Philippines

Cebu Province News August 2012

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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.

Faster Cebu Development Moves Sought

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU CITY (PNA) — Cebu needs to move fast in planning and implementing projects, otherwise it will be overtaken by other key cities in the country, a top business leader said.

Cebu Business Club president Gordon Allan Joseph said Cebu needs to know that other key cities in the country are growing fast.

“Everyone wants to compete with Cebu,” said Joseph.

He identified Bohol and Camarines Sur as Cebu’s closest competitors in terms of tourism.

He also cited other cities like Naga, Makati and Quezon and the Calabarzon region as areas undergoing improvements in terms of transparency and good governance.

Joseph stressed the need to double the effort in transforming Cebu into a “mega city” to sustain its footing as an ideal place to live and do business in.

Joseph, who is also a private sector representative to the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCD-CB), said they are currently working on the flood drainage masterplan for Cebu.

Mandaue marks 43rd Charter Day today

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A department head, the longest-serving employee of Mandaue City, is one of 23 workers that will receive special awards as the city celebrates its 43rd Charter Day anniversary today.

Erlinda Balansag, 62, head of the Business Tax Enforcement Unit, and 22 other workers, will receive awards tonight at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Center.

Balansag started as an apprentice at the city court in August 1969 when Mandaue City became a chartered city.

The following month, she became a casual employee.

During yesterday’s press conference, Balansag said she had worked under six administrations, starting with former mayor Demetrio Cortes Sr.

She also said she has been in at least six departments, and has been judged Most Outstanding Employee twice, in 1980 and 1998.

“I remain neutral bisan si kinsa pa nang naglingkod sa administrasyon busa nilanat ko ug dugay sa akong panerbisyo,” Balansag said.

She said she graduated her Associate in Secretarial Science at the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City and at the early age of 19 she started working at the city government.

She worked during the day and attended classes in Business Administration until she graduated at the University of the Visayas.

Today’s awardees will each received a plaque and P3,000 from the city government, according to Human Resource Management Office chief Apple Michelle Yu.

Councilor Elstone Dabon, who is this year’s chairman on the committee on Charter Day, said he plans to amend the rule governing cash incentives for awardees next year because the amount has remained unchanged for several years now.

“Kay di lalim ang pagkab-ot sa awards. Hopefully by next year,” Dabon said.

Today’s Charter Day celebration will kick off with a Foot and Float Parade starting at 2 pm.

The floats will converge at the Sports Complex and will move towards Subangdaku, then through A. Soriano Avenue (north reclamation area), then to Ouano Avenue (north reclamation area), then right turn to C.D. Seno Street, left turn to M.C. Briones Street to Subangdaku, right turn to H. Cortes Street going to Cabancalan, and right turn on M. L. Quezon Street going to the Maguikay flyover.

Left turn to Maguikay flyover going to Pacific Mall, right turn to UN Avenue to corner Plaridel Street, right turn to Plaridel Street going to Gullas Academy, then merge with foot parade at Plaridel corner A. C. Cortes Ave., right turn to C. Ouano Street going to city hall.

The floats will proceed to the sports complex passing through S. B. Cabahug.

At the sports complex, a Mass will be held to be followed by the awarding ceremony.

Traffic Enforcement and Management (TEAM) director Erwin Ermac said although no rerouting will be implemented today, vehicular traffic will slow down at the start of the parade.

Cebu prov'l police is top drug buster

By Rhea Ruth V. Rosell and Gabriel C. Bonjoc (Reporters)

The Cebu Provincial Police Office marked its 334rd anniversary yesterday, buoyed by a national award from Camp Crame as having the best performing Provincial Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group.

The citation was received by Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr. last August 23.

Comendador paid tribute to the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, saying he was like a father to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in allocating budgets of the police down to the lowest level.

Robredo, who was buried with honors of a state funeral in Naga City, Camarines Sur yesterday, was praised for his policy of transparency in the PNP.

“He (Robredo) was transparent to everybody. We have to work it out and make good with our resources.” said Comendador.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia who attended the anniversary celebration, commended the police for “making a mark” in ensuring peace and order.

“We are very happy that at last our efforts, our campaign against illegal drugs is recognized for the whole nation. We really didn’t know that we were e one of the contenders,” said Comendador.

Meanwhile , 65 sacks of pirated CDs and DVDs seized in Consolacion town and Talisay City were destroyed using a road roller.

Governor Garcia maneuvered the roller in crushing the pirated goods laid on the road.

Seven video karera machines seized in Naga City and Consolacion were also destroyed.

At least 1,559 marijuana plants seized in Danao City with an estimated street value of P900,600 were burned.

In a separate interview, Governor Garcia assured CPPO of the Capitol's “support”.

She commended the drastic decrease of crimes in Cebu province.

“It is not just a subjective analysis. There are statistics to back this up,” said Garcia.

She said the crime rate from 2010 up to present decreased by 32 to 33 percent.

Several CPPO policemen also received awards for “Best in Tamang Bihis”, “Best Tourist Police”, Best in Handcuffing Techniques”, “Best in Low and High Risk Checkpoint”, “Best in Most Number of Arrest”, and “Best in Affidavit Writing”, among others.

The Tabuelan police precinct won first place in the “Best Police Patrol Car” in Cebu province.

Earlier in the day, groundbreaking rites were held for a Crisis Center of the Cebu Women's Development Center.

The center is located outside the CCPO.

This will serve as a “shelter” for women who are victims of violence in Cebu province.

Talisay's annual invest plan ok'd

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The 2013 Annual Investment Plan, which recommends P1 billion for proposed projects and plans for the Talisay City government, was endorsed by Councilor Rodi Cabigas and unanimously approved by the City Development Council at last week’s meeting that was presided by Mayor Socrates Fernandez.

Cabigas, who is the chairman of the committee on appropriation, budget management and ways and means, said the CDC is a presentation of different proposed projects and plans of the city government from which different sectors are to choose programs or projects they wish to be aligned.

The process involves a series of activities, one of which is to tackle the Local Development Investment Plan (LDIP), which is a wish list of projects, and the AIP, the so-called priority list of projects as culled from the LDIP.

The LDIP is a three-year program and is usually tackled after a mayor is elected for a three-year term.

Under the AIP, the social services sector will get P372,643,400 from the total budget of P962,173,200.

The economic services sector has an appropriation of P362,696,500 and general services sector has an appropriation of P226,833,300.

Cabigas said it is also important to set aside 20 percent development fund and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund because it’s important to set the plan in place before a calamity strikes.

A total of P28 million was allocated for its disaster preparedness or mitigation fund.

Republic Act 10121 or the DRRM Act of 2010 mandates the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to come up with a Comprehensive Disaster Framework.

The law mandates the allocation of 5 percent of a local government unit’s revenues for its DRR fund.

Danao, Balamban hospitals get upgrade

By Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent)

THE district hospitals in Danao City and Balamban town will be formally classified as provincial hospitals soon.

With their upgrading as provincial hospitals its bed capacity will be raised to 100 beds.

Its clinical and nursing services will also be increased as required by the Dept. of Health (DOH) for tertiary level hospital.

Currently these hospitals are classified as secondary hospitals with 50-bed and 25-bed capacities respectively.

Among the requirements for tertiary hospitals is the establishment of at least one specialized medical department and full-time ambulance service.

The Cebu Provincial District Hospital in Balamban will be inaugurated on Sept. 28 to be followed by the Cebu Provincial District Hospital in Danao City on Oct 10.

Integrated Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Cristina Giango, said the provincial hospital is categorized in the tertiary level which can treat cases like bone surgeries.

Meanwhile, the upgrading of the Bogo District Hospital, which also runs a 50-bed capacity, is still awaiting approval from the DOH.

At present, the province has 16 Philhealth-accredited district hospitals that can provide primary and secondary health care.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia pledged to complete the upgrading of status of the four hospitals before her term ends on May 2013.

In 2010, Garcia allocated P70 million for the construction, rehabilitation, furnishing and maintenance of provincial and district hospitals and birthing centers.

Last year, the upgrading of the hospitals went full circle, and to date, almost all towns had birthing centers.

Talisay asks Capitol for help to rebuild seawalls

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government seeks assistance from the Cebu provincial government for the construction of new seawalls in three coastal barangays as replacements for old ones that were destroyed or that collapsed on account of big waves last July.

City Councilor Rodi Cabigas, chairman of the committee on infrastructure, said he is asking Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for additional 5,000 bags of cement for the construction of seawalls in barangays Dumlog, Poblacion, and Tanke.

In his proposed resolution, Cabigas said the construction necessitates sufficient construction materials, an additional of approximately 5,000 bags of cement is very much needed to finish the project.

The city initiated the construction in the coastal areas of barangays Dumlog, Poblacion, and Tanke.

“The project is a vital structure for the residents in the above-mentioned areas hence, consequential to maintain their safety and protection,” Cabigas said.

“The city government likewise reiterates its realization in its efforts to hasten the completion of this particular project, the hindrances in the usual shortage of funds and have to extend outward assistance from benevolent sources,” he said.

The strong waves spawned by Typhoon Gener battered the seawalls.

At least 100 houses in Talisay’s coastal barangays have been reported damaged by the waves.

The resolution of Cabigas was also co-authored by Councilors Eduardo Gullas III, Dennis B. Basillote, Edward Alesna, and Charles Basillote.

Minglanilla town gets cash aid from Capitol

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol released this week more than half a million pesos in assistance to Minglanilla town for the implementation of socio-cultural projects as barangay officials and workers and their families gathered at the Minglanilla Sports Complex for “Barangayan Night.”

At the gathering, Gov. Gwen Garcia handed over to the town checks for P700,000, P300,000 of which went to the municipal government while the League of Barangays got P100,000.

Barangays Cuanos, Manduang, Tungkop, Camp 7, and Poblacions I and II were given P50,000 each.

For the past years, Garcia extended financial assistance for socio-cultural activities.

She had previously given P30,000 per barangay but increased the amount to P50,000 recently.

Garcia said the financial assistance extended to local government units is closely monitored by the Provincial Tourism Office.

Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president Manolo Delgado said the “Barangayan Night” is not just a part of the fiesta activities but an “opportunity to celebrate the efforts of the officials and workers who worked hard for the development and growth of each of their barangays.”

Also at the the event were 3rd district Congressman Pablo John ‘PJ’ Garcia, first district Congressman Eduardo Gullas and his grandson, Gerald Anthony ‘SamSam’ Gullas and Provincial Board Member Julian ‘Teban’ Daan.

To Mark 5th Charter Day, Mass wedding in Naga

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Two hundred eighty unwed couples in Naga City will exchange vows in a mass wedding to be held at the St. Francis de Assisi Parish Church on September 1.

The mass wedding will serve as one of the highlights of the celebration of the city’s 5th charter anniversary, which falls on Sept. 5.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the wedding shall be officiated by Father Marchel Urgel.

The city will pay for the fees needed to acquire documents such as Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), certificate of marriage, birth certificates, and even marriage counseling.

Naga officials have chosen Sept. 5 as the city’s Charter Day. It coincides with Mayor Chiong’s birthday.

Chiong has listed infrastructure, tourism, and education plan as part of his road map, which he calls “Vision And Leadership (VAL) 2020.”

His priorities include a P40-million mall-type public market, the City of Naga Community College, a new public cemetery, and the construction of a port at the reclaimed land.

So far, the city has already established its public market and community college.

Naga is home to the 200-megawatt Kepco-Salcon Power Plant, the Sarimanok feed mill, and Sherilyn Agro, among others.

Chiong said that after Naga was declared a city, it received P18 million a month as its share of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

But it was not easy for Naga after it was declared as one of the cities.

When Naga and the other 15 localities were reverted back to municipalities effective May 2010, the IRA share dropped to P8 million a month.

From May 2010 to May 2011, Naga, in effect, lost P120 million in IRA shares, enough to build additional school buildings and speed up the delivery of basic services.

On February 15, 2011, the Supreme Court upheld for the third time the cityhood of Naga and 15 other towns in the country.

Cebu town yields oldest artifacts

(PNA), LDV/EB/RE

CEBU CITY, Aug. 23 (PNA) -- San Remegio town in northern Cebu appears to be the oldest archeological site in Cebu after artifacts that date back to the 1600s were unearthed in the last two years.

Jojo Bersales, University of San Carlos (USC) archeologist and Cebu Capitol consultant on heritage, said the diggings were done at the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church and Lapyahan Beach Resort in San Remegio town.

”The discovery of artifacts shows there is a settlement that had its own trade. It must have been a rich site with rich marine resources,” he said.

The first excavation happened between March and April last year by USC and the National Museum, while the second excavation included the University of Guam.

Early this year, USC and the National Museum had a third excavation at the same site.

The archeologists uncovered burial sites with pottery that showed an ancient tradition of providing food and water for the departed person’s “journey” to the after-life.

This custom was also evident with the position of the uncovered remains facing the sea, which signified travel, said Bersales.

There are significant finds among the artifacts uncovered, including that of a female buried with an iron dagger or knife on her chest, with six earthenware pots, placed at her feet.

The site is located at the foundation of a Spanish-era structure, which is most probably a watch tower.

Lime mortar was poured into it, making it difficult to recover the pottery in the area.

San Remegio Mayor Jay Labores Olivar said there are plans to build a museum at the excavation site or at the back of the parish church.

He said Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia gave P1.5 million in financial assistance for the implementation of the project.

Olivar said the counterpart of the municipal government is to provide the land and the security program needed.

Bersales said it was historian Trizer Dale Mansueto who recommended to the team the appropriate site for excavation, which is where looters frequent because they know of the artifacts buried in the area.

Olivar said security measures will be strengthened and heritage awareness lectures would include, as participants, police, barangay captains and tanods.

He said the plans for the layout of the museum would be ready by October.

RIA gets stakeholders' support

By Gregg M. Rubio/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Local tourism and labor stakeholders in Cebu have expressed support in the pilot implementation of Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) programs of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The DOT revealed its plans to improve the investment climate during the recent Asian Development Bank (ADB) RIA seminar held recently in Cebu City.

“I feel much more assured that this public private partnership is towards building regulations that make sense,” said Hans Hauri, general manager of Marco Polo Plaza and the president of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu (HRRAC).

The DOT, together with DOLE and the Department of Finance (DOF), will work for the institutionalization of RIA.

One of the key features of the system is setting up the Office of Best Regulatory Practice to propose and review regulations, as well as train government personnel involved in business regulations.

Under the program entitled “PHI Strengthening Institutions for an Improved Investment Climate,” the RIA is part of ADB’s technical assistance to implement the Philippine Development Plan’s goal of increasing competitiveness for inclusive growth.

RIA seeks to boost the global competitiveness of the country’s tourism sector, as it allows the development of improved regulations based on best practice principles and international norms.

It also gives the opportunity to better understand issues and set objectives through analyses, assessment, and consultations with all stakeholders in arriving at the most optimal policy.

DOT Office of Tourism Planning, Research, and Information Management Director Rolando Cañizal said that implementing the accommodation standards for hotels and designation of tourism enterprise zones is being reviewed under the DOT-ADB RIA program.

The new standards are set to take effect nationwide by December 2012.

RIA will also be used as a lens to aid in the designation of tourism enterprise zones and strengthen coordination between the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zones Authority (TIEZA) and other departments to establish one-stop shops and facilitate the grant of incentives.

“We welcome ADB’s assistance in our campaign to boost tourism competitiveness. The tourism industry is one of the sectors affected by many regulations. Streamlining these regulations will encourage foreign direct investments (FDIs) and potentially help us attain our goals for 2016,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez in a statement.

The National Tourism Development Plan sets forth the following objectives for 2016: 10 million international visitors, 35.5 million domestic travelers, 8.1% industry contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, and 17% share to the national employment.

DOT aims to make doing business "more fun" in Phl

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from its thrust to promote the country as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, the Department of Tourism (DOT) also aims to make doing business “more fun” in the Philippines.

Last July 30 and 31, DOT revealed its plans to improve the investment climate during the recent Asian Development Bank (ADB) Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) seminars in Davao City and Cebu City.

Being reviewed under the DOT-AB RIA program, implementation of the accommodation standards for hotels and designation of tourism enterprise zones will take effect nationwide by December 2012.

To address the lodging requirements and satisfaction of both foreign and domestic travelers, accommodation facilities shall be in compliant to the New Accreditation Standards for Hotels, Resorts, and Apartment Hotels that will adopt a star grading system from 1 to 5 stars.

In line with this, DOT Regional Director Rowena Montecillo revealed that as for Central Visayas, they are still scheduling on a strategic plan for the entire region that will be good until 2016 wherein all those involved such as the local government units, private stakeholders, and business chambers shall convene for a workshop.

The strategic planning workshop, she added, may start in September this year in which certain decrees of the tourism development areas such as the star system classification for accommodation establishments and online accreditation will be laid out before yearend.

It will also include determining priority areas and markets to be tapped that would result to easier, shorter and faster system for investors in the region to comply with the requirements, thus enticing more prospects to venture in accommodation, activities, services and food and beverage industries.

She cited that accreditation of tourism-related enterprises involves the assessment of the area in terms of safety and other regulations.

Tourism roadmaps are also laid out for some provinces in the region such as Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental and some municipalities in Cebu.

Objectives of the National Tourism Development Plan for 2016 include 10 million international visitors, 35.5 million domestic travelers, 8.1-percent industry contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, and 1 percent share to the national employment.

DOT believes that the upsurge on tourist arrivals for both international and domestic travel fuels the increase in capacity requirements and demand for new products, facilities and services which will lead to further local and foreign investment opportunities.

It also encourages investments in tourism estates and ecozones, historic- cultural heritage projects, eco-tourism, agri-tourism, and health and wellness projects.

One of the suggested destinations to invest in the country that are cited in the agency’s website included Cebu which is recognized as a highly urbanized center next to Manila and the province of Bohol, known to be the home of the tarsier and the Chocolate Hills.

DOST says separate ICT body unnecessary

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the call of the Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) stakeholders in urging the government to create a body to govern the booming sectors, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), on the other hand, reiterated its position that creating a Department of Communication and Information Technology (DICT) is not necessary.

DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo said that since the DOST has the competence and experience to uphold the interest of the ICT sector, it may not be necessary to install another department to oversee the sector.

Earlier, the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) emphasized that a separate department to handle the sector will give boost to the country’s big revenue contributor.

NCIP chairperson Jocelle Batapa-Sigue said that the Philippines should install a DICT, as it has already taken off as one of the world’s top outsourcing destination, otherwise, this opportunity will be wasted.

“The growth of the ICT sector is not the ‘handiwork’ of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It’s a natural evolution brought about by the cooperation of the stakeholders,” said Sigue in an attempt to convince the administration the importance of setting up a DICT, instead of putting it under the umbrella of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) via the implementation of Executive Order 47.

“We owe it to you [stakeholders] to consult you on your concerns. We will try to fix them and hopefully reverse the process,” said Llamas.

The Executive Order issued by the President last year was signed to transfer the former Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT), under the shelter of DOST. This move has disappointed the ICT stakeholders all over the country, specifically that there was no consultation held with the players.

“The executive order 47 downgraded the value and underestimated the importance of ICT as tool for a digitally empowered, innovative, globally competitive and prosperous society where everyone has reliable, affordable and secure information access in the Philippines and a government that practices accountability and excellence to provide responsive online citizen-centered services and a thriving knowledge economy through public-private partnership,” stakeholders said in an earlier official appeal to the President.

The group further said that the implementation of the EO has unjustly overlooked the effectiveness of CICT as an adviser and channel of sound government ICT policies for the last ten years, along with its accomplishments that surpassed the expectations of the ICT community, despite of its budget, which is a pittance compared to the other existing government agencies, which have no clear-cut directions and “no accomplishments to show.”

The group reiterated that by scrapping the CICT, EO 47 has derailed plans to fast track development and provide opportunities for investment and jobs to other regions in the country.

DENR eying tree surgery for ‘defective’ century trees

By Jessa J. Agua (Correspondent)

If earth-balling is too costly, maybe “tree surgery” can be used to save eight century-old acacia trees in Naga city identified as “defective” among a series of 130 trees lining both sides of the road.

This option is being studied, said Eddie Llamedo, spokesman of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7.

“In tree surgery and treatment, cavities from branches and trunk will be scraped off and its immediate surrounding ground cemented when necessary,” he said.

Compared to earth balling which can cost up to P1 million per tree, tree surgery would only cost about P10,000, he said.

The DENR 7 will also conduct “ground verification” to check the complaint of a Cebu citizens group that a second heritage tree, not just one, was cut down near CEMEX in Naga City where road widening is underway.

“We have not yet received a copy of the letter of the Movement for a Livable Cebu. Nevertheless, we will send the Community Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro) Cebu City office to make ground verification of their claim that another tree was cut,” Llamedo told Cebu Daily News.

Since Monday and Tuesday are non-working holidays, Cenro officials will do this on Wednesday.

The inspection team to be led by Cenro Cebu City chief Felimon Embalzado, Jr. will check if the tree is among nine century-old acacia trees certified to be hazardous and defective in a May 2012 inventory by the DENR. One such tree was confirmed cut without a permit from the environment department last July 13.

DENR Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo earlier ordered a status quo and reassessment of trees, which include narra, neem and fruit-bearing species, that would be affected by expansion work of the the Naga – Carcar highway.

“Results of the reassessment conducted last August 4 – 10 will be available next week after Montejo reviews it,” Llamedo said.

An application to cut the trees from the Dept. of Public Works and Highways is pending with the office of the Environment Secretary in Manila.

The old trees along the South Cebu road were planted by the public works department in 1915 on orders of then Cebu governor Dionisio Jakosalem.

Cebu Capitol gives financial aid for women empowerment

(PNA)

CEBU CITY, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government gave a total of P633,500 in financial assistance to different municipalities and cities in Cebu for the Grameen for Women Empowerment Now (Gwen) project at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) Friday.

The Day Care Workers Symposium was also held at the CICC, which was attended by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd District) and Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño.

The women, solo parents and barangay health workers of towns and cities led by their mayors received the financial assistance.

A total of P275,000 was given to the women’s groups of six towns.

Carmen got a check worth P94,000, Boljoon and Alcantara received a check worth P45,000 each. Sibonga and Balamban received a check worth P76,000 and P15,000, respectively.

Solo parents from Liloan received P186,500. The City of Talisay and the town of Carmen got P92,500 and P45,000, respectively.

The barangay health workers from Dumanjug received a check worth P34,500.

Talisay still remembers founding day as a town

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government continues to commemorate its founding day as a town.

Mayor Socrates Fernandez yesterday led the 176th founding anniversary as a municipality at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Teresa de Avila.

The church, located in barangay Poblacion, is considered to be part of Cebu’s heritage.

It is also where the old municipal hall is situated.

The original church was made of finely-cut coral stones but was heavily damaged in 1945 by the United States during aerial bombings.

It was restored in 1950 under the watch of then Fr. Teofilo Camomot who went on to become the archbishop of Cagayan de Oro before he died in 1988.

The church has five altars, including the main altar, all of which are gilded.

Unlike in the previous years, Fernandez did not issue an executive order declaring it as non-working holiday for city hall employees.

The event started with a Holy Mass, which was followed by the opening of photo exhibits which showcase the city’s pride: its heritage and local delicacies.

In an interview with reporters, public information officer Arturo Bas said there used to be a move to stop the celebration of Talisay’s founding day anniversary, considering that it is already a city.

But there are still people, even officials, who still prefer to celebrate the day, hence, every year, even after it was declared a city in the late 2000, the celebration of its founding day anniversary has continued.

Talisay was converted into a city in late 2000, but had opted to celebrate its charter day anniversary every January 12.

Talisay, through a bill authored by first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, which turned into RA 8979, became a city in December 2000.

Gullas was its first city mayor after being elected into office in the May 2001 elections.

From P68 million it used to get as its internal revenue allotment, Talisay now gets more than P300 million as its share of the national income.

This is on top of its income of about P100 million it gets from local revenues.

Cebu fastcraft cleared to sail as weather improves

By Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua (Correspondent) with an Inquirer report

FASTCRAFT operators were cleared to resume travel after Coast Guard detachments reported improved sea conditions yesterday.

Tropical Storm “Helen” weakened slightly after it made landfall in the coastal town of Palanan in Isabela yesterday.

The storm should be out of the country by noon Thursday, Pagasa said.

The same advisory was received by their office yesterday morning, Cebu Coast Guard commander Rolando Punzalan Jr. said, along with feedback from their detachments showing better weather conditions at sea.

Strong southwest monsoon winds triggered big waves that led to the suspension of fastcraft trips mostly heading for Bohol province last Tuesday afternoon.

Nine vessels with multiple scheduled trips were prevented from sailing last Tuesday. Seven others were held before the ban was lifted at 9 a.m yesterday.

“Even if we see the vessel can reach its destination safely, we had to advise trip cancellation because passenger convenience is our top priority,” Punzalan said.

The commander said vessel captains are often pressured by the riding public as well as their management so they tend to proceed despite rough seas and poor weather.

“We understand they normally push beyond the safety borderline into risk. Next to risk is already accident. This is where the Coast Guard comes in. We create a safety margin especially for the passengers,” he said.

Advisories are sent to media and shipping companies every three hours to keep the public posted on cancelled trips.

DTI-7 to help boost Cebu's souvenir industry

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) is set to intensify the development of the souvenir industry across Central Visayas to empower the players in the industry and take advantage of the opportunity offered by the growing tourism sector.

DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said the department has existing programs that are designed to help the souvenir industry players

She said DTI’s product development programs is being tweaked for the souvenir makers. In fact, it is now becoming a niche for the GTH (Gifts, Toys and Houseware) makers, including exporters.

DTI Cebu provincial director Nelia Navarro likewise said that development programs for the souvenir industry are also being incorporated in the existing programs under DTI such as the SPIN or Subcontracting Partners for Innovation, and the LinCs or the learning/sharing session on Leveraging Industries.

Both Caberte and Navarro vowed to intensify the development of the souvenir industry in Cebu and through the region.

Cebu as the tourism capital should have a good and strong souvenir industry, Navarro said.

Professionalizing and developing the souvenir making sector has been the far-cry of some successful souvenir companies, such as the Cebuano owned Island Souvenirs Incorporated.

Island’s Group president and chief executive officer (CEO) Jay Aldeguer said in an interview that this sleeping giant-industry should be given utmost attention by the government, in terms of providing capacitating mechanism to empower the small or micro players in the industry.

“My observation is that the souvenir, not only in the Philippines but even internationally, is perceived as a cottage-type industry. It hasn’t evolved into anything," Aldeguer said in an earlier interview.

Aldeguer believes that there is huge potential in the souvenir business, especially in tourism hotspots like Cebu.

About 80 percent of the tourism spending goes to souvenirs. The Philippines generates an average of P31-million tourism-related revenues.

If proper support can be given to the players, directing them to higher business perspective, the souvenir industry in Cebu could become one of the largest industries.

The Philippines, although its tourism industry is maturing, support industries especially the tourism retail sector should go with the maturity of the industry, in such that prices of goods shall have uniform prices, regardless of who is buying, he stressed.

Navarro said that aside from developing other sub-sectors in the creative sector, such as visual, music, advertising, graphic design, film, architecture, the souvenir industry will also be given attention.

Mandaue coop office wins "gawad parangal" award

By Flor Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Cooperative Development Office has won a national “Gawad Parangal” award from the Cooperative Development Office and will be expected to receive it from President Noynoy Aquino during the national cooperative summit on October 10 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Felipe Deri, OIC-director of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) said the Mandaue cooperative office has been given a certificate stating, “award of recognition to Mandaue City Cooperative Development office for being the 2012 Cooperative Development Authority Gawad Parangal Awardee for LGU-Cooperative Development office category in Central Visayas region.”

According to Deri the award given to Mandaue is good as a national award and will receive the plaque during separate regional and national awarding ceremonies.

The award, the first of its kind, is initiated by new CDA chairman Emmanuel Santiaguel under his 3-point agenda which includes: mainstreaming cooperative membership; human resource development, both internal and external; and, giving of awards and incentives.

Deri said under the new program only accredited training service providers are allowed to conduct cooperative trainings and Mandaue City Cooperative Development Office is already accredited after it passed the requirements.

Other categories of the award: large cooperative, medium, small and micro cooperatives.

“I am elated upon being informed of the award, it is because the present administration of Mayor Jonas Cortes, supported by the council, has seen the problems confronting the cooperative sector and has implemented programs that address these problems,” said lawyer Ernesto Maringuran, head of the cooperative office.

Gwen gives P500T for Dinagat-Bakasi Festival

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday gave P500,000 to Cordova town during its Dinagat-Bakasi Festival.

Garcia, who is running for senator under the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) in next year’s polls, also took the opportunity of a jam-packed gymnasium to ask not to be forgotten as she fights to become the first woman senator from Cebu.

Garcia’s brother, Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, was with the governor at the affair. Pablo John is slated to replace his sister as governor.

The festival, which featured 13 contingents coming from the town’s different barangays, appeared like a political rally with streamers and paraphernalia from the political figures seen all over the venue.

Aside from the Garcias, former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar and Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Teddy Casiño also graced the event.

Villar and Casiño are also set for the senatorial race.

Villar, in her speech, said that a festival like Dinagat-Bakasi is one way to showcase the potential of a place that would attract tourists.

“Ang festival ay nagsilbing paanyaya sa mga tao lalo na ang mga dayuhan na bumisita rito at i-explore at i-experience ang mga bagay, lugar, pagkain, kultura, aktibidad, events katulad ng Dinagat-Bakasi Festival at iba pa na mayroon dito sa Cordova,” Villar said.

Bakasi or a saltwater eel is reportedly an aphrodisiac, which is abundant in the municipality’s 3,500-hectare foreshore land, especially in Barangay Buagsong.

Pope may promote Cebu, Manila prelates

(INQUIRER, Cebu Daily News)

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is one of two Philippine prelates being eyed as candidates to be named cardinal in the next few months.

The other is Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle.

A senior prelate said he is hoping the Vatican will promote a Filipino bishop to cardinal soon since the Philippines no longer has a representative in the Catholic conclave for the first time since the 1960s.

A conclave is the high level meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals called to elect a new Pope when there’s a vacancy.

Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said he expects Pope Benedict XVI to consider two Filipino bishops for the cardinalate in the next consistory in Rome. The last one was held in February 2012.

“At least for the moment we can expect two cardinals in the meeting, the Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu and the Cardinal Archbishop of Manila,” he said.

“In principle, the successor of a cardinal in an archdiocese also becomes a cardinal in due time.”

Retired Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, the country’s only representative in the conclave, lost his seat when he turned 80 years old on Aug. 10.

Cebu’s retired archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal is 81 and can no longer vote as well.

They are the two living Filipino cardinals.

Cruz said the archbishop of Manila and Cebu could be headed for the cardinalate next year.

Palma is currently the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

The conclave elects a new pope in case of a vacancy, due to a rule made by Pope Paul VI in 1970 which limits the participation of cardinals once they reach the age of 80.

Another Filipino cardinal, Jose Cardinal Sanchez, died last March. Sanchez served as prefect emeritus of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy.

NFA rice available on credit to Talisay

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government can now purchase rice on credit from the National Food Authority (NFA). This after the city council approved a proposed resolution that authorizes Mayor Socrates Fernandez to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the NFA with regards to the implementation of the Rice Loan Program for calamity relief operations.

In a proposed resolution sponsored by Councilor Celiapo Cabuenas, chairman, committee on social welfare & services, pointed out that “the proposed Memo of Agreement to be entered into by and between the City Government of Talisay City and the National Food Authority defines the terms and conditions as regards the implementation of the Rice Loan Program.”

It also said “the proposed Rice Loan Program seeks to reinforce the local level’s task in providing basic social services to the populace at all times, particularly in times of calamities.”

“This Sanggunian finds the program to be beneficial to the city constituents as it will significantly provide rice for relief operations whenever a state of calamity is declared in the locality that may occur at any given time,” the resolution added.

Cabuenas said the NFA has acceded to the request of the city for a rice loan.

Under the agreement, certain terms and conditions for withdrawal of rice and payment of stock shall be followed based on the NFA Consumers’ Price as indicated in the latest Selling Price Bulletin.

LGUs can avail 5,000 bags for the provincial government, 2,000 bags for the city government and 1,000 bags for the municipal government, or the rice equivalent of their respective funds appropriated for the rice loan program.

Rice loan intended for buffer stockpiling shall not exceed 10 percent of the maximum loanable quantity or 500 bags for provincial government, 200 bags for city government and 100 bags for municipal government.

The price of rice shall be based on the NFA consumer price as indicated in the latest selling price bulletin.

Rice purchased on credit under the agreement shall not be used for any other purpose other than as intended.

NFA reserves the right to inspect LGU warehouses and or distribution, relief operation centers to determine compliance with the agreement.

The NFA shall not be under obligation to issue rice if the LGU has an outstanding account.

Last August 5, the city council declared seven barangays under state of calamity.

Barangays Poblacion, Cansojong, Dumlog, Pooc, Tangke, Biasong, and San Roque were hit by huge waves generated by typhoon Gener last July 30.

The calamity funds will be used to help 1,353 families living in the seven affected coastal barangays.


Cebu programs to go national - Gwen

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/MBG (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia aims to bring successful business models in Cebu to the national level if she will be elected as senator next year.

Among these business models are the “Suroy-Suroy Sugbo”, an innovative tourism program wherein various towns and cities in the province showcase the best their place can offer, and the “Obra Negosyo”, which aims to educate students on entrepreneurship and help micro-entrepreneurs expand their businesses.

She said it would be better to effectively implement nationwide the programs that have improved the quality of the lives of Cebuanos.

She also plans to implement her program of building classrooms for public schools.

Under the program, Capitol sets aside P650,000 to construct a two-classroom building with blackboard, chairs and individual comfort rooms.

Today, Capitol has already built almost 1,000 classrooms distributed to the different schools in the province.

80 Cebu brgys at risk to natural disasters

By Gregg M. Rubio/Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/Liv G. Campo/ Flor Z.Perolina/MBG (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 has identified around 80 barangays in Cebu as landslide and flood prone areas.

Loreto B. Alburo, MGB-7 Regional Director is calling on all local chief executives to be prepared considering that heavy rains are expected to come according to the forecast of the weather bureau.

Alburo said it is important that local chief executives should give more attention to critical areas that are found to be highly vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

These areas are identified in the geohazards threat advisory that MGB earlier issued to them.

Alburo also said local government units should prohibit habitation in areas declared as "highly susceptible" to flooding and landslides by the MGB.

In Cebu City, 19 barangays are considered highly susceptible landslides.

These are Lusaran, Binaliw, Guba, Budlaan, Malubog, Buot-Taup, Busay, Sirao, Taptap, Tagbao, Tabunan, Pung-ol Sibugay,Sudlon II, Sudlon I, Sinsin, Buhisan, Pamutan, Sapangdaku, and Adlaon.

In Naga City, barangays Tagjaguimit, Alpaco, Balirong, Mayana, Naalad, and Cogon are also in the list.

In Balamban, 11 barangays are considered landslide prone and these are Hingatmonan, Lamesa, Luca, Ginatilan, Cabasiangan, Matun-og, Cansomoroy, Gaas, Magsaysay, Cabagdalan, and Duangan.

Five barangays in Toledo City namely, Tungkay, Pangamihan, Bagacay, Loay and Don Andres Soriano are also inlcuded in the list as well as barangays Agbanga, Baye, Bairan, Kanluangan and Sak-sak of Asturias town.

Areas identified as flood prone are Barangay Lamac of Pinamungajan; Purok 3, Barangay Boldol of Dumanjug and Barangay Cansalonoy of Ronda.

Catmon town has 12 flood-prone barangays, namely Amancion, Anapog, Bactas, Bongyas, Ambangkaya, Cabungaan, Can-ibuang, Duyan, Ginabucan, Panalipan, Tabili and Tinabyonan.

All mountain barangays in Talisay City are also considered flood-prone areas.

MGB also identified five barangays in Cebu City that are considered flood-prone and these are Kasambagan, Kinasang-an, Labangon, Mabolo, and Bonbon.

In Mandaue City, barangays Subangdaku, Mantuyong, Umapad, Opao, Alang-alang, Guizo, and Pakna-an are identified as flood-prone.

On the other hand, Mayor Michael Rama revealed that the Cebu City government will donate P5 million for the victims of the flooding in Luzon.

The amount will be taken from the city's calamity fund.

At Capitol, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said they will send relief assistance to the victims.

Garcia tasked the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to coordinate with the officials of the affected areas.

Rep. Luis Gabriel Quisumbing of Cebu's sixth district also asked fellow Cebuanos to extend help to the flood victims.

Quisumbing visited evacuation centers last Tuesday and brought aid to the residents of Marikina through Rep. Miro Quimbo of Marikina's second district.

Quisumbing also urged government agencies and LGUs to strengthen disaster preparedness.

Boys and Girls Scouts net litterbugs in Mandaue

By Norman V. Mendoza (Correspondent)

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts struck again in Mandaue City, surprising 267 litterbugs.

The scouts of Mandaue City Science High School patrolled the streets of barangay Ibabao-Estancia yesterday.

This time, students brought with them a copy of the city ordinance that prohibits spitting, urinating, defecating, vandalizing, posting bills, and throwing trash in streets and sidewalks.

A total of 267 persons were issued citation tickets or warned by the 86 student volunteers.

They were accompanied in the campaign by eco-wardens, barangay tanods and police officers as they patrolled streets from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Those issued citation tickets were fined P500 to P5,000. They were given 72 hours to settle their obligation in the City Hall.

The anti-littering campaign with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts is an effective way to catch violators and should be continued, said Ibabao-Estancia barangay captain Jun Del Mar.

Vei Ryan Amamangpang, the school’s scout coordinator, said they were glad the students were given the chance to exercise this kind of civic action.

P25T to P30T bonus for Capitol employees

By Gregg M. Rubio — with Christine Emily Pantaleon, USJR LIACOM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The 1,500 employees of the Cebu Provincial Government have reasons to celebrate.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia announced yesterday during the 443rd anniversary of the Province of Cebu that the employees will receive bonuses up to P30,000.

All Capitol employees and officials will get P15,000 each as Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentives.

Employees with satisfactory rating will also get additional P10,000 bonus while those with very satisfactory rating will get P15,000.

Garcia said that a committee is now evaluating the performance rating of the employees.

It has been the policy of the Province of Cebu not to give incentives to Capitol employees across-the-board but based on their performance.

Last year, Capitol officials and employees got at least P12,000 and at most P35,000 each in anniversary bonus.

Employees of the department with the highest rating got P15,000 each; P12,000 each for the second highest; P10,000 each for the third; P8,000 each for the fourth and P7,000 each for fifth.

Employees of other departments not belonging to the top five got a bonus based on the rating of their department.

Garcia yesterday explained that a new memorandum circular of the Department of Budget and Management mandates that unlike the previous years, savings out of the personnel services (PS) can no longer be utilized for bonuses but only of the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

In her speech, Garcia stressed that during her administration, good work is rewarded while sloppy job is dealt with accordingly.

During the program yesterday afternoon, the executive group won in the dance competition and garnered P35,000.

The Municipality of Balamban was also given P5,000 for the early decorated booth award while Naga City got P15,000 for being chosen as the best booth in the Agro-Trade Fair.

Jima Bejagan of Argao received P10,000 for being champion in the “sinanduloy cooking contest; P5,000 for Rosemarie Reynula of Talisay City for winning in the “puso” making contest while Carlo Sanchez of Argao received P3,000 for “puso” making innovation award.

Other Capitol officials present during the program were Provincial Board members Joven Mondigo Jr., Sun Shimura, Thaddeus Jude Sybico, Wilfredo Caminero, Julian Daan and Thadeo Ouano.

Yesterday morning, a mass was held at the Capitol Social Hall. Present were Garcia, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, PB Members Caminero, Sergio Restauro, Sybico, Peter John Calderon, Ouano, Caesar Ian Geronimo Zambo, Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr., Shimura, Daan, Mondigo, Carmen Remedios Meca and Arleigh Jay Sitoy.

After the mass, Garcia told reporters that there is reason for the Cebuanos to celebrate the founding anniversary.

“Kining ato sad nga kalamboan ato sad ning isipon nga daku kaayong kalampusan dili lang sa Sugbo kung dili hasta sad sa tibuok nasud,” Garcia said.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral parish priest Monsignor Roberto Boy Alesna celebrated the mass.

In his homily, he asked the public officials to religiously perform their duties. 

“Perform without fail what you resolve or what you commit to do as a public servant for the good and the welfare of the community,”  Alesna said quoting the words of Benjamin Franklin.

He also appreciates that Capitol has given attention to fifteen areas of concern as mentioned by Garcia in her State of the Province Address.

He told the government officials that to use one’s position and power that goes with their office only to serve their own interest is to contradict the very nature and purpose of authority and to betray the people who are rightly to be served.

“Authority and power is a divine trust given for service,” Alesna said.

443RD Founding Anniversary, Non-working holiday for Cebu Province

By Gregg M. Rubio/BRP (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Today is a special non-working holiday in the entire Province of Cebu including the highly urbanized cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu as it celebrates the 443rd founding anniversary.

Republic Act 8952 provides that the holiday for private and public offices is to be enjoyed all over Cebu, including Cebu City and other component cities.

In 1993, a resolution was approved by the Provincial Board stating that Spain's King Philip II, in a royal cedula, appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as Governor of Cebu on August 6, 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."

Earlier, there was a dispute over whether Cebu City, as a highly urbanized city, is covered by RA 7698, which declares a special non-working public holiday in the province every Aug. 6.

First district Rep. Eduardo Gullas introduced RA 8952 amending RA 7698 to include Cebu City in the declaration as well as other component cities which according to then governor, now Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia put to rest all arguments.

Garcia earlier noted that it is in the charter of Cebu City that it is the capital of Cebu Province and it should, therefore, join the celebration of the province's founding anniversary.

At the Capitol today, the anniversary Mass will be held at 10 a.m. at the Social Hall to be attended by provincial officials and employees.

A program at 1:30 p.m. will follow where Governor Gwendolyn Garcia will deliver her message and make some announcements.

The awarding of the best booth and winners of "Puso" Making and "Sinanduloy" Cooking contests will also be held during the program.

Tomorrow is the e-Gwen Partners Conference with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the local government units will also be held.

The Festival Queen Competition will be on Aug. 8 and the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals street dancing and grand showdown competition will be on Aug. 11 at the CICC. On Aug. 9, there will be a Business Summit and on Aug. 10, the Obra Negosyo Eskwela Symposium will be held at the CICC.

The awarding of Pasigarbo and e-Gwen winners will be held on Aug. 13 also at the CICC.

There is also on-going One Cebu Expo until Aug. 13 at the CICC.

BIG PUSH FOR CEBU : Ironman 70.3 draws record high participants, full hotels; Athletes told to expect crowds, wind, heat

By E. Mangubat

There will be thousands of spectators out there. Keep that in mind.”

With these words, race director Guy Concepcion sent off athletes in a final briefing of the Ironman 70.3 triathlon, which will see high-speed bikes racing today through four cities in the biggest international sports event hosted in Cebu.

The longest segment of the triathlon, a 90-kilometer bicycle run, exposes the participants, to public roads in cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay on a Sunday morning.

Cordons, marshals, policemen and traffic enforcers will be scattered along the route to ensure that that spectators are kept out of the path, where roads will be sealed from 5 a.m. to 12 noon.

A record high number of 1,700 Filipino and foreign athletes are joining the triathlon, the largest group since the event, also called the Half-Man Ironman, was first hosted in Camarines Sur in 2009 with about 700 participants.

The unique challenges in Cebu were summed up as the ocean swim, gusty winds, some “bumpy” road patches, heat and crowds.

“There will be thousands and thousands of spectators out there tomorrow. I'm really quite excited. I'm feeling goose bumps right now,” Concepcion told a ballroom full of Ironman challengers.

“We worked real hard to make sure that you have there best race course but what makes the Philippines different is the crowd.”

He didn't elaborate but his cautionary tone apparently referred to well-populated neighborhoods in Lapu-Lapu City where the bike race starts in narrow roads, right after a 6 a.m. swim in the Hilutungan Channel, and similar scenes of congestion repeated in urban highways of Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay.

Organizers expect to see enthusiastic spectators along the entire route.

Concepcion said every effort was taken to keep athletes “safe” and pedestrians and vehicles in “positioned properly” “but always be aware there will be thousands out there.”

The Cebu experience also offers Ironman 70.3 participants the new challenge of swimming in the ocean, instead of a man-made lake that served as the race course in Camarines Sur.

“You're all pumped up. That's because we finally have an ocean swim,” said the briefing officer to a full ballroom at the Shangri-la Mactan Resort.

Today's Pagasa weather forecast of “strong gale force winds” in the Visayas seaboard comes with cloudy skies and scattered showers.

The wind factor was mentioned in the briefing after gusts sent some bikers wobbling in practice runs yesterday.

Rafael Yap of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) earlier said he already called the attention of Triathlon organizers about gusty winds blowing at the South Coastal Road facing the Mactan channel.

“But they said that is nothing to worry about because that is part of the challenge,” said Yap.

A pep talk was given by the man to beat, Ironman 70.3 two-time champion Pete Jacobs of Australia.

He said it was the enthusiasm of the crowds lining the street that gave him the momentum to finish the last six stations of last year's Full Ironman competition in Kona, Hawaii.

He gave mind-over-matter advice to deal with 30 degree heat expected today.

“Just tell yourself 'it's not that hot' . And you'll find yourself believing it.”

Triathlon organizers also gave bikers a heads up that while the roads are “in good condition” along the 90-kilometer route which runs across the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and passes through the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City, there are “bumpy patches” of asphalt in the “busiest part of Cebu City where containers trucks pass”.

The section was identified as located on Osmeña Road after Radisson Blu hotel before the SRP tunnel.

One Cebu Expo opens

By Flornisa M. Gitgano and Oscar C. Pineda

SOME 450 exhibitors are participating in what is considered to be the biggest One Cebu Expo since it began five years ago.

The grand opening was held yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center, with Gov. Gwen Garcia and her brother, Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district), leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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The expo showcases world-class Cebu products including furniture, house wares, accessories, gift toys and delicacies. The expo will last until Aug. 13.

“Now this fifth year… it’s the exhibitors themselves who have to beg to be given a spot, a stall, and a booth to be included in the One Cebu expo,” the governor said.

Early years

She said that when the expo started in 2008, they had a hard time convincing establishments to participate. Back then, there were only 133 exhibitors.

The number has grown steadily over the years. In 2010, the exhibitors numbered 333.

Last year, the number was 365 exhibitors.

Ian Fresnido of the expo secretariat said the 450 exhibitors include 28 local government units.

Among the items they have on display are pickled vegetables from Dalaguete; cultured crabs from Carmen; “sarok,” or bamboo hats, from Consolacion; charcoal briquette from Tabogon; Sogod tablea, or cacao extract; furniture from Alegria; and kropec fish products from Bantayan.

“The reason we call this the One Cebu Expo is not only because we are One Cebu that we come together, cities, municipalities, business people, the private sector. We come together when it is for a greater cause, which is to promote the great island or the great province,” Congressman Garcia said.

Also showcased are paintings by Russian artists.

Fresnido said the exhibitors’ only obligation is to remit 10 percent of their gross sales to the Province.

The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, a first-time participant, is holding “Cebu Goes Culinary.”

Guests who are tired of shopping and eating can watch Visayan films for free.

Guests

Car enthusiasts can also enjoy the car show outside, he added.

Guests at yesterday’s opening were a mix of out-of-towners like Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste and Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Teddy Casiño and local personalities like former Mandaue City mayor Alfredo Ouano, Danao Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr., former vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV, former mayor Jesus “Don” Durano, among others.

The governor said she is happy about the visitors from other provinces. She said she is proud that these officials and guests have recognized what Cebu has done.

“Pero ang ako gyud gikalipayan ang participation sa mga Sugbuanon (What really made me happy is the participation of Cebuanos) because this is what One Cebu is all about,” she said.

The expo is one of many activities prepared by the Province as part of its weeklong 443rd founding anniversary that also includes the Governor’s Ball on Aug. 10 and the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo on Aug. 11.

Cebu, Yokohama forges joint mission for urban development

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento (The Freeman)

MANILA, Philippines - Industry players in the local business community expressed optimism for the province as Cebu City and Yokohama City of Japan ventured in a joint survey mission towards sustainable urban development.

Major stakeholders and business leaders of both cities convened for a business matching session last August 1 at Hotel Elizabeth, Cebu City.

Norihiko Nomura, Director General of the Office of Co-Governance and Creation of the Yokohama Policy Bureau, noted that negotiating with Cebu counterparts is exactly what they need for business-to-business relationships particularly in sustainable development.

He said that Yokohama is an open city with a number of international relationships worldwide.

Their city, he added, has technologies on waste water treatment, solid waste management, and transportation management that are all essential to make cities more sustainable.

He further revealed that Yokohama was able to address environmental problems in drainage, sewage and pollution and is still capable of enjoying economic growth at the same time using their technology.

He then said that Yokohama is willing to work with Cebuanos for a long-term involvement on sustainable development.

“We are ready to do what we can do to make this city liveable so that the young generation will be proud of,” Nomura noted.

Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Nelia Navarro said that such negotiation serves as the right direction for Cebu and Yokohama as the two cities have their own assets and expertise to share.

She added that with the accumulated experience in urban management and technical know-how scheme of Yokohama, it could make Cebu enhance its concerns such as urban traffic, waste management and environmental protection.

The province, on the other hand, has skilled workers and professionals who could help in the operations of the Japanese city in Cebu, she said.

“Cebu is one of the most dynamic and developed areas in the Philippines. You have indeed come to the right place. We have the right people to match the very impressive list of Yokohama and its business interests,” she continued.

Navarro further commended the benevolence and contribution of Japan in terms of loans, technical operations and employment, citing that as of December 2011, the economic investment of Philippine Economic Zone Authority reached to P30 billion, P2 billion for exports and employed 55,000 Filipinos.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Prudencio Gesta said that the chamber strongly supported the business matching exercise that serves as a solid beginning for a longer relationship of promoting linkages, nationality, business partnership and cooperation with Yokohama delegates and Cebu businessmen.

He added that the main objective of such regular trade missions of nations is meant to empower bilateral and collateral relationships with other countries.

Cebu Business Club President Gordon Alan “Dondi” Joseph said that Cebu has ventured in a merge economic, social, political and environmental breakthroughs with Yokohama.

He noted that such joint mission is not just about business interests but also about the foundation of friendship between the two cities.

Let’s be friends and let’s do business together,” he stated.

Filomeno Lim, president of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that although Cebu has a huge investment opportunity and development, the province still needs the support of Japanese investors to learn from them and eventually improve the business climate.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry Philip Tan informed the Japanese businessmen on the potential of Mandaue City for investments with its strategic location.

Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary General Motohisa Hino considered the business matching program as an initial stage and landmark of sustainable development for both nations.

The delegates of the Yokohama Business group who participated the joint survey mission are also members of the Yokohama Partnership of Resources and Technologies.

These include private companies from management and engineering consulting firms, water and soil treatment, transportation and city planning, waste disposal and management, automobile, steel manufacturing, telecommunications, and green energy.

Capitol opens agro-fair, tourism program

By Christine Emily Pantaleon/MBG (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The month-long celebration for the 443rd Founding Anniversary of the Province of Cebu was officially opened yesterday.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia led the flag-raising ceremony with members of the Provincial Board, town and city mayors, department heads, Capitol consultants and employees at the Capitol grounds yesterday.

The opening of the Agro-Fair and launching of various programs followed.

In an audio-visual presentation, Garcia proudly said that Cebu is number one in tourism, business, job generation and service throughout the country.

Among the programs launched yesterday was Turismo Sugbo.

“The youngest Turismo Sugbo, has affirmed recognition that indeed, the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo has transformed our towns, and it is time that our local government units take hold of packaging and marketing their own towns and cities,” Garcia said.

In the business industry, the Obra Negosyo Eskwela Countryside Enterprise Business Upliftment (ONE CEBU) has transformed people’s lives in a way that the micro entrepreneurs never thought that their meager business would grow and flourish.

The expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (eGWen) was also launched, which Garcia described as a revolutionary and transformative program.

“It has reached the grassroots down to the puroks to the individual families that have now joined hands in transforming Cebu to make it the ideal place to live, play, work and invest,” Garcia said.

Capitol’s sports programs were also launched like the Governor’s Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup, which made Cebu the volleyball capital of the Philippines; the Governor’s Cup Horse Show and Competition and the Airsoft Open.

There are 37 local government units that are competing and showcasing the pride of their respective towns in the Agro-fair.

There are 80 booths at the Capitol grounds including those of the private exhibitors.

Talisay City Kasibulan Festival a huge success

(The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Children from Talisay City were treated to a weekend of football in the Kasibulan Festival, a project of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

The activity was held at the Talisay City Central School field and drew participants from the various elementary schools of the component city.

The project was implemented by coach Eleazar Toledo, who is also one of the coaches of the Philippine Under-14 squad. Officers of the Cebu Football Association (CFA), which has been tasked by the PFF to oversee the implementation of the program, were also on hand.

Balls and other equipment were turned over to Talisay City after the activity.

Toledo was assisted by coach Dan Padernal, regional development officer of the PFF. Also participating were teachers and parents of the young players aged 6 to 12 years old, who were trained as coaches to ensure the continuity of the program.

CFA officers present were led by Joey Herrera, the general secretary. Other directors, who attended the culminating activity, were Raffy Musni, Glenn Quisido, and Nimrod Quiñones.

Coach Francis Ramirez was also on hand along with Oliver Colina of the Philippine U-14 squad.

The event was made possible with the active participation of the organizers from Talisay City -0- Rhosner Bollozos, guidance counselor of Talisay City National High School, and Merlyn Go of the Lawaan Elementary School.

Others that supported the activity were DepEd Talisay City Division, Motortrade, Disegno Elegante, ISL Group, Aber Belleza, Edward Alesna, Dennis Basillote, Richel Bacaltos, Ken Taxi, Fil-Aqua, CLSL-Cebu Lights Sky Lantern, Gerald Anthony ‘Sam-sam’Gullas, and Eduardo Gullas III.

The Kasibulan Festival was also held in Danao City the other weekend and is set in a few other areas of Cebu in the succeeding weeks.

It aims to encourage the young ones to pick up the game as well as to develop the coaches, most specially those teachers in the various public elementary schools.

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