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City govt, Aboitiz sign MOA to provide training on basic electrician skills

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE CITY government will sign a memorandum of agreement with Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and Davao Light and Power Company to provide electrician skills training under Project  Barangay Electrician Skills Training (BEST).

The 21st City Council approved an ordinance on Tuesday authorizing the city mayor to sign the agreement with Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and Davao Light and Power Company on the said project.

Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department head, said the project is a community-based training program to equip beneficiaries on basic electrician skills.

Davao Light has partnered with the city government through Peace 911 to identify the beneficiaries for the project.

The training will prioritize former rebels or their family members upon the recommendation of the barangays.

“During our consultative meeting, we found that one of the needs of the FRs is skills training, so being in the power industry, the electrician skills training is what we can offer,” Edillon said in an interview during the 21st City Council regular session on Tuesday.

Aside from FRs, the farm workers are also considered beneficiaries to augment their livelihood during the off-cropping season.

“One of the objectives of the project is to ensure there are barangay-based skilled electricians in far-flung communities so that there are home-grown skilled workers the community can tap,” Edillon said.

The project is in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority XI, which will provide the training and assessment afterwards. 

Following the assessment, the beneficiaries will be able to secure a National Certificate II and be ready for employment. 

“If they secure the NC II they are ready for employment or do freelancing to augment their livelihood,” he said.

The Aboitiz Foundation earmarked P1.5 million for the project to train 60 beneficiaries for three batches. Project BEST already produced 168 TESDA-certified electricians when it launched in 2012, but stopped during the pandemic. 

Photo courtesy of Aboitiz Foundation on e.Lab project

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SP okays P1,500 financial aid for PWDs 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE 21ST City Council approved on final reading the ordinance providing annual financial assistance of P1,500 to all qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, chairperson of the civil, political, and human rights committee, said on Friday that the ordinance is a long time coming as it was proposed in the 20th City Council.

“The subsidy is the same with senior citizens, which is P1,500 annually,” Villafuerte clarified to the reporters in a sideline interview during the regular session.

The first rollout of the PWD subsidy will have the same amount as the seniors’ subsidy, but it might increase once the seniors’ subsidy also increases. He cited that the subsidy for senior citizens will be adjusted from P1,500 to P2,000 next year.

“I’m hoping by the time this will be implemented, which is in 2027, i-equal sa mga senior basin P2,000 na ang mahatag kung makaya sa budget,” he said.

He added that this is still subject to the availability of funds.

The councilor emphasized that qualifications do not require the beneficiary to have an apparent or non-apparent disability. Presently, there are about 37,000 registered PWDs in the city, which is subject to change as the office is expecting an influx of registrants.


One of the requirements will include a Certificate of residency of at least three years, aside from the PWD ID issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office. 

For the mentally disabled, family members or guardians can represent those with a learning disability or who are bedridden. The program will roll out in 2027, as it was not included in the list for the annual budget for 2026, which had a deadline on September 10.

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Councilor proposes law to regulate parking fee for private establishments

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

COUNCILOR Danilo Dayanghirang pushed to create legislation to regulate parking fees of private establishments to balance the rights of businesses with the welfare of consumers.

Dayanghirang told reporters on Tuesday that the move stemmed from complaints of patrons of a shopping mall that imposed parking fees. 

“Customer man sila dapat wala nay bayad. That is a long-term philosophy that malls are free provided they [buyers] will present receipts,” the councilor said.

Gmall of Davao posted their new parking rates last Aug. 22, which became effective on Sept. 1.

Dayanghirang stressed that the parking fees are an “unnecessary burden” on loyal patrons, considering GMall is strategically located at the heart of the city.

“Charging parking fees even for loyal customers with purchases is unfair and anti-consumer,” the councilor said.

He cited in his privileged speech the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code (Ordinance No. 0334-12, Series of 2012), which governs pay-parking zones only on city streets, as well as the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), which mandates the protection of consumers against unfair trade practices. 

The councilor also cited under the city’s Parking Ordinance (No. 052-13, Series of 2013), parking charges are limited to designated public roads, not private mall lots.

“We must protect the welfare of our people. If this is allowed to continue, other malls may follow suit, and the public will suffer from additional expenses that could have been avoided,” he added.

Effective Sept. 1, for weekdays 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., a P20 will be charged for regular vehicles for the first three hours and P10 for every succeeding hour. The flat rate for the motorcycle is P20.

For weekends and holidays, the flat rate for regular vehicles and motorcycles is P20.

Meanwhile, the fee is P300 for overnight parking for regular vehicles and motorcycles, from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. A P200 penalty will be charged for the lost and damaged cards.

Dayanghirang urged the City Attorney’s Office and City Transport and Traffic Management Office to clarify that private establishments must not use municipal parking ordinances to justify additional charges on in-mall customers. 

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General refurbishing of Bankerohan Public Market pushed

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

A LAWMAKER proposed a measure to renovate Bankerohan Public Market to attract more customers and increase income.

Councilor Ragde Niño Ibuyan, chairperson of the committee of government enterprises and privatization of the 21st City Council, said the public market is the convergence of the business area of Davao, hence the need for refurbishing.

“Mas gwapo kung tagaan nato na ug general improvement kay dinha nagakompra halos tanan. Ug isa ni sa pinaka-dako na public market sa Mindanao,” Ibuyan said in an interview with city-run Disaster Radio.

The councilor shared plans to establish a Pasalubong Center on the second floor of the public market.

“Pwede ta mag-introduce didto ug mga unique products ug Pasalubong Centers nga di pud sya basta-basta makita anywhere,” he stressed.

Bankerohan Public Market has generated P60.7 million in revenue in 2024, he said.

In 2024, Mayor Sebastian Duterte ordered the demolition of stalls outside the market premises to make way for the vendors inside.

Some vendors were relocated to the second floor of the market, but eventually went back to display on the streets, reporting reduced sales as marketgoers prefer to buy outside rather than walk a flight of stairs.

TIMES checked the second-floor market building on July 5, 2024, and only five vendors were present, and the rest of the slots remained unoccupied. 

Some vendors lamented the poor hygiene of the area due to droppings of birds that frequent the ceiling. 

Ibuyan said the general refurbishing of the market will require additional funding, and it to be coordinated with the City Economic Enterprise.

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SB No. 1

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • P960-M augmentation budget includes bonus for JOs, contractuals

THE 21ST City Council approved the ₱960 million Supplemental Budget No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025 during a special session on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The budget amounting to P960,863,872.27 was sourced from a surplus in 2024 operations amounting to P477,747,942.05, a reversion of current year appropriations amounting to P480,042,280.22, and reversions from prior years (P3,073,650.00) amounting to P483,115,930.22.

According to Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the committee on finance, ways and means, and appropriations, the City Mayor’s Office received the highest allocation, amounting to ₱708,669,295.03, equivalent to 73.75% of the total.

Dayanghirang said P153.23 million will fund the gratuity pay for personnel hired under Job Order (JO) and Contractual Services.

The one-time gratuity pay for JOs and contractuals is pursuant to the Administrative Order No. 28, Series of 2024, and Local Budget Circular No. 2024-8, dated December 20, 2024.

“This will boost their morale and financial support, emphasizing that in government we really need to work hard,” Dayanghirang said.

He shared that Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte sent them a memo to consider the approval as urgent.

Additionally,₱454,438,928 was reappropriated for the Peace and Order and Public Safety Program due to changes in the city’s priorities.

Other appropriations included were coming from various units under the City Mayor’s Office, including Museo Dabawenyo, the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents, the Integrated Gender and Development Program, the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts, the City Information Office, and the Sports and Tourism Promotion Program, and augmentations to the current year’s Public Service Enhancement Program and Educational Assistance Program.

Dayanghirang emphasized the educational assistance was allocated a large amount as emphasized by the mayor in his inaugural speech to strengthen support to city scholars.

The educational assistance will include the scholarship on tertiary education program which received P6,125,000; financial assistance for lumads and technical and vocational schools with P1.5 million each; and educational assistance for differently-abled for P1 million.

The second highest allocation went to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office with a budget of ₱132,428,118.16 to augment the Street Orderliness Workers Program as well as garbage collection (hauling services) program.

The remaining amount was distributed among other offices, such as the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the HRMO.

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Business

Lawmaker eyes to institutionalize Business Startup and Entrepreneurship Assistance Program

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

A LAWMAKER pushed to create an ordinance institutionalizing the Business Startup and Entrepreneurship Assistance Program of Davao City to equip startups venturing into business. 

Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus, in his privilege speech, said the program aims to help new talents flourish and to position Davao City to be a hub of innovation.

“This would encourage the graduates who would like to venture into entrepreneurship, not only to make it easy for them, even to spoonfeed them so that they will be mentored properly and they will have access to resources,” Mahipus said.

The proposed ordinance mandates the establishment of the Davao City Entrepreneurship Assistance Center, seen as a one-stop shop for startups.

The Center, he said, will serve as a facilitator for business registration, permits, and licensing and a hub for mentoring, training, and market linkage programs.

It will provide the start-ups access to credit facilities, grants, and government incentives, and will serve as a support system that integrates academic institutions, private sector partners, and local government resources.

Before the creation of the ordinance, Mahipus urged the need to review and revisit any existing city-approved programs related to startups, entrepreneurship, and innovation. 

“By doing so, we can harmonize and strengthen what has already been initiated, ensuring that our efforts are aligned and truly responsive to the evolving needs of our people,” he said.

He cited the already existing Magnegosyo ta Day Ordinance, which was proposed by Councilor Pamela Librado and approved in the 19th City Council, and the Davao City Innovations and Inventions Council.

During the deliberation, Councilor Nonong Cabling also suggested looking into the existing initiatives of the national government to synergize with the local measure.

Councilor Petite Principe, the current committee chair on science, technology and education, urged the committee to be involved in the legislation process, recognizing the existing Davao City Innovations and Inventions Council.

“It is very timely because every September, we celebrate the Start-up Month. It is timely that the August Body will discuss such measures in order to institutionalize innovations and inventions in the city,” Principe said.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang lauded the motion and sees it being a landmark ordinance and urged the fast-tracking of the creation so as to be included in the Annual budget next year.

“This young generation can organize them into a young entrepreneurial group, then we can proceed into mobilizing government resources, and especially the start-up capital, other than the livelihood program we are doing,” he said.

The subject matter was referred jointly to the oversight committee, the committee on information and communication technology, committee on trade, commerce and industry, the committee on finance, ways and means, committee on science, technology and education, and the committee on labor.

Photo by Burst on Unsplash

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Telcos, Davao Light summoned to explain delay of Ma-a Flyover Project

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

LAWMAKERS on Tuesday agreed to invite the Davao Light and Power Company and telecommunications companies to the 7th regular session next Tuesday, Aug. 19, to explain the delay of pole relocations in the Ma-a Flyover Project.

Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus moved to pass a resolution inviting resource persons from the utility providers to answer concerns on the relocation of poles affected by road widening.

“Though I intend to pass a resolution to urge Davao Light to remove poles, may I request their presence on the next session day so that we can hear from them the pros and cons of moving ahead with the transfer at the soonest possible time and perhaps get a commitment from them to immediately relocate it,” Mahipus said.

The motion was formalized during the deliberation of the city council on the project components and delays with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI on the City Council’s 6th regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

DPWH XI spokesperson Dean Ortiz said that road-right-of-way issues and the relocation of the utility poles are contributing factors to the delay. Ortiz said 29 out of 41 properties are already settled, while the remaining 12 are in the settlement stage.

Of the 29, two properties were acquired in 2023, 16 in 2024, and 11 in 2025. Of the 12 remaining, four properties are being prioritized, including two major real estate companies, one gas station, and one private individual. 

Atty. Alpha Faith Macailing of the DPWH reported that one landowner has already agreed to meet to provide the loan computation for processing. The acquisition of the property is already fully funded by the DPWH, she added.

“Yun ang pinaka-urgent na dapat nating i-acquire para maka-proceed yung approach ng flyover,” Macailing said.

In terms of the utility poles relocation, Macailing said the DLPC has communicated with the utility providers. For instance, she added that the DLPC has committed to completing the relocation in four months.

Mahipus moved to pass a resolution urging the DLPC to relocate the poles earlier than the committed period to give way for DPWH to expand the road. 

Asked about the timeline of the flyover completion, assuming the DLPC will move the poles, Ortiz said, under favorable conditions, the flyover will be passable by December this year, and remaining RROW and obstructions are cleared, the project will be fully completed by March 2026.

“We have already acquired these properties in Monteritz; all the DLPC and Telcos need to do is to relocate the poles outside our construction limits so we can start the concreting,” Ortiz said.

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City Council passes resolution strongly condemning Vice Ganda’s remarks

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE 21ST City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution expressing strong condemnation of the statement of Jose Mari Viceral aka Vice Ganda.

The resolution, passed during the 6th regular session’s privilege hour, was entitled “A resolution condemning the statement of comedian Jose Mari Viceral, also known as ‘Vice Ganda,’ for mocking former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, thereby disrespecting the former president.” 

Authored by councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, the resolution stressed that Vice Ganda made “satirical and derogatory” remarks on former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Former President Duterte is not merely a national leader – he is a son of Davao. For decades, he devoted his life to public service, transforming our city into a model of peace, discipline, and progress, and later serving as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Dayanghirang said in his speech.

“Such a disrespectful portrayal is not only an affront to him as a person, but an insult to the Davaoeños who hold him in the highest esteem,” he added.

Dayanghirang, in his speech, recalled that Duterte treated the comedian well in one of his interviews when Duterte was still running for president in 2016. 

“The president was very respectful to him (Vice Ganda), so I was very surprised,” he said, referring to the performance of the comedian.

To note, an article from ABS-CBN in 2016 reported the noon time show host led the live audience of “It’s Showtime” to sing the nursery song “Tatlong Bibe,” saying “Kaya kapag sinabi ni Duterte na kwak-kwak, kwak-kwak tayong lahat, follow the leader.”

At a concert in Smart Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 8 and 9, 2025, the Showtime host mocked former President Rodrigo Duterte through a skit about the “jetski,”  the previous campaign promise of the mayor-elect about riding a jetski to the West Philippine Sea.

A play on the TikTok trend about an advertisement, Vice Ganda said: “Nothing beats a Jetski holiday, ride now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea via Jetski. Get unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to the Hague by the ICC. Promo applies to DDS only. Pinklawans and BBMs are prohibited.” He also mimicked Duterte by saying: “Huwag ‘nyo kong subukan mga p*tang ina nyo.”

The resolution stressed that Vice Ganda insulted not only Duterte, but also the Davaoeños.

“While freedom of expression is a protected constitutional right, such right must be exercised with responsibility, avoiding statements or acts that demean individuals, promote disrespect, or encourage divisiveness,” it reads.

The proponent moved for a unanimous vote from all the members of the city council present, which the body agreed to.

Contrary to Dayanghirang’s initial statements that he planned to pass a resolution declaring Vice Ganda as persona non grata, he told reporters that the resolution strongly condemning the remarks was the consensus of the members of the city council.

“Even without the council, people are already reacting to it. If you look at the meat of the resolution, the guy (Duterte) is already in pain, he’s already 80 years old, and we are here to maintain unity,” the councilor told the media after the session.

Asked about his position on the netizens’ comments hitting Duterte’s “rape jokes” and blasphemy, Dayanghirang said it is the leadership style of the former president, “so leave it as it is.” 

“It’s not a question of balat-sibuyas, it’s a question of the right thing to do. Are you happy to mock an 80-year-old? Are you happy to castigate and disrespect the person who is a former president?” Dayanghirang stressed.

Asked on the call of the Davaoeños to boycott Vice Ganda’s endorsements, he said, “It is a personal preference.”

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More pressing issues 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • Rigo on Vice Ganda: Lawmakers will not be distracted by cheap insults

ACTING Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Il debunked the circulating social media post about an alleged resolution declaring Jose Marie Viceral aka Vice Ganda persona non grata, saying that lawmakers are busy with more important matters than catering to “attention-seeking antics from performers desperate for relevance.”

“Contrary to what this viral document suggests, the Council’s time and energy are devoted to crafting policies and programs that improve the lives of Dabawenyos—enhancing infrastructure, ensuring public safety, creating livelihood opportunities, and strengthening social services,” Duterte said.

The acting vice mayor added the city will not be distracted by “cheap insults and distasteful jokes made for clout.”

“Public figures like Vice Ganda, who use their platform to mock rather than uplift, reveal more about their own character than about the people they ridicule,” Rigo stressed.

He suggested that if Vice Ganda wishes to be remembered for more than empty laughs and headline-grabbing jabs, the latter should show some discipline and respect to Davao’s leaders and citizens.

“The dignity and pride of Dabawenyos are not for sale and certainly not for comedy fodder,” Rigo said.

“Until then, Davao City will continue moving forward— with or without the approval of those who mistake insult for entertainment,” he added.

At a concert in the Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 8 and 9, 2025, the Showtime host mocked former President Rodrigo Duterte through a skit about the “jetski,” a previous campaign promise of the mayor-elect to ride a jetski to the West Philippine Sea.

A play on the TikTok trend about an advertisement, Vice Ganda said: “Nothing beats a Jetski holiday, ride now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea via Jetski. Get unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to the Hague by the ICC. Promo applies to DDS only. Pinklawans and BBMs are prohibited.”

Vice Ganda also mimicked Duterte by saying: “Huwag ‘nyo kong subukan mga p*tang ina nyo.”

The bogus resolution that went viral on Monday also called for a boycott of Vice Ganda’s endorsements, including McDonald’s, CDO Young Fork Tocino, Belo Essentials, and Game Zone.

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Summoned 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • City Council invites DPWH XI officials to explain flyover project

By Nova Mae Francas

LAWMAKERS formally invited the Department of Public Works and Highways XI to send resource persons to provide context on the controversies surrounding the Ma-a Flyover Project delay.

During the regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 6, Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, committee chair on public works and highways, passed a resolution inviting the DPWH project contractors and other concerned agencies to attend the next scheduled regular session on Aug. 12.

In her privilege speech, the councilor requested the City Council to convene as a whole and “formally inquire” into the status of the project. She stressed the move is not to point fingers at anyone but to enhance inter-agency coordination.

“The people of Davao deserve clear roads and clear answers, and we must show them that their government is listening,” she added.

The formal motion sought to inquire into the status of the project, following a viral social media post alleging that the project was being deliberately delayed.

“While the truth of these claims is still in question, the sign itself is a clear reflection of the public’s growing fatigue and distrust. People are tired of the gridlock, tired of the silence, and tired of waiting for a project that seems to have no end in sight,” she said.

She added that the unfinished flyover led to heavy traffic and caused delays to commuters and motorists on their way to work and school.

“This project, which was meant to be a solution, has now become a source of daily stress and frustration for our community. The people’s frustration reached a boiling point this weekend,” Bonguyan said, referring to the sign at the construction site, blaming the delay on “the Marcos and Romualdez administration.”

The DPWH was quick to release a statement and clarified that the project is fully funded and is 82.5% complete. The agency also cited road right-of-way issues and the relocation of utility poles as the remaining issues.

Bonguyan acknowledged DPWH’s prompt denial of the allegations, but she emphasized that the issue goes beyond construction timelines, calling it a “public grievance” that demands transparency and accountability.

“We thank the DPWH for this clarification, as it highlights the critical need for clear communication on public projects. When information is scarce, misinformation and frustration are quick to fill the void,” Bonguyan said.

To note in 2024, the 20th city council also called out the DPWH for numerous delayed road repair projects, resulting in traffic congestion and heavy flooding during heavy rains.

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