Difference between revisions of "Cebu Province News June 2014"

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==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==
==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
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=652058

Revision as of 15:02, 30 June 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.

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.

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