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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:

The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Aerial View of Metro Cebu

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault historic visit to Cebu

Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-lifestyle/2012/11/20/869255/french-prime-minister-jean-marc-ayrault-historic-visit-cebu
Tuesday, November 20, 2012 12:00 am

By Nestor Alonso II (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Very rare are the occasions when a visiting head of state comes to Cebu; usually their official trip to this country begins and ends in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. So when I heard that the French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and a delegation of French officials and businessmen would be come to Cebu for the inauguration of the Alliance Française de Cebu, this was on occasion that I could not afford, excusez-moi, to miss.

The red-letter day was Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 12:15 p.m. and the invitation came with instruction to come an hour in advance for security checks. I followed the order faithfully and met Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell and wife Cecilia who also came on the dot.

I did some research on the life of the French Prime Minister and learned that he studied German in Nantes University, receiving a graduate teaching diploma and worked as a German language teacher. In 1976, he was elected to the General Council and "he subsequently became Mayor of Saint-Herblain, located in the western suburbs of Nantes, in 1977". He was the Mayor of Nantes from March 1989 to June 2012 and later was appointed as Prime Minister of France.

There are two reasons for his visit to Cebu: a briefing on the

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) because the project will be jointly financed by Agence Francaise de Development (US$52 million), World Bank ($110 million), Clean Technology Fund ($25 million) and the Philippine government ($25 million).

The second reason were reports that French culture is booming in Cebu through the efforts of a Filipino of French ancestry, Michel Lhuillier. Michel was born in French Indochina and he single-handedly moved to established "Petite France" in Cebu, first by organizing the Les Amis de la France and later, sponsoring Alliance Française de Cebu, a Filipino association of Francophile men and women. True, there were some efforts in the past to promote French culture here but to sponsor any activity or make an organization succeed, you need vast financial resources to achieve your objective.

In the past, I wrote that when you talk of culture, you talk about history, language, music, people, food and drinks. The latter two subjects are my field of interest, as a member of a French gourmet society, La Chaine des Rotissuers and as a food journalist.

It was a cocktail reception during the inauguration of the Alliance Française de Cebu and some of the dishes and wines served during the festivities are featured here. We had Tartelette Poire & Roquefort, Capuccinio de Carottes, Mojito de Crevette a la Mangue, Madeleine de Queue de Boeuf, Croquettes pied de cochon miel basilica and a Cebuano dish, the Kinilaw Duo.

Nearly everybody spoke French and inaugural address of the French Prime Minister was in French and I felt miserable that though I had opportunities in the past to study the French language, I failed to do so. But I did observe the facial expressions and the body language of the Jean-Marc Ayrault and Brigitte Ayrault that in the midst of a French Language Center in Cebu, eating French food, drinking French wine and conversing in the French language, the couple must have thought they were still in France.

North Cebu resort gets facelift, eyes more international guests

Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/309280/north-cebu-resort-gets-facelift-eyes-more-international-guests
Monday, November 19, 2012 10:09 am

By Aileen Garcia-Yap (Cebu Daily News)

IT started as a resort property that compliments the city hotel property in Cebu City then known as Cebu Plaza Hotel in 1993.

Nineteen years later, Alegre Beach Resort and Spa is known as one of Cebu’s premier resort destinations, at par with other global brands now operating their properties in Cebu.

This year alone, Alegre Beach Resort and Spa was recognized by Travel Advisor as the Travellers’ Choice for 2012, the only resort in the country included in the list.

The property was recently bought by Pacific Tiger Group of companies owned by the younger brother of property founder Bryan Cockrel.

“Harry Cockrel bought the property from his brother last year and is now gearing to make Alegre’s brand known all over the world,” said Alegre Beach Resort and Spa sales and marketing manager Bruce Cortes Bollozos.

The property was opened in 1993 with only about 30 people to help in the operations.

With only seven hectares out of the 44 hectares of total land area, the resort offers an exclusive haven to those who want a more intimate time with loved ones in the northern part of Cebu.

“The property is in the northern town of Sogod, Cebu. Right now, we have 42 very well maintained rooms that we are also slowly renovating,” said Bollozos.

Before global hotel brands like Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa opened, Cebu already had Alegre Beach Resort and Spa.

However, when these other world class hotels opened, the Alegre management failed to keep up with the competition and didn’t aggressively push to market the brand.

“The main sales office was even located in Manila, which made marketing more difficult since the property is in Cebu,” said Bollozos.

Despite that, the resort maintained good occupancy rates from tourists mostly Japanese and Russians. Bollozos said they were confident they could attract more clients this year.

Thus, after the Pacific Tiger Group, they moved the sales office to their Cebu City office to give more focus to marketing.

“The move will allow us better control of how we market our property especially that Cebu is enjoying a lot of tourists from all over the world,” said Bollozos.

Bollozos also assured they will deliver high quality service for their guests.

“We have about 110 people on board and we hire a lot of locals from Sogod. We are proud to say that they have extended to our guests the ‘Cebuano’ hospitality that our guests really appreciated,” said Bollozos.

Aside from the aggressive marketing push, the hotel-resort is also undergoing a facelift which is set to be completed by 2013.

Bollozos said they are working on the restaurant, spa, rooms, pool and other amenities in the property.

“Soon we will also be adding 44 new rooms to our property to cater to increasing number of guests that come to us,” said Bollozos.

Bollozos also said they were planning to tap the Australian market through the new chartered flights from Darwin Australia.

Bollozos said their resort would be the best place to go for those wanting some private downtime with loved ones.

“Because we have three coves or beach areas, people here don’t even notice the presence of other guests making it feel more relaxing and exclusive for them which is what a vacation should be,” said Bollozos.

Public Works sets big event in Cebu

Source:http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/18/public-works-sets-big-event-in-cebu/
Sunday, November 18, 2012 12:01 am

(Manila Standard Today)

Field unit heads of the Department of Public Works and Highways will convene for a two-day assembly of the District Engineers League of the Philippines on November 20-21, 2012 in Cebu City.

District and Assistant District Engineers from the 183 district engineering offices nationwide gather for the staging of the 8th Annual Convention 2012 with the theme DELP Supports DPWHs New Systems Approach.

As frontliners of the Department, the District and Assistant District Engineers put into practice the programs and policies crafted by the DPWH management level to address the demand for better infrastructure that will help push rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth.

The DPWH in the district level is continuously working to ensure the safety of all infrastructure facilities and to guarantee the efficiency and quality in construction of all public works and highways.

As the principal infrastructure agency of the government, DPWH will address the rising necessity for better infrastructure with the District Offices spearheading the preservation and rehabilitation of national roads and bridges in the municipalities, cities and provinces.

To sustain the upswing of government spending particularly on infrastructure that will make the country more globally competitive, a discussion on financial matters, disbursement and obligation is among the topics to be discussed at the convention.

Equally important matter is the implementation of the Performance-Based Incentive Systems for government employees designed to reward performers for meeting their targets.

The competency of DPWH men in the field will be the hallmarks of good leadership which will be the key to the successful carrying out of development programs.

According to Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, the DPWH in partnership with the Civil Service Commission has carried out two (2) promotional examinations to validate the capability and competency of those holding managerial positions such as District and Assistant District Engineers to continue professionalizing the Department.

To increase productivity, efficiency and effectiveness, the DPWH has also embarked on the institutionalization of a Quality Management System that will standardize quality of public service delivery to become consistent with the requirement of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Cebu firm joins tech biz council for Silicon drive

Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2012/11/17/cebu-firm-joins-tech-biz-council-silicon-drive-253696
Saturday, November 17, 2012

Aileen Garcia-Yap (Reporter)

A CEBU-based software application company is working with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in seeking to capture a larger chunk of the $1-trillion Silicon Valley business.

Jerry Rapes, chief executive officer of Exist Global, said his company is among the eight Filipino companies that are part of the US-Philippines Business Support and Information Technology Delivery Council. The council will explore business opportunities and partnerships in California.

“The main objective of the council is to reach out to the companies in the Silicon Valley and show that Philippine information technology (IT) companies are ready for business,” said Rapes in an email interview.

The newly-formed council is spearheaded by the PTIC, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The council is supported by Philippine-grown companies like Terranex LLC, Rendition Digital, Exist Global, Ionics, Orange and Bronze, Ayannah, and Innerworks, as first pool of members.

Trade Commissioner Michael Ignacio of the PTIC in Silicon Valley, in an email, said the initiative is not a government-funded program, although the government is working closely with the founding members to achieve common goals.

PTIC intends to build a strong market presence for Philippine companies all over the US and Canada.

Joining forces with these companies in marketing in San Francisco, Rapes said, would mean more access to clients, marketing support, and networking circles. These companies already have businesses in the Silicon Valley.

“We are just working on getting a larger chunk of the pie,” he said. Rapes said Exist maintains a “relatively big” client base in the US.

While the San Francisco Bay area is considered the hotbed of cutting-edge products and technologies, Maricel Legaspi, who runs marketing for Exist in San Francisco, said companies there, especially the start-ups, face the challenge of delivering more with less.

“Companies in the council, such as Exist, have a lot to offer to these companies,” Legaspi said.

Legaspi said the council is a working group, in which each company is set to collaborate for the development of more business and the creation of a wider market, specifically the software and product development, business support, and electronics manufacturing services industries.

DTI records show forecasts that the market for global offshore software and product development, business process support, and electronic contract manufacturing services will hit $1 trillion in 2018.

Cebu exporters seek exemption from wage hike

Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/307960/cebu-exporters-seek-exemption-from-wage-hike
Friday, November 16, 2012 8:13 am

Aileen Garcia-Yap (Reporter)

MORE Cebu exporters are seeking exemption from the P22 daily minimum wage increase recently approved by the Central Visayas wage board.

“The wage increase, continued strengthening of the peso, and high power rates combined are the signs of a perfect storm for us exporters,” said Mari Booth, Mehitabel Inc. vice president in an interview last Wednesday.

Booth and other exporters were at the City Sports Club last Wednesday for the presentation of the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2013.

Booth said the P20 minimum wage increase from last year added to the P22 increase that takes effect in December would increase their operation costs by 20 percent.

The wage increase pegged the minimum wage in Cebu City at P327 a day by midDecember.

Philexport president Venus Gensin said exporters felt orphaned because of lack of government support in the sector.

“The exporters have not fully recovered. Some have even lowered their operations just to hold on and these additional costs will really affect them,” said Gensin.

From an 1,000 employees in 2008, Mehitabel Inc. has reduced manpower to 350 to lower expenses.

“We have retrenched people to be able to cope. The situation is true to all exporters even in Manila. I know one which used to have 3,000 people and is now down to only 35 people,” said Booth.

Ruby Salutan of Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation said that another wage increase would hamper the recovery of the industry .

“We are awaiting the official memorandum this December and really hope that they will consider our situation,” said Booth adding that while other industries like tourism, real estate and retail are experiencing growth, this is not felt by exporters,” said Booth.

On the issue of currency, the exporters said the best exchange rate level would be P45 to a dollar.

“There was a projection that the exchange rate would still go down to P30 per dollar. That will kill all of us. We are barely managing now at P41. How much more at P30?” said Gensin.

While the government has acted on the power rate issue, exporters said that the government should do something to keep the exchange rate at a level that would benefit everyone including exporters and importers.

Cebu guv agrees to fund northern town P35-M RoRo project

Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&nid=2&rid=471631
Thursday, November 15, 2012

(PNA), FFC/EB/RE

CEBU CITY, Nov. 15 (PNA) – Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has agreed that the provincial government will fund the P35-million Maya roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) port project in the northern Cebu town of Daanbantayan which got stalled for three years.

Daanbantayan Mayor Maria Luisa Loot said Gov. Garcia made a commitment to finish the Maya port project before the governor’s term ends next year.

Loot and her son, Provincial Board (PB) Member Sun Shimura, visited Garcia Wednesday to finalize the governor’s trip next week and the completion of her projects in their town and Malapascua island, one of Daanbantayan’s tourist attractions.

The RoRo port will open the town and northern districts in Cebu to the neighboring provinces like Masbate, Negros, Leyte, Samar and Iloilo.

Once it is completed, the town will have a share in the port’s earnings, said Loot.

A five-hectare area adjacent to the port will also be developed as a transport terminal, which the local government will manage.

”I appealed for the governor’s help with that port,” said Loot.

The details will depend on the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that the province will sign with Daanbantayan.

The governor will also check projects on Nov. 19 during her visit to Malapascua, where the province has led a campaign to remove and prevent illegal structures on the beach.

Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th district) earlier said the Maya RoRo port would have been completed last June 2012.

But it got stalled, along with the Malapascua development projects, for three years while the conflict between the mayor and the governor escalated.

They appear to have reconciled last Aug. 30, during the town’s fiesta.

The RoRo port construction and the access road leading to it were jointly funded by the provincial government, Rep. Salimbangon and the National Government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways.

PB member Shimura said the funds for Maya RoRo port are sourced from the P100-million allocation intended for Cordova, Camotes and Daanbantayan ports, in the 2012 annual budget of the province.

The project’s first phase focused on the road connecting the causeway to the national highway. Construction of the causeway followed, after DPWH downloaded P20 million to Cebu provincial government.

Cebu’s 2012 socio-economic profile revealed there are a total of 110 ports in Cebu, of which 43 are public or government ports.

The fourth district has 14 private ports and nine government ports, including the Maya RoRo port that is still under construction.

An existing RoRo port in Barangay Pulangbato in Bogo City serves passengers and cargo to Masbate and neighboring provinces.

Films enabling the nation screened in Cebu

Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/feature/2012/11/14/films-enabling-nation-screened-cebu-253256
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

(PR)

THE Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival commemorated the National Deaf Awareness Week with the screening of four short films that deal with issues of the deaf at the Cebu Public Library last March 14.

In partnership with the Gualandi Volunteer Services Program and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines in Cebu, Dakila presented the short films “Feeling the Faith” by Paul Halili and Alan Obenza, “Kubli” by Dr. Liza Martinez, “Abot Kamay” by Victor Villanueva and “River of Dreams” by Mike Dagnalan.

According to Danielle Aballe of the Dakila Artists Collective in Cebu, “We hope that by showing films that give respect, empowerment and understanding to the disabled, every Filipino, despite impairments, be able to fulfill their social responsibilities towards a fully-abled nation.”

The screening was also the premiere of two short films that won production grants from the festival’s Hasik Advocacy Filmmaking Program and are now in competition with 10 other advocacy films for the ALAB awards of the Festival.

Kubli, made by Dra. Liza Martinez, is a story of a deaf rape victim, Bel, who is raped by her father and struggles to prove him guilty in a court with no sign language interpreters.

Abot Kamay by Cebuano filmmaker, Victor Villanueva, is a story of a deaf girl who wants to become an actress despite her disability.

Dr. Liza Martinez is one of the most prominent advocates and staunch defenders of PWD rights in the Philippines, while Victor Villanueva is a filmmaker more known for his romantic-comedy films such as the independent film hit, “My Paranormal Romance.”

“Kubli” is Dr. Liza’s first attempt in filmmaking, while “Abot Kamay” is Victor’s first engagement in advocacy filmmaking.

Aballe said: “These two films produced by Active Vista best exemplifies the marriage of art and advocacy, that when blended well can be a powerful tool to shape consciousness of the Filipino audience and inspire them to if not effect change, then, at the very least, change the way they look at things with hope that someday our society will be more accepting and understanding of the plight of persons with disabilities.”

E-Gwen ordinance filed in Provincial Board

Source:http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=15115
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

By Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent)

A program that rewards the best performing towns and cities in Cebu, as well as memorializes the governor’s name will be made permanent with the passage of a provincial ordinance.

The ordinance institutionalizing the e-Gwen program, (Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures) was filed in the Provincial Board last Monday.

PB Member Thadeo Ouano sponsored the measure, which was referred for review to his committee on environment.

He said the ordinance aims to adopt the e-Gwen program “which is geared towards rebuilding each town in the Province of Cebu” in seven areas of sustainable development to make “vibrant, progressive and self-reliant communities” with environment as its main point of entry.

This is part of the effort “to create a model Cebu for both the present and the generations to come."

An e-Gwen Program council will be formed headed by the governor with an executive director and a secretary appointed by the governor.

Members of the council will include various Capitol departments, PB members, and its main private partner, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

The presidents of the League of Municipalities and of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and two representatives from the non-government organizations "that are champions of environment protection and preservation" are included.

Every year, the Capitol gives out e-Gwen awards for the “Green Champion”, “Model Town” and “Good Neighbor” in a province-wide contest of local governments down to the barangays.

The awards will be lodged under the annual Garbo sa Sugbo awards of the Province during Cebu’s founding anniversary celebration.

E-Gwen was established in 2008 with RAFI with the vision to make Cebu “an ideal place to live, work, play, invest and do business.”

At first, the program tapped barangay councils by recognizing champion barangays which were able to solve community problems.

A scorecard system included criteria for cleanliness, sanitation and health; greening, creativity, artistry and aesthetic impact; nurturing culture and heritage; and governance systems and structures.

6T athletes gather at Prov'l meet opening

Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2012/11/12/865789/6t-athletes-gather-provl-meet-opening
Monday, November 12, 2012 12:00 am

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon (MBG/The Freeman)

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Rep. Pablo John Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district light the cauldron to signal the opening of the Cebu Provincial Sports and Cultural Festival in Asturias town yesterday. JOY TORREJOS

CEBU, Philippines - Over 6,000 athletes from the different elementary and high schools of the Province of Cebu gathered for the opening of this year's Cebu Provincial Sports and Cultural Festival held in the town of Asturias yesterday.

The event was started with a parade and was followed by a dance number from selected Asturia's students, employees and Mayor Alan Adlawan to the tune of the famous "Gangnam Style".

Arden Monisit, Division Superintendent of the Department of Education Cebu Province, said the best athletes will be chosen from the event to represent Cebu in the upcoming Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

The five-day event will culminate on November 16. The athletes will compete in various sports.

However, the opening was marred by the heavy rains yesterday that forced the athletes to seek shelter while several guests deliver their messages.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia was among those who graced the event with candidates of the One Cebu Party and guest, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar.

The Villar Foundation recognizes sports as means of instilling values of discipline, teamwork, honesty, sportsmanship and the passion for excellence. "More than just preaching these virtues, I believe, nurturing them through sports will leave a stronger and more lasting impact among our people, especially the youth. It is important to instill these values among the youth because these are the same values that are necessary towards building a good future," Villar said in her speech.

Villar said that sportsmanship is very important as it means that we follow the rules of the game and that we are able to accept losing gracefully and celebrate victory in humility.

The Villar Foundation, she added, also organizes sports events like "Sports sa Barangay" and "Villiards".

Talisay sets aside P27M for disaster preparedness

Source:http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2012/11/11/865417/talisay-sets-aside-p27m-disaster-preparedness
Sunday, November 11, 2012 12:00 am

(The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - After several weeks of formulating and finalizing the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan, Talisay appropriates over P27 million for disaster preparedness and mitigation and for quick response.

Councilor Celiapo Cabuenas, who is the chairman of the committee on social welfare and services, said the City Development Council has already approved the 2013 City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan and endorsed the plan to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for confirmation and adoption of the same to the Annual Investment Plan.

In a proposed resolution No. 2012-37-1, an appropriation of P19,113,654 for disaster preparedness and mitigation, which includes the procurement, maintenance of heavy equipment and disaster operation vehicles; the maintenance of Drainage, Dredging, Declogging; Riprapping and Slope Protection and Storm Surge Protection; Capability Building, trainings and Drills; Construction and Rehabilitation of Evacuation Centers; Purchase of Rescue Operation and Other Related Equipments for Disaster Operation and Purchase and Repair of Area Wide Calamity Related Alarm or Warning System.

An allocation of P8,191,567.10 is intended for quick response, which includes the Procurement of Supplies, food stuff, and drugs and medicines.

Cabuenas said the amount was taken from the five percent general fund of the City Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Fund (CDRRMF).

As mandated by Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, every Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) is mandated to come up with a Comprehensive Disaster Framework to encompass disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness.

“It is essential for a Comprehensive Disaster Framework to have an Annual Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan,” Cabuenas said.

1st church-based eco park to open in Cebu

Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2012/11/10/865023/1st-church-based-eco-park-open-cebu
Saturday, November 10, 2012 12:00 am

By Liv G. Campo/MIT (The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - The Sto. Niño de Cebu Agustinian Social Development Foundation, Inc. (SNAF) will open what is believed to be the first church-based ecopark in Cebu in barangay Mohon, Talisay City on Tuesday.

“This may be the first church-initiated eco park in Cebu. But definitely not the last as we’ll be using this as a prototype for other churches to follow,” said Fr. Tito Soquino, president of SNAF, a social development arm of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.

The eco park, located inside the premises of Sto. Niño Parish in Mohon, will have its own material recovery facility, where all garbage collected from the church will be segregated and a meditation garden, among others.

Soquino, an environmentalist himself being president of the environmental group—Knight-Stewards of the Sea, Inc., said the objective of the project is “for the 35 chapels in Mohon to also do the same.”

He explained that if waste segregation and other ecology-friendly activities will be spearheaded by the Church, then it’s easier to ignite public participation.

Soquino said he hopes that other parishes will also replicate this, as he believes garbage is a major problem faced by almost all local government units in Cebu, and possibly in the entire country. Accessible MRFs may help solve this problem, he said. An MRF, however, is only one of the features of an eco park. There is also a meditation garden.

According to Soquino, this garden will connect nature and faith, so those who will use it will remember God’s creation and in the process, will learn to appreciate and protect it.

How much more will Cebu workers get?

Source:http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=15071
Friday, November 9, 2012

(Cebu Daily News)

Workers in Metro Cebu, which belongs to Class A, will receive P327 a day instead of P305 once the new wage order takes effect.

Those working outside the metropolis fall under different categories at a lower rate.

Class A covers cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-lapu, Danao, Naga, Carcar and Talisay along with towns of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando.

The current floor wage in other areas depending on their classification ranges from P240 (for non-sugar agriculture workers in Class D areas) to P285 (for non-agriculture workers for Class B areas).

The P22 increase will be added to each level.

Class B includes cities of Toledo and Bogo and the other towns of Cebu except Bantayan and Camotes Islands.

Class C covers Bohol and Negros province. Class D includes Siquijor and Bantayan and Camotes Islands of Cebu.

Workers are also classified as agricultural (sugar and non-sugar) and non-agricultural.

10,000 seats set for Calungsod pilgrims during mass

Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2012/11/08/10000-seats-set-calungsod-pilgrims-during-mass-252173
Thursday, November 8, 2012

By Bernadette A. Parco, Jujemay G. Awit and Justin K. Vestil (Sun.Star Cebu/Hiezle M. Bual, USJ-R Masscom Intern)

CEBU CITY -- About 10,000 pilgrims from various dioceses outside Cebu Province are expected to attend the national thanksgiving mass at the South Road Properties (SRP) at the end of the month.

Fr. Jake Reyes, committee chairman on local pilgrims, said they are unable to provide accommodations for the pilgrims, but they were referred to travel agencies.

He said these five agencies can give the visitors discounted prices on hotel and pension house accommodations for at least two days. Related articles

The pilgrims, however, are assured of seats during the mass on November 30. But they must come early because the seats are given on a “first-come, first- served” basis.

Based on an initial agreement between a private company and the Church committee, the cost of rental for each chair is P7 pesos per day or P70,000 per day.

Police

Meanwhile, the Talisay City police is asking the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) to deploy about 100 policemen at the SRP in preparation for the thanksgiving mass.

Superintendent Eddie Recamara, chief of the Talisay City Police Station, told reporters that the number of police personnel is needed to prepare for a turnout of 200,000 to 300,000 devotees.

He added that Talisay City will be on heightened alert at that time, with their personnel on the streets by November 29.

Aside from the crowds, they are also preparing for the traffic situation, since the Cebu South Coastal Road and SRP will be closed to motorists on November 30.

Recamara has advised motorists to take N. Bacalso National Highway during the thanksgiving mass.

Final preparations

Last Monday, Recamara, along with city and church officials in Talisay City, met at the San Isidro Church in Barangay San Isidro to discuss their final preparations for the thanksgiving mass.

Santo Rosario Parish would be accommodating 18 people from the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Paco, Manila.

Reyes said they are coordinating with Cebu City Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, who heads the preparations for a Devotee City for the thanksgiving mass.

During a press conference Wednesday morning, Reyes said there were only 10 cargo containers allotted for the event by cargo shipping company, 2Go, because the last two months of the year are peak months for shipments.

He said that as buffer alternative, the committee is also meeting with officials of the Department of Education in Cebu City for the use of the classrooms of four public schools near the SRP.

But the backup plan to use the schools will no longer be pursued because Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama does not agree with, it fearing the schools might be vandalized.

Cabarrubias, though, got the commitment of two shipping companies for at least 30 containers for a pilgrims’ center for the November 30 activities.

There are between 10 and 30 containers committed by 2Go and 10 from PhilSpan of Sulpicio Lines. (2Go is no longer owned by the Aboitiz Group as previously reported.)

Cabarrubias thinks a Devotee City for the Calungsod thanksgiving will cost about half a million pesos.

But Rama said he would rather tap the private sector than depend on the Council for funds.

Movie

To spread the good news about the Philippines’ second saint, the Cebu Archdiocese will show a movie featuring San Pedro Calungsod’s life and miracles.

Msgr. Trinidad Silva Jr. said it is very important for the people to be prepared as well as to know more about Calungsod.

Three weeks prior to the thanksgiving mass, the Archdiocese of Cebu is urging the 144 parishes, as well as schools and other institutions, to show the movie.

In the first part of the movie, Archbishop Jose S. Palma gives the introductory message, followed by an hour showing Calungsod’s life and miracles. Excerpts from the canonization of Blessed Pedro in Rome are included.

Archbishop Palma’s introductory message mainly extends an invitation to the faithful to attending the thanksgiving mass on November 30.

Each parish will receive one copy for the community. Out of 144 parishes in Cebu, as of the moment, only 55 parishes received a movie copy.

ASEAN telecom and IT ministers meet in Cebu

Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=867622
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ministers and senior officials from 10 ASEAN member states and dialog partners from other countries will be in Cebu on November 12 to 16 for the 13th ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Senior Officials Meeting (Telsom), and the 12th ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting (Telmin).

The five-day conference, which will be held in Mactan will be hosted by Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo is the chairman of the Telmin event, while leading the Philippine delegation of senior officials is undersecretary Louis Napoleon C. Casambre of the DOST-Information and Communications Technology Office.

Delegates from the ASEAN member states will also be joined by dialog partners from China, India, Korea, the European Union and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

The group will discuss the region’s progress in ICT relative to the ASEAN ICT Masterplan (AIM) and map out policy directions for ASEAN’s ICT Initiatives for the coming year.

“We are looking forward to hosting this very important gathering and exchanging ideas with our ASEAN counterparts, as well as exploring new avenues of cooperation with our dialogue partners. The Philippines is looking at playing a more active role in ICT development in the ASEAN region, particularly in the areas of ICT infrastructure and people empowerment,” Casambre said.

One of the key events at the conference is the signing of the Mactan Cebu Declaration which aims to improve cooperation between ASEAN member states in ICT related endeavors such as cybersecurity, e-commerce as well as implement strategic thrusts put forth in the ASEAN ICT Masterplan.

Other events happening during the weeklong conference are An ASEAN – UNCTAD workshop on e-Commerce law harmonization, the awarding ceremonies for the first ever ASEAN ICT Awards, as well as an informal meeting of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia Malaysia, and the Philippines East ASEAN Growth area (BIMP-EAGA) Telecom and IT Ministers.

Calungsod fundraising, cars to be raffled off to donors

Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=867331
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 12:00 am

By Marigold P. Lebumfacil/MBG (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cars will be raffled off as part of the efforts to raise funds for the National Thanksgiving Mass and for the templete that is being constructed at the South Road Properties.

Last November 1, a booth was opened at the SM City Cebu for those interested to help in the fundraising for San Pedro Calungsod.

Those who will donate P25, 000 or $600 will receive an official certificate of donation as well as a limited edition of the commemorative San Pedro Calungsod pieces designed by world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

A certificate of donation is equivalent to a raffle ticket which gets the donor a chance to win either two BMWs or a Kia Sorento, which are displayed in the SM booth.

Another booth will be set up in Ayala Center Cebu.

The booths will be open until December 8, the scheduled date for the raffle and announcement of winners to take place at SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium.

But Msgr. Roberto Alesna earlier reminded the would-be donors to support the fundraising not because of the prizes at stake but because of San Pedro Calungsod.

He said that donations should be made for San Pedro Calungsod and for one’s devotion to the second Filipino saint.

Calungsod’s image is scheduled to return to Cebu on November 27, in time for the Triduum masses prior to the National Thanksgiving Day on November 30.

It is now in Luzon for the Duaw Nasud where the official image is scheduled to visit various parishes all over the country.

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal encouraged everyone to attend the event and spread out the devotion to the newly-canonized Filipino saint.

“We should imitate him (Calungsod) and understand that if he was able to do it, why not us? There’s nothing impossible to God. Let’s all thank Him for giving us that kind of opportunity to be able to translate holiness into a reality among ourselves, especially among our young people,” Vidal said.

Earlier, Cardinal Vidal said they will be pushing through with the process to establish San Pedro Calungsod as the patron saint of the youth and the Overseas Filipino Workers.

Calungsod was said to be just 14 years old, one of the youngest catechists, who left for Guam with Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores and other missionaries.

Cardinal Vidal also said a commission has been organized and is now studying the life of Msgr. Teofilo Camomot, who is among the three names pushed to be the next Filipino to be beatified and possibly canonized.

Camomot was a resident of Carcar, south of Cebu, and was known for his generous service and love for the poor.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Vidal is asking the public not to treat “Pedrito”, a doll image of San Pedro Calungsod, like a toy.

“It should not be like that. It is intended to spread out the devotion to San Pedro Calungsod,” Vidal said.

Cebu resorts post high occupancy on holiday

Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=867004
Monday, November 5, 2012 12:00 am

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu resorts enjoy remarkably high occupancy rates during the long weekend as foreign and domestic travelers flocked here to make the most out of the long break.

Angela Emphasis, public relations manager of Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, said that the resort has a 96% occupancy rate during the long weekend which was mostly composed of Koreans.

Noteworthy during the break was the upsurge on locals who occupied 10% of the rooms, she added.

Because of the Palace’s aggressive marketing strategies aimed at attracting the local market, Emphasis further noted that the number of locals who stayed in the resort is even 7% higher than the Japanese who only accounted 3% of the total occupancy rate during the holiday.

“The market during the long weekend was composed of Koreans, Japanese and delightfully, a surge on locals. It is still the same market but with more options. What really matters is that the local market is already paying a greater attention to the Palace,” she said.

Imperial Palace is the country’s first five-star waterpark resort with a total of 556 rooms.

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort reported close to 100% occupancy rate during the long weekend.

According to its Marketing Communications Manager Aileen Quijano, the high occupancy was driven by the foreign market mostly composed of Japanese, Korean and European nationals.

The domestic market, on the other hand, accounted 30% of the market share of the resort, she said.

Even with the high demand, Quijano clarified that the resort did not increase its rates.

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, on the other hand, recorded an average occupancy rate of 86% from October 31 to November 4.

According to Hannah Patalinghug, the resort’s public relations associate, November 2 posted the highest occupancy rate during the long weekend with 98.04% which was followed by 90.12% rate of the first day of November.

She said that 90% of the total 256 rooms were booked for accommodations over the long break.

The market mix, she added, were mostly comprised of Koreans, Filipinos from all over the country and balikbayans.

Fun to play, learn at the museum

Source:http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=15032
Sunday, November 4, 2012

By Joy S. Quito (Correspondent)

It was a time of laughter, fun, and learning for John Patrick del Castillo, 10, and his brother Juphet, 11, when they visited museums and heritage galleries in Cebu for the first time.

They were among 309 children from different barangays in Cebu City who joined the fourth Kids at the Museum program as part of the celebration of Children's Month in October.

In four Saturday of last month, urban children learned how to play traditional Filipino games and had workshops on weaving palm leaves (lukay ), cooking, comic drawing, and painting.

“Nakahibaw ko giunsa ug kudkud sa lubi (I learned how to grate a coconut),” Juphet told Cebu Daily News.

They had wanted to join the painting workshop but ended up with cooking lessons.

“Pero lingaw man gihapon kaayo,” said John Patrick. (It was still a lot of fun though.)

The boys who study in Tejero Elementary School said they had fun playing “tubig-tubig” with neighborhood kids from barangay Tinago who participated in the event.

Juphet said he was struck by the sight of memorabilia of Jose Rizal like his clothes and books at one museum.

John recognized Rizal as a national hero.

“Bayani siya kay nagpakamatay man siya para sa mga tawo,” John said. (He's a hero because he died for the people.)

The exposure to culture and history was an eyeopener for the kids.

“Nakat-on mi kung giunsa ang mga karaan nga binuhatan,” Juphet said. (We learned how things in the past are done.)

Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of the Culture and Heritage Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc, said the Kids at the Museum activity aimed to guide children to appreciate museums as a venue of learning Cebuano culture and heritage.

“The entire event is a platform for education. And when you want to educate the kids, it must also be fun and interactive,”” she said. The children came from barangays Cogon Central Ramos, Day-as, Pari-an, Kamagayn, Lorega San Miguel, mabolo, San Roque, Señor Sto. Niño, T. Padilla, Tejero, Tinago and Zapatera.

Cebu places 7th in top 10 Asian islands

Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2012/11/03/cebu-places-7th-top-10-asian-islands-251443
Saturday, November 3, 2012

(FMG/Sun.Star Cebu)

CEBU CITY -- Cebu was named as one of the Asia’s top 10 islands in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards of the international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

Cebu made it to No. 7, with a rating of 75.9. Of the seven criteria, it scored highest in friendliness, with 85.4.

Two resorts of the Shangri-La group in the Visayas also made it in the list of the top 15 resorts in Asia, including Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, which landed at No. 12.

Also in the list of top 10 islands in Asia are Luzon at No. 3 and Mindanao at No. 10. Luzon received a reader’s choice rating of 78.9, while Mindanao scored 62.8.

Here’s how the magazine’s readers rated Cebu in all seven criteria: friendliness (85.4), lodging (80), ambience (77.7), scenery (75.7), activities (75), beaches (74.3) and restaurants (68.3).

Bali, Indonesia was picked as the best island in Asia, with a reader’s choice rating of 81.8.

Other islands included in the top 10 are Phuket, Thailand; Langkawi, Malaysia; Koh Samui in Thailand; Hokkaido, Japan; Malaysian Borneo; and Lombok in Indonesia.

“This is truly a proud, shining moment for Cebu and all Cebuanos,” Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said in a text message. She said she believes the efforts of the Provincial Government in transforming Cebu and promoting tourism contributed to the results.

“We are happy that our efforts at transforming Cebu through the eGwen Our program Cebu has resulted into this great honor and recognition from the prestigious Conde Nast,” the governor added.

As far as the top 15 resorts are concerned, two properties in the Visayas, both under the Shangri-La brand, also made it.

Shangri-La’s Mactan resort scored 84.8, while its Boracay Resort and Spa landed in eighth place with a reader’s choice rating of 88.5.

The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in the Maldives is the top resort for the magazine readers.

All Saints' day observance: No major hitches

Source:http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=15003
Friday, November 2, 2012 12:00 am

By Jessica R. Pareja, Niña G. Sumacot, Garry B. Lao, Ria Y. Booc, Jose P. Sollano/JPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Except for a scuffle between vendors at the Carreta Cemetery and a few bladed weapons recovered, no major incidents were reported in Cebu’s major cities and 44 towns even as roads and cemeteries were full of people celebrating the All Saints’ Day.

Chiefs of police and local government leaders in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay as well as the provincial police commander all agreed that the first of the two-day November celebration proceeded without major hitches.

With the security measures well in place ahead of schedule, police reported an orderly and peaceful celebration in Cebu City and all other areas in Cebu.

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe made rounds at the five major cemeteries in the city to check on the observance of the All Saints Day.

“We have improved our security measures this year to ensure the safety of everyone,” Buenafe said. He deployed a sufficient number of policemen in every cemetery to patrol the areas 24 hours.

They also installed 18 close-circuit televisions (CCTVs) in the five major cemeteries in Cebu City - at Carreta, Calamba, Cempark, Queen City Gardens, and Pardo. The cameras helped them monitor the activities better as the video footages were seen at the Police Regional Office 7 and at the CCPO Operations Branch.

Chief Insp. Wildemar Tiu, who heads CCPO operations Branch, said they have a better view this year compared to last year’s four cameras.

Approximately 20,000 people entered Cempark alone yesterday, 10,000 in Queen City Gardens, 5,000 each in Calamba and Cabantan cemeteries, and at most 800 people in Pardo.

As of yesterday afternoon, Tiu said police recovered fewer deadly weapons such as scissors and chisels which are supposedly used in cleaning tombs, compared to last year.

This is because the public has been well informed already, police said. Tiu said they also recovered lesser bottles of intoxicating liquor this year, including those disguised in thermos and tumblers.

“Simhuton g’yud kay maro na ang uban ‘ron. Since kahibaw na sila nga ipagbawal, ipangsud na man hinuon sa mga termos ang mga ilimnon,” Tiu said. (Some put liquor in thermos bottles knowing that these are banned, but our policemen smell the contents so these are still confiscated.)

Covert policemen were also deployed inside the cemeteries. They expect a larger volume of people to flock the cemeteries today in observance of the All Souls Day.

Meanwhile, Medardo Batiller, operations head of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF), said dehydration were the usual cases they encountered yesterday owing to the very hot weather. He advised the public, especially those who will stay at the cemeteries today, to eat and drink more water.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama praised the police and the barangay officials for doing a good job. He visited the cemeteries in Cebu City yesterday to monitor situation.

“I told them the entrance must always be in the right side. So akong gipang-usab,” Rama said. But this caused a brief commotion at the Carreta Cemetery where vendors of flowers and candles rushed to the other side and fought over space near the new entrance.

Police rushed to stop two women in a catfight after one of them refused to give way.

Cecilia Gintalian said Elel Opsiquias was forcing herself to put a table along the new entrance but she could not move since she will already be blocking the entrance to a mausoleum behind.

“Wala man sya’y labot unta sa gipabalhin ni Kap kay wala man naapiki iyang tindahan pagbalhin sa entrance,” Gintalian, said showing her bruises. (She was not supposed to be among those the barangay captain asked to transfer.)

Some vendors criticized Rama for imposing the changes late.

“Nganong karon pa man sad sya niari diri. Katong petsa 29 pa unta sya niari para napahimutang daan ang mga tindera. Magpatyanay gyud baya ni diri sa pwesto,” one vendor said. (Why did the mayor came here only now and changed things? He could have come here on the 29th.)

Meanwhile, Rama said he ordered the administrators of the cemetery and the Department of Public Services to make sure the cemeteries will be cleaned up by tomorrow.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza wants more policemen to be deployed in the streets today. She issued the verbal order to Lapu-Lapu City Police Chief, Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas.

“I want the police to ensure that this four-day vacation will continue to be peaceful and safe to visitors who come to the city for leisure and vacation and for the Oponganons who go to the cemetery to visit their beloved ones,” said Radaza.

In Mandaue City, police also did not meet any report of crimes. Aside from the barangay tanods, volunteer groups like Guardians also assisted the police.

Chief Inspector Jimmy Aquizanda, ground commander of the Mandaue Police Office assigned to supervise personnel at the cemetery, thanked the people for cooperating.

At the cemeteries in Talisay City, police station chief Supt. Eddie Recamara saw only the vendors blocking the entrances to the cemeteries as their problem.

“Gikan sa buntag ug hangtud pagka-udto wala kita’y problemang nasugatan diha sulod sa mga sementeryo sa Talisay pero diha sa karsada paingon ngadto sa publikong sementeryo sa Poblacion ang mga vendor maoy atong problema kay halos nag-ali na kini diha sa agianan,” Recamara said. (We had no problem inside the cemeteries, only at the gates and the roads leading to them which were blocked mostly by vendors.)

As early as 6 a.m. yesterday, the police conducted a dry-run where ambulance from the Talisay Rescue Emergency Action Team (TREAT) and a police patrol car passed the area in cases of emergency.

Around Cebu province, Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador said everything was peaceful as he monitored southern and northern towns. All chiefs of police are required to submit their situation report every two hours.

Comendador said there were only minor vehicular accidents involving motorcycles. Early morning yesterday, some areas in Naga City and in the town of Liloan were congested but the traffic eased by midday.

Comendador deployed one more team of policemen from the CPPO headquarters yesterday at the Cebu South Bus Terminal upon seeing the influx of passengers.

Supt. Julian Entoma, deputy provincial director for operation, told The FREEMAN that eight area supervisors are in place and helping in monitoring the personnel deployed.

All Saints’ Souls’ Day for living and dead

Source:http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=15003
Thursday, November 1, 2012

By Ador Vincent Mayol (Reporter)

THE annual observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days serve to remind the living of the need to pray for their departed loved ones so they can enter heaven, the local clergy said yesterday.

“These two days were set by the Catholic Church to remember both the living and dead together,” said Fr. Glenn Therese Guanzon, chairman of the Cebu Archdiocese's Commission on Worship.

The faithful in the Catholic Church belong to three groups - the Church Triumphant, Church Suffering and Church Militant. This unity is referred to when Catholics profess during the Apostles’ Creed: “(I believe in) the communion of saints.”

Souls who reach heaven belong to the “Church Triumphant.” These souls include those who were proclaimed by the Church as saints and those whose sins were completely washed away.

“All Saints’ Day is the feast of the Church triumphant especially the unknown saints not canonized on earth. We celebrate their triumph into heaven and ask their intercession to help us and the Church Suffering,” Guanzon said.

The “Church Suffering” is composed of souls in purgatory who are undergoing cleansing of their sins.

“All Souls Day (Nov. 2) is the day we especially remember the church suffering. We can help them with our prayers and sacrifices,” Guanzon said.

The third group or the “Church Militant” refers to all living human beings.

The living ask the intercession of saints, while the saints, together with the souls in purgatory, pray for the living.

The Church grants plenary indulgences or total absolution of sins to those who visit the cemeteries and pray for the dead on the first eight days of November.

To benefit from this one shoud be in a state of grace by going to confession, attending Mass, and praying the “Our Father,” one “Hail Mary,” and one “Glory Be” for the intention of the Church and the Pope.

Guanzon said the benefits of plenary indulgence are for the living and for souls in purgatory. Souls already in heaven and in hell, however, no longer receive this grace.

Msgr. Esteban Binghay, episcopal vicar of the archdiocese, said everyone is called to become saints. “It is possible if only we strive hard to become saints,” he said.

To become a saint, Binghay said one should either get martyred because of faith or exemplary exercise of the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Binghay said the elevation to sainthood of Visayan martyr Pedro Calungsod last Oct. 21 convey a message to everyone. ”We should stand firm in our faith even if we will be shakened. God is permanent while the world is changing,” he said.

Msgr. Arthur Navales, chairperson of the archdiocese's Commission on Youth, said saints are not extraordinary creatures.

“To be a saint, you must be a real human being; a person who struggles; and someone who experienced fullness of life,” Navales said. He said each one should recognize the goodness within them.

“Each human being is created in the image and likeness of God. You should maximize whatever the Lord has given you,” Navales said.