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Cebu City News July 2014

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Cebu City Cathedral
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Magellan's Cross in Cebu City
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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.
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Mormon Temple Lahug cebu city philippines

DOH downgrades CCMC’s status due to cramped space at BFP

Princess Dawn H. Felicitas


THE Department of Health (DOH) has downgraded the accreditation status of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) to level 1 from a level 2 facility.

This was confirmed yesterday by CCMC ad hoc committee chairperson Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos, who said the order came last July 24.

Santos said the DOH made the decision because the city hospital can no longer perform major surgeries because of limited space.

CCMC had to be moved to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) compound across the street on N. Bacalso Ave. because its building was declared unsafe following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake last Oct. 15.

“This (downgrading of CCMC's status) is not really alarming,” delos Santos said. “This is just a minor setback.” She also clarified this does not mean the CCMC is just an infirmary.

She said CCMC is still considered a hospital, not an infirmary.

The old CCMC occupied a 1.2-hectare lot while the BFP compound only covers an area of 7,000 square meters. Since it moved to the BFP compound, CCMC’s capacity dropped to 100 beds from 300.

New hospital

The Cebu City Government demolished the old hospital and has been trying to raise more than P1 billion to construct a new hospital on the old site.

Delos Santos said the CCMC will have to stay at the BFP compound until the new hospital is completed.

In the meantime, she said, the City Government is planning to extend the temporary hospital to the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) office to improve its services.

The extension can house the CCMC's obstetrics and gynecology department as well as the pediatrics department.

Delos Santos said CCMC can also expand its surgery, internal medicine and ophthalmology departments.

Appeal

Delos Santos said City Hall will appeal to the DOH to raise the status accreditation of CCMC back to level 2.

Delos Santos said they will discuss the issue with Mayor Michael Rama. The mayor is scheduled to arrive in the city on Aug. 12 yet.

Aside from this, Delos Santos said they are planning to have a consortium with the Southwestern University (SWU) since they have their own hospital, the Sacred Heart Hospital. This way, CCMC can perform major surgeries with the help of SWU's facility.

Delos Santos said they are hoping to get back the Level 2 accreditation of CCMC before the year ends.

Cebu shrine accused of refusing requiem Mass, burial to resident

Joel Locsin


The Catholic Church in Cebu again found itself in another controversy, this time over a shrine's alleged refusal to perform a requiem Mass and burial for a local resident.

Relatives of Filemon Borden claimed the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus refused the services because it claimed Borden was a member of a cult.

But the shrine clarified it declined to render these services because Borden, a resident of Sitio Lower Panabang in Barangay Apas in Cebu City, is not a Catholic, GMA Cebu's Greggy Magdadaro reported.

Borden was to be buried last Sunday after a Mass at the St. Jude church, which falls under the archdiocesan shrine's jurisdiction.

Also, Borden's family was not allowed to have Borden buried at a Catholic cemetery.

Maricris Borden-Cañete, Borden's daughter, said it was unfair because her father is not a cult member. She also said her father's baptismal certificate shows he is Catholic.

The Borden family members also said that while some of them belong to religious groups outside the Catholic Church, their patriarch is a Catholic.

On the other hand, officials of the archdiocesan shrine said their investigation showed Filemon was a member of the Apostolic Catholic Church, which is outside the Roman Catholic Church.

As such, they said they cannot allow a requiem Mass or burial in a Catholic cemetery for him.

With this, the Borden family decided to have the requiem Mass at a chapel of the Apostolic Catholic Church in Barangay Apas, and have him buried in a private cemetery.

It was the latest Church-related controversy in the Visayas, after an Iloilo priest got into trouble for alleged rude behavior.

Earlier this month, GMA Iloilo reported several residents of Santa Barbara in Iloilo prepared a petition to remove Msgr. Juanito Tuvilla as parish priest after he allegedly showed rude behavior to at least two families mourning their dearly departed.

In one instance last July 19, Tuvilla reportedly came late for a Mass for a woman who was to be buried that day, and scolded those in attendance.

On the same day, Tuvilla reportedly interrupted another funeral Mass being officiated by the assistant parish priest.

The allegations against the priest have prompted the officials of Barangay Dalid in Sta. Barbara to draft a petition to have Tuvilla replaced. Tuvilla did not immediately reply.

Also earlier this month, Fr. Romeo Obach of Mandaue City in Cebu got in hot water after a video went viral showing him humiliating a single mother who was having her baby baptized.

Obach profusely apologized for his action, and sought the single mother to seek forgiveness. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

LPA now a tropical depression

sunstar.com.ph


CEBU CITY -- The low pressure area spotted east of Aparri, Cagayan has developed into a tropical depression and was named "Inday," said the state weather bureau on Tuesday.

Tropical Depression Inday was located at 870 kilometers east of Aparri as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, packing maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said in its latest bulletin.

Inday was forecast to move northwest at 15 kph, and will be located at 690 kilometers east northeast of Aparri by Wednesday morning, 695 kilometers northeast of the town by Thursday morning, and 740 kilometers north northeast of Basco, Batanes by Friday morning.

The Pagasa has not raised any public storm warning signal in the country, saying Tropical Depression Inday will not yet affect any part of the country.

It said, though, that Inday will bring an estimated rainfall amount of 7.5-15 millimeters per hour (moderate - heavy) within its 300-kilometer diameter. (LMY/Sunnex)

Rehab plans for Cebu, other Yolanda-hit areas approved

Flornisa M. Gitgano, Justin K. Vestil, Katlene O. Cacho, Razel V. Cuizon and Rebelander S. Basilan


CEBU CITY (Updated) -- President Benigno Aquino III has approved the rehabilitation plans submitted by at least six local government units (LGUs) hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November last year.

Aquino announced this during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Monday, as he urged Congress to help fast-track the release of funds for the implementation of the rehabilitation plans.

"We have already approved the LGU rehabilitation plans for Cebu, Iloilo, Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Tacloban City," said Aquino in Filipino.

The Province of Cebu has asked the government for P12.2 billion for the rehabilitation of 15 towns and one city in the north that suffered severe damage when Yolanda struck the Visayas last November 8.

The rehabilitation plans, including those of Samar and Leyte, were submitted to and signed by the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) Cabinet cluster headed by rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson last May in Cebu City.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III was reportedly informed about the approval of the plans last Friday, radio dyLA reported.

Lacson, in an interview after Aquino's Sona, said a total of P96-billion budget has been asked for the rehabilitation of the areas mentioned above, adding that they will complete the comprehensive master rehabilitation plan by August 1.

Lacson said his task now is to monitor what will be done with the approval of the rehab plans. He added that the funding requirement for the rehabilitation of all areas struck by Yolanda has reached P106.7 billion.

Also on Monday, Aquino expressed his gratitude to other countries, non-government organizations and communities from all over the world that extended their help after Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2013.

"Given the Filipino people’s readiness to render assistance to the best of our abilities -- the world saw it fit to come to our aid," he said. "Thank you... Our point of solidarity will never be forgotten."

Citing the United Nations Aquino said the Philippines is now rehabilitating from the effects of Yolanda.

The typhoon had affected 1.7 million families, while 44 provinces were badly hit. In Cebu alone, at least 15 towns and one city were affected. (LMY/With Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)

Cebu City Council calls DENR 7, MGB 7 for Aug. 20 public hearing on geo-hazard maps

(PNA), SCS/EB/

CEBU CITY, July 27 (PNA) -- The Cebu City Council has requested Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 officials to appear in a public hearing on Aug. 20 on the significance of geo-hazard maps.

The DENR, through MGB, is tasked to distribute maps to all local government units (LGUs).

Councilor Alvin Dizon, in a resolution approved by the City Council, said the appearance of the officials would help orient the council members and Cebuanos on the details, uses, and significance of geo-hazard maps as integral part of disaster preparedness and risk reduction and management efforts.

“It is of utmost importance that LGUs should be educated on how to read these geo-hazard maps and thoroughly understand their value and uses in their disaster risk reduction and management efforts,” he said.

Dizon said strong typhoons and weather disturbances have been considered nowadays as the “new normal” due to climate change.

He said it is imperative for local communities to increase disaster preparedness measures because typhoons are now getting stronger.

“At the frontline of disaster preparedness are local government units which must be equipped with valuable life-saving information regarding risks and hazards present in their communities to minimize, if not totally avoid casualties and damages when a natural hazard occurs,” the resolution reads.

The council also invited representatives from the Association of Barangay Councils, Barangay Councilors' League of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter, and the Cebu City Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Navy eyes base in Mactan as home of Philippine fleet

By pna.gov.ph

CEBU CITY, July 26 (PNA) -- The Philippine Navy is planning to convert their naval base in Mactan, Cebu into the new home for its Philippine Fleet.

Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, the Philippine Navy's Flag Officer in Command, said Cebu is the ideal site to accommodate the Philippine Fleet because it is the hub of all the shipping companies, repair facilities and because of Cebu’s accessibility to air and sea ports.

"Considering the strength of the area, this will be the official place and home for all our support and current floating assets and those that will be acquired in the future,” Millan said.

Millan said he has asked Commodore Ronald Joseph Mercado, the new Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) chief, to make Cebu's Naval Base Rafael Ramos as a hub for all its ground and sea assets under the Philippine Fleet.

Mercado, who hails from Banawa, Cebu City, replaced former Navforcen commander Commodore Reynaldo Yoma who will be the new commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Forces.

Mercado was last assigned with the Offshore Combat Force of the Philippine Navy.

Mercado said he is willing to take the challenge as the new Navforcen chief.

He also vowed to continue and strengthen the humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the Visayas.

"We need to be more prepared after what we have experienced and we already learned our lesson," Mercado said.

Millan said Yoma did well particularly when he faced three major man-made and natural calamities -- a sea collision, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Cebu and Bohol and super typhoon Yolanda in most parts of the Visayas -- during his stint. (PNA) JBP/EB

Distribution of vehicles an executive dep’t decision

By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/ATO


CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said that the distribution of the vehicles to the barangays in the city is the discretion of the executive department.

However, he stressed that the important thing to consider is that the vehicles brought by the city government should primarily be used for official purposes only.

The controversy emerged when the City Council questioned the General Services Office last Wednesday on why some barangay captains are asking for pickup vehicles when, based on the list of the GSO, they were already given one.

City Councilor Margarita Osmeña said that the city allocated P80 million from the 2012 budget for vehicles to be distributed to the 80 barangays.

In a public hearing, it reportedly appeared that majority of the vehicles were assigned to the allies of Mayor Michael Rama.

With this, the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan-dominated council asked the GSO to revisit its policy in assigning vehicles to barangays.

Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: “So, what I would advise is that whether regardless of whose given the official custody should see to it that these official vehicles should only be used for official purpose,” Labella said.

GSO chief Dionisio Gualiza was invited to appear before the City Council after City Councilor Gerardo Carillo inquired on the whereabouts of the vehicle given to Barangay Pahina San Nicolas that was issued to Barangay Councilor John Paul Go.

Carillo asked on where the vehicle is considering that John Paul Go was defeated in the last election.

City Council members expressed surprise during the hearing when Gualiza said the vehicle was turned over to City Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos, an ally of Rama.

Delos Santos said that she was also surprised because she does not know where the service vehicle she is currently using came from.

With this, Carillo said someone should be held liable, saying that this is a case of technical malversation since the City Council has appropriated something for the barangay but was used for another purpose which is not intended in the budget ordinance.

However, Labella, a lawyer by profession, did not agree with Carillo.

“Technical malversation is the layman’s term of illegal use for public funds that is defined and penalized in the Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code,” Labella said.

Revised Penal Code Article 220 - Illegal use of public funds or property states that “any public officer who shall apply any public fund or property under his administration to any public use other than for which such fund or property were appropriated by law or ordinance shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its minimum period or a fine ranging from one-half to the total of the sum misapplied, if by reason of such misapplication, any damages or embarrassment shall have resulted to the public service. In either case, the offender shall also suffer the penalty of temporary special disqualification.”

“There is no dispute since it was given to the barangays. So, the purpose for which the vehicles were purchased for the barangay. How could that be illegal use for public funds,” Labella said, adding that maybe there is a question to whom the vehicle is given but that does not constitute to the illegal use of public funds. (FREEMAN)

Patient shoots doc inside clinic then kills self

By Jill Tatoy-Rabor


CEBU CITY (Updated) -- An orthopedic doctor was shot dead mid-morning today, Thursday, by his male patient, who then killed himself, inside his clinic at the Sacred Heart Hospital on Villa Aznar Road, Urgello, Cebu City.

Dr. Cris Cecil Abbu was shot by Wilfredo Sabonsolin, 72, a former seaman who had been his patient for some time. Abbu succumbed to two gunshot wounds; he was declared dead at 10:30 a.m.

Police found Sabonsolin sitting on a wheelchair inside the rehabilitation room of Abbu's clinic. Also found in the crime scene were a .38 pistol and two empty shells. Sabonsolin was seen carrying a sling bag when he entered the clinic.

In a radio dySS interview, Cebu City Police Office Director Noli Romana, who is at the hospital, surmised that Sabonsolin's ongoing treatment for his condition may have triggered him to shoot Abbu.

Sabonsolin has problems with his vertebral column and has been operated on twice by Abbu. (Sun.Star Cebu)

Cebu City Council asks inventor to submit proposal for magnet-run monorail

By balita.ph


CEBU CITY, July 22 — The Cebu City council has asked an inventor to submit a formal proposal for a magnet-driven elevated monorail mass transport system for the city. Jose Guardo of Maglev Vision Corporation, the inventor of the Mixed-Use, Multi-Functional Elevated Maglev Monorail, earlier told the council the monorail is cheaper than the conventional train. The monorail, he said, will also complement the city’s P10.6-billion Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which is expected to be operational by 2017. Guardo said the monorail does not use electricity but runs on the rail through magnetic levitation. “No need for electricity for it to run. The monorail uses magnetic levitation. It floats and glides through the magnet,” he said. “It’s like a train, but it has no contact with the tracks,” he said. Guardo said the transport system can last for 100 years with lesser cost of maintenance. Guardo said a conventional rail lasts 10 to 20 years, and has to be replaced. He said the transport system can accommodate at least 60 passengers with the standard of three couches and can travel at a maximum speed of 120 kilometers an hour. Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he was not keen on the system because it could block the city’s scenic views. (PNA) LAP/EB/

Cebu guv welcomes COA’s participation in assessing CICC

By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo With Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Michael Vencynth H. Braga/BRP (The Freeman)


CEBU CITY, July 22 (PNA) -- Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he welcomed the Commission on Audit’s (COA) involvement in the assessment of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) should the provincial government decide to sell the property.

Davide said COA’s involvement will avoid any hitches in the proper valuation of the CICC, which was built by the provincial government at a cost of more than P800 million in a property owned by the Mandaue City Government.

The lot was valued at P457,632,000.

Mandaue City, which expressed intention to buy the CICC, assessed the property at only P200 million, a third of the provincial government’s assessed value of P600 million.

Davide said COA’s participation will avoid later accusations that the provincial government was placed at a disadvantage.

The CICC was built during the time of former governor and now Cebu third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia as one of the main venues of the 2007 Association of Southeast Asian Nationas (Asean) Summit.

After the Asean Summit in 2007, the building had been used as a venue for product exhibits, concerts, school events and others, until it was damaged by last year’s earthquake and typhoon.

The property has been lying idle after the series of calamities.

Davide said the provincial government will no longer spend for its repair or maintenance because it was not earning ever since. (PNA) CTB/EB/

No strike, but city ready

By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo With Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Michael Vencynth H. Braga/BRP (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government assured that the public transportation situation in the city today would be normal.

"Yes, makapasalig gyud mi nga dili ma-cripple atong transportation tomorrow (July 21)," said City Traffic Operations Management operations chief Joy Tumulak yesterday.

Majority of transport groups excluding PISTON-Cebu decided not to push through with the strike after Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Jun Abaya directed officials from Land Transportation Office-7 and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board-7 to get all the complaints and documents of the transport groups so the joint order will be reviewed.

Because of this commitment from DOTC, transport leaders have agreed not to resort to strike and are expected to submit all their suggestions today to LTFRB-7 and LTO-7.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said that the City has prepared 86 vehicles to augment the public transportation, just in case.

"Maayo pod unta og motuman ang atong mga transport groups sa ilang saad not to conduct transport strike kay dili pod maayo kon mag-suffer ang mga Sugboanon, kay dili raba sala nila," he said.

Labella said making preparations for a transport strike was one of the instructions Mayor Michael Rama gave him before leaving for a month's vacation.

"Bisan pa og giplanohan nga dili modayon, matud pa ni Mayor Rama nga mas maayong andam gyod kanunay… It's better to be prepared than not prepared at all," he said.

He said that the City prepared 24 Kaohsiung buses, 33 barangay vehicles and 14 Ceres buses. Ten buses were also pledged by the Cebu Institute of Technology-University and five trucks by Central Command to be on standby.

Tumulak said that vehicles prepared by the city will be stationed in Mambaling, City Hall and in the Fuente Osmeña rotunda. He said that CITOM enforcers will be monitoring in their areas and will report to the command center if they spot stranded commuters.

Labella said that policemen and barangay tanods will be deployed in the thoroughfares to maintain security. He said that he will be at the command center at Mambaling at 5 a.m. today to monitor the flow of the public transportation.

"Nagpasalamat ko's mga transport groups nga majority gyod nila ang ni-commit nga dili gyod mag-strike, ug dako kaayo ko'g pagsalig nga motuman sila," he said.

Labella added they will still help the transport groups air their grievances to the national agencies that imposed the stiffer fines.

PISTON-Cebu to hold transport rally in Mandaue

Mandaue City commuters should prepare for some inconvenience after a transport group announced they will be holding a rally today from Barangay Ibabao-Estancia to the City Hall in Mandaue City.

Greg Perez, president of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper and Opereytors Nationwide-Cebu said that their member drivers of jeepneys, tricycles and multicabs will be joining the said rally.

"Di ni siya strike but rally lang. Pero naa gyuy gamay nga epekto sa trasportasyon labi na sa ruta sa Mandaue," said Perez yesterday.

He said that they will hold a short program in front of the City Hall after which they will submit their petition to the City Council urging them to pass a resolution in support of the scrapping of the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

"Ang among panawagan nga ang tibuok JAO, ipabasura gyud tungod kay unconstitutional kini," said Perez.

The joint order, which prescribes heavier penalties and fines for traffic violations, was jointly implemented by the DOTC, LTO and LTFRB last July 19. It also raised the fines imposed on those found operating colorum vehicles to up to P1 million.

The controversial joint order drew a lot of protests and complaints from drivers and operators nationwide.

Perez, however, said that their counterparts in Manila moved for the scrapping of the said joint order, not just a partial implementation.

Strike not a solution

Governor Hilario Davide III said a strike is not an immediate solution to air concerns regarding the implementation of the joint order.

"There are so many ways nga mapadungog ilang reklamo or what they want to say. They can always go to court to question the JAO. They can petition the LTFRB," he told reporters, adding that the operators and drivers are causing the riding public inconvenience with any strike.

"I heard from (Ahmed) Cuizon, they were given time to question (it) yet they did not take advantage… They just want to paralyze the transpo," Davide said, referring to the director of LTFRB-7.

Davide further advised the drivers to be cautious instead and do away with committing violations.

"With regards to penalty, di ta kasabot sa ubang drivers nga illegal na ang ila, question-on pa gyod nila ang penalties," he said, referring to those operating colorum vehicles.

Work at the Capitol will not be suspended, Davide said. However, he assured that enough buses will be made available to transport the employees and the stranded passengers.







Child beneficiaries of 4Ps to get P200 more

By pna.gov.ph


CEBU CITY, July 20 (PNA) -- Child beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will get an additional P200 to be used in the implementation of K to 12 Program.

The amount is on top of the P500 educational grant already given to qualified high school students enrolled in 4Ps.

DSWD 7 has identified 133,846 households in Central Visayas with high school student beneficiaries, which are qualified for the educational grant and the latest additional cash.

The policy enhancement took effect January 2014.

This additional cash assistance was intended to ensure that beneficiaries finish high school, taking into account the K-12 system of the Department of Education.

High school beneficiaries who were compliant with the educational conditionality of the program from January to April this year will receive P800 each.

After the differential payout, the additional P200 educational grant will now be automatically included in the regular grant of the beneficiaries.

With this development, high school Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries shall now receive P500 as monthly educational grant, while those in elementary will continue to have the P300 assistance.

In Cebu province, a total of 64,433 4Ps household with high school students were identified as beneficiaries of the additional educational grant, followed by Bohol with 36,695, Negros Oriental with 30,479 and Siquijor with 2,239.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program provides cash grants to poor households with children 0-18 years old and/or pregnant mothers, provided that they comply with the conditions set by the program.

Part of its conditions include day-care and school enrollment attendance equivalent to 85 percent of the total school days for children 3 to 18 years old. (PNA) CTB/EB/

CH wants crackdown on hoarders

By Richiel S. Chavez

THE Cebu City Government is asking the National Food Authority, the National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to inspect warehouses in the city.

This is to support the National Government’s crackdown on hoarders of rice, garlic and other market products.

In his approved resolution, Councilor Alvin Dizon said fraudulent and illegal practices caused the prices of rice and garlic, among other products that are considered basic commodities, to go up.

A citizen’s right

“One of the avowed rights of consumers is the right to basic needs, which guarantees survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation,” he said in his resolution.

The councilor said consumers should have access to good quality basic and prime commodities at an affordable price.

Recently, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Presidential Assistant for Food and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan spearheaded successful operations against hoarders of rice, garlic and other market products in Luzon.

The success against the illegal practice, Dizon said, must be sustained and other local government units like Cebu City should help the national campaign.

“The recent massive hoarding of rice, garlic and other products, which resulted to sudden price hikes, is detrimental to the interest of the consumers and the government must undertake strong measures to hold accountable those who engage in hoarding,” he said.

Aside from government agencies, the City is also asking the public to help in the anti-hoarding campaign.

Dizon said they should report to authorities any warehouse or establishment that holds an abnormal amount of market products.

A successful operation in the city, he said, will serve as a warning to hoarders.

‘Cebu Goes Culinary’ at SM

By sunstar.com.ph

THE Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu together with SM City Cebu are proud to present the biggest and most prestigious culinary competition in the Visayas—the Cebu Goes Culinary (CGC), on July 25 and 26.

The participants of the competition are professional chefs from the different hotels and resorts in the province, aspiring culinary students including those in neighboring provinces like Bohol and Negros.

With vast 20 culinary-related categories, the event will put the skills, artistry, creativity and speed of cooking and bartending of participants. It will have three competing categories: professional, culinary schools, and the academe. Celebrity chefs Myrna Segismundo, Hilda Sandique, Glenda Barretto, Penk Tan, Raul Ramos, Sau del Rosario, Norbert Gandler and Sandy Daza, are also slated to grace the event.

Graced every two years with a different relevant theme to boot, this year being, “Spice Up,” the event fosters a light, fun and friendly competition among experienced hoteliers and students who are future players of the industry. On its 10th year, Cebu Goes Culinary has grown in magnitude in terms of participation and audience.

Participants of the CGC 2014 will compete in cold buffet platter, plated appetizers, healthy breakfast on a tray, live cooking and chef wars with a theme of The Classic French, dream team challenge with Bollywood as theme, Asian noodle challenge, torta wars, dress the cake, fruit and vegetable art with the theme of SM’s My Seaside City and cocktail mixing.

The two-day culinary event will be held at the Cebu Trade Hall and Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu. (PR)

Storm tows barge

By Elias O. Baquero, Flornisa M. Gitgano, Justin K. Vestil, Razel V. Cuizon and Rebelander S. Basilan


A BARGE loaded with coal for a Cebu power plant ran aground in Barangay Tulay, Minglanilla, after typhoon Glenda’s winds carried it away from the City of Naga, where it had been anchored, last Tuesday night.

The barge’s crew of 10 Indonesians survived after local fishermen rescued them from the vessel.

Glenda is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) today. But Nedz Saletrero, Mactan Station weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said that residents of Cebu can expect cloudy and isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms until Saturday.

“We can expect rains again on Sunday because of a tropical depression heading toward the PAR,” she said in a phone interview.

Saletrero said the tropical depression is expected to enter the Philippine territory on Friday and may follow the same path taken by Glenda, but added it was still too early to predict its movement.

In Luzon, Glenda knocked out power in many areas and damaged a parked jetliner, but Metro Manila was largely spared when the storm’s fierce winds shifted direction.

Glenda (international name: Rammasun) unleashed winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 185 kph, bringing down trees and electric posts and ripping off roofs.

Around 370,000 people moved from high-risk villages to emergency shelters in six provinces.

The initial death toll ranged from 12 to 20 persons, but is expected to rise.

‘Pope’ grounded

A fire volunteer died when he was hit by a block of concrete while hauling down a Philippine flag in Pasig, said Francis Tolentino, chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Rammasun, the Thai term for god of thunder, is the seventh storm to batter the Philippines this year.

From Cebu, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) allowed all vessels to resume their trips at 6 a.m. yesterday, except for the MV St. Pope John Paul, which was bound for Manila.

At Mactan Airport, General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said 34 flights were cancelled because of typhoon Glenda.

Seven flights of Philippine Airlines, 12 flights of Cebu Pacific and five flights from Air Asia were evacuated from Manila to Cebu.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Central Visayas reported there was no major damage to public schools, especially in northern Cebu, as a result of typhoon Glenda.

Dr. Carmelita Dulangon, DepEd 7 director, said makeshift classrooms in Bantayan Island, which were installed after typhoon Yolanda, were affected. But she assured the problem was manageable.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes did not suspend the classes yesterday. In Lapu-Lapu, students and teachers stayed home as Mayor Paz Radaza suspended the classes in elementary and secondary schools.

Classes

Classes resumed in elementary and secondary schools in Cebu City yesterday morning, but intermittent rain prompted Mayor Michael Rama to order a 3 p.m. dismissal.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CCDRRMC) recommended the move.

Classes in the city’s night high schools were also suspended last night.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the CCDRRMC, said no major incidents were recorded, except for a landslide in Barangay Tagbao late Tuesday afternoon.

It covered part of the road, but barangay officials cleared the area yesterday.

Dulangon revealed that despite announcements by the Cebu Provincial Government to suspend all public elementary and secondary classes yesterday, some local governments chose to proceed with classes. (Only the chief executive of a municipality or city can suspend classes during calamities, she explained.)

Dulangon confirmed that the cities of Toledo, Carcar, Mandaue and some local governments in southern Cebu did not suspend classes, as Glenda did not hit them directly.

Crew safe

The cargo vessel that ran aground in Minglanilla was in Cebu to deliver coal to the Korean Power Company’s plant in the City of Naga, said PO2 Vincent Alinabo, Minglanilla Police Station desk officer.

The vessel, which is registered in Indonesia, docked in Naga last July 1 and was awaiting clearance to sail back to Indonesia when typhoon Glenda arrived.

Mohammad Hasan, the chief mate, told police their barge was anchored off Barangay Colon around 8 p.m. last Tuesday, just as strong winds were starting to blow.

The crew stayed in a separate tugboat, and reportedly didn’t notice that the rope holding the barge’s anchor had been detached.

When they noticed the barge was moving away, Hasan and two crew members immediately went to the vessel and tried to maneuver it to safety, but strong winds made the task impossible.

The barge, which can carry about 8,000 tons of coal, was swept toward Barangay Tulay in Minglanilla, about six kilometers away from Barangay Colon, then ran aground.

‘Seriously’

Alinabo said that the police responded after a barangay councilor came to their station to report the emergency.

Cebu’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) received no reports about casualties or damage caused by typhoon Glenda.

Dennis Chiong, chief of operations of the PDRMMO, said that most people “really take advisories seriously” nowadays. He cited the preparation of evacuation centers and family food packs by local governments.

But while Glenda is set to leave the country today, Olivia Luces, director of the Office of the Civil Defense 7, said people should remain vigilant, considering the rain.

“Once saturated na ang kalupaan (Once the land is saturated), it is prone to landslides,” Luces said.

Some mayors of northern Cebu towns, which suffered the most in the province when Yolanda struck last November, said there was no major damage yesterday.

Medellin Mayor Ricky Ramirez said three pump boats were damaged in the Alpine wharf in Barangay Kawit. No one was injured.

Vigilance

In Daanbantayan, Mayor Augusto Corro said they evacuated 20 families last Tuesday to the barangay hall when the sea level rose in Sitio Suba, Barangay Talisay.

Corro said they were allowed to go home once the weather cleared.

San Francisco Mayor Aly Arquillano said no injuries were recorded in his community.

Disaster responders in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu monitored coastal and riverside villages as heavy rains brought by typhoon Glenda fell Tuesday night and yesterday morning, but no evacuations were enforced.

In Mandaue, members of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) went around the city and gave hourly updates to the City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office.

Glenn Antigua, Team’s assistant for operations, said the volume of water in the Butuanon and Mahiga rivers increased.

Watching rivers

But no landslides in mountain barangays and floods, he said, were reported.

“We still monitor the rivers from time to time,” he told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday afternoon.

No evacuations were enforced in coastal areas in Lapu-Lapu, said City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez.

Most sea trips from Cebu to other parts of the country resumed yesterday.

Commander Rodolfo Villajuan, chief of the Coast Guard Station Cebu, said that there were about 29 vessels which were not allowed to sail the other night but resumed operations yesterday morning.

The one that wasn’t allowed to sail, because it was headed for the typhoon’s path, had 860 passengers on board.

Other vessels using the ports in Argao, Barangay Bato in Santander, Tanguil in Dumanjug, Toledo City and Tabuelan were also not allowed to operate last Tuesday night.

An estimated 1,332 passengers were affected in Cebu’s ports alone. (With an Associated Press report)

Hotel awards 5 honest cab drivers

By Gregg M. Rubio/JMD (The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu has awarded five “honest” taxi drivers for returning valuables and cash left by guest in their taxi cabs.

Of the five awardees, taxi drivers Warlito Gonzales, Cayo dela Peña and Frankie Bautista showed up at the awarding during the 888 News Forum at said hotel yesterday.

Other awardees were Ronnet Manguiran and Juanito Moldes.

Human resource manager Cely Osumo and the hotel’s chief security officer Colonel Rene Ferenal led the awarding on behalf of their general manager Hans Hauri.

Osumo emphasized that the honesty exemplified by the drivers creates value in the industry. “These taxi drivers create impressive value for the hotel,” she said.

Ferenal said they honor taxi drivers who could return any items left by their guests. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Marco Polo Plaza has already allowed 60 taxi units to park in its space for free and pick up passengers from the hotel. No “pakyaw system” is allowed to these taxi drivers for guests coming out from the hotel.

Ferenal said these taxi drivers can even use their facilities for free. They can, for example, take a bath at the hotel.

Aside from the certificate of recognition, Osumo said they also gave cash to the awardees but refused to divulge the amount.

She said owners of the returned items and cash are also giving rewards to the honest taxi drivers.

After lot donor’s query City to pursue Bonbon hospital plan

By By Mechelle P. Florita /JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines- Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama confirmed that the city government will pursue the construction of the hospital in Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City.

This after Estela Domingo made a query to the City Council on whether the city government is still willing to pursue the project after her family donated the lot for the project in 2011.

“It has been four years since the Deed of Donation was executed and accepted by Mayor Michael Rama for and in behalf of Cebu City government, yet, there is still no construction of hospital or school on the said property,” she said.

The property has an area of more or less 5,000 square meters which will be used for the construction of the hospital for the benefit and welfare of the people in the said baranagy and in nearby areas.

“I am compelled to inquire from the Cebu City government through the Sangguniang Panlungsod if it is interested to pursue the project,” she added.

However, Rama, in a press conference yesterday, did not specifically tell reporters when the project would start.

Based on earlier reports, Rama said the hospital in the said barangay will be constructed in his second term.

This will cater to the residents in the mountain barangays and who cannot immediately go to the city for medical treatment.

According to Lawyer Joey Daluz III, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee, there is a budget of P5 million for the project. The budget was approved in 2012 and is intact until now, he added.

“Wala lang maka prepare ang DEPW (Department of Engineering and Public Works) og POWE (Program of Works and Estimate) ana. Pero sige ato lang silang i-remind ana,” he said.

PPI-Holcim launch award for construction reporting

By CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

CEBU CITY -- The Philippine Press Institute in partnership with Holcim Philippines launched the HOLCIM-PPI Journalism Awards for Sustainable Construction Reporting, during a seminar-workshop it conducted in Cebu City, Saturday.

The seminar on the significance of writing stories in relation to sustainable construction, that was attended by 15 journalists in the Visayan region, is part of the awards program and in preparation for it.

PPI chairman Jess Dureza encouraged the participants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to start writing stories about sustainable construction starting August 1, since the contest will run for a year.

There will be a team that will monitor and evaluate qualified entries for the competition. The winning reporter will receive a cash prize of P50,000, while the newspaper he or she represents will also win P75,000 in cash, he said.

Aside from Dureza, other resource speakers were Don Gil Carreon of Holcim Philippines Media Specialist, Miguel Guerrero, chairman of Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines, and Tess Bacala of PPI, who imparted to the participants their knowledge and experience to help equip them to write about sustainable construction and how they can impart their knowledge to the public to make them aware of its advantages.

Also present was Social Welfare Officer 2 Jennifer Abastillas.

PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino said the construction industry plays a key role in ensuring sustainable development and the program seeks to encourage excellent reporting by the print media on the construction industry's impact on development.

Through sustainable construction, efficient energy consumption is enhanced and environmental impacts of construction projects reduced, he said.

These are just some of the benefits of sustainable construction, a core component of Holcim Philippines's corporate advocacy, he added.

Holcim Philippines promotes sustainable construction through various programs that help raise public awareness and support for its advocacy.

One of its flagship initiatives in this regard is the Holcim Journalism Awards for Sustainable Construction Reporting, which aims to raise awareness on the linkage between sustainable construction and development issues such as poverty alleviation, Sebellino added.*CGS

Construction of P5-billion BPO complex in Cebu City suffers delay due to Ayala block

By Philippines News Agency


CEBU CITY -- The construction of a proposed P5-billion business process outsourcing (BPO) complex in Barangay Apas, Cebu City has been delayed for a year for lack of access of construction equipment to the site.

The BPO complex, a joint venture between Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) and the Cebu provincial government, will rise on a 1.2-hectare lot that used to be occupied by the old Cebu City Jail known as the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said the problem lies with Ayala’s alleged refusal to give access to FLI’s heavy equipment through W. Yonson St. at the Cebu IT Park.

Under the original plan, the first tower of the four-tower complex was initially scheduled for turnover and operation before the May 2013 elections. But until now, none of the towers are completed.

The project site of Filinvest BPO complex is located outside the Cebu IT Park, which is a flagship project of the Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp. (CPVDC), but W. Yonson St. is the only wider access toward the site.

Davide said the street is a public road, according to the documents from CPVDC.

He said the road has been declared public a long time ago through a resolution by the Cebu City Council.

Under the joint venture agreement, FLI would pay Cebu Capitol P614,500 as rent per month for the 12,290-square-meter area, with a rate of P50 per square meter.

The agreement also provides that Filinvest shall pay Cebu province a two percent share every month of its gross revenue, or an equivalent of P500,000, whichever is higher.

Davide said the Capitol has been receiving P500,000 monthly from Filinvest since May last year.

Davide said he and FLI top executives have sought the assistance of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who promised them to talk to Ayala officials on the matter.

Council investigating identity of official who ordered food

By sunstar.com.ph


THE Cebu City Council is trying to find out who in the executive branch at City Hall ordered P5.2 million worth of packed meals for the barangay elections in October 2010.

The council also asked Red Carpet Catering what caused it to deliver packed meals to teachers and local government personnel who served in the 2010 barangay elections.

If the packed meals were delivered, is there a receipt that can be used as proof of delivery?

“We need to know why the transaction pushed through even without all the supporting documents,” Councilor Margarita Osmeña said during the council session last Wednesday.

Probe

The committee on budget and finance, headed by Osmeña, looked into the transaction after Red Carpet Catering asked the City Council’s help in collecting the payment for the packed meals.

City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas said payment to the caterer could not be made because there were no approved purchase request and purchase order.

Cuevas said the transaction was not covered by a bids and awards (BAC) resolution and there is no notice of award given to the caterer.

The City Government has not appropriated funds for the packed meals.

The absence of a bidding for the catering was questioned by the Commission on Audit.

Cuevas could not explain why the food was delivered even without supporting documents, saying she was not the treasurer when the transaction was made.

In 2012, Red Carpet Catering filed a civil case against City Hall to collect payment.

‘Check those century trees’

By Flornisa M. Gitgano and Justin K. Vestil


MAYORS and Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas of Cebu’s first district are calling the attention of two national agencies to look into the state of the century trees lining the national highway in southern Cebu.

This, after an acacia, planted in Balud, San Fernando more than 100 years ago, toppled at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday and crumpled a passing dump truck. The felled tree blocked the road and stalled traffic for hours.

The local officials directed their call to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

A DPWH 7 official said the accident justified what they have been telling DENR all along: that the century trees pose danger to motorists and residents and need to be removed.

In response to that, the DENR 7 ordered its environment officers to thoroughly assess and account for the health of the acacia trees along the major roads in Cebu for public safety.

Environment officials said the tree that fell in San Fernando was in severe decay.

Volunteers and barangay workers helped clear the road of the debris that blocked traffic for almost nine hours on the national highway.

The queue of vehicles reached as far as the Rotunda of Barangay Poblacion 1 in neighboring Carcar City, which is about 11 kilometers from the site in San Fernando town on the southern side.

The gridlock also reached as far as Barangay Tuyan in the City of Naga, going north.

Commuters, mostly students and workers, had to disembark buses, walk for more than three kilometers to transfer to vehicles on the opposite side to reach their destinations.

Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. and his team had gone to Balud, San Fernando to help clearing the road.

He said the lanes are passable now but the huge chopped trunks are still on the roadside.

The road was finally cleared for traffic at almost midnight.

The entire barangay also had no power for more than 12 hours because the tree dragged down with it the power lines and an electrical pole of the Visayan Electric Company (Veco).

CHECK

DENR 7 Director Isabelo Montejo yesterday said that he ordered the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources officers (Penro and Cenro) to check which trees are aged, diseased or defective.

Montejo said defective trees can pose hazards to lives and properties, that is why sanitary cutting and tree surgery must be done at once.

Tribunalo said he noticed the roots of the felled acacia were rotten and could no longer hold the ground.

He said that in assessing the trees, the strong winds or ground movements, the weight of the tree and to which direction it might fall should be considered.

He said the assessment should be made this month in keeping with the observance of July as Disaster Consciousness Month.

Tribunalo also suggested pruning the trees if needed.

The assessment will begin this week in Naga, Carcar, San Fernando and Sibonga.

DECAYING ROOTS

Cenro Cebu City forester Filemon Embalzado Jr. inspected the felled tree in San Fernando yesterday morning.

Embalzado found that the tree was on its advanced stage of decay, particularly near the roots.

Embalzado blamed the decay on the practice of hanging streamers, tarpaulins and other advertising materials on trees.

Montejo said that even burning materials within the base of the tree can severely damage the health of the tree.

DPWH wanted the defective century-old acacia trees growing along the southern highway removed.

Last year, DENR issued a special permit to DPWH to cut down 42 trees, including eight old acacia trees.

It was issued to facilitate road-widening works on the national highway of the cities of Naga and Carcar.

Gullas said Wednesday’s incident was not the first time that a felled acacia caused problems.

PREVIOUS INCIDENTS

In July 2013, a tree in Barangay Tinaan, City of Naga fell and jammed traffic in the area. No one was injured when that happened unlike that of last Wednesday.

In August 2011 in Sikatuna Street, Cebu City, an old acacia tree fell on a jeepney that had stopped for traffic, killing the drive.

“Do we have to wait until another tree falls and would not just injure, but take a life as well?” Gullas said.

Gullas asked DENR 7 to facilitate right away the release of the special cutting permit.

Gullas’s grandfather, former congressman Eduardo Gullas, initiated the road-widening project on the south road through his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

MAYORS

The mayors of Naga and Carcar agreed with Gullas that DPWH and DENR should give them feedback on the permit.

Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the residents and barangays officials already approved the call to cut defective trees along the highway.

Chiong said he will write the two agencies.

Carcar Mayor Nicepuro Apura said the century-old acacia trees in the city are protected by an ordinance.

But he agreed that defective trees must be removed as these pose danger to motorists.

Apura said he was one of those mired in the traffic the gridlock last Wednesday.

He said he wants the century trees in his city preserved for their heritage value but the defective ones should go.

Meanwhile, DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas clarified that road widening works in the south have yet to reach San Fernando.

Canlas said that the first phase of the road-widening project in Naga is “near completion,” despite DENR’s conditions set in the permit.







Cebu educational org to hold “Mindshare” sessions

By Rachelle M. Nessia (rmn/PIA-Cebu/with reports from CBE)

CEBU CITY, July 10 (PIA) --- A Cebu-based non-government organization is set to hold a series of “Mindshare” sessions in Cebu City from July to August this year.

The Coalition for Better Education (CBE) is holding the sessions to give participants a view of how education should be positioned that will lead schools to practice, and for students to acquire, 21st Century Learning Skills.

Dubbed the “LEAP Series,” the one-hour pep talks are anchored on the theme of CBE’s 13th year founding anniversary: “Leading, Enabling, Advancing and Promoting Education for 21st Century Learning,” according to a press statement from CBE.

The schedule for the sessions are:

“L-EADING” Sessions (for education leaders, decision-makers) Date: July 11, 2 – 5pm, CBE Center for Teacher Excellence, CNU Campus.
“E-NABLING” Sessions (for pre-service & in-service teachers) Date: July 18, 2-5 pm, University of the Visayas.
“A-DVANCING” Sessions (for all) Date: July 25, 10am – 5pm, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Basak Campus.
“P-ROMOTING” Exhibit of BEST PRACTICES in 21st Century Learning, Date: August 1, 3-8p.m., Harolds Hotel, Gorordo Avenue.

The 21st Century Learning is focused on three major themes: Learning and Collaboration Skills (Critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity), Life and Career Skills, ICT and Media Fluency Skills.

The sessions will discuss topics such as: Building Schools of the Future, How does my school rate under the 21st Century Score card, Mind mapping, Using ipads and tablets in Teaching, Advancing Education through ICT and Media Fluency, Teaching Life and Career Skills in the Classroom and other relevant topics on education.

A blended approach will be used as medium of communication where virtual and F2Fsessions will be conducted in collaboration with international and Philippine education experts.

Subsidized Fees are set at P250 for all L-E-A Sessions (CBE Members) and Php 300 (non-CBE members).

For those opting to attend the “L” or “E” sessions only, P100 for CBE members and P120 for non-CBE members will be assessed.

“A” sessions cost P 120 for CBE members and Php 150 for non-CBE members.

For more information, please contact CBE at 4164624 to 25 or email their office at admin@cbephils.net.

City Hall rounds up street kids following residents’ complaints

By Linette Ramos Cantalejo

NINE children aged seven to 12 were picked up by Cebu City Hall personnel yesterday morning during a clearing operation in Barangay Punta Princesa, following the complaints of business owners that the children sleep and leave garbage on the streets.

Cebu City Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team (Ceset) head Grace Luardo said they first went to F. Llamas St. to clear the sidewalks last Monday night after residents and business owners complained to Mayor Michael Rama about the presence of the children.

“The business owners complained that no matter what they do to clean the areas around their establishments, kaning mga libod suroy maghugaw-hugaw gyud. Diha na mangatulog sa sidewalk unya pamiyaan lang ilang mga hugaw (The kids sleep on the sidewalk near their stores and leave their wastes there),” she told Sun.Star Cebu.

During the operation past 9 a.m. yesterday, around seven Ceset personnel saw close to 20 children in the area but managed to collar only seven of them. Some of the children were seen smoking.

Wastes

The City Hall workers picked up cardboard boxes that the street dwellers used as sleeping mats, which they left on the sidewalk.

They also hauled bottles, cans and other containers that the children collected.

Luardo said they even found and had to clean up human waste in the area.

The children were brought to the Ceset office at the North Reclamation Area and were turned over to the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Board yesterday afternoon.

Gender and Development personnel from Punta Princesa recognized the children, who reportedly confessed that they left their homes in Barangay Mambaling to live in the streets.

To keep them off the streets permanently, Luardo sent citation tickets to the children’s parents yesterday afternoon, with notices to proceed to the Ceset office for a dialogue.

“We have identified the parents and we will talk to them because they cannot just leave their children in the streets. We learned that some of them come from broken families. The fathers are drunks or are into gambling. Whatever the situation is, they have to cooperate to make sure their children are safe,” she said.

City Hall rounds up street kids following residents’ complaints

By Linette Ramos Cantalejo

NINE children aged seven to 12 were picked up by Cebu City Hall personnel yesterday morning during a clearing operation in Barangay Punta Princesa, following the complaints of business owners that the children sleep and leave garbage on the streets.

Cebu City Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team (Ceset) head Grace Luardo said they first went to F. Llamas St. to clear the sidewalks last Monday night after residents and business owners complained to Mayor Michael Rama about the presence of the children.

“The business owners complained that no matter what they do to clean the areas around their establishments, kaning mga libod suroy maghugaw-hugaw gyud. Diha na mangatulog sa sidewalk unya pamiyaan lang ilang mga hugaw (The kids sleep on the sidewalk near their stores and leave their wastes there),” she told Sun.Star Cebu.

During the operation past 9 a.m. yesterday, around seven Ceset personnel saw close to 20 children in the area but managed to collar only seven of them. Some of the children were seen smoking.

Wastes

The City Hall workers picked up cardboard boxes that the street dwellers used as sleeping mats, which they left on the sidewalk.

They also hauled bottles, cans and other containers that the children collected.

Luardo said they even found and had to clean up human waste in the area.

The children were brought to the Ceset office at the North Reclamation Area and were turned over to the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Board yesterday afternoon.

Gender and Development personnel from Punta Princesa recognized the children, who reportedly confessed that they left their homes in Barangay Mambaling to live in the streets.

To keep them off the streets permanently, Luardo sent citation tickets to the children’s parents yesterday afternoon, with notices to proceed to the Ceset office for a dialogue.

“We have identified the parents and we will talk to them because they cannot just leave their children in the streets. We learned that some of them come from broken families. The fathers are drunks or are into gambling. Whatever the situation is, they have to cooperate to make sure their children are safe,” she said.

Boost drive against illegal drugs or face raps, Cebu cops told

By Davinci S. Maru and Jill Tatoy-Rabor

THE Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) is assessing the performance of all police station chiefs in the campaign against illegal drugs.

This, after CPPO operatives caught four people and seized P600,000 worth of shabu in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City during a raid last Saturday.

In Cebu City last Sunday, the police seized 15 small packs of what is believed to be shabu and a pack of ampules containing an injectable drug called Ashtec-10.

Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac, CPPO director, yesterday warned police station chiefs to boost their efforts in stamping out illegal drugs or they'll be sorry.

“I will be forced to relieve them and file administrative charges for non-performance of their duties and responsibilities,” he said during a press briefing.

Like candy

The Talisay City Police Station, led by Supt. Reycel Carmelo Dayon, reportedly conducted saturation drives in Barangay Tangke.

Gillamac said CPPO found out that selling of illegal drugs in Barangay Tangke was rampant only during a surveillance conducted by Provincial Intelligence Branch and Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group.

“Mora ra og candy nga paliton nimo didto ang shabu (Buying shabu is as easy as buying candy),” he told reporters.

Gillamac said police stations chiefs should not wait for PIB and PAIDSOTG to come to their areas to conduct raids against illegal drugs, but act on the problem immediately.

Failing to arrest drug personalities, he said, might be misconstrued as coddling criminals. He also doesn't want to hear their explanation.

“A concrete accomplishment is the best explanation. Just do your job,” he said.

Priority

The CPPO listed six towns and cities in Cebu Province as priority areas in its campaign against illegal drugs, the flagship program of the PNP. These are the towns of Consolacion and Medellin, and the cities of Bogo, Danao, Talisay and Toledo.

Gillamac also directed police station chiefs to nail down the source of drugs and not just mere street pushers.

“Drugs can really harm people, especially the whole society. If this continues, sooner or later, all will become victims,” he said.

In Cebu City, 15 small packs of what is believed to be shabu were seized from Webster Crystal Villegas, who was seen by a San Nicolas Police Station patrol team in Tres de Abril St., Barangay Pahina in Cebu City.

San Nicolas Police Chief Chuck Barandog said Villegas is in their drug watch list allegedly as a level 3 drug pusher who can dispose of at least 200 grams of shabu a week.

At 8:30 p.m. last Sunday, the Cebu City Intelligence Branch (CIB) conducted a raid in Barangay Kamagayan and confiscated a back containing 10 ampules of Ashtec-10 or nalbuphine hydrochloride, which reportedly has similar effects as the painkiller injectable Nubain.

The ampules, reportedly worth about P5,000, were allegedly seized from Evelyn Pital Cuico, 45, who is detained at the Cebu City Police Office stockade awaiting the filing of charges against her.

CIB Chief Romeo Santander said it was their first confiscation of Ashtec-10 in Barangay Kamagayan.

Traffic signal system in north area a priority

By Kristine B. Quintas/JMO

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management will prioritize the upgrading of the traffic signal system in major intersections at the city’s north corridor once the City Council approves this year’s second Supplemental Budget.

Of Mayor Michael Michael Rama’s P500-million proposed additional funding, P27 million is allocated to “realign and rehabilitate certain traffic lights in key intersections in North” in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation next year and the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

“We understand that most of the venues that the APEC is looking at are mostly based in North. That is understandable considering that our major hotels naa sa North,” CITOM Executive Director Atty. Rafael Yap said

“We want to enhance our flow of traffic since we want to present our best foot forward when these international delegates come here,” he said.

In a resolution, the CITOM Board stressed the need to upgrade and update the “obsolete” system considering that the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System was acquired way back in 1991 or 23 years ago under the backing of the Metro Cebu Development Project-3.

The system is believed to help prevent traffic congestion in major and minor thoroughfares.

Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: Yap said Rama is asking the national government and the Department of Public Works and Highways to pour more infrastructure projects to Cebu to increase the city’s investments and businesses.

“If there are national government-funded projects in the city, it will benefit not only the North but network-wide. Also, traffic system in the neighboring cities and municipalities would be improved,” he said.

In a separate development, CITOM has supported the move of the Regional Development Council to endorse additional route of the Bus Rapid System up to airport and other local government units.

“The plan to propose additional route for BRT is natural, very welcome initiative and very laudable. Cebu is not just an origin or destination in Metro Cebu, there are also Lapu-Lapu, Talisay…,” Yap said hoping that the Department of Transportation and Communication would consider the proposal.

RDC’s priority action plan is to widen the BRT route with Bulacao-Talisay; Talisay-Cebu City-Mandaue City; Ayala Center-SM-North Bus Terminal; Talisay City-Airport Express; Lapu-lapu City-Cordova; and Talamban-Canduman-Mandaue.

The BRT will cover 16 kilometers and will be built in two phases. The first phase will be from Bulacao to the Cebu Business District, with links to the malls Ayala Center and SM City Cebu while the second phase will be from Ayala Center to Talamban. (FREEMAN)

Buzz: New ‘attractions’ in Cebu City

By Rene U. Borromeo /JMD (The Freeman)

AN ONLINE travel blog urges foreign visitors to skip Manila and go to Cebu with its rich culture and many attractive destinations.

But the blog post on Cebu City does not mention any of the heritage sites the city is known for, like the Basilica del Sto. Niño, Magellan’s Cross or Fort San Pedro. It serves as guide for foreigners looking for quick and easy sex with Filipino girls.

The blog identified four areas where this is possible: Mango (Gen. Maxilom Ave. and nearby areas, including Fuente); malls; the Asiatown I.T. Park; and the Internet. Like most travel blogs, the reader gets suggested prices so he won’t overpay.

The post is written primarily for Caucasian males, although it points out that in the Philippines, race does not matter as long as you have money.

Unfortunately, many of those who read the post appreciated the information it provided. There were a few who condemned the generalizations made by the post (it gave the impression that all Filipino women who are with foreign men at coffee shops are prostitutes) and rightly so. But the post does reflect one truth: there are Filipino women who prowl coffee shops at malls to solicit money for sex.

What is more disturbing is that some of those who commented on the post say they are looking forward to visit Cebu and sample the attractions that the blog mentioned.

As one comment has pointed out, prostitution exists everywhere. It even existed in biblical times.

The post elicits an emotional response among Cebuanos, naturally. Cebuanos in government and the private sector ought to use that anger to fuel programs that provide more livelihood opportunities and quality education to the under-privileged.

Turning point

THERE would have been no need for Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s no-left-turn policy on Archbishop Reyes and Gov. M. Cuenco Aves., connecting Banilad and Talamban, if all motorists followed regulations associated with road markings.

According to an Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) primer, a solid yellow line in the center of the road separates the traffic travelling in opposite directions. Overtaking is permitted in one direction only. So drivers should not go to the lane for opposite traffic to overtake. Many motorcycles are guilty of violating this rule. Some drivers who underestimate the size of their vehicles also commit the same violation.

The primer says that if the solid yellow line becomes double, “all vehicles must keep right and should not overtake unless entering or leaving a driveway or private road or to make a permitted “U” turn.

Overtaking is allowed on the lane for opposite traffic when there’s a broken yellow line, and only if the way ahead and the rear are clear.

Another road marking that many Filipino drivers do not recognize are pedestrian lanes, crosswalks or zebra lines. Vehicles must slow down when approaching crosswalks and yield to pedestrians. Many drivers in Cebu, however, step on the gas when they see a pedestrian about to cross on the zebra lines so they don’t have to yield. They just honk like crazy to warn pedestrians.

A white line in the center of the road—either broken or solid—separates traffic on either side. Double white lines on both edges of the road mean parking is prohibited.

Road markings not only exist to regulate traffic but also to keep everyone safe. Those who do not heed them do not only put the lives of other people at risk, but is also compromising his own safety.

City gov’t to sponsor mass wedding for 100 couples

By Rene U. Borromeo /JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will sponsor a mass wedding for 100 couples on September 27 and provide them with free food, including “lechon,” to celebrate their unforgettable moment in life as husbands and wives.

Cebu City Public Information Officer Carlo Dugaduga said the event will coincide with the celebration of the National Family Week.

The activity is spearheaded by the Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission chaired by Councilor Mary Ann De Los Santos, in coordination with the City Health Department and Office of the Civil Registrar.

De Los Santos said the project aims to help the less fortunate couples from the barangays and who could not afford to shoulder the expenses for the requirements and for the reception.

This year’s activity carries the theme “Sa Sagrado’ng Kaminyoon, Pamilya Malungtaron,” which encourages unwed couples to avail of the project so their marriage will be solemnized in the church.

The wedding ceremony would be held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Church from 8 o’clock in the morning until 12 noon and the reception will follow at the Grand Convention Center.

Those who wish to avail of the project are required to submit birth and baptismal certificates, residence and barangay certificates, Pre-Cana seminar, permit to marry from the parish church of the place where they reside, certificates of no marriage (Cenomar), appearance and consent if the parties are still 18 to 24 years of age.

The requirements shall be submitted not later than August 29, otherwise those who fail shall not be allowed to join the mass wedding.

Farmers from upland brgys join Agro Fair

By Carlo s. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has initiated an Agro Fair to officially kick off the celebration of Nutrition Month with more than 20 farmers from different upland city barangays selling vegetable and fruit products outside the Cebu City Hall.

The one-week fair started last Monday and will end this afternoon.

Although the fair seems only short-term, the participating vendors have expressed optimism seeing the trade fair as an avenue for them to reachout to more local customers.

"Nalipay rapud mi kay maayo nalang makabalhin mi og puwesto panagsa, unya dugang pud ni sa among kita kay ubay-ubay man ang manghapit dinhi," said 54-year-old AlmanitaMabini, a farmer from upland barangay of Guba.

She has been selling vegetables at the Carbon Public Market but for the meantime she has joined the event with hopes to augment her income.

The vendor added that on the first day she earned P2,000. Another trader, 38-year-old Lea Yamilo, shared that majority of the customers who are visiting the venue are mostly employees from nearby business establishments.

The City Agriculture Department has partnered with different farmer associations in the city to bring agriculture growers to the fair for the said satellite market, Anie Saavedra, CAD urban agri coordinator, told The FREEMAN.

"At least, padugang pud ni sa income sa atong mga mag-uuma," Saavedra said, adding that vendors are staying at the venue for free.

She said that aside from the Agro Fair, other satellite markets are also established at different urban barangays to give farmers the chance to sell directly to consumers without having to go through middlemen. These outpost markets are located in barangays Mabolo, Apas and Mambaling.

At least six upland barangays--Adlawon, Taptap, Guba, Sirao, Sudlon II and Tabunan--have sent their farmers to this week's fair.

City ordinance seen to help boat operators

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A new ordinance approved by Mandaue City Council is seen as a breather for some of the city's fishing boat operators who are allegedly charged with excessive fees by private wharf owners whenever they dock to deliver aquatic products in the city.

During yesterday's council session, the City Council approved for final reading the draft ordinance authored by Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, chairman of the committee on market and abattoir, which amends Section 35, Article 5 of the Revenue Code of the city.

Under Section 35, for every bañera of aquatic products docked under the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge near the City Fisheries Office, the city is going to collect P5 from a previous fee of P3.

Private wharf operators are reportedly charging the traders P50 per bañera.

In the same section, the council has also imposed a P300 standby fee or docking fee each time they load and unload their fish shipment or any aquatic products and another P300 will be collected as hauling fee for the transportation of the aquatic products.

Lumapas in a statement said he was compelled to come up with the ordinance as fishing boat operators coming from nearby islands who come to deliver their aquatic products in the city can no longer withstand with the exorbitant fees of P500 as docking fee and P500 as hauling fee imposed by some private wharfs in the city where they dock.

The approval of the said ordinance, Lumapas said, will now generate more income for the city since these fishing operators will opt to dock under the bridge near the City Fisheries Office considering that the fees are low as compared to the fees being imposed in private wharfs.

Are new Ban-Tal buildings still on hold?

By Linette Ramos Cantalejo

CEBU City officials are reviewing applications for permits to construct multi-level buildings along the Banilad-Talamban corridor, in light of a moratorium on new construction in the area.

In a press conference yesterday, City Councilor Gerardo Carillo asked why buildings higher than four floors have been constructed and were issued permits when they are known to aggravate traffic in the area.

But for Mayor Michael Rama, the moratorium is no longer in effect.

He said the moratorium was enforced through a resolution that the City Council and former mayor Tomas Osmeña approved in 2007 yet as a way of addressing the traffic problem.

“That was only a resolution approved by the previous administration and there is a new administration now, so for me it does not exist anymore. It’s not in effect,” he told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

He added that from the start, he did not fully agree with the moratorium.

“Construction of new buildings is always good for the economy,” the mayor said.

Rama said, though, that his administration will continue to regulate construction of new buildings in the area to make sure these will not add to the worsening traffic in Barangays Banilad and Talamban.

What about Ciudad?

Among other things, he will make sure the buildings have sufficient parking spaces and comply with the required set-back from the main road.

When asked if his stance means the City Government would now allow the Provincial Government to pursue the construction of the Ciudad project in Banilad, Rama said it still has to be evaluated.

Ciudad is the mixed-use development project that was supposed to be constructed on the Province-owned lot in Banilad through a joint venture with a private developer.

Rama and Carillo said the City is still concerned about the impact of the construction of high-rise buildings on the traffic situation in the Banilad-Talamban area, which is why developers have been required to conduct traffic impact studies and submit traffic plans.

Carillo said they are now reviewing the building permits and plans of several buildings on Gov. Cuenco Ave. that were constructed after the moratorium took effect.

Zoning board’s review

These include a seven-story office building, a dormitory and other commercial buildings.

“Why are there building owners who were issued permits to build more than three stories when there is an ordinance (resolution) that says they cannot do so because it will worsen the traffic flow? We have referred this to the City Zoning Board so they can look into it,” Carillo said.

New applications for building permits that were referred to the City Council were also referred to the Cebu City Zoning Board for review.

Among the applications under review is for the construction of a cluster of high-rise residential buildings in Barangay Talamban.

Carillo said the approval of the application for permits for buildings higher than four floors is on a case-to-case basis.

“What building owners can do is apply for a variance and as long as they have a traffic plan, it could be approved… Some applications can be approved because there are areas that have access to other parts of the city. There are cases when traffic can be diverted so the impact on the traffic flow is not that bad,” Carillo explained.

The moratorium was implemented by Osmeña’s administration as a way of decongesting Gov. Cuenco Ave. in Banilad, where traffic continues to be heavy.

In the resolution approved in 2007, the City Planning and Development Office was directed to suspend all applications for building permits for developments in the Banilad and Talamban areas, pending the completion of a traffic impact study.

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