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Cebu City News June 2017

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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

Cebu City's security plans ready for ASEAN

(LBG/USJR intern Ador Menchavez/PNA)

CEBU CITY, June 30 -- City Councilor Dave F. Tumulak reassured the safety of the 143 delegates in the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on July 1-7 at the Radisson Blu Hotel here.

A total of 143 delegates from the different ASEAN countries arrived for the event and they are being given tight security, Tumulak told reporters on Friday.

“Though we had a problem with one of the hotels asking if the canines we brought in were trained and were vaccinated, we ensured them that the dogs are disciplined and have been treated since birth,” said Tumulak, who also serves as the deputy mayor on police matters and public safety.

Tumulak is confident with the security preparations for the safety of the foreign economic ministers.

The route from the delegate’s billeting hotels to the meeting venue will be cleared of traffic for security reasons, Tumulak added.

The police will also be accompanied by a special emergency team, which has undergone special training specifically for this event, he said.

Tumulak stressed the delegates would not be allowed to tour around the city without informing the secretariat.

However, Mayor Tomas Osmena said these precautionary measures were really unnecessary.

“Why do we gather the police and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and go through the trouble of diverting traffic to protect the delegates, when only the airlines and hotels benefit from this ASEAN Meeting,” Osmeña said in a separate conference at the City Hall on Friday.

But Tumulak said the delegates were guests in the city and should be protected as any other good host would do, and coming prepared for any eventuality that would disrupt the event was necessary.

“We don’t want to be outsmarted by any protesters or rallies in this ASEAN event,” Tumulak explained, citing a previous incident where people hid their protest tarpaulin posters in their backs and gathered at the venue.

Tumulak also asked the public for their cooperation and asked camps planning to protest to follow certain security measures.

“We respect their right to express themselves. However, they need to follow protocols to avoid injuries,” Tumulak stressed.

Tumulak expressed his trust on the capabilities of the security task force to keep the delegates safe.

City to release senior citizens' P2,000 aid

By Rigine Clyr L. Arraz (MSU Intern)

The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) will release the cash assistance of P2,000 to the senior citizens of the 80 Cebu City barangays on July 8. Domingo Q. Chaves Jr., head of OSCA, said the amount will cover June and July.

The annual budget of P807,600,000 will be distributed to 67,000 senior citizens in the city.

Seniors will have a grace period of 10 working days to claim their money, but they should bring their OSCA ID.

The distribution will be held in barangay and school gyms.

If beneficiaries fail to claim their assistance, the budget goes to other projects instead.

Augmentation force arrives in Cebu for ASEAN meet

(LBG/USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)

CEBU CITY, June 28 -- An augmentation force from Metro Manila arrived here Wednesday to beef up the security for the 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Meeting on July 1-7 at Radisson Blu Hotel.

City Councilor Dave Tumulak, also the deputy mayor on police matters, told reporters of the arrival of the augmentation force which includes K9 units and bomb squads.

“I can’t tell you yet how many of them (augmentation force) have arrived. But I can tell you all our security measures are in place now that they’re here,” Tumulak said.

The augmentation force will be housed at the South Road Properties along with some personnel from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who will be installing CCTV cameras at the seven billeting hotels and at the main venue of the meetings.

Tumulak also announced that some traffic rerouting would be implemented in some parts of Cebu City and asked the cooperation of the public since these were just temporary and part of the security measures.

“I just want to remind all members of Task Group Cebu that time is the basic element here and it’s very crucial. We should respond timely to whatever incident that may arise during the ASEAN event. As much as possible, we should respond timely with no delay,” Tumulak stressed after the slow response of the nearest police station to a bomb threat situation on Tuesday.

The Task Group Cebu is composed of over 4,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Maritime Police, and the Highway Patrol Group.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Authority assured the Task Group that there was no threat at all, but Tumulak said they were not taking any chances.

“We call on the public to be always vigilant in their surroundings. If they notice something suspicious, we encourage them to call or go to the nearest security team,” said Tumulak. “We are trying our very best to host this ASEAN Meeting peacefully and successfully.”

Task Group Cebu is deploying more roving policemen and will increase the number of checkpoints around the city and all over the Cebu Province as delegates from the different Southeast Asian countries start arriving on Thursday.

‘Gabii sa Kabilin’ presentation showcases Cebu history, events

(PR)

THE significant events that shaped Cebu into the majestic hub of politics, commerce, heritage and culture were so interestingly showcased at Handurawan sa Karaang Sugbo, AboitizLand’s presentation at historic Plaza Parian in Cebu City for the 11th Gabii sa Kabilin last May 26.

Melodious music, meaningful dialogue and smooth movement in dance gracefully delivered by the Sinulog Idols, University of San Carlos Theater Guild and the Abellana National High School Dance Troupe formed the core of a night of reminiscence about the glory of Cebu.

Among the events and periods remembered: trading in the olden times, Magellan’s expedition to the Philippines, the baptism of Rajah Humabon and Queen Humamai into Christianity and the presentation of the Sto. Niño image, the Battle of Mactan, the fall and liberation of Cebu, present-day Cebu and the Sinulog.

The huge crowd which massed at Plaza Parian was also enthusiastically engaged in the trivia game “Kaalam sa Kabilin” which had them racing against each other to provide information on Cebu history.

“Lumba Pangita,” another exciting highlight of “Handurawan,” had three teams—Team Astig, Powerpuff Go and Teamazing—elbowing each other out for the honor of the top place. Team Astig, made up of representatives of City Savings Bank, garnered the plum.

On the sidelines, the delectable cuisine of Cebu’s towns and cities held guests’ attention and taste buds captive. “Handurawan sa Karaang Sugbo” at the same time honored the winners of “Kabag-uhan: Now and Then Photo Contest”: Paulo Andrada who submitted a photo of the Abellana National High School, formerly Cebu High School, Angelo Nico Daroy who took a photo of the erstwhile Calle Magallanes, Magallanes Street and the Fort San Pedro and Brylle Dignos who submitted photos of the Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish Church and the former Southern Islands Hospital.

Chengdu teachers conduct classes in Cebu for ‘Panda Cultural Fest’

By Tiffany L. Neri

Fourteen teachers flew in from Chengdu, China to conduct free classes on Chinese culture, arts and tradition. The “Chengdu’s Panda Cultural Fest” was hosted by the Cebu Cherish School Inc., the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Amity Club Inc., the Cebu Filipino-Chinese United Community and the Philippine Visayas Chinese Education Research Center Inc. from June 20-22. Interested students were given the chance to immerse themselves in classes such as calligraphy, hand shadow, clay molding, Kung Fu and Chinese cuisine.

These activities were being held concurrent to the arrival of Chengdu Mayor Lu Qiang who, with Chengdu government officials and delegates, visited Cebu Cherish School to witness the activities.

“I see a strong leadership of the school and brilliant and hardworking students,” said the Chengdu mayor in a speech that night. “They have taught the children calligraphy, painting and Kung Fu in a very short period of time, and the students learned all those skills quite well.”

The gastronomical creations of authentic Sichuan dishes made by Chinese chefs: Rong Jian Chen and Jiang Li Xiong, were served for dinner at the White Gold House that night. Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Councilor Margot Osmeña, Chengdu Mayor Lu and other government officials were among the guests who attended the cuisine-tasting event.

“Here, you are going to test how diplomatic your mayor is. I will pretend that I can eat spicy food,” Mayor Osmeña joked about the Sichuan cuisine, which is known for its signature use of spicy flavors.

PRC opens service center in Robinsons Galleria Cebu

(fcr/jsme/PIA-7-Cebu/asv)

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) recently held a grand launching in Robinsons Galleria Cebu to officially open its offsite service center, one of the many established centers nationwide inside selected Robinsons Malls.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opened the service center located at the third floor of Robinsons Galleria Cebu City which was followed by a press conference last June 16, 2017.

Since July of last year, PRC successfully opened nine offsite service centers in the Robinson Malls in Santiago City, Isabela; Ermita, Manila; Ortigas Center, Quezon City; Cebu City, Cebu; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Bacolod, Negros Occidental; Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte; and General Santos City, South Cotabato.

Nine more service centers are expected to open until the end of 2017.

PRC Chairman Teofilo Pilando Jr. extended his appreciation to the Robinsons Land Corporation for their partnership and for providing the spaces for free.

“The Commission, in its desire to expound its reach and serve the public especially in less accessible areas, is committed to deliver its core processes by facilitating ease of access while bringing its services closer to people that need them the most,” he said.

PRC-7 Officer-in-Charge Gina Emperado shared that their main office in Mandaue City serves 200 to 300 people every day while the service center in Robinsons Galleria caters to 300 to 500 people daily since it opened in October 3, last year.

The offsite service center is open from Monday to Fridays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM except on holidays.

The services offered are the following: Application for Licensure Examination, Initial Registration, Renewal of Professional Identification Cards, Issuance of Duplicate Professional Identification Cards, Authentication of Certificate of Registration (COR) and Professional Identification Card (PIC), Issuance of Certificate of Good Standing, Original Certification of Board Rating/Board Passing, Authentication of Board Rating/Board Passing, and Verification of Board Rating.

DOST-7 holds Regional Science and Technology Week in Cebu

(fcr/jsme/PIA-7-Cebu/asv)

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology Region (DOST VII) conducted activities to promote science awareness in observance of this year’s Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) with the theme “Science for the People” from June 20 – June 22, 2017 at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel.

The RSTW featured the first ever Regional Technology Transfer Day, a Technology and Innovation Conference, Health Research and Innovation Conference, Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE), Exhibits on DOST VII Programs, Projects and Services, and DOST VII Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) Finalists.

The three-day event is held through the DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). It is also part of the nationwide celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) which is observed as mandated by Presidential Proclamation 2214, and amended by Republic Act 169 of 1993.

Technology generators, inventors, exhibitors and technology adaptors are gathered for them to interact and discuss opportunities on science and technology.

Cebu City, Chengdu ink sisterhood pact

By Charles R. Pepito

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Mayor Lou Qiang of Chengdu, China, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for sisterhood relationship on Wednesday.

In a news conference, Osmeña said no specific project has been discussed yet, but he is hopeful Chengdu would be able to assist the city.

“It was suggested to me and, then of course, we have a very big presence of the Chinese community here. But there’s no initial discussion about a possible project yet,” Osmeña added.

Osmeña admitted he was not knowledgeable enough about Chengdu and its ability to assist the city.

The MOU stipulated that both parties should enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the Philippines and China, and seeks to establish friendly cooperative relations based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, and would cooperate to develop education, culture, antiterrorism and agriculture.

With this, the city governments of Cebu and Chengdu should establish information-sharing mechanisms of activities related to culture, agriculture and tourism, among others, and would exchange activities.

Aside from this, they are expected to intensify the education cooperation through exchanging lessons at school, and both parties should help in promoting tourism.

During the signing, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Nagiel Bañacia and Vice Director General of Chengdu in Municipal Foreign and Overseas Affairs Office, Lyu Tianyi, served as witnesses.

On May 8 and 9, Osmeña went to Chengdu, China after he was invited by a Chengdu delegation to discuss the matter of the two cities’ sisterhood.

Chengdu is a city with a long history of more than 2,300 years and was among the 24 historical and cultural cities published by the State Council.

During the Qin and Han dynasties, Chengdu was declared as a famous commercial city in China, adding the place is the birthplace of Chinese banknotes.

The Cebu City government has been entering into sister- city ties with counterparts in the world.

Cebu City has a longer relation to Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands. They recently commemorated their 25th sisterhood anniversary.

Cebu City Scrabble Classic Open set at Robinsons Galleria on Saturday

By James Nicole Franz R. Savellon

PROFESSIONAL and rising word wizards are set to compete in the Cebu City Scrabble Classic Open Tournament 2017 at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu this Saturday.

Organizer Marilyn Abella said those who confirmed their participation are Renante dela Cerna, Joel Toroy, Jowar Ayuno, Nathalie Cabaluna, among others. Professional players outside Cebu may also be joining.

There will also be players from the University of San Jose – Recoletos, Cebu City National Science High School (CCNSHS), Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), University of the Visayas (UV), Ramon Duterte Memorial High School (RDMHS), Cebu City Central School, Abellana National School, Carreta Elementary School, Lahug Elementary School, Tisa National High School, Mambaling Elementary School and Talisay City Science High School.

The event is organized by the Cebu Scrabble Association and sponsored by the Cebu City Sports Commission in coordination with the Department of Education, Cebu City Division.

Free hybrid e-train rides start next month

By Calvin D. Cordova

FOR one whole year, commuters will get to enjoy free rides as the hybrid electric road train (e-train) of the Department of Science and Technology in Central Visayas (DOST-7) will begin its experimental run next month.

Though the specific date has yet to be finalized, the test run will already push through as necessary permits have already been complied with, said DOST-7 Regional Director Edilberto Paradela.

The train, which has five coaches and can accommodate up to 240 passengers, will ply the SM City Cebu–Plaza Independencia route.

The train, which costs P45 million, arrived in Cebu from Clark Freeport in Pampanga last December. It was assembled by Filipino engineers from DOST.

The test run was delayed as the train had to go through preventive maintenance after it was flooded while being kept at the old impounding area of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) at the North Reclamation Area (NRA).

“It was not damaged actually, but we had to check it to make sure that all parts are working. It is powered by motors. It has rotating machines that may have been dislodged. We had make sure that no insulation was damaged to prevent it from catching fire,” said Paradela. DOST-7 coordinated with the Cebu City government for its test run.

In every trip, the train will be escorted by personnel from CCTO.

Cebu City also provided personnel to drive the train. Drivers were trained by DOST-7, said Paradela.

Paradela said they chose the SM City Cebu–Plaza Independencia route since the roads covering the route are big enough to accommodate the train, which is at least 40 meters long.

“We have yet to finalize the loading and unloading areas,” said Paradela.

Paradela said the one-year test run will allow DOST to assess the train’s functionality.

Once the test run is completed, private companies may start applying for fabrication or operation of the train, Paradela said.

“Since it can accommodate at least 240 passengers, it can address the shortage of transportation and it is environment-friendly,” said Paradela.

Paradela added that other cities such as Cagayan de Oro and General Santos are open to operating similar trains.

Cebu City, Netherlands tie up for climate mitigation plan

By Rona Joyce T. Fernandez

TO IMPROVE water management and climate adaptation measures, the Cebu City Government has partnered with its sister-city Dutch City Haarlemmermeer and some universities in the Netherlands in introducing mitigation programs.

Last June 10, the delegates from Cebu City led by Mayor Tomas Osmeña met with Dutch experts to explore possibilities for future cooperation in water quality measuring with underwater drones, flood management, low-cost waste water treatment and plastic waste management.

But before this, Osmeña, on behalf of the City Government, will have to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Haarlemmermeer, Hanze University and Rotterdam University.

Alvin Dizon, Office of Sister-cities Relations commissioner, said the MOU is being drafted and that as soon as the agreement is made official, the City will tap community stakeholders for the program.

Among those that have been considered are the University of San Carlos and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., he said.

“We are actively engaging with our sister cities abroad and other international institutions in advancing climate action especially in water and waste management program. Today, as we observe unprecedented changes in the climate system caused by human activities, it is both urgent and critical for Cebu to take apt action,” Dizon said.

The mayor and some City Hall officials were in the Netherlands last week to celebrate the 25th sister-city anniversary of Cebu City and Haarlemmermeer.

Nissan opens Cebu Central showroom

By Caryll Arcayan

Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) opened its doors to Cebuanos with the launching of the Nissan Cebu Central Showroom at A. Soriano Ave., Cebu City which accommodates eight car displays with a spacious service bay.

The two-storey building has a floor area of 5,000 sq.m. which offers customer-centered services including the Nissan Express Service and Nissan Repair Service. NPI is currently working on selling car parts online as well. The showroom also has ample parking space and a pool of agents to assist customers with vehicle purchase and after-sales services.

NPI currently has a sales growth of 124% for the first quarter compared to 80% growth in the previous year for Region 7.

The Nissan Cebu Central Showroom is NPI’s fourth showroom managed by the Autocentral Group and adapts the Nissan Retail Environment Design Initiative (NREDI) or NREDI 2.1, Nissan’s visual brand identity that uses high-tech services to provide convenience for customers.

The Cebu Central Showroom is open from Monday-Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM. On holidays and Sundays, the showroom is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.

For more info, one may visit Nissan Cebu’s website at http://nissancebu.com.ph/.

Primary Homerun to help scholars

By Glendale G. Rosal

THE SEVENTH edition of the annual Primary Homerun aims to raise funds for 20 deserving scholars of the School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership and Service (Skills) of the Primary Structures Educational Foundation, Inc. (PSEFI).

The fun run, which offers 3-kilometer, 6k and 12k distances, is slated July 2, starting and ending at the Cebu Business Park.

Skills, a technical and vocational school in Cebu City, has been the sole beneficiary of the running event.

Last year, the organizers, headed by PSEFI COO Paulette Liu, were able to come up with around P400,000 to help 35 scholars enroll in a two-year vocational course in Skills.

“This year we are aiming to raise funds to help out 20 deserving scholars who will take up our K-12 program, wherein they will be taking up our senior high school program so that we can prepare them for the Skills program. They will avail of a free tuition for two years in Skills’ senior high school scholarship program,” said Liu in the launching yesterday at the Skills campus at the old Sacred Heart School in Mango Avenue.

Registration is ongoing at the Primary Homes SM office and Runnr in Ayala Center Cebu. Registration fee is P350 for the 3k, P450 for the 6k and P550 for 12k distance.

Cebu power firm aims to maintain growth as it sharpens brand

By Marites Villamor-Ilano (SunStar Philippines)

CEBU-based energy company Vivant Corp. targets to maintain growth levels as it embarks on an aggressive campaign to sharpen its brand and communicate better with its customers and the communities it serves.

"Because of the challenging environment, we're looking at around last year's (growth) level," Arlo Sarmiento, Vivant executive vice president and chief operating officer, told reporters after the company's annual stockholders meeting Thursday, June 15, in Cebu City.

The company posted a 23% growth in its net income to P1.3 billion in 2016 from P1.1 billion the previous year.

As part of its thrust to sharpen its brand, Vivant also launched during the stockholders meeting its improved website at www.vivant.com.ph.

"It's a very competitive game. If you don't move forward, you get left behind. You can't stay stagnant. You can't rest on your laurels and we have very demanding shareholders who want the company to grow," Sarmiento said to explain the company's thrust.

Sarmiento told stockholders that the company expects to ramp up its power generation capacity to 400 megawatts (MW) in 2018, a 58% increase from 253 MW as of end-2016. At least 10% is in renewable energy.

In Mindanao, a new 165-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental is targeted to be completed in the second half of this year.

The Balingasag Thermal Power Plant, which is being constructed in Barangay Mandangoa in Balingasag town, is made up of three 55-MW generating units which will supply Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company Inc. (Cepalco). Vivant's equity in the project amounted to about P2.8 billion.

The facility is being built by Minergy Power Corp., Vivant's joint venture with Mindanao Energy Systems Inc. (Minergy).

The Balingasag Thermal Power Plant is among three power generation projects that Vivant has invested in, Sarmiento said.

Two other projects up for completion are the 30-MW diesel-fired plant in Palawan and the 330-MW coal-fired power plant in Toledo City, Cebu.

Sarmiento said the diesel-fired facility in Palawan, which is being built by Delta P Inc., will supply Palawan Electric Cooperative through a 15-year power supply agreement. Vivant's equity investment in this project is about P200 million.

The coal-fired plant in Cebu is being constructed by Therma Visayas Inc., its joint venture with Aboitiz Power Corp. Vivant has invested about P2.2 billion in the project.

"Start of commercial operation is expected within the first half of 2018," Sarmiento said.

Vivant is also in the solar rooftop business through ET Vivant, a partnership with the local unit of China-based ET Energy that aims to serve commercial and industrial users with an average monthly electricity demand of 1 MW.

Sarmiento said the company aims to keep at least 10% of its total generating capacity in renewable energy projects.

"We are looking to build our first run-of-river hydro project in Negros as soon as transmission constraints are addressed," he added.

Vivant was set to break ground for the hydro project in Silay City, Negros Occidental this year, but had to set the project aside because of transmission constraints in Negros.

"The project could be stalled. But as long as we know when the constraint will be addressed, we can adjust and build accordingly. The problem right now is they haven't given us a firm date on when the constraint will be addressed," Sarmiento said.

As competition heats up under a retail competition and open access environment, Vivant has established two retail electricity suppliers (RES) namely, Prism Energy Inc. and Corenergy Inc.

"These companies will bank on our grasp of the industry to offer reasonably priced electricity and tailored power solutions for our customers," Sarmiento said.

Prism, which recently started operations, has gained a few customers while Corenergy is about to be launched.

AIDA Cruises sustains support to sos children's villages

(SunStar Cebu)

AIDA Cruises, a member of the Costa Group, in partnership with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC), conducted an all-exclusive interview session with former children of SOS Children’s Villages in the Philippines to offer seagoing career opportunities.

Since 2005, AIDA Cruises has been a benefactor to various SOS Children’s Villages around the globe.

Together with its onboard passengers and guests, AIDA Cruises has donated more than one million Euro to support the social development organization.

One of the successful candidates was Nancy Alalad from SOS Children’s Village in Cebu who was hired as a food and beverages assistant steward last May 18.

33 MSME reps complete course in e-commerce

By Jeandie O. Galolo

THE second batch of the e-commerce mentorship program composed of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Visayas will graduate on June 14 at the Grand Convention Center in Cebu City.

At least 33 MSMEs from Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental received mentorship from e-commerce practitioner Janette Toral in the program initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For roughly two months, participants learned about website creation, product writing and photography, customer relationship management, and website payment procedures.

In addition, they also took classes in e-mail marketing, search engine optimization and social media management, as well as blogging for business.

DTI Cebu Provincial Director Maria Elena Arbon said the second staging of the e-commerce mentorship is an offshoot of the first one launched in November 2016, which produced 16 Cebu-based MSME graduates in January 2017.

This time, DTI invited entrepreneurs from neighboring provinces in Central Visayas to take part in the mentorship program.

In previous interviews, Toral said this DTI-led e-commerce mentorship will support the government’s thrust to have more entrepreneurs in the digital economy.

Toral, who helped craft the DTI’s Philippine E-commerce Roadmap 2016–2020, said that the roadmap targets to have 100,000 MSMEs in the country to go into e-commerce three years from now.

More importantly, she said that e-commerce mentorship program allows businesses to scale up and tap wider markets in the digital sphere, reaching both Filipino and foreign consumers.

Online property listing firm Lamudi recently shared in its 2017 Real Estate Market Report that there will be 46 million Filipino internet users by the end of this year, from 23 million in 2010.

The numbers, said Lamudi, are driven by the sharp increase in the use of smartphones.

Cebu City to bring Sinulog to Kortrijk

By Rona Joyce T. Fernandez

IMPRESSED with the Sinulog, officials of Kortrijk City in Belguim want to set up their own version of Cebu City’s festival in their hometown.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who met yesterday with Kortrijk City Mayor Vincent Van Quickenborne, said that the latter has asked the City Government to assist them in setting up their own Sinulog.

Last year, the Belgian officials held its own adaptation of the festival dubbed as “Swinging Sinksen Parade.”

“He (Quickenborne) will be sending a delegation to visit Cebu next year. Our Sinulog has impressed quite a few people here (Kortrijk),” Osmeña said.

In return, Kortrijk will be opening classes for some Cebuano youth to learn classical music and European history abroad.

A Belgian conductor is also expected to come to Cebu City to organize a symphony.

Kortrijk became Cebu’s sister city through a sustainable urban development partnership agreement that was signed on May 17, 2005.

Since then, the two cities have partnered in several programs and projects, including solid waste management, citizens participation, personnel organization, education and youth exchange.

Cebu to host Milo Olympics

BY Richiel S. Chavez

THE 22nd Milo Little Olympics Visayas Regional Finals will be on Aug. 24 to 27 in Cebu to take advantage of a long weekend.

The school-based sporting meet was first scheduled on Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 before Visayas leg head organizer Ricky Ballesteros proposed to change it.

“Aug. 24 to 27, final dates (of competition),” Ballesteros told SunStar Cebu. “I requested to move the date earlier so it will connect with the long holiday, because Aug. 28 is National Heroes’ Day.”

Ballesteros said that since Monday is holiday, the participants from Iloilo City, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Antique will have a day to spend in Cebu after the four-day competition.

The sports to be contested by the secondary and elementary levels are athletics, badminton, baskeball, football, gymnastics, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, chess, scrabble, sepak takraw, volleyball, karatedo and arnis.

Ballesteros said that they have already contacted various schools outside of Cebu, and they are targeting 5,000 to 6,000 participants for this year.

The secondary division is open to Grades 7 to 10 students aged 13 to 17, and the cutoff year is 2001; the elementary division is for Grades 1 to 6 students aged 7 to 12 years old and the cutoff year is 2004.

The University of San Carlos-Basic Education (USC-Bed) will be aiming to defend its overall crown following a surprise finish last year in Iloilo.

Cebu City to give new dragon boat, own practice area to Pads team

By Intern Geralyn M. Alba

With their recent success in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, the Philippine Accessibility Disability Services Inc. (Pads) dragon boat team will be getting some sort of a reward from the Cebu City government.

This after the Cebu City government, according to Cebu City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, will be purchasing a dragon boat and a docking system floater that will be given to the team that topped the 400-meter paradragon category of the race at the Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong last Sunday.

Gabuya said the city will buy an initial two dragon boats. “One will be exclusive for the Pads and the other will be intended for anyone willing to be trained,” Gabuya said.

Dover opens office in Cebu

By Jeandie O. Galolo

THE shared service unit of global manufacturer Dover has set its foot to Cebu infusing an initial investment of approximately $1 million.

The company also formally laucnhed its 56-man facility at Cebu I.T Park in Cebu City last Wednesday.

Initially eyeing Manila for its Philippine operations, Dover Business Services (DBS) president Garry Kennon said it chose Cebu because of its strategic location coupled by the readily available talent pool.

“Cebu has an established, talented workforce that has experience with the specific functions DBS will execute, and an established pro-business infrastructure to support Dover’s current strategies and future growth in the region,” said Kennon.

Support

DBS in the Philippines, with office at the TGU tower in Cebu IT Park, will support Dover’s operating companies through the processing of select financial and transactional processes and provides human resource and IT support.

As a diversified global manufacturer, Dover produces components, and digital solutions ranging from engineered systems, fluids, and refrigeration and food equipment.

“Our vision for DBS service centers is around-the-clock seamless expertise and service. Cebu is key to building our knowledge-based and customer experience model,” added Kennon.

Global operations

DBS shared service centers operate across the globe in three locations in North America (Cincinnati, Ohio), Scotland, and China (Suzhou). Each center provides customer service around finance, IT infrastructure, and human resource.

“We’re here for the long-term (in Cebu) and we will add more people and services,” said Kennon, without disclosing the number of jobs to add in the coming years.

DOLE, DTI to hold jobs and biz fair

By Jeandie O. Galolo

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas will hold a jobs and business opportunities fair this June 12, Independence Day.

Dubbed as the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) program it will offer employment options or business support to jobseekers and potential entrepreneurs.

The jobs and business fair will be held at the Cebu City Sports Center to be done simultaneously with the Cebu City’s Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) local and overseas job fair.

“Dubbed as Jobs and Business Fairs (JBF) and a concept taking shape from the administration’s goal of decent work and economic growth, TNK targets to achieve full employment by creating more jobs in key employment generating sectors,” said Dole 7 in a statement.

The key employment generating sectors include manufacturing; agri-business; construction; tourism; IT-BPM; transportation and logistics; and retail and trade.

Last December 2016, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, together with the Dole’s social partners, signed the TNK Blueprint for Decent Employment and Entrepreneurship 2017-2022, where all national and local job fairs will adopt the employment and business opportunity model.

This initiative is part of the fulfillment of the government’s Ambisyon 2040 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The TNK, according to Dole 7 Director Elias Cayanong, will not only provide more access to job opportunities, but also promote a culture of entrepreneurship at the grassroots level by way of providing the clients employment and business coaching activities.

The upcoming TNK in Cebu City will offer job fair and employment coaching to raise awareness on basic labor rights under the Trabaho segment; advocacy for entrepreneurship, business opportunities, government support and assistance in starting a business, as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) support and assistance through business advisory and counseling under the DTI’s Negosyo Center program.

Meanwhile, the Kabuhayan segment will promote advocacies on livelihood programs and provision of training and starter kits.

“The Dole will be conducting group and one-on-one coaching on the department’s livelihood or kabuhayan program. We will promote wage employment and self-employment,” said Cayanong.

“We urge the jobseekers, fresh graduates, and the general public to take advantage of the TNK on June 12. For those who might not be fortunate enough to land a job, then they will be encouraged to explore and consider entrepreneurial and business opportunities,” concluded the Dole official.

Cebu City Mayor’s Cup starts today

By Jonas N. Panerio

Games today:

Cebu City Sports Institute

5 p.m. – Vescon vs RCR
7 p.m. – ASPA vs LMP Paragsa

Commercial basketball action finally comes back into the city as the 2017 Cebu City Mayor’s Cup unfurls today at 5 p.m. at the Cebu City Sports Institute in Brgy. San Nicolas.

Vescon Construction battles RCR Structures while ASPA matches up with LMP Paragsa after a brief opening ceremony at 4 p.m.

RCR Structures will be coming in with a loaded squad led by a collection of current and former Cesafi standouts.

These are former University of the Visayas aces Alfred Codilla and Jerome Silva, ex-University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panther James Ferrren and current Cebu Institute of Technology-University forward Anthony Lucena.

Vescon will battle with the likes of stud wingman Joey Manguerra, Mark Kong, Merben Dedace, Harold Cincoflores, Nat Cruz and Mark Abadia.

LMP Paragsa, on the other hand, will parade JP Alcaraz, Nino Batiquin, Carl Valencia, Ope Abellana and former PBA big man Danny Aying.

The champion of the four-day tournament will bag P50,000 while the runner-up goes home with P30,000. The second runner-up will net P20,000.

The teams will play a single round-robin with the top two finishers at the end of the elimination round advancing to the winner-take-all finals.

All games are free to the public.

The tournament is being done with the backing of Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña and Deputy for Sports, Eugenio Gabuya.

Cebu airport passengers can now book an Uber ride

(PR)

UBER Systems Inc. and the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), the operator of the Mactan Cebu International Airport, announced that passengers can now book an Uber ride as they arrive or depart the Queen City of the South.

The new partnership between GMCAC and Uber allowed passengers traveling to and from Cebu to secure a ride with ease through the Uber app.

“We at GMCAC envision Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to not only be a world-class facility but one that welcomes our 10-million strong and growing annual passenger base with warm and friendly Filipino hospitality. We wish to show this in our terminal facilities, in our people and in the way people access their destinations to and from MCIA. Our partnership with Uber Philippines is a testament to our commitment to continually find ways to make our passengers' journeys safe, convenient and enjoyable,” said GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation president Louie Ferrer.

“Partnering with the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation for the Mactan Cebu International Airport is an important opportunity for Uber to once again provide more people with a transportation service that is safe, reliable, and convenient. With the simple push of a button, passengers going to and from the airport can now get a ride and be part of the movement to celebrate Cebu,” said Uber Philippines general manager Laurence Cua.

Zero Hunger Run set on July 30

(RSC)

THE Simply Share Foundation Inc. (SSFI) is organizing a fun run on July 30 dubbed as the Philippine Zero-Hunger Run at the Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.

The SSFI, a non-profit organization, aims to raise funds for their advocacy to fight malnutrition and hunger in Cebu, which is done through various activities such as sustainable feeding programs.

The foundation, which was created two years ago, has already conducted feeding programs, de-worming and monitoring of the less fortunate children in Cebu. SSFI executive director Pamela Baricuatro said during the event’s launching last Saturday that the foundation’s long-term goal is to create the first food bank in the Philippines.

To the start the plan, the run’s proceeds will be used for SSFI’s immediate goal to conduct a three-month sustained feeding program for 2,000 children in Cebu City. The run will have three categories—the 12-kilometer, 6K and 3K.

Registration fee is at P350 for 3K, P450 for 6K and P550 for 12K. Registration areas will be announced soon.

PSC to hold Children’s Games in Cebu

By Rommel C. Manlosa

CEBU City will have its own version of the Children’s Games, which will be organized by the Cebu City Sports Commission.

“This is one of the projects that Chairman Butch is trying to envision for our children. There are going to be at least 100 Children’s Games around the country. Children playing against each other, not minding religious affiliations, customs or affinity. Just children playing, having fun. It’s nation-healing,” Fernandez told SunStar Cebu.

PSC started the project in Davao City where more than 1,000 children from three barangays played 3-on-3 basketball, volleyball and Larong Pinoy.

“We want the children to enjoy, especially the indigenous community and the street kids. Since Cebu City has many barangays, maybe we can split the games into 20 barangays per cluster. What is important is for us to give these kids an avenue to participate and enjoy and maybe from there, we can spot potential athletes for our grassroots training program, which is the Philippine Sports Institute,” added Fernandez.

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