Cebu Province News October 2011

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Province of Cebu - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Cebu metro.jpg
Aerial View of Metro Cebu

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

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

Central Visayas cops get patrol cars

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Police offices all throughout Central Visayas will soon receive their share of the 144 police patrol jeeps allocated to the region by the Philippine National Police command.

The new patrol jeeps are part of the PNP's thrust of upgrading its anti-crime operations by improving equipments and adding new patrol jeeps to the force.

Police Regional Office -7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. led the turnover of 144 police patrol jeeps to police offices in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental provinces.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), which received eight patrol jeeps now has such vehicles in all 44 towns and six cities under its jurisdiction.

CPPO director, Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said the additional patrol jeeps fulfilled plans to equip each police station with its own patrol car.

In Cebu province, Alcoy, Aloguinsan, Badian, Carcar, Consolacion, Madridejos and Talisay City Police Stations will receive the additional patrol jeeps.

Bohol province will receive one for Pilar Police Station, one for E. Villanueva Police Station in Siquijor and one each for Dumaguete and Valencia police stations in Negros Oriental.

Said distribution of additional vehicles is part of Garbo’s plan to activate his Police Integrated Patrolling System (PIPS) which he sees as effectively curbing crimes if properly implemented.

Four PPP deals to be bid out next year

by A. E. Barrameda

FOUR public-private partnership (PPP) projects with an estimated cost of about P24.8 billion are scheduled to be bid out next year by the government.

The deals -- proposed by the Transportation department -- involve the construction, operation and maintenance contracts for Mactan Cebu International Airport’s new passenger terminal, the new Bohol Airport and Misamis Oriental’s Laguindingan Airport, and the establishment of a Common Automatic Fare Collection System for Metro Manila’s three light railways.

“These will be subjected to competitive bidding in 2012 immediately after obtaining ICC (Investment Coordination Committee) approval,” said Rina P. Alzate, director of the PPP Center’s Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) Service, in a text message yesterday.

The ICC is an inter-agency body that evaluates the feasibility of major projects and recommends approvals to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The final bidding schedule for the four projects, said Ms. Alzate, will be determined by the Department of Transportation and Communications.

The PPP Center, in a statement issued last week, announced that the PDMF Board had approved funding applications for pre-investment studies involving the four projects.

The PDMF, which is managed by the PPP Center, is a revolving fund that can be tapped for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, tender documents and assistance during the bidding process of PPP projects.

The PDMF funding for each of these projects would range from P20-40 million, Ms. Alzate said.

“The transaction advisors will be chosen within November 2011. The pre-investment studies will be undertaken within 3-4 months,” she added.

The PDMF Board recently approved technical assistance funding for modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center and the Education department’ PPP for School Infrastructure Project which targets to build around 10,000 classrooms next year.

Lagundi, three other reefs to share donated $10,000

By Liv G. Campo (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Bernard Odilao has assured that the city's three marine protected areas (MPAs) will benefit from the $10,000 the Chinese cargo ship MV United had donated after it ran aground in Lagundi Reef in 2009.

Odilao's assurance came shortly after the council last Tuesday approved his proposal to use the $10,000 which has reportedly been saved in the city's trust fund since March 2009. Chinese cargo ship MV United's shipmaster donated the money to the city government after his ship ran aground in Lagundi Reef last March 5, 2009, supposedly for the rehabilitation of the damaged coral reef in barangay Poblacion.

The three-term councilor said a representative of MV United has inquired from the city government about its donation.

Odilao, who chairs the committee on Environment, said aside from the Lagundi Reef, Pungaton Reef and Makatol Reef in the coastal villages of Tanke and Pooc, will also benefit from the donation.

Odilao said a Weesam Express vessel had ran aground in Pungaton last September, therefore it also needs rehabilitation.

"Butangan na nato sila og mga marine buoys ug floating guardhouse para mahibaw-an sa tanang moagi nga MPA na sila," said Odilao referring to the three reefs.

Meanwhile, Councilor Danny Caballero, vice chairman of the committee on Environment, said the move should have been done shortly after the March 5, 2009 incident.

"Magkadugay, magkadako ang damage sa coral reef. Mao gani, nisamot na ang illegal fishing sa mga MPA nato diri kay wa may mga boya ug gwardiya sa lugar," Caballero said.

Caballero, a member of the opposition bloc, said he already made the same proposal months ago but was rejected by the council.

He waits for the implementation of Odilao's resolution, saying there's no reason for the administration bloc to dilly dally with the implementation considering that the money is available.

Tesda to offer free training for 1,000 BPO near-hires

By Aileen Garcia-Yap (Cebu Daily News)

About 1,000 nearly hired applicants or near-hires in Cebu will get free training to prepare them for jobs in call centers and other outsourcing companies.

The program is an offshoot of a P5 million grant to the Cebu Education Development Foundation for Information Technology (CEDF-IT), said its executive director Jun Sa-a on Tuesday.

The program is expected to start before the end of the year.

CEDF-IT partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) for the program.

Jun Sa-a announced this during the opening of the foundation’s exhibit at the Ayala Center Cebu on Tuesday.

The P5 million grant is part of P500 million allocated by the Department of Budget Management for TESDA, which uses it for their Training Scholarship for Work Program.

About 50,000 people are employed in the business process outsouring (BPO) companies, a rapidly growing industry in Cebu but the lack of qualified workers has led to a hiring rate of only 5 percent to 10 percent.

The term “near-hires” refers to applicants who lack some competencies for the job and require more training to fully meet expectations.

“We actually proposed for P23 million budget assistance but they can only give us P5 million which is better than nothing,” he said.

Sa-a said based on the feedback from IT member companies of the foundation, at least 3,700 workers are needed for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Sa-a said that companies would refer to them their near-hires for training based on a program tailored to the employer’s needs. The foundation would then issue a voucher to TESDA for training.

“The P5 million will be good for 1,000 near-hires but we’re hoping to have more next year,” Sa-a said.

Sa-a said CEDFIT would prioritize their member companies such as Aegis People Support, NCR and Qualfon.

“Most of the people needed now are for call center companies so we expect to do more training on speaking and a little bit of technical skill because call center entry levels now are more into customer service with technical support,” he said.

At present CEDF-IT has 105 member companies including BPOs, telecommunication firms, real estate developers, universities, training companies and local government units.

The training program for near-hires is the best way to create the right talent pool needed for their different operations, said Saa.

“The industry hiring rate now is still only 10 percent but when we did some training before we were able to raise that to 30 percent to as high as 70 percent,” he said.

Sa-a said even companies with in-house training programs were asking the foundation’s help.

“We will continue to provide the link between the academe and the industry because we think this is the best way to make sure we produce what the industry needs in order to grow,” Sa-a said.

Cedfit work-scholarship program gets P5M grant

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Educational Development Foundation for Information Technology Inc. (Cedfit) was granted a P5 million budget from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to address the manpower shortage in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector here.

Cedfit executive director Jun Sa-a said that the P5 million is part of the P500 million budget given by the government through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) joint program called “Training-for-work-scholarship Program” or TWSP.

This budget, although way below the proposed P23 million ideal allocation for Cebu on this particular program, would already benefit at least 1,000 near-hire trainees of BPO training programs, Sa-a said.

The P5 million allocation for Cebu will come as “vouchers” to be awarded to Cedfit member BPOs, that have existing near-hire training programs.

On the average, the cost per head for a BPO crash-course training is P5,000. Sa-a said if the proposed budget of P23 million for Cebu was approved it could have benefited about 3,700 potential employees for BPO.

Based on a survey done by Cedfit, Cebu’s major BPO companies, mostly call centers need at least 3,500 more workers between the months of October to December this year.

“We hope that this will not be a one-time support from the government, to aid the growing BPO sector and increase employment opportunities for Filipinos,” Sa-a said.

Cedfit is a consortium of industry, academe, government and non-government organizations (NGOs), which seeks to increase the quantity and improve the quality of professionals or practioners in the Information Technology and Communication (ICT), and ICT-enabled services industry through pro-active intervention in the human resource (HR) development sector.

Sa-a said leading BPO companies in Cebu, such as Aegis People Support, Qualfone, Convergys and Stream Global, are one of the identified beneficiaries of the fund, due to their existing TESDA-approved near-hire training program. 

Because Cedfit is mandated to develop the HR capability of Cebu to sustain the growth of ICT and BPO sectors, the organization also has existing training programs geared towards developing more skilled BPO workforce, not only for contact centers, but also includes a wide spectrum of outsourcing field like software and hardware development.

Now on its 10th year, Cedfit maintains Professional Certification, Training and Review Center facility at the Ayala-owned Cebu I.T. Park.

The Professional Certification, Training and Review Center is one of Cedfit’s flagship projects. Together with academic institutions and other entitites involved in the IT industry, the center aims to undertake the establishment of occupational and proficiency standards for IT professionals.

Cebu set to attract more tourists from the Middle East

By MALOU M. MOZO

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Tourism stakeholders in Cebu are capitalizing on the growing prospects of Middle Eastern tourists who are eyeing Cebu as a travel and leisure destination.

Eleven travel agents from Middle Eastern countries recently came to Cebu on a three-day tour, from October 21-23, to explore the leading tourism destinations including beaches and historical sites, here.

The familiarization trip which was hosted by Etihad Airways, flag carrier of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was aimed at further promoting the Philippines—as a destination of choice for the high-spending Middle Eastern market, according to Patricia Aurora “Dawnie” Roa, former Department of Tourism–Central Visayas Director, and now a leading tourism prime-mover.

Major resorts in Cebu, including Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort, Maribago Bluewater, Plantation Bay, Crimson Resort & Spa, and Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa hosted the accommodation and travel activities of the group.

“The Middle Eastern tourists will very much appreciate Cebu as a leisure destination because of its world class beach resorts and rich history,” Roa said.

She said that Arab tourists, for instance, are long-staying visitors with an average spending capacity of US$100 per day, excluding accommodation expenses. Arabs also prefer a lot of shopping, dining, and staying in branded hotels.

In a separate interview, National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) chairperson Angel Bugnot said that Cebu, in particular, is now one of the target destinations for Middle Eastern tourists, especially among the Lebanese, because of the beaches, warm hospitality, rich history and culture, and proficiency of Cebuanos in the English language.

Bugnot said Middle Eastern travelers started to consider the Philippines as one of its preferred destinations in the world, after the Philippines was introduced to this market through an intense marketing blitz in 2009. Since then, arrivals to the Philippines from the Middle East – excluding OFWs – increased at an annual average rate of 20 percent.

Capitol compound as access road: Successful on first day

By Niña G. Sumacot/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Using the road at the Capitol compound as an alternative to avoid traffic congestion at the Don Gil Garcia St., beside the Provincial Capitol, proved to be successful on the first day, a Capitol official said.

Security consultant Cesar Veloso said the traffic on the road between the Palace of Justice and the Cebu Provincial Legislative Building was controllable.

“Maayo kaayo ang flow sa traffic,” he said.

Veloso, however, said that Don Gil Garcia Street remains congested because Public Utility Jeepneys continue to use the road instead of the access road. Although, Veloso said the volume of vehicles on the said street was reduced by about 50-percent.

Motorists are advised to take the access road at the Capitol compound as the road-widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Cebu City District Engineering Office is being undertaken at Don Gil Garcia St.

The access road can be used by vehicles bound for M. Velez Street coming from Escario Street because they will just make a right turn entering the Capitol premises then exit to M. Velez Street.

Veloso called on the drivers to take the access road to avoid traffic congestion beside the Capitol.

Jeepneys, taxis, private vehicles and other light vehicles can use the access road from 7 am to 7 pm.

In order not to cause any disturbance in the Palace of Justice and the Legislative Building, the City Traffic Operations Management strictly implemented traffic rules and regulations to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Under the MOA signed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the CITOM, and the DPWH, the flow of traffic on the access road will be one way while the stopping of vehicles, loading and unloading of passenger, parking and the blowing of horns are prohibited.

The CITOM are also being assisted by the Capitol security personnel in managing the traffic inside the compound.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama requested Garcia to allow the use of the access road, citing that Don Gil. Garcia St. is the only access road that can be used by vehicles going to and from Guadalupe from Escario Street and Osmeña Boulevard, and is currently being widened.

Cebu envisioned as one of the world's most livable cities

By MALOU M. MOZO

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines – The Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) has lined up a complete operational framework for Cebu, with the group set to present concepts pooled from public and private stakeholders to the Central Visayas’ Regional Development Council (RDC) for immediate implementation.

The MCDCB Board, chaired by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, is currently forming various committees under the Board and is inviting multisectoral representatives to participate in a common vision to make Cebu “one of the most livable cities in the world.”

MCDCB co-chairperson Roberto Aboitiz said, “The framework for Cebu is such that all 13 cities in the province, from Carcar City in the south to Danao City in the north will collaborate as one and make a conscious decision to map out a long-term plan for Cebu. We should all move from being individual, broken cities to unite for a greater cause.”

Aboitiz noted that there is “a certain level of attractiveness” about seeing Cebu as a city-region rather than as a cluster of small local government units (LGUs).

In the last three weeks, six senior IBM executives from the United States, Sweden, Germany and Italy worked closely with various cities and municipalities in Cebu province through the newly formed MCDCB.

The team is part of the IBM Executive Service Corps (IBM-ESC), a variant of the company’s ongoing Corporate Service Corps pro bono community service program. Cebu was among the 11 cities worldwide who was made a IBM-ESC program beneficiary.

Said IBM executives work in teams with city planners, entrepreneurs, business leaders and governmental agencies to develop road maps identifying the best ideas, most scalable solutions and critical steps in the making cities economic, social and environmentally sustainable.

The IBM-ESC team presented to Metro Cebu stakeholders and Garcia a detailed report which includes observations and recommended policies, processes, and supporting ICT systems enabling Metro Cebu’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Also, the top IBM executives raised the need to address key issues Cebu currently face in terms of land use planning and zoning, transport & traffic management, and increased flash floods and worsening traffic which all hinder economic development.

Aboitiz said issues such as flooding, traffic, and water supply, for instance, are not concerns faced by just one city component in the province. “Foreign investors do not understand it when a given plan or solution is only limited to one territory and does not extend to a neighboring city. We can’t answer the world that way,” he said.

Meanwhile, Harold Robok, IBM director for general business in Germany, said they are promoting the idea of long-term planning so that Cebu can have a clear direction.

For her part, Garcia said “we are excited to be working with IBM in looking for smarter solutions that would better manage our public transportation and urban planning systems. Public-private partnerships like this helps ensure a greener and more integrated Metro Cebu.”

Rama, Gwen assure security on Nov 1, 2

By Garry B. Lao/JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama told barangay officials in the city to put their security plans for the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day in place and not to rely fully on the police.

“Ayaw mo og kalimot mga barangay officials ang preparasyon not day before but a week before November 1,” Rama said during a meeting at the legislative building yesterday.

Thousands of people are expected to troop to the cemeteries on November 1 and 2.

At the Capitol, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said security at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) will be augmented to ensure peace and order. At least 10 security personnel will be added to the existing security manpower at the CSBT.

Garcia said the terminal has to be strict in inspecting the belongings of the passengers to ensure that no illegal drugs, bombs, or anything that can potentially endanger the lives of passengers can slip security.

The governor said she will personally inspect the terminal and see if everything is in place.

CSBT Manager Carmen Quijano said they are drafting a plan to ensure “efficient queuing of passengers.” A space at the terminal will also be prepared for women who need to breast-feed.

“We are also setting up a breast-feeding corner within the terminal area so that breast-feeding mothers will be comfortable when breastfeeding their babies,” Quijano said.

Suroy south Cebu trail wows 300 tourists

By Rhea Ruth V. Rosell (Cebu Daily News)

Around 300 foreign and local tourists were treated to the sights, taste and culture of southern Cebu as this year’s “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo the Southern Heritage Trail” kicked off yesterday.

The 150-year-old Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church in Minglanilla town was the tour’s first stop where the guests were given the chance to appreciate the antique items displayed at the church such as a palu-palu (a short bat for beating clothes in washing them), an old wooden table, Japanese money, a mirror, a wooden fork, kitchen utensils like a black round plate, spoons, pitcher, glass and fruit tray among others.

Later, the guests were treated to a carabao race at the Minglanilla Central School grounds.

And like previous Suroy-Suroy organized by the Cebu Provincial Government headed by Gov. Gwen Garcia, the guests were welcomed in every town or city included in the tour with a cultural dance and a song number.

Nancy Cortes, a 54-year-old balikbayan, said her sister-in-law convinced her to join the tour because it’s a “nice” experience.

“Nindot kaayo (It’s very nice),” Nancy said of her first day of the two-day tour.

In Naga City, the tourists also visited the 182-year-old church St. Francis of Assissi.

Another first-time tour participant, Wolfgang, a German national and a senior citizen, found the tour very exciting.

He said that he found out about the “tour” in the newspaper advertisement.

“I saw the ads. This tour was nicely organized. It’s my first time to join this kind of tour,” Wolfgang said.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Cebu Provincial Board Member Julian Daan, Cebu Provincial Police Director Patrocino Comendador and Police Regional Director Marcelo Garbo also joined the tour.

The guests were given the chance to taste the delicacies in the south like the pan Bisaya (Visayan bread), puto balanghoy, Valenciana, biko, bud-bud, bitso-bitso, among others.

Lechon (roasted pig) was also served in San Fernando town. And the guests had a sumptuous lunch in Sibonga town before they visited the Simala Church.

The tourists also visited Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy and Boljoon town.

Today, the guests will tour Oslob, Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyioc, Alegria, Badian, Kawasan and Moalboal.

Meanwhile, Governor Garcia also invited 50 members of different gangs in Cebu, who signed a peace treaty in Minglanilla town.

The gang members came from the Bloods, Crips, and Hardcore.

The treaty aimed to stop hostilities between the gang members.

Aside from the the gang leaders, the treaty was also signed by Minglanilla Vice Mayor Elanito Peña, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Association of Barangay Councils president Manolo Delgado.

DTI sets infodrive session on PHL's free trade deals

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - In its bid to further encourage the business sector, specifically those dealing with foreign trade, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced another round of information session to intensify awareness on doing business in free trade areas.

DTI Cebu Provincial Office (CPO) director Nelia F. Navarro said that the event dubbed “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas---The Market Approach” will be held on October 26, 2011 starting 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Cebu Parklane International Hotel.

Navarro said the half day event is part of DTI’s national awareness campaign to improve access of Philippine products and services to international markets, as well as improve availment of trade benefits from the gradual removal or reduction of barriers to trade and investments—thus, creating a freer flow of goods, services and people within these free trade areas.

The information session on Oct. 26 will cover discussions on market opportunities with focus on products with zero or reduced tariffs under existing free trade agreements as well as the procedures on how to access or apply for these benefits.

Businesses that import are also advised to attend this Info Session and consider the possible benefits of FTAs as reduced tariffs under an FTA can result in better margins on inputs for manufacturers or those importing for the retail market.

The October 26 Info Drive will discuss salient parts of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and a number of ASEAN Regional FTAs namely ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Japan, ASEAN-Korea and ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTAs, which have already entered into force and are now being implemented.

These FTAs bring a number of trade benefits, such as the elimination or reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods & services, the protection and promotion of investments, the harmonization of regulations and standards, and promoting ease of travel for business people.

Earlier, DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte urged the Cebuano business community to fully take advantage of the FTA’s saying despite previous series of information drive events held by the government led by DTI, Cebuano exporoters and importers in particular still havent maximize the incentives offered by FTA’s.

On the other hand, the Phil Federation of Exporters of the Philippines (PhilExport-Cebu) earlier said that although, there are already existing bilateral agreements with economic powers such as the Japan’s Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) and China’s Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT), which exporters have to seriously take advantage with, PhilExport executive director Fred Escalona earlier said that it would be very beneficial for exporters if they are given wider choice.

Likewise, DTI secretary Gregory Domingo urged exporters to take advantage of the trade bilateral agreements inked by the Philippines in other countries, specifically in ASEAN region in order to survive in the stiff global competition.

Although, the Philippines, still has to sign bilateral agreements with giant economies like the United States and Europe, Domingo said exporters or Filipino businessmen in general should find out the different bilateral agreements signed by the Philippines with other countries, as there are growing number of them.

At present, the biggest agreement the country has made is with Japan, through JPEPA, soon Domingo said the Philippines will have bilateral agreements with European Union (EU) and the United States.

“The Philippines is the lowest in terms of availing of the tariff advantages offered by several agreements with countries. Exporters are not taking advantage of this. Maybe because for the lack of knowledge or information,” Domingo said.


Budget for Province’s annual investment plan is nearly half its IRA for 2012

By Oscar C. Pineda

THE Cebu Provincial Government is proposing an annual investment plan that is almost half its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for 2012.

The Capitol’s annual investment plan (AIP) for 2012 lists development projects that cost P776 million, nearly 50 percent of its IRA for that year of about P1.6 billion.

The AIP is part of Capitol’s proposed budget for 2012, amounting to P3.6 billion.

Section 287 of Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of the Philippines, provides that local government units should allot in its annual budget “no less than 20 percent of its annual IRA for development projects.”

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia earlier assured that the funding for the AIP will not come solely from the Province’s IRA.

Provincial Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon said the AIP is broken down into general public services, amounting to P2 million; social services of P481 million; and economic services, P293 million.

In terms of allocation, the biggest project under the AIP is the water supply development program under social services, with P256 million.

This is followed by airport, seaport, reclamation and other economic enterprise sites, with a P170-million allocation.

Construction and furnishing of birthing centers and hospitals are allotted P160 million.

Environmental enhancement, resource protection and solid waste management gets P10 million, while Malapascua and other tourism resort development projects are allotted P2 million.

Lapu-Lapu world-class resorts attract tourists

by NORMAN V. MENDOZA (CORRESPONDENT, Cebu Daily News )

Cebu’s ranking as the 8th best island destination in Asia according to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 survey can be seen through its world-class resorts, some of which are in Lapu-lapu City.

“It is just right and fitting that we have addressed tourism concerns in the city as it is where our economy focuses,” said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.

She said the Lapu-Lapu City government helped Cebu’s tourism industry by organizing anti-crime groups in coordination with police authorities and eco-tourism wardens that apprehend violators of the solid waste management act.

She also cited their regular coastal and underwater cleanups participated in by coastal barangays, schools, non-government organizations, government agencies and volunteer groups as another program under her administration.

Radaza said they will continue to find ways to boost Lapu-Lapu City’s tourism industry and help the province continue to attract more foreign and domestic tourists to its shores.

Garcia sets P3.6B budget for 2012

By Gregg M. Rubio/JMO (The Freeman)


CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has submitted to the Provincial Board the proposed annual budget for 2012 amounting to P3.6 billion.

The amount is 18 percent higher than last year’s P3.01 billion.

Almost half of the total amount is earmarked for social services amounting to P1.77 billion; P1.1 billion for general public services and P791.6 million for economic enterprises.

Garcia said that the more than P3 billion budget is a distinction shared by no other province nationwide. She said the province has consistently shown its independence from Internal Revenue Allotment share, contributing 44 percent only of the required funding sources.

“It affirms this administration’s philosophy in achieving total fiscal independence by continuing in engaging economic enterprises to widen income base,” Garcia said in her budget message.

Under the General Public Services, the office of the governor appropriated P447.2 million; P38.3 million for the vice governor, which is 111 percent higher than last year and P97.5 million for the Provincial Board, which is 140 percent higher than last year.

Another appropriation of P198.2 million for office of the governor under the social services and under the economic services, another P190.6 million for the office of the governor, P23 million for the vice governor and P75 million for the SP which is P5 million each of the 15 board members.

Budgets for major development projects next year include P160 million for the construction, rehabilitation, furnishing and maintenance of hospitals and birthing centers; P256 million for water supply development program; P170 million for airport, seaport, reclamation and other economic enterprise site development program; and P40 million for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and highways.

Other major appropriations include the P65 million for the peace and order program; P25 million confidential and intelligence expenses program; P17 million college scholarship grants; P30 million for the expanded green and wholesome environment that nurtures program; the five percent lump sum in the amount of P98.6 million local disaster risk reduction and management fund (calamity fund); P98 million Provincial Development Assistance Fund; P111 million for hospital and health supplies and equipments; P68 million Philhealth program; and P28 million roads and bridges maintenance.

Garcia said the proposed budget espouses the judicious application of resources, bearing her principle in governance that a budget must be an approximation of the people’s hopes and aspirations, beyond theoretical presentation.

“This reflects the new age of politics, the new age of governance that we believe has dawned upon this great, indivisible and united ‘Province of Cebu’,” she added.

The Provincial Board is set to look into the proposed budget next week.

Capitol credits eGWEN for Cebu tourism honor

By Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent)

THE Capitol lauded reports of Cebu's return to the list of top island destinations in Asia for this year as compiled by an international travel magazine.

In text messages sent to Cebu Daily News yesterday, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia attributed the province's comeback to her administration's Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that nurtures (eGWEN) program.

“(This honor is) an affirmation that the eGwen program embraced by our local government units (LGUs) continues to transform Cebu for the better,” the governor said.

The results were released last week from Condé Nast's 24th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, an annual listing of the best cities, islands, hotels, transportation and resorts worldwide.

Garcia thanked local officials and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI) for being “effective partners” in the implementation of the program.

The eGWEN program is a province-wide contest that evaluates the performance of all towns and cities in Cebu in the areas of environment, health, governance and heritage.

The other night, three towns and cities and their corresponding selected barangays emerged winners from among 10 of their counterparts who were also given citations for exemplary performance.

Cebu bounced back this year at number 8, garnering 77.2 points after being shut out and dislodged by Luzon island last year.

Still, it failed to surpass Luzon which ranked at no. 6 or 77.9 points on the list of Top Island Destinations.

Luzon was also ranked at no. 7 last year with 75.1 points.

Cebu is a small island in the Visayas with a population of 3 million compared with Luzon's 48 million.

Luzon includes Metro Manila and regions of Ilocos, Bicol, Central Luzon, Cagayan and the Cordilleras.

Cebu has occupied the seventh place in 2008, 2007 and 2004. Twice, it has been ranked 8th best island destination by the same survey in 2006 and in 2005.

In Asia the top 10 best islands destinations are Maldives at No. 1, Bali, Phuket, Seychelles, Malaysian Borneo, Mauritius, Langkawi and Koh Samui. Maldives, Bali and Phuket have maintained their ranking from last year.

Another publication, the New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine, named Cebu among the “best islands in Asia” last year at number 3 and at number 4 in 2009 in the release of its World’s Best Awards, evaluating hotels, airlines, cruises islands and cities in the world.

Condé Nast Traveler is an American magazine published by Condé Nast Publications, which specializes in luxury travel and reviews of high-priced hotels, products and services.

100 join cleanup drive in Mandaue

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Almost 100 volunteers joined yesterday morning the cleanup drive initiated by the newly formed Mandaue City Drainage System and Flood Control Management Committee to prevent flooding.

City administrator James Abadia said most of the canals were opened and the debris removed. He said some of the canals were opened for the first time since these were built.

Construction equipment and manpower came from the Cebu Contractors Association, FF. Cruz Company, the DPWH, and the Mandaue City Engineering Office.

Workers from city hall, Barangay Clean and Green, and non-governmental organizations also joined the cleanup which started at 8 a.m. and ended past 1 p.m.

In barangay Centro alone, dump trucks collected more than 50 sacks of waste.

Earlier, the committee had said the cleanup will be a regular Saturday activity in the city.

Last October 7, most barangays in the city were submerged in floodwater.

This incident prompted the city council to declare the city under state of calamity.

Agri workers get insurance

(OCP)

CEBU CITY -- Over 7,000 farmers and fishers in Cebu are now covered by insurance that will help them cope with storms and other calamities.

The Cebu Provincial Government will pay for the coverage worth P255.7 million, which an insurance official described as the most comprehensive among local governments nationwide.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia distributed Friday in Argao town the certificates of insurance coverage in the province’s second district.

She said the insurance will cushion the beneficiaries in case calamities affect them or their produce. She confirmed the Capitol will pay for the premiums to protect farmers and fishermen, the sector most vulnerable to climate change.

The distribution was made on the heels of Tropical Depression Ramon, which destroyed an estimated P12 billion in goods and produce in the country.

So far, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has released P330 million in insurance benefits, to cover the damage to agriculture.

Lawyer Jovy Bernabe, PCIC president, said only 27,000 farmers in Luzon were insured, or about five percent of the sector’s population.

“It’s very hard to convince them,” he said.

He found it commendable that in Cebu, which is seldom hit by storm, the governor has set the stage and insured farmers and fishers. In the other province, he said, the farmers themselves pay their insurance premiums, with only a counterpart fund from the local government.

Toward the end of her speech, Governor Garcia quoted a portion of Matthew 25:45 to explain the Province’s reasons for the insurance coverage: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

The family of fisherman Ernesto Calma, who died in a traffic accident last month, was among the first to benefit from the coverage. His mother Vicenta received from the governor P57,000 worth of checks Friday for his accident insurance, burial and reimbursement of medicine expenses.

PCIC president Bernabe said it was “first” for a local government in the country to provide its constituents with an insurance policy that will not only cover the usual crops and livestock, but also high-value crops, fishponds and fish cages.

In other provinces, he said, farmers insure only a particular crop. In Cebu’s case, everything is insured, he added.

“Insurance is the best hedge for low productivity caused by adverse weather conditions,” said Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Visayas Executive Director Leo Cañeda. He said this is one of the major preemptive programs of the government to address climate change.

The PCIC is a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the DA.

Cebu PCIC Regional Director Crescencio Deligero Jr. said that with the governor’s help, they were able to insure 7,240 farmers and fishers, or a 10 percent penetration rate for these particular sectors.

In Luzon, the penetration rate so far is five percent, said Bernabe.

By the end of the year, the Capitol’s target is to insure 40,000 farmers and fishers, and Bernabe said that might be close to 100 percent coverage here in Cebu.

In a ceremony at the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gym in Argao on Friday, the governor, her father Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia, Provincial Board members, town mayors and other Capitol officials, together with DA and PCIC officials, distributed certificates of insurance coverage to 1,163 farmers and fishers from Argao, Alcoy, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Samboan.

Two other batches were distributed earlier this month.

Paulita Secuya, coordinator of PCIC’s Integrated Farming Systems Development Program, said the Province paid P1.095 million in insurance premiums for 7,240 individuals.

Of that figure, 423 are rice farmers; 1,460, corn planters; 591, livestock raisers; and 4,766, life insurance policy holders.

She added that rice and corn farmers occupy 1,150.14 hectares of land; and livestock raisers manage 1,109 heads of animals.

5 top youth groups in Visayas chosen

By Cris Evert B. Lato (Inquirer Visayas)

LAPU-LAPU CITY—A group of young people makes notebooks from used paper, another teaches basic accounting to a tribe, and still another is into herbal medicine.

These are some of the projects presented by 10 groups in the Visayas on Sept. 23 as they competed for slots in the national finals of the country’s search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (Tayo).

Quoting national hero Jose Rizal’s famous query “Where is the youth of the fatherland?” Markwil Bert Ramos, 18, of Abellana National High School Rescue Group Inc. said “this is our answer.”

His group was among the five winners joining the 20 Tayo national finalists who will meet this month in Manila. Ten national awardees will be chosen and will receive P50,000 each and a trophy sculpted by Toym de Leon Imao.

The other Visayas winners are the Aklan Catholic College’s Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) chapter, Industrial Engineering Council (IE Council) of Cebu Institute of Technology University, Alyansa ng mga Kristiyanong Mag-aaral Responsable ng Balikatan han mga Kabataan (Akma-Resbak) of Tacloban City, and Hayag Youth Organization in Ormoc City in Leyte.

Recue mission

Ramos’ group trains young people on basic rescue skills, such as first aid, life support, rope techniques and firefighting. Its project aims to motivate them to respond to emergencies in their barangays.

The Aklan Catholic College’s JPIA chapter awed the judges with their dedication to teach basic accounting to four cooperatives in Barangays Agbalogo, Aglucay and Libang in Makato town and in Barangay Bolabog, Boracay Island, which is part of Malay town.

The project started in October last year during the semestral break, said Joeby Barrientos, chapter president.

“When you say Boracay, what you see are white sand beaches, the party people. But behind this picture are the neglected people who are not given attention,” Barrientos said, referring to the Ati people, the island’s native inhabitants.

‘Eco-notebooks’

“Though some of them are not able to set foot in schools, they are eager and interested to learn how to help manage their cooperative. That inspires us to continue with our work, no matter how hard it is,” she said.

Applying their classroom learning was the driving force for members of the IE Council of Cebu Institute of Technology University in coming up with “Now is the Time to Build Up Kids for Sustainability” (Nowtbuks). The project produced “eco-notebooks” from scrap paper and used cardboard donated by faculty members and students of the university.

To date, the IE Council has produced more than 500 notebooks distributed to students in Barangay Pangan-an in Lapu-Lapu City and in Barangays Labangon and Agsungot in Cebu City.

“We teach children the joy of recycling … from giving them lectures to the actual making of notebooks. The concept is to reuse the clean side of used paper, creatively stack and stitch them together to form notebooks,” said Roxanne Hernaez, its president.

The Akma-Resbak chose to encourage the use of herbal medicine in treating common community illnesses. Its chair, Christian Poleño, said the “Greens for Health Initiative” project in Barangay Balud in Basey town in Samar has helped the residents and transformed its members as leaders.

“I’ve learned to become more patient in dealing with people,” he told the judges during the panel presentation and defense.

World Savers

Virginia Caballero of Hayag Youth Organization said the lack of concern among the youth on environmental issues pushed her group to be aggressive in promoting “World Savers” project, which undertakes coastal cleanups in 10 barangays, organic gardening and a youth “eco-camp.”

The five winners were chosen based on the impact of project entry on stakeholders, harnessing the spirit of volunteerism, creativity and innovation, sustainability and effective use of resources. Each of them received P5,000 in cash.

Other Visayas finalists are the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers student chapter of Bacolod City, Iloilo Prima Galaw Inc. of Iloilo City, San Isidro Youth of Talisay City in Cebu, DuScian Sillimanites of Dumaguete City, and the Waray-Waray Youth Club of Samar.

Survey shows Cebu oil deposits

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

ALEGRIA, Cebu, Philippines — The Department of Energy - Energy Resource Development Bureau (DoE-ERDB) finds the ongoing seismic survey of five service contracts in Cebu “very encouraging” for oil exploration.

This was according to DoE-ERDB Director Ismael Ocampo who said the prospects of the ongoing seismic survey for oil deposits in Cebu looks positive but drilling still has to be done to be really certain that the quantity would be of commercial volume.

“This takes time and before drilling operations can be done, the service contractor needs to conduct tests, usually a seismic survey, to make sure the area yields commercial volume of oil deposits,” said Ocampo who was a guest at this week's Kapihan sa PIA that tackled status updates on energy projects in Cebu including oil exploration activities.

The DoE official, however, cannot give a timeline as to when such service contract operations can yield results determining whether or not whatever oil deposits exists in the area are commercially viable for production.

One of the service contractors, China International Mining Petroleum Company Ltd., said it would start its remote sensing study, shore seismic data acquisition and drilling in Cebu's southern town of Alegria, the mountain barangay of Monteller and the coastal barangays of Madridejos. Black liquid has been spotted bubbling from the soil and locals here reportedly have been using soaked earth to build fire for cooking and light.

Ocampo said there are indications of oil deposits in Aloguinsan town in southern Cebu but that continuous seismic study needs to be done before drilling operations can begin to ensure that oil deposits in large amounts really exists.

“Even the city of Bogo has been found to have a deposit of natural gas which can produce 1.3 MW of power which is quite significant already, ” Ocampo said while adding however that it would probably take five to six years before production can be commercially tapped.

DENR to count dwellers in Central Cebu watersheds

by Candeze R. Mongaya (Reporter)

Who lives within Cebu’s watersheds and where?

Which ones are legitimate occupants?

A census and registration will be made in 22 barangays within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) starting this year.

This will provide the DENR with basic data as basis for establishing management zones and buffer zones and to prepare programs like alternative livelihood opportunities, said Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

He said they wanted to determine the actual number of occupants within the CCPL and establish the location and size of the home lots and farm lots in the 28,312-hectare protected area.

The survey will include a detailed demographic study, assessment of socio-economic conditions of the communities and validation of proofs of occupancy of the lot claimant.

Among the problems faced in the CCPL are “illegal claimants” who sold the lots and built structures even in zones of pure forestland.

Dichoso said they will document the actual number of occupants and households and the extent of area occupied during the census, based on the last survey conducted on 1993.

A household head shall be considered a “tenured migrant” if he can prove his claim of occupying the area five years before it was declared a protected forestland.

The CCPL covers five watershed: Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Sudlon National Park, Central Cebu National Park and the Kotkot-Lusaran Watershed Forest Reserve.

The Kotkot-Lusaran watershed is located in the cities of Cebu, Talisay, Toledo and Danao, and in the towns of Minglanilla, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, and Balamban.

DOST food safety team members get certification

(Cebu Daily News)

AT least six members of the Department of Science and Technology Cebu Food Safety Team (DOST-CFST) are now certified by the US National Restaurant Association ServSafe Food Protection. The certification validates their professional credibility as international food safety managers.

Certificates were issued to Vina Antopina, John Jeremy Limon, Ethyle Iyog, Tristan Abando, Marichu Baclay and Josie Elli.

Their certificates were mailed from US NRA ServSafe office, Chicago, Illinois.

The certification, valid for five years, attests to their completion of the ServSafe food protection manager course and successful examination last June 30 to July 1.

The program provides up-to-date educational materials to the restaurant industry.

Accredited by the American National Standards Institute Conference for Food Protection, ServSafe training and certification is accepted in all states.

Bryan Ybañez, DOST-CFST team leader, was the first to receive the recognition.

Group maps out breast cancer walk

Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent, Cebu Daily News)

ALL roads leading to the Cebu Business Park will be re-routed in time for the Moonwalk, an annual even held in observance of Breast Awareness Month this October.

Ronald delos Reyes, program coordinator of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), said they expect 3,000 people to join the event to be held this Wednesday.

“Since Oct. 12 is a weekday, we would like to inform the public of a possible traffic congestion that might happen on that day from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.,” delos Reyes said.

The Moonwalk will assemble participants on the lot beside Pag-Ibig Fund Tower in Cebu Business Park at 5 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., they will walk to The Walk restaurant in Asiatown I.T. Park, passing by Archbishop Reyes Avenue.

At the Asiatown I.T. Park, participants will form a pink human ribbon.

A short program and Pink Rock Concert will follow. The Moonwalk is open to the public.

Participants are encouraged to wear pink shirts.

The Moonwalk, RAFI’s advocacy campaign, is aimed at promoting monthly breast self-examination for women aged 20 years old and above.

“We hold Moonwalk during a full moon and Oct. 12 is when the moon is at its fullest this month. Full moon, because it is symbolically linked to the women,” delos Reyes said.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Cebuano women, based on the Cebu population-based Cancer Registry of RAFI.

From 1993 to 2007, Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of RAFI recorded 3,005 breast cancer cases in Metro Cebu.

National awards for 4 district hospitals

By Gregg M. Rubio/JPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Four district hospitals in the Province of Cebu got national awards, as the Provincial Board also approved the upgrading of three more district hospitals into a tertiary one last week.

The district hospitals in the municipalities of Oslob, Malabuyoc, Badian and Daanbantayan received the Newborn Screening Facility Achievers and Exemplary Performance National Awards from the Department of Health and the National Institute of Health last October 3 in Manila.

On the same day, the PB also passed the ordinance upgrading the district hospitals in Danao City, Bogo City and in the Municipality of Balamban into a tertiary care hospital.

Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Chief Dr. Cristina Giango, who received the awards, said that the four district hospitals have performed newborn screening on 90 percent to 100 percent of the babies born in their respective hospitals.

However, Giango said the coverage of the newborn screening in the district hospitals should be increased as there are some mothers who refused to avail of the program because of financial constraints.

She said if they are Philhealth members, they will not have to spend P650 for the newborn screening because they are entitled to a reimbursement.

Meanwhile, hospitals upgraded into a 100-bed shall be renamed from district hospital to provincial hospital.

The Provincial Government aims to complete four 100-bed provincial hospitals before Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s term ends in 2013 in line with her effort to reach out to indigent patients from far areas who can’t afford to travel to the city for medical treatment.

The first provincial hospital in Carcar City was inaugurated on August after years in the delay of the construction which began in December 2006 and ended in January 2009.

The Carcar District Hospital used to have a 10-bed capacity, Balamban was 25, Danao City is 50 and the Severo Verallo Memorial District Hospital in Bogo City has a 50-bed capacity at present.

Cebu Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon also has a pending bill in Congress upgrading the district hospital in Bogo City to a 100-bed capacity and appropriating funds thereof.

There is already an on-going construction in the hospitals in Danao City and Balamban while work in Bogo City will start soon.

Giango said the passage of the ordinance is the first step in seeking clearance from the DOH for the LGUs to operate the new hospitals.

The Province has 16 hospitals including in the islands of Bantayan and Camotes.

Fortune 500 firm opens Cebu office, to hire more engineers

By MALOU M. MOZO

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Fortune 500 company, Fluor Corp., a US-based construction and management firm, which opened an office in Cebu recently, is targeting to hire some 150 engineering graduates by the end of this year, as it hopes to grow its pool of employees to 300 by 2012.

“We will be aggressive in our presence in Cebu, as we have successfully done in Manila,” said Peter Oosterveer, group president of Fluor’s Energy and Chemicals Group. “:n the next few months, we will be hiring more engineers.”

The company launched its engineering and design facility in Cebu at the TGU Tower, at the Asiatown IT Park. Said facility is the second office opened by the firm in the Philippines – their Alabang quarters currently employs a sizeable workforce–and its fourth in Southeast Asia.

Oosterveer said that because Fluor is a knowledge-based outsourcing firm, it will need the expertise of local engineering graduates from industrial, chemical, and mechanical to do “highly complicated technical work” from engineering design, procurement, and construction management services, among others.

He expressed optimism that the company would be able to find a ready pool of engineers in Cebu, saing that Fluor’s reason for choosing the Philippines as one of its growth areas in Asia is due largely to the country’s good relationship with US-based companies, as well as the Filipino work ethic, flexibility and quality of skill.

“The company’s strong presence for about 25 years in the Philippines is enough testament of our confidence in the country,” Oosterveer said.

According to its website, Fluor Corp. is “a Fortune 500 company that delivers engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance (EPCM), and project management to governments and clients in diverse industries around the world.” It was founded as a construction company in 1912.

It currently employs about 42,000 people worldwide, 15,000 of which are under Fluor’s Energy and Chemicals Group.

The company, which maintains a network of offices in more than 25 countries across six continents, supplies services to all types of facilities including refineries, petrochemicals, EPSO floating production units, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, microelectronics, and mining operations, among others.

The company’s clients are in such sectors as oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals, commercial and institutional, government services, life sciences, manufacturing, microelectronics, mining, power, telecommunications and infrastructure.

Master plan needed for ‘Mega Cebu’

By Aileen Garcia-Yap (Cebu Daily News)

A 30-year horizon to develop a “Mega Cebu” was described by businessman Roberto E. Aboitiz in a meeting of the Rotary Club of Cebu West in the Radisson Blu Hotel last Tuesday.

Aboitiz said this can be achieved through collaboration of the private sector and government in the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDB).

He said Cebu can move forward and become a “mega city” like Vancouver in Canada guided by a unified master plan.

“Success is no accident. It’s a planned journey and the future does not belong to the small, unprepared, incoherent and divided cities,” said the president of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

The MCDCB is chaired by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

Aboitiz said that to achieve this goal, proper planning and decision making in the public sector side should go beyond city boundaries of the 13 citizes and towns from Carcar City in the south to Danao City in the north.

Aboitiz said seven businessmen sit in the MCDB : James Velasquez, country general manager of IBM Philippines; Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Samuel Chioson; Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph; Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Eric Ng Mendoza; Cebu Leads Foundation president Bunny Pages; Felomino Lim of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and himself.

“The group will serve as an informal organization with a common, integrated goal for Cebu. We will be looking at areas for collaboration and help make the development plan for Mega Cebu,” said Aboitiz.

The role of business is to contribute “capital, technology and enterprise,” while the government provides the “planning, enabling environment and resources.” Civil society, meanwhile, is the source of “aspirations, obligations, participation and citizenship.”

Aboitiz said a Land Use Master Plan, Transport Master Plan and other sector master plans are crucial elements.

He said MCDB and its committees and working groups would be insitutional anchors, while RAFI will facilite the whole process, provide research and act as knowledge repository, and handle program and organizational development.

The vision for Metro Cebu would have a 25 to 30 year timeframe.

Crafting this vision and engaing political leaders to take necessary steps will be undertaken in the next six to 10 months. It will take 30-36 months starting April or Augut 2012 to develop the econominc roadmap and generate political, financial and technical support.

Then the task of lobbying support for projects and regional networking will take another 18 to 24 months starting October 2014 or April 2015.

Aboitiz spoke of the need to “re-think Metro Cebu” as a “city region” where planning and development of cities and towns is integrated even as each locality maintains its own geo-political integrity.

Examples given were Curitiba in Brazil and Shanghai, China.

Aboitiz said recommendations will be submitted to the government leaders for implementation.

“To achieve the Mega Cebu vision, all the government leaders of the 13 cities and members of civil society and business groups should come together and collaborate to come up with a more integrated and inclusive development plan for Metro Cebu,” said Aboitiz.

Some areas for collaboration are transport and traffic management, infrastrcuture and utilties, environment and health, public safety and seucrity.

The board is also open for more volunteer business and civic organizations to join committees for each area.

Metro Cebu’s population will reach 7.27 million in 2050 or an expected 12.09 million total population in Cebu.

The Philippines ranks 85 out of 139 countries in the world competitive index, falling behind Asian neighbors such as Singapore at rank 3, Malaysia at rank 26, Thailand at rank 38, Indonesia at rank 44 and Vietnam at rank 59.

“We will have the manpower. All we need is the support infrastructure that will make investors see us as the best place to invest. In order to do that we need a master plan. We need to come together to create that master plan and realize that goal and catch up with all the other most sought after cities in the world,” Aboitiz said.

In foreign direct investments, the Philippines only had $1.7 billion last year which is small compared to Singapore’s $37.4 billion, Thailand’s $6.8 billion, Malaysia’s $7 billion, Vietnam’s $11 billion and Indonesia’s $12.8 billion.

Two Cebu grads top ME licensure exams

By Rene U. Borromeo/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Two engineering graduates from Cebu were among the topnotchers in the recent licensure examinations for Mechanical Engineering administered by the Professional Regulations Commission.

Dyson C. Cabahug of the Cebu Institute of Technology University ranked third with his average score of 92.45 percent while Lhoven Larrobis of the University of Cebu placed eighth place with his 91.45 percent.

Joseph Cyril R. Gredona of the Sorsogon State College bested the 1,686 successful examinees with a rating of 92.70 percent. Daniel Forteza also of the same school ranked second place.

The PRC announced that there were 2,513 ME graduates from all over the country who took the licensure examinations but only 1,686 have passed the tests simultaneously administered in Cebu and Manila last month.

The records show that out of the 26 examinees from the University of Cebu, 22 of them passed the exams. CIT-U has 51 graduates who took the tests but only 37 passed.

The University of San Carlos (USC) has 11 graduates who took the test and 10 of them passed while out of the 26 graduates from the University of San Jose Recoletos who took the test only nine failed.

Nine out of the 19 examinees from the University of the Visayas passed the test.

The PRC said those who passed the examinations are advised to immediately register for the issuance of the professional identification card. The schedule of their oathtaking will be announced later.

DOST initiates innovation survey

By Ehda M. Dagooc (Freeman)


CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has taken up the challenge to design and introduce a systems-oriented and policy-relevant innovation survey in the country through a project called “Towards an Innovation-led Development Path in the Philippines”.

Data on innovation are expected to provide a better understanding of the innovation behavior and activities of the firms.

According to DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo this project will in turn produce insights on how technologies and knowledge diffuse, along with essential feedbacks on science, technology, and innovation policies and programs that indicate possible gaps and weaknesses in the country innovation system.

The project, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC-CRDI), had conducted initial discussions with experts at the De La Salle University, the project staff of Ateneo de Manila University’s “Innovation for the Base of the Pyramid”, and potential partners like the National Statistics Office (NSO) and institutions based in Los Baños, Cebu, and Davao.

Subsequently,DOST tapped NSO to do the actual innovation survey. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) would carry out the analysis.

The project was patterned after the European Community Innovation Survey, and adapted to Philippine setting. It followed internationally comparable concepts, definitions, and methodology as embodied in the OECD Oslo Manual, “Guidelines for Collecting and Interpreting Innovation Data”, 3rd Edition, 2005. The survey covered 500 firms in selected survey sites including Quezon City, Metro Cebu, Davao City, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority sites in Cavite and Laguna.

A Project Steering Committee (PSC) headed by DOST Undersecretary for S&T Services Fortunato T. de la Peña has set the project’s direction. PSC members include Dr. Josef T. Yap of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS), Dr. Romulo A. Virola of the National Statistical Coordination Board, Dr. Rowena L. Guevara of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Dr. Cayetano W. Paderanga represented by Cynthia S. Regalado of the National Economic Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. represented by Myrna M. Sunico, and Mercedes M. Barcelon of Ayala Foundation, Inc.

The PSC has held nine meetings on planning and design of survey instrument, implementation, and analysis with experts including Dr. Jose Ramon G. Albert, Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, and Francis Mark A. Quimba of PIDS; Joan A. Jaque of Hydronet Consultants, Inc.; and Dr. Bonifacio A. Gabales, Jr. of University of South Eastern Philippines.

As the project wound down, a series of innovation fora were held in Davao City, Cebu City, and Quezon City to tackle and validate the results of the survey. Participants were also asked to reinforce and/or identify strategies to mainstream innovation system approach in those areas and in the country. The team also prepared a national innovation forum.

Those who attended the fora included key local and policy-makers, representatives from industry associations and the private sector, research/academic community, civil society organizations, financial institutions, multilateral and bilateral donors, private foundations, development partners, and other specialists that are part of the innovation system (e.g. legal, communications, manufacturers, etc).

The DOST is optimistic that the strategies formulated based on the results of the innovation project would promote and enhance innovation activities in different industries, and establish a suitable environment for business ventures.

“Innovation emerges from many sources, complex interactions, and knowledge flows. It emphasizes the need to nurture the demand for knowledge and technologies among a range of actors, including small businessmen… It is the two-way knowledge flows between these actors that enable innovation leading to value creation, increased income, job opportunities, and reduced poverty,” Montejo said.

Cebu Province now ITOP member

By Gregg M. Rubio/BRP (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Province of Cebu has been formally accepted as a member of the Inter-islands Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum composed of island-province destinations in the world.

The acceptance was formalized during the 15th ITOP Forum held in Jeju Island, South Korea, last September 28 to 30 which was attended by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

Cebu was given observer status two years when Garcia was invited to the 14th ITOP Forum in Hainan, China.

Magpale, who returned ahead of Garcia after the forum, told the media that ITOP has a bigger scope than the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF), of which Cebu is also a member.

“Mas high-end ang ITOP, not limited to East Asian countries. We want to tap the market of Europe and US,” Magpale said.

Other member provinces of ITOP are Jeju, South Korea; Hainan, China; Okinawa, Japan; Bali, Indonesia; Phuket, Thailand; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Hawaii, USA; Canary Islands, Spain; and South Province, Sri Lanka.

With the theme “MICE Industry and Tourism Vision”, Magpale said the forum focused on the conceptualization of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition triggered by reports that tourists are now spending less.

“Mao ila gi-address ang high-end market (MICE) kay sila ang big spenders, stay longer in the place,” Magpale said.

Magpale said that in the Joint Declaration, it emphasized cooperation and sharing of information on how to prepare for this “high-end and very discriminating group” which is MICE.

Cebu businessmen implement wage increase

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines – Several business owners in Cebu have complied with the implementation of the new minimum wage rate, which raises the daily wage to P305, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) revealed.

CCCI President Samuel Chioson said he has not received any complaints from employers on the implementation of the P20 daily wage increase, adding that most business establishments can afford the increase.

Except for those who belong to the export industry, which was given a grace period until 2012 to implement the increase, Chioson said other business owners must follow the wage order.

He said owners of small business shops, like internet cafes and convenient store, and those with a work force of less than 10 employees can file exemption from the wage increase at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 7 office here.

Last week, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and DOLE offices in Region 7 reminded employers to implement the P20-increase in daily minimum wage, bringing the minimum wage in Cebu to P305, or face sanctions.

DOLE 7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said his office will closely monitor business firms in the compliance of the new wage order raising daily wages by P20. He said DOLE will be inspecting establishments in the entire region.

“The law dictates that all business establishments in Central Visayas should implement Wage Order 16. There are no exemptions Other than those running household and personal services, there are no exemptions,” Sarcauga said.

Companies not yet implementing the wage order will be given two payroll periods to comply. The labor department will issue a “5-day finding” to those companies not complying.

Sarcauga said if these firms fail to implement said wage order after five days, they would be investigated. If lapses are found, a writ of compliance will be issued against these erring firms.

He also encouraged workers to report to DOLE employers not giving them the additional P20.

In Bohol, some business owners have already started implementing the P20 daily wage increase, which brings the daily minimum wage in the province to P275, said DOLE Provincial Officer German Guidaben.

The RTWPB 7 has approved a uniform P20-increase in the daily minimum wage of workers in Central Visayas, but labor groups claimed the increase is way lower than their proposed P100 wage hike.

Cultural Center of Cebu inaugurated

By: Jaime Picornell

The Cultural Center of Cebu had a soft opening at its premises within the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu college campus along Gorordo Avenue. Started 18 years ago, its completion is to the credit of current Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Governor Gwen thought of inviting former first lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos to preside the ribbon-cutting. It was quite a long silken swath for Mrs. Marcos, Governor Gwen, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, UP president, to cut.

And there were more: Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Rodolfo Fariñas, Honorary Consul of Russia Armi Garcia and Russian sculptor Gregory Pototsky. He unveiled his “Dandelion” sculpture in front of the building after the blessing prayers by Msgr. Roberto Alesna.

Architect Tessie Javier was among the elegant crowd. She is part of the team tasked with completing the center, which will be functional in time for its grand inaugural come November 25.

Governor Gwen has been congratulated for the terrific success of the recent EATOF confab held in Cebu. The initials stand for East Asia Inter Regional Tourism Forum. Most of the activities were held at Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

EATOF was formed 12 years ago, consisting of member provinces in different countries of East Asia, with Cebu one of the most active. For this gathering, delegates came from Gangwon, Korea; Jilin, China; Tottori, Japan; Tuv, Mongolia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Luang Prabang, Laos; Quangh Ninh, Vietnam; Sarawak, Malaysia; Seam Reap, Cambodia; and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The opening ceremonies at CICC were well-attended. The venue also served as site of a trade fair, with booths from the participating countries. Local products and crafts were also on exhibit.

There were three intense nights with Governor Garcia hosting various festivities. One was a welcome reception at The Capitol Building. Guests gathered at the front terrace for cocktails and canapés, awaiting a wondrous display of fireworks.

The action moved to the second level for dinner and the program. Teresin Mendezona decorated the place with masses of yellow orchids, and Café Laguna served a stupendous buffet.

Spectacular dances from various municipalities of Cebu province were presented, as well as performances by some of the participating delegations. Korea presented the most beautiful, with lovely ladies in diaphanous white floating about like swans.

It is all a matter of breath control, said Junjet Primor, who does most of the

choreography for presentation at Cebu Capitol.

*National costume night

Next evening, delegates were asked to wear national costumes to the festival held at CICC. This was another occasion for more dance presentations.

The finale evening was held at the grand ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. GM Hans Hauri, resident manager Julie Najar, food/beverage director Stephan Wieprich and other hotel top brass were at the foyer’s red carpet to welcome all.

First to arrive was Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who said there’d be a slight delay since the group had been on a cruise to scenic Camotes Island. Eventually, Governor Gwen came and everyone ascended to the ballroom.

It was decorated with flaming-red roses on all tables and the long buffet spread.

“I have prepared a heritage menu,” said Jessica Avila, Marco Polo’s consultant for Cebuano cuisine. The poached shrimps with a dash of chili were delicious. It went perfect with rice cooked in coconut leaf baskets, so typical of Cebu.

It was a fun evening, with more dances and performances by Cebu groups and the delegates. Everyone gathered onstage to sing the EATOF hymn, whose lyrics are by Sam Costanilla. Music is by Gani Villarojo.

Liloan Mayor Duke Frasco and his wife Christina, Governor Gwen’s daughter, were among the happy group that stayed on for dancing up to 2:30 a.m. Some delegates went straight to the airport as most were scheduled to leave first thing in the morning.

Completing the week’s hectic pace was the visit of Harry K. Thomas Jr., Ambassador of the USA. For him, Governor Gwen Garcia hosted a luncheon at the social hall of the capitol.

With the ambassador and Garcia at the presidential table were Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia (the governor’s father), Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Mayor Nelson Garcia, US Consular Agent in Cebu John Domingo, Ambassador Francisco Benedicto, Robin Dialo from the US Embassy, Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier with his wife Amparito, and Mariquita Yeung, the governor’s best friend.

Provincial board member Peter Calderon delivered the welcome remarks, while Governor Gwen herself introduced the American ambassador. He said he had learned quite a number of Cebuano terms in the four hours he had been in Cebu, and pronounced some of them, like init.

Well, it was a sun-drenched ceremony he had attended earlier. The ambassador said he enjoys Chicken Joy, mango cake from Red Ribbon, halo-halo, and “I wear a Timex watch made in Cebu.”

He also speaks very good Spanish, having learned it in Peru. He smiled as he said, “Tengo una hija, profesora de español, en Carolina del Norte.”

The Philippines is very much a part of the USA, he stated, adding that 4.5 Filipinos live there, not counting the TNTs. The US Embassy in Manila has the second largest visa section in the world.

Cebu-based startup offers personalized web design

By FLEIRE CASTRO

A Filipino graphics design company seeks to bring back the human element in the inexpensive, template-based design industry with its personalized graphic design service through the web.

Pinoy Document Company or pindoco.com has partnered with the Cebu Business Incubator for IT (CebuinIT), POW! Designs and DOST-UP Cebu College to create a more streamlined process of offering customized designs.

Barry Canton, one of the founders of pindoco.com, mentions that the name was inspired by a 1960 comic character named Pedro Penduko.

"He has no special powers but he is resourceful and quick-witted in battling evil forces," Canton said. Thus, the startup company that includes wanted to bring the same sense of resourcefulness by harnessing the power of the internet and streamlining their graphics design service processes through web-based collaboration with their clients.

Users who are aiming to have their designs printed only need to present their design concept or requirement and leave the execution to the Pindoco graphic artists. Through their website, you will be able to facilitate the whole design process. You can interact personally wit the graphic artist and make real time design directions and instructions.

At first glance, some users might see some similarity with project management systems like Basecamp. Averell Piramdae, a pindoco.com team member, mentions that unlike Basecamp selling the software to other companies, their platform is different since it is basically the personalized graphics design services that they are selling and not the system itself.

They also boast of the easy access to the platform making back and forth emailing of revisions and updates a thing of the past. All work progress is said to be accessible and stored in your dashboard. Aside from that, you can easily set appointments with your graphics designer and setup your most convenient time for conferences and calls.

"It is as if the designer is right beside you," said Jethro Estimo, one of the pindoco.com team members.

At the moment, the startup is serving international customers only for the printing and delivery of the final products.

Jeffrey Montecillo, Marketing Specialist of CebuinIT, said that pindoco.com, together with three other startups, is just one of the first batch of incubatees of the business incubator. They are looking forward to the graduation ceremony for the 4 startups within October 2011.

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