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Metro Dumaguete Water champions community health and inclusion through Kauban Half Marathon

by Contributor
written by Contributor

DUMAGUETE CITY – More than 500 runners joined the Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) Kauban Half Marathon on March 22, marking the celebration of World Water Day 2026 with a strong call for inclusive access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for its 37,000 customers and the wider Dumaguete community.

More than a race, the Kauban Half Marathon was an advocacy-driven initiative that brought together individuals, institutions, and partners in a shared commitment to public health and sustainable development. The strong turnout reflected a growing community awareness that access to clean water and proper sanitation is a collective responsibility.

Kauban Half Marathon finisher takes a photo at the Advocates Recognition Wall , which contains the name of each runner, volunteer, and supporter of the advocacy-driven event.

Proceeds from the event will directly fund MDW’s WASH programs in Dumaguete City and neighboring areas—initiatives designed not only to improve infrastructure, but also to promote lifelong hygiene practices, especially among the youth.

Sean Adrian T. Guardiano, Partnerships Focal Person of the Department of Education Schools Division of Dumaguete City, highlighted MDW’s expanding role in shaping healthier learning environments. Among its key contributions are the “Hugas Luwas” handwashing facilities installed in public schools, alongside sustained information campaigns on proper hygiene practices.

Sean Adrian T. Guardiano, Partnerships Focal Person of the Department of Education Schools Division of Dumaguete City, highlighted MDW’s expanding role in shaping healthier learning environments.

Beyond the city, MDW continues to extend its advocacy through its “Safe Water for All” training program for barangay health workers. This initiative has already been implemented in communities such as Manjuyod and Canlaon, equipping frontline workers with essential knowledge to safeguard public health at the grassroots level.

“Metro Dumaguete Water fully believes that access to safe water is a fundamental right,” said Chief Operating Officer Engr. Robert R. Cabiles. “We are guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”

Cabiles added that the company remains committed to expanding its social responsibility efforts beyond its immediate service areas through sustained education campaigns, strategic partnerships, and community-based programs.

The event was made possible with the support of key partners, including the Dumaguete City Water District and the Department of Health – Negros Island Region, underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing water and sanitation challenges.

21K runners are greeted by the new Metro Dumaguete Water mural at the Pumping Station 1 Facility, Talay.

Following the success of the Kauban Half Marathon, MDW is set to further scale its impact, with at least six schools—or approximately 6,000 students—expected to benefit from new handwashing facilities to be constructed between 2026 and 2027.

Through initiatives like these, Metro Dumaguete Water continues to go beyond service delivery—championing health, dignity, and opportunity for every household it serves. Metro Dumaguete Water is the joint venture company of the Dumaguete City Water District and Metro Pacific Water, a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Investment Corporation. It commenced its operations of the City’s water system in February 2021.

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IGDD backs call to remove occupational permits of women in prostitution

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE INTEGRATED Gender and Development Division (IGDD) backed the lawmakers move to remove the Davao City government’s policy of requiring occupational permits for women in prostitution.

IGDD head Lorna Mandin said the move has finally reached in the Sangguniang Panglungsod after years of advocacy

“Ang among opisina mosuporta sa unsang pamaagi and we also coordinate with other offices and LGU paunsa sya ma concretize,” Mandin said during Ispeak on March 6.

Mandin said prostitution, in any way, is illegal as stipulated in the Women’s Development Code of the City.

Chapter II, Article 18 of the Code says: “Prostitution shall be recognized as a violation of human rights and exploitation of women who have no real choices for survival.”

Mandin stressed that payment of annual occupational fee from prostituted women is an irony, provided the City Code clearly prohibits such act.

While the proposed removal of occupational permits is considered, these workers still have to comply with the health card.

“Health card is a requirement, we know all workers have to get a health certificate so as not to compromise public health,” she said.

Along with the discussion on removal of occupational permits, the office also eyes to address the stigma on “pink cards.”

Workers whose nature of work is entertaining others, regardless of whether or not sexual acts are involved, are issued the pink cards from the City Health Office.

These cards are renewed annually and the holders are to undergo basic laboratory tests including stool and urine tests, and extra laboratory tests are conducted like Hepatitis B and Veneral Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) for those workers with possible involvement of sexual acts.

VDRL test is to see whether the patient has syphilis, an infection transferrable through sexual activities.

Mandin said there is a gap in the alignment of local laws which is in this case the Women Development Code and the requirement of the national law which is the revenue code and the sanitation.

“All agencies will have to sit down to align the laws,” she said.

IGDD hinted at plans to revisit and review the Women’s Development Code as it turns 30 years since its establishment in 1994.

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City officials sound alarm over rising illicit cigarette and vape trade: ‘A slap to our legacy’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

CITY OFFICIALS have raised alarm over the increasing presence of illicit cigarettes and vape products, warning that the surge threatens not only public health and government revenues but also Davao’s long-standing reputation as a national model for effective tobacco control.

The concern surfaced during a joint committee hearing on Oct. 24, initiated by a privilege speech of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado. She described the proliferation of illicit products as “a slap in the face to a city that once led the Philippines in pioneering anti-smoking reforms.”

“Davao was the pioneer of anti-smoking laws. It is part of our identity,” Zozobrado said. “To allow illicit trade to take root undermines the very legacy that made Davao a model city.”

Davao’s anti-smoking culture traces back to the early 2000s, under then-mayor and later President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, when the city adopted one of the country’s earliest and strictest smoke-free ordinances. Officials noted that Davao, having once led the nation, can once again set the standard, this time in addressing illicit trade.

The joint hearing was led by the committee on trade and industry, chaired by Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, and the committee on health, chaired by Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte, with participation from enforcement agencies and regulatory offices.

Dalodo-Ortiz called for clarity on enforcement and compliance, asking the City’s Business Bureau to confirm whether any business permits have ever been suspended or revoked for involvement in illicit tobacco or vape trade.

“We need to know what enforcement looks like on the ground,” she said. “We cannot strengthen regulation without clear data.”

Villafuerte raised concern over the rapid growth of online sellers offering illicit cigarettes and vapes in the city, noting that such sales bypass age checks, safety monitoring, and tax compliance.

“This has created a silent marketplace that is largely unregulated,” Villafuerte said.

Representing the tobacco industry, Atty. Mario T. Zinampan, Fiscal and Regulatory Affairs Director of JTI, commended the inquiry and stressed that addressing illicit trade requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

“No single sector can solve this alone,” Zinampan said.

Data from the Bureau of Customs show that from January to August 2025, authorities seized ₱34.73 billion worth of smuggled goods nationwide, including ₱2.1 billion in illicit cigarettes and vape products. Some of these shipments are believed to have passed through Mindanao ports.

Zozobrado emphasized that the hearings will guide evidence-based policy recommendations, including, if warranted, the potential enactment of a local Anti-Illicit Trade Ordinance covering cigarettes and vapor products.

“Just as Davao once led the country in smoke-free governance, we can lead again in protecting our communities from illicit trade,” she said.

Further committee hearings and consultations are scheduled in the coming weeks.

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Lawmaker calls for probe on illicit cigarettes: ‘We must defend Davao’s legacy and protect our children’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

COUNCILOR Rachel Zozobrado issued a strong warning against the rising trade of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes and e-cigarettes, saying these illegal products endanger public health, prey on the youth, and jeopardize years of hard-won gains in tobacco control.

Delivering a privilege speech before the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, Zozobrado emphasized the urgency of taking decisive action to protect Davaoeños and uphold the city’s long-standing legacy of discipline and good governance.

That legacy was built under the leadership of then-Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, whose pioneering anti-smoking ordinance became a model for the entire country. As president, Duterte also ensured that revenues from tobacco excise taxes would fund universal healthcare — turning sin taxes into lifelines for millions of Filipinos.

“When illegal trade flourishes, when counterfeit products flood our markets, and when public health is sacrificed for profit — it is not only our laws and ordinances that are violated; it is the very spirit of Davao that is betrayed,” she said.

The councilor expressed deep concern over the easy availability and affordability of counterfeit tobacco products, with reports indicating that some illicit cigarettes are sold for as low as P2.50 per stick. These are also often without tax stamps, health warnings, or any regulatory oversight. 

Studies show that those aged 19 to 24 — students and young workers — are among the top consumers of counterfeit cigarettes and vapes. Their affordability, Zozobrado warned, risks reversing years of public health gains and weakening the enforcement of Davao City’s anti-tobacco laws.

“These products are cheaper, illegal, and aggressively marketed — especially to minors and young adults, who are drawn by low prices and deceptive packaging,” she said. “They rob our government of revenues meant for hospitals and medicines, but even worse, they rob our youth of the healthy future they deserve.”

In her speech, Zozobrado urged that the matter be referred to the committee on trade and commerce and the committee on health for an inquiry in aid of legislation aimed at determining the extent and impact of illicit and counterfeit cigarette sales, formulating stronger policy and enforcement measures, and reaffirming Davao City’s position as a national leader in smoke-free governance.

“This is not just an economic issue. It is a public health emergency and a moral crisis,” she said. “We must act now — to protect our people, to defend our legacy, and to keep Davao the city the nation looks up to.”

Local law enforcement echoed Zozobrado’s concerns, affirming their ongoing efforts to combat the illicit trade.

“Part of our law enforcement operations is the crackdown on smuggled fake cigarettes,” said Maj. Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI.

“Through intelligence monitoring, citizen reports, and checkpoint operations, we are moving to stop the illicit trade,” Dela Rey said.

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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.






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BDO Foundation continues rural health mission

by Contributor
written by Contributor
BDO Foundation prioritizes access to basic healthcare 02.jpg
(First photo) Reception area of San Jose de Buenavista Primary Care Facility. A health worker greets patients with a smile. (Second photo) Turnover and inauguration of the Daanbantayan Primary Care Facility. Rehabilitating facilities to be more patient-centric and conducive to wellness

Several primary care facilities in the provinces of Antique and Cebu received renovation support from BDO Foundation through the recommendation of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. As part of its long-standing program, the foundation continues its mission to support public health workers and local government units in providing optimal patient care within an environment that is conducive to healing and wellness.

“BDO Foundation prioritizes this mission because we believe in the importance of basic healthcare and its irreplaceable function in a community,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.

The primary care facility serves as the first line of defense for communities in health and wellness. It is a space where children are vaccinated, individuals run to for routine check-ups, and a facility that provides overall basic preventive health care.

The rural health unit rehabilitation program of BDO Foundation is supported by BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. Branch officers, acting beyond their mandate, recommend nearby health centers that would benefit from the program.

“We have branch employees who grew up visiting these health centers, and they are always eager to find ways to support their own community,” he continued.

Rehabilitated facilities in Antique province

BDO Foundation recently rehabilitated four new primary care facilities (PCF). These are Belison Primary Care Facility, San Jose de Buenavista Primary Care Facility, Sibalom Primary Care Facility, and Tobias Fornier Primary Care Facility.

General renovations include improvements in the primary care facilities layout, interiors, and exteriors. In bigger facilities like Tobias Fornier PC, space for the elderly was added. A private breastfeeding area for nursing mothers was added to Belison PCF.

More Cebuanos gaining better access to primary health care

The Daanbantayan Primary Care Facility is the latest rehabilitation project of BDO Foundation in Cebu—the 7th facility in the province. The facility serves more than 33,000 individuals in seven barangays and nearby communities.

The two-story building was renovated to include a private breastfeeding area for nursing mothers, a play area for kids, and a space for the elderly.

Prior to this project, BDO Foundation also turned over the Tuburan Rural Health Unit-I. It is a health center that serves a population of more than 68,000 in 54 barangays—a testament to the foundation’s mission of bringing accessible health care to more Filipinos nationwide.

BDO Foundation aims to strengthen its support for the national health delivery system at the grassroots by continuously rehabilitating more facilities in the years to come.

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