Cebu Province News August 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.

Mandaue honors top taxpayers

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government honored 41 top taxpayers in the city during the Taxpayer's Appreciation Night held at the City Sports and Cultural Center last Friday evening.

Vic Enterprises, Visayan Electric Company, Everjust Realty Development Corp. and Lucy Pharmacy are this year's top taxpayers in the different categories set by the city government while Wilson Ng topped the individual taxpayer for realty tax.

Vic Enterprises topped the business taxpayers for sole proprietorship while VECO led 11 top corporate taxpayers.

Everjust Realty Development Corp. was ranked no. 1 in the business taxpayers for realty tax while Lucy Pharmacy also topped the taxpayers for business operating since 1969 when Mandaue City first became a city.

Other awardees in the business taxpayer's for sole proprietorship were Ride's Enterprise, Dynamic Castings, Waterborne Freight Forwarding, SVD Design and Build, MGMM Freight Forwarding, Alrey Cargo Forwarding, Marides Marketing, PLD Construction and Wintrey Enterprise.

Other awardees for top corporate taxpayers for realty tax were Cola-Cola Bottler's Philippines, San Miguel Yamamura, San Miguel Brewery, Vicsal Development Corp., J. King and Sons. Co., A.D. Gothong Manufacturing, Golden Gates Values, Taipan Development Corp. and the San Miguel Corp.

Other awardees for the top 11 corporate taxpayers were Zuellig Pharma Corp., Adnama Mining Resources, J.S. Unitrade Merchandise, PMFTC Inc., Coca-Cola Bottler's Philippines, Aboitiz Construction Inc, United Laboratories, Super Metro Gaisano (Vicsal Development Corp), Monde Nissin Business Corp. and Kareila Management Corporation.

Other awardees for the top ten invidividual taxpayers for realty tax included Erramon Aboitiz, Joseph Alquizola,Kin Kee Ko,James Yu,Hyman Yap,Jayme Casera,Raymond Ong,Hnery Cruz Ongtauco and Peter Yap.

This as the city government also gave recognition to other taxpayers who have been operating in the city since 1969 and they included Suson Lumber, Gal's Bakery, Simon Enterprise, Querubin Construction Supply, San Muguel Corp, YY & company, San Miguel Corp. and Republic Corrugated Cartons.

Mayor Jonas Cortes in his speech during the event said that the city has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the city's taxpayer whom the city has considered its partners in the pursuit of the city's vision .

"Your singlar act of contributing to the city and paying taxes honestly is one of the ultmate expressions of the brand of service called I am Mandaue",Cortes said in his speech.

P5M Lapu-Lapu project to brighten major streets

By Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A P5 million light installation project is up for implementation in the streets of Lapu-Lapu City.

Mayor Paz Radaza in her recent city address emphasized that dark roads attract law-breaking situations and scandalous scenarios.

"A dark city street breeds criminality and I want to eradicate it," she said, adding that tourists and travelers who come in and out of the city will be guaranteed of safety and security if the city has well-lighted posts.

At least 139 sets of environmental-friendly LED lights will be installed along M.L. Quezon Highway all the way to Mandaue-Mactan Bridge to Mactan Economic Processing Zone Gate 1 and the vicinity of the City Hall as well.

"The presence of crimes is sometimes said to be determinant on how progressive a city is," Radaza pointed out.

According to Radaza, the crimes in the city involve rampant cases of illegal drugs, and minimizing this is one of the main advocacies of the mayor.

Out of 147 arrests, 145 cases have already filed in the court.

Radaza said she was pleased with the efforts of Police Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, acting police director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, in eradicating crimes through buy-bust operations and raids within the interior areas of the city.

Consistent

The city has been consistently identified with the lowest point of malnutrition rate of 1.28 percent since 2006 to 2014.

Radaza attributed this to the continuous hunger mitigation program of distributing rice and milk supplementation to malnourished children.

Also, in the first half of 2013, the city recorded 278 cases of dengue. This year, it was down by 37 percent with no death reported, said Radaza.

The city has also been a recipient of a P10 million health facility enhancement program by the Department of Health and with this, one of the hospitals of the city's barangays has been upgraded to Level 1.

She also said the city received a P500,000 grant from DOH for STI/HIV-AIDS program while the city has allocated P8 million for the health insurance of indigent families.

Radaza reported that the city's hospitals have purchased new facilities and equipment to provide more services to the people, and renovated the health institutional wards to maintain its rank of Level 1.

Cebu, other CV provinces to remain insurgency-free, new Centcom chief tells gov

(PNA), FPV/EB

CEBU CITY, Aug. 29 (PNA) -- Major General Nicanor Vivar, the newly-installed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (Centcom) based in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, has vowed to help Cebu and other Central Visayas provinces, maintain their insurgency-free status.

Vivar made the assurance to Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III Thursday during a courtesy call at the governor’s office at the Cebu Capitol.

The AFP CentCom declared Cebu and Bohol insurgency-free in 2009.

On May 31 this year, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 7 also announced that Siquijor is free of insurgents while Negros Oriental is “on its way” of becoming insurgency-free.

The RPOC 7 also declared that the whole Central Visayas is “conflict manageable” and a “development-ready” region.

Major General John Bonafos, former Centcom chief, said violent incidences have “weakened or minimized” in these areas.

Vivar said AFP is aiming to make all of the three regions in the Visayas as “conflict manageable” by 2016.

Vivar assumed as the new Centcom commander on August 15 this year vice Bonafos, who has been transferred to higher headquarters as vice chief of staff.

Vivar, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sandigan” Class of 1982, was the former commander of the Philippine Air Force 3rd Air Division based at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City.He already received numerous commendations to include the Distinguished Service Star, Presidential Medal of Merit, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal and the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Campaign Medals.

Officials start craze in Cebu

By Michael Vencynth H. Braga /RHM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Ice Bucket Challenge phenomenon that has gone viral online and counts world leaders and famous world personalities among its participants has started in Cebu!

Two government officials have taken the challenge with the pledge to donate to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, a non-profit organization fighting ALS or the Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Ahmed Cuizon, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 director, accepted the challenge of LTFRB-4 Director Robert Peig by having his staff douse him with ice-cold water in a bucket yesterday.

“Medyo ra man ang tugnaw... Ang taguktok sa ice cubes sa akong ulo nga diyutay ra’g buhok maoy mas sakit (The cold was okay. The ice cubes falling on my almost bald head was the one that bothered me),” Cuizon posted in jest in the video taken when he took the challenge that was posted in his Facebook account.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is involves dumping a bucket of ice water on someone’s head to promote awareness on the ALS disease and to encourage donations to ALS research.

Under the “rules” of the challenge, those nominated has the option to either donate or perform the challenge, or do both. To complete the process, participants are expected to donate $10 if they have dumped ice-cold water over their heads while recording a video of themselves, or donate $100 if they have not. They should then proceeded in nominating those whom they would like to donate or accept the challenge, starting a chain of challenges, resulting to donations pouring in for the association. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Yesterday, Cuizon donated $50 (P2, 180) and nominated LTFRB-6 Director Romulo Bernales and news anchors Leo Lastimosa of ABS-CBN Cebu and Bobby Nalzaro of GMA-7.

He reminded those who would take the Ice Bucket Challenge to “donate before you nominate.”

Last Tuesday, Capitol Consultant on Jail Matters Marco Toral, together with some inmates, also took the Ice Bucket Challenge at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center a jail facility known for its “dancing inmates.”

In a telephone interview, Toral told The FREEMAN that aside from pouring freezing water on themselves, they also donated $160 (P7, 000) to the ALS charity.

Toral and the inmates nominated Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III to accept the challenge.

The governor’s response to the challenge has yet to be known as of press time since he was still out of the country. He will return to work today.

Nalzaro, on the other hand, was not inclined to take part in the challenged when reached by The FREEMAN last night.

“Kanang maligo og ice? Makapasmo man na. Kanang ice bucket para pabugnaw na og beer. Kanang gipabugnaw nga beer maoy among imnon. I challenge them,” read his text message.

The ALS Association said in its website (www.als.org) that as of Tuesday, August 26, it has already received $88.5 million in donations, which was several times bigger compared to $2.6 million it received for the same period (January to August) last year, showing the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Donations, according to the association, ballooned to $88.5 million in just seven days from merely $22.6 million last week.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are to the nearly two million people who have donated and even more than that who have likely taken the challenge. You have all made an incredible effort in the fight against this disease,” said Barbara Newhouse, ALS Association CEO and president, in a press statement rposted in the website.

ALS or known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. A person with ALS loses the ability to initiate and control muscle movement.

Most people with the ailment would only live up to two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

Talisay City council authorizes mayor to sign sisterhood ties with US city

(PNA), CMR/EB

TALISAY CITY, Cebu, Aug. 27 (PNA) -- The Talisay City Council has approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to sign a sisterhood pact with Loma Linda City, California, USA.

The resolution was sponsored by Councilor Socrates Fernandez.

The pact, according to Fernandez, is aimed at strengthening ties between the two cities, fostering mutual friendship and goodwill, nurturing closer relationship among their people, as well as cultural exchanges and economic ties.

"The City of Talisay, Cebu, Philippines is replete with God-given gifts of natural resources, our clean beaches and hospitable people. This city is known for its growing business, likewise sending professional technical men and women to work in other countries," Fernandez said.

With the approval of the resolution, the council also authorized Jeremias C. Condes, a prominent Talisay City resident, as its emissary because he also has relatives in Loma Linda City.

The Loma Linda, a Spanish phrase for "beautiful hills," is a city in San Bernardino county, California, that was incorporated in 1970.

It has a population of 23,261 during the 2010 census up from 2000's 18,681.

Mactan resort to undergo P50M facelift next year

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - After the completion of the additional 35 rooms that will be made available next month, White Sands Resort and Spa now plans for major renovation starting next year.

Unchuan Development Corporation, the operator and developer of the 19-year old resort in Mactan island, announced that the property will undergo a major facelift program to improve the facilities of the two-hectare property.

The company's president and chief executive officer Francisco Unchuan said that the resort needs to cope with Cebu’s sustained growth in tourism.

The facelift will include the total renovation of the existing 45 rooms, installation of an exclusive dining/restaurant facility, improvements on the lobby as well as function rooms and other support facilities.

Known for its niche in providing Filipino hospitality, White Sands Resort and Spa has been able to gain popularity not only from the local market, but also to a growing number of Korean, Japanese and European visitors.

According to Unchuan, the resort has become the favorite choice of tourists who look for serene and less crowded beach "hide-away".

The resort will spend less than P50 million on the renovation program, that will also include the expansion of its spa facility and gym.

At present, the company is constructing a nine-story building that will provide the resort with additional 35 rooms.

The new rooms will be officially opened by the end of this month, Unchuan said.

In the past, he said the company has been very conservative on embarking on major expansion as the tourism industry then was yet to show its sustained strength.

However, he said now is the right time to invest in tourism, while the Philippines is obviously gaining strong popularity as a destination.

The company also announced earlier its plan to invest P1.5 billion in tourism projects in Cebu and Palawan.

11 towns to receive aid from Malacañang

By Elias O. Baquero

THE Department Of Agriculture (DA) 7 has identified 11 municipalities in Cebu as beneficiaries of the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) of the Aquino administration.

GPBP became controversial after the National People’s Congress considered it as another form of pork inserted in the 2014 annual budget.

The 11 towns that received GPP assistance from Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala are San Remigio, San Fernando, Sogod, Carmen, Compostela, San Francisco, Cordova, Balamban, Alcoy, Dalaguete and Sibonga.

Most of the mayors of these municipalities are reportedly members of the ruling Liberal Party.

During his visit last month, Alcala turned over projects worth P14,980,166 to the mayors to cover the first tranche of assistance for farm-to-market roads for the 11 towns.

DA 7 records showed San Remigio receiving P388,920 for the second tranche, while San Fernando and Talisay City received a combined amount of P1,021,548 for the third tranche.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III was present when Alcala turned over the GPBP assistance in a program held in Tuburan.

Yesterday, the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, headed by its national president Edmund Abesamis, placed a one-page advertisement in a national daily stating that GPBP is not part of the pork barrel because it is given with transparency and accountability.

The Liga said that for several years, it is only the Aquino administration that created the GPBP based on the cost estimates of projects in the grassroots level.

The Liga said that under GPBP, local government units (LGUs) are directed to consult all Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other people’s organizations in the community on what projects they need.

They said that before, only the congressmen and mayors are the ones identifying and implementing projects even if these were not really needed by the community.

Involved

They said this was reversed under the GPBP, where the people are directly involved.

During the Luzon Mayors Conference of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP) at the Waterfront Hotel last July 15, Mayor Leonardo Javier, the LMP national president, said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P20 billion for GPBP projects for 2014 and another P22 billion is earmarked for 2015.

However, the convenors of the National People’s Congress considered GPBP as another pork barrel, as it defined pork barrel as lump sum fund with sole discretion given to the President, group of legislators or any public officer.

‘More tech startups, more growth’

By Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City is planning to create a new generation of young, technology enterprising people that would help boost the business landscape of the city.

Mayor Paz Radaza said she intends to collaborate with homegrown talent Ric Amores who works for the Department of Science and Technology to help make this setup happen.

"I already have plans for my next wish: creating a new generation of techies and geeks from the young people of our city. Lapu-Lapu City plans to collaborate with the DOST on how to make this happen," she said.

Radaza also said they are eyeing to work with Dean Liza Corro of the University of the Philippines to help make the city an attractive site to incubate tech innovations.

"We are happy that the country's best geeks and their advocates from here and abroad are gathered here in Lapu-Lapu. Why? Because we believe that the Philippine startup community is the country's next game-changer," she said during the "Geeks on a Beach" convention at Hoopsdome, Barangay Gun-ob on Friday.

A conference of technology entrepreneurs in the Philippines, Geeks on a Beach started last year to gather all tech enthusiasts around the country and collaborate on startup ideas.

"I hope that, like many companies, Lapu-Lapu City would be historic place and this conference an important milestone for your companies and startups," said Radaza in her speech.

According to her, setting up technological livelihood programs in the city is important and necessary for the preparation of the Asean economic integration in 2015.

She pointed out that improving internet infrastructure would make the Philippines a center for startups.

"Better internet for Lapu-Lapu City and for the whole Philippines. This is now more important as ever, as we prepare for the Asean Economic Community. From the slowest in the region, we wish we would be one of the fastest. Improving Internet infrastructure would make the Philippines a center for startups," she explained.

She has likewise assured that the city is ready to partner with different startup groups for the promotion of startup environment in the city.

"More startup means more entrepreneurs and more entrepreneurs means more opportunities," she said.

Jonji Gonzales of Public Information Office said UP supports the DOST in terms of tech-livelihood, citing that the school provides an avenue for startup tech business to be their training ground in creating viable technology programs.

Meanwhile, the city mayor has also challenged wealthy Oponganons abroad to seriously consider investing in the city since, according to her, the town itself is making noise in improving its business environment.

Cebu Capitol opens search for “Bidlisiw” awards

(PNA), CTB/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 23 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government is now looking for nominees for its “Bidlisiw sa Sugbo Awards,” which is opened to Cebuano individuals and private institutions who made “significant contributions” to the province.

“The development of Cebu would not happen without the efforts of the private sector which have given much of their time, efforts and resources to the development of Cebu,” Cebu Provincial Administrator lawyer Mark Tolentino said in a statement.

The giving of awards is in line with the month-long celebration of the province’s 445th founding anniversary, which kicked off last August 1.

Anyone can nominate “exemplary individuals and institutions” for the award.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Cebu Capitol’s official website: www.cebu.gov.ph or from the Office of the Search & Awards Committee at Tolentino’s office.

Based on the qualifications posted by the PIO, institutions can be nominated if they have been operating for at least three years in Cebu and “with track record of dedicated service in uplifting the lives of Cebuanos.”

They must be private corporations or non-government organizations, whether civic, people’s, church-based or religious.

For individuals to qualify, they must be natural-born or naturalized Filipino or Cebuano with good moral character and must have “at least three continuing years of commitment to his profession, vocation or service “that have contributed to the development of Cebu.”

The criteria for the chosen awardees include service excellence and professionalism, impact of work to the society and innovation and creativity.

“Help us ignite the passion of those who care for Cebu by recognizing their work,” said Tolentino.

“Let everyone know of the excellent service rendered by these significant men, women and organizations for the betterment of our province,” he added.

Nominations are accepted until September 15, 2014.

Cebu Capitol’s net worth rises to P27.9B in May

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 22 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government’s net worth increased to P27.924 billion as of May 31, or about P1 billion compared to the P26.919 billion in the same period last year, an official said.

Cebu Provincial Accountant Marieto Ypil said the province’s total assets of P28.736 billion as of end May this year expanded by only about P660 million over that of the first quarter of 2013 at P28.078 billion.

The improvement in net worth stemmed from the decrease in total liabilities.

As of May 31 this year, the Capitol’s total liabilities reached P811.905 million, way below first quarter 2013’s P1,159,675,565.60.

Liabilities cover payables, such as taxes and government-mandated benefits for employees.

Total assets, on the other hand, include cash, receivables, inventories, investments, properties, plants and equipment.

The Capitol’s investments expanded in the 14 months between end of March 2013 to May 31, 2014.

In the first quarter of 2013, the Capitol’s total investments were about P131 million, which grew to P188.3 million by end of May 2014.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, who assumed office in July 2013, said he wants to increase the Capitol’s income by improving tax collection efficiency and economic enterprise.

Cebu Capitol to release P15,000 bonus for workers

(PNA), LGI/EB

CEBU CITY, Aug. 21 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government is set to release on Friday (Aug. 22), the P15,000 anniversary bonus for each of its 1,553 employees.

Cebu Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas said the incentives will be released by the Cebu Provincial Treasurer’s Office through the respective automated teller machine accounts of the employees.

A total of P23 million was set aside for the purpose, he said.

The Cebu Provincial Board has approved the province’s first supplemental budget for the year, which includes the P15,000 bonus.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III announced the bonus during the province’s 445th founding anniversary celebration early this month.

Davide said the cash incentives are for accomplishing the performance targets at “lesser cost” and for attaining “more efficient and valuable operations” through cost-cutting measures and systems improvement.

Last year, the Capitol introduced changes in its internal operations with the aim to minimize processing time.

These changes include the Expense Management System, an application that integrates all departments, taxpayers, and vendors to fast-track payment processes; the Legislative Record Tracking System, an extensive detailed tracking system for all types of ordinances and resolutions; and the Document Tracking System.


Carcar and Sibonga receive SSFs Local growers reap more from value-added goods

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Adding value to agricultural products has allowed local producers in the province of Cebu to reap higher revenues as they take advantage of the current demand of their goods.

With the help of shared service facilities, Elias Tecson of the regional Department of Trade and Industry said agricultural growers in the province are not only able to supply raw materials, but they are also capable to process value-added goods now.

“Kaniadto man gud, tig-supply ra sila sa raw materials, karon sila na mobuhat sa semi-process with the help of the equipment,” Tecson said. “And that is added value sa ilang income.”

Value-added agriculture is converting of raw materials into finished or semi-finished products through packaging, processing, drying, extracting, cooling or any other process that changes a product’s raw form.

In an interview yesterday, Business Development Chief Tecson of DTI-7 noted value adding gives local producers opportunities for new markets and expanded marketing period.

He said the current demand of product niches both locally and globally is one reason for producers of agricultural goods to really boost production.

Giving them shared facilities is one good means to help them in their livelihood and business, he added.

Value-added agriculture normally serves domestic and international niche markets which allow small producers to create product value and improve their business. A niche market is part of a larger market where a specific product is focused.

The Trade Department in Cebu on Monday gave Carcar City and the town of Sibonga SSFs on technology upgrading of agri-based products.

Gabay sa Bagong Pag-asa of Carcar and Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Balaas of Sibonga now have the capacity to manufacture semi-finished products that are supplied to Southern Partners and Fair Trade Center and the mainstream market.

The facilities include desiccated dryer machine (P220, 000 per unit), deshelling machine (P40, 000 per unit), grinding machines (P80, 000 per unit), carbonizing drum (P12, 500 per unit) and briquetting machine (P115, 500 per unit). Each association received P498, 000 worth of production equipment.

GBP is an association established in 2004 with 114 members whose main source of income is farming of coconuts and mangoes. It currently owns 60 coconut trees in Carcar City and produces an estimated 2,400 coconuts every year.

On the other hand, the 4-year-old association Namaba of Sibonga town has 264 members who are living out of farming coconut, banana, corn and vegetables.

The chief shared value-added agricultural goods such as desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil and charcoal briquettes have a huge demand in USA, Canada, Japan, Korea and other nations. The two farmers associations produce the said products.

Currently, the agency’s SSF program is serving the agricultural production of local farmers.

The next shared facilities, Tecson said, would also support the dairy sector in Cebu, and the fishing industry in Bantayan Island specifically the dried fish production, among other emerging sectors.

Mactan airport eyes bus shuttle service next year, exec says

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 19 (PNA) -- The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will change its transport service system from private cars to bus shuttle by next year, an official said.

MCIA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said they are studying the options for the “bus service” institutional arrangements together with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

“Our partner and terminal operator, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) is likewise studying the off-terminal check-in parallel. Probably in 2015, we can already offer these services,” Villarete said.

Earlier, GMCAC President Louie Ferrer said his company, which has a contract with the Philippine Government to manage, operate and convert the airport into a world class facility, will take full control of the terminal in October.

The DOTC and MCIA Authority signed a contract with GMCAC last April after the consortium won the bidding in the P17.5-billion public-private partnership (PPP) project.

The company posted the highest bid of P14.4 billion, which has been paid to the government.

In the contract, GMCAC will transform the airport into a world class facility, including the renovation of an existing terminal that will be completed by 2016 and the construction of a new terminal building that will be operational by 2017.

GMR Deputy chief Executive Officer Andrew Harrison said GMCAC will start the renovation of the existing terminal once they take full control of the airport.

Harrison said MCIA has a current capacity of 4.5 million passengers, and that the new terminal that they are going to build will have a capacity of eight million.

Harrison said they are not only concerned about the convenience and safety of passengers inside the airport but also about efficient transport access from and to the airport.

Japanese shipbuilder to boost production, jobs in Cebu

By Jon Carlos Rodriguez (ABS-CBNnews.com)

MANILA, Philippines – Leading shipbuilder Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Cebu Inc. is looking to increase its production in its shipyard in Balamban, Cebu in the next three years.

Its president, Hitoshi Kono, said that from its current production of about 21 ships per year, the firm wants to increase production to 25 to 30 ships by 2017.

“Productivity-wise, we must increase our capacity by building more ships in the future to 25 to 30 ships per year,” he said in a press briefing on Monday.

However, Kono said that while the firm plans to boost productivity, it has no immediate plans to expand its facility in Balamban.

Tsuneishi’s shipyard in the once sleepy town of Balamban covers approximately 1.5 million square meters, where more than 13,000 employees are working.

Kenji Kawano, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. overseas operations director, said an additional 2,000 employees may be hired in the next three to years as it increases production.

Kawano noted that when Tsuneishi entered the Philippines in 1994, it started with only 18 employees.

“In 1994, we weren’t sure that we will succeed here, that’s why we started small. But after several years, we are confident that there are good workers and highly educated people here, so definitely we will succeed. That’s why we continue to expand,” he said in the same briefing.

Tsuneishi has also focused on implementing training programs, having sent over 1,400 Filipino employees to Japan since 1994 to acquire additional technical skills.

According to Kono, the company will continue both its in-house training program and deployment to Japan for technical training.

“To strengthen the shipping industry of the Philippines, we must develop more human resources education and equip them with necessary tools and skills of shipbuilding,” he said.

Kono said Tsuneishi continues to have a positive outlook on the country’s shipbuilding industry, which has grown to be the fourth largest in the world behind China, Korea, and Japan.

“The Philippines has great potential to further grow its shipping industry with its experience and capacity. Tsuneishi want to capitalize on the country’s growth and become the mother shipyard in Southeast Asia,” he said.

Tsuneishi is projecting to generate P36 billion in revenues for 2014, after seeing a decline in 2013 due to a lower demand in new ships and other global factors.

“In 2014 the market has slowly recovered and we are projecting revenues of P36 billion this year,” said Kono.

Tsuneishi, a joint venture between the Tsuneishi Group and the Aboitiz Group, made record revenues of more than P41 billion in 2012. The firm expects to reach this mark again by 2017 to 2018.

Tsuneishi has delivered 193 ships with revenues of about P250 billion in last the 20 years through its shipyard in Cebu.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima said more than 300,000 Filipino lives have been positively affected by the presence of the global shipbuilding and ship repair company in the country.

“Everybody who was against Tsuneishi going there now have their own businesses and their children have jobs,” de Lima said.

“This is the perfect example of countryside development and how lucky is West Balamban because Tsuneishi went there,” she added.

DOT 7 backs Cebu town’s ‘Queseo Festival’

(PNA), CTB/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 17 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 has supported the northern cebu town of Compostela's queseo production as a means of livelihood for farmers and its Queseo Festival as a way of promoting the town's tourism.

DOT 7 Director Rowena Montecillo said she has turned over an initial amount of P 425,000 to the town, through Compostela Mayor Joel Quino, in order to boost the town's tourism efforts.

Montecillo said the agency has approved a total of P850,000 aid for the town for this purpose.

The municipal government in turn has allocated P150,000 as counterpart share for the program.

Compostela, a prime agricultural town whose inhabitants' means of livelihood is mainly farming, was the first to receive the financial support from DOT after it complied with all the necessary requirements of the department.

Christopher Paradiang, Compostela tourism officer, said one of the products of the town is queseo, processed from the fresh milk of either a carabao or cow.

Mayor Quino said they decided to adopt queseo as Compostela's product under the One Town, One Product program of the provincial government in order to help the farmers augment their daily income through the production of native cheese.

Quino said the town will provide support to the farmers engaged in queseo making, citing that it will boost farmer's income and make the municipality a prime producer of native cheese.

Town officials said they will use the financial assistance from the DOT to boost marketing strategies through the holding of annual Queseo Festival as an attraction during the town fiesta.

Phl’s first helium balloon flies in Cebu

By Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Another activity envisioned to become a tourist attraction has been launched to the media in Lapu-Lapu City.

The Cebu Helium Balloon, which is located in Hadsan Beach Complex, is owned by Jack Song, chief executive officer of Aura, Inc. Song's company has been operating it since early this year.

With a balloon diameter of 22.80 meters and a height of 34 meters, the recreational ride has a capacity of 30 passengers. The ascension height goes up to 150 meters and the ride lasts for about 15 minutes.

A 360-degree panoramic view of the neighboring islands, resorts and popular spots of the Historic Resort City of Lapu-Lapu allows the passengers to move around while being soared up to the sky, according to company officials.

The Cebu Helium Balloon situated in a wide-spaced area and has durable control cables enough for the operators to maneuver the recreational ride.

A tension cable is also connected from the ground to control the balloon's up and down movement with an electrical switch.

The company has a total of seven "pilots," enough for them to guide and assist the public in riding the helium balloon. Aura pilots were trained in Korea.

According to Helena Hwang, chief secretary of Aura, Inc., this is the first recreational ride of its kind in the Philippines.

However, there are spots in the Philippines where the company will soon set up such attraction, such as the province of Bohol and Boracay Island.

Asked why they chose Lapu-Lapu City, Hwang said it is the company's closest choice because of its beautiful scenery of coastal beaches surrounding the island.

The ride costs 1,000 for adults and P700 for children aged 2 to 12 years are charged 700. Foreign adults are charged $50 and children, $30.

Mayor Paz Radaza said precautionary measures are observed by the company and that they got credible permit more than a month after they were monitored.

She said the tourist police will be around and will coordinate with the operational staff for their security of the area.

Radaza also said the company has secured an airport clearance permit even if the area is not part of the air-traffic zone.

Acting police director Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office said to keep the area more secured, lightings are mounted within the perimeter of the beach complex.

Helium balloons are known to have flown through the skies in different countries such as Germany, United States of America, Korea, Singapore, France, Spain, Italy and Canada.

Cebu lady farmer believes in 'knowledge is power'

(PNA), FPV/PR/UTB

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) -- For Lilia Caburnay, farming is more than just knowing how to till the farm. One must also equip himself/herself with the latest farming know-how to truly enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Nang Lilia, as her peers fondly call her, took this to heart as she found herself spending her idle moments attending farming seminars and/or workshops to enrich her knowledge about the latest technology that she could apply in her two-hectare farm in Barangay Canlumanpao, Toledo, Cebu.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) awarded the said farmlot to her in 1997 under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Whatever she is lacking in physical strength, Nang Lilia makes up for it with farming know-how, believing that, to borrow the famous line of the late media practitioner Ernie Baron, “knowledge is power.”

Among the government-sponsored training programs that she had attended included the “Long Season Farmers’ Field School in Banana Production,” the “Integrated Rice Technology Demonstration” and the “Trainers on Extension Delivery System for Agricultural Extension Workers and Barangay Agricultural Workers.”

These trainings and seminars helped double her harvests from her farm where various kinds of cash crops are growing, like mango, banana, eggplant, calamansi and camote root crops.

From her 600 fruit-bearing calamansi and 32 mango trees, she is earning around PHP24,000 annually, while gaining just as much from her other cash crops.

Her husband, Ricardo, has been attending their ricefield, from which they earned average income of PHP31,500 a year.

She said it was made possible with the help of their cooperative, the Bulahan Canlumampao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Bucampuco) through its farm implements that it rents out to farmer-members. Nang Lilia is the chairperson of the said cooperative.

The lady farmer, however, is not contented with what she had learned. She even took one step further when she made her own innovations, combining newfound farming techniques with personal experiences she gained from her father, a farmer himself.

“Farming is really my passion. It runs through our family. That is why I always attend seminars to enhance my farming knowledge by combining new techniques with past experiences,” she confides.

Her feat caught the attention of the government, with the Department of Agriculture citing her as an “outstanding rice farmer in Cebu in May 2010.

Already a full-pledged farmer-entrepreneur, the mother of eight couldn’t ask for more as she is happy to see her children grow through the “fruits of her labor.” Four of her children have already finished their studies, the eldest is a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the second a teacher, the third an agriculturist and the fourth a police aspirant.

Everything, she says, was made possible through hard work and perseverance.

Startup brings 3D printing to Cebu

By Jeandie O. Galolo

THREE-dimensional or 3D printing is now in Cebu. 3D printing produces solid objects out of computer designs.

3DFIED, a product development service provider, brings to life any computer-aided design into solid objects. The company was founded in August last year by four young Cebuano engineers: Hyzele Awit, Jonathan Paul Damalerio, Wayne Denoyo and Seth Ephraim Miano.

Like any other startup, 3DFIED is a product of a need personally experienced by the founders when they were still in college several years back and working on their final projects, Awit told Sun.Star Cebu in a recent interview.

Tasked to create a prototype of their theses, the would-be engineers made use of various resources to complete the school requirement.

“Before, maglisod jud mi og materialize sa among prototype,” she said.

Now, that they have established themselves with careers in product development, mechanical hardware design and service engineering, the four decided to invest on a 3D printer from the United States worth more than P150,000 and venture into a 3D printing business.

Awit said their services can primarily help students, especially those who are taking engineering courses, produce better prototypes.

“With 3D printing, everything you want to create can become possible,” Awit said.

A 3D printer is a type of an industrial robot that can make “a 3D object of almost any shape from a 3D model or other electronic data source primarily through additive processes in which successive layers of material are laid down under computer control,” according to the Wikipedia definition.

As one of the pioneers of 3D printing in Cebu, Awit said they want to foster an R&D (research and development) culture in the local scene, especially among students.

3DFIED has already served students from University of San Carlos and Don Bosco on their projects.

They assisted students in making cases for projects like heartbeat tracker and Bluetooth finder. They have also printed prototypes of a jet engine, rollers, and gears, among others made out of PLA (polylactic acid) plastics.

“We aim to empower creativity by serving as a partner in materializing product design ideas. It is our passion to help people discover their creative potentials using 3D printing technology,” Awit said.

In their creative lab inside the Cebu Business Incubator for Information Technology (CeBuinIT) in the University of the Philippines Cebu, students are welcome to learn about 3D printing, Awit said.

She said they are reaching out to different schools to let students know of 3DFIED’s presence and how they can help in their projects.

Awit, however, clarified that they don’t design the product for the students, instead they help them improve their designs. Lead time of the prototype development is three days.

She said they also cater to the needs of entrepreneurs, saying industries like tourism, real estate, and food can take advantage of 3D printing technology.

For tourism, she said souvenir items like keychains can be 3D-printed. Food chains can print their molders in 3D. Real estate developers, on the other hand, can choose to print their miniature houses instead of cutting and concatenating small pieces of vinyls.

While 3D printing brings various opportunities, Awit said the technology has not been embraced by the Filipinos yet, with a big number of them unaware of what it is.

The team is coordinating with schools and businesses to grow its popularity.

The team is also envisioning to get more support from the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry. At present, the team is currently applying for a loan from both agencies. They are hoping to get around P300,000 to purchase more 3D printers.

DSWD-7 allots P8.3M for aid to homeless street families in Metro Cebu

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 13 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 7 has allotted P8,349,252 to provide assistance to some 550 homeless street families (HSF) in Metro Cebu.

Mercedita Jabagat, DSWD-7 director, said the program is being implemented through a one-year partnership with Bidlisiw Foundation Inc.

Jabagat said the program is under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT).

Every family beneficiary of the program is expected to receive P500 health assistance monthly while school children shall also get P300 for elementary and P500 for high school.

Like the regular Pantawid Pamilya implementation, a maximum of three children will be covered by the MCCT.

Pantawid Pamilya started to target the homeless families and street dwellers through the MCCT with the aim of providing them safety and protection along with other development opportunities.

The MCCT is designed to reach out to HSF and indigenous people (IP) who are definitely poor, more vulnerable and disadvantaged but were left out in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya because of their being excluded in the enumeration of the National Housing Targeting System for having no family homes and for being geographically isolated and inaccessible.

The modified program wants to enable the HSF and IP to overcome the barriers of enjoying the government's social protection assistance.

"The goal here is to move these families out of the street or help them find a decent home so that they become part of the regular Pantawid Pamilya," Jabagat said.

Mandaue marks Phl-Japan friendship

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines- The Philippine-Japan Friendship Month was celebrated in Mandaue City in a two-day event last Friday and Saturday at the Aboitiz Field in Barangay Subangdaku.

The celebration will continue until this weekend at the J Centre Mall in Barangay Bakilid.

Kengo Tanaka, spokesman of the Cebu-Mandaue-Based Committee has thanked Mayor Jonas Cortes for the success of the big event due to its big turnout.

"We did not expect the big turn which means that Filipinos are interested to know the Japanese culture," Tanaka said.

According to Tanaka they expected to gather 5,000 crowd but the number doubled. Many of those who attended were local and Japanese students who are on study tour.

Several booths were set up in the venue which displayed and sold Japanese items including food items others offering services while the rest were offering real estate projects.

Cultural presentations highlighted the nightly event performed by "Panagtagbo" dancers of the city and Japanese cultural group.

"Today we celebrate in Cebu the Philippines-Japan Friendship month. This is very significant and historical because for the first time it is held in Mandaue and secondly, the biggest so far," said Mayor Jonas Cortes in his opening remarks.

"We expect exchange of cultural presentations by both countries and more cooperation," added the mayor.

During the event, Aisaku, a Japanese OPM artist also rendered some of his Pinoy songs in his album.

Fishermen receive bancas

By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the rehabilitation efforts for the victims of typhoon Yolanda, private sectors turned over 20 motorized bancas to fisherfolks in northern Cebu on Saturday.

Jose Bimbo Pelayo, 43, of Maravilla in the town of Tabuelan was very happy to receive one of the bancas donated by The FREEMAN through San Miguel Corporation.

"Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa mga tao nga nitabang nako kay pwerteng lisura sa among kinabuhi," a teary-eyed Pelayo said, adding that he will take good care of the banca.

He said his non-motorized banca was destroyed during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda last November 8.

"Pagkahuman sa bagyo, sige na lang ko’g panghuwam sa akong mga kauban og banca para naa mi'y makaon sa akong pamilya," he said.

With his new boat, Pelayo said it would be now easy for him to make a living for his family. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

The 20 motorized bancas were donated by different private sectors that responded to the advocacy of couple Clayton Tugunon and Georgina Tugunon, who own a furniture maker company in Cebu.

The couple, who are from San Remigio town, started their advocacy after realizing that many fisherfolks became helpless after the supertyphoon hit the towns in the northern part of Cebu.

"We saw the need of the fishermen nga nawad-an gyod og paglaum sa ilang panginabuhi after Yolanda," Georgina said.

"Nagsugod mi sa usa ka banca nga among nahimo, then gi-post sa akong husband ang situation sa northern Cebu and we're glad many companies have responded para makatabang sa mga fishermen," she added.

Georgina said she carefully screened all the possible beneficiaries.

"Amo gyud tan-awon ang ilang status sa kinabuhi, kun pila ang anak, unsay trabaho, and others para makaila pud ko nila," she said.

According to her, the beneficiaries were made to sign a contract upon receiving the bancas.

"Naa pud ta'y conditions like, motabang na sila sa Bantay Dagat pagpanakop sa mga mogamit og dinamita, ug every month makalabay sila og stones nga parehas kadako sa ilang head as artificial reefs under water," she said.

"Ato ning gibuhat para naa pud sila'y participation sa pag-protect sa atong dagat while nanginabuhi sila," she added.

The companies behind the donations last Saturday were The Freeman, San Miguel Corporation, Hope and Love from Japan, Loumari Mediatrix, and Bright Man Business Solutions, among others.

Georgina said her family has been able to produce a total of 328 bancas donated by different companies and individuals, which have already been distributed to other northern towns devastated by the typhoon.

Clayton said there are still a lot of fisherfolks who are in dire need of bancas and his family will not stop helping, as long as there are still private companies willing to help them in their advocacy.

Lapu-Lapu offers new sports activity

By Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office welcomed a new watersport seen to entice more tourists and vacationers to visit the Historic Resort City.

Flyboard, a watersport that originated in France and invented by French watercraft rider Franky Zapata in 2011, is now available in Lapu-Lapu City. It is a type of water jet pack with a 20-foot tube attached to a jetski which supplies water to drive the watercraft up to the air.

In the Philippines, the flyboard's operation first started in Subic, Zambales in 2012.

Lapu-Lapu tourism chief Hembler Mendoza in an interview said the new attraction is a welcome development as the city embarks on building more tourism blocks.

"Flyboard is another alternative sea sport in a recreational kind of way," he said.

BJ Ang, owner of the Diamond Watersports in Hadsan Beach Resort, Barangay Agus which operates the flyboard, said this kind of watercraft is a unique activity that local and foreign tourists visiting Mactan island should try.

"The goal of Diamond Sports is to increase the quality of watersport activities and equipment here in Mactan," he said.

The Diamonds Watersports acquired the flyboard from the Networx Jetsports, a shop specializing in jetskis.

Since it is new to tourists, Ang said they are charging P4,500 for 20 minutes of flyboard experience because of the high operational cost. "But it's definitely worth it," he said.

He added that among countries that operate flyboard, the Philippines has the cheapest fees as the average rate in other countries is $150 for 20 minutes.

Wayne Comendador, 20, who tried flyboarding said the new watersport will gain attraction to foreign tourists because "it is cool and the technology is new."

Meanwhile, the tourism office in Lapu-Lapu expressed possibility of hosting sports event with the use of flyboard. "Probably the city can invite foreign nationals in joining water-based competitions," Mendoza said.

He added that this may not happen overnight because of the preparations involved and that the plan should be discussed more between the tourism office and the watersport establishment.

Cebu eyes record for biggest zumba class

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Caecent N. Magsumbol /JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu will attempt to break the record for having the largest zumba class.

To achieve this, organizers target at least 20,000 participants here to surpass India’s record of 6,671.

“All able-bodied participants are invited to join regardless of age. Everyone can join even those who are living outside Cebu. As long as you love to dance, you can join,” said Bobot Ramos, general manager of Livehouse Productions, one of the event’s organizers.

The event will be on October 18 at north parking area of SM City Cebu. It will be undertaken in partnership with World Vision and part of the proceeds will go to the classroom rehabilitation program for schools in northern Cebu.

The event is officially sanctioned by the Guinness World Records and endorsed by the Department of Tourism, Cebu Provincial government and the Cebu City government.

An official from the Guinness World Record will be present on the day to confirm and announce if a record is made. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Lita Quisumbing, one of the representatives of Cebu’s Zumba Instructors Network, said the event is also a call for everyone to live a healthy lifestyle through dancing.

“We want to share our passion for dancing with the community. Let us all help and support put Cebu on the map,” she said yesterday.

“We hope that through this event, we can reach out as many people to become a channel of God’s blessings,” said Pamela Melora of World Vision.

Kathleen Fernandez-Aznar, also of ZIN, reminded zumba leaders to keep the dance steps safe and simple so that every participant can follow and enjoy.

For purposes of the Guinness record, participants would need to dance continuously for 30 minutes but the whole event can last up to two hours.

Ramos said the event will proceed regardless of the weather.

“Since it will be done outdoor, bisan pa magtaligsik or mag-uwan padayon gihapon,” said Ramos.

Adult participants can pay either P250 with a “break the record singlet” or P150 without a singlet.

Students only need to pay 100 each. The registration will be at the newly opened Sports Atrium at SM City-Cebu.

Cebu currently holds the title for having the Largest Dance Class, the Largest Chess Tournament, the Longest barbeque line and Most number of rockets launched under a minute.

Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 90’s.This involves dance and aerobic elements and event martial arts and also has different programs from kids to adults.

Cebu City was also involved in the largest synchronized aerobic exercise in 2007 that broke Mexico’s record, but that record was shared with Manila and Davao.

New Cebu water district GM targets to expand service to 66% by 2020

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 8 (PNA) -- Newly-appointed Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) general manager Ernie T. Delco has set a service expansion of 66 percent of its franchise area by 2020.

Delco replaced Armando H. Paredes who retired from the service last July 4.

Earlier, MCWD Chairman Rene Mercado said the water utility firm is servicing 160,000 connections, with a demand of 180,000 cubic meters a day.

But Mercado said the present water consumers only represent 42 percent of its franchise area in Metro Cebu.

Delco said he will oversee MCWD’s implementation of its projects in order to achieve its target to increase service coverage to 66 percent in 2020.

Delco, 48, has been working for the water district for 25 years.

He has held several positions before he was named as assistant general manager for operations in July 2003.

Delco is a licensed civil engineer and has completed a master’s degree in Business Management from the University of the Philippines in Cebu.

He had a number of trainings and seminars on water resources management, water demand management, non-revenue water management and several others conducted in different countries.

Capitol hosts Agro-Trade Fair: Yolanda-hit farmers’ recovery underway

  • Source: EMB: Zamboanga City still enjoys good air quality
  • Thursday, August 7, 2014 12:00 am
By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Farmers from the Yolanda-stricken towns in the northern part of Cebu province are now back in business albeit still recuperating from the calamity that hit them a few months back.

This as they are currently joining the Agro-Trade Fair that is being organized by the provincial government this week at the Cebu Capitol grounds as part of the province's 445th anniversary celebration.

Several farmers from Nothern Cebu towns -- Sogod, San Remegio, Carmen, Pilar and Poro of Camotes Island, and Bantayan of Bantayan Island, among others are trading their farm products and delicacies to both local and foreign consumers.

The Sogod Federation of Farmers said its joining in the event is a clear indication that farmers are recovering and returning to farming business despite some challenges.

Federation president Ines Densing told The FREEMAN yesterday that their members are hoping to sell all of their products at the end of the trade fair to help augment the organization's funds.

"Kining mahalin namo sa fair kay mao ni mapunta sa pondo para sa federation nga para pud sa financial assistance sa mga mag-uuma," Densing said, noting the fund money is used for the microfinance programofthe farmers.

To help members start a farming enterprise, the federation allocates the fund money to provide a startup capital of P1,000 for each member with an interest rate of two percent.

"Salamat sa Ginoo, maayo ra among halin sukad pagsugod sa fair. Kay daghan man pud abot sa mga utanon gikan sa Sogod nga gidala dinhi unya ubay-ubay napud ang nanganhi," the woman added.

Meanwhile, the Farmer Scientists Association of Tuburan, mostly comprised of banana farmers that were hard hit by Yolanda are likewise on the road to recovery.

"Pila kabuwan nagkalisod gyod ang mga growers sa saging didto kay mao man gyod to ang napurohan sa bagyo pero tungod sa among kadasig ug paninguha, hinay-hinay ra intawon ming nakabangon," said 47-year-old Bebelinda Oyoa, an association member.

Oyoa and her fellow farmers have called on the government to extend some help such as seeds, fertilizers and capital money, even if coursed through a microfinance scheme.

Nida Pongautan, a farmer from Carmen, revealed that famers in their town are still hoping for help from the government to fasttrack their recovery especially on the area of farming.

"Sa tinuod lang gyod di pa hingpit among pagbangon pero naninguha gyod mi nga makabalik mi sa among naandan nga panginabuhi ug negosyo," the 54-year-old woman said.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculture said the trade fair is an effective way to help those that were affected by typhoon Yolanda to boost their livelihood and income.

On the other hand, dairy farmers in Cebu are also displaying their milk products which are sourced and made locally.

Teresita Marikit, vice chairman of Cebu Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, expressed hopes that the local residents would patronize the local milk goods and other dairy products in order to boost the fledging dairy industry in the Philippines.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala already said before that despite the absence of quick solution to the problems hounding the industry, having the proper technologies and involvement would surely help solve the present concerns.

Marikit emphasized there is a need for milk stakeholders to increase milk production of dairy cows. CEFEDCO was supported by the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund of DA with hopes to upgrade the milk collection and processing facilities here.

Meanwhile, at least 39 towns and cities, 37 private companies and five food exhibitors are trading at the fair until August 8.

Cebuanos enjoy holiday as province marks 445th founding anniversary

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 6 (PNA) -- Cebuanos are taking a day off from work today, August 6, a special non-working holiday in the entire province of Cebu in celebration of its 445th founding anniversary.

Republic Act 8952 declared August 6 of every year a special non-working public holiday not only in Cebu Province but also in the highly-urbanized chartered cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

RA 8952 amended RA 7698, which declared the special non-working public holiday to be effective in the province alone.

Both laws were authored by former Cebu first district congressman Eduardo Gullas.

RA 8952 ended the confusion over whether Cebu City, as a chartered city, is covered by RA 7698 or not.

As a special non-working holiday, those who would report to work on this day are entitled to a 30-percent premium on top of their basic pay.

In 1993, the Cebu Provincial Board passed a resolution setting Cebu’s founding day on Aug. 6, the date Spain's King Philip II, in a royal cedula, appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as Governor of Cebu in 1569.

A portion of the said PB resolution reads, "The appointment of Legazpi as governor and captain general, with definition of his duties and powers, as well as the existence of a de facto or emerging province, could well mark the foundation, although loosely, of a Province of Cebu."

The celebration started Wednesday morning with a flag raising ceremony, followed by a 10 a.m. Holy Mass attended by provincial officials and employees at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall.

A 1:30 p.m. program would then follow with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III delivering an anniversary message and making some announcements.

The program includes a dance contest "Sayaw sa Dekada 80" and the raffling off of major prizes.

The "Gabii sa Sugbu" featuring the performances of local bands will be held on Thursday.

Cebu inks agreement for Digital Tourism

By Rachelle M. Nessia

CEBU CITY, August 5 (PIA) --- The provincial government of Cebu has signed an agreement with Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) and Cebu-based new media startup InnoPub Media formalizing the rollout of its Digital Tourism project in the province.

The signing held August 4 was led by Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III with SMART Senior Manager for Public Affairs Visayas and Mindanao Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, InnoPub Co-Founder Max Limpag, and Cebu Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera.

The governor said the project will help make tourists’ visit in the province more convenient, especially those visiting the province for the first time.

“They don’t have to bring with them maps or books about Cebu anymore,” said Davide.

According to Limpag, digital tourism utilizes mobile technology to deliver timely, accurate, and relevant tourism, cultural, and historical information on their mobile devices.

“By providing tourists with context and correct information with relevant information will make their visit much more meaningful and memorable, and they will hopefully keep coming back,” he said.

Interactive markers will be set up in identified tourist spots bearing quick response (QR) codes and near field communication chips (NFC) which visitors can scan using their smartphones and this will trigger the download of information about the tourist site.

Under the project, free ebooks and apps will be produced to serve as tourism guides.

“Printed guidebooks are expensive, and also they are limited in the sense that a limited space is allotted for some places because of the limited number of pages,” explained Limpag.

The ebooks, he said, will answers questions of most visitors coming to Cebu such as accommodations, where to eat, and what to do .

The project is also seen to address the lack of tourism markers in Cebu, which came up as a common tourism issue hampering the creation of new tourism products during the 2012 Tourism Congress, said Limpag.

“Tourists didn’t know the significance of a place because there were no markers, and whatever markers were available contained only limited information,” he said.

Limpag said the digital tourism project will provide a better solution since it uses QR codes, and the system will provide more information about the tourist site.

He also announced that they recently made available an app for Androids, “that you download once and use it everywhere even without Internet connection.”

The mobile guide contains a portable directory of service providers accredited with the Department of Tourism (DOT) or the local government unit, such as tour guides, tour operators, transport services, and hotels.

The digital tourism project was first implemented in Carcar City, Argao, and Boljoon.

It is now currently being deployed in the ‘BOSS’ tourism circuit of Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan, and Santander.

The project is set to be expanded to cover other areas in the province.

Mandaue City to relaunch 'I am Mandaue' campaign

(PNA), LAP/EB/

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, Aug. 4 (PNA) -- The Mandaue City Government will relaunch on August 30 the “I am Mandaue” campaign that aims to encourage residents to share their knowledge and contribute to the city’s development.

The relaunching is one of the highlights of the week-long celebration of the City’s Charter Day on August 30.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said “I am Mandaue” was formally launched two years ago, but they saw after the launching the need to introduce more changes in the campaign.

Cortes said the “I am Mandaue” campaign aims to involve all people in Mandaue City not only barangay officials, city hall employees, businessmen, but all sectors for the city’s development.

He said the campaign is in line with his administration's commitment for transparency and good governance.

He said they are now on stage 3 of the Performance Governance System (PGS), a good governance framework that the city implements with the help of the Institute for Solidarity Asia.

The campaign emphasizes values that every Mandauehanon should embrace, such as sense of pride, said Cortes.

The role of every constituent in building a “character city” is by practicing good values and taking pride in their socio-cultural heritage, he said.

Cortes said the city government lined up different priority projects for implementation for the remaining two years of his administration.

Among them is the 6.5 hectares socialized housing project in Barangay Paknaan intended for the 1,200 informal settlers living in the city’s danger zones.

The project, he said, should be the showcase of the cooperation among the public and private sectors and the people.

Bogo City gets 31 houses from Norwegian group

By Elias O. Baquero

THE Bogo City Government received 31 houses for Yolanda survivors donated by a Norwegian group in a turnover ceremony witnessed by Gov. Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

The 31 houses, which were received by Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez, are located at Yolanda Village in Barangay Lapaz.

The houses were donated by Prosjekt Filippinene represented by May Britt Tynes.

The 31 houses were in addition to the 100 houses earlier constructed at the Yolanda Village donated by various nongovernment organizations and private individuals.

Identified settlers

Martinez is targeting 4,000 houses for Yolanda survivors that will be constructed in identified sites in Barangays Cayang, Bungtod, Marangog, Malingin, Pulangbato and Gairan.

The construction of houses in these barangays immediately starts after the site development.

Most of those who will be relocated to Yolanda Villages will come from coastal easement areas considered “danger zones” because these are vulnerable to storm surges.

The Cebu Provincial Government has already given P2 million as initial financial assistance to Bogo City in the typhoon’s aftermath.

Davide is now hoping for the immediate release of the P12-billion rehabilitation fund, which was recently approved by President Benigno Aquino III.

Cash aid

Also during the turnover, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P30,000 each to 502 family-beneficiaries under the Emergency Shelter Program.

DSWD 7 Director Mercedita Jabagat said they are targeting 7,000 beneficiaries who will not be accommodated at Yolanda Villages and who do not live in danger zones but whose houses were destroyed during the typhoon.

Also in the ceremony, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the allocation of P9.979 million to Bogo City to help Yolanda survivors.

Cash for work

DA 7 Director Angel Enriquez said P7.279 million was distributed to 1,489 farmers yesterday in the form of seedlings, fertilizers, fuel subsidy and one-hand tractors, among others.

Enriquez said the remaining P2.7 million is for the “cash for work program” where the DA 7 pays farmers to work for at least five days to prepare their farm for planting.

Enriquez said the P2.7 million was supposed to be turned over to DSWD but Jabagat refused to implement it because they are already fully-loaded with assignments.

“We will be making our own (DA) guidelines and will be the one to pay directly to the farmers who will actually work,” Enriquez said.

The World Vision International, which also donated houses and scholarship grants to poor children, was also present at the turnover.

Mandaue launches 45th Charter fete

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Jonas Cortes and other city officials launched last Thursday the city's 45th Charter Day celebration by unveiling the city's new official logo.

The logo contains the present seal in colors blue, yellow, red and green, a transition of the city seal from its inception until the present and the slogan "I am Mandaue."

During the unveiling ceremony, Cortes explained that the slogan "I am Mandaue" refers to the responsibility and contribution of every Mandauehanon for the city's progress.

For this year's celebration and activities, the city has allotted a budget of P3.8 million which is lower than last year's budget.

It was also learned from city treasurer Regal Oliva that the 600 regular employees will receive their milestone bonus of P5,000.

It has been the practice of the city government to give bonus for its employees during Charter Day celebration, however, the giving of bonus to the 2,000 job order employees of the city was disallowed last year by the Commission on Audit. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

With this, Oliva said they have yet to sit down with the accounting office on how to find ways to justify the giving of bonus to these job order staff, clean and green and barangay health and nutrition workers.

Agro trade fair kicks off as Cebu starts month-long celebration of 445th founding anniversary

(PNA), LAM/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 1 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government’s Agro Trade Fair dubbed as “Tabo sa Kapitolyo” (Capitol Market) kicked off Friday as part of the month-long celebration for the province’s 445th founding anniversary.

A total of 37 private exhibitors and 41 local government units (LGUs) in the province participated in the event, including some typhoon-hit areas in northern Cebu like the towns of Pilar and Poro in the Camotes Islands, Borbon, Bantayan and Tuburan.

Cebu Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said the event showcased the pride products of the respective LGUs. The event also aims to invite prospective buyers, he said.

Saragena said prizes await the outstanding exhibitors, which include P20,000 for the best booth and P5,000 for the early decorated booth.

A series of other activities have been lined up for the province’s 445th anniversary, which started with a flag raising ceremony Friday morning at the Cebu Capitol grounds.

The month-long celebration will be highlighted with a “Sayaw sa Dekada 80” on August 6, the founding day anniversary itself, which has been declared a non-working holiday throughout the province.

The “Gabii sa Sugbo” event will be held on August 8.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Ramil Abing, in-charge of the activity, said the Capitol allocated P3 million for the celebration.

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