The Davao City Council condemned on Tuesday, Jan. 27, the reported sexual harassment of a senior high school student by a taxi driver and urged transport and local government agencies to strengthen gender-sensitivity training for drivers and boost awareness of the Safe Spaces Act.

Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata, chairwoman of the Committee on Civil, Political, and Human Rights, Labor and Employment, made such a call during a privilege speech at the City Council’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Morata said the body-shaming remarks, sexual comments, and insinuations allegedly made by the driver caused fear, distress, and humiliation to the minor, who should have been safe while riding public transportation.

She said the driver’s actions fall under gender-based sexual harassment in streets and public spaces as defined under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos Law.

Morata said that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has issued a show-cause order against the 54-year-old driver.

The councilor acknowledged that this is part of the LTFRB’s mandate and urged them to strengthen their monitoring of taxi operators and ensure drivers maintain clean records and observe proper conduct and respect toward passengers.

The Davao City Council approved on first reading on Tuesday a proposed ordinance establishing a digital farm-to-market application to help local farmers sell their products directly to consumers.

Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, chairman of the Committee on Information and Technology, said the app will let farmers sell directly to buyers, shops, and households, ensuring fresh produce at fair prices without intermediaries.

“The app helps farmers and fishermen avoid unfair pricing and ensures they earn a fair income,” Militar said, emphasizing that this transparency allows them to set fair prices for their produce and prevents others from taking advantage of them.

Militar added that the platform is expected to provide several benefits, including securing buyers before or during harvest, reducing post-harvest losses, and eliminating additional fees for farmers and fisherfolk.

The councilor said the city will work with each barangay’s agricultural development council to register farmers, verify data, coordinate locally, and provide community support to make the app easy to use.

Militar said that the city would not incur costs for the app’s development. He said that the Butuan City government, as the pioneer of the AgriBOOST initiative, is willing to share its app source code, subject to formal coordination and agreement.

A Davao City councilor has filed a proposed ordinance providing financial assistance, service recognition, and other forms of acknowledgment to Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and other eligible barangay volunteers here.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr., chairman of the Committee on Socialized Housing Projects, said Tuesday that the ordinance seeks to provide legal backing for incentives to volunteers who were left out of last month’s gratuity pay and recognition.

Mahipus explained that these volunteers were excluded from last month’s gratuity pay and recognition because they were ineligible under the Department of Budget and Management circular.

The councilor said in a privilege speech that the city council should study the measure to recognize these volunteers for their work in the barangays. He added that they work hard under harsh conditions and should not be overlooked.

He said the ordinance is based on the powers granted to local governments under Republic Act 7160, which allows them to create programs that support health, social justice, and the welfare of their communities.

A Davao City councilor urged the people on Tuesday to report individuals who vandalize public properties following recent incidents involving Davao City Interim Bus System bus stops and signage.

Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, chairwoman of the Committee on Public Works and Highways, said in a privilege speech that vandalism is more than mere property damage, it reflects how the public values shared resources.

Bonguyan cited Davao City Ordinance No. 033268, Series of 1968, which prohibits defacing, scribbling, or writing on walls, fences, and public structures visible to the public, and imposes penalties on violators.

“Davao City takes pride in its respect for public spaces. When facilities like the DC Bus are defaced, it undermines a project designed to provide safe and free transportation for commuters,” Bonguyan said.

The councilor said that bus stops and signage are essential to maintaining order and mobility. She added that damaging them hinders progress and inconveniences the public.

Bonguyan said that vandalism not only affects the city’s appearance but also diminishes the efforts of those working to improve streets, public transport, and communal spaces.

“Vandalism weakens the shared responsibility that binds our community. It sets a poor example for the youth and erodes values we have long upheld,” she said, adding that public property belongs to everyone.”