A LAWMAKER here is proposing to incentivize Internet cafes that are willing to operate 24 hours in partnership with the city government, to cater to youth and working citizens.
Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang said there are limited study spaces beyond regular hours despite the city’s initiatives to improve education.
“We must also recognize that many of our students, especially those from working-class families, often have no safe and conducive space for study during nighttime,” Dayanghirang said in his privilege speech on Tuesday.
“Not all homes provide a quiet and well-lit environment. Not all families can afford gadgets or a reliable internet connection,” he added.
The councilor proposed an incentive scheme for Internet cafés willing to operate 24 hours under strict guidelines. The perk can be in the form of tax holidays, reduced fees, or other forms of LGU support to entice these establishments to transform into learning-oriented hubs for students.
“Imagine Internet cafés offering discounted rates to students with school IDs, functioning not only as business establishments but also as partners in education. This strengthens digital literacy, generates more jobs, and empowers our young learners,” he said.
“The call of our time is not just to protect our youth, but to empower them. By opening our libraries and Internet cafés 24/7, we open doors to the future of Davao City,” Dayanghirang added.
This initiative will not only benefit business owners but also provide students with options for study, while creating more economic activity and income generation for the employees of cafes.
Dayanghirang also urged the City Council to authorize the Davao City Library to extend operating hours from until only 7 p.m. daily to 24 hours, and extend even on weekends.
“By opening the Davao City Library 24 hours a day, we give our students not just books and internet access, but also a safe and supervised space to pursue their education. Instead of loitering in unsafe areas, they can maximize their time in study and research,” Dayanghirang said.
He stressed the extension will strengthen the academic performance of our students by giving them equal opportunity to access resources and reduce the risk of youth exposure to vices and unsafe environments at night.
Councilor Ragde Ibuyan manifested to include in the study to incentivize the co-working spaces in the city, aside from cafes.
Councilor Bonz Andrei Militar lauded the initiative and said it will be properly acted upon. However, he emphasized that there is an existing ordinance aimed to provide free internet and resources to the public through the Public Internet Center.
The internet center was passed in the 20th city council, but the project is yet to start due to financial factors.
The Davao City Public Internet Center, approved in May 2025, will be a two-story facility in People’s Park offering free computer usage and high-speed internet access to the public, along with a public Wi-Fi zone.
Authored by Militar, the internet center will provide accessible digital connectivity for students, job-seekers, and other citizens, serving as a training hub for the BPO industry.
Access will be granted through a one-time annual fee of P100 for a City Library card, which serves as an annual membership.
Dayanghirang said the committee on finance, way, means, and appropriations will work on a feasibility study of the incentives for cafes and co-working spaces.
