Cebu Province News November 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.

PDAF benefits individuals in crisis

By PHOEBE JEN INDINO

BOGO, Cebu, Philippines – Indigent individuals and families in the fourth district here are now covered with medical aid after Rep. Benhur Salimbangon signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office-7 for the use of his P3-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for medical funds.

Said beneficiaries can now start availing of funds covering expenses for medical treatment, medicine, laboratories, diagnostic procedures and other such needs.

“This concern has been conceived to help alleviate the laboratory and diagnostic expenses incurred by my constituents especially those who cannot afford the high cost of medical treatment,” Salimbangon said during the MOA signing.

The solon clarified that maximum assistance given to a client is P25,000.00 and confinement in private hospitals are not allowed unless there’s a certification from government hospitals that these are full and could not anymore accept the patient.

Laboratory examinations in private hospitals and/or testing centers are not allowed too unless government hospitals and clinics will certify that such procedure is not available.

MGB-7 conducts geohazard assessment and mapping in Northern Cebu

by Hazel Gloria

CEBU CITY, November 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources -Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-7 will conduct a geohazard assessment and mapping of 49 barangays in the municipalities of Bantayan, Sta. Fe, and Madridejos, all in Bantayan Island, Cebu from November 28 to December 9, 2011.

DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said the project is pursued to produce geohazard maps covering the critical areas and to show more details of the areas covered in the map.

A team of geologists composed of Jessica Lucero, Maria Elena S. Lupo, and Josephine T. Aleta will determine the vulnerability of each barangay to coastal erosion, storm surges, and coastal flooding.

Among the details that can be found in a 1:10,000-scale geohazard map include parameters or features in the area that may affect ground stability and the type of landslides that can possibly occur in the area.

“The survey team will then issue appropriate warnings and recommendations to local government units and the communities on the level of susceptibility to landslides and flooding so that they can start to initiate measures to lessen the potential impacts of these geological hazards,” MGB-7 regional director Loreto Alburo explained.

“The team will also undertake an intensive information and education support and training of the local officials and also local leaders and members of affected communities,” Alburo said.

“Given the abnormal rainfall or precipitation that we have been experiencing right now which is attributed to climate change, the MGB continues to conduct a geohazard assessment on critical areas as well,” he concluded.

Cebu businessmen urged to switch to solar energy

By Rhea Ruth V. Rosell (Correspondent, Cebu Daily News)

Representatives of eight German companies are encouraging business owners in Cebu to use renewable energy specifically solar energy.

“In the long run, it’s the best solution and the most economic solution.” said Alexander Kaub, Inutec Solar Centre president.

Kaub cited the increasing price of coal and the more than 30-year life-cycle of solar panels as factors to switch to solar energy use.

“It (solar panel) has no smoke. . .the solar panel will run for 30 years without any price increases compared to oil,” Kaub said.

Aside from helping the environment, Kaub also pointed out the reliability of solar energy and its profitability.

“It would not be very expensive if you just have the right mind, the plan and the knowledge to do it,” he said.

Kaub, however, pointed out the challenges in using solar energy, which were finding the “secure situation” and the “secure law” that might suit investors.

“They (investors) need some security and financing,” Kaub said.

He said a way to get sustainable financing would be to lend money from international banks and using “carbon certificates”.

He said the best way to succeed in this business was to create network partners, implement the best technical and economical solutions in the long run, have an on and off-line based solar academy, and find sustainable financing.

The Inutec Solar Centre started in 1993.

“I am willing to use and sell solar energy products because the life cycle is long-time,” said Eastern Copperfields Trading Inc. owner Jess Frias.

Frias was one of the business owners who attended the forum.

Their company distributes solar batteries, engi neered solutions and systems among others.

They have been doing business for almost 20 years.

“I am willing to coordinate with the German solar companies.” Frias told 110 local businessmen, representatives from local government units (LGUs), who were at the Philippine-German Solar Energy Forum last Thursday at the Casino Español in Cebu City.

Cebu church bells were ‘witnesses of history’

By Candeze R. Mongaya (Reporter, Cebu Daily News)

FIVE century-old church bells from three Cebu towns were mounted as part of the Cebu Archdiocese’s celebration of the fifth-year anniversary of the Cebu Cathedral Museum on P. Burgos Street.

“The bells are witnesses to wars and natural calamities. They are considered historical artifacts because they are the witnesses of Cebu’s history,” said Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, an author and authority on colonial churches in the country.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma led the blessing of the five bells, which were cracked and unused bells recovered from parish churches in towns of Sta. Fe, San Remegio and Daanbantayan.

The old bells, made of bronze, were mounted in concrete foundations and set in the garden of the museum, a former convent used by priests.

Each bell was sponsored by donors represented yesterday by Marilu Chongbian, Amado Go, Alit Solon and FC Veloso Properties Inc.

Jose said the bells, which were made in the 1800s, were used to signal or announce various communal activities in the parishes like weddings, feasts and funerals.

In his study of church bells around the country, he documented eight to 10 bells in the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. There were also eight bells on Oslob town and three bells each in Borbon and Catmon towns.

Jose said these bells were moved around from one parish to another, reflecting the movement of the Catholic faithful between Cebu and other regions.

Church bells vary in shape, inscriptions and manner of their installation.

Jose said the early bells in the country, dating back to the 17th century are identified by their elongated hips.

The 18th-century bells are identified with their horizontal rings.

The seal of the religious congregations who commissioned the bells are also inscribed in the object, Jose added.

The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral had eight bells dating back to 1608, each separately used for weddings, baptism, masses and in alerting the communities of danger and emergencies.

Yesterday, the museum also launched a rare exhibit of excavated materials from the Iron Age found in San Remegio town, north Cebu.

They will be displayed in the museum for two weeks.

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Caridnal Vidal led the ribbon cutting along with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and San Remegio Mayor Jay Olivar.

Vidal thanked the Cebuanos who continue to contribute in developing the Cebu Cathedral Museum as heritage repository housing valuable ecclesiastical artifacts in Cebu.

“I am very happy because we have a place where we can visit and view all our heritage pieces,” Vidal said in an interview.

Local choco chain to expand outside Cebu

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Homegrown chocolate chain Tablea Chocolate Cafe is going to expand outside of Cebu in the next few months, as the company is working on to open up a franchise package for its out-of-town outlets.

Eighteen months after establishing its brand as the sole cafe in Cebu that offers traditional beverages and desserts made of tablea, this pioneering company that promotes the Filipino’s old favorite morning delight, just opened its sixth branch at the J Centre Mall, the new shopping destination in Mandaue City.

Tablea Chocolate Cafe, inspired by tradition and “perfected by passion”, was created by Aya Garcia-Shlachter to preserve and re-introduce a long-standing Filipino pastime of drinking “sikwate” (tablea chocolate drink).

Tableas are pure cacao beans that are dried, roasted, ground and then formed into tablets traditionally used in the Philippines to make hot chocolate.

Shlachter’s cafe chain seeks to continue this Filipino tradition, while at the same time bring it to a whole new level by creating and providing inventive and high-quality chocolate drinks and desserts.

Shlachter, who is a successful practicing architect in New York, is back to her hometown together with her family, to start off this promising venture.

The company spends about P2 million for every stand-alone cafe it opens.

She said she is looking at opening up outlets in Boracay, Davao, Bacolod, as soon as the franchise system for the company is completed.

Tablea Cafe offers 20 to 30 mixes of beverages and desserts, using cacao as its main ingredient.

The brand also supports the local cacao growing industry by promoting to its patrons that Philippine made products are not only equal to imports but also provide economic and social benefits for the country.

It currently sells and uses four varieties of Philippine Tablea from Argao (Cebu), Jimalalud (Negros Oriental), San Isidro (Davao), and Tagbilaran (Bohol).

Brazilians eye Cebu trade ties

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

SAO PAULO, Brazil, Philippines – Businessmen in Brazil have shown interests in forging trade relations with their counterparts in Cebu following the business meeting in Sao Paulo that kicked off the two-week South American trade mission of the Province of Cebu and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

Thomaz Zanotto, director of Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo (FIESP), the largest professional body in Brazil comprising 132 business associations, said the trade mission is very timely considering that Brazil's trade with developing countries is growing in big numbers.

“There are a lot of opportunities for Brazilian companies to sell their products to Cebu and for companies in Cebu to sell their products in Brazil,” Zanotto told Manila Bulletin after gracing the business meeting between Brazilian traders and Cebu-based businessmen.

Zanotto added that Brazilian traders will have to closely study the kind of industries both Cebu and Sao Paulo can work in together although he stressed that Cebu can tapped into the rising demands for special fruits and food stuff in Brazil.

“We are trying to look into the kind of industries that both Cebu and Sao Paulo can be partners but Brazil is now buying a lot of manufactured goods including special fruits and other food products and Cebu can very well tap that opportunity,” he stressed.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who is heading the Cebu trade mission delegation, invited the Brazilian businessmen to come to Cebu to explore trade partnership opportunities with local traders. In a brief video presentation, Garcia showed Brazilian traders the different programs of the provincial government that are business-friendly.

DOH-7 urges public to beware of fake drugs

by Fayette C. Riñen (PIA-Cebu)

CEBU CITY, November 24 (PIA) -- As the country observes the National Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicine every third week of November, the public is urged to be vigilant against fake drugs in the market.

Elizabeth Tabasa, head of the Licensing Regulation and Enforcement Division of the Department of Health (DOH) 7, urged the public to always ask the assistance of the pharmacist and to ask for an official receipt every time they purchase their medicines.

“Never buy medicines from peddlers just found in the street especially those with foreign markings,” Tabasa said.

She advised consumers to only buy their medicines in FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-licensed pharmacies or drug stores “because one is assured that the drug they buy is genuine and not fake.”

Tabasa also emphasized checking the written information on the label whether this is written in English or not.

“Under the law, the label should be in English. If not, then it must be a counterfeit drug,” according to the DOH-7 official.

She also added that counterfeit tablets are not uniform in color.

“One must also check with suspension drugs that in mixing the powder with water, no solid particles are seen,” Tabasa disclosed.

Tabasa said their office is regularly conducting spot inspections on pharmacies and drug stores for counterfeit drugs.

“If one is dubious, one can call our office here or e-mail to i.report.fda@gmail.com,” Tabasa said.

Under RA 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs, violators will be meted with a fine ranging from P100,000 up to a maximum of P500,000 and imprisonment of six months to 10 years.

DPWH-7 to provide jobs to 4Ps beneficiaries in CV

by Hazel Gloria (PIA-7/hfg & DSWD-7/al)

CEBU CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, are now providing employment opportunities for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

District engineers of Cebu Province convened recently to discuss the hiring of 4Ps beneficiaries as labor workers for the development and maintenance of roads, highways and bridges.

DSWD-7 Pantawid Pamilya program regional coordinator Aileen Lariba said the national government mandates that 20 percent of the labor work force of DPWH be given to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

This has encouraged district engineers to come together and plan on how to accommodate as many beneficiaries as possible before the year ends and to prepare a ready pool for a busy 2012, Lariba added.

In the three years of program implementation, the 4Ps beneficiaries were given continuous Family Development Sessions (FDS), capability trainings, consultation workshops and caravans, among others.

Lariba said that because of these preparations, these beneficiaries are now ready to have a sustainable livelihood or employment, making them an asset in whatever project they would be assigned to.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a five years poverty alleviation strategy of the government, implemented by the DSWD through the provision of conditional cash to extremely poor household with children 0-14 years old for health and education.

Each household will have a monthly allocation of P500/month for health and P300/month/child for education for a maximum of three children only.

To continually receive the grants and for the program to meet its objective, each household is to comply with the following set conditions: pre-natal and post-natal care for pregnant women, immunization, weighing, preventive health check-up and attendance to family development sessions is a must. As to the education requirement of the program, children must have at least 85 percent attendance in school.

Cebu to house the country's 1st cyber crime lab

by Fayette C. Riñen (PIA-Cebu with PNP-CIDG PR)

CEBU CITY, November 22 (PIA) -- The country's first cyber laboratory and training center will be set up in Cebu before the year ends.

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Police Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr., chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of the laboratory and training center.

The Cebu Provincial government will shoulder the P 1.2 million construction cost of the building, which will be completed by the end of December.

Pagdilao said that with the establishment of a modern cyber laboratory, the CIDG will be the leading government unit capable of investigating internet-related crimes like cyber prostitution, internet fraud and illegal online gambling.

Equipment for the CIDG’s cyber lab came from a P2 million grant from United States Diplomatic Security's Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATAP), Pagdilao said. These include mobile forensic equipment such as servers, software and other utilities.

“Many of the foreign mafias involved in cyber crime are aware of the present organizational and technical incapability of the country’s law enforcement agencies. The situation has inevitably made the country a safe haven for cyber crime operators involved in cyber pornography, cyber sex den, illegal gambling, credit card fraud and identity theft,” he said.

The cyber lab will provide law enforcement units and investigative agencies with digital forensic capability, according to Pagdilao.

The CIDG chief thanked Garcia for her efforts to augment the CIDG's capability to fight criminality in Cebu and in the Western Visayas region.

CEDF-IT prepares Cebu talent pool

By Aileen Garcia-Yap (Reporter, Cebu Daily News)

WITH the expected explosion in the global demand for new software developments, the Cebu Foundation for Information and Technology (CEDF-IT) plans to strengthen links between the academe and the industry to ensure that the local talent pool will be ready when the demand for software developers starts to pour in.

Dr. Greg Gabison, CEDF-IT president representing the University of San Jose Recoletos, said CEDF-IT with its new members of the board would look into projects that would help boost the software development side of the outsourcing industry.

“While most of our jobs in the outsourcing right now are still the call center jobs, we feel that there is something we can do about this area and we have partners in the telecom industries as well who are helping us out like Globe with our Globe Labs project,” Gabison said.

“We will also push forward with more projects that will encourage students with potential for developing technologies and ensure that Cebu will not only be known for voice services but also in the high-end skills side,” he said.

Gabison said he believed that Cebu talents were capable of developing software products that could be used for business and even support software for the already popular device operating systems such as Android, which can be further strengthened with more collaboration between the academe and the industry.

With firms now willing to pay for the technology, Gabison believes that the Cebu talent pool are very technology savvy and should be able to satisfy demands for software developments from major companies here and abroad.

“We have actually used software developed by local talents in many projects already. One is the Sugar CRM2 Management Tool which we developed with Android technology in USJ-R,” Gabison said.

More aid coming for barangays

By Gregg M. Rubio and Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon yesterday announced he has yet to finish distributing relief assistance to residents in island barangays affected by typhoon Quiel.

The announcement was made following queries why only a few island barangays in Bantayan Island got the assistance last week when Governor Gwendolyn Garcia came to visit.

Last week 2,358 identified indigent families received packs of rice and canned goods in barangays Hilantagaan, and Langub and in barangays of Kinatarcan Island in Santa Fe town.

Salimbangon yesterday said that more than 5,000 families still have to get the assistance as soon as the weather allows him to cross to other islets in the district.

“Kaning Bantayan maoy daghang islets, ako target diha is 2,600 households,” Salimbangon said.

Last Friday, Salimbangon’s daughter, Daphne, distributed to 4,832 families in Bantayan Island the financial assistance in relation to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Salimbangon said the amount disposed was P12 million pesos, part of P30 million per month appropriated for his district by the national government. The amount covers the month of August to October.

Under this program, indigent families receive P500 and an additional P300 for each child 14 years old and below per month.

The DSWD is embarking on an ambitious goal of covering 79,816 identified poor households in their National Household Targeting System by the end of President Benigno Aquino III’s term.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development program that provides conditional cash grants to as much as P1,400 to poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly children aged zero to 14 years old.

It is an adaptation of CCT programs in Latin American countries where experience has shown that investment in human capital vastly improves a country’s chances of reducing poverty.

Earlier the town of Tabuelan and DaanBantayan likewise received a total of P11.1 million financial assistance

Salimbangon was one of those who were instrumental in the implementation of the program, when, during the plenary budget hearing, DSWD’s budget attained the highest degree of controversy.

While a lot of congressmen stood against 4Ps saying it was the same as a dole-out, Salimbangon instead stood for its approval knowing very well the hardships encountered by his poor constituents in the Fourth District. Salimbangon had clarified that it is not him who shall determine who are the beneficiaries of 4Ps but the DSWD.

The congressman expressed alarm after reports he is allegedly politicizing the program by choosing only his supporters as beneficiaries.

Cebu capitol implements moves vs DPWH 7's tree-cutting activities

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

BADIAN, Cebu, Philippines — Cebu province is set to file criminal and administrative charges against the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7’s Fourth District Engineering Office (DEO) for alleged indiscriminate cutting of trees along the national road in some southern towns of Cebu.

The province will be joined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 in filing charges against officials of the said agency, led by Engineer Fernando Cruz.

Cruz has not issued a statement regarding said charges although he earlier told Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia that his personnel were merely pruning trees that have posed hazards to the public.

A presentation made by Capitol officials on Friday, however, showed pictures of totally cut down trees, including those located several meters from the main road.

Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre showed to media several photographs showing logs, branches and stumps of dol-dol, coco, mahogany, magtalisay, anyeland, tamarind, star apple, and dita trees along the road of Brgys. Banhigan, Pobblacion, Malhiao and Manduyong, all in Badian town.

Pelayre said they do not have yet the actual count of the number of trees cut because they are still conducting inventory in other towns.

Showing the presentation made by Pelayre, Forester Juanito Pua, chief of the Forest Resources Conservation Division, Forestry Sector of DENR-7, said DPWH personnel have violated Presidential Decree No. 953 signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos on July 6, 1976.

“They have not informed nor applied with the DENR regarding the clearing operations along this national road and they are supposed to submit their written applications for the cutting or request for the cutting of these trees,” Pua said.

PD No. 953 requires the planting of trees in certain places and penalizing unauthorized cutting, destruction, damaging and injuring of certain trees, plants and vegetation.

Pua said they have already instructed the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) based in Argao town to undertake investigation and inventory of those trees in order to come up with the exact number of trees being damaged.

The alleged indiscriminate cutting of trees reached the ears of Garcia following complaints by some town officials. Cruz reportedly told Garcia that they are just pruning the trees posing hazards but the Cebu governor was apparently angered when she saw aforementioned photos taken by the Capitol personnel.

Cebu declared ‘Volleyball Capital of the Philippines

By Jonas Panerio (Cebu Daily News)

Cebu has added yet another title to its rich history as it was declared as the “Volleyball Capital of the Philippines,” thanks to a resolution that was passed and signed by the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF).

The resolution was approved last Oct. 21 but the official paperwork and the glass plaque commemorating the achievement was delivered last Wednesday by PVF president Gener Dungo.

Cebu Volleyball Association executive director Nona Catipay remarked that the feat remains an unbelievable thing.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we would be recognized like this. We didn’t even know that it was there for the taking,” said Catipay.

“This is really a hard-earned recognition. We did not win this since this was never a contest to begin with. The PVF was going all over the country imploring the local government units to go grassroots with their volleyball programs. One particular person that heeded that call was Governor (Gwen) Garcia. She had the E-Guv adopted last year and now, we have the elementary and high school divisions already in the GUV Cup.”

Catipay also stated that their current program will help the Philippines regain their spot atop the volleyball hierarchy in Southeast Asia.

“We were the superior team in the 1980s and the 90s. We have a history of sustained success and I believe we can do that again,” she said.

However, with the award comes an even greater responsibility to reach out to more people and spread the values of the sport.

“We can’t rest on our laurels. We have to be even better ambassadors of the sport.”

The formal turnover the plaque will be held during the championship game of the Guv Cup next month at the Cebu International Convention Center.

DOST-7 develops technology on eco-efficient water facility to reduce water consumption

by Fayette C. Riñen (PIA-Cebu)

CEBU CITY, November 17 (PIA) –- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 7 developed a technology on eco-efficient water infrastructure that enables establishments to significantly reduce water consumption and save on water bill costs.

DOST-7 Assistant Regional Dir. Edilberto Paradela presented their agency’s technology development on the ‘Integrated Rainwater and Storm Water Harvesting’ which they used in their own building.

“The DOST-7 building has a facility that harvests storm water, rainwater, and gray water and filters these for reuse in its toilets and in watering plants,” Paradela said, adding that the facility has reduced their water consumption by 75 percent.

Paradela said they have developed replication and capacity-building strategies in case there are interested parties who would like to implement the technology DOST-7 is promoting.

Project cost however, is still to be determined as the development of the technology is a partnership among the DOST, Korean International Cooperation Agency, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and private firms, this is learned.

The technology can be useful in the region for addressing issues on water quality, overextraction of the aquifer, non-use of rainwater and flooding, according to Paradela.

“It is ‘green growth’ project, he further claimed.

Paradela presented the technology in the previous meeting of the Economic Development Committee of the Central Visayas Regional Development Council.

Asian mayors eye SanFran system

By PHOEBE JEN INDINO

CAMOTES ISLAND, Cebu, Philippines — A batch of government officials from Thailand, Vietnam and India, along with the United Nations (UN) director on strategy for disaster risk management, visited San Francisco, one of the municipalities that comprise the Camotes Islands group, to observe and learn from its best practices.

The town was a recipient of the 2011 United Nations (UN) Sasakawa Awardee for Disaster Risk Reduction last May.

San Francisco Vice-Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr. reported that the said officials during their visit last Nov.15 were oriented on how the municipal government was able to mobilize the community through what he calls the “SanFran System.”

“We taught them how the SanFran system was established so that they can replicate it,” he said.

The so-called SanFran system is also called the Purok System, which is a structure empowering the community to check each barangay’s various concerns.

Meanwhile, Arquillano disclosed that it took the local government unit some five years to obtain effective results from the community-driven program it established.

He added that mobilizing community cleanliness has become a way of life among his constituents.

Arquillano and his team last month trained their counterparts in the southern town of Oslob on solid waste and disaster risk reduction management.

He said they have been conducting training exercises in several towns in the province and is willing to bring his team abroad if its services are needed.

Said training referred to by the San Francisco mayor includes the implementation of early warning systems, the formation of an emergency response team, and the allotment of funds for disaster risk management and risk assessment.

Moreover, aside from the mayors coming from aforesaid three Asian countries, local officials from neighboring provinces also came to San Francisco for the same purpose.

It can be recalled that last August, four government officials from Sri Lanka also visited the said town to learn from local officials and others responsible for effecting San Fancisco’s good practices.

The Camotes Islands lie some 33 nautical miles northeast of Cebu City and is comprised of four islands, that is, Pacijan or San Francisco town; Poro, which is composed of Poro and Tudela towns; Ponson or Pilar town and Tulang, an island barangay.

Cebu province officially launches CPADAC

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu's fight against illegal drugs is getting more teeth as the Province of Cebu officially launched the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC), with government line agencies, law enforcement offices, the private sector, and the prosecutors as members.

The launching of the CPADAC, which was created through an ordinance sponsored by Provincial Board Member Carmen Remedios Durano-Meca, was held simultaneously with the oath-taking of its officials led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The ordinance sets up a permanent organizational structure for the anti-illegal drug campaign of the Provincial Government and will specialize in the prevention of the proliferation of illegal drugs.

The commission is composed of agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7, National Bureau of Investigation 7, Cebu Provincial Police Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (Province of Cebu), Department of Education (Province of Cebu), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, and private sector representatives.

Provincial prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba reported that drug cases in Cebu are now getting more alarming and this concerns them gravely because of the technical requirements in the law.

Garcia sees such alarming state as a matter of perspective and said she takes this as a challenge of “every progressive and economically leading province in the country.”

Export zone employees avail of PAG-IBIG services

  • Monday, November 14, 2011
by Hazel Gloria(PIA-7/HFG/NSO-7)

CEBU CITY, November 14 (PIA) -- Nearly 600 employees from the Mactan Export Zone -1 availed of the services of Pag-IBIG Cebu North Branch during its two-day Mobile Service Desk on October 20 – 21, 2011 at the Football Field in Lapulapu City.

The services offered include membership verification; printout of the Employee’s Statement of Accumulated Value (ESAV); conduct of several sessions of Fund orientation or briefing; online membership registration; receiving of MPL applications; printout of the Statement of loan balance; and housing loan counseling.

Two of the highlights of the activity were the request for printout of contributions and loan details and loan balance statements. Three hundred nine (309) members requested for printouts of their contributions and loan details and there were 112 members that requested for their loan balance statements.

“The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) which regulates the Mactan Export Zone will always support Pag–IBIG Fund Cebu North Branch endeavors to address the needs of the employees of our companies or locators,” said some PEZA officials.

MEZ-1 has more than 100 private companies employing more than 50,000 workers.

With the aim of bringing the services of Pag–IBIG Fund closer to its members, this financial institution is still planning to hold the Mobile Service in companies with large employee bases or other strategic areas in Cebu North.

NSO-7 invites schools to participate in Statistics Quiz

by Hazel Gloria(PIA-7/HFG/NSO-7)

CEBU CITY, November 13 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) encourages universities and colleges in Central Visayas to participate in the 20th Philippines Statistics Quiz (PSQ).

This is an annual competition open to all freshmen students currently enrolled in any colleges and universities in the province.

The activity is designed to test the contestant’s knowledge of statistics acquired form the secondary education curriculum.

NSO-7 OIC Regional Director Ariel E. Florendo said the provincial elimination was held on November 10, 2011 in the different province in the regional finals. The regional winner will then represent the region et the National Finals.

The quiz aims to promote, enhance, and instill appreciation on the value of statistics among Filipino youth. It also seeks to generate greater public awareness on the importance of statistics in development planning and gain better cooperation in government statistics activities.

Meanwhile, NSO Administrator Carmelita N. Ericta, chairperson of National Steering Committee, announced that this year’s simultaneous regional championship will be held on November 17, 2011 in the different regions while the National Finals is related on December 9, 2011 to be held in manila.

Interested participants are encourages to visit or call NSO provincial offices in their respective province for more details of the contest.

DSWD: Pantawid Pamilya program in Cebu a success

By Rhea Ruth V. Rosell (CORRESPONDENT,Cebu Daily News)

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) announced the successful implementation of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Cebu.

DSWD-7 spokesperson Aileen Lariba said during the Kapihan sa PIA on Wednesday that the program lowered the incidence of poverty in Cebu from 57 percent last year to 37 percent this year.

Based on the report from the DSWD-7, some 39,047 households from 17 municipalities in Cebu were added to the program, bringing the total number of household beneficiaries to 91,986 and municipalities to 45.

Lariba said that the national budget for the program to alleviate poverty was increased from P21 billion last year to P39 billion this year.

Lariba urged the poor to register in their respective barangays before the second week of December to benefit in the program.

DSWD-7 monitoring and evaluation officer Raquel Daria said that in the whole region, beneficiaries achieved a 95 percent compliance rate with education and 94 percent with health.

She said the agency would temporarily suspend the financial assistance for households whose children did not enroll in school.

Under the program, beneficiaries receive P500 every month for health and nutrition and P300 monthly per child aged 14 years old and below, to a maximum of three children, for educational expenses as long as they comply with the conditions that include availing of health services for their children, pre and post natal care for pregnant household member, sending their children to school and attending family development sessions.

Daria said Cebu City has the biggest number of beneficiaries with 4,502 households compared to other cities and municipalities in the region.

The 4Ps program implemented by the DSWD aims to sustain the livelihood of the 4.3 million assessed poor households nationwide through the program.

Daria said the agency is conducting a convergence of services at the different local government units in the region.

Last month, the Department of Public Works and Highways launched its “Trabahong Lansangan” project where seven Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries from the municipalities of San Remigio, Tabogon, Tuburan and Tabuelan were hired as laborers.

Daria said that under the project, 20 percent of the workforce needed by the DPWH for their road construction and other infrastructure projects would be filled up by the beneficiaries.

Cebu tops National Greening Program

By PHOEBE JEN INDINO

CEBU CITY, Philippines -– Of the four provinces in Central Visayas, Cebu topped in the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) with 97 percent, or 1,954 hectares, planted in less than six months.

Negros Oriental ranked second with 1,730.2 hectares, or 93 percent, followed by Siquijor with 200 hectares, or 80 percent, and Bohol with 71 percent, or 1,105.59 hectares.

Overall, the region posted an accomplishment of 88 percent, or 4,937.19 hectares, out of its 5,632 hectares’ target.

“There is a need to close our ranks so that we would be able to achieve our 5,632-hectare target this year with the aim of promoting the strength of social mobilization and volunteerism,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso said.

Cebu province distributed its target to various community and environment and natural resources offices (CENROs). Cenros Argao, Toledo City and Cebu City all obtained a 100 percent accomplishment.

Cebu launches disaster, health hotline

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) in Cebu will now have added disaster response capabilities after the provincial government and Globe Telecom signed Thrusday a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for a province-wide health and disaster emergency system.

The agreement was signed during the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting at the Capitol Social Hall which was attended to by mayors, vice mayors, representatives of the business community and various organizations in Cebu.

Dubbed Access Cebu, the province-wide emergency system allows the public to send text messages or call emergency numbers provided by Globe Telecom when such emergencies as road accidents and other health-related events and disasters like typhoons and flash floods occur.

The hotline will be connected to respective district hospitals, thus allowing a local emergency response team to immediately get into the scene of accidents or emergencies. A separate hotline was also launched for province-owned Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (DVSMMC) in Cebu City so that people from far-flung municipalities can immediately report health-related incidents.

DENR-7 conducts survey of protected areas in Central Cebu

By PHOEBE JEN INDINO

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — A census and registration of protected areas covering 22 of 55 barangays within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape is now underway, according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso.

The survey, which is funded with a budget of P442,000, includes a detailed demographic study, an assessment of socio-economic conditions and validation of proofs of occupancy in involved areas.

Dichoso said a team has been constituted to conduct the inventory that will comprise local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, and technical personnel from the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services.

“The activity is undertaken to provide the DENR with basic data which will be used as basis for establishing management zones and buffer zones and for the preparation of programs including the identification of alternative livelihood opportunities,” he said.

Dichoso added that the objective of the survey is to determine and attest to the actual number of occupants within the protected areas, establish the exact location and approximate size of homelots or farmlots, and check the period of occupancy in certain portions.

He also explained that the DENR will be documenting and registering the actual number of occupants and households and the extent of areas occupied during the census.

During the survey, each household head covered will be considered a tenured migrant if proven to have actually and continuously occupied a portion of the protected area for a period of five years before its designation as a protected area and solely dependent therein for subsistence.

Solely dependent for subsistence is when everything indispensable for survival for the household, including food, clothing, shelter and health, comes only from the utilization of resources from the protected area.

“We will be issuing an official list of tenured migrants which is not a tenurial instrument that would grant security of tenure over their areas being occupied,” Dichoso said.

DPWH-7 sets aside P600 million for Cebu infra projects

(Manila Bulletin News Article)

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines (PNA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 has announced the allocation of about P600 million to be spent for infrastructure projects in Cebu next year.

DPWH 7 management office director Rebeca Garsuta said the amount will be devoted solely for major infrastructure projects worth over P100 million.

Such major infrastructure projects are the improvement of the Mactan circumferential road worth P300 million; North Cebu Hagnaya Wharf Road worth P220 million, and the widening of N. Bacalso Ave. in Cebu City allocated P123 million.

Widening of N. Bacalso Ave. is also among the priority projects that Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has included in his proposed 2012 P11.8-billion annual budget.

Garsuta made this announcement during the Philippine Economic Briefing recently held at Cebu City’s Radisson Blu Hotel.

Both the DPWH and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) giving unskilled workers a chance to work in DPWH projects.

So far, this year, partnership between the DPWH and the DSWD has generated some 500,000 jobs.

Between 2013 and 2016, DPWH 7 intends to implement at least five more major infrastructure projects.

The DPWH is looking at a funding agency from the People’s Republic of China for the construction of a road from Cebu City to San Remegio in the north – a project that has already been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Region 7.

The NEDA has also approved the proposed construction of the Cebu Southwest Road, a project for which the DPWH 7 is looking at a Korean funding agency to finance the project.

DPWH 7, meanwhile, is contemplating tapping a private-public partnership (PPP)) arrangement to complete the Cebu North Coastal Road all through Danao City and decongest traffic in roads linking Cebu City and Mandaue City.

Other road projects eyed for construction also include the Cebu City-to-Bogo City road and the Dalaguete-Badian road. “In recent years Cebu has developed into a model independent area with a deep-water port, international airport and attractive beaches and resort developments, becoming a magnet for investments -- both Filipino and foreign,” Boulevard Holdings said.

In addition, hotel guests will most likely benefit from the popularity of snorkeling and scuba diving activities in Moalboal town, whose white beaches are directly accessible from the hotel, Boulevard Holdings said.

The 40-key hotel will also have 40 premier suites. Completion and soft opening dates are slated respectively for July and December next year.

Earlier, Boulevard Holdings agreed to serve as property lease manager for approximately 300 hectares of beachfront property owned by Cebu resort estate landowner Tri-Islands Corporate Holdings, Inc., also in Moalboal town.

Boulevard Holdings will receive a 30% cut of gross leases on every new lease rental signed up.

Cebu resort to cost P300M

By Franz Jonathan G. de la Fuente

BOULEVARD HOLDINGS, Inc. has earmarked around P300 million for a planned resort development in Cebu province, a disclosure to the local bourse showed late last week.

Friday’s Holdings, Inc., a unit of Boulevard Holdings, announced it will spend P336.65 million for the construction and development of Friday’s Moalboal, a 1.6-hectare beachfront resort and hotel located in southern Cebu, according to preliminary documents released last Friday.

More than half of the expenses, equal to P188.94 million, will be allotted for building and site improvements, the disclosure stated.

Around P100 million will be spent to acquire land, P28.42 million for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, P15.11 million for pre-opening and working capital, and P4.17 million for other costs.

The resort will take advantage of a lot claimed to be one of the largest non-agricultural, contiguous lands in Cebu.

This, as Boulevard Holdings noted Cebu’s significant potential for expanding the company’s business interests.

“In recent years Cebu has developed into a model independent area with a deep-water port, international airport and attractive beaches and resort developments, becoming a magnet for investments -- both Filipino and foreign,” Boulevard Holdings said.

In addition, hotel guests will most likely benefit from the popularity of snorkeling and scuba diving activities in Moalboal town, whose white beaches are directly accessible from the hotel, Boulevard Holdings said.

The 40-key hotel will also have 40 premier suites. Completion and soft opening dates are slated respectively for July and December next year.

Earlier, Boulevard Holdings agreed to serve as property lease manager for approximately 300 hectares of beachfront property owned by Cebu resort estate landowner Tri-Islands Corporate Holdings, Inc., also in Moalboal town.

Boulevard Holdings will receive a 30% cut of gross leases on every new lease rental signed up.

P135-million RoRo port to be built in Cebu town

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

DAANBANTAYAN, Philippines — This town is expected to see an influx of tourists and commerce once it opens its doors to other island provinces in the Visayas with the construction of a P135-million northern Cebu Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) port in barangay Maya.

Said RoRo port is targeted for completion in June, 2012, according to Cebu 4th District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, who recently met with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and officials of the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here to discuss the project.

“We will sign a memorandum of agreement (MoA) specifying that the project be inaugurated next year in June,” said Salimbangon.

The Cebu provincial government and the CPA will manage the project, benefiting Daanbantayan town with, among others, a provision of a direct link between Cebu and other such provinces as Masbate, Negros, Leyte and Iloilo.

The first phase of the project, which constitutes the road connecting the causeway to the national highway, has already been completed. Construction of the causeway will start after the signing of aforementioned MoA and the downloading of P20 million by the DPWH to the Cebu provincial government.

Salimbangon said the DPWH has estimated total cost for building the causeway at P35 million although he said he has only obtained a P20-million appropriation for it. As a result, he is asking Cebu capitol to help complete the project.

Garcia, however, said the Cebu local government unit (LGU) might be able to build the causeway within the P20-million budget as materials might be bought by the LGU on its own and spend lesser for labor.

The final phase of the project is the R25-million RoRo ramp, which the CPA shall put up.

Cebu Capitol awards cash incentives to 49 successful prov’l scholars

by Amor Saludar (FCR/AS/PIA-CEBU)

CEBU CITY, November 5 (PIA) -- Forty-nine fresh graduate-beneficiaries of the Cebu Tertiary Education Assistance Program (CTEAP) of the Cebu Provincial Capitol recently received cash incentives as “reward” for their exemplary courage and determination to pursue their studies despite poverty.

During the recognition day at the Capitol Social Hall yesterday, CTEAP new graduate scholars expressed their gratitude to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for including them as beneficiaries of the program and for realizing their dream to become professionals.

Garcia, in her speech, also thanked the graduates for not wasting the opportunity that was given to them by the province.

“Inyo gayud nga gipakita ang inyong kinasing-kasing nga paningkamot ( You really showed your whole heart endeavor) and once again affirmed our conviction that if you would be given an opportunity to rise above the challenges that you face, especially the difficulties of poverty, then surely you will be up to the opportunity,” Garcia said.

Each CTEAP scholar who graduated magna cum laude received P 25, 000 cash incentive and for those who graduated cum laude received P 15, 000 each and the rest of the scholars were given P 5, 000 each.

Meanwhile, newly-licensed Engineer Armando Saraum, a CTEAP graduate scholar from the University of Cebu, reaped a total of P 40,000 in cash reward of which the P 30, 000 given was for placing third in the 2010 ECE board examinations.

The CTEATP was implemented in 1993 with the basic goal to provide financial assistance to poor but deserving high school graduates who are very eager to proceed to college.

Under the program, four students are chosen from each of the 44 municipalities in the province to be a CTEAP scholar in which each student can avail of free tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses on top of the P 2, 000 monthly allowance provided by the Cebu Provincial Government.

Garcia said that by next year, the number of CTEAP scholars will be increased and the municipalities will be responsible in choosing the poor high school graduates who deserve to become CTEAP scholars.

Also present during the recognition were undergraduate CTEAP scholars, parents, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and some provincial members.

Red Cross marks Int’l Year of Volunteers with running event

DALE G. ROSAL(CORRESPONDENT, Cebu Daily News)

IN LINE WITH the celebration of the International Year of Volunteers, Red Cross will hold the Million Volunteer Run simultaneously on Dec. 4 in Lapu-Lapu and Cebu City.

The run will actually be held in all key cities and municipalities nationwide.

The Lapu-Lapu edition will start at the Lapu-Lapu City hall grounds while the Cebu run starts at the Cebu Business Park.

The Cebu run will feature 3-kilometer, 6-k and 12-k distances while the Lapu-Lapu run will only offer a non-competitive 5-kilometer run.

The event aims to promote Red Cross’s 143 program, wherein 44 volunteers—1 leader and 43 members— will be established in each of the 42,000 barangays of the archipelago to cope with and reduce the risks of disasters.

The Lapu-Lapu run was launched yesterday headed by Lapu-Lapu chapter treasurer Mario Amores at the Lapu-Lapu City Department of Education (DepEd) office.

He was joined by board of director Erotida Jumao-as, chapter administrator Vic Jay Gonzal and Bernard Restificar.

The running event also aims to raise funds for the core volunteers in each barangay of Lapu-Lapu.

The registration fee is pegged at P500 inclusive of a race shirt, 143 volunteer ID, a whistle, race bib and Red Cross membership insurance. The organizers are expecting 2,500 runners to join.

Registration will start Nov. 7 and will last until Dec. 1 at the Red Cross Lapu-Lapu office in Dela Serna Street, Poblacion.

Capitol’s 2011 income up 80 percent

By Oscar C. Pineda and Rizel S. Adlawan

THE Provincial Government’s income increased nearly 80 percent this year over 2010, according to records at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Capitol also raised spending on social services, which was more than P1.4 billion, compared to almost P43 million last year.

Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre confirmed the figures from DBM, even though there are still roughly two months left this year.

Salubre said Capitol’s improved income is due to its beginning cash balance—the amount that was left unspent in the previous year’s budget—and its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

Capitol’s total income this year reached P3.73 billion, 76.69 percent higher than 2010’s P2.1 billion.

However, the executive summary of the Commission on Audit (COA) report for 2010 revealed that the Province fell short of its target collection for last year.

Capitol collected only P1.8 billion last year, P200 million shy of its P2 billion target.

Salubre said this is not as bad as it looks because the Capitol’s target for miscellaneous income “was set very high.”

According to DBM records, the Provincial Government’s IRA for this year is P1.677 billion, nearly half of its total income. Beginning cash balance, on the other hand, is about P1.4 billion.

Capitol’s income from local sources was P320.21 million.

Still, Salubre said they will try to further improve the Capitol’s fiscal condition before the year ends.

Expenses

Capitol’s total expenditure this year is set at P3.091 billion, leaving a surplus of P639.57 million.

Since 2011 has yet to end, Salubre said some of the figures in the statement of receipts and expenditures (SRE) are projected.

The SRE for 2011 revealed that the bulk of Capitol’s expenses went into social services, followed by general services (P913.7 million) and economic services (P740.8 million).

Last year, Capitol’s total expenditures reached P1.163 billion but the allocation for general public service, at P791.6 million, was higher than social services, which was only about P43 million.

Services

Its total local and external income sources last year reached P2,111,527,883. Its IRA was only P1.555 billion.

Capitol’s operating expenses include general public services at 66.86 percent, and health, nutrition and population at 13.05 percent.

Economic services made up almost 11 percent of 2010 expenses; housing and community development, almost four percent; while social services and welfare accounted for about 3.4 percent.

Spending on education made up about 2.5 percent of total expenditures but there was no allocation for labor and employment.

Salubre said Capitol’s failure to met its 2010 revenue target was caused by several factors.

Unsold

For one, he said, Capitol’s expected earnings from the sale of used vehicles were not realized because some units have yet to be sold.

“We are not in control of the miscellaneous revenue, which is not a regular income and was included in the target in 2010, like the selling of vehicles,” he added.

Apart from this, Capitol was unable to get its projected share in the real estate taxes collected by Carcar, Bogo and Naga, which became cities. The share, which was included in the Capitol’s income for 2010, would have reached P50 million.

Another cause for the shortfall, said Salubre, was that the payment for the cell sites of three telecommunication companies in the towns, amounting to P60 million, was only made this year, although it was part of the projected income for 2010.

Tax

He also said that the franchise tax of Cebu Electric Cooperative (Cebeco) was not given to the Capitol last year.

Cebeco promised to pay Capitol this year.

Salubre refused to give the franchise tax of Cebeco as it is still being finalized.

In 2009, Capitol’s target collection was P1.862 billion but actual collection was only P1.811 billion.

Salubre said Capitol’s income sources include real property and franchise taxes, and miscellaneous collections, like those from the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).

CSBT’s income decreased in 2010 because of the renovation of the facility.

The target collection of parking fees from buses was P37 million but CSBT’s income from parking fees was only P23 million because of renovation expenses. The renovation also affected collection of stall rentals.

Salubre said CSBT’s total collection was P52 million in 2010.

According to the COA report, Capitol’s assets and government equity increased by 11.08 percent and 11.53 percent, respectively. Its liabilities decreased by 0.63 percent.

Capitol’s total asset in 2010 amounted to P28.9 billion, compared P26 billion in 2009.

State auditors said the Province, under Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, “continues to implement programs in infrastructure and basic services and had “ensured sustainable use of land resources and protection of critical environment areas.”

2 Cebu schools earn slots in Champions League

by Virgil Lopez/Sunnex

AFTER outclassing opponents in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament, University of Cebu and Southwestern University are expected to display their form at the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

Set to kickoff this November, the two schools earned tickets to the "Sweet 16" round after making it to the championship phase of the Cesafi.

The UC Webmasters, anchored by bigman Junmar Fajardo, currently lead the best-of-five finals, 2-0, and are one victory away from retaining the title they won over perennial contender University of Visayas last year.

It marked the first time the UV Lancers failed to land in the finals after lording it over the field since the tournament began in 2000.

Organizers said UC and SWU will take on the Visayas and Mindanao regional champions in the step-ladder phase of the “Sweet 16” Finals and are favored to slug it out for the Southern Islands title and a spot in the Final Four.

Earlier, UAAP’s seven-time champion Ateneo de Manila and NCAA titlist San Beda College have earned automatic slots to the Final Four, leaving only two spots for the Luzon and Southern Islands champions.

Other teams that have qualified to the "Sweet 16" are Far Eastern University, Adamson University, and University of Santo Tomas of the UAAP and San Sebastian, Letran, and Jose Rizal University of the NCAA.

Run for World Heart Day

(Cebu Daily News article)

A fun run was organized in celebration of the World Heart Day with the theme “One world, one home, one heart.”

The Philippine Heart Association Cebu Chapter spearheaded by activity, with Dr. Alex Tonelete Junia as overall organizer and Dr. Michael Jeremy Tabaloc as race director.

The fun run started with a prayer led by Sr. Gaudelia Baluyot, SPC, Perpetual Succour Hospital’s Nursing Service director and assistant hospital administrator.

There was also a short talk on the risks of cardiovascular disease by Dr. Pilberito Chin.

To give the runners a warm up, a Zumba dance instructor led everyone to stretch and dance.

There were around 1,200 people, composed mostly of doctors and nurses from different hospitals, and other running enthusiasts turned up for the fun run held last Sept. 25.

Run categories included 15-K, 8-K and 3-K.

Free fasting blood sugar and cholesterol tests, massage and snacks awaited the finishers at the Ayala Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.

The World Heart Day is observed on the last Sunday of September every year. The celebration aims to promote and make people aware about reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death.

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