Cebu Province News January 2015

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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.

Immigration bureau achieves 45-second processing standard

By Elias O. Baquero

AN arriving international passenger can be cleared at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in 30 seconds, officials claimed.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Siegfred Mison announced the upgrading of the bureau's facilities through the installation of 29 passport readers and 20 complementary computers.

"We are overjoyed at this significant IT (information technology) infrastructure improvement. Expect faster speed and greater accuracy in passenger processing," Mison said.

Lourlie Balmes, supervisor of the BI Travel Control Enforcement Units at the Mactan airport, said that before the installation of these equipment, passenger processing will take about two minutes.

Standard

"With these equipment, BI-MCIA can now perform according to the 45-second standard per passenger," Balmes said.

This will prevent congestion at immigration counters.

Archemides Siguan, head supervisor of BI-MCIA, also said that the bureau transferred its arrival operations to a bigger area.

Earlier this month, BI also installed 171 passport readers, 160 desktop computers, and 141 units of uninterruptible power supply at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Mison said that immigration facilities at the Clark International Airport will also be upgraded.

The improvements are all in time for the country's hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit this year.

P39M set aside for traffic lights

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government has allocated P39 million for the installation of additional traffic light system at several road intersections in the city.

Krister Cosedo, head of City Management Information Service Office, said the city targets to finish the installation of this project by November this year in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit meetings in December.

Cosedo said 12 intersections will be involved in the project, six of which will be installed with traffic lights while the other six will be installed with closed-circuit television cameras.

Once the project will be completed, all 21 intersections in the city will have had their own traffic light systems.

"Well-covered pud nato diri ang tanang entry ug exit points of Mandaue City," Cosedo said.

He added that that the CCTV cameras they will be installing for the second phase will be of fabric optics.

Cosedo said that the among the areas where the city plans to install the new traffic light systems are under the Subangdaku flyover, Maguikay flyover and the United Nations-Plaridel Street leading to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Traffic light will also be installed at a highway in Barangay Canduman, according to Cosedo.

"The entry point in Canduman side, mao na ang first point of defense nato sa traffic so that we can control the traffic going to Mandaue," he said.

Before the project can materialize, however, it will still undergo the bidding process, Cosedo stressed.

He is hopeful that just like the first phase, the installation of additional traffic lights system in the city will be finished within six months.

"We do it phase by phase because of the budgeting constraints," Cosedo said.

Exporters encouraged to do business with UN

(Philexport News and Features)

FILIPINO exporters are encouraged to introduce their products and services to United Nations (UN) organization.

Dionisio Abalos, procurement officer at the UN Secretariat Procurement Division, said the UN is a potentially a huge market for products such as food, pharmaceutical supplies, vehicles, computers and software, shelter and housing, telecommunications equipment, laboratory equipment, laboratory equipment, chemicals and building materials.

Abalos said the group is also a market for services such as security, outsourced personnel, engineering, construction, corporate, freight, consultancy, telecommunication, and printing services and equipment rental.

To seize these business opportunities, he said it is imperative for exporters to have knowledge of the market particularly on UN structure, procurement procedures, requirements, range of goods and services, international experience and existing customers/references.

Abalos said they are required to register with the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM), the procurement portal of the UN system.

“Each organization has its own specific requirements for goods and services; may conduct its own procurement activities…You must learn about it,” he stressed.

10 Cebu towns to get new school buildings

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

THE Capitol and a non-government organization will construct new school buildings in 10 Cebu towns.

The school buildings will be built in Catmon, San Fernando, Compostela, Daanbantayan, Barili, Carmen, Sogod and San Remigio, as well as Sta. Fe and Madridejos in Bantayan.

The Provincial Board last Monday adopted 10 resolutions authorizing Gov. Hilario Davide III to enter into an agreement with Rafi for the construction of the school buildings.

The Capitol and Rafi will build two-storey buildingsm, each to house six classrooms, at Sangat National High School in San Fernando; Bagalnga Intergrated School in Compostela; Calape National High School in Daanbantayan; Mantalongon National High School, Barili; Mohon National High School, Sogod; and Marikaban Integrated School in Sta. Fe.

The Capitol will provide P3 million as counterpart for each two-storey school building; Rafi will give P5.7 million.

In the agreement with Rafi, the Capitol committed to transfer the counterpart funds to Rafi for the construction of the school buildings.

The Provincial Government and Rafi will build one three-storey school buildings that will have nine classrooms at the San Remegio National High School in San Remegio, Catmon Integrated School in Catmon and Carmen National High School in Carmen.

The Capitol will provide counterpart fund of P4.3 million for each school building while Rafi will give P8 million.

A four-storey school building with 12 classrooms will be built at the Madridejos National High School.

The Province will provide P7.5 million while Rafi will give P8.5 million.

In the agreements, Rafi will implement the construction project while the Capitol will technical and operational support by granting permits and designating a municipal engineer who will become part of the project monitoring team.

The school must provide assistance pertaining to schools records, documentary stamps and other documents needed and supply Rafi with site development plans.

P462M investment plan, P121M budget approved

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) approved yesterday the P462.6-million Annual Investment Plan and P121.4-million 2015 budget for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Plan of the Province.

The PB also approved yesterday a resolution adopting the Provincial Development Physical Framework Plan 2014-2019 with the Province’s disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptability measures.

These plans were approved by the Provincial Development Council (PDC) last October.

The AIP has two major sections: social and environment services and economic services.

This year’s AIP is 13.7 percent higher than last year’s P407 million.

The 2015 social and environment services is P47.805 million while the economic services is P414.795 million.

Based on the data provided by the Capitol, the development of roads, bridges, highways and other structures got the biggest share of the AIP at P246 million.

This item falls under economic services.

Other items include eco-tourism and resort development program; development of building and other structures; food production, livelihood, entrepreneurship support program; and assistance and subsidy to local government units.

LGUs

Under the assistance and subsidy to local LGUs, the governor will get P75 million.

The vice governor will get P7 million while P34.5 million is allotted to the 14 PB members.

Each of the PB members will have P2.4 million for the projects in 2015.

Under the social and environmental services, construction and procurement of laboratory equipment for hospitals, birthing centers and animal health facilities got the highest budget, with an amount of P33.8 million.

Water supply

Other items under this section include water supply development program (P5 million); manpower development (P2 million); environmental enhancement, resource protection and solid waste management program (P5 million); and electrification, renewable energy development and street lighting program (P2 million).

AIP budget will be taken out from the 20 percent Development Fund from the Capitol’s Internal Revenue Allotment.

PB Member Grecilda Sanchez, author of the resolutions, said the “development of the projects, programs and activities stipulated in the AIP shall address the immediate needs of the constituents.”

For the PDRRM Plan, 70 percent of the fund or P84.98 million will go to disaster prevention and mitigation.

Under the disaster prevention and mitigation, the highest share goes to providing programs for disaster and calamity insurance for government-owned buildings and other structures, crops, agri-fishery products, volunteers and responders amounting to P17.98 million.

Thirty percent of the local DRRM fund will be the quick response fund with a total amount of P36.42 million.

Tsuneishi launches ‘eco-ship’

By Katlene O. Cacho (PR)

SHIPBUILDING firm Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc. (THICI) recently launched its first “eco-ship,” a vessel that is equipped with energy-saving technologies.

The TESS58 Aeroline or the SC-220 is a 58,000 deadweight metric ton (DWT) type bulk carrier that is scheduled for delivery this March.

According to THICI, the TESS58 Aeroline is a premium class vessel featuring the higher fuel efficiency design of the TESS58 model. It is equipped with a newly developed Aeroline technology that reduces wind resistance.

The vessel is also designed for low fuel consumption. It is equipped with efficient and energy-saving propellers and is supported with a system that boosts engine fuel efficiency.

TESS58 Aeroline was first introduced last September. Other new ship models introduced were D/W 35,300 MT, and TESS45 Box type.

Competitive

“Our shipbuilding business led by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is continuously seeking ways to build ships that are competitive in quality, price, delivery lead time and eco-friendly performance. We are building Tsuneishi flagship products, and therefore we are united to deliver excellent ships. Tsuneishi Heavy Industries has maintained and always will have ‘Only the Best, World-Class Tsuneishi Quality,’” THI president Akihiko Mishima said in a statement.

Earlier, engineer Segismundo Exaltacion Jr., general manager and board director of Tsuneishi Technical Services (Phils.) Inc., the ship and engineering design company of THI Cebu, said the firm is keen on building ships with minimal impact on the environment that is economical to sail.

He said these innovations will help the firm reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 40 percent and get an eight star sea green score by 2020. Its current CO2 emission rate is 23 percent.

“As we move forward we will adhere in building ships that are bigger, compact, efficient, and equipped with green technology,” he said.

THICI delivered two vessels last Jan 9 and 22; a 82,000 DWT type Kamsarmax bulk carrier, SC-226 M/V Capricorn Trader, and a 58,000 DWT type Handymax bulk carrier, SC-231 M/V Kellet Island respectively.

Japanese clients

M/V Kellet Island is en route to Hong Kong while M/V Capricorn Trader is bound for Singapore for bunkering then cargo loading in Australia. Both ships are owned by Japanese clients.

Since its inception, THICI has delivered 191 ships, with 20 ships delivered in 2014.

This year, the shipbuilding firm is set to deliver 18 ships, three of which are D/W 35,300 MT type, seven D/W 58,000 MT type (of which three are TESS58 Aeroline), seven D/W 82,000 MT Kamsarmax type and one D/W 180,000 Cape-size bulk carrier.

THICI is a joint venture between the Tsuneishi Group and Aboitiz Group.

The shipbuilding firm is looking forward to capitalizing on the Philippine’s economic growth by becoming the “mother shipyard” among Southeast Asian countries with Balamban being positioned as the “Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines.”

Smart, Danao launch info system

By Mia A. Aznar

WHENEVER it rains, Bayabas Barangay Captain Juan Camanse worries about the softening of the ground that leads to landslides in his village. Some 36 kilometers away from Danao City Proper, a hired motorcycle will take him an hour and thirty minutes to reach the main city. This means that for help to reach Bayabas, it could take awhile.

Camanse has learned to value the importance of communication in times of disasters. He said he constantly monitors the news for weather updates and makes calls to the city for other information he is not aware of.

For most, cellular phones are the quickest way to get information. With the cellphone becoming a necessity among Filipinos, a telecommunications company has offered Danao City free use of its web-based SMS facility called the InfoBoard to help them send out information the quickest way possible.

Officials of Smart Communications met with barangay officials of Danao City to demonstrate now the InfoBoard worked. Smart community marketing specialist Nancy Nacua said those whose cellphone numbers are registered with the Danao City InfoBoard get access to all types of advisories, from typhoon warnings, traffic and rerouting information, meetings, reminders and other details that the City needs to disseminate.

The City assigns a system administrator to control and provide the content disseminated in the InfoBoard. It can also serve as a feedback mechanism and a platform for conducting polls with real time results. Nacua said the administrator of the Danao City InfoBoard has the flexibility to customize it to best suit the City’s needs.

Smart will be giving Danao City a monthly allocation of 10,000 texts that they can use to disseminate information to those registered in their InfoBoard. These include barangay officials and disaster risk reduction officers. Because the service is provided by Smart, only Smart and Talk n Text subscribers can be registered with the InfoBoard and receive messages. Nacua said they are in the process of working out the inclusion of Sun mobile numbers into the service. There is no limit to the number of members who can be included in the InfoBoard and it is easy enough to reload enough credits if the 10,000 allocation has been used up.

Smart senior manager for public relations in Visayas and Mindanao Atty. Ma. Jane Paredes said that the system does not replace existing communication channels such as handheld radios, but merely complements them. She explained that in times of disaster, it is important to get the right information from credible sources and that the system helps ensure this.

Simplified advisories

It is also important to get simplified advisories that most can understand. She added that Danao being a gateway to the Camotes Islands and to the northern municipalities in Cebu also has a critical role in responding to the needs of neighboring areas.

Smart introduced the InfoBoard system in 2006, after a massive landslide wiped out entire villages in Southern Leyte. It has since been used by local government units like Southern Leyte, Albay, Palo, Cebu City, Cebu Province and Bohol and organizations like Pagasa and organizing committees of the Sinulog, the Papal visit and the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress.

Paredes said the system is their way of showing their commitment to disaster preparedness and their way of helping LGUs, who are the first responders in times of disaster.

Vice Mayor Ramon Durano VI said the turnover of the InfoBoard to the City Government is timely, as they are in the process of institutionalizing their disaster risk reduction programs in hopes of minimizing the response time.

Nacua also assured that they will work on improving signal quality of barangays in hinterland areas such as Bayabas to ensure they receive all advisories sent through the InfoBoard. Camanse admitted that there are are some areas in his village that do not have a signal but said they are familiar with the areas that do have it. He welcomes the use of the InfoBoard, saying it is a quick way to get access to information.

Talisay City seeks Capitol aid for sports programs

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Danilo Caballero is asking financial assistance from Cebu provincial government intended for the city's sports commission.

Caballero, co-chairman of the City Sports Commission, is asking P300,000 each from Governor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and P200,000 each from Board Members Raul Alcoseba and Julian Daan.

According to Caballero, the financial assistance is intended for the conduct of a summer workshop and other sports-related activities for the whole year round.

Caballero said the allocated funds for the City of Talisay Sports Commission for the year 2015 is minimal and will not be sufficient to effectively implement its programs. The sports commission has received an appropriation of P4.5 million this year.

"The objective of the City of Talisay Sports Commission, as provided also in the aforecited ordinance, is to create, promote and implement the city’s sports developmental programs and enhance the well-being of its constituents," Caballero said.

The City of Talisay Sports Commission was created and established under the Office of the City Mayor to realize the policy mandated in second SP Ordinance Number 2005-09, which aims to promote physical education, encourage and sustain the development of sports in the city to foster physical fitness, self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.

200,000 more arrivals

By Katlene O. Cacho

A TOTAL of 3.4 million tourists arrived in Central Visayas from January-November in 2014, up by 6.86 percent compared to the 3.2 million tourists logged during the same period in 2013.

The latest available data released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 show that both local and foreign tourist arrivals increased during those 11 months.

Local tourist arrivals grew by 4.96 percent and reached 2,051,820 while foreign tourist arrivals went up by 9.57 percent when the record reached 1,360,114.

Cebu recorded 2,517,487 arrivals, up by 5.85 percent. The province welcomed 1,366,838 local tourists, an increase of 4.58 percent from figures in the same period in 2013.

Foreign arrivals, on the other hand, stood at 1,142,012 or an increase of 7.17 percent.

South Korea maintained its position as the region’s largest tourism source, providing 531,907 arrivals. This market grew by 6.58 percent versus its year-ago arrivals of 499,078.

Arrivals from Japan grew the second fastest, at 15.47 percent or 217,008, while arrivals from USA grew by 13.79 percent or 121,151 persons. The China market, on the other hand, grew by 10.65 percent or 59,893 additional arrivals.

Completing the top five as sources of visitors to the region is Australia, from where 44,920 arrivals hailed. This market expanded by 15.95 percent from 38,740 in 2013.

Other high-yielding markets include the United Kingdom with 32,344 arrivals (40.79 percent growth), Germany with 26,660 (8.42 percent) and France with 20,205 arrivals (2.37 percent).

Arrivals from Canada, meanwhile, dropped by 15.50 percent from 24,571 in 2013 to 20,767 last year.

The DOT 7 remains optimistic as the agency draws closer to hitting the goal of 3.6 million tourist arrivals for the region in 2014.

Within reach, director says

Earlier, DOT 7 Director Rowena Montecillo said the goal was achievable because for one, Cebu’s twin tourism destination, Bohol, has already picked up since August of last year. Second, the tourism sectors of the two other provinces, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, are also doing well.

Montecillo said she remains confident the tourism sector would post a stellar growth this year as Cebu braces for a number of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) events.

The DOT 7’s tourism target for 2015 is pegged at 4.4 million.

The Philippines welcomed a total of 3,955,399 visitors in January to October 2014, registering an increase of 2.28 percent over its previous year’s numbers for the same period, said the DOT.

International tourist receipts to the Philippines grew 7.14 percent to reach US$3.895 billion or P172.65 billion.

South Korea accounted for 28 percent of all international tourism receipts with P48.622 billion, followed by the United States (P33.61 billion), Australia (P11.04 billion), Japan (P8.98 billion), and China (P7.55 billion).

Around 100 tourists join Suroy-Suroy southern trail

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

CEBU, Philippines - Focusing on the heritage sites in the southern part of Cebu province, the first Suroy-Suroy Sugbo this year has officially kicked off yesterday.

The three-day southern trail, which concludes tomorrow afternoon, was participated by around 100 local tourists and “Balikbayans,” most of whom have joined the caravan in the previous years.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who heads the Capitol’s committee on tourism, said the number of paying guests this time is higher compared to last year. Participants explored four of the 12 destinations of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo during the first day.

The activity started off with the participants assembled at the Capitol compound at 7 a.m. and made the first stop in Carcar City where they were taken on a tour of the ancestral house of the Mancao’s, which was built in 1933.

The caravan then proceeded to the town of Barili, located in the southwestern part of Cebu province and known for its sought-after two-level Mantayupan Falls (also called by the locals as ‘Ambakan’), where the participants were greeted by the sound of the water cascading down to the lower level.

The first level of Mantayupan Falls measures 321.5 feet or 98 meters in height while the second one is 45.9 feet or 14 meters. The third stop was at the heritage park of Moalboal town where guests had their lunch. The area is situated near the coastline, so open that guests can witness the ocean glitters under the sun. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

In Alegria, being the last destination for yesterday’s tour, participants got the opportunity to familiarize the history behind the century old Saint Francis Xavier Parish Church built in 1857.

In the same town, participants were also brought to the Demo Farm where experts shared knowledge on the organic farming method being practiced in the facility. A night of cultural presentations capped the first day of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo 2015.

Magpale explained that the destination was reduced to 12 from 14 last year so that participants would have longer time to enjoy in every stop. She said this is the first time for the province to stage a southern trail that gives more emphasis to heritage sites.

Couple Lindsay and Chris O’connor, who flew in from New Jersey for a vacation in Cebu, joined the Suroy-Suroy Sugbu for the first time.

Lindsay said they want to enjoy beaches and other tourism areas before leaving the country by joining the southern tour. She added they intended to invite their friends to the activity the next time around.

The annual Suroy-Suroy Sugbo aims to promote and develop eco-tourism areas in the province. New stops have been added to this year’s caravan, which included for the first time the five-tier Aguinid Falls in Samboan and Mainit Spring in Malabuyoc.

Magpale said the province extended funds as subsidy to the local government units chosen as the destinations of the tour, including those that bore the brunt of the recent typhoons Queenie and Seniang.

“The amount varies depending on the kind of development,” she added.

2-day international media summit set in Cebu City

(PR)

A TWO-DAY international summit that will be held in Cebu City on Jan. 24 and 25 will tackle some of the latest issues on citizen media, freedom of information, digital security, indigenous languages and multilingualism online, and Internet activism.

Global Voices, an international citizen media network founded in 2004 at Harvard University, will hold the Global Voices Citizen Media Summit in time for the organization’s 10th anniversary at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

Over 100 international bloggers, citizen media advocates and tech experts from over 60 countries across the globe will gather for the event, which will highlight talks, panels and workshops on the relations between open Internet and social movements around the world.

Leading the summit discussions are Global Voices co-founders Ethan Zuckerman and Rebecca MacKinnon. Zuckerman is also director of MIT’s Center for Civic Media, while MacKinnon is the author of the book Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom.

The first day of the summit will open with a talk, led by London-based Media Legal Defense Initiative legal director Nani Jansen, on protecting the open Internet against government policies and corporate practices that imperil Internet users’ rights of free expression and privacy.

There will be a session on Freedom of Information Laws, featuring experts led by Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism Executive Director Malou Mangahas, who will share their first-hand experience using these policies for greater transparency and accountability.

Among others, there will be a panel on how Filipino citizen media have been mobilizing street protests and coordinating disaster relief and response efforts, along with barriers they face from the cost and quality of Internet connection to online regulations.

The second day of the summit will open by bringing the spotlight on indigenous language digital activism, including a session on Filipino Indigenous Languages in Citizen Media, which will explore the ways indigenous languages are being promoted online.

Some of the panel discussions would include one on digital security and privacy, online censorship and freedom of speech worldwide, and a roundup of Magna Carta of Internet users from all over the world.

Like in the past Global Voices summits in the UK, India, Hungary, Chile and Kenya, the Global Voices Media Summit 2015 promises to be a productive site for inspiring fresh ideas, sharing experiences and forging cross-border collaborations.

Members of the public can register to attend the event at http://summit2015.globalvoicesonline.org.

The cost of admission for the two-day event is P2,000 for Filipino residents, with a special student rate of P1,000.

The Global Voices Summit 2015 is sponsored by the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Google, the Province of Cebu, Knight Foundation, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Sun.Star Publishing Inc., Open Society Foundations, Yahoo and PRWorks.

Cebu Customs posts total Php13.079-B revenue collection in 2014

(PNA), FPV/EB/

CEBU CITY, Jan. 20 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu posted a total revenue collection of Php13.079 billion in 2014, an official said.

Port of Cebu Deputy District Collector for Assessment Conrado Abarintos said the amount surpassed by Php582.496 million the Php12.497 billion target set by the Department of Finance (DOF) for 2014.

Abarintos said they were able to collect Php3.269 billion in the 1st quarter, Php3.251 billion in the 2nd quarter, Php3.145 billion in the 3rd quarter and Php3.412 in the 4th quarter.

Abarintos said that aside from surpassing the 2014 target, the Port of Cebu also surpassed the 2013 revenue by Php2.865 billion.

The actual 2013 collections was Php10.214 billion compared to the Php13.079 in 2014.

Of the total amount, Php12.375 billion was collected from the Port of Cebu district office, Php171.681 million from the Sub-Port of Dumaguete under Collector Fe Toring and Php532.6 million from the Sub-Port of Mactan under Collector Gerry Campo.

The Sub-Port of Dumaguete usually caters to the importation of coconut copra from the Solomon Islands, while the Sub-Port of Mactan covers importation that pass through Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Abarintos said the total 2014 collections also included the P45 million proceeds of the sale of the smuggled and seized rice shipment which was sold through public bidding last Dec. 29.

The disposal of the smuggled rice had also partly solved the congestion of the Cebu International Port (CIP), he said.

Earlier, Port of Cebu District Collector Roberto Almadin said that vigilance against smuggling and mis-declaration of imported goods is among the factors in achieving surplus collections last year.

Foreigners, locals enjoy revelry

By Michael Vencynth H. Braga and May Miasco / NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – “We love Philippines. We are having fun here in Cebu."

This was how the foreign visitors who flew in just for the Sinulog festival described their experience while indulging in the festive atmosphere yesterday.

"This is actually my second time, and I'm enjoying it. Lovely people, very welcoming," shared Gerard Kelly from Dublin, Ireland.

He said aside from visiting his Cebuana fiancé, he was attracted to witness once more Cebu's grandest festival because of the fun-loving Cebuanos and the colorful parade.

Kelly further lauded the brisk tourism in the province and expressed intention to settle down here.

"We went on seeing the whale shark. That was a good experience. Very nice place," he added.

Dennis Mae from Germany also shared the same experience during the festival as well as the hospitality of the Cebuanos.

With his wife, he plans to explore Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, famous for diving, before leaving the country.

For first-timer Korean national Masato and company, the festive atmosphere of the Sinulog is "special."

Masato said despite being crowded, they were able to witness the colorful dance presentations and tour around the busy city to experience something new.

"People here are so amiable. I like the kindness especially the kids," he said.

Peter Adebamur from Nigeria said it was also his first time to experience the festivity, though he has been in the Philippines for almost two years to continue his studies.

"Today, I came here to witness myself. I can see everyone so busy and excited. I am also impressed with the party," he said.

He added that the Philippines is a great place with friendly and hospitable people.

Sinulog festival is an annual cultural event in Cebu and has been a tourist attraction.

Locals have fun too

As grand parade contingents showcased their art in dancing, henna tattoo artists showed off their skill yesterday.

A local henna tattoo artist expressed that painting henna tattoo for revelers is not only a kind of business; it is also a form of art.

Dennis Loberanes, of Tabunok, Talisay City, said they started the business six years ago with a group of tattoo artists.

"Sa una nga mo-apil mi og Sinulog, makakita mi sa ubang mga henna artist. Nakit-an pud namo sa mga tawo nga hilig pud sila ug henna, mao to nga nakahuna-huna mi nga pwede siguro makakwarta mi ani," said the 33-year old tattoo artist.

His group comprises of relatives who also possess skills in tattooing.

He said revelers, oftentimes, love to get designs like tribal patterns, zodiac signs or gothic lettering, which they also do.

"Panginabuhi ni amo pero dili man pud ka makakwarta ani kung wala kay skill ani," said Loberanes.

He added that this has also become part of the revelers' enjoyment during every annual festival.

Like Hazel Jade Rabor, a 15-year-old high school student, who traveled for long hours from San Fernando town, also got to experience the Sinulog activities.

Getting a henna tattoo was also part of her adventure yesterday.

"I am super happy and fulfilled, dili ma-explain nga naka-celebrate mi sa Pista sa Senyor, Pit Senyor!" exclaimed Rabor, who came to Cebu with a friend.

After Sinulog Festivities: Mandaue City declares no classes for first time

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Jonas yesterday announced there will no classes in all public school levels in the city tomorrow, Monday.

However, Cortes said there will still be work at the City Hall.

This is the first time that the mayor has declared no classes in the city after the Sinulog festivities in Cebu City.

Cortes said he decided to declare no classes in all levels in the public schools in the city to give time for students and teachers to rest after the weeklong Sinulog Festival wherein many of the students in the city's public schools have participated in.

If not in Sinulog Grand Parade, they have participated in the street dancing during the Traslacion and the foot procession during the send-off ceremony.

The city's Opao Elementary School is joining today's Sinulog ritual showdown at the Cebu City Sports Center where it is expected to battle against over 40 other contingents.

Opao contingent placed second during last week's Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan competition.

Students of the Mandaue City College and some students of the other public schools in the city also joined as dancers for their barangay contingents in street parades during the Traslacion and send-off ceremony of the images of the Holy Child and Our Lady of Guadalupe to the fluvial procession yesterday.

It was also learned that all students from all levels in the public schools in the city were made to contribute P1 while teachers and principals were also made to contribute P5 for the contingent of the Opao Elementary School which bagged five major awards in the Sinulog sa Kabataan.

The city gave P3.4 million in aid for the Opao contingent.

Songs on surviving disasters, love rule in 35th Cebu Pop Music Festival

By Kevin A. Lagunda

HREE songs about surviving calamities, pre-marital sex and a doomed love affair ruled last Friday night in the Cebu Popular Music Festival (Cebu Pop), which has been held since 1981 as a tribute to Señor Santo Niño.

Organizers of the 35th edition of the competition also paid homage to Pope Francis, who arrived in the Philippines last Thursday, by putting up the pontiff’s life-size standee on the stage.

Former congressman Eduardo Gullas, in his speech, thanked Francis for visiting the country, which was ravaged by calamities in the last two years.

“The encounter with Pope Francis, even just on television, will produce an everlasting change,” he said.

The nine judges, led by retired court judge Simeon Dumdum, chose Manolito Languido’s “Padayon Sugbuanon” to win the grand prize in the rock category.

“It is about surviving the calamities that we have experienced,” said the song’s singer Jamila Albino, who was also adjudged as the night’s Best Interpreter, bagging P15,000.

Voice

With the win, she is inspired to hone her singing skills and touch other people.

In the Rhythm and Blues (Rn’B) category, the song “Nalumos Sa Sabaw (Drowned in Soup),” written by Fr. Lyndon Ruiz was declared as the champion.

“It is about the sacredness of marriage,” said Ruiz, who entered the competition for the first time.

The song, “Salamat Na Lang,” was adjudged as the winner in the pop ballad category. It tells a story of a broken-hearted person.

Its composer and interpreter Cerj Michael said he did not expect to win because he suffered from laryngitis last week. His doctor told him to rest his voice.

“Nag-ampo ko kang Santo Niño nga pahulama ko og tingog,” he said. “Makakanta lang ko, ok na.”

The grand champions received P100,000 each, while the other nine finalists got P20,000.

Legendary Cebuano songwriter Max Surban received the Eduardo R. Gullas award from the Cebu Arts Foundation, Inc. (CAFI), the Cebu Pop’s organizer.

Afterwards, Surban, who has 36 albums under his belt, entertained the crowd with three songs, including “Baleleng.”

He also had a duet with Basilica del Santo Niño rector Fr. Jonas Mejares and two members of the audience.

The other guest performers were Monique de los Santos, RJ Marcial, and Jem Cubil, former contestants of singing competitions.

For next year’s Cebu Pop, the categories are pop ballad, environmental song, and inspirational song.

Signaling a celebration

By Mia A. Aznar

TO BE at the center of the action of Cebu’s Sinulog festivities, Globe Telecom has cordoned off two sides of Gen. Maxilom Ave. in hopes of bringing a celebration and its special offers to Sinulog revelers for the whole weekend.

Gen. Maxilom Ave. is one of the busiest areas during the Sinulog weekend, being part of the parade route and the location of most of the pre- and after parties. Attracting the Sinulog crowd to the telecom’s special offers is a slew of Sinulog events that the company is hosting.

Globe head for retail transformation and management Joe Caliro promised all types of entertainment for different personalities.

“Sinulog cuts across all audiences, thus Globe also offers an engagement for everyone from all ages, whether through exclusive products and services or via the numerous events lined up in different venues in Cebu. We want everyone to enjoy Globe wherever they are and whatever their mood or lifestyle may be,” he said.

A Globe Mobility Store-on-the-Go that offers all types of services stands beside a stage at the One Mango Ave. complex. Shows began Thursday night with local bands and DJ Eric Capili, while the store opened at 4 p.m. At the side of the store are booths for interactive games featuring all Globe products and partners Cloudfone and Allphones.

Yesterday, the Next Act Color Party, which mimics the Indian Holi Festival, was scheduled with DJs Callum David, Mars Miranda, Badkiss and Eric Capili and a mini concert by Callalilly. Across the street at Mango Square was the Globe Prepaid Backyard Sessions with Spongecola, Radioactive Sago Project and DJs.

Location, location

Tonight, they are spreading the entertainment to the Gaisano Countrymall Bowlingplex with Parokya ni Edgar for the TM Republikaravan while those who prefer more upscale clubbing can catch Elektromundo at the City Times Square parking lot in Mandaue City.

Across the street at Parkmall, another party featuring DJ Mars Miranda and the band Chicosci will be heading the Threadfest party.

On Sunday, their party will be held at Alejandro’s at the Century Plaza beginning noon.

Along with all these events are a host of phone and tablet bundles. They are also launching their myLifestyle postpaid plans ahead of its national launching during the Sinulog. Basic plans start at P499 that come with unlimited calls and texts to all Globe and TM numbers. Higher plans offer uses for data such as surfing and social media uses like Viber and Facebook.

Caliro expects a grander time this year because they are closer to where the crowds are. Last year, they held their Sinulog event at the Cebu IT Park, which he admitted was not where the action was.

Capitol receives P9.3M from IT park’s income

By Oscar C. Pineda

THE Capitol yesterday received a check for P9.344 million representing its share of the Cebu IT Park’s (formerly Asiatown IT Park) earnings.

Cebu Holdings Inc. president Aniceto Bisnar turned over the check from the Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp. (CPVDC) to Gov. Hilario Davide III.

CPVDC is the owner and developer of the 27-hectare information technology (IT) zone, which used to be known as the Lahug Airport. The Provincial Government owns shares in CPVDC as it owns the lot that used to be the site of the Lahug Airport.

Davide said that he asked Bisnar about the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Capitol and CPVDC on the granting of access to occupants of the Filinvest Cyberzone Cebu.

“I said let’s do it (MOA) fast. Ipadali para mahuman na ning mga issues (Have them speed up the process so we can address the issues),” Davide told reporters.

The cyberzone, located at the corner of Geonzon St. and Salinas Drive in Cebu City, is a joint venture of the Capitol and Filinvest Land.

Filinvest and CPVDC are involved in a legal battle over the wall that separates the cyberzone from the Cebu IT Park. Filinvest wants the wall removed while CPVDC insists that it remains.

A separate MOA between Capitol and Filinvest regarding the wall is also being finalized.

The Provincial Board has authorized Davide to sign the two agreements.

CPVDC started as a joint venture of the Province of Cebu and Ayala Land Inc. The company is now 76 percent owned by Cebu Holdings Inc. after a successful tender offering undertaken in 1995.

Provincial Treasurer Manny Guial confirmed that the Capitol is no longer a major stockholder of CPVDC and lost its two seats in the CPVDC board.

Guial said the dividend from CPVDC is released every two years.

Conservation of thresher shark area pushed

By Liv G. Campo/NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - An environmentalist has called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the local government of Daanbantayan to take extra steps in conserving a marine area on Malapascua Island.

This after an international magazine published a thresher shark in the island’s Monad Shoal giving birth and a British online news agency, BBC.com, ran a story about it.

“That footage from Malapascua underscores the urgent need to declare Monad Shoal a shark sanctuary,” said Vince Cinches, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Philippines Oceans campaigner.

Cinches, in an interview with The Freeman, said if the shoal becomes a sanctuary, the local government of Daanbantayan, national agencies like BFAR, and business establishments like dive shops and resorts, have “to come together and pool their resources” to protect it, since it has become “vulnerable” due to the presence of illegal fishing.

He said stakeholders and concerned agencies must also establish the carrying capacity of the shoal by regulating the number of people who go there.

Cinches’ group has been pushing for the establishment of sharks sanctuaries in the country for sharks to breed and recover, and as a start, it is eyeing Monad Shoal.

Coral Reefs, an international magazine, published a photograph, taken in 2013, of a thresher shark on Malapascua Island giving birth.

BCC.com, in an article published last Monday, said the photo is “believed to be the first record of a birth in this species.”

The photo, according to BBC.com, was taken by underwater photographer Attila Kaszo while researcher Dr. Simon Oliver of the University of Chester was doing a research on Malapascua’s sharks.

Oliver was quoted by BCC.com as saying that the picture shows how important the shoal to the thresher sharks, especially that it is believed to be their “cleaning station,” where they go have their parasites eaten away by other smaller species and as a pupping ground, as many female sharks were also seen there.

Like Cinches, Oliver and his team also want the shoal be made into a marine protected area.

Tribu Mandauehanon promises ‘wow factor’

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

AFTER winning second prize and four minor awards during the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Mandaue City's contingent, Tribu Mandauehanon, promises more surprises this Sunday for the Sinulog Grand Parade.

Choreographer John Ervin Demape said the contingent is doubling its efforts in practices after qualifying in the free interpretation category.

Tribu Mandauehanon won best costume, musicality, choreography and street dancing during the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan last Saturday at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

The group visited Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday and some dancers presented their winning performance at the City Hall session hall.

The contingent is composed of 100 dancers-- Grades 4 to 6 students of the Opao Elementary School (OES)--and 300 props men.

Tribu Mandauehanon's performance highlights the life of the miners in Cebu.

Doubled

“We doubled our preparation. We did not make any changes in the dance steps but we just added a wow factor,” Demape said.

OES principal Alma Bardoquillo said that the Mandaue City Government approved their budget proposal of P3.4 million for the costume, props, food and fees for the musicians, artists and choreographers.

Bardoquillo and MCSD Supt. Virginia Zapanta thanked the City Government for its support.

The students started practicing last October.

Niño Matillano, division cultural coordinator of the Mandaue City Schools Division (MCSD), said they never expected to win the street dancing category as the students only practiced the night before the competition.

“We don’t count the cost. We don’t count the effort. We just offer the performance to the Sto. Niño. I told them (students) to perform with their hearts. When you put your heart and soul in what you do, everything will end up beautiful,” Zapanta said.

Raffia bags making allows Carcar women to earn more

By Jeandie O. Galolo

CARCAR City might have experienced a slowdown in the shoe industry but a new venture of a Japanese artist is reviving the craftsmanship of the townsfolk.

Satomi Sekiya, the person behind Sulci Inc., is making popular in Japan raffia bags and corsage handmade by women in Carcar. From having to crochet espadrilles shoes at less than P20 per pair, Sekiya is paying them at a ten-fold price, or P200 up to P900, depending on the bag’s design.

In an interview with local proprietor Lucil A. Barbieros, she said Sekiya had been to different parts of Cebu and Bohol to conduct trainings among women, but it was only in Carcar where the investor saw the potential and sustainability of producing raffia bags. The enterprise was established in June 2011 in Perelos, Carcar, with 30 women involved in the production.

“In one week, kung mag concentrate lang jud sila sa paghimo, they can produce three bags,” Barbieros said. This means, women, who are doing the crochet inside their homes, can get around P2,000 in a week.

Raffia, known locally as “buli,” is abundant in the town of Inabanga in Bohol, where Sulci Inc is also getting its raw materials. The design for Sulci’s raffia bags are personally done by Sekiya herself, being an expert and a hobbyist in crochet.

The design is then forwarded to the Philippines and manufactured in Carcar and are shipped back to Japan. The bags are distributed by Sekiya to different retail establishments and even inside cruise ships. The bags are sold at about 20,000 yen each.

As summer in Japan draws near, the demand for raffia bags is also increasing. From the average demand of 150 bags per month, Barbiero said the number is expected to grow in the months of April to July.

To meet the requirement, 75 women are currently being grained. 25 of them come from Carcar, 25 from Bogo City, and 25 from the town of Aloguinsan.

Barbiero shared that Carcar, at times, fail to meet the 150 pieces of bag requirement per month.

“There are times when we can only produce 120 bags in a month,” she said.

Sulci Inc. is also gearing up to tap the Philippine market, particularly hotels, resorts, and souvenir shops.

Barbiero said they have received several inquiries from hotels that have expressed interest on the use of raffia bags as souvenirs, but they still have to coordinate on the pricing.

At present, Sulci bags are priced at P3,000 to P7,125 per bag. If buyers purchase the bag at the Sulci Booth in the Sinulog Trade Fair at the lower ground floor of SM City Cebu, they will be getting a P500 discount. One corsage is sold at P500 to P700.

CCCI to organize chapters in Bogo, Toledo to help local firms

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will organize chapters in Bogo and Toledo this year to help professionalize local business organizations.

CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan said this move will be like a “Big Brother concept” as CCCI itself will reach out to these organizations.

“We will help these local business chapters become like CCCI so they could become drivers of growth in their own locality. Moreover, they will become local extension of the chamber,” said Chan.

CCCI currently has a local chapter in Bantayan Islands, created after super typhoon Yolanda hit the area and caused widespread damage to livelihood and industries, among others.

Partnerships

“We plan to have a presence in the northern and southern part of the province so these local business organizations can benefit and participate in the private-public partnership (PPP) that we are enjoying in Metro Cebu and achieve economic goals in their locality,” she said.

CCCI will be assisted by the NGO “WECan” in institutionalizing the formation of cluster business chambers in the countryside.

According to Chan, having a well-structured and professionally run business organization has an advantage especially in promoting events, industries, clusters, products and services. It would also add confidence to potential investors.

“We are going to help them become legitimate and advocacy-driven business groups and not just a mere social club,” said Chan.

Bogo and Toledo cities have huge potential to become economic drivers of Cebu province, she said.

Bogo, which is located 101 kilometers north of Cebu City, has the potential to become a local transshipment hub to other provinces.

Early last year, the Cebu Provincial Government and the Bogo City Government announced it will jointly develop the Polambato Wharf in northern Cebu where 40 hectares of flatlands have been declared a part of a special economic zone.

Locators’ interest

According to a Philippine News Agency report, Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr. said locators have expressed interest to locate at the proposed industrial site and are looking for a port for the shipment of cargoes.

The area is said to be ideal for light to medium industries and sets an advantage because of its immediate access to the port of Polambato and the major road networks of the province.

Toledo City, on the other hand, has also proposed an industrial site, according to the Department of Trade and Industry. The city currently has investments in mining and quarrying; power and manufacturing.

Talisay and Tuburan take home top spots

By Princess Dawn H. Felicitas (PDF)

THE Talisay City Central Elementary School and the Tinubdan sa Kauswagan Cultural Troupe of Tuburan successfully defended their titles yesterday during the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan.

Talisay bested six other contingents that joined yesterday’s competition in the elementary level, making it earn its first grand slam win.

Tuburan, for its part, had a back-to-back win after defeating three other contingents in the secondary division.

During yesterday’s activity held at the Cebu City Sports Center, Talisay showcased the discovery of the Holy Child Jesus, or Kaplag. Kaplag started right after Spanish solider Juan Camus found an image of the Holy Child enclosed in a box in the burned village of San Nicolas on April 28, 1565.

In their performance, the Talisay contingent started off with a huge backdrop of the razed village.

Symbolisms

Lady dancers in maroon gowns appeared together with men dressed as monks. They danced as the Gozos played.

A dancer playing Miguel Lopez de Legaspi carried the image of the Holy Child enclosed in a black box.

According to history, when the image of the Sto. Niño was discovered, it was turned over by Camus to Legaspi and then to five Augustinian friars.

The dresses of the lady dancers then turned to golden yellow gowns embellished with black laces, while the men wore black pants and golden yellow barong.

“The golden yellow represents the sunrise while the black embellishment represents doom because of the fire,” said Talisay’s choreographer Marvey Caño.

450th anniversary

To celebrate the discovery of the Sto. Niño, the dancers picked up the pace with a huge backdrop of different images of the Holy Child Jesus looming over them.

Caño said they came up with the concept since this year is the 450th anniversary of Kaplag.

Caño, who is thankful for their grand slam win, said their production cost between P2 and P3 million.

As for Tuburan, it showcased a “bamboo dance” since bamboos are abundant in the town, said the contingent’s choreographer Fernando Cabrillas.

Their dance routine, which cost P4 million to stage, showed them giving thanks to the Sto. Niño for the products that could be made out of bamboo.

Some dancers were on bamboo stilts, which drew loud cheers from the audience.

Other winners

For winning first place, Talisay and Tuburan earned P300,000 each.

Tuburan also won best in musicality (P50,000) and best in costume (P50,000) for the secondary division.

Other winners in the secondary were Carcar City Division (2nd, P150,000), Danao City (3rd, P100,000) and Cordova National High School (4th, P75,000).

The best in street dancing was earned by Carcar (P50,000), followed by Tuburan (P30,000) and Danao (P20,000).

For the elementary level, the other winners were Opao Elementary School of Mandaue City (2nd, P150,000), Bogo City (3rd, P100,000), Pundok Nagahonon of Naga City (4th, P75,000) and Tribu Kandaya, Maya Elementary School of Daanbantayan (5th, P50,000).

The best in musicality (P50,000) and best in costume (P50,000) went to Mandaue.

The best in street dancing was earned by Opao (P50,000), followed by Talisay (P30,000) and Pundok Nagahanon of Naga City (P20,000) Winners of yesterday’s Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan automatically earned a slot for the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 18.

Capitol to feature Pope Francis in float for Sinulog Grand Parade

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

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government plans to feature Pope Francis along with the image of Sto. Niño on its float for this year’s Sinulog Grand Parade.

This would be the second time the Capitol will send its float to the grand parade since 2003.

Lawyer Ramil Abing, assistant provincial administrator, said the concept of the float submitted by the Provincial Information Office shows a Pope Francis’ standee, appears to be waving his right hand, and the icon of the Holy Child placed on the top of the float.

Abing explained that the ‘simple’ float would depict unity with the pontiff being one with the Cebuanos in times of calamities.

He, however, made it clear that design of the ‘Pope-themed’ float, including its total cost, is being finalized by the Provincial Engineering Office for the approval of Governor Hilario Davide III.

The last time the Capitol created a float was more than 10 years ago when it bagged second place during the Sinulog Grand Parade.

Last year, the provincial government’s float resembled rebuilding effort after super typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in northern Cebu in November 2013.

The Capitol will also send a dancing contingent composed of its employees. Abing said the theme is also in line with the papal visit.

The apostolic visit of Pope Francis this month aims to show sympathy to the victims of the devastating calamities like super typhoon Yolanda that ravaged Visayas areas in 2013.

Specifically, Pope Francis will visit Tacloban and offer Mass near Tacloban Airport. He will then visit the Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte where he will have lunch with the poor and survivors of natural calamities at the residence of the Archbishop of Palo. Cebu is not included in the Pope’s itinerary.

Meanwhile, dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center will present to the media a preview of their dance for Pope Francis today.

In a TV 5 report yesterday, Vince Rosales, the choreographer, said the dance presentation will be uploaded on Youtube with a call and hope that the pontiff would still drop by the province.

Local officials, DENR 7 release marine turtle

By Justin K. Vestil

THE green sea turtle rescued by fishermen in the City of Naga last Monday was released to the sea by local government officials yesterday.

The sea turtle, believed to be 10 years old, was released in the waters off Takot Daku Marine Sanctuary, situated just a few kilometers away from Barangay Tinaan.

The green sea turtle was found last Monday by fisherman tangled in fishing nets on the shore in Barangay South Poblacion.

Biologists Rainier Manligro and Shelumiel Purisima of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 inspected the turtle, measured and tagged it before it was released.

Officials from the city government of Naga and its local Bantay Dagat assisted the DENR during the release.

Eliza Navales of the City of Naga Agriculture Office said sea turtles come ashore during certain times of the year to lay eggs.

She said that last year, about 10 sea turtles were found by fishermen in coastal barangays.

She said local fisherfolk did not kill the marine creatures. They reported the sightings to the local government instead.

On New Year’s Day, fisherfolk found a 10-year-old olive ridley sea turtle in Barangay Tinaan. It was also tangled in fishing nets.

Sinulog kicks off tomorrow

By Jessa J. Agua with Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, Bryner L. Diaz / BRP (The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - The Sinulog activities formally open tomorrow, January 8, with a novena mass.

Opening the religious celebration leading to the feast day of the Holy Child will be the Walk with Jesus (penitential walk) from the Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu at 4:30 a.m. on January 8.

Church officials urged devotees to bring their own rosaries, candles and images of the Holy Child.

Immediately following the procession is the Holy Mass inside the Basilica complex to be led by basilica rector Fr. Jonas Mejares.

The installation of the Hermano and Hermana Mayor will likewise be done during the Mass. Chosen as this year’s Hermano Mayor is Dr. Jose Enreque de las Peñas while his wife Jill, also a doctor, will be the Hermana Mayor.

Mejares explained that the two were chosen for being discreet and consistent devotees and benefactors of the Basilica and the Sr. Sto. Niño. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

“First, the hermano and hermana mayors should be devotees of Sr. Sto. Niño. Second, they must possess the moral integrity. Then, admittedly, they must have the financial capability as they will lead the activities for the fiesta señor,” he said.

For someone to be a hermana or hermano, nominations via personal or third party can be done, but the final decision is made by the executive committee.

Mejares clarified that in the case of the De las Peñases, they did not volunteer as they were picked among potential candidates.

“It’s an honor. We are very blessed to be chosen. Dako kaayo nga responsibility but with God’s grace, we will do it. I just wish it were my mom because she was the original devotee who influenced us. We are a Cebuano family devotee. Daghan kaayong miracles nahitabo sa Cebu because Sto. Nino is with us. My humble prayer is for us to try our best to serve as hermano and hermana,” this year’s Hermano Mayor said.

After the mass that immediately follows the Walk with Jesus, succeeding novena masses inside the Basilica tomorrow will be celebrated by Fr. Adrian Mendoza (7 a.m.), Msgr. Renato Beltran Jr. (8:30 a.m.), Msgr. Esteban Binghay (10 a.m.), Fr. Leonardo Ellezar (11:30 a.m.), Fr. Arnulfo Castillo (1 p.m.), Msgr. Guillermo Gorre (2:30 p.m.), Fr. Francis Kalonsa Limbeye (4 p.m.), Fr. Mhar Balili (5:30 p.m.), and Fr. Alfredo Jubac (7 p.m.).

In lieu of the final song during the last novena of the day, a short traditional Sinulog will be done for the novena masses.

Mejares assured that a grand reenactment of the first mass and the baptism of Rajah Humabon and Reyna Juana in Cebu will be witnessed as production experts and choreographers were tapped to help conceptualize it.

“It will involve renowned choreographers and we will have multiple locations. San Diego Dancers will be performing before flying to Manila for the Papal mass where they will perform the Sinulog there,” he said.

Traslacion, the journey of the Sto. Nino and Our Lady of the Guadalupe images from the Basilica to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, will be done January 16.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will escort the images and turn over them over to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes as they meet at the boundary of barangays Mabolo and Subangdaku.

After the vigil in Mandaue, the foot procession from St. Joseph precedes the fluvial procession from Ouano Wharf back to Cebu City.

Due to the road concreting works in V. Rama Avenue, the north route of

the January 17 solemn foot procession will be used. From the Basilica, the procession will take Osmeña Boulevard, turn right at Fuente Osmeña to General Maxilom Avenue, turn right at Imus Road before heading for M.J. Cuenco, Plaza Independencia, Osmeña Boulevard before going back to the basilica.

As added security measure, instead of metal railings, ropes will be used to cordon the aisle along the Pilgrim Center inside the basilica complex.

For the entire duration of the novena mass leading to the Fiesta Senor, the Basilica Church will be open 24 hours. However, Mejares urged devotees to understand the organizers and heed their advice if they say that the complex has reached its maximum capacity so that untoward incidents such as a stampede will be avoided.

‘Plan B’ ready

The Sinulog Foundation Inc. is closely coordinating with the local church officials on the possibility that Pope Francis may visit in Cebu either on January 15 or 16.

Although Cebu is not in the official itinerary of the Pope, who will visit in the Philippines from January 15 to 19, SFI chairman Ricky Ballesteros they are preparing a “Plan B”.

“Yes, we are preparing a Plan B in case moanhi gyud ang Pope sa Cebu. We are coordinating with the church officials, traffic officials and the Philippine

National Police,” said Ballesteros, during the Association of Government Information Officers Forum yesterday.

In case the Pope will proceed to Cebu via helicopter from his visit in Tacloban, Leyte on January 16, the South Reclamation Project is being readied as a landing site.

Earlier, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said that Pope Francis is a Pope of many surprises and it is not impossible that the later will visit Cebu.

Sinulog, touted as the grandest and the biggest festival in the Philippines, will have its grand parade on January 18 where a total of P25 million in prizes await winners.

Ballesteros said that they still expect million spectators during the grand parade.

Ballesteros added that the Sinulog celebration complements the Pope’s visit.

“The Pope is spontaneous. Sinulog symbolizes Christian faith in Cebu. The Sinulog is both a religious and cultural event. Sinulog is a celebration of faith. Who knows, moanhi ang Pope,” Ballesteros added.

Ballesteros also said this year’s Sinulog, which is now on its 35th year, will have many “firsts” such as the 1,000 performers in the grand finale prior to the grand fireworks display.

“We have lots of surprises. This year’s Sinulog is something to look forward to,” said Ballesteros.

airport ready for Sinulog

The Mactan Cebu International Airport is beefing up its security and safety measures amidst the influx of passengers here for the Sinulog celebration.

Estee Marie Plunket, head of Corporate Affairs, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., said yesterday that they are likewise putting up more information desks or customer service desks for the convenience of the passengers.

“Gidugangan namo ang information desks in strategic places sa airport para gyud matubag ang pangutana sa atong mga passengers. In fact, one can even ask where they should put their skateboards, places to go, among others,” said Plunket during the same forum yesterday.

Plunket said that they want passengers to experience comfort and convenience the moment they arrive in Cebu.

Crowd control

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command will be tasked to control the crowd during the fluvial and foot procession on January 17 as well as the carousel route during the feast day a CentCom official said.

CentCom spokesman Lieutenant Commander Jim Alagao, said that since last November the SFI has been coordinating with them for the Sinulog festivities.

He said 7,300 personnel will be deployed for the Sinulog which will be composed of two task units forming Joint Task Group Sinulog.

Task Unit Sto. Niño, will control the crowd during the fluvial procession and the foot procession in the afternoon while Task Unit Grand Parade will be tasked with crowd control of the carousel route.

These personnel will be composed of soldiers and Reserve Officers Training Corp cadets, their food will be provided by SFI, said Alagao.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office will also beef up their security preparations for the Sinulog festival, although the festivities are focused on Cebu City.

Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra, Provincial Intelligence Branch, said that it has been a practice in the province that they will increase security every Sinulog.

He added that the provincial headquarters will send a directive to the police stations to intensify their presence and to conduct aggressive checkpoints in their respective areas.

“We’ll be sending directive to all station to conduct target hardening measures and to increase police visibilities in all establishments in their respective areas of responsibility and to discourage would-be criminals nga mo-strike sa ilang area,” Albotra said.

Albotra said that Cebu province serves a “buffer zone” of the city and some of criminals might pass here or establish a base here on their way to the city.

Cebu Capitol to grant PhP1-M aid to Sinulog 2015

(PNA), SCS/EB/

CEBU CITY, Jan. 6 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government has pledged PhP1-million cash assistance to the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) to help defray expenses for this year’s celebration.

The Sinulog Grand Parade, which organizers said will be the biggest and grandest ever, is set on Sunday, Jan. 18.

The backdrop of the main stage alone, which will depict the 450th year of "Kaplag" or the discovery of the historical and miraculous image of the Santo Niño,costs PhP2.5 million, organizers said.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said the assistance has yet to be released to SFI but he has already informed SFI Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros and other officials about the pledge during a meeting.

“Mr. Ballesteros and some members of the foundation were here and reiterated their request. But there’s no official communication yet,” he said.

The SFI has been receiving cash assistance from Cebu Capitol with PhP500,000 as the least amount given.

In 2013, Capitol decided to extend only PhP500,000 to SFI due to "financial constraints" experienced by the province at that time.

Last year, the amount was increased to PhP1 million.

The SFI, however, has yet to claim the PhP1.5 million total amount from 2013 and 2014.

The collection was hampered by SFI’s failure to get re-accreditation from the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) because the number of the SFI members present during the accreditation proceedings did not meet the requirement under accreditation rules.

The PB finally renewed the foundation’s accreditation in November last year.

The Cebu City government is the biggest contributor to the SFI with an allocation of at least PhP25 million this year.

DENR-7 OKs cave management plans

By Jessa J. Agua / FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - To ensure sustainability and protection against exploitation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has approved management plans for four caves in the region.

The regional environment agency through the Protected Area Wildlife Coastal Zone Management Services recently approved the management plans for the caves in Cebu and Negros Oriental provinces.

DENR-7 Executive Director Isabelo R. Montejo signed the approval of the cave management plans for Budoy Cave, Kulabyawan Cave in Argao, Cebu, White Cave in Minglanilla, Cebu and Crystal Cave in Negros Oriental. The plans are set to be implemented soon as possible.

“Cave management plan is a very essential tool that can help the DENR and local government units concerned in the protection and conservation of our caves as mandated under Republic Act 9072 otherwise known as the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act,” said Montejo in a statement.

As mandated by law, the DENR is tasked to formulate, develop and implement a national program for the management, protection and conservation of caves and cave resources, with the cave coordinating agencies like the National Museum, National Historical Institute, the Department of Tourism and Local Government Units concerned.

Caves are considered natural and non-renewable resources with important scientific, economic, educational, cultural, historical, and aesthetic values. They are also home to specialized mineral formations with unique and diverse flora and fauna.

“In line with the DENR’s priority program, more caves in region is set to be explored responsively, assessed and classified in terms of its diversity, significance and vulnerability for better understanding on how to properly and effectively protect, conserve and preserve these natural resources that we have with the help and partnership with our local government units,” Montejo added.

Mandaue workers to get additional P20T bonus

(RSB)

ABOUT 700 regular employees of Mandaue City Hall are set to receive P20,000 each next week.

Payroll is being prepared for the giving of Performance Enhancement Incentives (PEI) after the City Council approved last Dec. 29 an ordinance granting the incentives.

The ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Diosdado Suico, authorized the release of P10 million from the City’s savings.

Suico also sponsored another ordinance realigning P5 million for the PEI, which is on top of the 14th month pay employees received last month.

Regular employees received P10,000 or equivalent to their monthly salary, while job-order employees received P5,000. Clean and Green workers and barangay nutritionists were also given P3,000.

In an earlier interview, City Treasurer Regal Oliva said non-regular employees will not receive PEI after the Commission on Audit asked the City to return the amount it gave to job-order employees in previous years.

Last Dec. 2, the Department of Budget and Management released a memorandum circular setting the guidelines for the granting of PEI.

Under the circular, local government units can set the amount of PEI depending on their financial capability, provided it does not exceed the limit set on personal services.

Appropriation for personal services must not exceed 45 percent of the local government’s annual income from regular sources.

Last month, the City also gave senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) their year-end cash assistance.

Each of the City’s about 15,000 elderly residents registered with the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs received P1,500, while over 2,500 PWDs received P500 each.

The City increased its cash aid for senior citizens last year from P2,000 to P3,000. The assistance was given in two tranches.

130 teams join Sinulog football

(EKA)

THE first football tournament of the year, the 5th Sinulog Football Festival, hits Cebu next weekend at the San Roque football pitch in Subangdaku, Mandaue.

The tournament organized and sanctioned by the Cebu Football Association (CFA) has drawn a total of 130 teams in 12 divisions on Jan. 10 and 12.

Mixed Under-9, Boys Under-13, Boys Under-15, Boys Under-18 and Men’s Open divisions have the bulk of teams with 15 teams each. Mixed Under-12 has 12 teams, while Girls Under-18, 38-and-Above and Inter BPO Men’s division has eight teams each. Girls Under-15 has seven, while Ladies Open and Inter Company have six teams each.

Youth football powerhouse Don Bosco Technology Center won’t be fielding teams in the Boys Under-13, Boys Under-15 and Boys Under-18. However, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and Springdale have teams in each of the age group categories.

CCCI plans PPP, funding seminar to help Cebu’s LGUs grow better

By Jeandie O. Galolo

NOTING the importance of public-private partnership in development, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will come up with a PPP seminar within the first quarter of the year, announced an official.

CCCI President Maria Teresa Chan said they will invite officials from different local government units (LGUs) in Cebu, so they can learn more about the mechanics of obtaining funds from the private sector.

“Right now, we have so many government officials who think they can do better for their constituents, but sometimes they are constrained by established rules and regulations of the government,” Chan said.

In partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority 7, Chan said, LGUs will be given a venue to familiarize themselves with acquiring funding and other PPP issues.

Last year, CCCI and Neda also conducted a PPP seminar, but not all LGUs were able to attend, according to Chan.

Infrastructure development, she said, is the way to accelerate growth.

Approved projects

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting, Neda 7 Director Efren Carreon said there were four Regional Development Council (RDC) infrastructure projects that were approved by the Neda Board.

These are the P10.9-billion Bus Rapid Transit in Cebu City, which will be funded by World Bank’s Clean Technology Fund and French Development Assistance; the P17.52-billion upgrading of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport by private proponents Megawide-GMR consortium; the P7.2-billion New Bohol Airport, whose funds will be sourced from a concessional loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency; and the government-funded P653-million upgrading of the Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bohol.

Other major projects in the pipeline, according to Carreon, include the P2.2-billion Gov. Gallares Hospital modernization project in Bohol, the Cebu International Container Port and redevelopment of the Cebu Base Port, with an estimated cost of P10 billion, the third bridge project that will connect Cebu City and Cordova, the upgrading of Dumaguete City Airport, and other JICA-funded projects of the Mega Cebu initiative.

For this year, the target growth rate for Central Visayas’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is 9.7 to 11.9 percent.

The latest data from Neda 7 showed that the region’s GRDP for 2013 grew at 7.4 percent, ranking sixth among all regions. Data for 2014, according to Carreon, will come out in July.

For 2016, Central Visayas’ GRDP is projected to grow by 10.1 to 12.5 percent.

Air conditioned terminal in 2015

By Michael Vencynth H. Braga, JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Passengers bound for the south of Cebu may be looking at a more comfortable Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora has announced that the terminal’s waiting area will be fully air-conditioned this year following complaints that it becomes too uncomfortable to stay there while waiting for buses when it becomes crowded with passengers especially during peak seasons.

In fact, in order to allow air to circulate, the terminal management opted to remove the glass windows at the waiting area.

Conversion of electrical requirements of the terminal from single-phase to three-phase will also be implemented soon.

Eddie Dusaban, the terminal’s acting operations manager, explained earlier that the air conditioning unit, which was installed at the waiting area, malfunctioned due to the current phase.

At the same time, retrofitting works and other repairs on damages to the structure brought by the 2013 earthquake that jolted Cebu and Bohol are on “the wind-up phase.”

The upgrading of the terminal’s electrical requirements is seen to guarantee commuters a more comfortable environment while waiting for buses, the information office added.

Jone Siegfred Sepe, head of the Provincial General Services Office, said the province will do its best to implement the upgrade before the Lenten season. He said the project has already been bid out and is waiting for the awarding of the contract.

The Provincial Information Office said a P7.2 million budget has been set aside for the upgrade.

The Capitol has also procured 12 tents to shelter waiting passengers especially during peak seasons.

“Mipalit na lang gyud ta aron di na ta mag-abang-abang,” Sepe said.

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