𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨'𝐬 𝐅𝐌𝐑𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐳 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

Another farm-to-market road opens new beginnings in Brgy. Napnapan Pantukan, Davao de Oro. Recently, completed Barangay Development Program (BDP) funded projects undergo ongoing official turn-over ceremonies by the provincial government.

In total, Davao de Oro ranks second after Davao City with the most projects from BDP of the National Task Force ELCAC, with one-hundred twenty-eight (128) projects received by sixty-five barangays (65) formerly under the brink of chaos due to insurgency.

The right implementation of the BDP-funded projects in DdO sets a trajectory for sustainable development in tourism in the province. Formerly hidden and hard to reach, more eco-tourism spots were now discovered and businesses began to boom which open more jobs for the people. From coffee shops in the mountain ranges and lake-side to highland resorts and adventure parks are some of BDP’s positive impacts in Davao de Oro.

According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Davao de Oro is the best implementer for the BDP Projects, evidence of good governance through implementing government programs for the benefit of communities in far-flung communities.

Governor Tyron Uy, together with the DILG, PNP, AFP, and the office of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), personally handed the completed FMR in Brgy. Napnapan with a length of 1,580 meters, following other turn-overs of much-needed community projects such as water systems, and health centers. 

Other completed FMRs were now of service to the people of  Brgy. San Miguel Compostela, Lebanon Montevista, Brgy. Golden Valley Mabini, Brgy. Kahayag New Bataan, Brgy, Ngan Compostela, Brgy. Magangit, Sangab and Libay-libay of  Maco, Davao de Oro. (Jasteen Abella, PAO-IPRD, photos by G. Mativo)

GenSan fishers reeling from oil price increases

By Franz R. Sumangil, Manila Times

A GROUP of 300 fisherfolk in General Santos City has appealed to the government to help them through subsidies amid increases in oil prices.

Ruel Libawan, a member of the Minanga Buayan Fishermen Association, on Monday said his expenses for fuel had increased from P500 a day to P700.

"We went fishing early Monday morning on our motorized bancas but returned with only a small catch. It could not even pay for our gasoline expenses," Libawan noted.

Another member, Guillermo Libawan, said his gasoline expenses for a day were usually an average of P500 but now would amount to P1,000.

"We have no catch yet as we are afraid to go far into the sea as we might run out of gasoline. We hope the government can help us," Libawan added.

He said he has not yet heard of any government subsidy that could help them.

Dominic Salazar, president of the Soccsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. (SFFAII), called for the incoming Marcos administration to suspend the implementation of value-added tax and excise tax.

Salazar said fishing companies and other local fisherfolk have been suffering from spikes in operation costs as a result of continuing increases in oil prices.

He said the SFFAII has been meeting with the city government and other national agencies for possible remedies.

PH petroleum group backs government-run crude oil reserve

Salazar, also the president of the tuna fishing group South Cotabato Purse-Seiners Association, also said they might be able to sustain operations if the value-added and excise taxes are temporarily suspended.

During the 20th National Tuna Congress in 2018 hosted by the SFFAII, industry players passed a resolution urging the Office of the President to revisit the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Law.

In particular, they called for removal of the "excise tax on petroleum products that are directly used by the masses, otherwise, exempt such products from being subjected to excise tax, provided the same [products] are used for fishing and fishery activities."