Mindanao Daily News Network - Davao

17/09/2026

16/09/2026

Davao Peace & Security Press Corps Royal Mandaya Hotel 9/16/26

15/09/2026

CHIZ WELCOMES SENATE’S APPROVAL OF BILL FIXING TERM OF BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday thanked his colleagues for approving on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2387, which fixes the term of office of barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to five years.

With its approval, the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) originally set for November 2026 will be moved to November 2028, and thereafter held every five years on the second Monday of November to avoid conflict with the annual observance of All Saints’ Day.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this measure that will strengthen barangay governance and give our local leaders the time they need to deliver meaningful programs,” Escudero said after the plenary vote.

The bill was passed during the chamber’s session this afternoon, with 13 affirmative votes, 5 negative vote, and zero abstention.

Among the amendments introduced during the plenary debate was the limitation of service to two consecutive five-year terms for barangay officials, instead of three, while SK officials are restricted to only one term to ensure broader youth participation and leadership turnover.

Escudero, principal author and sponsor of the measure, explained that a five‑year term provides barangay and SK officials a longer, uninterrupted period to plan, implement, and evaluate programs before the next electoral transition.

“Barangays are planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, and frontline service providers—all at a level where government interacts directly with households and families,” he said.

The veteran legislator stressed that the measure strikes a balance between continuity and democratic accountability, granting local officials ample time to complete long‑term initiatives without the constant disruption of frequent elections.

“Sa limang taong termino, mas may panahon ang ating mga opisyal na magpatupad ng mga programa at proyekto na tunay na makikinabang ang kanilang mga komunidad,” he concluded.

14/09/2026

CHIZ PUSHES FOR DIGITIZED SEA TRAVEL RECORDS TO AVOID CRISIS INFO GAPS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for the rapid, nationwide rollout of the government’s maritime digital passenger manifest system after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised the possibility that the ill-fated MV June Aster may have been carrying more passengers than its official manifest recorded.

According to Escudero, the recent sea tragedy in Coron, Palawan once again exposes critical gaps in maritime safety protocols, underscoring the urgent need to real-time passenger data during emergencies.

While the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already mandated the use of digital passenger manifests to curb overloading and strengthen sea safety, Escudero observed that implementation across regional ports remains inconsistent.

“What happened to MV June Aster shows why we must accelerate and expand the rollout,” he said.

Last March, MARINA tapped Iloilo and Guimaras as pilot areas where it implemented tap‑and‑go cards that automatically generate manifests and QR‑based registration via a mobile app developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology. These technologies provide port authorities and the PCG with accurate, real‑time data before any vessel leaves the pier, significantly strengthening emergency response capabilities.

The veteran legislator pointed out that several ASEAN neighbors have already adopted stricter digital manifest protocols, and the Philippines must “catch up” to prevent tragedies from being compounded by information gaps.

Among its regional neighbors, Escudero noted that Singapore and Malaysia require electronic submission of manifests before sailing, Indonesia uses QR‑based boarding systems, and Japan and South Korea mandate real‑time electronic manifests for all commercial passenger vessels.

He said the Philippines must adopt similar standards to ensure maritime safety keeps pace with regional best practices.

“Kung ang aviation ay may mahigpit na real‑time digital passenger manifest, dapat ganito rin ang pamantayan sa ating maritime sector. Sa panahon ng digital systems at real‑time reporting, hindi dapat nagkakaroon ng ganitong kalaking puwang sa impormasyon,” he said, adding that millions of Filipinos rely on inter‑island travel and deserve the same level of protection.

The senator likewise extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged government agencies and the ship’s owners to provide full assistance to relatives arriving in Palawan. He likewise called for support for survivors currently being treated in hospitals.

According to the latest PCG report, there were 132 people on board the MV June Aster as per the manifest. Of these, 76 have been confirmed dead, 43 survivors have been accounted for, and 13 remain missing. Two passengers listed in the manifest did not board.

The PCG urged relatives of those still missing to coordinate with the local government of Coron and the Coast Guard to help authorities establish the actual number of unaccounted passengers and crew.

Escudero said the tragedy should lead to a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime safety system, including fire suppression standards under the Philippine Ship Safety Rules and Regulations (PSSRR, 2021); crew training and certification under the Standards of Training; Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW, 1978, as adopted in RA 10635); vessel age limits under the Domestic Shipping Development Act (RA 9295); and regulatory oversight by the Philippine Coast Guard Law (RA 9993).

“It has been almost five days since the incident, and the investigation must be expedited. As we grieve, we must also act. Hindi na dapat maulit ang ganitong trahedya na puwede namang maiwasan. Tiyakin natin ang ligtas na biyahe para sa bawat pasaherong tumatawid sa ating mga karagatan,” he said.

11/09/2026

ISYU KARON: Media Forum to Tackle Press Safety, Alzheimer’s, and School Safety

DAVAO CITY — Key issues involving media safety, public health, and the protection of schoolchildren will take center stage during the “Isyu Karon” Monthly Media Forum on September 11, 2026, at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City.

The forum, scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., will bring together experts and government representatives to discuss pressing concerns affecting the community and the media sector.

One of the featured guests is Jose “Joe” A. Torres, Jr., Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), who will discuss media safety in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the continuing efforts to protect journalists and media workers.

Also featured is Dr. Paul Nichol G. Gonzales, an adult neurology and dementia expert, who will focus on September as Alzheimer’s Month, highlighting the importance of recognizing, diagnosing, and properly managing Alzheimer’s disease.

Meanwhile, Jenielito Atillo, spokesperson of the Department of Education (DepEd) Region XI, will discuss the agency’s interventions to ensure a safe environment for schoolchildren. His presentation will include recent earthquake simulations conducted in selected schools in Davao, as well as DepEd’s coordination and safety plans with local government units.

The forum provides an important venue for media practitioners to gain deeper insights into these issues and help inform the public through accurate and responsible reporting.
Through discussions on media security, health awareness, and school safety, the “Isyu Karon” forum underscores the vital role of information and collaboration in addressing concerns that directly affect communities in Davao and the wider Mindanao region.

10/09/2026

Coconut Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair 2026 Opens in Davao City

DAVAO CITY — The Coconut Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair 2026 officially opens today, September 10, at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Abreeza, bringing together coconut farmers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to showcase the potential of the Philippine coconut industry.

The opening ceremony features a cultural performance by the Madayaw Cultural Ensemble, messages of support from key government and industry representatives, and a keynote message from Blesila A. Lantayona, Undersecretary of the Regional Operations Group (ROG) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), represented by Leonila T. Baluyut, Assistant Secretary of DTI-ROG

Among those delivering messages of support are Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, represented by Maximo P. Macalipes Jr., Economic Enterprise Manager; Dr. Buted, Administrator and CEO of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), represented by Rhoeliza E. Recla, Project Development Officer IV; and Pepito P. Capangpangan, Mindanao Representative of the PCA Coconut Farmers Sector.

The ceremony will also feature the ceremonial sounding of the gong, a photo opportunity, a finale performance by Ms. Maan Chua, and a tour of the trade fair exhibits.

The event aims to provide a platform for coconut-based products and enterprises while promoting the potential of the coconut industry and creating opportunities for farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises, and other stakeholders to expand their market reach.
A press conference dubbed “Habi at Kape” is also scheduled as part of the activities, giving members of the media an opportunity to engage organizers and industry representatives on developments, opportunities, and challenges facing the coconut sector.

The Coconut Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair 2026 underscores the importance of collaboration among government agencies, coconut farmers, businesses, and other stakeholders in strengthening Mindanao’s coconut industry and promoting locally produced products to wider markets.

09/09/2026

Godel Chocolate Promotes Philippine Cacao, Supports Local Chocolate-Making Industry

DAVAO CITY — Godel Chocolate is strengthening its advocacy for Philippine-made chocolate by producing quality products from locally sourced cacao beans and sharing knowledge about the craft of chocolate making.

The brand, whose name “Godel” is a fusion of the surnames Go and Midel, began as a solutions-based company providing tools and equipment to help advance the Philippine chocolate-making industry. Since mid-2020, Godel Chocolate has expanded its work to include its own line of chocolate products.

According to the company, its cacao beans are sourced through direct trade with local farmers, with its main cacao origins in Davao and North Cotabato.

Godel Chocolate follows the traditional process of transforming cacao fruit into chocolate. Ripe cacao pods are harvested, opened and fermented before the beans are dried and roasted. The roasted beans are then refined into smooth chocolate, tempered, molded and cooled before being packaged into chocolate bars.

The company said its products adhere to the fundamentals of chocolate making, focusing on simple formulations while highlighting the natural flavors of Philippine cacao.

Beyond producing chocolate, Godel Chocolate aims to share its knowledge and experience with entrepreneurs, students and chocolate enthusiasts. The company hopes to help create a new movement of Filipino chocolate makers while encouraging greater local consumption and production.

Through its efforts, Godel Chocolate seeks to connect Filipino consumers with locally grown cacao and contribute to the continued development of the country’s emerging chocolate industry.

09/09/2026

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