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==Over 1.2-M households in Cebu set to implement KC-NCDDP --DSWD==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=1&rid=658301
*Monday, June 30, 2014
:By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ]
MANILA, June 30 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has said that over 1.2 million households in 555 barangays of Cebu province are set to begin the implementation this year of the expanded Kalahi-CIDSS-National Community-Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP).
According to DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, these barangays are in the towns of Alcoy, Asturias, Balamban, Bantayan, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Daan Bantayan, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Liloan, Madridejos, Medellin, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, San Remegio, Santander, Sibonga, Sogod, Sta. Fe, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Tuburan and Tudela.
“Together with the province of Cebu, the said municipalities are now in the process of completing their requirements and finalizing institutional arrangements with the DSWD regional office,” Soliman said.
Soliman released the list on Monday based on the result of an enrollment forum conducted last June 24 in Cebu City to discuss the requirements and procedures in joining the scale-up KC-NCDDP implementation from 2014 until 2019.
The forum was a joint partnership of DSWD with the provincial government of Cebu to acquaint the communities on how the KC-NCDDP will be implemented as a poverty alleviation program that uses the community-driven development (CDD) approach.
KC-NCDDP is a national poverty reduction program of the Aquino administration utilizing the CDD approach which empowers barangay residents to identify the problems and needs of their communities and propose solutions in partnerships with their local government units (LGUs).
During the forum, the participants learned that under the program, the communities can propose small-scale infrastructure projects ranging from water systems, school buildings, day care centers and health stations, training and post-harvest facilities.
In addition, they were informed that they could also construct community access roads and bridges which they have to identify as priority project they need to be implemented in their locality or the one that will help them recover faster.
The priority project will have a budget allocation and the implementation will be in the hands of the volunteers of the community which will altogether monitor its construction.
It was also clarified in the forum that the direct implementers of the project are the community residents themselves and the role of local government unit (LGUs) and barangay captains is just providing support to ensure the accomplishment of the program.
Secretary Soliman explained that the CDD strategy is proven effective in developing countries because it makes the governments more responsive in their services and programs by ensuring that there is direct participation of the people who are the beneficiaries themselves.
Moreover, the previous Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapig-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) projects implemented in many poor municipalities indicated that the common people have developed unity and empowerment in deciding the projects that they identified to be their arm for development.
Kalahi-CIDSS was first implemented in 2003, initially covering 364 barangays of the approximately 1,400 poor municipalities in the Philippines.
A total of 5,949 community sub-projects were constructed under Kalahi-CIDSS until 2012.
With its scaling up now into KC-NCDDP, it is set to serve more communities on a wider scope of 847 poor municipalities in 58 provinces in 14 regions across the country to boost and intensify the poverty alleviation program of the government by empowering the poor and letting them play key roles as partners in achieving progress.
With a total budget of P43.9 billion, the expanded program will be implemented from this year until 2019 as a legacy of the Aquino administration and as proof of its quest that no one will be left behind in inclusive economic development.
Part of the fund comes from the national government and the rest from the World Bank (USD 479 million) and the Asian Development Bank (USD 372 million) as a sign of support for the pro-poor program to ensure that typhoon "Yolanda"-stricken areas will be given priority in the rebuilding process.
“Prioritizing the said areas will help them (survivors of Yolanda) not to slide deeper into poverty,” said DSWD Secretary Soliman during the launching of the scale-up program a week ago in Ormoc City in Leyte.
==Cebu power firm first in PHL to offer solar power for homes==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=13&rid=658040
*Sunday, June 29, 2014
:By Eddie O. Barrita [(PNA), CTB/EB/]
CEBU CITY, June 29 (PNA) -- Solar powered homes are becoming a reality in Metro Cebu after the lone power utility firm in the metropolis started offering solar energy to its consumers.
Sebastian Lacson, Visayan Electric Company (Veco) chief operations officer, said Veco is the first power utility in the country to push for solar energy, which the utility also called “Green Energy for a Brighter Future.”
Lacson said an investment of P150,000 will allow a consumer to produce 1,000 watts for his own consumption.
Under its net metering system, Veco will pay for any excess or unused power, he said.
It will also charge the consumer if he uses more than 1,000 watts.
Lacson said an investor who consumes 1,500 watts will only pay Veco for the extra 500 watts.
But if he only consumes 500 watts, Veco will pay him for the 500 watts, he said.
Lacson said Solar Enfenity, Veco’s partner, will install the whole package, including solar panels, with a 10-year warranty.
He said the investment can be recovered in seven to eight years.
This means that if a homeowner will start investing this year, he can recover his capital in 2021 or 2022, depending on how the photovoltaic system effectively harnesses power from the sun.
Lacson said eight square meters of roof space is required to produce 1,009 watts.
The solar panels are expected to last more than 30 years.
Under this scheme, Lacson said, a homeowner can earn money while he and his family are on vacation and if all the lights, refrigerator, television and air-conditioner are off.
He said Veco decided to offer solar energy as part of their corporate social responsibility and because the price of solar panels is now competitive.
He said they chose Solar Enfenity as a partner because it is one of the prominent developers of solar photovoltaic projects in the world.
==Southern Cebu city eyes P650M income in 2015'''
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=658013
*Sunday, June 29, 2014
: (PNA), SCS/EB/
CITY OF NAGA, Cebu, June 29 (PNA) -- The City of Naga in southern Cebu is targeting a P650-million income for the city next year, Mayor Valdemar Chiong said.
“We can’t reach P650 million this year. But I’m so sure we will get that next year,” he said.
Chiong said it will become possible through the increasing real property taxes brought about by the progressive industries of Naga, including power and cement plants.
One of the city’s biggest taxpayers, Korean Electric Power Company (KEPCO), which operates coal-fired power plants, has paid P157 million in taxes to the city.
Salcon Power Corp, which operates the Naga Power Plant Complex, has also paid millions of pesos in taxes to the city’s coffers.
Chiong said this may increase if the winning bidder of the power plant complex will upgrade Salcon’s deteriorating thermal plants.
Last week, Chiong and hundreds of Naga residents protested in front of SPC to address their concern on the hazardous fumes coming out from the two old coal plants. The two plants have been there since 1980.
Chiong said he does not mind if they won’t get an income from the state-owned Naga Power Plant Complex while it is being upgraded because what matters most is that they will have clean air to breathe.
SPC had assured the public that while it could afford to purchase the billion-peso property, it could also afford to buy new power plants.
SPC paid P1.143 billion last week for the property.
==6 Cebu grads in Nursing board top 10==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/06/28/1340020/6-cebu-grads-nursing-board-top-10
*Saturday, June 28, 2014 12:00 am
:(The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - Six Nursing graduates from universities in Cebu made it to the top 10 of the Nursing Licensure Examination given by the Board of Nursing in Manila, Bacolod, Baguio, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Laoag, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga last May 2014.
The Professional Regulation Commission announced Friday that 11,225 out of  29,188 passed the Nur-sing Licensure Examination.
According to the PRC press release, the Cebu graduates who made it to the top 10 are: Bernard Vonn Kyle Rafols Icamen from the Cebu Normal University, ranked No. 3 with a score of 85.20; Allyson Gaile Nidoy Saplad from Velez College, ranked No. 8 with a score of 84.20; Hazel Marie Otero Echavez  of  Cebu Doctors' University and Mark James Ibale Melendres of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, ranked No. 9 with a score of  84.00; and Karen Torregosa Celetaria and Claire Princess Ypil Quiñones of the Cebu Normal University, ranked No. 10 with a score of 83.80.
Ma. Margaret Benosa Sanchez of the University of Santo Tomas topped the examinations with a score of 86.00, followed by  Ariel Angara Bitong Jr, also of the  University of Santo Tomas, with a score of 85.40.
==Manila-based business leader says Cebu most prepared for ASEAN integration==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=657633
*Friday, June 27, 2014
:(PNA), LAM/EB/
CEBU CITY, June 27 (PNA) -- Cebu is the most prepared province in the country for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration by 2015, a Manila-based business leader said.
“Cebu is the most prepared for the ASEAN integration,” Samie Lim, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Franchise Association and tourism chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said.
Lim attributed this to the initiatives introduced by Cebu’s business community.
He cited the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which he said will “never run out” of qualified leaders to serve as president.
Lim said the chamber’s effort in celebrating Cebu Business Month (CBM) in June is laudable.
The coming ASEAN integration was one of the issues tackled during the CBM economic and trade forums.
Sabino Dapat, tourism chair of the CBM, believes in Cebu’s readiness for the economic integration.
“Cebu is not afraid. Cebu and the Cebuanos are a very resilient lot,” Dapat said.
He said that despite difficulties, Cebuanos try to make the most out of any situation, which is why he is confident it can do well in an integrated economy.
==Biz leader: Cebu ready for AEC==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2014/06/26/biz-leader-cebu-ready-aec-350403
*Thursday, June 26, 2014
:By Mia A. Aznar
FOR a Manila-based business leader, the initiatives Cebu’s business community has introduced will ensure the province is ready for the Asean Economic Community.
Samie Lim, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Franchise Association and tourism chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Cebu has much to be thankful for from its private sector.
“Cebu is the most prepared for the Asean integration,” Lim told reporters in a recent visit to Cebu.
He particularly cited the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saying he is confident the organization will “never run out” of qualified leaders to serve as president. “They are able to produce one every year unlike some, who have a president who has been there a long time,” he said.
Lim said the chamber’s efforts in celebrating Cebu Business Month (CBM) is laudable, as he recalled its humble beginnings when it started out as a day-long observance. He said the CCCI can showcase the CBM as a model for other business chambers to follow.
What he hopes for, however, is more participation for its month-long sale. He said that for Cebu in the Bag to be really successful, it needs the cooperation of all retailers and all the establishments, not just some.
He also said that the government needs to realize that the top earner in tourism is in the shopping, not in the food or accommodations. He said tourism decision makers in Thailand and Malaysia realized this and promote the shopping experience in their countries.
Sabino Dapat, tourism chair of the CBM, believes in Cebu’s readiness for the economic integration.
“Cebu is not afraid. Cebu and the Cebuanos are a very resilient lot,” Dapat said at an awarding of investors last week. He said that despite difficulties, Cebuanos try to make the most out of any situation, which is why he is confident it can do well in an integrated economy.
He also believes it is Cebu’s strength that has led national government agencies to neglect it.
He said Cebu needs a highway that will seamlessly connect the north with the south to effectively move business towards the countryside. He said dispersing the wealth and improving tourism facilities in the rural areas will be quicker if the access to these areas is better.
==Yolanda-hit north Cebu town creates disaster reduction office==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=8&rid=656673
*Wednesday, June 25, 2014
:(PNA), CTB/EB/
CEBU CITY, June 25 (PNA) -- The municipality of Bantayan in northern Cebu, one of the areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda, has finally created the Bantayan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO).
Bantayan is one of three towns in Bantayan Island situated off the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland. The other two are Sta. Fe and Madridejos.
The office is initially provided with P250,000 budget for its operational expenses to be taken from the general fund of the municipal government.
The ordinance creating the office is also in compliance with the provision of Republic Act 10121 that mandates local government units (LGUs) to establish a Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO).
The office is responsible for setting the direction, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk management programs within their jurisdiction.
The BDRRMO is a department under the Office of the Mayor, which will serve as the secretariat and executive arm of the BDRRM Council.
Other functions include facilitating and supporting risk assessment and contingency planning activities at the local level and with Bantayan’s clustered barangay.
It shall organize and conduct training, orientation, and knowledge management activities on disaster reduction and management at the local level.
It shall also identify, assess and manage the hazards vulnerabilities and risks that may occur in their locality.
The BDRRMO shall be composed of a DRRM officer, administration and training officer, research and planning officer and an operations and warning officer.
Bantayan Island is among the 16 LGUs in northern Cebu that were severely devastated by the typhoon, which displaced hundreds of fisherfolk and left hundreds of millions of pesos worth of damage in the tourism and poultry industry.
==DENR conducts environment forums for students in CV==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/06/24/1338438/denr-conducts-environment-forums-students-cv
*Tuesday, June 24, 2014 12:00 am
: By Jessa J. Agua/ATO (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - As part of the celebration of the Environment Month, a series of forums on environmental protection were held in three provinces of Central Visayas to increase the awareness of the public on environment concerns.
The Environmental Stewardship forums, spearheaded by the Department of Environment, were done in three universities to further strengthen the environment information, education and communication campaign in the region.
The forums were held in Negros Oriental State University Guihulngan, Negros Oriental campus last June 18, Bohol Island State University Main Campus the following day, and Cebu Technological University Argao Campus on June 19.
DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo said that holding these kinds of activities is very important to inculcate to the youth the environmental programs of the national government.
“This is to provide an opportunity to present and discuss about DENR programs and projects specifically in addressing climate change, national greening program, biodiversity protection and environmental citizenship to a number of students and members of the faculty,” said Montejo.
Montejo cited that this approach would help convey to the academe the seriousness in protecting the environment with the enthusiasm of the youth.
Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
Montejo led a pool of speakers with Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs) in Bohol, Negros Oriental and Cebu.
The discussions lasted for three hours with open forums giving the students the opportunity to ask questions.
“Our biggest partner in environmental protection and conservation is our youth and we count on them as they have the passion and eagerness,” Montejo concluded.
The month of June is annually observed as Environment Month.
==P1.5-B 'Medical City' to rise in Mandaue City==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=7&rid=656073
*Monday, June 23, 2014
: (PNA), LAP/EB/
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, June 23 (PNA) -- A P1.5-billion “Medical City” will soon rise on a three-hectare lot in Mandaue City, a businessman said.
Philip Tan, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said the Medical City will host establishments offering health and diagnostic services.
Tan declined to reveal the investor’s name and company, but said the project is expected to generate 3,000 jobs.
Tan said the investor presented the plan to Mandaue City officials two weeks ago and is now working on the necessary documents from City Hall and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
“This is a unique project. Mandaue should be known not only for its manufacturing industry,” he said.
Tan said the investor hopes to break ground for the project by the last quarter of the year and complete the development in two to three years.
“It will be a mixed-use development project that will follow the ‘Medical City’ concept,” he said.
Tan said the project is timely because of the opening of two major hospitals in Mandaue City a few years from now.
The construction of the University of Cebu (UC) Medical Center and the Chong Hua Hospital is ongoing in the Mandaue City Reclamation Area.
Tan did not disclose the location of the project, but said it is less than 10 kilometers from the Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City.
Tan also commended the Mandaue City Government for supporting the businessman who want to invest in the city.
“There’s no more lengthy discussions,” he said.
==North Cotabato eyes sisterhood ties with Mandaue==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/22/1337755/north-cotabato-eyes-sisterhood-ties-mandaue
*Sunday, June 22, 2014 12:00 am
:By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The 17 municipalities and one city of the province of North Cotabato want to establish a sisterhood relationship with the city of Mandaue to foster and promote better ties.
Vice Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco of Kidapawan City in North Cotabato and president of the league and 17 other vice mayors in the province passed a resolution addressed to Mayor Jonas Cortes and Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede of Mandaue City, copy of which was made available to The FREEMAN.
During the meeting of the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines -Cotabato Chapter , the members signified their intent to establish a sisterhood ties with Mandaue City to foster and promote better and closer  relationship, mutual growth and development toward the attainment of respective goals of both parties.
The resolution cited the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991 which states that "local government unit may, through appropriate ordinances, group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services and measures for the purposes community beneficial to them."
Mandaue City, a chartered as a city on June 21, 1969, is a highly urbanized  and industrialized city which connects two other major cities in Metro Cebu, Cebu and Lapu-Lapu cities, a modern metropolis with "incredible energy and exdtraordinary entrepreneurs."
Mandaue City Councilor Diosdado Suico said they welcome the interest of the municipal and city officials of  the Province of North Cotabato.
Suico said they will discuss the said resolution and he believes they can give a positive response to the request.
==Capitol to help DepEd address shortage of teachers==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/06/21/1337314/capitol-help-deped-address-shortage-teachers
*Saturday, June 21, 2014 12:00 am
:By Liv G. Campo/NSA (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Capitol yesterday assured to help the Department of Education address the problem on the lack of school teachers in the province.
“We will do everything we can ma-fill ang gaps, mapun-an ang teachers. Apparently, there is (lack of teachers) g’yud. There are certain elementary schools and high schools nga one teacher teaching two classes,” said Davide in a press conference.
Davide said the matter was among those tackled in a brief meeting with DepEd’s Cebu schools division superintendent Arden Monisit, who visited the governor yesterday morning.
The governor said that Monisit, however, did not supply him with figures and areas that reportedly face shortage of teaching staffs. Nevertheless, he has reportedly told the DepEd official to give him feedback so that the province can extend its help.
“We need to determine pila ka teachers (needed to address the shortage). If there is really a lack of teacher unya mo-fund ta, we are prepared to do that,” said the governor.
Davide said the Provincial School Board is currently funding the salaries of two teachers and that he may suggest to fund more if it does not violate the recent DepEd’s memorandum circular, which dictates that the salaries of all teachers must be paid by the national government.
Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
Meanwhile, Davide said the Capitol will donate to the said government agency a portion of its property in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, for its building expansion.
Through a usufruct agreement, DepEd has already used the former Provincial Health Office building and now wants to develop the property, but Davide has said they could only do so if the province has donated it including the lot.
==P2B center to rise soon in Carcar==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/06/20/1336967/p2b-center-rise-soon-carcar
*Friday, June 20, 2014 12:00 am
:By Liv G. Campo/NSA (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - As one of the highlights of its 7th Charter Day anniversary on July 7, Carcar City will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its P2-billion City Center, a project expected to boost the city’s economic activities.
“Bag-o ni siya (city center) kay naa’y market, terminal, livestock auction market, the city hall. Around P2 billion ang estimated cost, dako ra kaayo but anam-anam lang,” said Mayor Nice Apura.
The new city hall will occupy at least 3,000 square meters of the 30-hectare property in barangay Poblacion III allocated for the City Center. Apura said the old city hall will either be converted into a museum or other purpose.
Apura said there will also be nightly activities in Carcar City starting July 1 and the holding of festivals on July 5.
Apart from the ceremonial groundbreaking of the City Center, the city will also inaugurate its new City Health building on July 7. On the same day, Apura, who is known for his no-holds-barred statement, will issue his state of the city address in front of his constituents.
Through Republic Act 9436, of which bill was authored by former first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, Carcar became a city on July 1, 2007, but the Council had moved the Charter Day date to July 7.
==Cebu Capitol collects P1-B taxes from January to May==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=655165
*Thursday, June 19, 2014
: (PNA), LAP/EB/
CEBU CITY, June 19 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government has collected a total of P1.012 billion in taxes from January to May this year, an official said.
Cebu Provincial Treasurer Emmanuel Guial said the amount is P13 million more than the tax collections in the same period last year.
Guial said the P13-million increase could be attributed to the 40-percent increase of taxes brought about by the implementation of the amended market values, increase internal revenue allotment, efficient collection of taxes, fees and charges and income from the province's economic enterprises.
Guial said they implemented last year the revision of market values, which enforces an increase of 40 percent on all taxes.
The amended market value was approved in 2012.
Guial said with the way things are going, he is positive that they will achieve their P2.3-billion target revenue, including the IRA, for this year.
The province's annual budget is roughly P2.6 billion.
==P3.3M aid for ABC-Mandaue==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/18/1336170/p3.3m-aid-abc-mandaue
*Wednesday, June 18, 2014 12:00 am
:By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government released an amount of P3.3 million as financial assistance to the Association of Barangay Councils in Mandaue City for the purchase of vehicles meant for use of its members.
Sixth district Provincial Board Member Arliegh Sitoy, representing Governor Hilario Davide III, handed the check to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Association of Barangay Councils President Ernie Manatad.
The simple turnover ceremony was also attended by the different barangay officials of the city.
The release of P3.3 million by the provincial government was in response to the request made by the Association of Barangay Councils which passed a resolution during their regular session last May 14 requesting from Davide  an amount of P3.3 million for the purchase of vehicles.
Manatad said they made the request to Davide and informed him that the league's mission is to represent the interests and aspiration of the barangays and enhance their capability to effectively govern and manage public affairs through the exchange of information, human resource development and technical services.
According to Manatad, to effectively perform their functions with ease, the league could make use the vehicles.
The barangay captains in Mandaue City also asked the assistance from PB Member Sitoy.
Sitoy said Davide approved their request because their intention is to provide and improve services to the residents in their respected barangays.
==Talisay eyes school tie-up for eco drive==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/17/1335768/talisay-eyes-school-tie-eco-drive
*Tuesday, June 17, 2014 12:00 am
:By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government intends to tie up with a Cebu City-based university in its goal to spur more environmental awareness among locals.
In particular, the city eyes to partner with the University of Cebu-Maritime Education Training Center on mapping out plans and implementing environmental awareness campaigns.
City Councilor Antonio Bacaltos Jr., who is the chairman of the committee on Environmental Protection, Wildlife Ecology and Natural Resources Management, said the partnership will emphasize skills and livelihood trainings, education and relevant orientation, environmental protection and preservation and the development of culture of peace.
In a proposed Resolution No. 2014- 24 - 2, Bacaltos is requesting Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to enter into memorandum of agreement with UC for a two-year partnership for community extension services.
"The UC-METC has been promoting partnerships, among others, with government and non-government organizations as part of its social and environmental responsibilities. The City of Talisay has been the recipient of certain extension services of the University of Cebu - METC," Bacaltos said.
==Mandaue City, power firm join hands to light up barangays==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=653884
*Monday, June 16, 2014
:(PNA), LGI/EB
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, June 16 (PNA) -- The Mandaue City Government and the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) are joining hands to address the street lighting problems in the different barangays of the city.
The Mandaue City Council has passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Jonas Cortes to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Mandaue and Veco represented by its Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sebastian Lacson, for the installation of different street light fixtures, bulbs and accessories for installation, maintenance and replacement of all street lights.
Under the agreement, the Mandaue City Government will identify the areas in the different barangays of the city where street lights need replacement.
Earlier, Veco helped the city government of Mandaue in energizing the public elementary schools in the city.
Veco provided assistance and helped Tipolo Elementary School in providing power to the different classrooms.
The installations of new street lights in the different barangays of the city is also expected to address the peace and order problem in Mandaue City.
==Mandaue to mount 'special needs' desk==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/15/1335089/mandaue-mount-special-needs-desk
*Sunday, June 15, 2014 12:00 am
:By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government will provide special service to persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women transacting business at city hall.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes issued an Executive Order No. 11, Series of 2014 copy of which made available to The Freeman providing for special needs desk for accessibility of public and government services for persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women in Mandaue City Hall and other public offices of the local government.
Mayor Cortes cited  Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons" as amended by Republic Act 9442, in congruence with Republic Act 9994 or the "Epanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010" and Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as the "Magna Carta of Women" recognizes the role of the persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women in all aspects of society and nation building.
" In the pursuit of the state principles and policies of fairness, equality and equal opportunities for all as declared in the constitutions and the city government of Mandaue's seek to indiscriminately deliver the basic services to all Mandauehanons," said Mayor Cortes in his order.
The city government, Cortes said lacks complete facilities and infrastructure to provide for the accessibility needs of the persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women necessary for them to conduct their business with in the government buildings with convenience.
The Special Needs Desk, the Executive Order said shall be established in all government buildings and offices with more than one story/floor and shall be staffed by frontline service providers through the training and coordination of the City Hotel Experience initiative spearheaded by Human Resource Management Office.
The Special Needs Desk, it further said shall cater to all persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women, likewise those that are temporarily impaired and injured who wish to conduct business with any office in the city government, especially those offices which are located on the second or third floors of the government buildings.
In order to successfully implement the order of Mayor Cortes, employees will be assign the special desk who first ascertain the nature of the business to be transacted by the persons with disability, senior citizens, pregnant women and the office where such business shall necessarily be transacted.
The staff assign the special desk shall then proceed to fetch and summon the person or officer responsible and direct the said government officer to proceed to the Special Needs Desk in order to entertain and facilitate business with  the clients.
==Cosmetics firm invests P30M for plant upgrade==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/06/14/1334681/cosmetics-firm-invests-p30m-plant-upgrade
*Saturday, June 14, 2014 12:00 am
:By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - Skin care product maker, GT Cosmetics Manufacturing is allocating P30 million for the expansion of its plant in Lilo-an, Cebu.
Bracing for the ASEAN integration, the cosmetics company steps up its level of competitiveness.
In a press conference, GT Cosmetics founder and chief executive officer Leonora B. Salvane said that aside from making sure that the GT products get required quality certifications in important markets abroad like the Food and Drug Administraion seal from the United States, and Halal certification in muslim countries, the company is also investing on its manufacturing plant to anticipate the strong demand specifically from the over 600 million consumers in the ASEAN bloc.
The company will spend this year at least P30 million for the new manufacturing plant to double the current production capacity of making 40 thousand products, across the company's product lines.
At present, GT has nine product lines available in the market, including its newly developed and launched facial scrub that is carefully formulated to compete with well known international brands, while using natural raw materials that can richly be found in the country.
Last year, the company spent over 20 million pesos to set up its manufacturing plant in Manila, to serve the growing demand in the National Capital Region.
According to Salvana, part of the company's preparation to face the international competition head-on is to get an ISO certification.
Now on its 20th year, the Cebuano chemical engineer is one of the successful entrepreneurs who managed to penetrate the cutthroat competition in the beauty business, with marketplace overly flooded with products and brands that promise instant results.
Despite this, GT generates an average gross revenue of P25 million a month, bulk of the market penetration is from Visayas and Mindanao, with growing "satisfied" users in Luzon, as well as other countries like Japan, Korea, China, Finland, Australia, Canada and the United States.
Moreover, Salvane said the decision to bravely conquer the global market starting with the ASEAN member countries, is also fueled by the invitation of SM-owned wellness retail chain Watsons to get ready in expanding with them in the ASEAN territory.
Watsons is GT's high performing retail partner in the country, Salvane said. Now, Watsons is also the company's gateway to enter the global market in full blast.
==Bridged cities mark day of independence==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/13/1334316/bridged-cities-mark-day-independence
*Friday, June 13, 2014 12:00 am
:By Jose P. Sollano, Christell M. Tudtud (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The adjacent cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu individually commemorated the 116th Philippine Independence Day yesterday in simple ceremonies.
In Mandaue City, more than 3,000 City Hall employees including those from 27 barangays and city-based national government agencies and Department of Education city division attended the Independence Day celebration yesterday.
In a press statement furnished to The Freeman, it was learned that the city government celebrated 116th Philippine Independence Day with a Holy Mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph, followed by floral offering at the Rizal-Bonifacio stage then a short program in front of City Hall.
A seven-minute stage drama was prepared by teachers and students of the public secondary schools from Pagsabungan, Jagobiao and Tipolo.
Also for the first time, Ateneo de Cebu participated in the celebration by sending their boy scouts and girl scouts also one of those highlighted in yesterday's program.
Axcel Beljot, director and choreographer of the stage play said that first part of the presentation was a "Balagtasan" on the topic, "Is there real Independence today amidst the influence of material world?"
The program also portrayed in the play was the suffering of Filipinos under the Spanish colonizers and the martyrdom of Andres Bonifacio, the three priests, Gomez, Burgos and Zamora and the killing of Jose Rizal by musketry and the struggles of all sectors in nation-building.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes who is recovering from fever in his message read by Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede urged everyone to make a tribute of those who contributed for the attainment of our independence and to contribute in his own little ways to sustain and strengthen these gains.
The vice mayor also expressed thanks those who attended in yesterday's affair especially the barangay officials and city hall employees.
"It is my honor to be part of the play and as a teacher I have an important role in molding the future leaders of our country, in this way can help sustain the gains of our forefathers in fighting for freedom," said Edna Molejon of Tabok National High School.
Among those who attended included Councilors Demetrio Cortes Jr., Diosdado Suico, Editha Cabahug, Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, Nenita Layese and Benjamin Basiga as well as the barangay captains.
In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz C. Radaza and the city officials celebrated Independence Day in Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase.
Present in the event were Dr. Eduardo Ompad, Schools Division Superintendent; Dr. Faustina Atillo, Office-In-Charge of  the City College; Police Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, OIC of  Lapu-Lapu City Police Office together with Fire Superintendent Oscar Mayol, City Fire Marshall; City Jail Wardens Superintendents Jonnabelle Roiles and Reynante Rubio.
Philippine Air Force's Brigadier General Edwin Manuel Remotigue, Deputy Division Commander, 2nd Air Division and Lieutenant Colonel  Butch Guevarra, Information Officer of the army also attended the ceremony.
Aside from the city officials, the elected barangay officials and city hall's department heads, chief of office and its employees also attended the annual activity.
The flag-raising ceremony started at 7:30 in the morning. The elected city officials are dressed in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana, the Department heads wore a working polo barong while the city employees are seen wearing white shirt.
Mayor Radaza said that Lapu-Lapu was the first hero who showed the true meaning of independence  when he and his troops defended the shore against the Spanish conquistador, Ferdinand Magellan. She recalled that Philippines fell under Spanish rule for 333 years and after 166 years, Filipinos became independent and free.
"On July 25 we will launch a full-blown branding campaign just like what our country did when it launched 'It's more fun in the Philippines,' a few years ago", Radaza added that they will launch a brand campaign similar to the campaign initiated before.
The mayor explained that the city and the fellow Oponganons are proud of the city's illustrious past. She added that the city is blessed with sand and sea tourism as well as world class hotels and resorts aside from having known to have prominent seat in the Philippine history.
"That is why as we brand our place as a historic resort city we want to tell everyone that here in Lapu-Lapu City you can free yourself," Radaza added in the middle of her independence speech.
She urged everyone to own the tagline and slogan "Free Yourself."
The soon-to-be brand of the city promotes the identity of people as much as the identity of the city being blessed with abundant tourism and a five star service for the guests and for the people.
"Kana bang bisan sa tan-aw ra maka-ingon na dayon ang mga tao nga "Ah, Lapu-Lapu City na siya," Radaza said.
==Selling flags gives better income for makers, vendors==
*Source: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/2014/06/12/selling-flags-gives-better-income-for-makers-vendors/
*Thursday, June 12, 2014 3:41 am
:By Carine M. Asutilla
THE Independence Day celebration has given livelihood for flag makers and street vendors.
In sitio Waling-waling, Barangay Opao, Mandaue City, flag makers earn P1,300 daily by selling flaglets in the streets. One of them is Librada Canoy who has been making flaglets for four years already.
She usually starts making them a month before the celebration. She spends P1,300 for 1,100 pieces of flaglets which she sells at P20 a piece to motorists in the streets around Metro Cebu.
Canoy taps her neighbors to help her produce 50-300 pieces of flaglets a day. They start selling them on the last week of May.
Elpedio Batulan, 65, is Canoy’s trusted sewer. She pays Batulan P350 for every 100 pieces of flaglets he sews.
According to Batulan, he can finish 200 flaglets a day.
Batulan repairs and alters garments for a living. But since he was tapped by Canoy to make flaglets, he no longer accepts repairs and alterations every month of May until the first week of June.
According to him, he earns P700 everyday, more than what he earns in his usual work.
“I’m really looking forward every year for Independence Day because I get to earn more for my family. Sometimes, I wish that motorists are really obliged to put the Philippine flags in their vehicles all year long,” says Batulan.
After the blue, red, and white cloth are sewn together, the flaglets are then sent back to Canoy. She personally prints the stars and the sun on the flaglets.
“I use golden yellow textile ink in printing the three stars and the sun. I learn how to screen print from my father who started this business. I basically grew up with this kind of livelihood,” says Canoy.
Canoy also taps some of her neighbors for bamboo sticks, which are smoothened and cut to a length enough to be the flaglets’ handles.
Once the flaglets are printed, it will be dried for about four hours, before these are attached to the bamboo handles.
“Once the flaglets are ready, we tap bottled water vendors in the streets to sell the flaglets. We give them a percentage for every flaglets sold,” says Canoy.
==Mandaue lauds firm for housing plan support==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/11/1333510/mandaue-lauds-firm-housing-plan-support
*Wednesday, June 11, 2014  12:00 am
:By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Council has acknowledged the Social Housing and Finance Corporation's support for the realization of the city's socialized housing and development program.
Mandaue City Councilor Diosdado Suico introduced the resolution supported by Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and members of the City Council.
The resolution saw the city government of Mandaue thanking Social Housing and Finance Corporation through its President Ana Ma. Oliveros.
The Mandaue City Council resolution said the World Bank and the Social Housing and Finance Corporation have chosen Mandaue City as one of the only two cities as model local government units in the implementation of housing programs for the poor uniting all sectors and stakeholders in the community.
Iloilo City was the other model LGU.
On May 16, 2014, the Mandaue partnered with the Social Housing and Finance Corporation in an undertaking, the highlight of which was the program entitled "Learning Exchange on Citywide Development Approach to Informal Settlers Upgrading", an activity being organized by the SHFC and the World Bank under the City Wide Development Approach.
Councilor Suico said the significance of the affair was the presentation of check to the landowner of the 12 community mortgage program projects that will benefit 1,200 informal settler families and the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the SHFC and the city government of Mandaue.
"One of the greatest benefactor of Mandaue City's escalating and paramount success in the implementation of the socialized housing program that aims to strengthen the relationship of  partner government agencies is the Social Housing and Finance Corporation through the leadership of Oliveros," the resolution further said.
==DSWD 7 gives P66M cash aid to 7.35T Yolanda-hit households in north Cebu town==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=652058
*Tuesday, June 10, 2014
:(PNA), LAP/EB/
CEBU CITY, June 10 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 on Monday distributed some P66.425 million in cash assistance to a total of 7,355 households in Madridejos town in Bantayan Island off the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland.
Madridejos Mayor Salvador dela Fuente said his town was the first among the 15 towns in northern Cebu which were hit by super typhoon Yolanda to receive the emergency shelter assistance from DSWD.
He said his town was the first to comply with the requirements and the town has no unliquidated expenses with the DSWD.
Dela Fuente said the 7,355 households were scattered in 14 barangays of his town.
Each of the typhoon victims whose houses were totally wrecked received P10,000 while those whose houses were only partially damaged received P5,000.
Dela Fuente said he has instructed the barangay officials to monitor the cash assistance to ensure that the amount is used for house repair.
Madridejos was among the towns in the north which suffered the most from Yolanda’s wrath.
The 7,355 households which received the emergency shelter assistance accounts to 95 percent of the total households of the town.
Dela Fuente said the amount may not be enough to totally restore the damaged houses, but he is positive that it will make a difference.
==Ched reports rise in number of students taking up education courses in Cebu, Central Visayas==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=651834
*Monday, June 9, 2014
:(PNA), LGI/EB
CEBU CITY, June 9 (PNA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (Ched) 7 has reported an increase in the number of enrollees in education courses in Cebu and in Central Visayas in the past three years.
Based on CHED 7’s report, the numbers of education enrollees and graduates in the region were significantly high from 2011 to 2013.
A total of 21,101 education students were enrolled in the region’s teacher education institutions (TEIs) during the school year 2011-2012.
That same year, there were 4,390 students who were newly enrolled in education courses, while 3,367 others graduated.
In the following school year, the number of education students enrolled slightly decreased to 16,900.
About 4,660 new students were enrolled and 1,837 graduated that year.
But in school year 2013-2014, the number of education majors in the region significantly increased to 40,113.
New enrollees also increased during the year, with 11,430 students.
About 5,082 education students also graduated in that academic year.
The Department of Education (DepEd) 7 said there are about 44,000 public school teachers in the region. Some 3,500 more will be hired this year.
But an education advocate said that while the number of enrollees in education courses continues to increase, not all graduates would end up as public school teachers.
Luchi Flores, executive director of the Coalition for Better Education (CBE), said that even with the government’s offer of bigger salaries and security of tenure, a lot of school teachers would still prefer the private sector because it offers more opportunities, aside from teaching.
The growing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and the demand for teachers abroad are some contributing factors to why some education students won’t aspire to teach in public schools, Flores said.
She said some aspiring teachers are often disenchanted with the public school system because of the difficult working conditions, including overcrowded classrooms and an increased level of responsibility.
==Cebu fetes Georgina Padilla; Cebu art group marks 77th year==
*Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/162437/cebu-fetes-georgina-padilla-cebu-art-group-marks-77th-year
*Sunday, June 8, 2014 2:31 am
:By Jaime Picornell (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
When Georgina Padilla Y Zobel de Mac-Crohon was in Cebu to launch the book “La Oveja de Nathan” (Nathan’s Sheep), her dear friend Carmen Campbell hosted an elegant dinner at La Maison Rose.
On this occasion Georgina came with good friend Marilou Prieto Lovina with whom she had also come seven years ago. That long? They asked, resolving to come more frequently. When’s the next book launch?
For the occasion, Carmen adorned the dinner table with her colorful shell craft place mats and tasseled napkin holders. They sell like the proverbial hot cakes at her Ayala Center Cebu booth, Carmen’s Linens.
Present at the dinner were Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Rosebud Sala, Teresin Mendezona, and Margie Taylor whom Carmen had consulted for the wines served. Catching up with the group (their plane had been delayed) were Carlos Madrid and Jose Maria Fons of Instituto Cervantes.
Chef Adrien Guerrey was congratulated for the excellent French menu prepared. There was pâté de foie among the starters, followed by a well-condimented salad. For entrée, the guests had a choice of sea bass or duck confit.
As stated in a previous column, copies of Antonio Abad’s Zobel Prize-winning novel in bilingual edition (English and Spanish) was exhausted at the book’s launching. The good news from Georgina is that it is now available in Cebu at Fully Booked and National Book Store at Ayala Center Cebu.
For those residing in Manila, Georgina reminds them “La Oveja” is also available at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Speaking of the Ayala Museum, it recently had an activity in collaboration with the Ayala Foundation.
This had to do with the observance in 2014 of the birth centenary of National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos Francisco, better known as Botong. Part of the celebration was a traveling exhibit, “Botong Francisco: A Nation Imagined.”
It stayed for a week at The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu. At the opening, the ribbon was cut by Ayala Museum senior curator Kenneth Esquerra and Bong Dy, deputy general manager of the Ayala Center.
A 15-minute documentary film by Peque Gallaga about Botong was shown on opening day. Guests admired the 25 scaled reproductions, among them “Bayanihan,” “Harana,” “Maria Makiling” and the unfinished “Camote Diggers.”
:At Qube Gallery
Speaking of art exhibits, Qube Gallery’s Jon Gotiong and Maris Holopainen welcomed guests to a group show to mark the 77th anniversary of the Cebu Art Association (CAA). It is titled “A New Beginning” and runs up to June 12 at the Henry Hotel.
The CAA was established on Aug. 22, 1937, with the late Julian Jumalon as its driving force. It was then called the Independent Artists’ Guild. Among the first members were Oscar Figuracion, Ricardo Avila, Fidel Araneta, Silvestre Orfelia, Emilio Olmos and Jose Alcoseba.
The group gathered to paint beneath a big mango tree on the road to the Provincial Capitol, now the site of the Cebu City Museum and Library under the care of the city’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.
More artists had joined the group before the outbreak of World War II: Maria Avila, Alejandro Dacoycoy, Pedro Roble, Jose Ignacio and Martino Abellana. In 1951, Virgilio Daclan and Carmelo “Mel” Tamayo joined in.
Mel Tamayo attended the Qube Gallery opening with his wife Baby. Dennis “Sio” Montera, CAA president, asked Mel to say a few words which he gladly obliged. He admonished the artists to avoid trending. He also encouraged them to obtain excellence “by being yourselves.”
The CAA today is composed mostly of young artists. Icons Jose “Kimsoy” Yap and Mar Vidal are very much a part of it, and so are Jose Najarro, Bonifacio Goco, Ramon de Dios, Bobby Gonzalez, Boy Barrientos, Irvin Benlot, Karby Beloy, Sharon Handang, Nestor Zamora, Jose Brillo Villaver, Chicoy Romualdez and Kherla Sanchez.
In the future, Qube Gallery may have an exhibit by Sio Montera. He is one of the top abstract painters of his day, but he can also do vivid portraits. We mentioned one he did of the late Lydia Ibañez. He smiled as he said, “I have done two of her.”
Mel Tamayo admitted that failing eyesight prevents him from painting. Collectors drop by his place in search of his famous “Tartanillas,” inspired by the horse-drawn vehicles typical of the Visayas.
Maybe a retrospective on Mel’s tartanillas can be organized, somebody suggested. Someone else gave the idea that perhaps CAA members can do a series of tartanilla paintings in tribute to Mel, at the Qube Gallery.
:Dance workshop
Twenty ballet and contemporary dancers took part in the ultimate and most comprehensive dance workshop ever held in Cebu under the aegis of the Metropolitan Ballet Theater company of Fe Sala Villarica.
It was held from May 29 to June 1 at the dance studio of Mango Square. Intermediate, advanced and “pas de deux” classes were conducted by Osias Barroso, co-artistic director (with Lisa Macuja Elizalde) and ballet master of Ballet Manila.
The sessions on contemporary dance were given by Faith Javellana, the artistic director of the School for Theater Arts and Dance in Cagayan de Oro City. The workshop also offered a session on Pilates by Maia Franco, a lecture on nutrition by Dr. Vivina Yrastorza; and mime/acting classes by Benjie Diola.
Chris Manlunas, premier danseur of the company, lectured on ballet history and vocabulary, many of those terms being in French.
We had the opportunity to meet Osias and Faith over lunch hosted by Fe Villarica at the Beehive restaurant. We also learned that the Metropolitan Ballet Theater will perform some time in August at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel’s ballroom. In the program are a sequence from “Sylvia” and the dreamy “Le Spectre de la Rose.”
==Grassroots program for mixed martial arts in Cebu launched==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-sports/2014/06/07/1332114/grassroots-program-mixed-martial-arts-cebu-launched
*Saturday, June 7, 2014 12:00 am
:By Lemuel P. Maglinte (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - Yaw-Yan ArDigma Martial Arts Federation, Inc. takes another major step in Cebu's Mixed Martial Arts scene after launching the first ever amateur MMA tournament in the region dubbed as ‘Cebu Extreme Fight League” set for August 16 at the Cebu Coliseum.
Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu founder and CEO Master Benigno ‘Ekin’ R. Caniga, Jr. said in a press conference yesterday that he organized the Cebu Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Promotions to head-hunt for talents and develop aspiring MMA warriors who are potential enough to represent Cebu in amateur tournaments in Manila before trying their luck in the professional stage.
The Cebu Extreme Fight League will be held four times a year wherein the participants with the most number of wins will have a chance to represent the Queen City of the South in either the Amateur Fighting Champions Balikatan MMA Amateur series or Collision MMA.
Caniga hopes that his latest venture will provide fighters who lack foundation and experience an opportunity to showcase their skills in the sport and in the process boost their confidence level.
“This will serve as a grassroots program for MMA here in Cebu,” said Master Ekin. “I have always been promoting MMA here but the quality and number of fighters are getting low so I decided that an amateur tournament will help us to develop and mold homegrown MMA stars in the future.”
Aside from the host Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu Gym, other MMA clubs who already expressed interest to support Master Ekin's latest endeavor are the One Cebu MMA, Warrior MMA, Xanadu MMA, Redneos Gladiator Talisay and Durex Dragon Kickboxing.
Since it will be an amateur tilt, fighters will deal with a three-minute per round during bouts, shorter than the five-minute per round used in professional fights. The competitors will use a standard MMA gloves, but they wikll wear headgears.
The weight classes to be contested are the strawweight (115 lbs.), flyweight (125 lbs.), bantamweight (135 lbss.) featherweight (145 lbss.) and lightweight (155 lbs.). There will also be special categories for women' and kids.
==DENR-7, groups unite in mangrove planting ==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/06/06/1331697/denr-7-groups-unite-mangrove-planting
*Friday, June 6, 2014 12:00 am
:By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo and Jessa J. Agua/ATO (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 conducted simultaneous mangrove planting in six coastal sites in Central Visayas yesterday.
For the whole region, DENR-7 planted over 13,000 mangrove propagates in observance of the World Environment Day themed “Raise your voice, not the sea level” yesterday.
There were about four appropriate species of mangroves planted, namely, Bungalon (Avicennia marina), Bakhawan Bato (Rhizophora stylosa), Bakhawn Laki (Rhizophora apiculata), and Bakhawan Bae (Rhizophora mucronata).
DENR-7 Regional Technical Director for Forestry Eduardo Inting said that mangrove planting is ideal for now since the wet season has not started.
For DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo, the activity was vital as high waves or storm tides can quickly erode coastlines and damage structures.
“Mangroves are important as they anchor on the soil and also absorb and dissipate the energy of the waves by 70 percent thus slowing their passage in land and preventing significant damage to the coastal communities,” Montejo said.
In Cebu, mangrove planting was done in Sitio Labangon; Tulic, Argao; Cabiangkon Pinamungajan; Dawis Norte, Carmen and Inoburan, Naga City. The activity was done in Calayugan Sur, Loon, Bohol; and Ulo in Siquijor.
Montejo said that everyone should take part in protecting mangroves since they provide nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs, and support fisheries production in coastal waters.
Meanwhile, with the aim to renew partnerships to further protect reefs in Central Visayas, it being at the center of the world’s “Coral Triangle,” stakeholders are set to gather on June 9 at the Philippine Naval Forces Central compound.
Various groups will converge and celebrate starting with a mass, followed by a fellowship lunch and with mangrove planting and team-building activities to strengthen the partnership among the core organizers, said Astrid Lim of CT Initiative in Cebu.
The Philippines, being at the apex of the Coral Triangle, is a partner-nation of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF).
The triangle also covers the exclusive economic zones of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.
CTI-CFF is a multilateral cooperation among six member countries to safeguard the Coral Triangle, which is home to more than one third of the world’s coral reefs, including over 600 different species of reef-building coral and 3,000 species of reef fish.
These coral ecosystems provide food and income for more than 100 million people working in marine-based industries throughout the region.
“At the apex of the Coral Triangle or the world’s center of marine biodiversity is the Philippines. We are one of the 18 megadiverse countries that contain 75 percent of the global biodiversity. And yet, we too are one of the hottest of the marine biodiversity hotspots in the world,” Montejo pointed out.
According to a study by the World Resources Institute called “Reefs at Risk,” about 85 percent of the reefs in the Coral Triangle are in peril.
It noted that threats to the region come from overfishing, watershed pollution and coastal development.
Factors such as climate change and ocean acidification increase the number of threatened reefs to 90 percent, the study added.
Montejo noted that when the multilateral cooperation was launched in 2009, the Philippine government immediately came out with an executive order adopting the country’s CTI-CFF National Plan of Action (NPOA), which includes five goals, 10 targets and 60 priority actions.
The National CTI Coordinating Committee was also created to provide guidance in implementing the NPOA and to serve as the country’s focal point for the implementation of the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action.
The NPOA serves as the framework of the country’s efforts in the protection and conservation of its coastal and marine resources.
==Mandaue brgy execs open to drug tests==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/05/1331326/mandaue-brgy-execs-open-drug-tests
*Thursday, June 5, 2014 12:00 am
:By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - In support to the police in their campaign against illegal drugs in Mandaue City, barangay officials announced that they are willing to undergo drug tests.
Ernie Manatad, barangay captain of Subangdaku and president of the Association of Barangay Council said that before they can show to the people that they are sincere in the campaign against illegal drugs, there is also a need to show them that no one them users of illegal drugs.
Manatad said being the front-liners of the campaign against illegal drugs at the barangay level they should show they are clean.
Although, he clarified that no reports reaching him that some barangay officials in Mandaue City involved in using illegal drugs.
But he said that barangay officials not only the barangay captains, councilors, but it includes barangay health workers, barangay tanods, eco-wardens and job order employees.
However, he said that it needs funds to comply the requirements of drug test.
In Cebu City, the Office for Substance Abuse conducted surprise drug tests to barangay officials in the different barangays.
More than mostly barangay tanods and barangay health workers were found positive of using illegal drugs in 34 out of 80 barangays in Cebu City.
==Mandaue City sets aside P6.5M for river rehab==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=650142
*Wednesday, June 4, 2014
:(PNA), LGI/EB
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, June 4 (PNA) -- The Mandaue City Government has allocated P6.5 million for the initial phase in the rehabilitation of Butuanon River here.
Butuanon River is a highly-contaminated water body which is bordering along densely-populated areas in Mandaue City and Cebu City.
Engr. Ricardo Mendoza, Mandaue City Solid Waste Management Board director, said the initial amount approved by the city will be used for the Phase 1 of the Butuanon River rehabilitation.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes listed the river’s rehabilitation as a top priority project under his administration.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed two years ago by the city governments of Mandaue and Cebu, as well as non-government organizations, for the full rehabilitation of the Butuanon River.
The signatories comprise the Butuanon River Watershed Management Board.
The watershed occupies 1,500 hectares with 12 barangays in Cebu City and nine barangays in Mandaue City.
Informal settlers are also occupying both banks of the Butuanon River.
Environment officials said some of these residents are directly exposed to the river water, which pose health risks because of the pollution level in the river.
==Cebu guv says massive rehab of Yolanda-hit north Cebu to start soon==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=649731
*Tuesday, June 3, 2014
:(PNA), LGI/EB
CEBU CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said a massive rehabilitation of super typhoon Yolanda-devastated areas in northern Cebu will start as soon as funds for the P12.2-billion rehabilitation plan are released.
The rehabilitation plan for Yolanda-affected towns in northern Cebu has been approved by the Cabinet, Davide said.
He said Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson has assured him that he (Lacson) will immediately present the rehab plan to President Benigno S. Aquino III for approval.
Davide said the funds would be coursed through national agencies identified in the rehabilitation plan as implementors.
Super typhoon "Yolanda" ravaged 15 local government units in northern Cebu last November 8.
Last Friday, Lacson, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zeny Maglaya, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, and National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz signed the P12.2 billion rehabilitation plan for northern Cebu.
==Aboitiz Power taps 2 firms for P41-B power plant in Cebu==
*Source: http://www.rappler.com/business/industries/173-power-and-energy/59449-aboitiz-power-baseload-plant-toledo-cebu
*Monday, June 2, 2014 3:06 pm
:(Rappler.com)
The project is expected to be finished by 2017, a critical year for the Visayas grid
MANILA, Philippines – The Visayas will get a boost in power supply as Aboitiz Power Corporation's unit Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI) starts to build a P41-billion power plant in Toledo City, Cebu.
The Department of Energy projects 2016 to 2018 to be a critical period for the Visayas power grid. TVI said its project will help address the power deficit.
"We look forward to working closely on this project with our EPC contractor and the local community to ensure we deliver a quality power plant on time. This project will assure Cebuanos that we will have adequate and competitively priced baseload power supply in the island by 2017. This is a very important project for the Visayas grid," Aboitiz Power CEO Erramon Aboitiz said.
TVI signed an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Hyundai Engineering Company Ltd. and Galing Power Energy Company Inc. It will now issue a Notice to Proceed for the contractors to conduct design engineering and detailed physical data collection for the 300-megawatt (MW) baseload power plant in Sitio Looc, Barangay Bato, Toledo City.
The project's generating equipment will consist of 2 x 170 MW steam turbines and 2 circulating fluidized bed boilers. Construction is targeted for completion by 2017.
Aboitiz Power is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, retail, and power services.
It recently announced an investment of up to P80 billion to beef up its power portfolio. It plans to add 2,000 MW in the next 5 years. At present, the company’s power generation capacity stands at 2,300 MW.
Aboitiz Power booked a net income of P4.2 billion in the first 3 months of the year, 9% lower compared to the same period a year ago. Core net income likewise declined by 3% to P4.4 billion at end-March due to the revaluation of consolidated dollar loans and placements.
==Pajo barrio fiesta revives Pinoy games==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/06/01/1329797/pajo-barrio-fiesta-revives-pinoy-games
*Sunday, June 1, 2014 12:00 am
:By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)
CEBU, Philippines - The first barrio fiesta in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City in honor of its patron saint San Jose the Worker was a big success and the parish priest of Nuestra Señora Virgin of Rule lauded the barangay officials for initiating the religious affair.
Reverend Father Jaime Duero, who officiated the enthronement of San Jose the Worker as patron saint of Barangay Pajo, said the activity was first to happen in Lapu-Lapu City for more than 20 years of his stay here.
Duero said the patron saint of Barangay Pajo, San Jose the Worker, is fit for the barangay because aside from the number of business and industrial establishments present in the area, it also means “trabaho” or work for barangay officials.
Duero directed all presidents of 17 chapels in Barangay Pajo to support the success of the fiesta celebration next year.
He also acknowledged the leadership of Barangay Captain Junard “Ahong” Chan,  who is the one  behind of the success of the first barrio fiesta.
Father Duero cited the importance of support and cooperation among the people of Barangay Pajo.
“Nalipay kaayo kita nga ang Barangay Pajo nakahunahuna niining maong kalihukan nga ‘barrio fiesta” hadiin usa ka santos ang ilang gipasidunggan, ang San Jose the Worker,” he said.
In a separate interview, Chan said the barrio fiesta aimed to revive the different native games. These include dama, tubig-tubig, palo sebo, hapak sa colon, tag of war, sack race, chess, volleyball, basketball, poster making contest, kite contest and puso contest.
More than 2,000 children also received free balloons, ice cream and cotton candy.
Also highlighted the celebration was the Pajo Got Talent.
Chan expressed his thanks to barangay officials, workers and residents who helped them for the success of the first barrio fiesta.

Latest revision as of 15:14, 10 July 2014

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Province of Cebu - Archived News

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:
  1. 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.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Cebu metro.jpg
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.

Over 1.2-M households in Cebu set to implement KC-NCDDP --DSWD

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ]

MANILA, June 30 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has said that over 1.2 million households in 555 barangays of Cebu province are set to begin the implementation this year of the expanded Kalahi-CIDSS-National Community-Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP).

According to DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, these barangays are in the towns of Alcoy, Asturias, Balamban, Bantayan, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Daan Bantayan, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Liloan, Madridejos, Medellin, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, San Remegio, Santander, Sibonga, Sogod, Sta. Fe, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Tuburan and Tudela.

“Together with the province of Cebu, the said municipalities are now in the process of completing their requirements and finalizing institutional arrangements with the DSWD regional office,” Soliman said.

Soliman released the list on Monday based on the result of an enrollment forum conducted last June 24 in Cebu City to discuss the requirements and procedures in joining the scale-up KC-NCDDP implementation from 2014 until 2019.

The forum was a joint partnership of DSWD with the provincial government of Cebu to acquaint the communities on how the KC-NCDDP will be implemented as a poverty alleviation program that uses the community-driven development (CDD) approach.

KC-NCDDP is a national poverty reduction program of the Aquino administration utilizing the CDD approach which empowers barangay residents to identify the problems and needs of their communities and propose solutions in partnerships with their local government units (LGUs).

During the forum, the participants learned that under the program, the communities can propose small-scale infrastructure projects ranging from water systems, school buildings, day care centers and health stations, training and post-harvest facilities.

In addition, they were informed that they could also construct community access roads and bridges which they have to identify as priority project they need to be implemented in their locality or the one that will help them recover faster.

The priority project will have a budget allocation and the implementation will be in the hands of the volunteers of the community which will altogether monitor its construction.

It was also clarified in the forum that the direct implementers of the project are the community residents themselves and the role of local government unit (LGUs) and barangay captains is just providing support to ensure the accomplishment of the program.

Secretary Soliman explained that the CDD strategy is proven effective in developing countries because it makes the governments more responsive in their services and programs by ensuring that there is direct participation of the people who are the beneficiaries themselves.

Moreover, the previous Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapig-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) projects implemented in many poor municipalities indicated that the common people have developed unity and empowerment in deciding the projects that they identified to be their arm for development.

Kalahi-CIDSS was first implemented in 2003, initially covering 364 barangays of the approximately 1,400 poor municipalities in the Philippines.

A total of 5,949 community sub-projects were constructed under Kalahi-CIDSS until 2012.

With its scaling up now into KC-NCDDP, it is set to serve more communities on a wider scope of 847 poor municipalities in 58 provinces in 14 regions across the country to boost and intensify the poverty alleviation program of the government by empowering the poor and letting them play key roles as partners in achieving progress.

With a total budget of P43.9 billion, the expanded program will be implemented from this year until 2019 as a legacy of the Aquino administration and as proof of its quest that no one will be left behind in inclusive economic development.

Part of the fund comes from the national government and the rest from the World Bank (USD 479 million) and the Asian Development Bank (USD 372 million) as a sign of support for the pro-poor program to ensure that typhoon "Yolanda"-stricken areas will be given priority in the rebuilding process.

“Prioritizing the said areas will help them (survivors of Yolanda) not to slide deeper into poverty,” said DSWD Secretary Soliman during the launching of the scale-up program a week ago in Ormoc City in Leyte.

Cebu power firm first in PHL to offer solar power for homes

By Eddie O. Barrita [(PNA), CTB/EB/]

CEBU CITY, June 29 (PNA) -- Solar powered homes are becoming a reality in Metro Cebu after the lone power utility firm in the metropolis started offering solar energy to its consumers.

Sebastian Lacson, Visayan Electric Company (Veco) chief operations officer, said Veco is the first power utility in the country to push for solar energy, which the utility also called “Green Energy for a Brighter Future.”

Lacson said an investment of P150,000 will allow a consumer to produce 1,000 watts for his own consumption.

Under its net metering system, Veco will pay for any excess or unused power, he said.

It will also charge the consumer if he uses more than 1,000 watts.

Lacson said an investor who consumes 1,500 watts will only pay Veco for the extra 500 watts.

But if he only consumes 500 watts, Veco will pay him for the 500 watts, he said.

Lacson said Solar Enfenity, Veco’s partner, will install the whole package, including solar panels, with a 10-year warranty.

He said the investment can be recovered in seven to eight years.

This means that if a homeowner will start investing this year, he can recover his capital in 2021 or 2022, depending on how the photovoltaic system effectively harnesses power from the sun.

Lacson said eight square meters of roof space is required to produce 1,009 watts.

The solar panels are expected to last more than 30 years.

Under this scheme, Lacson said, a homeowner can earn money while he and his family are on vacation and if all the lights, refrigerator, television and air-conditioner are off.

He said Veco decided to offer solar energy as part of their corporate social responsibility and because the price of solar panels is now competitive.

He said they chose Solar Enfenity as a partner because it is one of the prominent developers of solar photovoltaic projects in the world.

==Southern Cebu city eyes P650M income in 2015

(PNA), SCS/EB/

CITY OF NAGA, Cebu, June 29 (PNA) -- The City of Naga in southern Cebu is targeting a P650-million income for the city next year, Mayor Valdemar Chiong said.

“We can’t reach P650 million this year. But I’m so sure we will get that next year,” he said.

Chiong said it will become possible through the increasing real property taxes brought about by the progressive industries of Naga, including power and cement plants.

One of the city’s biggest taxpayers, Korean Electric Power Company (KEPCO), which operates coal-fired power plants, has paid P157 million in taxes to the city.

Salcon Power Corp, which operates the Naga Power Plant Complex, has also paid millions of pesos in taxes to the city’s coffers.

Chiong said this may increase if the winning bidder of the power plant complex will upgrade Salcon’s deteriorating thermal plants.

Last week, Chiong and hundreds of Naga residents protested in front of SPC to address their concern on the hazardous fumes coming out from the two old coal plants. The two plants have been there since 1980.

Chiong said he does not mind if they won’t get an income from the state-owned Naga Power Plant Complex while it is being upgraded because what matters most is that they will have clean air to breathe.

SPC had assured the public that while it could afford to purchase the billion-peso property, it could also afford to buy new power plants.

SPC paid P1.143 billion last week for the property.

6 Cebu grads in Nursing board top 10

(The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Six Nursing graduates from universities in Cebu made it to the top 10 of the Nursing Licensure Examination given by the Board of Nursing in Manila, Bacolod, Baguio, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Laoag, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga last May 2014.

The Professional Regulation Commission announced Friday that 11,225 out of 29,188 passed the Nur-sing Licensure Examination.

According to the PRC press release, the Cebu graduates who made it to the top 10 are: Bernard Vonn Kyle Rafols Icamen from the Cebu Normal University, ranked No. 3 with a score of 85.20; Allyson Gaile Nidoy Saplad from Velez College, ranked No. 8 with a score of 84.20; Hazel Marie Otero Echavez of Cebu Doctors' University and Mark James Ibale Melendres of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, ranked No. 9 with a score of 84.00; and Karen Torregosa Celetaria and Claire Princess Ypil Quiñones of the Cebu Normal University, ranked No. 10 with a score of 83.80.

Ma. Margaret Benosa Sanchez of the University of Santo Tomas topped the examinations with a score of 86.00, followed by Ariel Angara Bitong Jr, also of the University of Santo Tomas, with a score of 85.40.

Manila-based business leader says Cebu most prepared for ASEAN integration

(PNA), LAM/EB/

CEBU CITY, June 27 (PNA) -- Cebu is the most prepared province in the country for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration by 2015, a Manila-based business leader said.

“Cebu is the most prepared for the ASEAN integration,” Samie Lim, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Franchise Association and tourism chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said.

Lim attributed this to the initiatives introduced by Cebu’s business community.

He cited the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which he said will “never run out” of qualified leaders to serve as president.

Lim said the chamber’s effort in celebrating Cebu Business Month (CBM) in June is laudable.

The coming ASEAN integration was one of the issues tackled during the CBM economic and trade forums.

Sabino Dapat, tourism chair of the CBM, believes in Cebu’s readiness for the economic integration.

“Cebu is not afraid. Cebu and the Cebuanos are a very resilient lot,” Dapat said.

He said that despite difficulties, Cebuanos try to make the most out of any situation, which is why he is confident it can do well in an integrated economy.

Biz leader: Cebu ready for AEC

By Mia A. Aznar

FOR a Manila-based business leader, the initiatives Cebu’s business community has introduced will ensure the province is ready for the Asean Economic Community.

Samie Lim, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Franchise Association and tourism chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Cebu has much to be thankful for from its private sector.

“Cebu is the most prepared for the Asean integration,” Lim told reporters in a recent visit to Cebu.

He particularly cited the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saying he is confident the organization will “never run out” of qualified leaders to serve as president. “They are able to produce one every year unlike some, who have a president who has been there a long time,” he said.

Lim said the chamber’s efforts in celebrating Cebu Business Month (CBM) is laudable, as he recalled its humble beginnings when it started out as a day-long observance. He said the CCCI can showcase the CBM as a model for other business chambers to follow.

What he hopes for, however, is more participation for its month-long sale. He said that for Cebu in the Bag to be really successful, it needs the cooperation of all retailers and all the establishments, not just some.

He also said that the government needs to realize that the top earner in tourism is in the shopping, not in the food or accommodations. He said tourism decision makers in Thailand and Malaysia realized this and promote the shopping experience in their countries.

Sabino Dapat, tourism chair of the CBM, believes in Cebu’s readiness for the economic integration.

“Cebu is not afraid. Cebu and the Cebuanos are a very resilient lot,” Dapat said at an awarding of investors last week. He said that despite difficulties, Cebuanos try to make the most out of any situation, which is why he is confident it can do well in an integrated economy.

He also believes it is Cebu’s strength that has led national government agencies to neglect it.

He said Cebu needs a highway that will seamlessly connect the north with the south to effectively move business towards the countryside. He said dispersing the wealth and improving tourism facilities in the rural areas will be quicker if the access to these areas is better.

Yolanda-hit north Cebu town creates disaster reduction office

(PNA), CTB/EB/

CEBU CITY, June 25 (PNA) -- The municipality of Bantayan in northern Cebu, one of the areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda, has finally created the Bantayan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO).

Bantayan is one of three towns in Bantayan Island situated off the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland. The other two are Sta. Fe and Madridejos.

The office is initially provided with P250,000 budget for its operational expenses to be taken from the general fund of the municipal government.

The ordinance creating the office is also in compliance with the provision of Republic Act 10121 that mandates local government units (LGUs) to establish a Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO).

The office is responsible for setting the direction, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk management programs within their jurisdiction.

The BDRRMO is a department under the Office of the Mayor, which will serve as the secretariat and executive arm of the BDRRM Council.

Other functions include facilitating and supporting risk assessment and contingency planning activities at the local level and with Bantayan’s clustered barangay.

It shall organize and conduct training, orientation, and knowledge management activities on disaster reduction and management at the local level.

It shall also identify, assess and manage the hazards vulnerabilities and risks that may occur in their locality.

The BDRRMO shall be composed of a DRRM officer, administration and training officer, research and planning officer and an operations and warning officer.

Bantayan Island is among the 16 LGUs in northern Cebu that were severely devastated by the typhoon, which displaced hundreds of fisherfolk and left hundreds of millions of pesos worth of damage in the tourism and poultry industry.

DENR conducts environment forums for students in CV

By Jessa J. Agua/ATO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - As part of the celebration of the Environment Month, a series of forums on environmental protection were held in three provinces of Central Visayas to increase the awareness of the public on environment concerns.

The Environmental Stewardship forums, spearheaded by the Department of Environment, were done in three universities to further strengthen the environment information, education and communication campaign in the region.

The forums were held in Negros Oriental State University Guihulngan, Negros Oriental campus last June 18, Bohol Island State University Main Campus the following day, and Cebu Technological University Argao Campus on June 19.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo said that holding these kinds of activities is very important to inculcate to the youth the environmental programs of the national government.

“This is to provide an opportunity to present and discuss about DENR programs and projects specifically in addressing climate change, national greening program, biodiversity protection and environmental citizenship to a number of students and members of the faculty,” said Montejo.

Montejo cited that this approach would help convey to the academe the seriousness in protecting the environment with the enthusiasm of the youth. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Montejo led a pool of speakers with Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs) in Bohol, Negros Oriental and Cebu.

The discussions lasted for three hours with open forums giving the students the opportunity to ask questions.

“Our biggest partner in environmental protection and conservation is our youth and we count on them as they have the passion and eagerness,” Montejo concluded.

The month of June is annually observed as Environment Month.

P1.5-B 'Medical City' to rise in Mandaue City

(PNA), LAP/EB/

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, June 23 (PNA) -- A P1.5-billion “Medical City” will soon rise on a three-hectare lot in Mandaue City, a businessman said.

Philip Tan, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said the Medical City will host establishments offering health and diagnostic services.

Tan declined to reveal the investor’s name and company, but said the project is expected to generate 3,000 jobs.

Tan said the investor presented the plan to Mandaue City officials two weeks ago and is now working on the necessary documents from City Hall and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

“This is a unique project. Mandaue should be known not only for its manufacturing industry,” he said.

Tan said the investor hopes to break ground for the project by the last quarter of the year and complete the development in two to three years.

“It will be a mixed-use development project that will follow the ‘Medical City’ concept,” he said.

Tan said the project is timely because of the opening of two major hospitals in Mandaue City a few years from now.

The construction of the University of Cebu (UC) Medical Center and the Chong Hua Hospital is ongoing in the Mandaue City Reclamation Area.

Tan did not disclose the location of the project, but said it is less than 10 kilometers from the Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City.

Tan also commended the Mandaue City Government for supporting the businessman who want to invest in the city.

“There’s no more lengthy discussions,” he said.

North Cotabato eyes sisterhood ties with Mandaue

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The 17 municipalities and one city of the province of North Cotabato want to establish a sisterhood relationship with the city of Mandaue to foster and promote better ties.

Vice Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco of Kidapawan City in North Cotabato and president of the league and 17 other vice mayors in the province passed a resolution addressed to Mayor Jonas Cortes and Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede of Mandaue City, copy of which was made available to The FREEMAN.

During the meeting of the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines -Cotabato Chapter , the members signified their intent to establish a sisterhood ties with Mandaue City to foster and promote better and closer relationship, mutual growth and development toward the attainment of respective goals of both parties.

The resolution cited the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991 which states that "local government unit may, through appropriate ordinances, group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services and measures for the purposes community beneficial to them."

Mandaue City, a chartered as a city on June 21, 1969, is a highly urbanized and industrialized city which connects two other major cities in Metro Cebu, Cebu and Lapu-Lapu cities, a modern metropolis with "incredible energy and exdtraordinary entrepreneurs."

Mandaue City Councilor Diosdado Suico said they welcome the interest of the municipal and city officials of the Province of North Cotabato.

Suico said they will discuss the said resolution and he believes they can give a positive response to the request.

Capitol to help DepEd address shortage of teachers

By Liv G. Campo/NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Capitol yesterday assured to help the Department of Education address the problem on the lack of school teachers in the province.

“We will do everything we can ma-fill ang gaps, mapun-an ang teachers. Apparently, there is (lack of teachers) g’yud. There are certain elementary schools and high schools nga one teacher teaching two classes,” said Davide in a press conference.

Davide said the matter was among those tackled in a brief meeting with DepEd’s Cebu schools division superintendent Arden Monisit, who visited the governor yesterday morning.

The governor said that Monisit, however, did not supply him with figures and areas that reportedly face shortage of teaching staffs. Nevertheless, he has reportedly told the DepEd official to give him feedback so that the province can extend its help.

“We need to determine pila ka teachers (needed to address the shortage). If there is really a lack of teacher unya mo-fund ta, we are prepared to do that,” said the governor.

Davide said the Provincial School Board is currently funding the salaries of two teachers and that he may suggest to fund more if it does not violate the recent DepEd’s memorandum circular, which dictates that the salaries of all teachers must be paid by the national government. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Meanwhile, Davide said the Capitol will donate to the said government agency a portion of its property in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, for its building expansion.

Through a usufruct agreement, DepEd has already used the former Provincial Health Office building and now wants to develop the property, but Davide has said they could only do so if the province has donated it including the lot.

P2B center to rise soon in Carcar

By Liv G. Campo/NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - As one of the highlights of its 7th Charter Day anniversary on July 7, Carcar City will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its P2-billion City Center, a project expected to boost the city’s economic activities.

“Bag-o ni siya (city center) kay naa’y market, terminal, livestock auction market, the city hall. Around P2 billion ang estimated cost, dako ra kaayo but anam-anam lang,” said Mayor Nice Apura.

The new city hall will occupy at least 3,000 square meters of the 30-hectare property in barangay Poblacion III allocated for the City Center. Apura said the old city hall will either be converted into a museum or other purpose.

Apura said there will also be nightly activities in Carcar City starting July 1 and the holding of festivals on July 5.

Apart from the ceremonial groundbreaking of the City Center, the city will also inaugurate its new City Health building on July 7. On the same day, Apura, who is known for his no-holds-barred statement, will issue his state of the city address in front of his constituents.

Through Republic Act 9436, of which bill was authored by former first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, Carcar became a city on July 1, 2007, but the Council had moved the Charter Day date to July 7.

Cebu Capitol collects P1-B taxes from January to May

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, June 19 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government has collected a total of P1.012 billion in taxes from January to May this year, an official said.

Cebu Provincial Treasurer Emmanuel Guial said the amount is P13 million more than the tax collections in the same period last year.

Guial said the P13-million increase could be attributed to the 40-percent increase of taxes brought about by the implementation of the amended market values, increase internal revenue allotment, efficient collection of taxes, fees and charges and income from the province's economic enterprises.

Guial said they implemented last year the revision of market values, which enforces an increase of 40 percent on all taxes.

The amended market value was approved in 2012.

Guial said with the way things are going, he is positive that they will achieve their P2.3-billion target revenue, including the IRA, for this year.

The province's annual budget is roughly P2.6 billion.

P3.3M aid for ABC-Mandaue

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government released an amount of P3.3 million as financial assistance to the Association of Barangay Councils in Mandaue City for the purchase of vehicles meant for use of its members.

Sixth district Provincial Board Member Arliegh Sitoy, representing Governor Hilario Davide III, handed the check to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Association of Barangay Councils President Ernie Manatad.

The simple turnover ceremony was also attended by the different barangay officials of the city.

The release of P3.3 million by the provincial government was in response to the request made by the Association of Barangay Councils which passed a resolution during their regular session last May 14 requesting from Davide an amount of P3.3 million for the purchase of vehicles.

Manatad said they made the request to Davide and informed him that the league's mission is to represent the interests and aspiration of the barangays and enhance their capability to effectively govern and manage public affairs through the exchange of information, human resource development and technical services.

According to Manatad, to effectively perform their functions with ease, the league could make use the vehicles.

The barangay captains in Mandaue City also asked the assistance from PB Member Sitoy.

Sitoy said Davide approved their request because their intention is to provide and improve services to the residents in their respected barangays.

Talisay eyes school tie-up for eco drive

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government intends to tie up with a Cebu City-based university in its goal to spur more environmental awareness among locals.

In particular, the city eyes to partner with the University of Cebu-Maritime Education Training Center on mapping out plans and implementing environmental awareness campaigns.

City Councilor Antonio Bacaltos Jr., who is the chairman of the committee on Environmental Protection, Wildlife Ecology and Natural Resources Management, said the partnership will emphasize skills and livelihood trainings, education and relevant orientation, environmental protection and preservation and the development of culture of peace.

In a proposed Resolution No. 2014- 24 - 2, Bacaltos is requesting Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to enter into memorandum of agreement with UC for a two-year partnership for community extension services.

"The UC-METC has been promoting partnerships, among others, with government and non-government organizations as part of its social and environmental responsibilities. The City of Talisay has been the recipient of certain extension services of the University of Cebu - METC," Bacaltos said.

Mandaue City, power firm join hands to light up barangays

(PNA), LGI/EB

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, June 16 (PNA) -- The Mandaue City Government and the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) are joining hands to address the street lighting problems in the different barangays of the city.

The Mandaue City Council has passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Jonas Cortes to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Mandaue and Veco represented by its Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sebastian Lacson, for the installation of different street light fixtures, bulbs and accessories for installation, maintenance and replacement of all street lights.

Under the agreement, the Mandaue City Government will identify the areas in the different barangays of the city where street lights need replacement.

Earlier, Veco helped the city government of Mandaue in energizing the public elementary schools in the city.

Veco provided assistance and helped Tipolo Elementary School in providing power to the different classrooms.

The installations of new street lights in the different barangays of the city is also expected to address the peace and order problem in Mandaue City.

Mandaue to mount 'special needs' desk

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government will provide special service to persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women transacting business at city hall.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes issued an Executive Order No. 11, Series of 2014 copy of which made available to The Freeman providing for special needs desk for accessibility of public and government services for persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women in Mandaue City Hall and other public offices of the local government.

Mayor Cortes cited Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons" as amended by Republic Act 9442, in congruence with Republic Act 9994 or the "Epanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010" and Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as the "Magna Carta of Women" recognizes the role of the persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women in all aspects of society and nation building.

" In the pursuit of the state principles and policies of fairness, equality and equal opportunities for all as declared in the constitutions and the city government of Mandaue's seek to indiscriminately deliver the basic services to all Mandauehanons," said Mayor Cortes in his order.

The city government, Cortes said lacks complete facilities and infrastructure to provide for the accessibility needs of the persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women necessary for them to conduct their business with in the government buildings with convenience.

The Special Needs Desk, the Executive Order said shall be established in all government buildings and offices with more than one story/floor and shall be staffed by frontline service providers through the training and coordination of the City Hotel Experience initiative spearheaded by Human Resource Management Office.

The Special Needs Desk, it further said shall cater to all persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women, likewise those that are temporarily impaired and injured who wish to conduct business with any office in the city government, especially those offices which are located on the second or third floors of the government buildings.

In order to successfully implement the order of Mayor Cortes, employees will be assign the special desk who first ascertain the nature of the business to be transacted by the persons with disability, senior citizens, pregnant women and the office where such business shall necessarily be transacted.

The staff assign the special desk shall then proceed to fetch and summon the person or officer responsible and direct the said government officer to proceed to the Special Needs Desk in order to entertain and facilitate business with the clients.

Cosmetics firm invests P30M for plant upgrade

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Skin care product maker, GT Cosmetics Manufacturing is allocating P30 million for the expansion of its plant in Lilo-an, Cebu.

Bracing for the ASEAN integration, the cosmetics company steps up its level of competitiveness.

In a press conference, GT Cosmetics founder and chief executive officer Leonora B. Salvane said that aside from making sure that the GT products get required quality certifications in important markets abroad like the Food and Drug Administraion seal from the United States, and Halal certification in muslim countries, the company is also investing on its manufacturing plant to anticipate the strong demand specifically from the over 600 million consumers in the ASEAN bloc.

The company will spend this year at least P30 million for the new manufacturing plant to double the current production capacity of making 40 thousand products, across the company's product lines.

At present, GT has nine product lines available in the market, including its newly developed and launched facial scrub that is carefully formulated to compete with well known international brands, while using natural raw materials that can richly be found in the country.

Last year, the company spent over 20 million pesos to set up its manufacturing plant in Manila, to serve the growing demand in the National Capital Region.

According to Salvana, part of the company's preparation to face the international competition head-on is to get an ISO certification.

Now on its 20th year, the Cebuano chemical engineer is one of the successful entrepreneurs who managed to penetrate the cutthroat competition in the beauty business, with marketplace overly flooded with products and brands that promise instant results.

Despite this, GT generates an average gross revenue of P25 million a month, bulk of the market penetration is from Visayas and Mindanao, with growing "satisfied" users in Luzon, as well as other countries like Japan, Korea, China, Finland, Australia, Canada and the United States.

Moreover, Salvane said the decision to bravely conquer the global market starting with the ASEAN member countries, is also fueled by the invitation of SM-owned wellness retail chain Watsons to get ready in expanding with them in the ASEAN territory.

Watsons is GT's high performing retail partner in the country, Salvane said. Now, Watsons is also the company's gateway to enter the global market in full blast.

Bridged cities mark day of independence

By Jose P. Sollano, Christell M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The adjacent cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu individually commemorated the 116th Philippine Independence Day yesterday in simple ceremonies.

In Mandaue City, more than 3,000 City Hall employees including those from 27 barangays and city-based national government agencies and Department of Education city division attended the Independence Day celebration yesterday.

In a press statement furnished to The Freeman, it was learned that the city government celebrated 116th Philippine Independence Day with a Holy Mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph, followed by floral offering at the Rizal-Bonifacio stage then a short program in front of City Hall.

A seven-minute stage drama was prepared by teachers and students of the public secondary schools from Pagsabungan, Jagobiao and Tipolo.

Also for the first time, Ateneo de Cebu participated in the celebration by sending their boy scouts and girl scouts also one of those highlighted in yesterday's program.

Axcel Beljot, director and choreographer of the stage play said that first part of the presentation was a "Balagtasan" on the topic, "Is there real Independence today amidst the influence of material world?"

The program also portrayed in the play was the suffering of Filipinos under the Spanish colonizers and the martyrdom of Andres Bonifacio, the three priests, Gomez, Burgos and Zamora and the killing of Jose Rizal by musketry and the struggles of all sectors in nation-building.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes who is recovering from fever in his message read by Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede urged everyone to make a tribute of those who contributed for the attainment of our independence and to contribute in his own little ways to sustain and strengthen these gains.

The vice mayor also expressed thanks those who attended in yesterday's affair especially the barangay officials and city hall employees.

"It is my honor to be part of the play and as a teacher I have an important role in molding the future leaders of our country, in this way can help sustain the gains of our forefathers in fighting for freedom," said Edna Molejon of Tabok National High School.

Among those who attended included Councilors Demetrio Cortes Jr., Diosdado Suico, Editha Cabahug, Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, Nenita Layese and Benjamin Basiga as well as the barangay captains.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz C. Radaza and the city officials celebrated Independence Day in Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase.

Present in the event were Dr. Eduardo Ompad, Schools Division Superintendent; Dr. Faustina Atillo, Office-In-Charge of the City College; Police Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, OIC of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office together with Fire Superintendent Oscar Mayol, City Fire Marshall; City Jail Wardens Superintendents Jonnabelle Roiles and Reynante Rubio.

Philippine Air Force's Brigadier General Edwin Manuel Remotigue, Deputy Division Commander, 2nd Air Division and Lieutenant Colonel Butch Guevarra, Information Officer of the army also attended the ceremony.

Aside from the city officials, the elected barangay officials and city hall's department heads, chief of office and its employees also attended the annual activity.

The flag-raising ceremony started at 7:30 in the morning. The elected city officials are dressed in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana, the Department heads wore a working polo barong while the city employees are seen wearing white shirt.

Mayor Radaza said that Lapu-Lapu was the first hero who showed the true meaning of independence when he and his troops defended the shore against the Spanish conquistador, Ferdinand Magellan. She recalled that Philippines fell under Spanish rule for 333 years and after 166 years, Filipinos became independent and free.

"On July 25 we will launch a full-blown branding campaign just like what our country did when it launched 'It's more fun in the Philippines,' a few years ago", Radaza added that they will launch a brand campaign similar to the campaign initiated before.

The mayor explained that the city and the fellow Oponganons are proud of the city's illustrious past. She added that the city is blessed with sand and sea tourism as well as world class hotels and resorts aside from having known to have prominent seat in the Philippine history.

"That is why as we brand our place as a historic resort city we want to tell everyone that here in Lapu-Lapu City you can free yourself," Radaza added in the middle of her independence speech.

She urged everyone to own the tagline and slogan "Free Yourself."

The soon-to-be brand of the city promotes the identity of people as much as the identity of the city being blessed with abundant tourism and a five star service for the guests and for the people.

"Kana bang bisan sa tan-aw ra maka-ingon na dayon ang mga tao nga "Ah, Lapu-Lapu City na siya," Radaza said.

Selling flags gives better income for makers, vendors

By Carine M. Asutilla

THE Independence Day celebration has given livelihood for flag makers and street vendors.

In sitio Waling-waling, Barangay Opao, Mandaue City, flag makers earn P1,300 daily by selling flaglets in the streets. One of them is Librada Canoy who has been making flaglets for four years already.

She usually starts making them a month before the celebration. She spends P1,300 for 1,100 pieces of flaglets which she sells at P20 a piece to motorists in the streets around Metro Cebu.

Canoy taps her neighbors to help her produce 50-300 pieces of flaglets a day. They start selling them on the last week of May.

Elpedio Batulan, 65, is Canoy’s trusted sewer. She pays Batulan P350 for every 100 pieces of flaglets he sews.

According to Batulan, he can finish 200 flaglets a day.

Batulan repairs and alters garments for a living. But since he was tapped by Canoy to make flaglets, he no longer accepts repairs and alterations every month of May until the first week of June.

According to him, he earns P700 everyday, more than what he earns in his usual work.

“I’m really looking forward every year for Independence Day because I get to earn more for my family. Sometimes, I wish that motorists are really obliged to put the Philippine flags in their vehicles all year long,” says Batulan.

After the blue, red, and white cloth are sewn together, the flaglets are then sent back to Canoy. She personally prints the stars and the sun on the flaglets.

“I use golden yellow textile ink in printing the three stars and the sun. I learn how to screen print from my father who started this business. I basically grew up with this kind of livelihood,” says Canoy.

Canoy also taps some of her neighbors for bamboo sticks, which are smoothened and cut to a length enough to be the flaglets’ handles.

Once the flaglets are printed, it will be dried for about four hours, before these are attached to the bamboo handles.

“Once the flaglets are ready, we tap bottled water vendors in the streets to sell the flaglets. We give them a percentage for every flaglets sold,” says Canoy.

Mandaue lauds firm for housing plan support

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Council has acknowledged the Social Housing and Finance Corporation's support for the realization of the city's socialized housing and development program.

Mandaue City Councilor Diosdado Suico introduced the resolution supported by Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and members of the City Council.

The resolution saw the city government of Mandaue thanking Social Housing and Finance Corporation through its President Ana Ma. Oliveros.

The Mandaue City Council resolution said the World Bank and the Social Housing and Finance Corporation have chosen Mandaue City as one of the only two cities as model local government units in the implementation of housing programs for the poor uniting all sectors and stakeholders in the community.

Iloilo City was the other model LGU.

On May 16, 2014, the Mandaue partnered with the Social Housing and Finance Corporation in an undertaking, the highlight of which was the program entitled "Learning Exchange on Citywide Development Approach to Informal Settlers Upgrading", an activity being organized by the SHFC and the World Bank under the City Wide Development Approach.

Councilor Suico said the significance of the affair was the presentation of check to the landowner of the 12 community mortgage program projects that will benefit 1,200 informal settler families and the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the SHFC and the city government of Mandaue.

"One of the greatest benefactor of Mandaue City's escalating and paramount success in the implementation of the socialized housing program that aims to strengthen the relationship of partner government agencies is the Social Housing and Finance Corporation through the leadership of Oliveros," the resolution further said.

DSWD 7 gives P66M cash aid to 7.35T Yolanda-hit households in north Cebu town

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, June 10 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 on Monday distributed some P66.425 million in cash assistance to a total of 7,355 households in Madridejos town in Bantayan Island off the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland.

Madridejos Mayor Salvador dela Fuente said his town was the first among the 15 towns in northern Cebu which were hit by super typhoon Yolanda to receive the emergency shelter assistance from DSWD.

He said his town was the first to comply with the requirements and the town has no unliquidated expenses with the DSWD.

Dela Fuente said the 7,355 households were scattered in 14 barangays of his town.

Each of the typhoon victims whose houses were totally wrecked received P10,000 while those whose houses were only partially damaged received P5,000.

Dela Fuente said he has instructed the barangay officials to monitor the cash assistance to ensure that the amount is used for house repair.

Madridejos was among the towns in the north which suffered the most from Yolanda’s wrath.

The 7,355 households which received the emergency shelter assistance accounts to 95 percent of the total households of the town.

Dela Fuente said the amount may not be enough to totally restore the damaged houses, but he is positive that it will make a difference.

Ched reports rise in number of students taking up education courses in Cebu, Central Visayas

(PNA), LGI/EB

CEBU CITY, June 9 (PNA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (Ched) 7 has reported an increase in the number of enrollees in education courses in Cebu and in Central Visayas in the past three years.

Based on CHED 7’s report, the numbers of education enrollees and graduates in the region were significantly high from 2011 to 2013.

A total of 21,101 education students were enrolled in the region’s teacher education institutions (TEIs) during the school year 2011-2012.

That same year, there were 4,390 students who were newly enrolled in education courses, while 3,367 others graduated.

In the following school year, the number of education students enrolled slightly decreased to 16,900.

About 4,660 new students were enrolled and 1,837 graduated that year.

But in school year 2013-2014, the number of education majors in the region significantly increased to 40,113.

New enrollees also increased during the year, with 11,430 students.

About 5,082 education students also graduated in that academic year.

The Department of Education (DepEd) 7 said there are about 44,000 public school teachers in the region. Some 3,500 more will be hired this year.

But an education advocate said that while the number of enrollees in education courses continues to increase, not all graduates would end up as public school teachers.

Luchi Flores, executive director of the Coalition for Better Education (CBE), said that even with the government’s offer of bigger salaries and security of tenure, a lot of school teachers would still prefer the private sector because it offers more opportunities, aside from teaching.

The growing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and the demand for teachers abroad are some contributing factors to why some education students won’t aspire to teach in public schools, Flores said.

She said some aspiring teachers are often disenchanted with the public school system because of the difficult working conditions, including overcrowded classrooms and an increased level of responsibility.

Cebu fetes Georgina Padilla; Cebu art group marks 77th year

By Jaime Picornell (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

When Georgina Padilla Y Zobel de Mac-Crohon was in Cebu to launch the book “La Oveja de Nathan” (Nathan’s Sheep), her dear friend Carmen Campbell hosted an elegant dinner at La Maison Rose.

On this occasion Georgina came with good friend Marilou Prieto Lovina with whom she had also come seven years ago. That long? They asked, resolving to come more frequently. When’s the next book launch?

For the occasion, Carmen adorned the dinner table with her colorful shell craft place mats and tasseled napkin holders. They sell like the proverbial hot cakes at her Ayala Center Cebu booth, Carmen’s Linens.

Present at the dinner were Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Rosebud Sala, Teresin Mendezona, and Margie Taylor whom Carmen had consulted for the wines served. Catching up with the group (their plane had been delayed) were Carlos Madrid and Jose Maria Fons of Instituto Cervantes.

Chef Adrien Guerrey was congratulated for the excellent French menu prepared. There was pâté de foie among the starters, followed by a well-condimented salad. For entrée, the guests had a choice of sea bass or duck confit.

As stated in a previous column, copies of Antonio Abad’s Zobel Prize-winning novel in bilingual edition (English and Spanish) was exhausted at the book’s launching. The good news from Georgina is that it is now available in Cebu at Fully Booked and National Book Store at Ayala Center Cebu.

For those residing in Manila, Georgina reminds them “La Oveja” is also available at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Speaking of the Ayala Museum, it recently had an activity in collaboration with the Ayala Foundation.

This had to do with the observance in 2014 of the birth centenary of National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos Francisco, better known as Botong. Part of the celebration was a traveling exhibit, “Botong Francisco: A Nation Imagined.”

It stayed for a week at The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu. At the opening, the ribbon was cut by Ayala Museum senior curator Kenneth Esquerra and Bong Dy, deputy general manager of the Ayala Center.

A 15-minute documentary film by Peque Gallaga about Botong was shown on opening day. Guests admired the 25 scaled reproductions, among them “Bayanihan,” “Harana,” “Maria Makiling” and the unfinished “Camote Diggers.”

At Qube Gallery

Speaking of art exhibits, Qube Gallery’s Jon Gotiong and Maris Holopainen welcomed guests to a group show to mark the 77th anniversary of the Cebu Art Association (CAA). It is titled “A New Beginning” and runs up to June 12 at the Henry Hotel.

The CAA was established on Aug. 22, 1937, with the late Julian Jumalon as its driving force. It was then called the Independent Artists’ Guild. Among the first members were Oscar Figuracion, Ricardo Avila, Fidel Araneta, Silvestre Orfelia, Emilio Olmos and Jose Alcoseba.

The group gathered to paint beneath a big mango tree on the road to the Provincial Capitol, now the site of the Cebu City Museum and Library under the care of the city’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.

More artists had joined the group before the outbreak of World War II: Maria Avila, Alejandro Dacoycoy, Pedro Roble, Jose Ignacio and Martino Abellana. In 1951, Virgilio Daclan and Carmelo “Mel” Tamayo joined in.

Mel Tamayo attended the Qube Gallery opening with his wife Baby. Dennis “Sio” Montera, CAA president, asked Mel to say a few words which he gladly obliged. He admonished the artists to avoid trending. He also encouraged them to obtain excellence “by being yourselves.”

The CAA today is composed mostly of young artists. Icons Jose “Kimsoy” Yap and Mar Vidal are very much a part of it, and so are Jose Najarro, Bonifacio Goco, Ramon de Dios, Bobby Gonzalez, Boy Barrientos, Irvin Benlot, Karby Beloy, Sharon Handang, Nestor Zamora, Jose Brillo Villaver, Chicoy Romualdez and Kherla Sanchez.

In the future, Qube Gallery may have an exhibit by Sio Montera. He is one of the top abstract painters of his day, but he can also do vivid portraits. We mentioned one he did of the late Lydia Ibañez. He smiled as he said, “I have done two of her.”

Mel Tamayo admitted that failing eyesight prevents him from painting. Collectors drop by his place in search of his famous “Tartanillas,” inspired by the horse-drawn vehicles typical of the Visayas.

Maybe a retrospective on Mel’s tartanillas can be organized, somebody suggested. Someone else gave the idea that perhaps CAA members can do a series of tartanilla paintings in tribute to Mel, at the Qube Gallery.

Dance workshop

Twenty ballet and contemporary dancers took part in the ultimate and most comprehensive dance workshop ever held in Cebu under the aegis of the Metropolitan Ballet Theater company of Fe Sala Villarica.

It was held from May 29 to June 1 at the dance studio of Mango Square. Intermediate, advanced and “pas de deux” classes were conducted by Osias Barroso, co-artistic director (with Lisa Macuja Elizalde) and ballet master of Ballet Manila.

The sessions on contemporary dance were given by Faith Javellana, the artistic director of the School for Theater Arts and Dance in Cagayan de Oro City. The workshop also offered a session on Pilates by Maia Franco, a lecture on nutrition by Dr. Vivina Yrastorza; and mime/acting classes by Benjie Diola.

Chris Manlunas, premier danseur of the company, lectured on ballet history and vocabulary, many of those terms being in French.

We had the opportunity to meet Osias and Faith over lunch hosted by Fe Villarica at the Beehive restaurant. We also learned that the Metropolitan Ballet Theater will perform some time in August at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel’s ballroom. In the program are a sequence from “Sylvia” and the dreamy “Le Spectre de la Rose.”

Grassroots program for mixed martial arts in Cebu launched

By Lemuel P. Maglinte (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Yaw-Yan ArDigma Martial Arts Federation, Inc. takes another major step in Cebu's Mixed Martial Arts scene after launching the first ever amateur MMA tournament in the region dubbed as ‘Cebu Extreme Fight League” set for August 16 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu founder and CEO Master Benigno ‘Ekin’ R. Caniga, Jr. said in a press conference yesterday that he organized the Cebu Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Promotions to head-hunt for talents and develop aspiring MMA warriors who are potential enough to represent Cebu in amateur tournaments in Manila before trying their luck in the professional stage.

The Cebu Extreme Fight League will be held four times a year wherein the participants with the most number of wins will have a chance to represent the Queen City of the South in either the Amateur Fighting Champions Balikatan MMA Amateur series or Collision MMA.

Caniga hopes that his latest venture will provide fighters who lack foundation and experience an opportunity to showcase their skills in the sport and in the process boost their confidence level.

“This will serve as a grassroots program for MMA here in Cebu,” said Master Ekin. “I have always been promoting MMA here but the quality and number of fighters are getting low so I decided that an amateur tournament will help us to develop and mold homegrown MMA stars in the future.”

Aside from the host Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu Gym, other MMA clubs who already expressed interest to support Master Ekin's latest endeavor are the One Cebu MMA, Warrior MMA, Xanadu MMA, Redneos Gladiator Talisay and Durex Dragon Kickboxing.

Since it will be an amateur tilt, fighters will deal with a three-minute per round during bouts, shorter than the five-minute per round used in professional fights. The competitors will use a standard MMA gloves, but they wikll wear headgears.

The weight classes to be contested are the strawweight (115 lbs.), flyweight (125 lbs.), bantamweight (135 lbss.) featherweight (145 lbss.) and lightweight (155 lbs.). There will also be special categories for women' and kids.

DENR-7, groups unite in mangrove planting

By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo and Jessa J. Agua/ATO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 conducted simultaneous mangrove planting in six coastal sites in Central Visayas yesterday.

For the whole region, DENR-7 planted over 13,000 mangrove propagates in observance of the World Environment Day themed “Raise your voice, not the sea level” yesterday.

There were about four appropriate species of mangroves planted, namely, Bungalon (Avicennia marina), Bakhawan Bato (Rhizophora stylosa), Bakhawn Laki (Rhizophora apiculata), and Bakhawan Bae (Rhizophora mucronata).

DENR-7 Regional Technical Director for Forestry Eduardo Inting said that mangrove planting is ideal for now since the wet season has not started.

For DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo, the activity was vital as high waves or storm tides can quickly erode coastlines and damage structures.

“Mangroves are important as they anchor on the soil and also absorb and dissipate the energy of the waves by 70 percent thus slowing their passage in land and preventing significant damage to the coastal communities,” Montejo said.

In Cebu, mangrove planting was done in Sitio Labangon; Tulic, Argao; Cabiangkon Pinamungajan; Dawis Norte, Carmen and Inoburan, Naga City. The activity was done in Calayugan Sur, Loon, Bohol; and Ulo in Siquijor.

Montejo said that everyone should take part in protecting mangroves since they provide nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs, and support fisheries production in coastal waters.

Meanwhile, with the aim to renew partnerships to further protect reefs in Central Visayas, it being at the center of the world’s “Coral Triangle,” stakeholders are set to gather on June 9 at the Philippine Naval Forces Central compound.

Various groups will converge and celebrate starting with a mass, followed by a fellowship lunch and with mangrove planting and team-building activities to strengthen the partnership among the core organizers, said Astrid Lim of CT Initiative in Cebu.

The Philippines, being at the apex of the Coral Triangle, is a partner-nation of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF).

The triangle also covers the exclusive economic zones of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

CTI-CFF is a multilateral cooperation among six member countries to safeguard the Coral Triangle, which is home to more than one third of the world’s coral reefs, including over 600 different species of reef-building coral and 3,000 species of reef fish.

These coral ecosystems provide food and income for more than 100 million people working in marine-based industries throughout the region.

“At the apex of the Coral Triangle or the world’s center of marine biodiversity is the Philippines. We are one of the 18 megadiverse countries that contain 75 percent of the global biodiversity. And yet, we too are one of the hottest of the marine biodiversity hotspots in the world,” Montejo pointed out.

According to a study by the World Resources Institute called “Reefs at Risk,” about 85 percent of the reefs in the Coral Triangle are in peril.

It noted that threats to the region come from overfishing, watershed pollution and coastal development.

Factors such as climate change and ocean acidification increase the number of threatened reefs to 90 percent, the study added.

Montejo noted that when the multilateral cooperation was launched in 2009, the Philippine government immediately came out with an executive order adopting the country’s CTI-CFF National Plan of Action (NPOA), which includes five goals, 10 targets and 60 priority actions.

The National CTI Coordinating Committee was also created to provide guidance in implementing the NPOA and to serve as the country’s focal point for the implementation of the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action.

The NPOA serves as the framework of the country’s efforts in the protection and conservation of its coastal and marine resources.

Mandaue brgy execs open to drug tests

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - In support to the police in their campaign against illegal drugs in Mandaue City, barangay officials announced that they are willing to undergo drug tests.

Ernie Manatad, barangay captain of Subangdaku and president of the Association of Barangay Council said that before they can show to the people that they are sincere in the campaign against illegal drugs, there is also a need to show them that no one them users of illegal drugs.

Manatad said being the front-liners of the campaign against illegal drugs at the barangay level they should show they are clean.

Although, he clarified that no reports reaching him that some barangay officials in Mandaue City involved in using illegal drugs.

But he said that barangay officials not only the barangay captains, councilors, but it includes barangay health workers, barangay tanods, eco-wardens and job order employees.

However, he said that it needs funds to comply the requirements of drug test.

In Cebu City, the Office for Substance Abuse conducted surprise drug tests to barangay officials in the different barangays.

More than mostly barangay tanods and barangay health workers were found positive of using illegal drugs in 34 out of 80 barangays in Cebu City.

Mandaue City sets aside P6.5M for river rehab

(PNA), LGI/EB

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, June 4 (PNA) -- The Mandaue City Government has allocated P6.5 million for the initial phase in the rehabilitation of Butuanon River here.

Butuanon River is a highly-contaminated water body which is bordering along densely-populated areas in Mandaue City and Cebu City.

Engr. Ricardo Mendoza, Mandaue City Solid Waste Management Board director, said the initial amount approved by the city will be used for the Phase 1 of the Butuanon River rehabilitation.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes listed the river’s rehabilitation as a top priority project under his administration.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed two years ago by the city governments of Mandaue and Cebu, as well as non-government organizations, for the full rehabilitation of the Butuanon River.

The signatories comprise the Butuanon River Watershed Management Board.

The watershed occupies 1,500 hectares with 12 barangays in Cebu City and nine barangays in Mandaue City.

Informal settlers are also occupying both banks of the Butuanon River.

Environment officials said some of these residents are directly exposed to the river water, which pose health risks because of the pollution level in the river.

Cebu guv says massive rehab of Yolanda-hit north Cebu to start soon

(PNA), LGI/EB

CEBU CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said a massive rehabilitation of super typhoon Yolanda-devastated areas in northern Cebu will start as soon as funds for the P12.2-billion rehabilitation plan are released.

The rehabilitation plan for Yolanda-affected towns in northern Cebu has been approved by the Cabinet, Davide said.

He said Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson has assured him that he (Lacson) will immediately present the rehab plan to President Benigno S. Aquino III for approval.

Davide said the funds would be coursed through national agencies identified in the rehabilitation plan as implementors.

Super typhoon "Yolanda" ravaged 15 local government units in northern Cebu last November 8.

Last Friday, Lacson, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zeny Maglaya, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, and National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz signed the P12.2 billion rehabilitation plan for northern Cebu.

Aboitiz Power taps 2 firms for P41-B power plant in Cebu

(Rappler.com)

The project is expected to be finished by 2017, a critical year for the Visayas grid

MANILA, Philippines – The Visayas will get a boost in power supply as Aboitiz Power Corporation's unit Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI) starts to build a P41-billion power plant in Toledo City, Cebu.

The Department of Energy projects 2016 to 2018 to be a critical period for the Visayas power grid. TVI said its project will help address the power deficit.

"We look forward to working closely on this project with our EPC contractor and the local community to ensure we deliver a quality power plant on time. This project will assure Cebuanos that we will have adequate and competitively priced baseload power supply in the island by 2017. This is a very important project for the Visayas grid," Aboitiz Power CEO Erramon Aboitiz said.

TVI signed an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Hyundai Engineering Company Ltd. and Galing Power Energy Company Inc. It will now issue a Notice to Proceed for the contractors to conduct design engineering and detailed physical data collection for the 300-megawatt (MW) baseload power plant in Sitio Looc, Barangay Bato, Toledo City.

The project's generating equipment will consist of 2 x 170 MW steam turbines and 2 circulating fluidized bed boilers. Construction is targeted for completion by 2017.

Aboitiz Power is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, retail, and power services.

It recently announced an investment of up to P80 billion to beef up its power portfolio. It plans to add 2,000 MW in the next 5 years. At present, the company’s power generation capacity stands at 2,300 MW.

Aboitiz Power booked a net income of P4.2 billion in the first 3 months of the year, 9% lower compared to the same period a year ago. Core net income likewise declined by 3% to P4.4 billion at end-March due to the revaluation of consolidated dollar loans and placements.

Pajo barrio fiesta revives Pinoy games

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The first barrio fiesta in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City in honor of its patron saint San Jose the Worker was a big success and the parish priest of Nuestra Señora Virgin of Rule lauded the barangay officials for initiating the religious affair.

Reverend Father Jaime Duero, who officiated the enthronement of San Jose the Worker as patron saint of Barangay Pajo, said the activity was first to happen in Lapu-Lapu City for more than 20 years of his stay here.

Duero said the patron saint of Barangay Pajo, San Jose the Worker, is fit for the barangay because aside from the number of business and industrial establishments present in the area, it also means “trabaho” or work for barangay officials.

Duero directed all presidents of 17 chapels in Barangay Pajo to support the success of the fiesta celebration next year.

He also acknowledged the leadership of Barangay Captain Junard “Ahong” Chan, who is the one behind of the success of the first barrio fiesta.

Father Duero cited the importance of support and cooperation among the people of Barangay Pajo.

“Nalipay kaayo kita nga ang Barangay Pajo nakahunahuna niining maong kalihukan nga ‘barrio fiesta” hadiin usa ka santos ang ilang gipasidunggan, ang San Jose the Worker,” he said.

In a separate interview, Chan said the barrio fiesta aimed to revive the different native games. These include dama, tubig-tubig, palo sebo, hapak sa colon, tag of war, sack race, chess, volleyball, basketball, poster making contest, kite contest and puso contest.

More than 2,000 children also received free balloons, ice cream and cotton candy.

Also highlighted the celebration was the Pajo Got Talent.

Chan expressed his thanks to barangay officials, workers and residents who helped them for the success of the first barrio fiesta.