The government of Davao City has announced it will soon require the submission of online form and QR code for passengers bound for Davao International Airport.

In an advisory, the city government said it is set to conduct a test run on Oct. 7 to Oct. 11 for the said policy, which is being eyed to be implemented starting Oct. 12.

The process seeks to improve the RT-PCR testing procedures for people arriving at the Davao International Airport by addressing issues pertaining to the convenience of passengers, the wellness and safety of the frontliners, and the speed with which confirmed COVID-19 positive passengers and those seated close to them on board are identified and located.

The city government said its IT department developed the online passenger data recording that needs to be completely filled out and submitted after the issuance of a boarding pass at the airport of origin.

This process will require passengers to use a smartphone, internet connection, and to prepare a valid ID, boarding pass, and their 24 hours to 72 hours negative RT-PCR test result, if they already have one.

The data captured is based on the same information that is required by the Department of Health during testing, the local government said.

“This move is envisioned to issue a unique QR code and create a no-contact, paperless recording of each arriving passenger and his test result,” it added.

During the test run, all passengers will be requested to use the online form to fast track testing and assignment of a holding facility.

A sample form published by the city government can be viewed here.

“We expect everyone’s full cooperation in our efforts to protect all Mindanawons from Covid-19,” it said.

The Davao City government announced it is re-opening the Roxas Night Market on September 12, six months after the imposition of community quarantines to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement on Thursday, the city government assured the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), and Task Force Davao including the City Health Office, are ready to implement strict security and health protocols against the transmission of the virus.

DCPO Director, PCol. Kirby John Kraft has reminded the public to follow security measures such as the no-backpack policy, prohibition of bringing non-transparent water containers, and wearing of jackets that are part of the culture of security. 

Also, people going to the Roxas Night Market will undergo facial recognition by lowering the face mask for 3-5 seconds.

“One entrance, one exit policy” will also implemented and market-goers will be subjected to bag inspection and body temperature check at the entry point.

”We also put up a separate cubicle where inspection or search of all females will be conducted. We emphasize that it is for all the women, not only to those who are wearing the hijab to avoid discrimination,” Kraft said.

Roxas Night Market-goers are advised to bring their identification cards for security and contact tracing purposes.

City Health officers and Civil Security Unit (CSU) personnel will be present at the entrance to ensure that appropriate steps for the contact tracing will be enforced, the city government said.

“CCTV cameras were put at the entrances of every section of the Roxas night market in order to take clear images of those entering, as well as their respective ID’s,” said Angel Sumagaysay, the head of PSSCC. 

As part of the health protocols, people must always wear their face mask and face shield except when eating or drinking and observe a two-meter distance from other people. Handwashing stations and footbaths are also in place.

According to Kraft, more than 160 security personnel will be dispatched in the area.

He also called on the public to follow all the security and health protocols for everyone’s safety.

“Hinihingi naming ang kooperasyon po ng bawat dabawenyo at ang kanilang pakikiisa upang maging matagumpay itong atong reopening ng Roxas Night Market (We are asking for everyone’s cooperation for a successful reopening of the Roxas Night Market),” he said.

The Roxas night market is open from 5 p.m to 11 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially recognized Davao City as the cacao capital of the Philippines.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar led the ceremony for the declaration in an event virtually held on Monday.

Dar said the declaration was made following the city’s consistent efforts to be the top producer of cacao beans for the entire Davao region.

From the year 2015 to 2019, Davao City has produced 2,289 metric tons of cacao, making it the biggest cacao producing area in the entire country. 

Together with five other provinces in the region namely Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental, the region’s total contribution to national production for 2019 reached 5,960.23 MT or 70.21 percent of the total national output.

In her acceptance speech, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte thanked the cacao industry players for their efforts to produce quality beans.

“For the past few years now, Davao cacao has been recognized as among the world’s best, with our local brands making waves in international chocolate competitions, and a growing number of Filipino and foreign chocolate makers sourcing their beans here,” Duterte said.

“While it is one thing for our cacao and chocolates to be renowned internationally, to be recognized by the national government is just as important for us, for this is an affirmation and a celebration of the efforts of our cacao farmers and processors, and everyone in the cacao industry,” she added.

Mayor Sara also highlighted the contribution of the city’s cacao industry players and organic agriculture partners for Davao City to get the latest recognition. 

“I thank all of our cacao industry players and organic agriculture partners because all of your efforts have brought Davao City these accolades.”

The mayor said that the goal of local agriculture is not just to provide food on the table for each Dabawenyo, but to make it a viable and sustainable industry for our farmers and all stakeholders. 

Aside from being recognized as the country’s cacao capital, Davao City was also hailed as the regional winner for Organic Program under the local government unit category.

Duterte said these awards serve as inspiration for the city to continue to work harder for a more flourishing agricultural industry.

Dar, meanwhile, urged the stakeholders to continue its partnership with the government as he committed support to sustain Davao as the “exporting capital” of the Philippines.

He also called on the private sector to continue to partner with the government to provide farmers a sustainable livelihood and income source.

“Aside from cacao, Davao has much local agricultural produce that are brought to the global market,” he said.

“Let us work together towards a food-secure and resilient Philippines,” he added.