Rep. Duterte conducts bloodletting drive to benefit people of Davao

BY IVY TEJANO

Feb 7, 2025 09:58 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – At least 500 individuals participated in the bloodletting drive launched by the Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC).

PEOPLE donate blood in a bloodletting activity initiated by Rep. Paolo Duterte in collaboration with the Barangay Health Workers and Southern Philippines Medical Center at the Davao City Recreation Center on Thursday, Feb. 6. (Ivy Tejano) 

The bloodletting activity was conducted in collaboration with barangay health workers from 54 barangays in the first district and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

Duterte’s son Rigo, who facilitated the activity and interacted with donors and barangay officials, said the campaign initiated by his father aims to aid those in need and save lives through blood donations.

“Our less-fortunate brothers and sisters will benefit from this campaign as obtaining blood can be challenging and costly, and through this activity, they no longer need to borrow and spend money for bags of blood,” Rigo said.

Rigo thanked donors, volunteers, government officials, and health workers who supported the activity.  

Joel Hagonos, 25, bus conductor and donor from Barangay 6-A, said this was his second time donating to help others and replenish his blood.

Neophyte donor Ryan Jay Veras, 20, a barangay responder in Maa, has the same reason as Hagonos. He said donating blood is safe and compared the feeling to being lightly pricked by a mosquito.

Carlita Lagonson Bontog, president of the Barangay Health Workers in Catalunan Grande, said the bloodletting drive helps barangays and hospitals satisfy blood requirement. She added that having stored blood ensures quick response in emergencies.

“I was once afraid of needles, but reality hit hard, and a family member needed blood. I realized the importance of donating blood. Since then, I have donated blood for my family and to help those in need,” Bontog said.

Janson Cajegas, blood donor recruitment officer at SPMC, said that to be eligible for blood donation, donors must meet certain requirements. He said a donor must be between 16 and 65 and individuals aged 18 below require parental consent.

“Blood donors must weigh at least 50 kilograms and be in good health, with no symptoms of colds or coughs, have sufficient rest, and no ongoing medication to ensure their safety and those who’ll obtain the blood as this is crucial in saving lives,” Cajegas said. 

He added that it is vital for blood banks to store blood to ensure that it is available for patients who require it.

“Blood has a limited lifespan of 35 days, so regular donations are necessary to maintain the supply in blood centers. Our process includes thorough screening, vital signs check, interviews, testing, and single-use equipment like needles and blood bags to ensure our donors’ safety,” he said.

Cajegas said that there is no need to fear donating blood as medical professionals are present to screen potential donors and determine if they are eligible, thus, it is essential to be honest during the screening process.

The SPMC Blood Bank successfully collected 159 bags of blood during the event. 

Rep. Duterte thanked participants and said donated  blood would significantly help those who urgently need blood transfusions and his office plans to continue the program to support the people of Davao.

Rep. Duterte celebrates Feast of Child Jesus with constituents

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 21, 2025 10:15 PM 

DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte celebrated the Feast of the Santo Niño or Child Jesus with the people of Purok 6 Pag-asa, Bankerohan, Barangay 5-A, this city, on Monday morning, Jan.  20.

REP. Duterte 

Rep. Duterte was accompanied by son, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II of the Rigo Atong Amigo, the Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat (PPP) party-list, Ragde Niño Ibuyan, chief of staff of Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr., and staff of Councilor Temujin Ocampo.

People welcomed Rep. Duterte and his son who interacted with the people.

Residents thanked them for the visit and Rep. Duterte expressed gratitude to the people for their support, love, and trust in him and his family.

“Our sincere gratitude to Congressman Pulong for visiting Capt. Edgar Ibuyan’s humble home and for attending the celebration of the feast of Senor Santo Niño,” Barangay 5-A Councilor Mayette Ibuyan Abayon said.

Rep. Duterte raffled various items and distributed shirts and snacks such as stir-fried noodles and ice cream. 

The lawmaker, through Rigo, has been celebrating the Feast of Santo Niño with the 54 barangays in the first district since Jan. 14. Other zones with the same patron will have yet to celebrate the occasion.

320,000 INC members troop to Davao City rally

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 13, 2025 04:37 PM 

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office reported that 320,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo from Mindanao participated in the National Rally for Peace on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13, at the San Pedro Square here.

MORE than 300,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo from Mindanao participate at the National Rally for Peace on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13, at San Pedro Square in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)

Police Capt. Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the DCPO, said that about 320,000 INC members, including other sectors, joined the rally as of 12 noon.  

She added that the rally was expected to draw a huge number of participants.

Minister Eraño “Bong” Estudillo, regional legal officer of the INC, said the rally aimed to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 's position opposing the impeachment move against Vice President Sara Duterte.

INC members from Davao region, Socsksargen region, and Bukidnon said they participated in the rally to advocate for peace and unity in the nation.

According to the religious group, criticizing each other, especially individuals in government positions, would only deepen division within the country. They emphasized that the rally is about peace and unity. 

Walk for Peace

Duterte supporters organized a Walk for Peace simultaneous with the National Rally for Peace to show their support to Duterte.

Duterte supporters, who walked from Roxas Freedom Park to Rizal Park in San Pedro Square here, said the activity aims to protect Duterte from the impeachment complaint being pushed against her. 

Three impeachment complaints have been lodged against Duterte at the House of Representatives, accusing her of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other serious offenses related to the alleged misappropriation of confidential funds during her tenure as Vice President and Education Secretary.

Generally peaceful

"The rally was generally peacefully since the start of their gathering," Tuazon said. She added that they are closely monitoring their areas of responsibility aside from the main event here to ensure peace and order.

DCPO acting director Police Col. Hansel Marantan said the more than 1,000 police officers were deployed in strategic areas to maintain peace and order in the rally. He reminded the public to act responsibly.

Police Regional Office-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said they have deployed additional personnel to strengthen security here and the region and ensure zero untoward incidents.

In line with the rally, the Davao City Council approved an ordinance last Tuesday authorizing the temporary closure of San Pedro, C.M. Recto, C. Bangoy, Iñigo, Pelayo, Bolton, and Rizal Streets from Jan. 11 to 13. 

Classes suspended in Davao City on Jan. 13 due to Iglesia rally

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 9, 2025 10:10 PM 

The city government announced on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, that face-to-face classes on levels in Davao City are suspended on Jan. 13 due to the National Rally for Peace by the Iglesia ni Cristo.

The city government issued Proclamation No. 1, Series of 2025, suspending classes and mandating a skeletal workforce in all national and local offices, including government-owned and -controlled corporations.

The suspension aims to maintain public order, safety, and convenience for the people of Davao City as 10 significant streets in the Central Business District will be temporarily closed during the rally at Rizal Park.

The Davao City Council passed Resolution No. 04022-25 on Jan. 7 requesting city Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to issue a skeletal workforce arrangement for city government employees to help ease traffic.

Minister Eraño “Bong” Estudillo, regional legal officer of the INC, confirmed during the 20th City Council regular session on Tuesday that around 500,000 INC members from Regions 11, 12, and Bukidnon will attend the rally.

However, the city government requested INC to reduce the number to 300,000 to enable the city to accommodate participants.

“Due to the large number of participants in the upcoming rally, it is essential to ensure residents' and visitors' safety and well-being. It is also duty-bound to safeguard the public and undertake measures to avert any untoward incidents or disasters during the event,” the city government said. 

Public Safety and Security Office head Angel Sumagaysay said class and work suspension will help manage traffic and ensure the convenience of the people, especially those working or studying within the event areas.

"The INC said that the event will push through, whether rain or shine. We expect over 300,000 participants on Monday to enter the city and converge within the downtown area, resulting in traffic and congestion,” Sumagaysay said.

Sumagaysay added that class and work suspension would also avoid inconvenience among students and employees and allow the assigned security for the rally to focus on the safety of the people directly participating.

The city government encouraged private offices and establishments in the areas affected by the peace rally to suspend their work or adopt a work-from-home arrangement for the convenience of their employees.

Davao City logs 0 fireworks-related incidents during holiday season

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 3, 2025 09:30 PM 

DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao Fire District reported on Thursday, Jan.  2, zero fireworks-related incidents here during the holiday season.

FIRE Senior Insp.  Richard Quiboquibo speaks during a live broadcast of the Davao City Disaster Radio. (FB)

But Fire Senior Insp.  Richard Quiboquibo, chief of the BFP Fire Safety Enforcement Branch, said they recorded a fire incident on Dec. 27 that razed two houses and damaged two others and displaced families.

The BFP said electrical issues remain to be a leading cause of fires in communities while smoking-related incidents also contributed to fires here.

Quiboquibo advised the people to disconnect electrical appliances, ensure cooking gas tanks are turned off after cooking before leaving home, and exercise awareness when smoking.

Acting Davao City Police Office chief Police Col. Hansel Marantan said that Christmas and New Year here were generally peaceful.

Marantan said over 26,000 police personnel ensured the safety of events and gatherings during the month-long Pasko Fiesta celebration. 

He thanked DCPO personnel and the City Security and Safety Clusters for zero firecracker-related accidents.

“The combined efforts strengthened law enforcement measures and ensured seamless public safety operations across the city,” Marantan said.

Marantan said the city and law enforcement agencies are working hand-in-hand in implementing comprehensive anti-criminality strategies and public safety initiatives.

Early Christmas for orphaned children in Davao City

BY IVY TEJANO

Nov 10, 2024 09:54 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – About 50 children of the Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation will have a merry Christmas under the Dusit Thani Residence Davao and DusitD2 Davao’s “Stars of Hope” initiative.

DUSIT D2 and Dusit Thani Davao Residence owner, Tomas Lorenzo, hotel officials and staff, representatives of the  Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation, city government of Davao, and the Department of Tourism, formally light the Christmas tree of Dusit Thani Davao Residence on Friday, Nov. 8, in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)

Dusit Thani Davao introduced Field of Dreams during its Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on Friday evening, Nov. 8, that launched a month of planned activities and underscoring its partnership with the Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation. 

Dusit Thani Residence Davao owner and Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. chief executive officer Tomas P. Lorenzo said it is a tradition to partner with local charity organizations during the Christmas tree-lighting every year to give back to the community.

Lorenzo said this was the first time he attended a tree-lighting here and he is honored to participate in the beautiful celebration. He added that their Christmas tree reflects not just the Philippines but Davao and Mindanao.

“This year, we are introducing the Stars of Hope as our charity program in partnership with two organizations. For Dusit Thani Davao, we have Field of Dreams, and for Dusit Thani Plantation, we have Mabini Federation of Senior Citizens Association,” Lorenzo said.

Jerry Evangelista of the Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation thanked the Lorenzo family and Dusit Thani Davao officials and staff for their commitment to uplifting the lives of the children, emphasizing that their support extends well beyond the holiday season.

"Your commitment to our vision will ensure our children receive hope and fairness beyond the holiday season. Your commitment to positively impacting others’ lives is truly inspiring. Thank you for believing in our cause and making a meaningful difference," Evangelista said.

The Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates in Davao City and Davao Region. 

The foundation caters to homeless, dependent, neglected, abandoned, and orphaned boys aged three to 18-years-old.

The city government, through Committee on Tourism and Beautification chairman Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, was present during the event. He delivered the message of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who thanked the establishment for fostering a sense of community. 

“The Christmas tree-lighting is more than a celebration. It inspires people to reflect on hope, faith, and love, encouraging everyone to bring light to others’ lives.”

Tanya Rabat-Tan, director of the Department of Tourism-11, said in a message read by her assistant, Judy Colaljo, that the department shares joyful celebration with the establishment, emphasizing the success and remarkable progress of Davao’s tourism sector. 

“As we move forward to exciting journeys, let us take inspiration from our past, continue to nurture our present, and show optimism for our future. We hope that we will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the growth and prosperity of our tourism industry,” Tan said.

Tan said 2024 has been promising because of the many milestones they have achieved in the industry. She added that the success and progress in the tourism sector have reflected the resilience, strong cooperation, and unyielding support among its key players and stakeholders.

Davao City records 1.2 M tourist arrivals in 2023

BY IVY TEJANO

Aug 7, 2024 10:18 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The city government reported an increase in tourist arrivals here last year with 1,296,928 compared to the 897,406 in 2022.

DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian Duterte poses for a photo prior to his city address. (Photo via Ivy Tejano) 

Mayor Sebastian Duterte said in his State-of-the-City Address on Tuesday afternoon, August 6, that tourism here has steadily recovered since the pandemic.

Duterte said the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) supports the local tourism sector and tourism-related establishments.

As of 2023, the CTOO noted that 2,410 tourism establishments and service providers secured their certifications and licenses, a 7.81 percent increase from 1,985 in 2022.

The city also hosted 4,105 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events from June 2023 to May 2024, compared to the 2,156 the previous year.

Duterte cited the Duaw Davao Festival two months ago and the hosting of this year’s Ironman 70.3 competition. 

The local Chief Executive lauded the people here for being disciplined. He said that Davao City is a good city because of the good character of its people.

He said the D.C.plinado campaign launched in March contributed to fostering a culture of discipline among citizens.

Duterte noted that the campaign, which was passed and implemented by a city ordinance, was also integrated into the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao curriculum.

“The success of legislation in the city, such as the smoking ban, liquor ban, and speed limit ordinance, is a testament to the discipline of Davaoeños,” Duterte said.

Duterte urged the people of Davao to continue exercising vigilance and report suspicious activities and concerns to proper government agencies.

Among the highlights of the SOCA were digitalization, peace and order, poverty alleviation, sustainable environment, agriculture and agri-business, infrastructure development, and education. 

Duterte cited the crucial role of the people of Davao City in managing solid waste, preserving trees, and protecting animals. He said the city does not support mining activities.

Rep. Paolo Duterte here backed and congratulated his brother, Mayor Duterte, and the people of Davao City for a job well done.

Rep. Duterte accompanied Mayor Duterte from the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall to Rizal Park on San Pedro St. where he delivered his SOCA.

The lawmaker’s son, Omar Vincent Duterte, the chairman of Barangay Buhangin District here, also congratulated the local chief executive and vowed to support the city government.

“I am impressed with our city mayor because, despite the pressure that the city is going through and how busy he is, he consistently prioritized the needs of the people in this city,” Omar said.

Also in attendance during the SOCA were Rep. Duterte’s wife, January, the Barangay Catalunan Grande chieftain, the 11 tribal leaders here, and city council members. 

8,000 LGBTs join Duaw Dabaw Festival Pride Parade

BY IVY TEJANO

Jun 24, 2024 10:41 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – Almost 8,000 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community here marched during the Pride Parade of the first-ever Duaw Dabaw Festival from Roxas Ave. to Rizal Park at San Pedro Square here on Sunday, June 23.

Harold Quibete, Pride Parade organizer, said that the event featured 111 LGBTQIA+ groups, seven bands, and seven floats and witnessed by 15,000 to 20,000 people. 

Quibete thanked the participants, the people, the city government, for supporting the event.

He thanked the city councilors and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for gracing the event.

“We are happy that they were present, and it is a nice way of showing that the government is opening its doors, that the LGBTQIA+ community is accepted and valued here in Davao City," Quibete said.

Duterte said that Pride Month serves as a reminder of the power of love against hatred, discrimination, and the lack of respect for the LGBT community, which historically has been subjected to ridicule, oppression, and unequal life opportunities. 

Quibete said the overall security during the pride event was generally peaceful.

He added that people enjoyed the performance of the drag performers in the Hugyaw Davao: Night of Fun and Colors at Rizal Park.