept. 14 to 21.

Over 25 years, MTS has become Davao City’s premier lifestyle and cultural hub, bringing together communities, artistry, and live entertainment where people can enjoy a variety of food establishments to eat at while supporting local businesses.

The celebration features three events, an ‘Artist’s Appreciation Night’ on Sept 14 at Taboan to pay tribute to performers as well as cultural groups, the main ‘Anniversary Celebration’ milestone event with live performances at the same venue on Sept. 19, and the ‘Celebration Dinner’ to gather partners and tenants for an exclusive evening on Sept. 21 at the Pavilion.

During the PEP Talks forum on Sept 12, Jose Bagot Jr., manager of day operations/sales and marketing, shared that MTS had launched its anniversary logo last Aug 8, created by Jose Paulo Acyatan

Since the year 2000, MTS began as a small area with few tenants and continued to expand when Taboan opened in 2001. As developments grew, it also established the Ayala Business Center, built in 2016.

Bagot also said the number of visitors and food traffic at MTS slowly rose after 2020, amidst COVID-19 and the liquor ban.


0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Uncategorized

200 government officials to join at GovTech Mindanao Summit 2025

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

DAVAO Startup Week 2025’s first-ever “GovTech Mindanao Summit 2025” will gather around 200 mayors and governors from 27 provinces to tackle technology startups for government problem solutions.

GovTech Mindanao Summit 2025 will launch at the Pinnacle Hotel on Sept 24, and is one of the major events of the upcoming Davao Startup Week to champion grassroots innovation in Davao Region that will run from Sept 24 to 27.

Maryl Malabad, committee co-chair of GovTech Mindanao, said the summit will allow the business-to-government (B2G) model for LGU decision-makers focusing on digital governance, public health, smart cities, and disaster resilience, as well as empowering the local startups.

This also covers bridging startups and local governments in Mindanao to face constant challenges from manual processes and outdated systems, to resource constraints that hinder public service delivery.

“After the event, we will be able to enable at least eight startups to pilot startup solutions,” she said on Wednesday’s Media Forum on Sept 10.

Malabad added that the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Upgrade Innolab will sign a memorandum of agreement to make the GovTech Mindanao Summit an annual event.

The summit is organized by MinDA, in partnership with Innovation and Development Accelerators Consortium for Startups in Davao Region, and Upgrade Innolab, with the support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Science and Technology.






0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Science & Technology

DOST XI to culminate RSTW regional tour in Davao City

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology XI (DOST) will bring its Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) to Davao City from Sept. 25 to 27, showcasing technology expertise, knowledge-sharing, and fostering innovation at the grassroots level.

DOST’s annual flagship event aims to highlight the ongoing programs, projects, and activities of the agency. This year’s celebration will place Davao City as a convergence point for innovators, researchers, educators, and students.

Regional information officer Vener Zygmond Rebuelta said that RSTW 2025 held a tour across Davao Region for the first time, visiting different provinces with an aim to strengthen the STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) culture in Mindanao.

It will also focus on the theme “building smart and sustainable communities” along with new programs of adopting digitalization.

“So, this is the only year we conducted in all provinces because lahi-lahi ang expertise per provinces, naa pud silay lahi na needs like sa Davao de Oro. Nag invite mi og scientists, ang topic is more on mining, more on environment kay siyempre, it’s a concern in Davao de Oro,” he said in an interview on Sept 8.

The regional tour began last August in Davao del Sur and Davao de Oro, followed by Davao Occidental. The next destination will be Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte before reaching Davao City as the last stop.Major activities will be conducted in the city during the three-day event, namely a TBI Techpitch competition, drone speed challenge, smart mobility forum, and others.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Community

Creba Davao, DCPO link upto combat real estate fraud

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE CHAMBER of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations (Creba) Davao Chapter partnered
with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Cyber Response Team to protect the public against
real estate scams.
On Sept. 6, Creba and the DCPO educated members and guests during a forum at SMC
Convention Center on cybercrime activities in the country.
Lt. Cedric Suanco, Cyber Response Team leader, enlightened participants on cyber threats,
common vulnerabilities that target victims, as well as the history of cybercrime in the Philippines.
He also elaborated on the red flags of scams and shared safety tips for users to prevent being
lured into fraud.
Suanco highlighted the subject of fake listing/property duplication, a real estate scam where
fraudsters copy legitimate property advertisements of photos, descriptions, or titles and repost
them online with false contact details.
Buyers or renters are lured into paying “reservation fees” for properties they do not own or
manage.
According to cybercrime investigator SSg Patrick Verzosa, cybercrime cases in Davao City in
2025 increased compared to previous years. The most prevalent incidents are online libel on
social media, booking scams of resorts, and hacking.
He also said that there are seldom complaints of fraud in the real estate industry since traders
and retailers are more aware and educated on the dangers of fake online advertising.
Under Republic Act 91 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the penalty for transacting proceeds
of unlawful activity is imprisonment of seven to 14 years with a fine of P3M up to twice the value
of the money involved.
Republic Act 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act states that any person found guilty of any of
the punishable acts under Section 4 shall be punished with imprisonment of prision mayor (six
years and one day to 12 years or a fine of at least P200,000 up to P1M (or higher depending on
the crime).

Diosdado Mahipus Sr., chairman of the Davao Chapter of the Chamber of Real Estate and
Builders Association, gives a plaque of appreciation to Lt. Cedric Suanco, Davao City Police
Office Cyber Response Team leader, at the sidelines of the event at the SMX Convention
Center on Sept. 6, 2025.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Business

Davao Startup Week 2025 to champion grassroots innovations in Region XI

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

DAVAO Startup Week’s fourth edition aims to strengthen Davao Region’s fast-growing startup ecosystem through its upcoming events on “Grassroots, Global Reach: Scaling Innovation from the South” this month.

This year’s event invites over 2,000 investors, students, community leaders, and policymakers from the national and regional levels to discuss key topics on innovations to benefit communities and help local governance. The growing potential of homegrown startups will also be tapped to bring them to the global stage.

“For the past years, the events have been centered in Davao City alone. So right now, we are extending the invitations to different provinces because we can see the potential of these young innovators from different provinces,” Davao Startup Week 2025 convener Val Anthony Cimafranca said during Wednesday’s media forum on Sept. 3.

He added that innovators from the younger generation need more exposure to join Davao Startup Week’s events in order to give them more depth in their innovation landscape.

According to the StartupBlink 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem report, Davao City ranks as the number three startup ecosystem city in the Philippines, with Davao jumping to 163 spots and is placed at number 580 out of over 1,000 cities worldwide.

Furthermore, the report also highlights that the city has the highest ecosystem growth rate in the country at 97%.

Davao Startup Week 2025 will be hosting five major events, namely the GovTech Mindanao Summit, Mindanao Startup Ecosystem Summit, Techstars Startup Weekend: Social Impact, Angel Investing 101 x Davao Investors Mixer, and the Davao Innovation Night and Startup Champion Awards from Sept 24 to 27.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Lifestyle

PTV Mindanao to premiere Pit Stop Pinas

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

PEOPLE’S Television Network, Inc. (PTV) Mindanao will air its first-ever ‘Pit Stop Pinas’ program on Sept. 6, Saturday, to spotlight Mindanao’s unexplored destinations, rich culture, and uplifting stories.

As a travel-adventure program, Pit Stop Pinas will be hosted by moto rider Alexah Gabia and solo traveler Ysrael Damaolao, where they will be exploring across Mindanao as well as unfolding its best cuisines, communities, and travel spots for audiences to see what the island has to offer.

Mindanao media hub head Vina Araneta-Pilapil highlighted that the program aims to showcase the beauty of Mindanao and boost its promotion. She also hopes that the second season will be shown at a nationwide level.

Pilapil also said it presents real talks from different people, such as government officials, military leaders, and business people

“We believe that with this program we can even help the LGUs and the provincial governments in really showcasing their places at saka kung ano ba yung mga ginagawa nila for their respective areas”, she said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Sept 1.

Pit Stop Pinas will air every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on PTV channels in Davao and most parts of Mindanao. The show will also be uploaded online via the PTV Mindanao Public Affairs official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Episodes will follow the hosts as they embark on a journey with features presented as a “stop” or “checkpoint.” Each episode will crown LGUs and highlight memorable and authentic experiences with a “Pit Stop Certified” badge.

Episode 1 will visit the Dawas Pantalan in Digos City, a peaceful port for locals and fisherfolk that was once central to the city’s trade and daily life. The episode also tackles topics, namely the Padigosan festival, exploring like a local, the women behind the local cuisines, and preserving heritage.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Health

PhilHealth launches YAKAP program in Davao Region

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) XI held its first launching of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) in Davao on Aug 29 at Arcadia Event Center, introducing new and improved healthcare benefits.

The YAKAP logo was unveiled during the PhilHealth PULSE (Promoting UHC through Linkages, Synergy, and Engagement). Regional vice president Harvey Carcedo, executive vice president and chief operating officer Eli Dino Santos, and Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte attended the event.

As a rebranding of the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KonSulTa) package, YAKAP enhances the coverage of primary care services of check-ups, cancer screening tests, with 75 medical drugs included, where members can avail themselves of as much as P20,000 per year.

The medicines provided are under the PhilHealth GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment), which covers basic medications of antimicrobiotics, antithrombotics, anti-asthmatics, and many others.

Members can register by accessing the PhilHealth Member Portal via the eGovPH mobile app or directly at a YAKAP clinic.

Region XI presently has 148 YAKAP facilities, while PhilHealth XI is currently in an ongoing phase to accredit PhilHealth GAMOT dispensaries.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

DOT XI officially kicks off Davao Adventure Challenge Season 2

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism XI launches its bigger Davao Adventure Challenge on Aug 26 at Rogen Inn bringing in exciting and fresh adventure sites for families, newcomers, and participants outside of Davao Region.

Season 2, which will run from Sept. 1, 2025, to Aug. 31, 2026, offers 28 sites across the region and introduces 11 new destinations of mountain peaks, nature parks, caves, and others to welcome new adventurers with some that are family-friendly.

These sites are Lamabal Park, Kagan Dinagsaan Peak, Sandunganan Peak, Koontayan ‘To Obu-Manuvu Eco Cultural Adventure Park, Eden Mountain Trail, Mt. Loay, Matol Falls, Fyingi Sol Cave, Alina Cave, Saliducon Cave, and Bouldering Experience at and Boulder24.

This season will still offer activities of hiking trails, water thrills, diving, chasing waterfalls, cave explorations, and heights and flights all awaiting for the next Ultimate Conquerors.

DOT XI featured a new category for Season 2 named ‘Adventure Rides’ where participants will get to experience the Daya Farm & Adventure’s ATV Ride & Rainbow Slide at Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, and the MonteFrio Garden’s ATV Ride adventure at Digos, Davao del Sur.

“I am proud to say that Season 1 was a resounding success. We saw hundreds of challengers, locals, and visitors alike take part in the experience. We heard inspiring stories of first climbs, first dives and first explorations of caves and rivers,” DOT XI regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan said during the launching.

“Season 1 also elevated Davao Region standing as a premiere adventure hub in the country offering a balanced mix of adrenaline pounding activities and culturally rich experiences,” she added.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Motoring

2025 Hot August Races rev up at Ciudades

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

LOCAL car enthusiasts and professional race car drivers gather for the two-event 22nd edition of Hot August Races on Aug 23-24, showcasing high-performance vehicles and kicking off an exhilarating 1/8 mile legal drag race.

Over 120 participants from General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila participated in the time trials and compete in quick races to determine the fastest driver of the grand annual event.

Cars comprised of Class A, B, C, along with the introduction of Diesel and Electric Vehicle classes, all geared up with the sound of powerful engines at the starting line ready to accelerate toward the finish line

Newcomers including families with children also visited the venue to witness a thrilling drag race event held in Ciudades, an up close experience for those who haven’t seen a drag race event. Champions and runner ups are awarded with trophies and prizes from event partners PLDT and Primelube Lubricants.

As an accredited event of the Kadayawan Festival 2025, a car show, off-road test drives, and a food bazaar were also conducted at Ciudades alongside Hot August Races.The Hot August Races began hosting drag racing events in Davao City in the year 2003 and was held at the Crocodile Park Complex.

On July 11, 2025, the Davao Drag Racing Association (DDRA) launched at Bellevue Square, Matina Pangi, to become a platform to hold legal drag races and foster safe driving practices that was attended by key representatives from government agencies (Davao City Sports Office, Public Safety and Security Office, City Transport and Traffic Management Office, Davao City Police Office, and the Traffic Enforcement Unit.)

Located in Barangay Mandug, Buhangin District, Ciudades Business Park is a 200-hectare mixed-use development that includes residential enclaves like Las Palmas Verdes, Altea Homes, Soller, and Nizanta Homes. 

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Business

DA and World Bank to aid IP farmers and fisherfolk in IP communities

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

By Gio J. Tanudtanud

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture, together with the World Bank, aims to strengthen agricultural productivity and bolster access to markets and services through its ongoing Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), a six-year program covering 26 selected ancestral domains.

MIADP covers selected ancestral domains in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and BARMM. 

Areas are identified by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Approved Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), and possession of a certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT).

Its goal is to increase the income on agri-fishery of farmers and fisherfolk by 10% who are members of Indigenous Peoples Organizations within the selected ancestral domains. 

Development objectives are aimed at a 30% change in average yields for selected crops and a 20% change in average gross value of sales to support the beneficiaries.

During a press conference on Aug 20, Project Support Office (PSO) director Macario Gonzaga said the project is experiencing delays, but for December, they will be disbursing around P1B worth of farm-to-market roads (FMR) and enterprise.

The project’s duration runs from 2023 to 2028 and has a total cost of P6.625B funded by The World Bank. Four components in the funding include P662.5M for AD-Plan, P4.253B for AD-Infrastructure, P1.087B for AD-Enterprise, and P624.81M for AD-Support.

Component 1 (AD-Plan) contains ancestral domain planning and social preparations. Component 2 (AD-Infrastructure) is designed for resilient agri-fishery infrastructures, while Component 3 (AD-Enterprise) is geared towards production and enterprise development. 

Component 4 (AD-Support) comprises five units that tackle environmental and social safeguard, planning, monitoring, evaluation, administrative, financial management, and procurement.

Photo from MIADP website

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts
Verified by MonsterInsights