Cebu Province News December 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.

PhilHealth 7 brings gifts to hospitalized children

CEBU CITY, Dec 20 (PIA) –- In the spirit of showing love and gift-giving to those in need, the employees of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) 7 visited the children confined in the pediatric ward of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

Eighty children received gifts and milk packs from PhilHealth 7 led by Christmas Committee chair and planning officer Maria Cristina Ramos.

The ward’s very young patients also enjoyed a simple snack of arroz caldo and spaghetti with their parents and guardians.

PhilHealth also brought gifts of joy with balloon makers clad as Santa and Santa dwarves to entertain the kids spending this Christmas in a hospital. As a special treat, the little ones get to have balloons shaped just the way they want it.

The PhilHealth 7 expressed hopes that in their own little way, it made Christmas a bit more special for the 80 young patients of the CCMC.

Every year, PhilHealth 7 and its employees make it a point to celebrate each Christmas with those in need and truly live out the essence of corporate social responsibility.

PhilHealth 7 said it also intends to continue giving more than public service to the community throughout this year and on to the next and not just on Christmas.

Oslob embarks on mangrove planting

Hundreds of Oslobanons, together with various organizations, jointly undertook a mangrove tree planting last Saturday in barangay Daanlungsod, Oslob town, southern Cebu.

The activity was a concerted effort of Vicsal Foundation, the local government of Oslob, Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council (SCCRMC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Approximately three hectares of coastal area were covered during the activity that aims to address climate change.

The activity was a kickoff on the vision of the technical working group to cover the entire southeast coast in Cebu.

International think tank study shows that Philippines ranked 10th among countries most affected by climate change.

Extreme weather events caused death toll and economic losses. It is identified that Philippines is visited by 20 storms every year.

To mitigate these disasters massive mangrove planting has been encouraged.

Mangroves serve as nursery grounds for fish, prawns, and crabs. It also produce leaf litter and decayed matter as food for animals; protect coastal residents from storm waves and tidal currents; provide shelter for migratory and local birds; and is a good source of timber, tannin (dyes) and medicine, among others.

The Vicsal Foundation, SCCRMC, DENR, with the support of Cebu Province, is optimistic on realizing its goal.

The technical working group is encouraging other private institutions to adopt a hectare and help save the environment.

For more queries on the project, contact Mars Cabildo at 2368390 local 221 or e-mail to marce.cabildo@metrogaisano.com or vicsalfoundation@yahoo.com.

Palma wishes peace and happiness for Christmas

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma wishes for peace and happiness of the Cebuanos and the Filipinos in general this Christmas despite the problems besetting the country.

“Akong gipanghinaut nga magpabilin kita nga malipayon ug malinawon sugod gayod diha sa salag sa kaminyoon ug sa sabakan sa familia. Unta magmalipayon kita sa atong probinsya ug simbahan,” Palma said.

“Even here in Cebu of today, whoever we are, wherever we may be, we should welcome the message of Joy and Peace,” Palma added.

Palma also called on the people to pray for unity and peaceful resolution to the problems hounding the nation.

“I do not know where it would lead us. It’s not simple as it appears… How I wish all of these will be over soon,” the Archbishop said.

Asked about his personal wish, Palma said most of his wishes are for the Cebuanos as he himself have had enough of the blessings from God.

“I didn’t expect all of these blessings in my part. It’s beyond my expectation to be here in Cebu and all of these blessings, I mean, the wonderful Archdiocese and even the privilege to serve,” he said.

Palma recalled how he initially declined to be appointed as president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines as he wanted to focus on Cebu.

“But since they voted me, looking back now I say okay, it is an opportunity to serve as CBCP president which I also thought to be a privilege and God’s design,” he said.

Palma said he is also wishing for the canonization of Cebuano Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

Province ready for Typhoon Sendong

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Province is ready for any eventualities that may occur due to Typhoon Sendong spotted off of Mindanao.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration included Camotes Island in Cebu among those under Signal No. 1 yesterday and expected to be raised higher as Sendong is reportedly gaining more strength.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said three days ago, they were already advised by PAGASA for the possible weather disturbance and the notice was already sent to all the mayors to be prepared. Garcia met some mayors of the province during the barangay captains’ general assembly at the Cebu International Convention Center yesterday. Some mayors have reported heavy rains in their towns.

Poro, Camotes, Mayor Luciano Rama said that his Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is prepared.

“Ang nakanindot gyud ‘ron kay ang atong mga mayor preparado, they are already have the systems in place for the disaster risk reduction and management,” Garcia told reporters.

The last typhoon that hit northern Cebu was “Ramon” but Garcia said mayors of slightly affected areas did not even ask for any assistance from the Capitol.

“I expect the same sa karon,” Garcia said. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office was ordered to closely coordinate with the town mayors with whatever assistance they might need.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas suspended sea travel after most of the region was placed under storm signal by PAGASA. PCG-CV Station Deputy Commander Rolando Punzalan said as long as there is a storm signal raised in the region, they will not allow any form of sea vessel to travel. He said that the public should understand them because they are doing this for their own safety.

Fishermen are also advised not to brave the seas until the all-clear signal is given, he said.

As of PAGASA’s 4 p.m. forecast yesterday Sendong was estimated based to be at the vicinity or Southwest of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness up to 80 kph. It is believed to move West Northwest at 22 kph towards Palawan.

The said storm is expected by Sunday afternoon to be at 190 kilometers West Southwest of Puerto Princesa City and on early morning of Monday, is expected to be 440 kilometers West Northwest of Puerto Princesa and expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

As Christmas Bonus Provincial employees, officials get P20T,rice

CEBU, Philippines - Each of the Capitol officials and employees will get at least P20,000 and a sack of Ganador rice as Christmas bonus.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced the good news for the provincial officials and employees yesterday during their Christmas party.

Except for the sack of rice, the amount was the same as last year. However, those who are receiving a monthly salary higher than P20,000 will receive an equivalent of their one month salary as bonus.

Garcia explained that the amount is equivalent to the average satisfactory rating of all the provincial offices and departments.

Had they got very satisfactory or outstanding performance rating, each would have gotten P25,000 or P30,000, respectively.

“We have adopted a very rigid performance rating,” Garcia said.

The performance team submitted their findings for the validation team to check before it was approved by the governor.

The Province has adopted the performance based rating in the giving of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI).

The practice before was that each employee is rated and received the corresponding amount.

This time, Garcia modified the process by getting the average rating of all the offices and departments and the tendency is that those getting high rating would be pulled down while those getting low rating would be pulled up.

“Way basolay kinsa nakabira sa rating,” Garcia said.

Also, all the departments were clustered into six for their Christmas presentation contest yesterday.

The Executive cluster won the first prize bagging the P35,000 cash prize. Agri-Med cluster won the second prize with P30,000 while the P25,000 third prize went to the Legislative. Non-winning groups got P10,000 each as consolation prize.

Members of the Provincial Board surprised the audience with their presentation.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale led the Legislative in dramatizing the cybersex operation in Cordova town with Board Member Julian Daan, a popular radio talent, acting as director.

Daan’s wife, Yoly and Board Member Ian Zambo acted as the couple using their daughters in the cybersex business after they were convinced by Board Member Sergio Restauro to engage the business in exchange of money from abroad.

Board Members Thadeo Ouano, Arleigh Jay Sitoy and Wilfredo Caminero acted as the girls posing in front of the webcam while Board Members Sun Shimura and Jose Ribomapil Holganza, Jr. acted as foreign clients.

Board Members Alex Binghay and Peter John Calderon played the role of law enforcers with Magpale and Board Member Carmen Remedios Meca as officials of the Provincial Women’s Commission.

Board Members Jude Thaddeus Sybico and Joven Mondigo played as members of the media.

4 Cebu LGUs sign MOU with Pag-IBIG for Housing Loan Program

CEBU CITY, December 15 (PIA) -- Four local chief executives in Cebu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu South Branch to provide affordable housing to their employees.

Anthony Maglungsod, Pag-Ibig, acting assistant division manager for operations, bared that the municipal local government units (LGUs) of Balamban, Argao and Dalaguete and Cebu City have inked a partnership with Pag-Ibig to avail of the latter’s new Group Housing Loan Program for LGUs.

The MOU was signed last December 2.

Maglungsod said the housing program for LGUs is meant to fast track the provision of housing needs of ordinary employees who dream of owning their own house but cannot afford to do so.

“There are ordinary employees in the rural areas that want to own their own house but cannot do so because socialized housing units are not provided in their area,” he said.

“Also, most housing developers are focused in developing housing project sites in urban areas,” Maglungsod added.

To avail of this new program, LGUs should own the lot where the housing project site will be constructed.

The Pag-IBIG official likewise declared that the loan amount for the housing program will depend on the type of housing project; whether this would be constructed in a residential area or a condominium type.

For residential project sites, the Pag-IBIG Fund can grant a loan of P20 million per phase and P40 million per phase for the condominium type.

Maglungsod said LGUs can start providing housing needs for their municipal or city employees then can expand the program to include their constituents.

Interest rates are very minimal at six percent per annum for a socialized housing unit worth P400, 000 and seven percent/year for a housing unit worth more than P400,000 up to P750,000, this is learned.

Monthly amortization rate for a P400,000 housing unit is at P2,500/month and P5,000 per month for more than P400,000 to P750,000 housing unit cost, according to Maglungsod.

Criteria to qualify for a P400,000 housing unit is a monthly income of P6,000 and P12,500 monthly salary for a housing unit worth above P400,000 to P750,000.

Book ship to visit Cebu next month

By AJ de la Torre/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The sister ship of the popular floating library MV Duolos is visiting Cebu for the first time on January.

This was shared by Gerard Van de Pol and Felicia Thong, project managers of LOGOS HOPE, the newest ship that has replaced the now retired MV Duolos.

Van de Pol said they are excited to open the doors of the new ship to Cebu, which would be their first stop for their visit to the Philippines.

Van de Pol said that they expect more people to visit the ship especially in Cebu, following the huge number of visitors that MV Duolos gathered every time it was here. He explained that MV Duolos has been decommissioned because the ship was already 96 years old.

Logos Hope has nine decks, one of which is open to the public and where the library is located, along with a food café and internet shop. The other decks are the crew’s cabin, conference rooms and theatre halls.

According to him, they have had over 16,000 visitors in a day inside the ship in other countries.

“Maybe Cebu can beat that,” said Van de Pol, though he said that 10,000 would already be a good number per day.

Logos Hope, which replaced MV Duolos in 2009, carries over 5000 book titles and more than half a million books.

Van de Pol said that in every country they visit, they try to partner with local publishers in order to cater the needs of the readers in each country. But aside from that, he said that they have a lot of books to offer ranging from children’s books, encyclopedias, cook books, and more.

Van de Pol said that since they have participating publishers, books are cheaper and affordable.

The ship’s name Logos means word in Greek. It is aimed to “bring knowledge, help and hope” to the countries and cities they visit, says Van de Pol.

“We visit every country where help is needed or where we are invited,” he added.

The ship has over 400 staff volunteers from over 45 nations, including some Filipinos and one Cebuano.

Felicia Thong said that they also have the families of the volunteers on board including children, which makes it one happy community on board.

They will also be opening positions for interested volunteers from Cebu, but reminded that all their volunteers are not paid and are all working for one good cause.

Aside from the librabry, the ship has on-board programs and walk through lessons on important issues like HIV.

They are also hoping to get more participation from schools in Cebu, both public and private, who can send their students to the ship on a tour.

Thong said that they are also eyeing partnerships with local organizations that are supporting different causes like children and women’s rights organizations which can help them on educational programs on board.

The ship is currently in Singapore but would be docking in Cebu, near the Malacañang sa Sugbo, on January 10 and would be open to the public by January 11 to February 12, 2012.

For purchases, they would be accepting Philippine Peso and credit cards.

After Cebu, the ship is to sail to Manila, Subic Bay and Batangas.

2.8 million tree seedlings planted in CV-DENR-7

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City council has approved an ordinance on second and final reading granting additional productivity incentives to all city officials and regular employees earning a monthly salary of P10,000 per month and above for this year.

Also to be given incentives are job order, Clean and Green, and barangay nutrition health workers.

Mandaue City Councilor Beethoven C. Andaya, chairman of the committee on budget and finance introduced the appropriation ordinance.

The Department of Budget and Management issued Budget Circular No. 2010-3 dated November 30, 2010 setting the guidelines on the granting of the Productivity Enhancement Incentives (PEI) to government personnel for fiscal year 2010 pursuant to Administrative Order No. 3 (authorizing the grant of PEI to government employees for fiscal year 2010 issued by President Benigno Aquino III on November 25, 2010.

The issuance is in accordance with item (4) (h) (ii) of the Senate and House of Representative Joint Resolution No. 4 which was approved on June 17, 2009 providing incentives for government personnel including rewards for exceeding agency financial and operational performance targets, and to motivate employees towards higher productivity.

Three years of 4Ps: DSWD sees positive changes

By Garry B. Lao/MIT (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 has noted substantial increase in the awareness and behavioral changes of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

In the three years implementation of the 4Ps in Cebu City, DSWD-7 4P’s regional program coordinator Aileen Lariba these changes are geared towards education and health-related concerns. This was based on their own assessment conducted last November with the first ten barangays of Sawang Calero, Tejero, T. Padilla, Inawayan, Duljo Fatima, Sudlon I, Sudlon II, Kalunasan, Tagbao and Mambaling.

In Barangay Tejero for instance, Lariba said the initial gains noted a decrease in cases involving Violence Against Women & Children (VAWC) by 80 percent. The said barangay used to have high cases of domestic violence before the entry of the Pantawid program.

Barangays Kalunasan and Sawang Calero have also dropped from the list of malnourished barangays.

Lariba also said that in Barangay Inayawan, the beneficiaries aggressively implement the curfew ordinance and police the internet cafes in their community as their response to the call of anti-trafficking.

The Badjaos in Barangay Mambaling have their own initial success to be proud of as they have reached a 100 percent immunization of their children in 2011 from 60 percent in 2009.

“Responsible parenthood can now be seen with the Badjaos as they availed of natural and artificial family planning methods with a zero record in 2009 to approximately 20 percent in 2011,” Lariba said.

Lariba noted that for nomads like the Badjaos who have the tendency to transfer from one place to another, the program made them stay in Mambaling so their children can continually attend school as required by the program’s condition of 85% school attendance.

Breaking generational poverty through social development is but one of the main objectives of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program where according to Lariba, one of its major strategies in achieving this goal is through the conduct of family development sessions at least once-a-month emphasizing on values and empowerment among families.

The 4Ps or conditional cash transfer is for families considered to be the poorest of the poor and receive P300 monthly financial assistance per child. Each household also receives P500 a month for health care services for children up to five years old and for pregnant women.

Cebu NGO bags 2 Quill Awards for environment protection programs

by Minerva BC Newman (PIA-7/with reports from RAFI/Nancy R. Cudis)

CEBU CITY, Dec. 11 [PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a Cebu-based NGO, won the “Quill Award of Merit for communication management: economic, social, and environmental development” for its Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines.

Another project, the “Tree of the Month”, a series of environmental stories, that comes out in The Freeman newspaper twice a month, is a finalist under the writing category of the communication skills division of the Quill Awards.

RAFI’s Integrated Development executive director Rowena Alensonorin said the awards are indicators that RAFI has achieved that competitive advantage in terms of pushing its programs and advocacies forward through communication.

"They also serve as a challenge for RAFI to continuously raise the bars so that the Foundation will continue to be effective in delivering its brand promise and reach the highest mark of excellence,” Alensonorin added.

The Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines is the environmental initiative under the GREENIN Philippines (Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines) Program of RAFI that engages the general public to participate in a simultaneous running and planting of native tree species throughout the province of Cebu.

Held on June 25, 2011, the event aimed to raise public awareness in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation among local government leaders and in forging local and national government commitment to action as well as encourage multiple partnerships in caring for the environment.

Some 55,372 participants from across Cebu Province who collectively planted 239,580 native tree seedlings in more than 115 hectares of land. These figures were beyond RAFI’s targets that were set at 20,000 participants with 100,000 native tree seedlings to be planted in 56 hectares of land.

Since this partnership endeavor started early this year, RAFI has been able to extend technical expertise on the proper planting and caring of native trees to more individuals and organizations.

Another RAFI program finalist was the "Tree of the Month" bi-monthly section that comes out in The Freeman newspaper twice a month. The section is replete with environmental stories that aim to educate the public on the various native trees species and encouraging their propagation.

“We at The Freeman are very proud to have such recognition coming from a prestigious award-giving body,” The Freeman news editor, Lucky Malicay said.

Malikay was referring to the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines that hands out the Philippine Quill Awards annually.

The communication excellence award program is organized and managed by seasoned communication professionals of IABC Philippines who are also multi-awarded internationally and nationally for their programs, skills, and creative work.

IABC-Philippines chairman Elpi Cuna Jr. said, the Philippine Quill Awards is a program geared towards excellence of business and organization that collectively lead to national development.

With communication as its main tool to help resolve the panacea of problems that the country and the rest of the world are currently up against.

Cuna said he is proud to say that this standard-setting event has once again proven fruitful in providing a bountiful harvest of innovation and effectiveness which we can use to address those issues.

IABC Philippines is the first chapter of IABC outside of the United States. It continues the tradition of excellence through its annual awards program of the Communication in Excellence (CEO) Excel Awards given to leaders whose outstanding and strategic use of communication helps them achieve business goals and the Philippines Quill Awards and its continuing learning programs for professionals and students.

RAFI President Roberto E. Aboitiz is among the awardees of the CEO Excel Awards 2011.

Top RAFI officials received the two awards during the 10th Philippine Quill Awards held on November 18 at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Quezon City. They were joined by Lucky Malicay, news editor of The Freeman.


Waste-to-energy burn facilities hazards cited

By PHOEBE JEN INDINO

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Environmental and health networks EcoWaste Coalition, Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) and Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), together with the Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC), have joined forces in warning local government units (LGUs) about pending proposals for the setting up of waste incinerators masquerading as waste-to-energy facilities in the province and the hazards posed by such toxic facilities.

“Waste incinerators continue to spread behind disguises such as 'waste-to-energy,' ‘pyrolysis,’ ‘gasification,’ ‘plasma arc,’ or any combination of state-of-the-art sounding names despite the ban on waste incineration. These facilities emit toxic chemicals into the environment and undermine efforts of communities implementing genuine solutions such as waste minimization, segregation-at-source, and barangay-based ecological solid waste management,” underlined EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Rei Panaligan.

In a workshop on waste-to-energy Thursday last week at the University of Cebu, the said groups revealed that the Cebu provincial government, headed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, is entertaining proposals from incinerator companies to manage Cebu’s solid wastes.

Also, incinerator companies have pending proposals in the province’s major cities such as Cebu City, Mandaue City and Toledo Ctiy.

However, according to the EcoWaste Coalition, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and European Union (EU) have already declared these technologies as incinerators. The Philippine Clean Air Act prohibits the use of incinerators for municipal and medical waste.

The groups urged the LGUs not to be wooed by “coated promises of corporations peddling dirty technologies” and for the public to remain vigilant against the proliferation of these toxic facilities.

Pilar, Camotes makes it to the top 10 finalists in Global Solution Search Calls on public to vote on line for its entry--PMMP

by Minerva BC Newman(PIA-7/mbcn)

CEBU, Dec. 9 (PIA) –- The Pilar Municipal Marine Park (PMMP) in Camotes Island, Cebu made it to the top 10 finalists in the Rare and National Geographic's search for community-based solutions for global environmental issues specifically innovations for near-shore fisheries based on proven successes.

According to a release from www.solutionsearch.org, more than 100 entries from 48 countries worldwide were submitted for the contest that included implementation of no-take zones; introduction of innovative fishing gear and the development of alternative livelihoods.

Rare president and CEO Brett Jenks in a release said, “For too long the conservation community has focused on problems, but there are a lot of working solutions in remote parts of the planet.”

“Local communities are the research and development labs of conservation. We have to find what’s working and make it available where it’s needed. We are excited for the public to be engaged in this process because, in the end, it’s their ocean,” Jenks went on.

A panel of seven judges has selected the 10 finalists, and starting November 16 to December 24, 2011, the public can vote for the solution that is most likely to turn the tide for coastal fisheries at www.solutionsearch.org.

The entry that receives the most votes will be declared the grand-prize winner and be awarded a U.S.$20,000 project grant and a video on National Geographic’s Ocean website.

Two runners-up will each receive a U.S.$5,000 project grant and the winners will be announced on Jan. 6, 2012.

Pilar, Camotes vice mayor, Eufracio Maratas, Jr. calls on Filipinos all over the world to vote for the Pilar Municipal Marine Park or PMMP the same way we did for the Puerto Princesa Underground River that made it to the New 7 Wonders of the World.

“By being part of this contest, we have a chance to win $20,000. Winners are decided by the most number of votes. We also have a great opportunity to get the word out about our work to leaders in the marine conservation field, investors, the media, potential partners, and other supporters,” Maratas said.

To vote, Maratas encourages the public to log at www.rareplanet.org; go to the ‘Solution Search’ tab near the top of the page and visit Pilar’s entry at http://www.rareplanet.org/en/solution-search-entry/multi-stakeholder-co-management-scheme-pilar-municipal-marine-park.

Maratas also asks the public to spread the word to your colleagues and friends through emails, blogs, or websites.

Exporters' depot pushed as premier shopping stop

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Geared towards pushing the newly opened “Tindahang Pinoy” as an official tourists’ stop in Cebu, the Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares, Foundation Inc., (Cebu GTH) is set to sign a series of memorandum of agreements (MOA) with travel and tour organizations in Cebu.

GTH president Ramir Bonghanoy said that although a verbal agreement have already been made between GTH, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) and the Department of Tourism (DOT-7), as well as the private tourism stakeholders in pushing the “Tindahang Pinoy” as a premier shopping stop for tourists, the agreement should be officially sealed in the next few days.

Initially, GTH will sign a MOA with the Cebu Association of Travel Operators (CATO), Cebu Association of Tour Guides (CAT-G), including hotel and resort operators, and other travel and tour groups.

“In principle we have already forged an agreement already with some groups, it’s a matter of making it official and formalizing everything,” said Bonghanoy.

At present, “Tindahang Pinoy”, located at the Bridges Town Center in Mandaue City, houses over 20 exporters, mostly members of the GTH, however, Bonghanoy said he hopes to also invite more exporters of fashion accessories, and even furniture makers to showcase their products in the exporters’ depot.

With this, Bonghanoy said exporters’ hope to breathe while it continues to suffer from the severe slack in demand in the global market.

“For the past years, tourism, a potential market of Cebu-GTH, has registered a positive growth. This industry has contributed significantly to the economic growth of the country. While challenges in the global market and domestic fronts have been encountered, it can be said that the industry’s performance for the past years has set it on track to achieve its goal in becoming a powerful economic growth engine for generating jobs and creating activity in the country,” said Bonghanoy in his speech during the official opening of the “Tindahang Pinoy” facility.

He said the store, which has the capacity to accommodate at least close to a hundred export companies, aims at hitting two markets at the same time, which are the tourists and the domestic market.

Unlike in the past, that export quality goods were too elusive for the domestic market to access, due to some buyers’ strict rules, this time, exporters are going out of their way to serve the potential domestic market to get export quality products with lesser price levels.

In Cebu, GTH, the fashion accessory exporters have been making products for renowned brands such as Hermes, Ferragamo, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, among others.

However, products of these signature brands are sold in thousands of dollars in the international market.

At “Tindahang Pinoy”, quality products at the level of signature brands are priced affordable. Cash and carry products including home furnishing and fashion accessories, range from P100 to as high as P500.

One of the showcased products during the opening of the facility is the Hermes console table made for Hermes by Bonghanoy’s company, Bon Ace Fashion Tools.

Tourism dept considers PWDs as viable market

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

Aside from foreign tourists, the Department of Tourism wants to provide better services to persons with disabilities (PWDs) whom they described as a “special market.”

“We will market the Philippines as a barrier-free tourist destination. It’s a special market that has a very high yield,” Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin said in the Regional Forum on Accessible Tourism for Persons with Disability yesterday afternoon.

Jasmin said they need to find new ways to invite tourists in the country to reach their 10 million tourist arrivals target by 2016.

She said PWDs usually have a person who accompanies them and they require prompt services and facilities for their convenience.

Jasmin said Cebu should also adjust to the needs of the PWDs in their infrastructures and accommodation since the province has a diverse offering that caters to various tourist markets.

“What they want on other places, they can find it all in Cebu,” Jasmin said.

Jasmin cited Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility law which requires certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices.

She said local government units should require property owners to implement the law and withhold approval of the building construction if it doesn’t follow the requirements of the accessibility law.

The law requires the buildings to have sidewalks, ramps, railings and other architectural utilities that would provide convenient mobility for the PWDs.

Jasmin said they incorporated the basic requirements of the accessibility law in the new checklist for standards of accommodation of tourism facilities next year.

Megaworld eyes IT hub in Lapu-Lapu

by Allan I. Varquez

MEGAWORLD Corp. will open its second I.T. park in Cebu next month to bolster Lapu-Lapu City’s bid to be the offshore and outsourcing center of the south.

The company opened its first I.T. Park in Cebu City near the Ayala Business Center, converting a 23-hectare property for call center locators.

The 16-hectare Lapu-Lapu project is near Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

In a memorandum of agreement, the city government vouches for the accreditation of the I.T. Park in an economic zone, with Megaworld paying real estate taxes for the lot and improvements.

Mayor Paz Radaza said no conflict is foreseen under the Charter of the Philippine Export Zone Authority (Peza) because obligations of both parties in the MOA indicated that non-exporting or non-Peza registrable firms are covered by the city tax code.

“We are (ready) to compete with Cebu City as haven for information technology companies,” she said, noting that Lapu-Lapu ranked second in the country’s list of cities for the ease of doing business way back 2008 in a study by the Asian Instute of Management.

Radaza said annual income this year is expected to top the P1 billion mark especially with the opening of Mactan Newtown Center.

Megaworld acquired the property in 1995 for Mactan Newtown to attract multinational firms and call center companies.

“We need to work out with the local government unit and that is the trend now. But we’ll make it sure that both Peza and the conditions in the MOA we entered with the city are satisfied,” said Virgilio Carsido, Jr., president of Ocean Town.

Without Peza accreditation and registration, locators in the economic zone are subject to city tax and zoning regulations.

According to Radaza, Lapu-Lapu as host seeks to generate revenues and employment for residents along with the entry of investments.

As agreed upon, the city wil provide basic support infrastructure such as roads and their mantainance, peace and order, fire protection, health services in the Park, while Megaworld pays 2 percent of its income to the city aside from the real property taxes and other fees.

Cebu, Central Visayas to lead tourism push in PH–Jimenez

By Candeze R. Mongaya(With STC Intern Tweeny Malinao, Cebu Daily News)

Cebu will be one of the “areas of inspiration” for development in the country next year, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said over the weekend.

“Central Visayas is a great area of inspiration. It is a primary example of what we can do and what more can be done for other regions,” Jimenez said in last week’s awarding of the 1st Asian Underwater Federation Photography Championships.

Jimenez, who encouraged the local promotion of tourists by maximizing online use specially on social networking sites said the bulk of their tourism promotion efforts will focus on Central Visayas.

Jimenez said the region and Cebu have many things to offer tourists like good services, beaches and established cultural and heritage sites.

From August to November this year, Cebu saw an 11 percent increase in tourism arrivals compared to the same period last year, regional tourism director Rowena Montecillo said.

“We are confident that we can maintain and we will be consistent on the arrivals next year,” Montecillo said in an interview.

She said 2011 is a “good year” to boost tourism in Central Visayas.

She said they are brainstorming on how to brand Central Visayas for 2012.

“It is not costly on the promotions side. We are also planning to synchronize the websites of municipalites in our sites,” she said.

Montecillo said they would also change the checklist of standards on accommodation to be implemented next year.

“We just completed the consultation of all accommodation establishments,” she said.

She said it’s important to upgrade to world class standards for accommodation for its clients.

“We want a very transparent standard, specially in improving the services,” Montecillo said.

In related news, ecology stakeholders are considering to promote Buhisan Dam as an eco-tourism destination for Cebu.

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) where the Buhisan watershed is located passed a resolution to push the rehabilitation of infrastructures in the area.

The proposal was presented by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) during the quarterly PAMB meeting in the last week of November.

The Save the Buhisan Watershed Project was launched three years ago in an effort to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of which the Philippines is one of 189 member-signatories.

The project is a joint effort by the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Lexmark, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Shell.

Group: Cebu green code should push clean energy

by Carmel Loise Matus(Correspondent, Cebu Daily News)

Cebu’s Environment Code proposed a lot of work specifically in the area of energy use and development, an ecology group said yesterday.

Vince Cinches, Cebu coordinator of 350.org, said the code needs an “intensive mechanism” that encourages renewable energy use, promotion and development in recognition of international environment agreements.

“We asked Provincial Board member Thadeo Ouano to give us time. What came out in the code is that the only viable option in the market is fossil fuel … that’s in the province today. We told Ouano at that time that, that’s not true,” he said.

Cinches said contrary to public fears, renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuel in terms of damages inflicted on the environment. Ecology groups opposed the presence of coal plants in the cities of Toledo and Naga.

Cinches said they will organize a roundtable discussion on the vague provisions of the environment code.

“We are hoping that this will correct the dismal environmental practice of the province such as pushing for more coal-fired power plants,” he said.

Cinches said they want to push for a stronger environment code in the province.

He cited the environment code enacted by Bohol in 1998 that created its own Bohol Environment Management Office.

Cinches said Cebu’s environment code should also be localized in tune with existing conditions in the province.

Cebu tourism players laud gesture of new DOT chief

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism and business stakeholders in Cebu lauded the gesture of newly appointed Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Ramon Jimenez on seeking advice and guidance from former chief Joseph “Ace” Durano in promoting the Philippines.

“It's reassuring to know that Sec. Jimenez sought Sec. Durano's advice and thoughts since Ace [Durano] did a remarkable job during his term and a lot of tourism's success until today is attributed to what he has put together,” said tourism prime mover Jay P. Aldeguer.

Aldeguer, who owns several businesses geared towards providing tourism related products and services, said that he is looking forward to Jimenez’s plans as the new tourism head seems to “get” what needs to be done to promote the country.

“I also agree wholeheartedly that we should utilize our strongest asset both as a "draw" and as a means to promote tourism which is the Filipino people. The focus on using the internet and social networking sites as our main medium is not only cost efficient but is and going to be very effective,” Aldeguer added.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Samuel Chioson also appreciated Jimenez’s initiative to recognize the efforts of Durano during his term, however, Chioson hopes that the new tourism chief will also meet with the Cebu stakeholders for consultation.

For his part, Cebu Business Club (CBC) Gordon Alan “Dondi’ Joseph said that it is very pragmatic and makes very good sense that Durano was one of the best DOT secretaries we ever had, and that proper turn-over was supposedly made.

While Durano’s predecessor Alberto Lim was not able to consult Durano for turn-over or any plan for continuity of the department’s existing program, Cebu tourism advocate Mila Espina said Jimenez’s gesture to reach out with Durano “ is a good step in developing continuity, coordination and cooperation among the stewards of tourism.”

“Sad to say, there had been lack of sustainable tourism programs due to some person, professional and even political factors where previous and current DOT secretaries, with good intentions, pushed their new concepts and thrusts, without appraising the merits of past tourism thrusts,” Espina said.

She added that a classic example is the branding of the Philippines as a tourism destination, the need for better infrastructure, services, and upgrading human resources did not take off lengthily.

“We hope that the new DOT chief moves with more focused vision and realistic projects,” Espina emphasized.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Eric Ng Mendoza also said that Jimenez’s recent dialogue with Durano is a good consultative approach to continue the good and effective programs of the department which was implemented by Durano.

MCCI boad member Glenn Soco said that Jimenez brilliant move to consult with Durano could mean stronger coordination between government and stakeholders.

“Former tourism secretary Durano had the experience in running DOT and would be very good resource person to consult with. To run tourism, one should be consultative and involve all the stakeholders,” Soco said.

Jimenez was in Cebu Tuesday and met with Durano at the VIP lounge of the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.

Jimenez, an advertising expert, said that he asked Durano for advice such as on what things to watch for, among others.

Also, Jimenez urged Cebuanos to sell and promote the whole country, not just Cebu, as the Philippines’ potential for tourism has not yet scratched the surface.

The new tourism head added that Cebu, the city and the province, is undoubtedly the center for tourism in the country, and its contribution to the growth of the sector is very crucial.

Aside from fixing infrastructure, what is important is to hone people for strong culture of tourism saying “the real tourism campaign is the ‘people’.”

He said it takes people to build an image. Tourism after all is dependent on the quality of the experience.

“What makes Cebu as it is today is not what we see here, but who you feel here—it’s all about experience,” Jimenez added.

Cebu LGUs to collect plastic bottles to make solar bulbs

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto(FCR/JSME/PIA-Cebu)

CEBU CITY, December 2 (PIA) -- Cebu Gov Gwendolyn Garcia recently ordered local government units to adopt and implementat government units (LGUs) the "Usa Ka Litrong Kahayag Project and to participate in the launching of the project named ‘Run to Light’ on December 10.

Through Executive Order No. 18, Garcia enjoined local officials to collect 1.5 liter plastic bottles, which will be converted into solar bottle bulbs by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).

The project aims to heighten the community’s energy conservation awareness and promote a greener and healthier Cebu, according to Garcia.

The project is being incorporated in this year’s Expanded Green, Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (E-Gwen) contest under the environment criteria.

The ‘Usa ka Litrong Kahayag’ Project is expected to produce 4,000 solar bottle bulbs per town and city as an alternative source of light during daytime.

To make a solar plastic bulb, a 1.5-liter plastic softdrink bottle is filled with water mixed with chlorine and salt. The bulb is then inserted in a roof sheet, which is then sealed to prevent leaks.

On the other hand, the ‘Run to Light’ launching on December 10 aims to gather about 50,000 participants where each participant will be asked to bring two 1.5-liter plastic bottles aside from the registration fee they have to pay, according to Rowena Alensonorin of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI).

“We expect to collect about 200,000 bottles after the event,” Alensonorin.

The students however, are exempted from paying the registration fee but will be asked to bring three 1.5 liters plastic bottles.

‘Cebu dancing inmates a tourist attraction’

Carmel Loise Matus (Correspondent,Cebu Daily News)

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. lauded the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) dancing inmates saying it is one of the unique tourist attractions in the world.

Jimenez, who visited the jail facility yesterday morning, witnessed a live performance of the world-renowned dancing inmates.

In his message after the performances of the inmates, he said the dancing inmates is something that the country could be proud of to tourists.

“Dapat malaman ninyo, nagsalita ako sa isang party para sa mga turista, pinangako ko sa kanila na ang pinaka-importanteng tourist offering ng Pilipinas ay ang Pilipino din (You have to know that I spoke to a group of tourists and promised them that the most important tourist offering that the Philippines could give is the Filipino),” Jimenez said.

“At kayo (inmates) ay isang primary example ng offering na iyon (And you, inmates, is an example of that offering),” he added.

In an interview, Jimenez said the dancing inmates showed how the Filipinos value rehabilitation more than punishment.

He said such value is unique to the Filipinos so tourists are delighted when they see this trait among Filipinos.

“Di nila akalain that our values extend even to the detention center (They never thought that our values extend to the detention center),” he told reporters.

“I hope that these are values that we will carry with the rest of the country. Like I said, I mean it when I say that this is probably one of the most incredible tourist sites on earth. I hope the world learns more about it,” he added.

Jimenez was welcomed by acting Gov. Agnes Magpale during his visit at the jail facility.

The inmates performed dances such as J. Lo’s “On the Floor,” 2NE1′s “Fire” and other favorites like “Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot.”

For their finale, they performed Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” which was choreographed by the King of Pop’s choreographer Travis Payne last year.

Also present during the performance were Undersecretary Ma. Victoria Jasmin on the Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation; Regional Tourism Director Rowena Montecillo; delegates of the 1st Asian Underwater Federation Photography Championships; and a team from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

In 2007, the CPDR inmates performed the zombie dance featured in the music video of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The footage was uploaded onto video-sharing website YouTube and became a viral.

Time magazine cited the video as one of the top 10 videos of 2007.

The idea behind the dance came from the prison’s chief, Byron F. Garcia.

Garcia first proposed the idea of dancing as an enjoyable way of keeping the prisoners mentally and physically fit.

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