Business leaders in Davao City are optimistic that the city’s economy will improve next year. They cite expected growth in the information communication technology and tourism sectors, as well as an increase in small and medium enterprises.
Tuna exporters are lobbying for a direct flight between Davao City and Tokyo, in order to ensure, according to them the fresh delivery of produce from the city.
The Bagobo-Tagabawas, a tribe in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, fear not only their displacement if an Aboitiz-owned power company succeeded in building a power plant in Tudaya. Ultimately, their leaders say, the children will pay the price. Text and photos by Davao Today?s Germelina A. Lacorte.
Related story: The Ritual at Tudaya Falls
KMU-SMR appalled by DOLE?s pronouncements on state of workers, unionism in Southern Mindanao
Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao Region derided yersterday?s pronouncements made by the Department of Labor and Employment XI regarding the state of workers and unionism in the region. DOLE XI, as part of its anniversary celebration, divulged during yesterday morning?s press conference at the Philippine Information Agency that 74% of companies in Davao have complied with the minimum wage mandate. The agency also reported on the decline of unionism in Southern Mindanao.
Romualdo Basilio, chairman of the militant labor center, said that DOLE XI has again shed its true colors as lowly capitalist mouthpiece in pushing workers further to privation and trampling on their constitutionally-guaranteed rights to form unions. ?It is very disgusting for this government agency to assume a pro-worker stand when all along they look for unbelievable excuses to justify the non-implementation of the miniscule minimum wage.? He said that the 74% compliance of the minimum wage law among Davao region?s industrial and agricultural companies is not something to be proud of.