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China

How Pax Silica could multiply PH’s economic risks

by Contributor May 23, 2026

written by Contributor

THE PHILIPPINES is no longer struggling with just huge corruption scandals and economic pressures. Pax Silica could turn it into a frontline state – like Taiwan.

With the U.S.-led Pax Silica framework, the Philippines is becoming a dual-use platform where military strategy and supply-chain restructuring are converging.

Over the past year, the Philippines has moved decisively into the front line of US–China friction, thanks to expanded access under the bilateral Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), large-scale military exercises near Taiwan-adjacent waters, and growing interoperability with U.S. forces.

The Philippines is transitioning toward a logistics hub in a possible regional contingency. What is new is that this military alignment is now paired with an economic architecture: Pax Silica.

Pax Silica, a risk multiplier

In April 2026, the Philippines joined the U.S.-led coalition designed to secure supply chains in semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and critical minerals. The centerpiece is the planned 4,000-acre “Economic Security Zone” in the Luzon Economic Corridor, intended as a hub for allied manufacturing and resource processing.

In the Philippines, Pax Silica is sold as an opportunity; a chance to climb the value chain, attract investment, and leverage mineral endowments. The country’s large nickel and cobalt reserves, its workforce, and its strategic location make it an attractive node in this emerging network. That’s the pitch.

In isolation, this could be a development breakthrough. But Pax Silica does not operate in isolation. It is explicitly designed to decouple supply chains from China and consolidate them within a U.S.-aligned bloc.

That means participation in a geoeconomic divide that could reshape trade flows, investment patterns, and political risk for decades.

Investment and trade risks

The economic implications follow through several channels. First, investment. The Philippines will likely see targeted inflows tied to Pax Silica—particularly in minerals processing, electronics, and logistics.

But these inflows will be conditional and politically anchored. Meanwhile, broader investment will face rising risk premiums as the country is reclassified from a conventional emerging market to a geopolitical frontline state.

Investors will not ignore the fact that key infrastructure now serves both commercial and strategic purposes.

Second, trade. The Philippines’ economic structure is deeply entangled with China, which absorbs the majority of its raw nickel exports and remains a major trading partner.

Pax Silica’s goal of rerouting supply chains away from China is likely to amplify trade diversion and friction.

Corruption and militarization of infrastructure

Third, energy and supply vulnerability. In a gray-zone escalation, even limited economic leverage by an adversary could trigger inflation shocks in the import-dependent economy.

In the short term, Pax Silica increases exposure to retaliatory pressure.

In the Philippines, the Iran crisis has caused a severe crisis and national energy emergency. But it pales in comparison to the possible long-term implications of Pax Silica.

Fourth, and most critically, the Philippines enters this transition with weak state capacity, as evidenced by large-scale corruption in infrastructure projects.

This matters because Pax Silica and military alignment both depend on the same foundations: ports, logistics corridors, energy systems, and procurement processes. Since these are known to be compromised by corruption and inefficiency, the risks are magnified.

Bases, ports, and industrial zones linked to Pax Silica are no longer just economic assets. They are now potential strategic targets in an escalation scenario.

Economic backbone as a dual-use target

In light of Pax Silica, the Philippine map of expanding military targets no longer consists only of traditional bases like EDCA sites. It now includes:

Northern Luzon and Batanes corridor: proximity to Taiwan, staging ground for logistics and surveillance
Subic–Clark–Manila–Batangas axis (Luzon Economic Corridor): now the core of Pax Silica industrial development and transport infrastructure
New Clark City: likely site of the 4,000-acre economic security zone, combining industrial and logistical functions
Major ports and energy nodes integrated into allied supply chains

These are dual-use targets: both economic assets and strategic infrastructure.

Pax Silica effectively expands the definition of what counts as a “target” from purely military installations to the broader economic backbone of the country.

So, where do we go from here?

Ominous scenarios

In the Managed Alignment scenario, the country deepens its role in both military and supply-chain networks without triggering major conflict. Growth continues at a moderate pace—roughly 4.5 to 5.5%—but below potential. Pax Silica delivers selective gains, but these are offset by higher risk premiums and trade frictions.

In the Gray-Zone Escalation scenario, tensions intensify without open war. Economic coercion, supply disruptions, and political pressure become routine. Growth slows to 3–4% percent, investment stagnates, and volatility increases.

This is the path to long-term underperformance. Its main beneficiaries are military and security elites and oligarchic dynasties that own the strategic infrastructure.

The Marcos Jr government likely sees itself in a mild Managed Alignment scenario. In terms of economic realities, it may be somewhere between that scenario and the Gray-Zone Escalation scenario.

There is also a third possible scenario, Strategic Rebalancing. It seeks to reduce exposure while emphasizing ASEAN neutrality. It would offer the best economic outcomes to the Filipino people.

Launched by former president Duterte, it is currently a low-probability scenario. An election triumph by Vice President Sara Duterte would make it topical again.

Brave new Philippines?

The most immediate challenge is a status quo in which the Gray-Zone Escalation would morph into a Taiwan conflict spillover. Unfortunately, the Philippines’ new dual role—as a military hub and a Pax Silica supply-chain node—amplifies its exposure.

Economic contraction, capital flight, and infrastructure disruption would follow, as the very assets intended to drive growth become liabilities.

The Philippines is entering a new phase of moderate growth under persistent geopolitical drag, where gains from integration into allied supply chains are offset by higher risk, reduced flexibility, and ongoing governance challenges.

The real cost of the current path would be a transformation into a frontline node in a potential Taiwan conflict, where every Philippine port, factory, and corridor carries both economic promise and strategic risk.

Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally recognized strategist of the multipolar world and the founder of Difference Group. He has served at the India, China and America Institute (USA), Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see https://www.differencegroup.net.

May 23, 2026 0 comments

News

Threads of Heritage: The story of the Heitan Rugs

by Contributor May 22, 2026

written by Contributor

IN THE the heart of Hutang, in the Wujin District of Changzhou City, the community of Heitan has long been known for more than just its scenic landscapes — it is home to a craft that has defined the region’s identity for generations: rug weaving.

Long before modern machinery took over, the people of Heitan learned the art of turning simple fibers into beautiful, durable carpets.

Passed down from mother to daughter, father to child, the skill was never just a trade. It was a language. Every pattern, color combination, and weave told a story — of the land they lived on, the seasons they endured, and the traditions they cherished. These weren’t just floor coverings; they were woven memories, made to warm homes and last a lifetime.

What makes Heitan rugs truly special?

Crafted entirely by hand using time-honored techniques, each carpet from Heitan, Hutang is a masterpiece of patience and precision. Local artisans carefully select only the finest materials, ensuring every piece is soft, resilient, and capable of standing the test of time.

The designs are deeply rooted in local culture — featuring intricate motifs inspired by nature, tribal heritage, and daily life — making every rug a unique work of art you won’t find anywhere else.

For the people of Heitan, weaving is more than just work. It is a way to preserve their history and support their community. Every carpet you see carries the touch of a skilled local artisan, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive and thriving.

Today, Heitan, Hutang carpets have grown beyond local homes. They are now cherished in houses, offices, and spaces across China and beyond, admired not just for their beauty, but for the heart and heritage woven into every thread.

When you bring home a Heitan rug, you aren’t just buying a product — you are bringing home a piece of history, supporting local craftsmanship, and stepping into a legacy that has been woven with love, care, and pride.

May 22, 2026 0 comments

Opinion

The fatal costs of the PH-Taiwan war scenario

by Contributor March 13, 2026

written by Contributor

THE PHILIPPINES is preparing for a Taiwan war. That’s known. But the costs of that “inevitable war” are not. It’s time to address them.

In August 2025, President Marcos Jr. said that “a war over Taiwan will drag the Philippines, kicking and screaming, into the conflict.”

Pushing for preparation, the government has boosted US-Philippine military cooperation, military modernization, joint military exercises, and the installation of US mid-range missile systems and anti-ship missile launchers.

These measures are said to foster Philippine prosperity and security.

But how would a major military conflict in the Taiwan Straits, with the active support of Manila’s military logistics, affect the economic futures of the Philippines?

How PH becomes a “co-belligerent”

In the past decade, globalization has given way to geoeconomic fragmentation, replacing economic efficiency along geopolitical lines. Recently, this has morphed into “Cold War II,” a prolonged, systemic rivalry risking substantial, long-term global GDP losses.

While an ASEAN-centered focus would be more beneficial for its economic future, Manila has opted for a US-alignment to counter China.

A Taiwan contingency is the kind of shock in which fragmentation becomes nonlinear under conflict, as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have warned, implying that economic and human costs will soar.

With that backdrop, let’s integrate a major Taiwan conflict with Manila’s logistics support (bases, ports, airspace, supply, etc.) into a real-GDP scenario.

In this status quo, the EDCA sites – US military bases and facilities in the Philippines – are used for logistics, refueling, repair, and transit. They may have no direct combat role, but they represent de facto alignment.

Faced with the US missiles’ offensive capabilities, China defends itself and treats the Philippines as a “non-neutral,” hostile rear-area state.

By providing significant military logistical support to the belligerents, Manila becomes a de facto co-belligerent in the conflict, according to international law (Hague Conventions of 1907, V and XIII) and customary law.

Short-term Taiwan shock

So, let’s assume two Taiwan contingencies. In one case, there is a major level shock, a one-time GDP hit in the first 2-3 years. This is the scenario that geopolitical analysts favor, perhaps because its costs are lower.

In this case, a short war ensues and lasts 3–6 months. The lethal conflict is followed by a ceasefire.

Here’s what happens with major economic transmission channels. First, there will be a trade disruption as shipping insurance spikes in the South China Sea (which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea). Port risk premiums soar for Manila, Subic, Batangas, and Cebu. Semiconductor and electronics global value chains (GVCs) are disrupted. A regional growth shock ensues.

ASEAN trade volume contracts sharply.

As investors start treating the Philippines as a riskier place to keep money, wealthy Filipinos and foreign investors move part of their money abroad (to Singapore, the US, etc. (a trend that’s already nascent); or they demand higher returns to keep it in the country.

Markets charge the Philippine government more to ensure its debt against default, which increases the risk premium. Repricing raises borrowing costs, discourages long-term investment, and drains domestic capital toward safer jurisdictions, reinforcing inequality. Peso depreciation pressure will soar.

Targeted retaliation ensues, with Chinese import bans, the collapse of tourism, and the freeze of foreign investments. China rejects Philippine products and services. Tourists shun risky regions (Chinese tourism collapsed already in 2023-24). Foreign investors avoid potential military targets.

Some of these measures are already heatedly debated in Manila.

Medium-term Taiwan shock

The first scenario represents a severe but time-bounded disruption. But what if the conflict lasts longer?

In the second scenario, a prolonged blockade can last up to 3–5 years. It doesn’t necessarily mean a formal war, but sustained interdiction: a continuous, long-term, and coordinated effort to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the Philippine military supplies and logistics.

This scenario would translate to greater and longer-lasting “kinetic” damage. Now there is a permanent growth penalty due to higher risk and decoupling.

Don’t blame the messenger. This is the way war shocks are modeled in the IMF Article IV stress tests.

The semiconductor and electronics GVCs are broken. Global insurers stop covering ships, cargo, or investments linked to the Philippines, due to geopolitical risk.

Permanent rerouting ensues, as trade and logistics flows are redesigned to bypass the country altogether. This is not temporary, but built into long-term supply chains—so business simply goes elsewhere.

The Taiwan shock becomes Philippines’ structural nightmare.

Revised real GDP scenarios

A short war generates a level shock. By contrast, a long blockade virtually ensures a level shock and a permanent growth downgrade.

In the immediate shock, the first three years after conflict, trade volume will plunge by 15%, tourism by 50%, and foreign investment inflows by 60%. The investment ratio will decrease by 3-4 percentage points of GDP. In this case, the one-time real GDP loss would amount to 6–10%.

These shock assumptions are conservative, however.

In the second scenario, the long-run effects will feature a greater cost of capital and a partial exclusion of the Philippines from China-centered Asia trade. As militarization is likely to crowd out civilian investment, inequality soars and poverty spreads. The best and brightest leave, followed by recurrent streams of blue-collar OFWs.

In the case of the longer shock, the Philippine real GDP index would plunge -43% behind the baseline by 2050, lower than in many Latin American countries. The country would look like Ukraine after 2022.

In the process, the country gets stuck in the middle-income trap, which becomes structural.

The end of the dream

By 2035, the Philippines will lose roughly a quarter of its potential income per person. This is equivalent to 10–15 years of development delay.

In the second scenario, the devastation wipes out 20–40% of long-run real output potential by 2050. Instead of a lost decade, a generation is wasted.

By then, the Philippines will no longer be regarded as a potential ASEAN catch-up promise. It is seen as a textbook case of a growth story that lost its way.

March 13, 2026 0 comments

Featured

The worth-it way to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Macau

by Contributor February 11, 2026

written by Contributor

MANILA, Philippines — When you think of traveling to Hong Kong, it’s easy to see why Macau is often visited too—they’re just so close! With its endless shopping spots, iconic attractions, and mouthwatering delicacies, these places have become popular holiday destinations for many Filipinos – especially during Chinese New Year.

Trips to these cities can feel pricey, especially if you’re traveling with family. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! There are plenty of cool spots and tasty eats in both cities where you can score great value without sacrificing the experience.

With your GCash Visa Card and e-wallet, every swipe, scan, or tap helps your money go further—thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.

And if you want great value, you can get that for sure when you use the ultimate shopping hack from GCash. All you need is your GCash Visa Card and e-wallet so you can Swipe-Scan-Tap. When you do, you can stretch every peso, thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.

If you’re heading to Hong Kong and Macau for the Lunar New Year, check out these stops that are perfect for families and guaranteed to give a worth it experience.

Shop sulit and smart hauls at wholesale stores and markets

Hong Kong is admittedly a shopping haven – but if you want to shop smart, you need to know where to go. Lung Fung Mall offers beauty, skincare, and health products at friendlier prices than malls. You can find fragrances, skincare, and other beauty products at reduced prices at their many locations across Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, if you’re finally ready to buy that brand new item you’ve been saving up for, like new running shoes, a bag, or workout gear, Citygate Outlets is your best option. They carry many brands, such as Lululemon, Evisu, Marimekko, and many more.

For seasoned travellers who frequent Hong Kong, going to Mong Kok to buy clothes, snacks, and a wide variety of anik-anik is also a no-brainer. If you’ve ever heard of Sneaker Street and Ladies Market, you can find things for you and for your pasalubong back home. The best part is that you can still haggle the prices in certain stores, making shopping in the area even more budget-friendly—so get your tawad skills ready!

And when carrying multiple bags after your pasalubong spree becomes a hassle, you can tap your way to easy, convenient payments with GCash Tap to Pay. Available for all NFC-enabled Android smartphones, it lets you pay with just one tap—making it much easier to get around the often-crowded streets.

Lung Fung Mall

Lung Fung Area

Marvin and Anik Aniks

Discover hidden gems and family fun in Macau

Macau isn’t just about its famous landmarks and beautiful architecture – though it is worth going just to see them for yourself. But there are also many fun experiences that the family can enjoy, and it’s all just a convenient ferry ticket away! These boat trips take about an hour from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, and you can secure your tickets by paying with GCash Scan to Pay for a hassle-free experience. Simply generate your QR code and select Pay Abroad with GCash, and look for merchants with a QR code bearing the A+ logo to scan.

If you’re looking for local delicacies, head over to Taipa Village, where you can stock up on crowd favorites like beef jerky and almond cookies. These treats are delicious, affordable, and loved by locals!

You can also book tickets to teamLab SuperNature Macau, an incredible interactive art space with 8-meter-tall, colorful exhibitions that kids and adults will enjoy.

TeamLab Macau

Here’s a secret hack when paying with GCash abroad: some merchants also offer special promos and discounts up to PHP 1,500 off, just tap Travel and go into Travel Treats to browse what’s available.

Eat without the splurge at Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose and Cheung Hing Kee

One of the best parts of traveling to Hong Kong and Macao is the food. You can’t leave Hong Kong without trying their roast goose, and a great spot to try is Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose. Yung’s is rich and flavorful, and best of all, budget friendly.

Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose.jpgYung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose

When you hear that a restaurant has been recognized by Michelin, would you believe that you don’t have to pay a fortune for high-quality food? Because that’s what you can expect from MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns at Lock Road. Other than their pan-fried buns, their scallion noodles and wontons are a must-try—perfect bites to snack on when you want to refuel while exploring the city.

CHK (1).jpg CHK (2).JPG

Scan, Swipe, and Tap for a sulit and enjoyable trip

Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean limiting yourself. When you pay with GCash abroad, you get real-time control over your spending, low forex rates updated instantly in-app, and fast, convenient transactions throughout your trip — all while enjoying to the fullest. Remember to scan, swipe, and tap for an experience you’ll definitely say is worth it! Download the GCash app today to get started.

February 11, 2026 0 comments

Lifestyle

WANDERLUST | Davao’s Filipino-Chinese community gallops into the Year of the Horse

by Ian Ray Garcia February 2, 2026

written by Ian Ray Garcia

THE SPIRIT of vitality and renewal filled the air as the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao hosted an advanced celebration for the Lunar New Year on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Red Lantern Seafoods Restaurant.

The festive gathering, held to welcome the Year of the Horse, brought together prominent members of the Filipino-Chinese community, the Davao Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations, and representatives from the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University.

Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen opened the ceremony by reflecting on the “surreal” global landscape of 2025, noting the rapid socio-economic and environmental shifts witnessed worldwide.

Despite these challenges, she highlighted China’s unwavering stability and technological prowess. She emphasized that China continues to embrace the world with an open attitude, bolstered by a booming economy and a heightened sense of national pride.

In her address, she expressed deep gratitude to the local associations for their tireless service to the communities of Davao and the wider Mindanao region, reminding those present that their motherland remains a steadfast pillar of support.

The activity also featured a keynote address from Mr. Shi Xianyou, President of the Association of Davao Filipino-Chinese Communities, who detailed the long-standing collaboration between his organization, the Consulate General, and the Southern Fujian Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations.

He highlighted their recent humanitarian efforts, including the provision of disaster relief supplies following earthquakes in Tangshan’s Nanhu Lake and in Manay, Davao Oriental. Furthermore, he noted the association’s role in the construction of the Magbok Huizhong Friendship School in Tulunan, Cotabato, as a testament to their commitment to local development.

Mr. Shi also expressed his gratitude to the Consulate General for providing the guidance necessary to formalize the federation’s constitution and standardize its operations. He pledged continued support for future initiatives, urging the community to “unleash the boundless energy of galloping horses” and contribute to the ongoing rejuvenation of the nation. He spoke of the horse as a symbol of a bold, enterprising spirit—qualities that resonate deeply with the community’s goals for the coming year.

The event served not only as a cultural milestone but also as a reaffirmation of the strong bonds between the overseas Chinese community and their homeland. The Year of the Horse is welcomed in Davao with the hope that its inherent strength will drive further success and prosperity for all.

February 2, 2026 0 comments

Business

Durian pulp export to Malaysia to start next year: DEAP

by Nova Mae Francas December 19, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DURIAN Exporters Association of the Philippines (DEAP) announced that exporting of durian pulp to Malaysia may start next year.

During the Business Matters forum at Abreeza Ayala Mall on Thursday, DEAP president Larry Miculob said exporting durian pulp to Malaysia is a response to the discrimination of other varieties tagged “unexportable.”

“This product will be the answer to the discrimination of other varieties that couldn’t be exported,” Miculob said.

Mixed with varieties from Malaysia, he said it will be re-exported to China in line with inter-Asian trading activities.

Miculob stressed that Malaysia cannot meet the required volume of durian to China, requiring the need to search for other sources.

“They have yet to provide us specific figures, but they said if we can export 100 metric tons or more,” he said.

Asked if the country can export durian pulp directly to China, he said Malaysia has the necessary facility to keep a standard quality.

The durian pulp will be processed into durian pizza and pies, which have a great demand in China. This year, the company exported three million kilos of frozen durian to China, which is higher than the two million kilos of fresh durian.

He stressed the country’s market share in China is less than 1%, as the Chinese market is dominated by Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

In Mindanao, the exporter said there are a total of 15,000 hectares planted of durian trees with varieties being puyat, arancillo, and cob, among others.

Miculob said 2025 has not been a good year for durian production due to the sudden weather changes, which affected the fruiting flowers.

December 19, 2025 0 comments

Opinion

EDITORIAL CARTOON

by Contributor December 8, 2025

written by Contributor

BY ALEX ALAGON

December 8, 2025 0 comments

Business

Mactan-Cebu International Airport receives the Best Airport Award in Asia Pacific

by Contributor September 11, 2025

written by Contributor

Guangzhou, China – Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) officially receives the Best Airport Award in Asia-Pacific for the 5–15 Million Passengers Per Annum Category for 2024, conferred at the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI) World Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards held during the Airport Experience Summit in Guangzhou, China on September 8-11, 2025.

The recognition was accepted by Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager and CEO Julius Neri, Jr. and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) Head of Reputation and Customer Experience Ricia Montejo.

“This achievement belongs to the entire MCIA family—from our frontliners, concessionaires, airline partners, to every stakeholder who works tirelessly to deliver a safe, seamless, and world-class passenger experience,” said Neri. “It is through collaboration that we continue to elevate Cebu as a premier gateway to the Philippines.”

Beyond accepting the accolade, MCIA also contributed to the international dialogue on service excellence. Montejo joined a global workshop on enhancing passenger experience, bringing Cebu’s unique perspective to the table.

“MCIA’s success stems from our people and our culture of hospitality,” noted Montejo. “By sharing our learnings with peers from around the world, we help shape the future of customer experience in airports—not just for Cebu, but for Asia-Pacific as a whole.”

Meanwhile, Neri participated as a panelist in the summit’s session on “Enhancing Experience through CX Initiatives,” where he highlighted MCIA’s customer-first strategies, such as digital innovation, streamlined passenger processing, and service training anchored on Cebuano warmth and hospitality.

The ACI ASQ Awards is recognized as the world’s leading airport passenger satisfaction benchmarking program, celebrating airports that excel in delivering outstanding customer experiences. With this new milestone, MCIA continues its mission to be more than just a gateway—it is a destination that reflects the pride, hospitality, and progress of Cebu and the Philippines.

September 11, 2025 0 comments

Opinion

ROUGH CUTS | Road accidents rising

by Vic Sumalinog August 1, 2025

written by Vic Sumalinog

There are reports that thousands of durian fruits due for export to China have been rejected. Naturally, the durian fruits could not have come from places in the Philippines other than Mindanao, specifically Davao.

But there is also another report saying that durian fruits are expected to be pricier this Kadayawan season because of lesser harvest from farms devoted to durian trees.

Which is which really? Are there excess produce of durian that China is not anymore interested to buy possibly more because of that country’s conflict with the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea? Or, is there an oversupply of durian.

“In view of these alarming number of road mishaps, it is our take that the city’s traffic managers should revisit the existing traffic education scheme to drivers plying the roads of the city.”

But to be honest we are somewhat perplexed on the supposed China’s shunning the durian coming from the Philippines. Why, because in a neighboring barangay roughly three kilometers away from our farm house a durian processing plant owned by Chinese traders is operating twenty four hours daily.

The same plant also continues to buy durian fruits brought to its facility where these are being processed and thereafter shipped to China. In fact a wholesale buyer of durian fruits came to us bringing with him his open back multi cab,

But when he saw the durian fruit we offered to sell him he backed out. He told us the number does not reach the minimum volume required by the nearby processing plant to be purchased.

In other words the Chinese buyers now prefer the processed durian fruits than having the same processed in China.

Yes, the Chinese businessmen are so astute that they feel it more financially advantageous to them if they will be buying the processed durian fruit than buying the fruits and have these processed in China.

First the Chinese is certain they can get more money if they buy the processed products than the bare fruits. Yes, not only that they can save of the shipment cost, cost of labor in processing, also escape the hassle of disposing the wastes of the durian fruits once the meat is extracted for processing in facilities located in their country.

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So the number of road accidents in Davao City has risen to 31.3 percent during the period January to July this year compared to the figure of road accidents over the same period of last year. And the local traffic authorities attributed the rise mostly to human errors.

Really? So no amount of traffic education program conducted by the city’s traffic managers has succeeded in making drivers learn the value of carefulness and strict adherence to traffic laws in avoiding road accidents?

In view of these alarming number of road mishaps, it is our take that the city’s traffic managers should revisit the existing traffic education scheme to drivers plying the roads of the city. We now see the need to restudy the routes for public utility vehicles, private transportation and cargo trucks and other similar purpose vehicles.

And similarly, the traffic managers of the city must now look into Davao’s residential enclave configuration. Perhaps it is now time to encourage the creation of other routes to the city proper so as not to have vehicles converge in the main thoroughfares like MacArthur Highway and J.P. Laurel Avenue.

Above all, the city’s traffic enforcers must have their men stationed in regular stretches of the most used roads or highways on a regular basis. The scheme must not at any time, be done like the so-called “ningas cogon” because if there is no permanency in posting of traffic enforcers, the likelihood is that any such scheme of making the drivers always on their toes can ever make them comply with their responsibility of helping keep Davao City’s roads safe for both drivers and commuters.

But of course it is a fact that even by adopting such safety measures, still there will always be accidents to happen in the city’s roads.

But if the measures will be adopted and it can help reduce substantially the number of road accidents, – human error-caused or mechanical in nature – then it can help a lot in soaring the city’s reputation as truly a visitor’s destination.

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So, Davao City’s increased annual subsidy for senior citizens will take effect only in 2026?

Yes, in the past year, Davao City gave its senior citizens a measly P1,500.00 subsidy for the whole year. Shortly before the election last May 12, the City Council approved to double the amount making the subsidy P3,000 annually.

Unfortunately, the latest report from the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) from the Davao City Hall says that the amount will still be released in 2026. Meaning, it will be a whole year of waiting. It also effectively denies the seniors the amount they deserve for this year 2025.

Well, during the waiting period for the release of the subsidy next year there is the possibility that many of the entitled senior citizens may already have gone to the great beyond even as new senior citizens will also join the rank.

Apparently, the decision to have the hiked subsidy paid by 2026 yet may be reconsidered if some concerned members of the Sanggunian will push for the inclusion of an amount for the purpose in a possible Supplemental Budget that will be proposed in the local legislative body.

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August 1, 2025 0 comments