Cebu Province News July 2012

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Province of Cebu - Archived News

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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion. But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened . Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions. Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE? Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace? WHY?? There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance: The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Aerial View of Metro Cebu

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Mandaue awards "container" gardener

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=833124
• Tuesday, July 31, 2012 12:00 AM

By Pepe Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The city government of Mandaue yesterday awarded a resident of barangay Subangdaku for planting assorted vegetables using recycled containers and self-produced organic fertilizer.

Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede awarded P20,000 to Rogelio Sulad for winning the container gardening category in the annual gardening contest organized by the city agriculture office. The event culminated the week-long celebration of nutrition month.

Bercede also awarded two other top winners, Alma Rosell of barangay Paknaan for the backyard category and barangay Paknaan for the barangay with the highest number of gardens.

Sulad was cited for planting vegetables using cans, bottles, among others and using self-produced organic fertilizer.

Sulad used household food waste to produce fertilizer, which he used to fertilize his vegetables.

“During our evaluation visit, we could not recognize his house because it was covered with vegetables,” said Sharon Mangadlawan, a city agriculturist and the focal person in the annual gardening contest.

Aside from promoting healthy lifestyle, Sulad also earned from his garden because neighbors patronized his vegetables.

On the other hand, Bercede said the administration of Mayor Jonas Cortes has introduced backyard gardening to help residents afford healthy foods at no cost.

“The scarce agriculture space in a highly urbanized city is not a hindrance to promoting food security,” Bercede said.

Cancer center opens in Cebu

• Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/239179/cancer-center-opens-in-cebu
• Monday, July 30, 2012 9:44 am

(Cebu Daily News)

THE first cancer survivorship care program in the Philippines is now in Cebu.

The Cancer Survivorship Center offering the program opened at Robinsons Cybergate Complex (near Chong Hua Hospital) recently.

The center is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program that meets the needs of cancer patients and their families. Cancer survivorship is a new field of oncology under the U.S. National Cancer Institue (NCI) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) in line with the Asco-Esmo (European Society for Medical Oncology) policy statement on providing quality multi-disciplinary cancer care.

The center is managed by a team of board-certified experts who offers psychological care, nutritional oncology, evidence-based complementary medicine, mind-body medicine and pastoral care, pain management and palliative care, cancer co-morbidity management, post-treatment oncology rehabilitation and cancer patient education services.

The team will teach clients what food to eat and to avoid during chemotherapy, how to scientifically combat weight loss and loss of appetite (how to prepare delicious liquid shakes for meal replacement/augmentation), which phytonutrient supplements are proven safe and effective, how to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation, understand how to manage chemotherapy/radiation side-effects, how to adequately manage pain, how to reduce anxiety and insomnia effectively, and how to psychologically and emotionally cope with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The center, with contact number 5208870, provides all the clinical support services needed by cancer patients.

Heading the center is Dr. Omid Uy Etemadi. Etemadi is a graduate of the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) and third placer in the Philippine Physician licensure examination given on February 2007.

He is a graduate fellow of the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School Master Class for Oncologists Program, a full member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and a member of the American Society of Nutrition.

Cebu Capitol, City Hall to build new bridge

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&nid=2&rid=442479
• Sunday, July 29, 2012

(PNA), scs/EB/gb

CEBU CITY, July 29 (PNA) – Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has said the Cebu Capitol and Cebu City Hall will build a bridge from the National Bureau of Investigation office on Escario St. to the Department of Agriculture compound on M. Velez St., Cebu City.

Garcia said the joint project of the city and the province will ease the traffic near Escario and the Capitol, and provide an alternative access to Banawa and Guadalupe.

Garcia’s announcement came a day after Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama suspended the road concreting projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways that he found “unnecessary” and were allegedly implemented without City Hall’s approval.

Among the road concreting projects that have been suspended were those on M. Velez and V. Rama Ave.

”I thank the governor for allowing us to use a portion of the Capitol-owned lot,” Rama said, referring to the DA compound on M. Velez St.

The two officials did not reveal how much the bridge will cost.

Rama said joint undertakings, like building bridges, are allowed by the Local Government Code.

Garcia said she has instructed Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Chief Adolfo Quiroga to meet with DPWH to determine the cost of the bridge.

She said the DPWH has a standard cost for bridges per linear meter.

She added that the NBI will transfer to its new offices on a Capitol-owned lot in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

2,540 families in Lapu-Lapu avail of "Pantawid" program

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=832073
• Saturday, July 28, 2012 12:00 AM

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Through the government’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, 2,540 families in Lapu-Lapu City have enabled them to send their children to school.

Based on the records available to The Freeman, the beneficiaries come from 19 of the 30 barangays.

Mayor Paz Radaza and officials of the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development visited barangay Buaya where they were met by 120 beneficiaries. They later proceeded to the Buaya Elementary School.

Radaza said the “Pantawid Program” is a poverty reduction and social development program initiated by the Aquino administration.

It provides conditional cash grants to the “poorest of the poor” households to improve their health, nutrition and education, particularly of children aged 0-14 years.

PSE to host Investment and Economic Summit

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=831753
• Friday, July 27, 2012 12:00 AM

By Ritche T. Salgado/JPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc., in partnership with Bloomberg LP will be holding an Investment and Economic Summit in Cebu entitled “Eye on Cebu” on August 1, 2012 at the Marriott Hotel, Cebu.

The Summit will provide a venue to showcase the potential of Cebu in making significant contributions to the Philippine capital market.

“We continue to expand our reach in the country through our market education campaigns. We believe that investors will greatly benefit by participating in our countrywide education seminars to better acquaint themselves with the investment opportunities that abound in the stock market,” PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Hans B. Sicat said.

Cebu’s strategic location as a regional transport hub, along with its drivers for growth in the sectors of real estate, tourism and business process outsourcing has made it one of the fastest growing cities in the region. Also a factor which contributed to the rise of the province’s revenues was investments of small and medium enterprises. This has encouraged the PSE to establish the first provincial marketing office in Cebu in September last year.

Foreign and local speakers in the Summit will talk about global market indicators, investing in the Philippines, Cebu investment activities, opportunities in Cebu, equities, interest rates and the foreign exchange direction.

For seat reservations, please get in touch with the PSE Cebu office at telefax number (032) 266-3464 or you may send email to mbdecastro@pse.com.ph or lsdenson@pse.com.ph. Pre-registration is required for this FREE event.

Cebu resort is one of Asia's best

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=831339
• Thursday, July 26, 2012 12:00 AM

By Ritche T. Salgado/JPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s Alegre Beach Resort and Spa was recently recognized by internet travel site TripAdvisor as one of Asia’s top hotels for 2012.

Alegre’s sales and marketing manager Bruce Cortes Bollozos told The FREEMAN that the resort was recognized as one of the region’s top 25 all-inclusive hotels, the only property to be given such recognition in the country.

An all-inclusive resort provides all services to their guests including meals, drinks, gratuities, and other facilities such as those for sports activities and spa services at a package rate.

Bollozos said that the resort was not even aware that they were considered for the award until they received an email from TripAdvisor informing them that they were chosen by the websites’ members as one of Asia’s best.

“We were quite surprised,” he said.

“This recognition is not based on viewers or readers, it’s based on people who really experienced the resort and made comments on their experience,” Bollozos added. “And we did not pay for it,” explaining that some awards would require them to pay to be nominated.

Bollozos credits the award on the resort’s first-rate amenities and uniquely Cebuano service.

Alegre is one of the few resorts in province who hires locals as its staffs. Except for those handling management positions, Bollozos said that all of those who work at Alegre are locals.

This, he said, contributed to the “local touch” that Alegre prides itself with.

“The talents of these people are really something that no one can replicate – the way they serve. They may not have first hand experience with world-class resorts but they do service in their own way, the local way, the Cebuano culture,” he said.

Alegre is located in a 44-hectare property in Sogod, Cebu, with three coves each giving its guests a different beach experience.

A press release from TripAdvisor states that the winners “are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.” The contest covered 30 countries and eight regions worldwide.

Topping the list in the category is Ceylon Tea Tails in Sri Lanka, Telunas Beach Resort in Indonesia, and Lily Beach Resort and Spa in the Maldives.

The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards is awarded yearly to top destinations and other travel-related amenities. This is the 10th year of the awards and covers a number of categories including best luxury and bargain, best for service, bed and breakfast and inns, all-inclusive, spas, and trendiest.

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site that provides relevant and up to date information to travelers on different destinations. It has a database of over 60 million reviews and opinions on travel-related topics and more than 50 million unique monthly visitors.

DENR to cut ‘defective’ trees and earthball 16 others

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14243
• Wednesday, July 25, 2012 12:00 AM

By Tweeny M. Malinao (Correspondent)

IT was as “good as dead,” said a environment official.

The tree stump that Cebu Daily News photographed of a giant acacia already cut down and lying by the road in barangay Tinaan, Naga City is one of nine century-old trees considered “defective” and targeted for removal for public safety, said Eddie Llamedo, spokesman of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7).

But no tree-cutting permit has been issued yet.

A request is pending with the DENR Secretary to cut them down and remove 16 other healthy century-old acacia trees along the south Cebu highway by earthballing.

The process requires pulling out the trees by the roots and transferring them elsewhere to give way to a national Naga-Carcar road-widening project, he confirmed.

Llamedo said the request was made by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In earth-balling, a tree is carefully removed, roots and trunk intact, to be transferred to another site for replanting.

Llamedo said his office endorsed the DPWH request to Manila on July 20 because the DENR 7 has no authority to act on it.

“Based on the results of the inventory it's been 10 years since the tree was on the verge of (falling down). If it wasn't cut down, that tree could have fallen anytime,” he said.

Llamedo, however, said he didn't know who cut down the tree spotted by CDN near the work site on Saturday. He said it appeared to have been cut just last Friday.

Only the Environment Secretary can approve a tree cutting permit under new guidelines.

The felled tree in the national highway in south Cebu was spotted by CDN on Saturday near the cluster of century-old acacia trees which form a green canopy between Carcar and Naga cities.

Photographs of the roadside trees have appeared in various coffee table books and magazines as an icononic welcome arch to south Cebu.

Results of a DENR inventory showed that there are 115 trees along the highway.

Of this number, 25 are century-old acacia trees. Nine of the 25 trees are identified as “defective and considered hazardous which needs immediate attention.”

Llamedo said he was told by a member of the DENR's Forest Management Services (FMS) inventory team that based on heir May 11 and 16 inspections the fallen acacia tree was already ruptured a decade ago. He said he didn't know who cut it down, though.

Llamedo said the DENR requested an endorsement to earth-ball the remaining century-old trees from the Office of the Governor and the local governments of Naga and Carcar cities based on Presidential Decree 953.

“We haven't received their endorsement yet,” Llamedo said.

Llamedo said the DPWH request to earth-ball the trees will be based on the existing memo issued by DENR Undersecretary Analiza Teh on the suspension of the issuance of tree cutting permits.

Persons with disabilities receive high-tech equipment from Mandaue

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=830769
• Tuesday, July 24, 2012 12:00 AM

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Persons with disabilities in Mandaue City have received more than P50,000 worth of high technology equipment from the city government.

Donated were mug printing equipment, digital t-shirt printing equipment, and a paper printing machine.

Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, who handed the equipment at the City Social Welfare Service, said the donation, duly approved by the council, is a way of helping the PWDs come out with a viable livelihood project.

“We consider PWDs as our partners in development and this is our way of showing this concern,” said Bercede.

Michael Pielago, president of the Federation for the Welfare of PWDs in Mandaue City, welcomed the donation.

He said the group can now engage in the business of mug printing as well as t-shirt printing.

Councilor Jefferson Ceniza, chair of the committee on social services, for his part, said PWDs has a special place in their hearts and the council will try hard to give what it can.

Councilor Beethoven Andaya, in his capacity as chairman of the committee on cooperatives, said he will provide a link between PWDs and the cooperatives in the city for more livelihood projects.

Meanwhile, PWDs organized a singing and dance contest yesterday at Mandaue Sports Complex, which culminated the PWD week-long celebration.

DPWH spends P3.7B for infra projects in Cebu

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/07/23/dpwh-spends-p37b-infra-projects-cebu-233527
• Monday, July 23, 2012

(PNA/Sunnex)

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it has spent P3.7 billion for various infrastructure projects in Cebu for this year.

The DPWH-Central Visayas said it has already completed 45 infrastructure projects worth P1.9 billion, has 18 ongoing projects and 13 projects that have not yet been started.

Most of the completed projects were road asphalting and concreting.

Another P1.8 billion is being allocated for the construction of at least five more flyovers in Cebu City.

The amount includes the road widening component of each flyover project.

The flyover projects were, however, put on hold after some sectors voiced their opposition on the ground that these were to be constructed without first conducting a traffic master plan in the city.

Projects completed under the Cebu City District Engineering Office are located at M. Cuenco Avenue, Mabini-Lopez Jaena St., Carlock St., Tupas St., 8th St., N. Bacalso Ave. (Cebu South), Gov. Cuenco Ave., C. Padilla St., and Cebu Circumferential Road (F. Llamas S.t).

Those projects completed under Cebu First Engineering District were the two road projects in Toledo-Tabuelan-San Remigio Road, two Cebu North Hagnaya Wharf road projects, three Antonio Y de Pio road projects, Daanbantayan Port, and Olive Bridge construction.

Completed road projects under Cebu 2nd District Engineering District are the two in Cebu South Coastal Road and the two concrete road pavements of Sibonga-Dumanjug Road and two in N. Bacalso Ave. (Cebu South Road).

Those completed under the Cebu 3rd Engineering District are Pinamungahan Cadre Road, Toledo-Pinamungahan-Aloguinsan-Mantalongon Road, Cebu-Toledo Wharf Road, Carcar-Barili Road and Toledo-Tabuelan-San Remegio road.

In addition, the DPWH-Central Visayas has proposed some P6.024-billion worth of infrastructure projects for Cebu City and Cebu province in 2013, mostly listed under the names of the different congressmen.

District Engineer Susan Ornopia of the DPWH Cebu 4th Engineering District said Representative Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th district) has infrastructure projects worth P581.3 million for his district.

In the list presented by DPWH-Central Visayas, a total of P859.741-million worth of infrastructure projects was attributed to Representative Tomas Osmena (Cebu City, south district).

This includes P839.741 million for national roads and bridges, P15 million for drainage and P5 million for national building.

Projects under Representative Rachel del Mar (Cebu City, north district) include P615 million for national roads and bridges and P72 million for flood control/drainage, for a total of P700.412 million.

Other proposed projects for 2013 are: Under Representative Pablo Garcia (Cebu, 2nd district), P1.522 billion, including P1.406 billion for national roads and bridges, P109 million for flood control/drainage; Representative Eduardo Gullas (Cebu, 1st district), P523.7 million; Representative Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district), P651.3 million; Representative Ramon Durano VI (Cebu, 5th district), P651.3 million; Representative Arturo Radaza (Lapu-Lapu City, lone district), P360 million; and Representative Gabriel Luis Quisumbing (Cebu, 6th district), P387.2 million.

Red Cross eyes tie-ups with Mactan hospitals

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14218
• Sunday, July 22, 2012

By Doris C. Bongcac (Chief of Reporters)

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is partnering with five hospitals in Mactan, Cebu to strengthen their disaster preparedness efforts.

The partnership would establish health and welfare desks in these hospitals providing a more effective and well-coordinated emergency response, triage, and trauma services during disasters, said former senator and PRC chairman Richard Dick Gordon. He’s set to sign an memorandum of understanding with these hospitals.

“The MOU will ensure that the parties will be able to provide and maximize their services and emergency response systems in cases of mass casualties and disasters,” said Gordon.

Hospitals based in Mactan include the Mactan Doctors Hospital, Lapu-Lapu District Hospital, Tojong Maternity and General Hospital and the Our Lady of the Rule Maternity and General Hospital.

Gordon said that through the partnership, PRC could also help its hospital partners avail of PNRC blood supply.

As of Friday, PNRC has listed 4, 069 available bags of blood. Of this number, 113 bags are with their Region 7 offices.

52 football coaches join CFA workshop in Danao

• Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/232771/52-football-coaches-join-cfa-workshop-in-danao
• Saturday, July 21, 2012 8:34 am

By MARS G. ALISON (CORRESPONDENT, Cebu Daily News)

FIFTY-TWO COACHES from Danao and Carmen showed up for the first Kasibulan Football Grassroots Development Program of the Cebu Football Association (CFA) yesterday in Danao City, northern Cebu.

Raffy Musni, the chairman of the grassroots committee of the CFA, said the aim for now is to give the coaches good training.

Musni, who attended the opening ceremonies of the three-day event, said the CFA will fully support the program’s beneficiaries by providing the equipment and the referees.

Grassroots development officer Eleazar Toledo said the participants were very active and showed keen interest on the program.

“We had a lively interaction during the workshop and they eagerly came up with their own presentation during the practical sessions,” Toledo said.

Raymond Meca, who heads the Danao Football Club, which is helping with the event, said that they are very thankful that Danao was chosen to be one of the beneficiaries of the Kasibulan program.

“We have been playing football for a long time and still we learned something new,” Meca said.

Yesterday, Toledo shared the grassroots development philosophy of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the philosophy based on the Philippines setting that the GDOs came up with during their instructor’s course held in San Carlos City before the summer.

Today, Toledo will instruct coaches how to run the Grassroots Course Festival (GCF) as one of the goals of the Kasibulan program is for these coaches to handle their own GCF.

Mandaue urges residents to dispose of garbage properly

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=829425
• Friday, July 20, 2012 12:00 AM

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government is urging constituents to dispose off their waste properly following the collection of garbage during cleanup operations consisting of objects made of plastic.

The series of cleanups is being done in anticipation of the rainy season.

Architect Florentino Nimor, the Mandaue City Planning Officer who heads the city’s clean-up operations said the indiscriminate throwing of garbage cause flooding in the city every time it rains.

Nimor yesterday said the latest cleanup was done the other day near Tita Gwapa in Plaridel Street.

Last month, 25 manholes along M.C. Briones from Tipolo bridge to corner A.S. Fortuna were opened and cleaned.

Cortes asks DPWH to consult with local govts

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14187
• Thursday, July 19, 2012

By Doris C. Bongcac (Chief of Reporters)

WITH flooding a major problem in Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to coordinate with the city before national projects are implemented.

He asked why a P30 million Dept. Public Works and Highways (DPWH) drainage project along the national highway from barangay Subangdaku to Jagobiao is replacing 36-inch culverts.

"I cannot see the logic of using 36 inch culverts when the barangays are using 40-inch culverts," he said in a meeting of the Regional Development Council executive committee held yesterday in the Cebu City Hall.

If bigger culverts are not used, floodwater will still overflow into the national highway when it rains.

"Why remove 36-inch culverts for replacement with more 36-inch culverts? Is this proper? Isn't this a waste of money?" he asked.

His request for a variance order was approved in a floor resolution aside from a resolution calling on the DPWH to follow proper coordination.

Road markings have been made on the road for the project which has yet to start.

Cortes lamented that DPWH has another drainage improvement project in a private lot in Mandaue.

"How can they address our problems if they continue to ignore the LGUs?" said Cortes.

"I'm sure other LGUs are also experiencing the same problems.”

"Sometimes there is a conflict between projects implemented by the LGU and the projects of the congressman. But at the end of the day, it is still the money of the taxpayers. It's all about the people that we serve," he said.

DPWH Regional Director Ador Calas who sat beside the mayor just listened and did not comment.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, RDC chairman, later said Mandaue's concern was a sign of the "imperialism, dominance and insensitivity" of DPWH but that he didn't want to blame Canlas, who just assumed the post recently.

Flooding is a major problem in 54 barangays.

Water is knee-deep along A. S. Fortuna Street near Rolling Hills Memorial Chapel in Banilad because this is where runoff from the mountain areas flows.

Barangays Canduman and Casuntingan in Mandaue City also serves as the outflow of floodwater coming form barangays Pit-os and Talamban in Cebu City.

"Grabe ang siltation (of the waterways) and the problem is compounded by the presence of garbage," said Cortes.

However, Cortes said he is not blaming Cebu City and is very grateful for the help which former mayor Tomas Osmeña gave to Mandaue by tapping funding under the Metro Cebu Development Project (MCDP) for the widening of A. S. Fortuna Street.

"We are part of the problem and we are also part of the solution" said Cortes.

Mandaue cops strive to shed extra weight

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=828694
• Tuesday, July 18, 2012 12:00 AM

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Police Office is now undergoing a weight loss management course in connection with the “Mabuhay Ka Pulis” program.

Mandaue City police chief Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac, in his letter to Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, said the “Mabuhay Ka Pulis” program seeks to address the problem of obesity in the force.

Gillamac has told Bercede that the Mandaue City Police Office will hold physical fitness exercises every Tuesday and Thursday at the MCPO ground.

Gillamac has asked the city council of Mandaue for facilities to be installed inside the MCPO compound.

“Mabuhay Ka Pulis” was conceptualized to help the members of the PNP to be good stewards of their own body, mind, and soul in order to fully reach their potential as the best public servants.

Barangays get P14M for various projects

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=828314
• Tuesday, July 17, 2012 12:00 AM

By Marigold P. Lebumfacil/BRP (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay in Ronda town has received a check worth P20,000 ready for encashment after its officials attended the monthly distribution of financial assistance for the month of June yesterday at the Capitol Social Hall.

Earlier, Canduling Barangay Captain Remedios Maribago was given cash aid for the socio-cultural activities charged to Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale’s Legislative Assistance Fund but the check was refused for encashment by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.

Maribago was then advised by the cash division to wait instead for the check to be turned over by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on the scheduled distribution yesterday, and it was her treasurer who received it.

A total of P14,160,962 pesos was given yesterday; broken down to P1,896,200 for the first district, P4,320,000 for the second district, P1,838, 652 for the third district, P2,715,110 for the fourth district, P1,927,000 for the fifth district) and P1,464,000 (sixth district).

Also present yesterday was third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who expressed his hopes for a continuous cooperation among the Cebuanos.

“Manghinaot ta nga magpadayon kining atong pagpanagtambabayayong sa probinsiya sa Sugbo, sa mga barangay sa Sugbo ug sa lalawigan sa Sugbo. Ato jud kining padayunon, padayunon gyud nato kini,” he said.

Magpale, who was also there during the distribution of the cash aid, was grateful that the financial assistance was finally given.

Governor Garcia explained her decision to distribute the financial assistance in one sitting with the presence of all the beneficiaries, the LGUs and the Provincial Board members.

“Karon nakahukom ko, nga mas maayo nga katong modawat ug mga financial assistance, moanhi nganhi ang mga beneficiaries para aduna kita’y chance nga mahimamat nato sila,” she said.

The governor made this a monthly event in order to stop the practice of just forwarding some of the checks to the treasurer’s office which are later claimed by the treasurer of the beneficiary town, city or barangay.

Last month a total of P29.5 million in financial assistance was distributed to the different towns and municipalities.

The aid is supposed to be used for projects like infrastructure renovations, town festivals, birthing centers and socio-cultural activities.

Meanwhile, Garcia has one request for her last State of the Province Address this July 20, Friday, which will be held for the first time at the Cebu International Convention Center.

“Usa ra gyud ang hangyo nako sa akong katapusang state of the province address. Ako mohatag ug saysay ug unsay akong nahimo, asa na karun ang sugbo ug asa ta paingun. Sa labing unang higayon, gipun-an nato ang atong mga gipang-imbitar, lakip na ang tanang barangay captains, officers sa tanang sector, atong gihukman nga ato silang imbitahon kay sila nakatampo sa kung unsa ang naabot sa Sugbo karun ug angay lang nga tagaan ug angayng dungog,” she said.

Diocese: Pedro Calungsod’s image must be Filipino

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2012/07/16/diocese-pedro-calungsod-s-image-must-be-filipino-232236
• Monday, July 16, 2012

By Bernadette A. Parco

CEBU CITY – The Archdiocese of Cebu is still looking for an official statue of the Visayan martyr, Blessed Pedro Calungsod, who will be declared a saint in October this year.

The image should be Filipino-looking and young, and should wear an all-white outfit but no shoes.

Post your condolences to Dolphy's family

Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal was tasked to choose the sculpture that will be the official image the Cebu Archdiocese delegation will bring to Rome for the canonization rites.

Calungsod was only 17 years old when he was killed by Chamorros in Tomhom village in Guam, Marianas on April 2, 1672 with Blessed Diego Luis de Sanvitores.

Pedro was the sole companion of Sanvitores that day, when two natives killed them one after the other for teaching catechism and administering the sacrament of baptism.

They were beheaded and their bodies were thrown into the sea.

The image should also bear a palm leaf, which is a symbol of Calungsod’s martyrdom.

Now, 340 years after his death, Calungsod’s actual looks remain a mystery.

The official image, said Cardinal Vidal, should show the young man carrying a Doctrina Cristiana or a book on Christian doctrine, because he was a catechist.

“He should also be differentiated from San Lorenzo Ruiz, who was already married when he died,” the prelate said.

River diverted from sinkhole

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=827721
• Sunday, July 15, 2012 12:00 AM

By Jessica Ann R. Pareja (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Excavation works have started to divert the flow of water in Mantayupan River away from the sinkhole and back to the falls, the rice fields and the fish ponds.

Barili Mayor Teresito Mariñas said that using a backhoe, they started excavating three to four-meter deep and about four-meter wide canal where the water can detour temporarily until they can seal the sinkhole.

They plan to make a 30 to 40-meter detour channel that originates 15 meters before the sinkhole going left of the river.

Mariñas said that they have secured the consent of the property owner to make the temporary diversion channel to prevent a bigger problem that the drying up of the river and the falls will cause their rice fields and fish ponds.

“Wala man sad mi’y naigo nga structure. Naa’y gamay na shrubs, but generally, wala’y naapektuhan sa paghimo og diversion,” Mariñas said.

The mayor said the excavation will finish either today or tomorrow.

Once the flow of water is diverted and the part of the river where the sinkhole occurred dries up, the local government will seal the sinkhole with steel plates and cement.

Mariñas said that the sinkhole caused the water to drain into an underground river or cavern, which escapes to another opening near the falls.

The local government of Barili needs to restore the falls because a hydro plant depends on it to operate and the LGU benefits from its proceeds as a tourist destination.

Mariñas said that it might take a month to seal the sinkhole. Until then, the water will continue to be diverted.

The Mantayupan Falls is still open to tourists but until the falls is restored, they are not charging for entrance fees. A tourist pays P10 as entrance fee.

Mariñas said that he will ask the Municipal Council to approve Barili’s Risk Reduction Program so they can use the calamity fund for the works to be done to restore the river to its normal state.

The town will need about P200,000 for the sealing and creation of the detour channel.

The sinkhole was discovered by the residents last week. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau explained that the movement must have been triggered by the February 6 earthquake that rocked Negros. Another possible reason is the heavy rainfall.

Talisay Sanggunian creates position for board secretary

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=827321
• Saturday, July 14, 2012 12:00 AM

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman) with a report from Jessa Marie Agua(Correspondent)

CEBU, Philippines - After the Talisay City finance committee rejected the creation of the position of one board secretary IV with a salary grade of 22, Talisay City Councilor Rodi Cabigas sponsored an ordinance which seeks the creation of the position of board secretary 1 with salary grade of 14.

Salary grade 22 is equivalent to P34,031 while salary grade 14 is equivalent to P18,917.

Cabigas, chairman of the committee on budget and appropriation, said the Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod needs a board secretary I with a salary grade 14 (Records Officers II) that includes legislative research and investigation.

“The lack of manpower is detrimental to public service,” Cabigas said.

The creation of the position of the Board Secretary I in the Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod was in response to the findings of the local finance committee.

Cabigas earlier filed two separate resolutions, No. 2012-18-1 and No. 2012-18-2, which seek the creation of one board secretary IV for the position with salary grade 22 and the creation of one administrative officer V with salary grade 18.

But the local finance committee headed by Mayor Socrates Fernandez pointed out that the creation of one board secretary IV for the position with salary grade 22 and the creation of one administrative officer V with salary grade 18 would affect the Personnel Services allocation because of the high salary grade.

The positions would also affect the opportunity of the employees with regards to giving those benefits.

Cabigas adheres to the findings of the local finance department and instead only one board secretary I with salary grade 14 will be created so that it will not affect the limitation of personnel services set by the Department of Budget and Management as well as the minimum qualification standards and guidelines prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.

100-day countdown to start which sculpture for Pedro?

• Source:http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14126
• Friday, July 13, 2012

By Ador Vincent S. Mayol(Reporter) with a report from Jessa Marie Agua(Correspondent)

A 100-day countdown starts tomorrow for the canonization of Pedro Calungsod as Cebu church leaders weigh which image to bring to Rome for the Oct. 21 rites that will declare him a saint.

Which statue best represents the teenage Visayan martyr who died in the 16th century without leaving any record of how he looked?

Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal will select the “model statue.”

“One of the features that we look into is a face of a young man and a Filipino. The statue must be on the move like a cathecist, with white pants, and without shoes,” Vidal said during a press conference yesterday.

They want to make sure that the faithful can distinguish between Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila.

“In many churches, they put images of both. We don't want people to get confused,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

The 100-day countdown starts on Saturday with a Mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño in downtown Cebu City at 2:30 p.m.

A motorcade will follow from the basilica to the Fuente Osmeña rotunda where the countdown ceremony will be held.

LED television screens perched on poles at the rotunda will flash images of the countdown.

Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was canonized in 1987. His statue commonly portrays him, wearing a white barong Tagalog and black pants. Most of his images show Lorenzo clasp his hands while holding a rosary.

To provide a contrast, the Archdiocese of Cebu wants Calungsod to have white pants and hold palm leaves and the Doctrina Christiana or Book of Catechism.

“The idea of the countdown is to drum up the preparation, sustain the excitement of the people and really end up with a great memorable celebration during the canonization and the thanksgiving Mass.

“At the heart of all these preparations is really our desire that people will know more about Pedro Calungsod,” Palma said.

Expected to attend the 100-day countdown are Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

A simultaneous countdown will be made in Manila led by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle.

“Even in Manila and other parts of the country, more and more people are asking about Pedro Calungsod,” said Palma.

After the Oct. 21 canonization rites in Rome, a national thanksgiving Mass will be held at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City on Nov. 30.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier said he would attend. Cardinal Vidal has also invited Vice President Jejomar Binay to come to Cebu for this.

On Aug. 7 is the groundbreaking ceremony for the templete or small temple where the main altar will be placed in the SRP.

“Blessed Pedro reminds lay people that we can also become saints, we could also be involved in evangelization,” Palma said.

Calungsod's painting which has been used in churches and during his 2000 beatification will remain as it was already approved by the Vatican, said Palma.

But they have to choose one Calungsod sculpture as a model image “that really captures the personality and virtues of Pedro Calungsod.”

He said another image of Calungsod in Manila will be brought to Cebu for Cardinal Vidal to evaluate.

Calungsod was among the first to serve on a Jesuit mission organized by Fr. Diego de San Vitores to the Ladrones Islands in the Western Pacific, Marianas, on June 16, 1668.

On April 2, 1672, he and Fr. Diego were killed by two villagers in Tumhon, Guam, after baptizing some natives.

Cebu hosts World Eskrima championship

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=826667
• Thursday, July 12, 2012 12:00 AM

(The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines – At least 700 eskrimadors from 29 countries all over the world will slug it out for top honors in the 12th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Championship and Congress slated July 18-24 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

“There are so many significant events that will be happening in the week-long gathering of the top eskrimadors all over the world,” said WEKAF chairman emeritus and supreme grandmaster Dionnie Cañete.

A head of state and a foreign dignitary will grace the biennial event for the first time in its 23-year history.

“Honorable Didier Robert, the president of Reunion Island in France, will be coming over to grace the weeklong activity. It’s the first time in WEKAF history that a head of state will be our guest of honor,” said Cañete.

“We did not expect that he will accept the invitation. It turned out that he’s very much interested in the Filipino martial arts.”

“We are now coordinating with the office of Gov. Gwen Garcia because we must accord Robert and his entourage all the diplomatic courtesy due him as a foreign dignitary.”

In another first for the WEKAF family, Cañete said they will enshrine eight grandmasters from the US and 12 from the Philippines into the newly-built Eskrima Temple.

443rd Cebu provincial anniversary to promote Cebu to non-Cebuanos

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14114
• Wednesday, July 11, 2012

By Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent)

THE Capitol will produce 30-second advertisements for television and radio inviting people to visit Cebu in August for the 443rd anniversary of Cebu province.

Production will start start later this month said Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

She told reporters that this is the “most appropriate and opportune time” to invite people to come to the province as the Capitol has lined up several activities for next month.

Highlights include the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, a competition of festivals among towns and component cities of the province.

She also mentioned the One Cebu Expo, where products made in the province will be showcased by different exhibitors from all over the province.

Garcia said that the Capitol is receiving proposals for the advertisement not just from Cebuano directors.

“We are trying to sell Cebu for non-Cebuanoes. We are considering inputs that may come from Manila,” she added.

Garcia said that she is particularly interested in the inputs of a well-known director who has made box-office hits.

She, however, did not disclose the director’s name.

Activities for the province’s founding anniversary run for the whole month of August.

Gwen using bigger venue for last SOPA

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14098
• Tuesday, July 10, 2012

By Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent)

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia is choosing a bigger venue to deliver her last State of the Province Address (SOPA) on July 20, a Friday.

Instead of the Capitol social hall, she will hold the event for the first time in the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), which can seat 1,500 in the plenary hall.

Garcia said she would take time to thank local officials for supporting her administration for the past eight years.

She said she is inviting, aside from mayors and vice mayors, the barangay captains and councilors of Cebu province. Barangay health workers and barangay tanods will also be invited, she said, aside from some national figures, whom she declined to name.

“By its very definition, I am supposed to report to the people the state of the province. I think there is always a proper time for every issue and event,” she said.

Garcia said her SOPA will summarize the eight years of her tenure in office.

“I am proud to say that the province of Cebu has beecome a model among all the other provinces in the region,” she told reporters.

Meanwhile, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy“ Durano said he and others will take their oath as members of the One Cebu party after the SOPA.

The governor met with Durano yesterday at the Captiol although Garcia said he only asked for assistance for Danao city.

Garcia said they are scheduling the entry of new party members. “We will always welcome those who believe in the principles of One Cebu… founded on unity,” she said.

Volunteers remove garbage from Lapu beaches

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14088
• Monday, July 9, 2012

By Norman V. Mendoza (Correspondent)

A TRUCKLOAD of garbage was taken from the waters of public beaches in barangay Marigondon in Lapu-Lapu City during a coastal and underwater clean-up last week.

The clean-up project is in line with the celebration of the 17th Police Community Relation (PCR) month which is celebrated for the whole month of July.

The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Scuba Divers Team led by SPO2 Rodito Viovicente together with the different dive shop owners, Philipine Coast Guard Auxillary led by Simplicio Gilig Jr., Patriot divers, barangay Marigondon personnel and National Police Commission joined the coastal clean-up drive.

Most of the garbage taken from the underwater were plastics of junk food. Decaying seaweeds and seagrasses were also taken as they distract swimmers.

"Regular man ang among gihimo nga mga projects sama sa mangrove planting, feeding, drug awareness campign ug kining mga clean-ups, pero karong buwana mao gyud ang PCR month," said Viovicente.

Durano:Cebu should expand tourist market

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14075
• Sunday, July 8, 2012

By Peter L. Romanillos (Correspondent)

Cebu has to diversify its market in order to topple Camarines Sur as the country's top tourist destination, former tourism secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said yesterday.

Durano said Cebu shouldn't rely on its usual Korean and Japanese markets and must lure neighboring Southeast Asian nations too.

“These new markets haven't grown. For the tourism of Cebu to further grow, we need to find a new market,” Durano said.

China is a big potential market, but strained relations between the two countries make it difficult to attract Chinese visitors.

“We could still look at others like the Southeast Asian countries. There could also be a European market which is still growing. A new market - that’ s what Cebu needs,” the former tourism secretary said.

During Durano's tenure as tourism secretary, Cebu was the country's no. 1 destination in 2009 with 1.6 million visitors followed by Camarines Sur with 1.56 million and Metro Manila with 1.44 million based on DOT figures.

But recent data from the National Statistical Coordination Board showed that Camarines Sur which developed itself as a water sports adventure spot, overtook Metro Manila and Cebu as the top tourism destination with 2.33 million tourists in 2010. Cebu slid down to the third spot with 1.7 million visitors.

Durano, however, said the province has developed in terms of providing new hotels and resorts and will always have its “own kind of charm”.

He said emerging eco-adventure and sports tourism activities in Cebu will also boost its appeal to domestic and foreign visitors.

“Even sports like our marathons. This August, we will have the Iron Man event. Those kinds of activities will also help,” Durano said.

Carcar celebrates 5th charter year

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=824973
• Saturday,July 7, 2012 12:00 AM

By Garry B. Lao/JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - It is a non-working holiday in Carcar City today as the local government unit celebrates its fifth charter anniversary.

Carcar Mayor Nicepuro Apura said the highlight of the celebration will be the awarding of the city’s outstanding men and women.

Apura said the recognition is intended to confer honor and prestige to Carcaranons who have attained exceptional achievements in the fields of medicines, law, education and engineering. The number of awardees will be known tonight during the awarding ceremonies.

Cebu 1st District Rep. Eduardo Gullas said July 7 has been declared a “non-working holiday” so that the city government would no longer have to issue a memorandum every year.

Gullas told Apura that the city would soon have a state college, which will be pattered after the colleges in San Fernando and Sibonga. Gullas targets to build a state college in the six local government units in the 1st District before his term as congressman ends next year.

So far, only Talisay City has a state college. The school in Naga is scheduled to open next year, which will be followed by a campus in Minglanilla.

Aside from the state college, and if plans push through, Carcar will also have its own branches of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and a Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), Gullas said. Separate bills have been filed in the House of Representatives for the creation of the branches.

Carcar has a district hospital, but instead of turning it into a provincial hospital, Gullas said he wants to convert the same into a medical center so it can get funds not only from the provincial government, but also from the national government.

Moreover, Gullas has filed Carcar House Bill 528 or Carcar City’s Cultural Heritage Act of 2010 to ensure that the historical sites in the city will be protected.

Carcar, located about 39.9 kilometers south of Cebu City, is considered a heritage city because it is home to various Spanish and American period structures. At its plaza is the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which was erected in 1876 and just a walking distance away are many century-old houses, which include, among others, the famous “Balay Na Tisa” built in 1859.

In the middle of the city’s plaza is the colonial-inspired kiosk or the rotunda, considered as a landmark.

Carcar became a component city in July 1, 2007, but the City Council passed a resolution changing the commemoration date to July 7, 2007 (7-7-7) for “easy recall.”

It was Gullas who authored Republic Act 9436, the Carcar Cityhood Law.

Cebu bloggers hold Social Media Day

• Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/224511/cebu-bloggers-hold-social-media-day
• Friday, July 6, 2012 8:09 am

(Cebu Daily News)

THE Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. (CBSi) successfully organized their first Social Media Day in Cebu on June 30.

The event at Mactan Isla Resort and Spa coincided with Mashable’s third annual Social Media Day and CBSi’s first monthly meeting following its general assembly and election of officers in May.

Four speakers shared their expertise with the Cebu-based bloggers.

Orville Tadle, country representative for Elance and an active CBSi member, provided tips on freelancing opportunities.

Laureen Jean Mondonedo, content editor of Sun.Star Network Exchange, shared the importance of observing proper ethics online and in the field.

Max Limpag, Sun.Star Cebu business editor and InnoPub Media co-founder, highlighted the importance of writing in blogging, encouraging bloggers to “write for people and not for algorithms because social networks are networks of people, not machines.”

Fleire Castro, Third Team Media founder and current Social Media chairperson, shared tips on how bloggers can increase their online influence through social media networks.

Hosted and moderated by lawyer-blogger Ethelbert Ouano, the interactive forum provided an inputs from experienced speakers and Ouano’s legal insights.

Twenty-eight bloggers attended the event. Other groups from the social media community also joined the event, including Cebu Blog Camp, Fashion Bloggers Group, and I Luv Cebu.

“The turnout was positive and interactive, and we achieved our goal of making Social Media Day-Cebu a day of fun, learning, creating new friends, and sharing stories about blogging and social media,” said CBSi president Ruben Licera.

He also shared the year-long plans of CBSi, including opening its membership to non-bloggers through a program called Junior Bloggers—a mentorship program for budding bloggers with senior members of the organization.

“We are also looking at providing our members regular trainings, events-based opportunities for them to practice their craft, networking and linkages with possible investors, partners, and mentors, and social media responsibility activities through which bloggers can advance their individual advocacies,” Licera explained.

For more information about CBSi, visit www.cebubloggers.com.

Cebu LGUs, private foundation to rehab decrepit schools

• Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1981341297600
• Thursday, July 5, 2012

By Amorganda A. Saludar (FCR/AYS/RAFI PR-PIA7 CEBU)

CEBU CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- Two mayors from Tuburan and Asturias in northwest Cebu as well as the school heads of eight beneficiary schools in both towns inked an agreement with a private foundation to have decrepit schools rehabilitated.

The memorandum of agreement was signed last June 13 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Studies Center in Cebu City.

The eight school-beneficiaries in said towns are the second batch of recipients of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated's (RAFI) School Rehabilitation Program or SRP now on its third phase. The program involves the repair of 28 classrooms that will start this month.

Around 1,260 schoolchildren will benefit from the repaired structures.

RAFI allocated P 8.2 million for the major repair and rehabilitation. The school-recipients are: Asturias Central School, Agbanga Primary School, Agtugop Elementary School, Tag-amakan Elementary School, Sandayong Elementary School, Carmelo Elementary School, Daan Lungsod Elementary School, and Tuburan Central School.

As for their part, the local government units (LGUs) of Asturias and Tuburan will shoulder the 30 percent of labor costs. Included in the agreement is the commitment of both towns to provide the fund of not less than P10,000 for the establishment of an Indigenous Tree Nursery in each school.

“I am so happy that our two schools are included in this batch. For me, applying for this project is very risky but because of the support from the LGU and parents, I managed to pursue my application for school repair knowing that this project is for the benefit of our children,” Eliseo Leones Jr., school head of Agtugop and Agbanga Elementary Schools, said.

Asturias mayor Alan Adlawan, whose town was a program beneficiary since 2009 said the program really spurred the school-beneficiaries to improve their performance.

“Repairing school buildings is just one part of improving the quality of education. We always would like to be a part of this program. It’s more of a challenge for us. Every time RAFI repairs schools in Asturias, we are challenged to perform well,” Adlawan said.

The Foundation aims not just to change the physical condition of schools but to enhance the quality of learning and teaching inside the classroom as well.

“The classroom is a child's home away from home. It is where students spend most of their day and where much of their development occurs. When children and teachers feel physically safe and comfortable in their classrooms, they are motivated to come to school and are able to focus their attention on their central task: teaching and learning," Amaya Cristina Aboitiz, deputy director for operations of RAFI, explained.

"Through the School Rehabilitation Program, RAFI seeks to provide students and teachers with conducive learning environment. We hope that this investment, together with the continued work and support of the teachers and parents, will lead to improved student attendance, motivation, and achievement,” Aboitiz added.

Since 2004, the SRP has repaired and turned over 458 classrooms in 136 public elementary schools in 36 municipalities of Cebu.

The SRP is a program under the Education focus area of RAFI, believing that shaping the next generation of talents begins with nurturing the love for learning. Other focus areas of RAFI are integrated development, micro-finance & entrepreneurship, culture & heritage and leadership & citizenship.

For further information about RAFI's school rehabilitation program, call 418-7234 loc. 205 and look for Jicel Reve Gabriel or visit their website: www.rafi.org.ph.

PNoy to visit Danao Saturday

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=823912
• Wednesday, July 4, 2012 12:00 AM

By Gregg M. Rubio/LPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - President Aquino is reportedly scheduled to visit Danao City on Saturday to strike an alliance with the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya or Bakud Party in the fifth district.

Aquino will reportedly witness the formal announcement of the alliance between his political group, the Liberal Party, and Bakud during the birthday celebration of Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III.

Aquino heads LP while Durano is the chairman of Bakud Party, which Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale belongs.

A staff of Magpale told The FREEMAN that a coordination meeting had been conducted by the Presidential Management Staff and the Presidential Security Group on Aquino’s visit.

But the Philippine Information Agency-7 said it received no confirmation yet as of yesterday on the visit of the president.

Bakud earlier endorsed the tandem of former Cebu City councilor Hilario Davide III and Magpale for governor and vice governor, respectively, in the 2013 elections.

The tandem was reportedly presented to Aquino in Malacañang during a meeting with LP national officials days ago.

Magpale, a cousin of Durano, had rejected the offer to be the runningmate of third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who is running for governor to succeed his sister, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Rep. Garcia is the secretary-general of One Cebu Party, which forged an alliance with Bakud during the 2007 and 2010 elections.

Bakud, however, is supporting Gov. Garcia’s senatorial bid to ensure Cebu’s representation in the Senate.

Gov. Garcia, for her part, thanked Bakud for supporting her in spite of the present political realignment.

Fifth district is composed of the towns of Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Liloan, Pilar, Poro, San Fransisco, Sogod, Tudela, and the city of Danao.

Gwen, Agnes release P3.2 million in Boljoon

• Source:http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=14010
• Tuesday, July 2, 2012

By Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent)

The top two officials of Cebu province showed no sign of political animosity as they handed out checks for P3.2 million in Capitol assistance to Boljoon town, south Cebu.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale with members of the Provincial Board (PB) distributed the checks to barangay captains in the town hall.

It was the third out-of-town session of the PB since Magpale turned down the invitation to run as the One Cebu candidate for vice governor since her Bakud party would ally with the Liberal Party in 2013.

During a consultation forum with barangay officials, Capitol officials assured support for the town’s production of citronella oil, an effective organic insect repellant which can help prevent dengue fever.

Boljoon barangays each received P100,000 financial aaid for health centers and day care centers.

Municipal Mayor Teresita “Daday” Celis also received P2.1 million for the construction of a senior citizens building, public rest room and the drainage open canal of the farm to market road.

The town’s fledging citronella production placed third in a field of 20 competitors in the Obra Negosyo Eskwela Season 2 program. A councilor asked if support for the project would continue now that the contest is over. Garcia said that they will continue to promote the citronella product even in the Suroy Suroy sa Sugbo.

The Boljoon town council passed a resolution last month appealing to farmers to plant citronella for its high potential as an alternative livelihood.

A town official said he wanted farmers to feed hogs with organic material and promote organic farming.

DENR-7 awards partners to cap environment month

• Source:http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=13993
• Monday, July 2, 2012

By Jessa J. Agua (Correspondent)

THE environment department in Central Visayas gave awards to partners during the culmination of the Environment Month.

The culminating activity last June 29 in the DENR office in Banilad, Mandaue City also saw the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for additional partners in the “Adopt-An-Estero” program of DENR.

Five of the LGU awardees are from Cebu province including barangay Canduman in Mandaue City, the city of Carcar, the municipalities of Argao and Cordova, and the Cebu City Parks and Playground Commission.

The municipalities of Ayungon and Bindoy in the province of Negros Oriental and the municipality of Candijay in Bohol were also awarded.

Pollution Control Association of the Philippines (PCAPI), Foundation for Economic Freedom, and Silliman University-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management were among the awarded non-government organizations.

Awarded private fims were Carmen Copper Corp., Marianne Development Corp. and Tree Kings Inc.

Ayungon Forest Management Organization Inc. in Ayungon, Negros Oriental, Anislagan Farmers Association in Carcar City, and San Miguel Association Resources Team (Smart) in Danao, Bohol were the awarded POs.

Mabuhay Fil Cement, Alta Cebu Resort, Cebu Equal Trading, and JLR Construction Aggregates Inc. are the new government partners in cleaning rivers.

The total partners in the program is now 17 and all are helping DENR in de-clogging the 23-kilometer Butuanon River.

“The Adopt-an-Estero program helps us in cleaning our creeks and rivers and restore their health,” DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo R. Montejo said.

This year's environment month celebration carried the theme “Green Economy: does it include you?”

Lapu-Lapu gives recognition to top 20 taxpayers

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=822932
• Sunday, July 1, 2012 12:00 AM

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza presented plaques of appreciation to the city’s top 20 taxpayers during the “Taxpayers Night” held at the Movenpick Hotel and Resort.

Lapu-Lapu City’s top 20 taxpayers this year include Movenpick Hotel and Resort, East-Asia Utilities, PLDT, Ajino-moto, Lexmark, Bigfoot, Plantation Bay, Pro-Home Development Corp, Fairchild Semi-Conductor, Yamashin, Maple, Gaisano Grand Mall, Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Imperial Palace, Shangrila-Mactan Island Resort, Taiyo-Yuden, General Milling Corp., Filinvest, Olympus, and Lear.

In her speech, Radaza said that in 2008, the Asian Institute of Management and the Wordl Bank ranked Lapu-Lapu City second in “ease of starting a business” category.

On the same year, the business sector gave Lapu-Lapu City a total of P4.7 billion worth of investments. She said she is giving the business sector a two thumbs- up for this.

“Today, four years later, I am proud to announce that the business sector has given my administration a stamp of approval,” Radaza said.

She also announced that property developer Megaworld Corporation will spend P10 billion in the next six years to develop a 16-hectare property called “The Mactan Newtown.”

It will have residential condominiums, business processing outsourcing offices, retail and entertainment, a wellness facility, and an upscale boutique hotel.

She said her administration has signed a memorandum of agreement with Zehira USA to construct in sitio Soong, barangay Mactan a cutting-edge waste disposal plant using the highly reliable German technology of Herhof.

The company is ready to invest P1.2 billon, she said.

The facility will be located within the soon-to-be-closed dumpsite and the materials recovery facility of the city.

She also assured that her administration fully supports the airport expansion project as she is hopeful and confident that the city will be able to receive P1.5 billion in taxes from the MCIAA in the very near future.

She said the tax from MCIAA will help solve the 500-classroom shortage in the city’s public schools.

The mayor also lauded the tourism stakeholders for helping make sports tourism a successful program.