Cebu City News December 2016

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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.

Cebu City Cathedral

Magellan's Cross in Cebu City

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.

Mormon Temple Lahug cebu city philippines

Anyeong to Coffee Bay at SM Seaside City Cebu

• Source: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/116559/anyeong-coffee-bay-sm-seaside-city-cebu
• Tuesday, December 20, 2016 12:03 pm

(PR)

COFFEE Bay at SM Seaside City Cebu offers one of the best coffee and fresh pastries in the city with main ingredients sourced from Korea.

Coffee Bay has a wide array of coffee and specialty drink and one must try CB’s iced coffee and iced lemonade that taste differently good than the usual.

The coffee shop is also famous for their popping real slices of banana on the top with flavors that go along with mango, strawberry, and chocolate.

Aside from coffee, desserts are also available like CB’s shaved ice which is best paired with their best-selling bread, the Cube bread with variants such as choco, choco banana, strawberry, and caramel.

The irresistible bagels and cream cheese are just mouthwatering. One can choose one of CB’s colorful bagels with choices of cream cheese flavors like Oreo, cranberry, mango, and choco.

The Korean brand Coffee Bay’s first store in Cebu is at the second floor of SM Seaside City Cebu’s City Wing. Hurry and get your free eco-tumbler for every purchase of any pastry and drink products.

River Tourism Committee beneficial to towns – PB

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2016/12/19/1654901/river-tourism-committee-beneficial-towns-pb
• Monday, December 19, 2016

By Kristine B. Quintas (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board's committee on laws has concurred that the creation of the Alegria-Badian River Tourism Committee is "beneficial" to both the municipalities of Alegria and Badian despite the latter's opposition.

The committee, chaired by Board Member Raul Bacaltos, said Executive Order No. 2-2016 issued by Governor Hilario Davide III is "mutually beneficial to the two local government units concerned, more particularly in the aspect of tourism."

"Hence, adherence thereto is strongly recommended," it added.

The committee also said that the issuance of the EO is consistent with the province's mandate as a supervisory authority over its component cities and municipalities.

The local government unit of Badian has opposed the creation of a tourism committee because it reportedly "doesn't serve (for) the best interest of both towns."

Badian Mayor Carmencita Lumain earlier said the EO only favors their neighboring town, Alegria.

"We want a fair and unbiased resolve and we find this latest executive order prejudicial to our right of existence as an autonomous local government unit," reads the November 24 position paper Lumain submitted to Davide.

She said the rule stipulated in the EO that all canyoneering activities will start in Compostela, Alegria town and will end in Kawasan, Badian is "biased and subservient to Alegria's original plan to expand their clout on other territorial grounds."

Badian wants an entrance point in Barangay Sulsugan.

Lumain also said Alegria has been persistently insisting on the "legal supremacy: of the latest cadastral survey conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources "to be able to expand their political territory in order to serve their vested interests."

According to Alegria Mayor Verna Magallon, the result of the survey showed that the whole stretch of Kanlaob River belongs to Alegria.

In a resolution, the Alegria town Council backed the result of the relocation survey, which identifies the official boundary between Alegria and Badian. The survey was conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Geodetic Engineer James Fuentes of DENR conducted a survey that led to the preparation of a "Sketch Plan of Can-yoneering as prepared for Sulsugan, Badian and Compostela, Alegria.

The resolution was referred to the PB, which referred the same to the committee on laws and review on ordinances for comments and review.

The committee on laws said the passage of the resolution is within the prescribed powers of the town pursuant to Section 18 of the Republic Act 7160.

"(The approval of the resolution) is a prerogative of the Sanggunian concerned," it said.

It further recommended for the "approval" of the town's resolution.

Cebu City cops prepare security plan for Sinulog 2017

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=949560
• Monday, December 19, 2016

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, Dec. 19 (PNA) -- The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is preparing a security plan for the Sinulog 2017 celebration which falls on the third Sunday of January, an official said.

Chief Insp. David Señor, CCPO operations division chief, said the preparation includes a walk-through of the Sinulog Grand Parade route which was conducted on Sunday.

Senor said he was accompanied in the walk-through inspection by the station commanders, the engineering department, the sponsors and the Cebu City Government.

Senor said he noted some minor obstacles in the parade route, but he assured the public that the Sinulog will push through.

“There will be a clearing operation three weeks before the Sinulog. Piles of construction materials that were placed after the road construction will be cleared, together with ambulant vendors and telephone cables,” he said.

Señor said five judging areas will be put up along the routes.

The assembly area will start with the contingents from Barangay Carreta to the area in front of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) on P. Del Rosario up to N. Bacalso Ave.

It will cover the area of Sector 6, 7 and 8 where there will be no judges.

Almost 2,000 security personnel, which includes uniformed men, police in civilian clothes, university students, military, as well as the local government units, will be deployed for crowd control.

City Hall maps out hybrid train route

• Source: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/116280/city-hall-maps-hybrid-train-route
• Sunday, December 18, 2016

By Jose Santino S. Bunachita

Cebu City Hall came out with a proposed route for the 40-meter hybrid electric road train donated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Ma. Theresa Sederiosa, Cebu City’s investment promotions officer, said the route will start at the impounding facility of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) in the North Reclamation Area (NRA) where the vehicle is currently being kept.

From there, it will traverse S. Osmeña Road and turn right at the corner near Robinsons Galleria Cebu and then turn left again to the New Imus Road.

The road train will go straight to N. Bacalso Ave. and all the way until it reaches corner V. Rama Ave. where it will make a right turn.

It will then pass through B. Rodriguez St. and turn right to Osmeña Blvd. and turn left to P. Del Rosario St., going to Imus Road and all the way back to NRA.

“This was what was presented to us as the most probable route. This is the most feasible, but that can still change,” she told Cebu Daily News.

The road train arrived in Cebu last Wednesday morning, but it will take up to four weeks to be assembled by technicians from the DOST who will have to come back by January because of the holidays.

This is why the city targets to have the road train running already by mid-February.

The lack of a route with roads wide enough to accommodate the road train, the first of its kind for Cebu, is also a problem.

The road train is 2.5 meters wide and would basically occupy one whole lane of the road. It is composed of five coaches, which makes it 40 meters long in all.

The first coach carries the driver and the engine and can accommodate 30 passengers.

The second, third and fourth coaches can accommodate 40 to 50 passengers each.

The last coach carries only the batteries for the road train.

“It will not run for 24 hours, maybe at most nine to 10 hours a day. We are still coordinating with Citom (CCTO) for the final route. We are looking for one with less turns and less disruptions to existing traffic,” Sederiosa said.

She said riding the road train will be free of charge to the public.

Sederiosa said though that designated stops will have to be established along the route.

In a report they earlier sent to the DOST, CCTO Executive Director Rafael Yap said this route is the most favorable.

Based on the report, the CCTO said there are no passenger jeepneys picking up and dropping off passengers from the NRA and passing along the New Imus Road going to P. Del Rosario St. and V. Rama Ave.

The CCTO suggested three other routes but ruled them all as unfavorable for the road train.

The first suggestion will have the road train pass through Osmeña Blvd. from the Fuente Circle, turn left to P. Del Rosario St. to the New Imus Road, and turn left to Gen. Maxilom Ave. and back to Fuente Circle.

But the CCTO said there are already many passenger jeepneys passing through this route and the volume of vehicular traffic along Gen. Maxilom Ave. is already heavy.

The second proposed route starts from the Fuente Circle going to Gen. Maxilom Ave., to New Imus Road then to P. Del Rosario St. going all the way to N. Bacalso Ave. then turn right to V. Rama Ave. and turn right to B. Rodriguez St. back to Fuente Circle.

But since this route still passes through the heavily congested Gen. Maxilom Ave., CCTO said it’s not feasible.

The last proposal starts from JY Square in Barangay Lahug, going to Salinas Drive to Pope John Paul II Ave., then turn right to S. Osmeña Road then turn right to Gen. Maxilom Ave. then turn right to Gorordo Ave. back to JY Square.

But the CCTO said the roads in Salinas Drive and Pope John Paul II Ave. are too narrow and a portion of Gorordo Avenue experiences high traffic volume during peak hours.

Cebu hotel to hire 500 workers this month

• Source: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/116108/cebu-hotel-hire-500-workers-month
• Friday, December 16, 2016 3:34 pm

By Dominic D. Yasay

Bai Hotel Cebu, the flagship project of local hotel developer and operator Bai Global Properties, is opening more than 500 job opportunities during its upcoming job fair on December 19.

In an exclusive interview with Cebu Daily News, Bai Hotel vice president for operations and general manager Alfred Reyes said that the hotel is looking for competent individuals with a passion for the hospitality industry.

He said they need to hire front office staff, receptionist, bell boys, telephone operators, waiters and waitresses, housekeeping staff, room cleaners, engineers, and sales and marketing associates and supervisors among others.

“As long as you have the right attitude and the passion to serve, you are welcome to join us,” said Reyes.

The job fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the meeting rooms A, B and C located on the third floor of SM City Cebu.

Applicants must bring their resume and application letter and are required to be in full business attire.

Female applicants are not allowed to wear sleeveless blouse, trousers and flat shoes.

City releases P3.2 million to scholars with honors

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2016/12/15/1653686/city-releases-p3.2-million-scholars-honors
• Thursday, December 15, 2016

By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo with Vania Lim (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - At least 364 scholars of the Cebu City government for the years 2015 and 2016 received incentives yesterday totaling P3.2 million after graduating with honors.

Cebu City Scholarship Office Executive Assistant II Shine Alexis Antonio said for this year, one scholar graduated summa cum laude, while there are 19 magna cum laude scholars and the rest are cum laude graduates from different accredited schools.

The P3.2 million for the incentives is charged to the revised annual budget this year.

In 2015, Antonio said the city government was not able to release the incentives because of the issue on charging the budget to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation funds.

"Sa original ordinance, the original appropriation was supposedly under PAGCOR funds. However, the previous accounting office did not allow the charging to the PAGCOR funds," she said.

Under the ordinance, summa cum laude scholars will get P20,000 from the city government while magna cum laude scholars will get P15,000 and P10,000 for a cum laude graduate. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Lyka Remeticado of Asian College of Technology graduated summa cum laude with the degree Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Remeticado said poverty should never hinder anyone from reaching their goals, particularly finishing school.

Born to a tricycle driver and a housewife, Remeti-cado said apart from having luck on her side, determination has helped her go through all the problems she encountered while going to school.

"It is a wakeup call to all individuals, to all the aspiring students, to all the youth, nga there is no hindrance, whether what status you belong to in society — whether you are born rich, whether you are born poor, whether you're in your initial years or during your high school years, latagaw ka - wala ju'y maka-determine basta imo lang is you are going to do what you have to do, [and] what you want. Mu-come along ra na siya," she said.

Remeticado said she was motivated to do her best due to the opportunity given to her by the city government.

"Naa man gali laing tao nga naningkamot para kami makahuman, nganong kami nga gitagaan mu- back out na hinuon," she said.

Remeticado now works at a website designing company as a business development officer.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña has vowed to push for more aid to the city's scholars.

"Education will always be my priority," Osmeña said.

The mayor reiterated his plan to revoke the sale of giant developers at the South Road properties and sell it for a higher price to increase the scholarship grant of the city government.

The city's scholarship program started in 2010.

Through City Ordinance 2333, or the ordinance establishing the Cebu City scholarship program, City Hall grants a P10,000 per semester financial assistance to each qualified scholar.

Osmeña said he will find a way to increase the assistance from P10,000 to P50,000 per semester.

"Yes, P50,000 kada semester. Dili namo kaapil ana pero at least, atong tagaan og chance atong kabataan. Maningkamot gyud ko nga all our high school students will be able to go to college," he said.

Further, Osmeña said he will also think of programs for out-of-school-youths.

Cebu City Triathlon set Jan. 29

• Source: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/115542/115542
• Wednesday, December 14, 2016

By Glendale G. Rosal

THE THIRD edition of Cebu City Triathlon will be held on Jan. 29 next year at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

The only triathlon race that is held at the heart of Cebu City, the event is expected to draw 200 to 300 triathletes, who will compete in two categories — the sprint and relay categories.

The event will will feature a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5k run. The swimming pool at CCSC will be used for the swim portion while the bike and run events will traverse the city’s major thoroughfares.

Cebuana triathlete Aaliyah Mataragnon is the defending back-to-back champion in the women’s division, while Boholano Paul Jumamil dominated the men’s division last year.

Justin Chiongbian is the inaugural men’s division champion.

The event is organized by Cornerstone Group.

Registration for the race held in line with the Sinulog Festival celebration has already started.

Registrations fees are pegged at P2,800 for the sprint contest and P6,000 for the relay event.

To register, one may visit cornerstone8080events.com.

Cebu prelate to celebrate first Misa de Gallo at San Pedro Calungsod Shrine

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=948153
• Tuesday, December 13, 2016

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, Dec. 13 (PNA) -- Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will celebrate on Friday, Dec. 16, the first Misa de Gallo at the San Pedro Calungsod Shrine on D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City.

Calungsod is the first Filipino saint from Cebu and the Visayas and only the second saint from the Philippines.

On Dec. 19, Palma will celebrate Misa de Gallo at the San Pedro Calungsod Quasi-Parish in Barangay Mojon, Sogod.

On the next day, he will celebrate it at the CCTN Chapel in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

On Dec. 21, Palma will officiate the dawn mass at the Shrine of San Roque in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

On Dec. 22, Palma’s Misa de Gallo will be at the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Barangay Garing, Consolacion.

On Dec. 23, Palma will celebrate it at the San Pedro Calungsod Parish in Sitio Pulambato, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City.

The Bag-ong Lungsaranon, the official newsletter of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said Palma urged parishes to discuss on five sub-themes focused on the current liturgical year.

These sub-themes are Metanoia, the changing of one’s self; Charismata, the various gifts coming from the spirit; Diakonia, the call to serve the poor and the oppressed; Koinonia, the communion of the faithful; and Eucharistia, the body of Christ.

Palma said the Pastoral Planning Board of the Archdiocese of Cebu is preparing the texts that will guide priests in discussing the five sub-themes during mass.

The tree amid the Terraces

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/feature/2016/12/09/tree-amid-terraces-514209
• Monday, December 12, 2016

By Jo Ann Sablad (Sunnex)

IN AYALA Center Cebu, different attractions, such as posh restaurants, different shops, fun-filled events, including the mall's landmark - The Terraces - will definitely catch your attention.

As you tread on the Terraces grounds, you would surely notice its centerpiece - an old, big tree that has become a common sight.

But little do mall goers know the story behind that lone acacia tree.

Ayala Center Cebu General Manager Celeste “Bong” Dy said the acacia tree is over 35 years old.

Even before the mall's construction 22 years ago, the tree stood on the same area, which was a golf course then, Dy said, adding that they have been very careful not to stress the tree so it won't die.

What made the tree the centerpiece of the Terraces is its story - a testament of sturdiness that stood the test of time.

From the years it spent in the golf course when golf players and caddies stayed under its shade during a game, to the years it spent as the mall’s masterpiece, new and fresh stories unfold and different hues of life happen within its surrounding, Dy said.

Donned with dazzling and colorful lights for the Ayala mall's Symphony of Lights this Christmas season, the acacia tree firmly stands to amaze the people around.

Veco opens new service center

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2016/12/09/veco-opens-new-service-center-514256
• Sunday, December 11, 2016

(PR)

TO provide convenience to customers, the Visayan Electric Co. Inc. (Veco) will open a new service center at the ground floor of One Pavilion Mall in Banawa, Cebu City.

The newest Veco service branch will open on Dec. 12, 2016.

It will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, Monday to Sunday.

This will be Veco’s fourth satellite office, which maintains service centers in SM Consolacion, Tabunok, Talisay City (south extension office) and at SM City Cebu North Reclamation Area (full service center).

“This expansion is part of our goal in creating ease of doing business for our customers.

We aim to construct small offices all over Metro Cebu to cater to the needs of our customers and provide them a hassle-free experience,” Veco assistant vice president for customer retail services Bailey del Castillo said.

Cebu City inaugurates Php 84.5-M extension building for state hospital

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=947450
• Saturday, December 10, 2016

(PNA),RMA/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, Dec. 10 (PNA) -- The Cebu City government inaugurated on Friday the Php 84.5-million North District Hospital building in the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), the biggest state-run hospital in Cebu city.

The new four story building adds 130 beds to the public facility, increasing its capacity from 800 to 1,200 beds.

This was made possible with the passage of Republic Act (RA) 10770 last April 16, which was principally authored by Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north).

He first worked to upgrade the hospital’s bed capacity last June 22, 1998 from 400 to 800 beds, through RA 8658.

“His continuous efforts in upgrading VSMMC’s capacity have greatly contributed to making the hospital the biggest government-run tertiary, teaching/training medical center in the region,” said VSMMC medical director Dr. Gerardo Aquino.

Del Mar said it was his daughter, former north district congresswoman Rachel “Cutie” del Mar, who initiated the project in 2011.

Work on the project formally started last Dec. 19, 2011 and ended last Aug. 28 of this year.

Apart from the ongoing installation of its passenger elevator, the hospital is now 91 percent done and ready to accommodate constituents.

Del Mar said that with the hospital building connected to VSMMC, the facility’s personnel will be readily available to help those in need of treatment.

Drainage works go full swing

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/12/07/drainage-works-go-full-swing-513938
• Friday, December 9, 2016

By Elias O. Baquero

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday said more drainage projects will be implemented in strategic areas in Cebu City to solve lingering floods during rainy days.

District Engr. Nicomedes Leonor, of the DPWH Cebu City Engineering District, said the drainage projects in Barangay Mabolo and D. Jakosalem St. are ongoing and may be completed early next year.

Leonor said these projects were facilitated by Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City North) and were funded in 2015 yet.

But these were delayed because Cebu City Hall refused to issue permits during the time of then mayor Michael Rama.

Leonor said the huge drainage project on Colon St. is now ready for implementation, but the contractor might be able to proceed by the end of January 2017 yet because of the “policy of no excavation” from Dec. 15, 2016 to January 2017 because of the Christmas season and Sinulog.

Leonor said the construction/rehabilitation of flood control structures on Juan Luna Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City is undertaken by contractor, Pragmatic Construction and Development Corp. The cost of the project is P58.3 million and the system is 1.5 kilometers long.

On the other hand, Leonor said the rehabilitation/reconstruction/upgrading of damaged paved national roads (National Secondary Road-Colon Street) is contracted by WTG Construction and Development Corp.

This project is funded by DPWH in the amount of P36.9 million with a length 192 linear meters.

Flooding Last July 1, Metro Cebu received a 55-mm. rainfall that caused flooding in various areas in Mandaue City, Cebu City and Talisay City, halting traffic for hours and stranded thousands of commuters.

Al Quiblat, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (Pagasa) in Mactan, said that the 55-mm. rainfall last July 1 was considered normal, compared to the daily volume during the rainy season in the last 30 years.

However, the floodis occurred due to inadequate drainage systems. This has prompted Presidential Assistant Michael Lloyd Dino to call a stakeholders’ meeting with the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) and DPWH Secretary Mark Villar last July 6.

They listened to complaints and suggestions in connection with the July 1 flood.

Meeting Dino, who informed President Rodrigo Duterte about floods, also ordered Villar to meet with the private sector leaders, mayors and Cebu congressmen so he will know their problems.

In that meeting, Villar promised to the Cebuanos that DPWH will implement the short-term solution to declog the drainage systems, and implement huge drainage projects in the long term.

DPWH implements PHP96.2M worth of road, drainage projects in Cebu City

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=946977
• Thursday, December 8, 2016

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has implemented some PHP96.2 million worth of drainage and road rehabilitation projects in Cebu City, an official said.

Engr. Nicomedes Leonor, DPWH Cebu City Engineering District chief, said these projects include the construction and rehabilitation of flood control projects in Mabolo and the rehabilitation of a portion of Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines.

Leonor said the flood control structures on Juan Luna Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City, which is undertaken by contractor Pragmatic Construction and Development Corp., is 1.5 kilometers long and costs PHP58.3 million.

Leonor said the rehabilitation of a 192-meter stretch of Colon St., undertaken by WTG Construction and Development Corp., costs PHP36.9 million.

Leonor said the drainage projects in Barangay Mabolo and D. Jakosalem St. are ongoing and may be completed early next year.

Leonor said these projects were facilitated by Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City North) and were funded in 2015 yet.

But these were delayed because Cebu City Hall refused to issue permits during the time of then Cebu City mayor Michael Rama.

Leonor said the huge drainage project on Colon St. is now ready for implementation, but the contractor might be able to proceed by the end of January 2017 yet because of the city’s “policy of no excavation” from Dec. 15, 2016 to January 2017 because of the Christmas season and Sinulog.

DSWD 7’s livelihood program produces 1,297 graduates

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/12/07/dswd-7s-livelihood-program-produces-1297-graduates-513914
• Wednesday, December 7, 2016

By Justin K. Vestil

LUREZEL Rallos, 37, didn’t regret when she decided to train as a security guard.

Despite her husband’s initial objections, Rallos said she pursued the training under the Centurion Security Agency after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 offered to spend for her training and to help her find a job after her graduation.

After months of training, Rallos and 1,296 others graduated from the DSWD’s skills training, job-matching and employment facilitation program yesterday.

Rallos, a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) since 2011, availed herself of the program through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Rizalina Patindol, DSWD 7 focal person for SLP, told reporters that through the program, they assisted Rallos and other 4Ps beneficiaries by finding them technical schools to train in as well as their employers.

Patindol said that all technical schools that provided training to the beneficiaries underwent bidding before they were chosen as service providers.

During the training, beneficiaries received a P20,000 stipend that served as their training fee, food and transportation allowances, lodging fee, money for uniforms and the licensing fee for security guards.

Aside from the training for security guards, the DSWD also offers programs, such as call center agents’ training, automotive services, beauty care services, housekeeping and massage services.

The SLP also includes micro-enterprising ventures, which will provide a seed capital to 4Ps beneficiaries to start their business.

In a separate interview, Maria Evelyn Macapobre, DSWD 7 director, that at least 27,000 4Ps beneficiaries have availed themselves of the SLP this year.

This number exceeds the regional agency’s annual target of 24,000 beneficiaries, said Macapobre.

For 2017, Macapobre said that the DSWD aims to facilitate 30,000 4Ps beneficiaries to enroll in the program.

Satellite registration mulled

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2016/12/04/1650184/satellite-registration-mulled
• Tuesday, December 6, 2016

By Rene U. Borromeo (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections in Cebu City is planning to hold a satellite registration in selected barangay to encourage voters to register early and not to wait for the deadline on April 29, 2017.

Cebu City Election Officer Marchel Sarno said that holding satellite registration would also help Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced Persons, and senior citizens because they do not need to travel anymore to the Comelec offices. IDPs are those voters who were forced to migrate from their place because of circumstances.

The Comelec is expecting more than 55 million voters in the October 23, 2017 barangay and SK elections. Sarno said only very few people have availed of the continuing registration.

"Dili pa gyud kaayo daghan ang nagparehestro karon, tingali naghuwat na sab sa deadline ug adto na sila mag-inilogay," said Sarno.

The Comelec will accept new registrants, transfer of precinct, re-activation of voter's records with change or correction of entries, and inclusion or reinstatement of records on the list of voters.

The continuing registration started last November 7 and will end on April 23, 2017. Minors who will turn 15 on October 23, 2017 will be accepted for registration for SK. Sarno said the Comelec is calling on the youth, as well as regular voters, to register now in their respective election offices for them to be counted in the barangay and SK elections next year. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

He said that listing up early would spare the registrant from the inconvenience during the deadline. Sarno noticed that most of those who transferred their registration in the city are senior citizens from the nearby provinces.

He believes that this could be due to the P12,000 annual financial assistance that the city government is giving to the elderly in the city. (FREEMAN)

Traffic rerouting set for Guadalupe fiesta in Cebu

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/12/05/traffic-rerouting-set-guadalupe-fiesta-cebu-513432
• Monday, December 5, 2016

(CID/Sunnex)

THE Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and the Traffic Patrol Group will implement a traffic re-routing scheme during the celebration of the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 11.

With the help of the Cebu City Government and police, the riding public are reminded of the affected streets along the procession route from Guadalupe Shrine straight to V. Rama Ave., then left turn to Barangay Road (beside Barangay Hall), right turn to A. Abellana St., right turn to M. Velez St., left turn to V. Rama Ave. Upon reaching Happy Valley make a U-turn and back straight to Guadalupe Shrine.

The CCTO has released a map showing the procession route.

https://scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s526x395/15349689_566359036883296_7169755010340130915_n.jpg?oh=85b0f8cc34c2535a4aaba53d67d57ce2&oe=58C379C8

Another map was released showing the re-routing scheme of the public utility jeepneys.

https://scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p320x320/15241952_566358986883301_3145214784881344121_n.jpg?oh=fcee08afc1fe650ecceb8dd083aafb75&oe=58C70FED

Traffic re-routing:

1. All Guadalupe passenger jeep while traversing along Osmeña Blvd. shall turn left to N. Escario St., left turn to Don Gil Garcia St., left turn to Jose Avila St. right turn to Osmeña Blvd., then to their point of destination.

2. All Guadalupe passenger jeep while traversing along V. Rama Ave. shall turn right to B. Rodriguez St., all the way up to Fuente Osmeña, turn around and turn right to Osmeña Blvd., left turn to N. Escario St., left turn to Don Gil Garcia St., left turn to Jose Avila St. right turn to Osmeña Blvd., right turn to B. Rodriguez St., left turn to V. Rama Ave., then to their point of destination.

3. All Banawa passenger jeep while traversing along Osmeña Blvd. shall turn around Fuente Rotunda then right turn to B. Rodriguez St., right turn to V. Rama Ave., left turn to Happy Valley, right turn to Salvador St., straight to Duterte St., right turn to Fortich St., to Horseshoe Drive, left turn to Happy Valley, right turn to V. Rama Ave., then to their point of destination at Downtown Area.

4. Passenger jeep from Labangon with Route No. 12L while traversing along N. Escario St., shall turn left to Osmeña Blvd. straight to Fuente Rotunda, turn right to B. Rodriguez St., right turn to V. Rama Ave., left turn to Happy Valley, left turn to Salvador St., then to their point of destination.

5. All motor vehicles passing M. Velez St., while traversing to Duterte St., shall turn right to Fortich St., then to Horseshoe Drive, left turn to Happy Valley, right turn to V. Rama Ave., then to their point of destination at Downtown Area.

After the procession all passenger jeep going to Guadalupe Church passing V. Rama Ave., shall turn right to Barangay Road (beside Barangay Hall), right turn to A. Abellana St., then to their point of destination at Downtown Area.

During the fiesta celebration, all passenger jeep going to Guadalupe Church passing V. Rama Ave., shall turn right to Barangay Road (beside Barangay Hall), right turn to A. Abellana St., then to their point of destination. Parking of motor vehicles on both sides of V. Rama Ave. are not allowed from the intersection of V. Rama Ave./M. Velez St., up to Guadalupe Church Rotunda.

Barangay Road (beside Barangay Hall) shall be utilized as exit route from V. Rama Ave. going to A. Abellana St., while Bacayo St. and Singson Road shall be used as the entrance route from A. Abellana St. going to V. Rama Ave.

Motorists, drivers, and other road users are advised to follow the traffic signs installed on the re-routing area.

VSMMC sends more docs to upland brgys

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/12/02/vsmmc-sends-more-docs-upland-brgys-513049
• Saturday, December 3, 2016

By Razel V. Cuizon

TO provide more accessible health services to people in upland areas, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) has provided additional doctors to Guba Community Hospital.

The doctors, who are under the Department of Family and Community Medicine of VSMMC, are tasked to entertain health cases in the out-patient department of the Cebu City Government-operated hospital in Guba.

Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north) worked on the project after seeing the need to provide immediate medical treatment for mountain barangay residents.

“We need all the help for complete medical services in Guba especially in times of emergency cases where time is of the essence,” del Mar said.

Half an hour

At present, when there are emergency cases in the mountain barangays, residents have to run to the nearest hospital, which is the North General Hospital.

Residents in Barangay Lusaran, one of the farthest upland villages in the north, need at least half an hour to travel to the hospital.

Del Mar signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with VSMMC, which was represented by Dr. Gerardo Aquino, the hospital’s chief.

VSMMC started providing out-patient medical services in the area last Thursday.

Diagnose

Under the MOA, on-duty doctors will perform physical examination on patients, diagnose their condition and provide direct counseling for a treatment plan.

They will also prescribe medication, perform minor surgeries and arrange for referrals for patients requiring services not offered there.

Advantageous

The program is advantageous on their part, Aquino said, since it will help decongest VSMMC.

“It will lessen the number of our patients because it’s like you’re already bringing the services there,” he said.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña thanked del Mar for the program.

He said he wants more people to be involved in Guba since during the previous years, about P12 million for medicines for Guba was not spent.

Sinulog wins 'Best Festival' in Philippines

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/12/01/sinulog-wins-best-festival-philippines-512781
• Friday, December 2, 2016

(Sunnex)

THE Sinulog festival in Cebu City wins "Best Festival In the Philippines" during the 1st Choose Philippines Award held at Dolphy's Theater in ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said in his Facebook account that he shares the award with all the Cebuanos.

Other nominees were Kadayawan Festival of Davao City, Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City, Pahiyas Festival of Quezon Province, and Masskara Festival of Bacolod City.

Know more about Sinulog here

3 Cebu grads land in LET Top 10

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=944183
• Thursday, December 1, 2016

(PNA), LAP/EB/EBP

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- Three graduates from Cebu, including two from a state college, landed in the Top 10 in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) held on November 28.

Ian Christian Cosido, a summa cum laude graduate, placed fourth with a rating of 89.2 while Flordeliz Joy Pansag placed ninth with a rating of 88.20 percent.

Both graduated from the Cebu Normal University (CNU) in Cebu City.

Javee Cose Armamento, a graduate of the University of San Carlos (USC), also in Cebu City, placed eighth with a rating of 88.4 percent.

CNU’s College of Education dean Dr. Filomena Dayagbil said she was happy with the results.

She said they expected it since they’ve produced several topnotchers over the years.

“It’s an affirmation and we are so proud. It is normal for us to produce topnotchers,” she said.