Edge Davao Vol. 14 Issue 291 | Araw ng Dabaw Supplement, March 1, 2022

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VOL.14 ISSUE 291 • TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022

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Life is (still) here

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BENJAMIN LIZADA, president of the Restaurant MERCI DUDUACO, president of the Philippine Owners Association of Davao City, Inc. Marketing Association-Davao

CHRISTOPHER RYAN MABOLOC PhD, Associate GENEROSE TECSON, head of Davao City Tourism Operations Office Professor of Philosophy at Ateneo de Davao University

Life is (still) here

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Under the leadership of Mayor Sara Duterte and her team of young and dynamic think tanks a few years ago, the marketing pitch “Davao: Life Is Here” was coined. It’s an offshoot to being named as among the Most Liveable City in the Country by Asiaweek Magazine.

Thus, promoting the city to the rest of the country and the world took off from that recognition.

The slogan is urging and luring people to come to be part of the lifestyle, the vibe, the action and the life of this vibrant city. In terms of tourism, the slogan signifies what the city has to offer to tourists. For business, it is a “promise” for investors.

After more than two years of challenges and struggles brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the dark smoke of uncertainty settled down. Quarantine is history and all corners of the city are slowly undergoing a reboot from business to leisure to tourism. Whether the changes and rebooting address the gaps of the impacts of Covid-19, considering the number of hotels, restaurants, and establishments that were forced to close down leaving some Dabawenyos unemployed, is life still here in Davao City?

Edge Davao interviewed some Dabawenyos with businesses affected by the pandemic. Surprisingly, their optimism persists.

Benjamin Lizada, president of the Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, Inc. (RestoDC), said it’s a no-brainer that life is still here. He considered the challenges faced by the restaurant sector a temporary setback.

“Kitang tanan, we have to work together and make sure Davao City will regain its pre-pandemic status and develop even more - responsibly. This is our home. Life will always be here,” he said.

Lizada is confident that restaurant owners and the Dabawenyos can make it just like how their family made it work in the 1980s.

“At the height of the liquidations and salvagings here in Davao City in the mid-’70s to the early ’80s, our parents were preparing to leave Davao as we were still students then. Gubot na kaayo. They even opened a Peter Pan and a Harana in Makati. But then the family eventually decided to stay. We were born here - my father in 1928, ako in 1962. We grew up here. Where our roots are is where life is. We made it work in the ’80s. We can make it work now,” he said.

Although, there are restaurants that opted to close permanently, according to him there are also new restos that are opening now in Davao City.

Merci Duduaco, president of the Philippine Mar-

keting Association-Davao, said the pandemic is just a phase on businesses.

She said most businesses, whether established or SMEs that have thrived for the past two years have one thing in common: they have considered digitalization, diversification, and streamlining as among their topmost priorities.

“Thus, sales and marketing have embraced new strategies and focused on promos that would generate 80 percent sales from online. So as long as companies will resort to repositioning its online platform, the pandemic will just be a phase and a turning point to let go of traditional sales and marketing,” she said.

For Duduaco, it is without a doubt that life is still here as most of the businesses have resorted to repositioning their online platform and tried other marketing strategies to continue to exist in the market.

“Also because the companies have considered promotional activities just to survive in the market during the pandemic years,” she said.

On his end, Christopher Ryan Maboloc, PhD, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and Visiting Professor for Global Justice at the American University of Sovereign Nations, told Edge Davao that the return to normalcy will be slow but with a resilient spirit and the right mindset, Dabawenyos will overcome the effects of the pandemic.

“What Davao City is today is not only an impetus for human development but also an inspiration for the people of the South to prevail against the historical injustices of the past that excluded many from the good life. Davao City - life is here!” he said.

Maboloc added that Davao City will continue to thrive as it has risen to become the dynamo of growth and progress in Mindanao.

“For many years, the Philippines has been in the hands of the elite. President Rodrigo Duterte changed that. But his biggest legacy is not the dismantling of the traditional center of power but peace in Mindanao. Peace is the foundation of human progress. A Manila-centric type of governance meant that development has been restricted in the capital. President Duterte made sure that such is a thing of the past,” he said.

“Life is Here” also promises good governance and security and in the height of the pandemic in 2020, the city government of Davao through the leadership of Mayor Sara dealt with Covid-19 amazingly.

“From the start of the pandemic, Mayor Sara made decisions based on recommendations from infectious disease doctors that would ensure that the city will be able to manage Covid-19 by not overwhelming our healthcare facilities. Together with our Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, we made decisions that were not even implemented yet by the national government,” said Generose Tecson, head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO).

Tecson boasted that by the time there was an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the city already established systems.

“Not perfect but we learned from our challenges. Then, we adapted to follow IATF protocols,” she said.

She also said that when the vaccine was made available, the city government of Davao made sure that everyone would have a chance to be inoculated and even the private sector pitched in to help.

She added that at present, Davao City has Molnupiravir antiviral drugs available at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

“Since we have reached 100 percent herd immunity, we are now able to open up and embrace the new normal,” Tecson said.

Tecson cited indicators that Davao City is nearing its “new normal” setting such as the coming up of a MICE (meetings incentives conferences exhibitions) Strategic Management Plan, which will be turned over to the city on March 4, 2022.

The said plan will be Davao City’s roadmap towards recovery for the tourism and business sectors as it will provide investors with a guide as to what to expect in Davao City in the next few years.

She also cited the several new townships with hotel and convention centers that are now being built in the city.

“Expect that soon, we will achieve our objective of being the MICE destination in the Philippines and the ASEAN region. Yes, life is very much here in Davao City,” Tecson said.

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Davao City in the eyes of non-Dabawenyos

By NEIL BRAVO

Let’s face it, Davao City’s image to the ‘outside world’ goes with the name of the man who changed the way people see it.

The bastion of Mindanao’s popular tag as the “Land of Promise” has unquestionably reached its promising state but not quite. So near, yet so far as the hackneyed saying goes.

Politics has always been a foe and friend of Davao City.

In the past, Davao City’s growth went by at turtle speed like the rest of Mindanao pushed to the backseat as the national government concentrated its resources in the capital.

Davao was left with crumbs and had to contend with its own.

When President Rodrigo Duterte became President, Davao City found a new lease of life. So do the rest of Mindanao. Economic growth may not be at breakneck speed but at the very least the earth was flat for a change.

As the big ticket projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program were shoved to either the pipeline or execution, slowly Davao City realised its promise. Coupled with the entry of Manila-based players in real estate development, Davao City became part of the conversation on entrepreneurial ventures and expansions.

Along with its growth and sudden surge in relevance, Davao City’s image was split apart by politics.While many rejoiced its transformation, some politically-driven minds were just waiting for a wrong move. Davao City became the yardstick of development as well as the success and failure of the government’s drive against illegal drugs and corruption.

Film and television producer Bill Velasco, journalist and sports facility manager Nimrod Quinones and event organizer Lester Castillo -- all frequent visitors to Davao

City because of their profession and business -- shared their thoughts to Edge Davao on how they look at Davao City from the outside looking in.

BILL VELASCO, Film and TV producer, Author and columnist, Current host of PTV Sports,Writer of the action film “Bakas niYamashita” (currently in post-production): “I’ve been traveling to Davao since 1996. I have always had a great experience there. My first trip was organizing the first two adidas Streetball Challenge tournaments.The people are respectful, warm, cooperative. I’d be hard-pressed to name a place where I’ve felt more at home.The food is incredible, and it has many of the conveniences of Metro Manila with very few of the stresses. If I could live and work in Davao City, I would.”

NIMROD QUINONES, Manager, Alta Vista Golf and Country Club (Cebu), Journalist: “When I was much younger, I would often hear of how dangerous it was in Davao City.

I first visited the city in 1995 to attend an event and it was not the place that I imagined it to be during my teenage days in the 1980s. Since then I came back to Davao almost every year to cover and join golf events and later to attend our family reunions.

I feel safe when I am in Davao and always look forward to visiting the city for sports, business, or personal reasons.

If there is one city in Mindanao where I feel most at home, it is Davao because of the many friends that I have

made there and the family members who I have met through the years.”

LESTER CASTILLO, Milo Sports Executive, Event Organizer: “The last time we had the National MILO Marathon (NMM) in Davao was October 20, 2019. The city’s support was overwhelming as over 10,390 Dabawenyos joined the footrace in the 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km categories. It was done in partnership with National Race Organizer Runrio Inc., and local race organizer Kenneth Sai, President of Vantage Sports Promotions. Davao City was one of the key cities that contributed significantly to the overall success of the 2019 NMM by ensuring race protocols were in place in partnership with officials of the local government unit.

I was also a witness to the successful staging of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Torch Run in Davao.Truly, they are a formidable city to partner with when it comes to grassroots sports development programs.”

Bill, Nimrod and Lester are but three of Davao City’s frequent visitors who have personally seen and experienced how it is to be in the city that was once tagged as the “most liveable city in the Philippines.”

That is apart from Davao being called “The Killing Fields” and “Nicaragdao.”

Whatever, Davao City is home not just for Dabawenyos, but for everyone who steps in the city.

BILL VELASCO, MANILA

NIMROD QUINONES, CEBU CITY

LESTER CASTILLO, MANILA

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On the readiness of the hotel to open amidst the relaxed restrictions:

Yes, we are ready. One hundred percent of our employees are fully vaccinated and only a handful are waiting for their booster shots to be administered.”

KEN KAPULONG SEDA General Manager

EDITORIAL People’s lack of discipline Last month in a virtual gathering, Tourism Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan said the main focus of her agency is on restarting the industry. “Even in a crisis we continue to find opportunities on how we can rethink and reshape a more resilient tourism for the future,” Rabat-Tan said.

The regional office, she added, wishes to ensure that local government units and their business sector comply with standards. To do this, the agency has started accrediting enterprises.

The agency has also held seminars and training for industry stakeholders, including members of the indigenous communities, to capacitate them as the industry goes on full steam in a new normal setting.

However, the problem is that even before the economy could take off, some people have again pulled it down.

In the middle of last month when the city government decided to lift the ban of serving liquor in restaurants and similar establishments,

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The Business Bureau ordered the establishment to close down as citation tickets were also issued against those who violated the minimum public health standards.

This prompted Dr. Michelle Schlosser to call on the public to be socially responsible particularly when they go to public places like bars so they won’t contribute to the possible renewed surge of the virus.

“It’s not about the liquor ban, it’s how people conduct themselves.

People (who went to the bar) did not drink, but were attending a party.

Even if there was a liquor ban if people were undisciplined, then we would repeat a history of a surge,” said Schlosser.

Schlosser hit the nail right on its head. Unless the people are sensible enough in their actions, the reopening of the economy will not only suffer, but will even worsen the health problem.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

a bar was accused of operating without a permit and failure to implement minimum health standards.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

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When exactly was Davao founded?

By ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA On November 25, 2018, the House of Representatives, through the chamber’s committee on revision of laws, declared March 1 of every year as a special non-working holiday in Davao City to celebrate its foundation day, instead of the March 16 date.

The initiative substituted House Bills 8215 and 8261, authored by deputy speaker and Davao City Rep. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Davao City Rep. Alberto Ungab, respectively and was filed to rectify what a historical error that has been perpetrated since Republic Act 7551 was approved in 1992 changing the city’s official date of inauguration.

Also, under Republic Act 7685, approved in 1994, the ‘Araw ng Dabaw’ celebration was moved to March 16 for no reason at all. Its approval contravened Resolution No. 25, which the City Council of Davao City adopted in 1973, amending and changing the date of the city’s founding from March 16 to March 1 of every year.

Historically, the elevation of Davao town to a city was by virtue of Commonwealth Act 51, filed as House Bill No. 609 and authored by then Davao assemblyman Romualdo C. Quimpo.

Signed by President Manuel L. Quezon on October 16, 1936, it created Davao as a chartered city.

Its inauguration, however, was contained in

Proclamation No. 132, which Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon signed on January 23, 1937.

The proclamation, in part, declared that “March 1, 1937, as a day for the inauguration of the City of Davao, and declaring it a special public holiday for the Province of Davao.” It adds: “In order to provide full opportunity for the people of Davao to participate in the celebration of the inauguration… so that the day may be fittingly observed.”

Secretary of the interior Elpidio R. Quirino represented the President during the inauguration.

Strangely, on February 23, 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law RA 7685 “declaring March 16 of every year a special nonworking public holiday in the City of Davao, to be known as ‘Araw ng Dabaw.’ The edict is an offshoot of a similar initiative passed two years ago in Congress.

Records in Congress show the Albano-Ungab bill began in the lower chamber, passed in the House of Representatives on October 8, 1993, and on November 25, 1993, in the Senate. Senate Bill 2090, the counterpart version, was filed

by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara on November 23, 2018, RA 7685, which has no factual basis, also raised a furor in certain sectors who were sur-

prised with the passage of an ahistorical initiative.

In the City Council and in the press, the statute was placed under the microscopic, prompting the passage of a legislation in Congress to rectify the error. Rep. Ungab, in explaining House Bill 8216 that he authored, wrote: “On March 6, 2018, the Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Davao City adopted Resolution No. 1946-18 Series of 2018, informing the Congress of the Philippines that the ‘Araw ng Davao’ or the foundation day of Davao City is on March 1, 1937 and not on March 16, 1936, and that there are markers or historic landmarks, particularly in the City Hall, that indicate that Davao City was inaugurated on March 1, 1937 and not March 16, 1936.”

For her part, Rep. Albano, in filing House Bill 8215, argued that the early endorsement of her measure, would “correct a historical inaccuracy in Davao City’s evolution as a major urban center of the country and arguably the seat of power in this era of the country’s history.”

On August 22, 2019, Republic Act 11379, “an Act declaring March 1 of every year a special working holiday in the City of Davao, Province of Davao del Sur, to be known as ‘Araw ng Dabaw,’” was signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The statute repeals RA 7551, approved on May 22, 1992, and RA 7685.

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MAER Summit Group

breaks ground ‘green’ corporate center in Davao City

By Maya M. Padillo MAER Summit Group (MSG) has found a home in Davao City and to make its presence felt, the company recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its corporate center.

To rise soon in the area where many development activities of Davao City are centered, the six-story corporate center building will feature “green” innovations as MSG is committed to implementing environment-friendly building systems to all its developments.

Not only that it will change the city’s skyline but will reinvent the overall image of the Bonguyan area in Matina Aplaya as the corporate center is envisioned to be Davao City’s first curvilinear and smart building with features that include raised floor system, solar panels, car lift parking, balcony garden in every floor and exteriors, and gondolas. The company also incorporated in the overall planning innovations that will address flooding.

“The building itself is compliant, we have UV filters, right ducting, etc. We incorporated that in the overall planning to make it safe for our employees.

We made a pivot to be more sensitive to the community where we exist,” said Mr. Dino Mae D. Suelto, President of MSG. It will be using eco-cast, a hollow block substitute, and one of its building materials that uses plastic as one of its ingredients. This is used on all of MAER Summit Properties Inc’s developments. Through this, MSG realizes its vision of implementing environment-friendly building systems in its projects.

The corporate center will consolidate the operations of MSG, which engages in construction, property development, logistics and supply, and technology.

“We have a new home and with the continued collaboration and cooperation we will soldier on to our affirmation in the coming years capturing opportunities and breaking barriers. It is significant because MSG made a major pivot, a pivot that redefined us, a pivot that redefines our identity and our character. A new equilibrium where we balance profit and purpose,” Mr.

Suelto said.

For Mr. Suelto, the creation of the corporate center epitomizes the company’s concerted belief that to serve better their stakeholders, partners, and members of the family, they need to level up and integrate quality management and best practices in all of their work activities to ensure the realization of their shared vision and aspirations.

“The construction of the corporate center is significant because we have discovered and realized that there is opportunity and growth when people in different generations communicate and work together,” he said.

With the construction of the corporate center, MSG will be exploiting its newfound asset, the intergenerational collaboration, which paves way for new ideas, better processes, work innovations, and higher productivity and output.

“This corporate center is a testament of a “green”

building. Let us take inspiration in the vision of our leader and the hard work and sacrifices of the MSG in the past two decades so that as we move ahead we can continue what has been achieved,” said Gene A. Arcena, Chief Operating Officer of MSP. The corporate center is targeted to commence its construction on September this year.

MAER Summit Properties, Inc. offers affordable housing that is committed to being a notch higher than its competitors. As a member of the MAER Summit Group, a program is currently being set up as we take collective action to be sustainable and socially relevant.

It carries the tagline “smarter living for life.”

It is committed to providing residents with exemplary service in a quality home environment, providing employees unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional development, and providing partners and clients with maximized real estate asset value.

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By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Back at the start of the pandemic two years ago, it feels strange if someone tells you that you have to stay home throughout the day and if you have to leave your house, or you have to wear a face mask.

And if you are out in a public place, you have to keep yourself away from other people. And if ever you touch something, you have to wash your hands with soap and water or splash your hands with isopropyl alcohol.

That seems like something out of a Hollywood movie. It’s a kind of film that will happen in the future. But the future is here. It happened in 2020 when the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) came to the Philippines.

Just like the rest of the world, quarantine became the norm. Those who were infected with the novel coronavirus – called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as it is a distant cousin of a viral respiratory disease that was first reported in 2003 – either live (but has to be quarantined for 14 days) or die (and has to be cremated immediately).

Indeed, no one – not even the clairvoyants – expect that COVID-19 will completely change the way people live. Now that cases are going down, the country is starting to open its doors for people to come. And that includes Davao City, the country’s largest city in terms of land area.

Maya Padillo, EDGE’s Davao roving reporter, wrote that the regional office of Department of Tourism (DOT) is already “eyeing to increase tourist arrivals by 10% this year.”

Tanya Rabat-Tan, DOT regional director, based the target increase from the 1.3 million arrivals last year.

“Tan reported that in 2019, the region recorded 5.2 million tourist arrivals, which was reduced by 70 percent in 2020 with 1.4 million tourist arrivals and reduced once again in 2021 with 1.3 million tourist arrivals,” wrote Padillo.

Davao City, home of current President Rodrigo R. Duterte and vice-presidential aspirant Sara Duterte-Carpio, is celebrating its Araw ng Dabaw on March 1. The hotel industry is expecting people to come but is Davao now ready for the influx of people from other parts of the country and those from abroad?

“Yes, we are ready,” said Ken Kapulong, SEDA general manager. “One-hundred percent of our employees are fully vaccinated and only a handful are waiting for their booster shots to be administered.”

According to him, the hotel is still following

the minimum public health standards set by the government. “On top of that, we have instituted our SafeAtSeda program of cleaning and disinfection,” he said. “We partnered with Diversey Philippines for this initiative to elevate our standards of disinfection.”

Armando Mortejo, general manager at De’Amore Massage and Spa and managing director of ARM Skills Management and Consultancy Services, echoed the same concern. “We are ready but still we have to fight the disease. Embracing the new normal is quite difficult due to unforeseen conditions of the virus,” he said.

When asked about the health protocols that need to be observed, he said that proper disposal of wastes like face masks must never be neglected.

“Cleanliness is our utmost and highest priority,” he added.

Even before the government eases the restrictions, Waterfront Insular Hotel was already preparing. “We’ve had two years to prepare for when the

government would ease the restrictions so I’d say we’re more than ready and are looking forward to serving more guests in the coming months,” said Wilfredo Paolo M. Rosello, the hotel’s marketing communications officer.

While some hotels in Davao closed due to the health crisis, Waterfront continued its business.

It came up with some strategies to entice people.

“Given the need of people to unwind in a safe public space, we launched our Waterfront Picnics in our garden area,” Rosello said.

Those who want to stay at the hotel are assured that they are very safe. “We have intensified our safety and sanitation measures, especially in our rooms, to make sure that our guests have the best experience,” Rosello said.

In fact, before you can check-in, your body temperature has to be checked first. There are alcohols in some places of the hotel where guests can readily use for hand sanitizing. Even inside the rooms, guests get to read information posted on the mirror about the health protocols that need to be observed.

Eden Nature Park in Toril is also strictly implementing the wearing of face masks. In all areas with high traffic, alcohol is available at all times.

There are also places where visitors could wash their hands with soap and water.

“Eden is spacious,” said Brenda Ocampo, the director of sales and marketing of Eden. “We also have a safety officer to ensure that guests are following health protocols.”

Now going back to pandemic. “The pandemic has caused so much negative impact to the (hotel) industry,” Kapulong admitted. “Aside from the health risks of hoteliers at the front line, the major impact was to the status of employment of workers in the industry.

“The crisis has also brought about major changes in the customer behavior,” he added.

“The hotel industry must evolve fast to address those needs.”

Waterfront was also affected by the pandemic.

“It affected our hotel greatly especially in terms of the number of guests that were coming in,” said Rosello. “We weren’t getting as much revenue so we had to make adjustments such as going into a skeletal schedule for our staff and budget cuts.”

As for Eden, Ocampo says the resort management is resilient. “We are trying to be afloat,” she said. “Not only will we have to make up for lost revenue, but we also need to keep our guests safe.”

It’s all about safety for now. The bottomline is to get back to business.

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Hospitals are keeping Davao in good shape

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The number of hospitals thriving in Davao City signify that Dabawenyos and even patients from outside Davao City have choices when it comes receiving care VOL.14considerable ISSUE 290 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, to 2022 from health providers.

Chairperson Vice-Chairperson Members

City Mayor or her duly authorized representative City Social Welfare and Development Office Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor City Legal Office City Transport and Traffic Management Office Department of Transportation Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board –XI Land Transportation Office XI SP Committee on Social Services SP Committee on Transportation and Communications

SECTION 26. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS –The Social Development Committee shall perform the following functions: a) To formulate policies and measures that are appropriate for the immediate release of the assistance; b) To formulate policies and measures that are necessary to effectively resolve any issue involving the implementation of this Ordinance; c) To accept, review and evaluate the application to avail of the programs under this Ordinance; d) To act on the resolutions made by the Grievance Committee brought before it on issues involving the eligibility of the applicant and on issues pertaining to the implementation of this Ordinance; e) To facilitate the conduct of social preparation, training, intervention or assistance to persons directly affected by the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects in the City; and, f) To exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary or incidental to attain the objectives of this Ordinance.

ARTICLE VIII Final Provisions SECTION 27. FUNDING – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance shall be charged from appropriations specific for the purpose of from any government funds available, subject to government accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 28. RULES AND REGULATIONS – The Social Development Committee shall promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Ordinance. Such rules and regulations shall take effect within fifteen (15) days upon approval of the City Mayor.

SECTION 29. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, any provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 30. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect within fifteen (15) days after completion of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation for at least two (2) weeks in the City of Davao.

ENACTED, on the 5th day of October 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

ATTESTED:

APPROVED : ________________

Some are situated in the rural ar- disasters because of their particular eas and smaller communities with often function in treating the injured and hanhave limited access to advanced equip- dling outbreaks of disease. ment or specialized procedures and Former SPMC Chief of Hospital techniques while some are located in the Health Undersecretary Dr. Leopoldo metropolitan area offering a wide degree Vega cited example the first community of versatility when it comes to treatment outbreak of A(H1N1) outbreak in 2009. options and patient experience.

“SPMC like all hospitals were not Davao City is a home to various ready to handle and isolate the patients hospitals with different levels of service in the main hospital,” Vega said. capabilities. Based on the data of the Vega said all samples taken from Department of Health-Davao Region suspects all over the Philippines where (DOH-Davao Region), these are the sent to the Research Institute for TropSouthern Philippines Medical Center ical Medicine (RITM) for laboratory and (SPMC), Brokenshire Integrated Health detection of the virus. This resulted in he Inc, Department of Cabotaje said the govcenters closer toofthe pubMinistries (BIHMI), Davao Doctors delayed reports and isolation patients.

Health is targeting to ernment wants to prevent lic and will also conduct Hospital (DDH) and San Pedro Hospital “For this SPMC thru RITM capacof an our out-labhouse-to-house (SPH).conduct the fourth the occurrenceitated workers to trainvaccinain PCR wave of the “Bayanihan, break, similar to the one tion if possible, These are classified as Level 3 hos- machines to diagnose H1N1 Cabotaje in 2010.

Bakunahan” nationalthese vac- arecurrently pitals, which means hospitals happening We were in able said. to set up the lab and PCR cination drive in the secHong Kong, in the counInterviewed at as thea with service capabilities that are com- machines since 2012 and made ond week that is whysub-national authorities lab Laging briefbination of of all March, Level a1 top and 2tryhospitals for Handa RITM public with compliDOH official said Saturday. want towith boost the inoculaing on he Saturday, plus the following: teaching/training mentary resources,” said. Cabotaje “Initial drive and begin said as offacility, February 25,said 63 at least any na two proposal accredited tion residency Forsuch the isolation Vega week ng March 7.

Gusto at the earliest possible million Filipinos have so program for physicians in any medical/ SPMC was able to construct a new isokasi ng specialty ating mgaand/or princi- subspecialty; time. far been with fully engineering vaccinated surgical lation facility equipped pal, lalong lalo naand si SecTheuniHealth chief earlier like against COVID-19, or 70% physical medicine rehabilitation requirements negative pressure and [Eduardo] Año, clinic; na said they will increase to of the targeted 90 million. ty;retary ambulatory surgical andthat dialyheap-filters minimize the risk of health mas mapaaga ang pagga- efforts for the workers inoculation sis clinic. by 2013.“In terms of our weekwaThe ng bakunahan para ma-School of the primary series ly this performance, medyo Davao Medical FounVegafor said experience with reach ang ating mga senior those who are not yet vacmababa, nasa 300,000 dation (DMSF) Hospital, Anda Riverview H1N1 gave SPMC the advantage toof at saka ang hindi pa cinated, and the booster 500,000 per day set pa up langof Hospital, Gigmga Oca Robles Seamen’s having a molecular laboratory nabakunahan, ” Health Unshots for those who have tayo.

So kailangan talagang Hospital Davao, Metro Davao Medical PCR machines with trained personnel dersecretary National completed threeatonew six constructed pag-ibayuhin at [gumamit] and Researchand Center (MDRMC), Sev-the and isolation facility Vaccination Operations month requirement. ng ibang istratehiya para enth Day Adventist Hospital, Lanang to prepare for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Center Premiere (NVOC) chairperThe government pa ‘yung ating Doctors Hospital, and Alterado DDHfell and mapataas a city government-run labson Dr.Hospital Myrna are Cabotaje short of the fiveoratory million tarper day,”to Cabotaje General classified as Level were jabs also opened augment third SPMC wave ofwhich the is said.

2 said. hospitals offering services ofget all of ofthe Levone of the 17 medical faOn Thursday, Health Bayanihan, Bakunahan III el 1 hospitals plus the following: depart- cilities recognized(Our by theweekly NationalperforReferSecretary Francisco Duque respiratory national vaccination drive mance quite low at mentalized clinical services, ence Laboratory as a was satellite laboratory III general announced that ran from February 10 300,000 jabs unit; ICU;that highthe risk pregnancy in the Philippines and to the500,000 only one for fourth wave of mass vaccito 18, the DOH Mindanao. said. per day. We really need to unit; neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); nation drive in March will Despite falling short our strong efforts and use and dental clinic.

With ofthe double existing primary prioritize senior citizens Hospital the target,ofthe government other strategies to increase Holy Spirit Community health care services, the city government and children. will Davao bring of vaccination our jabs per day.)

Davao Inc., Malta Medical Center, Davao is strengthening the frontline Mediquest Hospital Inc, St. John of the by establishing a city-owned public hosCross Hospital, and Isaac T. Robillo Hos- pital that will rise in the complex of the pital Corporation are classified as Level 1 University of the Philippines-Mindanao FROM 2 hospitals with services of consulting spe- (UP-Mindanao) in Bago Oshiro. idential “And people would ask sinabi ko, “Huwag mong cialists in,candidate but not be Maylimited to medicine, Proposed

by Councilor Mary Joselle or Sara Duterte-Carpio; of maybe thesayangin ‘yang pera mo”. pediatrics, Ob-Gyne, surgery;anywhere emergen-out Villafuerte, Level 3 100-bed hospital or willoutpatient he be endorsing just tofaciliplease you, wala center pa ‘yun, wala cy and services; isolation will ganoon serve as Pero a training and as Aksyon Demokratiko ‘yang tao eh, Covid-19 “Oh Presi-response pang survey, nag-aano pa ties, surgical/maternity facilities. and shall provide standard bearer Manila dente, sino’ng services kandidato kami.

Tingin ko it was a Not only that. The city has designatfor all kinds of illnesses, disMayor Francisco “Isko mo?namely Sino bangease, kandidato It waspursuant really a ed apex/end-referral hospitals injuries,tall or order. deformities Moreno” Domagoso who are natin?” he said.to its classification tall order what he SPMC and DDH. These hospitals under from DOH Adminishas high specialized hopes to getservices the the Presiis --- was to theofpresidenoffering asMeanwhile, deter- trative Order No.2021-0012 July 18, endorsement of which the Presdent also mined by DOH, is contracted as acommented 2012. on cy. If you can understand ident for hisfacility presidential PDP-Laban, which Davao is the City it’sisanprogressing idiom, I think, a tall stand-alone

by PhilHealth. in terms bid. Are these enough to keepmost dominant is order.

Iyan ang ---inI apex canDabawenof party, advancing specialty centers President admitno presidential not find the appropriate yosThe in good shape?

Basedleft on with the lohospitals. ted some candidates candidate he said. cal that health facility development plan offor the incomHowever, words DOH to 11say,” recommended have hiscomputed support total ing number elections. to strengthen theThe President also Davaosought City, the primary care services and all sent anhospital emissary, “Well,the simply because shared heof and Mayor of in-patients beds meets first, in line with the that goals the Unihowever, respectfully wala rinand kaming makita,” talkstandards he (1 bed: 1,000 population) versal Health Sara CareDuterte-Carpio (UHC), which aims just declined. sufficient for he ed only care once since months is considered thesaid. current to establish primary provider net“I am not in a quanHe added works that (PCPNs), the ago.

Helinked addedto that population of Davao City. to be apexthey and daryThese but I --isip ko kasi also partyplay hasa previous prodo not about politics health facilities specialty centers (to talk eventually create it’s easy to role comeinout jections about a certain except once. verynot significant the mitigation of HCPNs). tapos matalo pa ‘yung “man” who wanted to run “Pero ayaw ko na lang in-endorse mo. Maybe as President. i-discuss kasi hindi kasi the --- a choice would be “I do not want to give maganda. It was between ever na ‘yung sinuportah- an assessment or evalu- father and daughter. But an mo iyon ang manalo. ation because may mga it was also a conversaIdeally it should be in that --- mga projections kami tion about politics pero kind of environment or about this man pero noon sa amin na ‘yun. Lessons situation,” the President pa sinabi. Sinabi ko na sa learned along the way. So said. kanya noon --- early nung hanggang ngayon wala He reiterated that cur- nagbisita dito --- sabi ko, akong masabi sa bagay rently nobody is in his “Adre, hindi ka manalo.” na ‘yan,” the President mind.

At sabi ko noon sa Davao said.

EDGEDAVAO

7

4th ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’ slated on second week of March —DOH

T

NO BET...

BRIDGEPORT... FROM2

each; Shipyard, which is a 1,200 sqm nautically-inspired events place that can accommodate 500 guests; and the Marina for docking and mooring of boat and watercraft

Davao Boat and Leisure Club.

Lagdameo said Bridgeport Park will be developed first. Construction of building A is targeted to commence in

be completed in 2025.

With a master plan of 10 to 15 years for the whole project, Bridgeport also offers plenty of green areas for parks and playgrounds. By Maya M.

12 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 291 • TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022

5 A1

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 290 SUNDAY-MONDAY, 27-28, 2022 291 • TUESDAY, MARCH 1,FEBRUARY 2022

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

19th City Council 38th Regular Session Series of 2021

n. Operator – refers to the owner of a Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operating within Davao City under an approved and active franchise issued by the LTFRB, including those that are covered under provisional authority. o. Operator-Driver - refers to the owner of a PUV operating within Davao City under approved and active franchise issued by the LTFRB or any appropriate government entity, including those under provisional authority, who at the same tine is driving his/her PUV.

PRESENT: Councilor Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Jonard C. Dayap Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III ABSENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

m. Old PUV units – refer to PUV units which already reached the mandatory age limit as prescribed by existing DOTr and LTFRB issuances, or PUV units which did not pass the road worthiness test.

Sebastian Z. Duterte Nilo D. Abellera Danilo C.Dayanghirang Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata

- OB- Acting City Mayor - On Sick Leave - On Sick Leave - On Maternity Leave - On Domestic Emergency Leave

p. Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) – refers to vehicles that carry passengers, offering services to the public for a fee, and with valid franchise permit issued by the LTFRB. For purposes of this Ordinance, PUVs are limited only to Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs), vans and buses with public transport routes within Davao City. Provided further, that similar vehicles servicing the PanaboDavao City and vice-versa route may be included. Provided finally that, taxis and similar public conveyances are excluded. In addition, and as far as practicable, motorized and non-motorized tricycles, and similar public conveyances may also be included. q.

Regional Secretariat – refers to the committee by the DOTr which is composed of representatives from Region XI Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which oversee the accreditation of interim scrapping facilities, facilitate cancellation of permits, and blacklisting of old PUV units for scrapping.

r. Scrapping Certificate – refers to the document issued by the Scrapping Facility to the operator stating that the old PUV unit/s was/were already disposed of. s. Scrapping Program – refers to the program under this Ordinance whereby an old PUV unit is discarded, removed from service, dismantled or scrapped. t. Social Development Program – refers to the government assistance, financial or otherwise, to be provided to the operators, drivers and allied workers and/or their families who will be affected by the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects in the City.

SECTION 4. COVERAGE – The Ordinance shall apply to all operators, operator-drivers, drivers, allied workers and/or their families who are engaged in legitimate local public transportation service and who will be affected by the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects, and subject to eligibility requirements set forth under this Ordinance or as maybe determined by the Social Development Committee herein created.

ORDINANCE NO. 0736-21 Series of 2021

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE GUIDELINES ON THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLE MODERNIZATION PROJECTS OF DAVAO CITY that:

Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled,

ARTICLE II Social Preparation SECTION 5. SOCIAL PREPARATION – In addition to the provision of this Ordinance, the modernization and scrappage programs of PUVs in the City of Davao shall be covered by appropriate orders issued by DOTr, LTFRB and other government agencies. DOTr and/or the LTFRB shall issue appropriate orders officially commencing the modernization and scrappage programs of all PUVs in the City. Accordingly, affected persons of the programs, who desire to avail of any assistance under the social development programs of this Ordinance, must participate in the social preparation activities and must register with the CSWDO.

SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE GUIDELINES ON THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLE MODERNIZATION PROJECTS OF DAVAO CITY”.

For this purpose, the City Government of Davao, together with other agencies, shall provide comprehensive activities designed to help the people who will be affected socially and economically in the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects in the City.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. In the discharge of its function to deliver efficient and effective provision of basic services and facilities, the City shall provide an adequate and modern transportation to its people.

SECTION 6. ACTIVITIES TO BE PARTICIPATED PRIOR TO AVAILING THE PROGRAMS – The operator, operator-driver, driver, and allied workers must participate prior to availing of any assistance under this Ordinance on the following social preparation activities conducted by the Social Development Committee, to wit:

To improve the quality of life of the residents in relation to the city’s promotion of its “Life is Here.” campaign, it is the declared policy of the City of Davao to modernize, establish and maintain a safe, reliable, and efficient public transport system through the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects.

The City shall promote and improve the social and economic well-being of its people who will be affected in the implementation of this government project. It shall develop skills and capabilities to make them more responsive to their needs and become self-reliant.

The City shall endeavor to provide those affected persons with appropriate compensation, equitable opportunities to continue to be part of the transportation sector or effectively transition to new forms of livelihood.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – As used in this Ordinance, the following terms are defined as follows: a. Allied Workers – refer to any person legitimately working within the transportation sector who provides a range of technical or support services therein, such as, but not limited to; transport cooperative office workers, garage keepers, and other similar transportation sector workers. For purposes of coverage of this Ordinance, the City Government of Davao, together with other government agencies, shall adopt appropriate guidelines in classifying Allied Workers who may be qualified to any of the Social Development Programs for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Projects of Davao City. b. Applicant Beneficiaries – refer to eligible members of the main applicant’s household. The main applicant must either be the (a) Operator; b) Operator/Driver; (c) Driver or (d) Allied Worker. c. Blacklisting – refers to the process by which the LTO disallows the registration and consequent use of unsuitable engines and chassis. d. CSWDO – refers to the City Social Welfare and Development Office. e. CTTMO – refers to the City Transport and Traffic Management Office. f. DOTr – refers to the Department of Transportation.

I. Social Preparation Activities a) Consultation Dialogue; b) Gender Sensitivity Training; and c) Life Skills Development, such as: i. Financial Literacy/Entrepreneurial Mind-Setting;and, ii. Personality Development II. Employment Facilitation and Advisory Services a) Career Counselling b) Job Matching and Placement/Skills Mapping SECTION 7. RELEVANT PERIOD FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TIMELINE FOR THE PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE - To avail the assistance under the social development programs of this Ordinance, persons affected by the implementation of any PUV modernization projects must submit an official application on or before the deadlines that the Social Development Committee may identify. In no case however, shall an application for eligibility be made or allowed later than January 1, 2023 or the year beginning the full operation of the HPBS. The applicant must have provided a minimum of continuous six (6) months of service to the PUV sector to which he/she may belong prior to the submission of his/her application to be eligible for assistance.

Once the PUV Modernization Projects application is granted, assistance agreements will be provided to the applicant. These agreements will outline financial assistance, non-financial assistance and/or scrapping program details to be provided to the applicant and its relevant beneficiary/ies. Upon receipt of the agreements, the applicant must register his/her acceptance of the agreements with the CSWDO within thirty (30) days.

As per Article V of this Ordinance, an applicant will have 30 days to submit any grievance related to the PUV Modernization Projects assistance agreements. Grievances related to the agreement received beyond thirty (30) days will no longer be accepted.

An applicant can register to receive non-financial assistance and remain providing service as an operator, operator-driver, driver and allied worker at no penalty.

g. Driver – refers to the person driving a public utility vehicle for economic purpose, as an employee, by lease or any arrangement.

To receive financial assistance, the operator, operator-driver, driver and allied worker must demonstrate a minimum of six (6) months continuous service as provided in Section 8, Article III of this Ordinance.

h. Dropping of Unit – refers to the process by which the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) cancels the permit of an old PUV unit.

Any affected person can only submit one application to avail of any social development program under this Ordinance.

i. HPBS – refers to the High Priority Bus System. j. Interim Scrapping Facility – refers to existing facilities accredited by the DOTr that shall function as scrapping facilities with the capacity to dismantle old PUVs. k. LTFRB – refers to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. l. LTO – refers to Land Transportation Office.

ARTICLE III Social Development Assistance SECTION 8. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – Financial assistance shall be given resulting from the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects in the City. a) Operator – An amount of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) shall be

EDGE DAVAO DAVAO A2 6 EDGE given to the operator for every covered PUV, provided that, it is in good running condition and used as a PUV for at least six (6) months reckoned from the date of disenfranchisement of the affected PUV. Each PUV must be covered by a valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience as certified by the LTFRB. Operators availing of this assistance shall participate in the scrapping program under Article IV of this Ordinance. b) Operator-Driver – An amount of not less than One Hundred Eighty Thousand Pesos (P180,000.00) shall be given to an operator-driver, provided that the PUV he/she operates and drives is in good running condition and continuously operated as such by him/her for the preceding six (6) months reckoned from the date of disenfranchisement of the affected PUV. Operator-drivers availing of this assistance shall participate in the scrapping program under Article IV of this Ordinance. c) Driver – An amount of not less than Eighty Thousand Pesos (P80,000.00) shall be given to the driver, provided that, he/she has been driving the PUV for at least six (6) months reckoned from the date of disenfranchisement of the affected PUV, provided further that, he/she must be included in the record of the CTTMO as a PUV driver or as certified by appropriate government agencies. Should there be more than one (1) driver for one PUV, the financial assistance shall be divided among them proportionately. d) Allied Workers or any person, other than those enumerated above, but who are found to be directly or indirectly affected by the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects, shall be given appropriate assistance or social development programs upon determination and approval of the Social Development Committee.

In order to avail of any government assistance or social development programs, the operator, operator-driver, driver, or allied worker must comply accordingly with the documentary requirements set forth in this Ordinance or as may be further required by appropriate government authority. The determination and approval of an application for financial assistance under this Section shall be subject to the determination and approval of the Social Development Committee.

SECTION 9. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GRANT OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS ORDINANCE. The following requirements must be submitted to the Social Development Committee to avail of the financial assistance under this Ordinance: I. For Operators and Operator-drivers: a) PUV Modernization Projects Application Form; b) Certificate of Public Convenience; c) If the applicant is not the franchise holder, he or she shall submit proof of ownership such as Deed of Sale, Deed of Donation or any related document; d) Sworn list of driver/s; e) Clearance duly issued by the LTFRB; f) Certificate of Roadworthiness issued by LTO or Certificate of Scrappage issued by the local accredited interim scrapping facility; g) Certificate of Attendance to Trainings duly issued by the CSWDO; and h) For operator-drivers, a valid driver’s license and Certificate of Eligibility issued by CTTMO, or by an appropriate government agency, shall also be required.

II. For Drivers: a) PUV Modernization Projects Application Form; b) Valid driver’s license; c) Certificate of Eligibility issued by the CTTMO, or by an appropriate government agency.

III. For Allied Workers: a) PUV Modernization Projects Application Form; b) Proofs of employment to a transportation company; and c) Any appropriate additional documents that the Social Development Committee may require.

IV. For the chosen relative up the 4th civil degree by consanguinity or affinity:

VOL.14 ISSUE 290VOL.14 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, ISSUE 291 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY MARCH 27-28, 1, 2022

Note: Requirements may vary based on the implementing TESDA Training preferred course of the beneficiary.

Institution and the

For purposes of this Ordinance, any assistance that may be offered in the future by the government agencies above-mentioned shall be considered as social development assistance for the displaced PUV operators, operator-drivers, drivers, and allied workers. Further, any assistance offered by other government agencies may be included in the preceding list and shall be included in the social development programs of this Ordinance, upon determination and approval of the Social Development Committee.

SECTION 12. DUTY OF THE OPERATOR. – The operator must inform the Social Development Committee of any change/s in the list of drivers and allied workers he/she has submitted. Noncompliance with this Section may be a ground for the disqualification of the operator, drivers and allied workers from availing or receiving any of the assistance under this Ordinance.

SECTION 13. – PUBLICATION. To promote transparency, the list of the qualified beneficiaries shall be posted in City Hall, LTFRB, CTTMO or any two conspicuous places for a period of fifteen (15) days.

The implementation of the social development programs shall be announced on the radio, TV program and official Facebook of social media accounts of the City Government of Davao, LTFRB Region XI or the Davao City HPBS.

ARTICLE IV Scrapping Program SECTION 14. ENFORCEMENT OF SCRAPPING PROGRAM – The enforcement and implementation of scrappage and dismantling of PUV units shall be undertaken in any local accredited interim scrapping facility as may be established under LTO and LTFRB Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, Series of 2021. However, prior to the scrapping of old PUV vehicles, the unit must be dropped, cancelled, and blacklisted.

SECTION 15. PROCEDURES PRIOR TO SCRAPPING OF OLD PUV UNITS. – To properly effect the scrapping of old PUV units, the following measures must first be followed: a) It is required that the old unit must be officially dropped from public service. b) The operator of Cooperative/Corporation must, therefore, file a Petition for Dropping of Unit and surrender the “for hire” plates with the LTFRB Regional Office XI. c) Upon approval of the petition, the operator, corporation or cooperative shall furnish LTO Regional Office XI a copy of the Order of Dropping, together with the Letter of Intent, which includes the list of units for the immediate scrapping. The said list for immediate scrapping shall include the chassis and engine number of the vehicles and the name of the chosen interim scrapping facility as furnished by LTFRB XI. Further, the Original Certificate of Registration shall be surrendered to the LTO. SECTION 16. Upon completion of the dismantling/scrapping process, the scrapping facility shall issue a Certificate of Scrapping to the operator or cooperative/corporation. Such certificate shall be submitted to the Social Development Committee. A copy shall likewise be provided to LTFRB Region XI. SECTION 17. The operator, cooperative, or corporation of the scrapped units shall be paid of the appraised value of the scrapped unit by the accredited scrapping facility.

SECTION 18. In the event that the operator, including those who do not want to avail of any of the social development programs under this Ordinance and/or refuses to scrap an old PUV unit, but instead opt to reclassify and use the said unit as a private vehicle, the unit will be subjected to a roadworthiness test through the accredited Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVIC). Units that will not pass the MVIC test will not be allowed to be reclassified as a private vehicle and henceforth, be required to be scrapped, with its chassis and engine number blacklisted from the Land Transportation Office database pursuant to LTO-LTFRB Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, Series of 2021.

ARTICLE V Complaints and Grievances

a) PUV Modernization Projects Application Form; and b) Proof of family relationship, such as a Certificate of Birth or a Certificate of Marriage, or other related documents.

SECTION 19. COMPLAINTS – Any person may question the qualification of the beneficiary within thirty (30) days after the publication of the list of qualified beneficiaries to the Grievance Committee who has exclusive authority to hear and resolve all complaints.

SECTION 10. NON-FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. Subject to applicable rules and regulations, the operator, operator-driver, driver, allied worker or any of their chosen relative up to the 4th civil degree by consanguinity or affinity, may apply for a non-financial assistance under this Ordinance.

The non-financial assistance shall include, but not limited to, the following: educational, employment and/or enterprise assistance.

SECTION 20. GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE – There shall be created a grievance committee tasked to hear, settle and decide issues pertaining to the eligibility of an applicant for any of the assistance provided herein or any other issues relating to the implementation of this Ordinance.

SECTION 11. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. For purposes of availing the non-financial and in addition to the PUV Modernization Application Form, the specific documentary requirements set forth by each of the government agencies extending such assistance must be submitted. The requirements are the following: I. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program: a) b) c) d) e)

Duly accomplished CHED – Tulong Dunong Program Application Form; Proof of Enrollment; Certificate of Indigency from the CSWDO; Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate, if married; Photocopy of School ID.

II. Department of Trade and Industry-Displaced Drivers Operators Livelihood Restoration Program a) b) c) d)

High Priority Bus System Social Development Package Application Form Form 1: DTI-Assisted MSMEs – Profile Attendance that the beneficiary has attended the Basic Business Management Training Certificate of Completion.

III. Department of Labor and Employment –Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/ Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program a) b) c) d) e) f) g)

High Priority Bus System Social Development Package Application Form Daily Time Record Intake Sheet Accomplishment Report Barangay Certificate indicating that he or she is underemployed/unemployed Personal Data Sheet Government-issued ID

IV. TESDA Scholarship a) Duly accomplished Application Form or TESDA Learner’s Form; b) Properly and completely filled-out Self-Assessment Guide of chosen qualification; c) Three (3) pieces of colored and passport size picture, with white background, with collar and with name printed at the back.

The Grievance Committee shall be composed of the following offices to be represented by its department head or highest-ranking officer or their duly authorized representatives, to wit: a) City Legal Office – Chairperson b) CSWDO - Member; and, c) CTTMO – Member SECTION 21. PROCEDURE – The Grievance Committee shall formulate its own rules of procedure to insure speedy disposition of complaints.

SECTION 22. RESOLUTION – All complaints shall be resolved within sixty (60) days from the filing thereof, provided that, in no case shall the pendency of such resolution delay the implementation of the PUV Modernization Projects in the City of Davao.

ARTICLE VI Prescription, Disqualification and Forfeiture SECTION 23. PRESCRIPTION – To avail of the financial assistance under this Ordinance, the application must be submitted to the Social Development Committee within six (6) months reckoned from the date of disenfranchisement of the affected PUV, pursuant to the approved schedule of the implementation plans of the PUV Modernization Projects in the City.

Applicants for non-financial assistance under this Ordinance must submit their application on or before the specific dates to be set by the Social Development Committee.

Failure to submit an application for any of the assistance package within the aforesaid periods shall constitute as waiver to avail of any and all assistance provided or pursuant to the PUV Modernization Projects in Davao City.

SECTION 24. DISQUALIFICATION AND FORFEITURE – Any wilful and untruthful statement, concealment, or falsification made by the applicant PUV operator, operator-driver, driver or allied worker is a ground for disqualification and forfeiture to avail of any social development programs under this Ordinance.

ARTICLE VII Social Development Committee SECTION 25. CREATION OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE –There is hereby created a Social Development Committee composed of the following offices to be represented by its department head or highest-ranking officer or their duly authorized representatives: