Cebu Province News April 2013

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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.

Ocean park operator eyes Cebu expansion

By Ehda M. Dagooc /JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The operator of Manila Ocean Park Complex and Hotel H2O in Manila, H2O Ventures Inc., is looking at Cebu as one of its target destinations for nationwide expansion in the Philippines, taking advantage of the promising tourism sector in the country.

The company plans to invest US$200 million in the next few years, to build at least five hotels more in other areas in the Philippines, including Cebu, Busuanga, Coron and Boracay.

Although the plan is still at a very early stage, Hotel H2O general manager Lily Santos-Adrid said that the company’s plan for Cebu will largely be another marine-themed resort project.

Seizing the strong domestic tourism, the management of the Hotel H2O in Manila, led by Santos-Adrid, recently tapped Cebu for its promotional roadshow to attract Cebuanos and the rest of southern Philippine market to explore the first marine-themed hotel in the country.

The Department of Tourism reported that the country surpassed the 35.5 million domestic passengers target by 2016. Last year, the country recorded 37.5 million domestic trips, prompting the Aquino government to raise the domestic target to 44 million by 2016.

“It is the growing domestic market that drove us to visit key tourism cities in the Philippines to introduce our hotel,” Santos-Adrid said.

Known as the first and only marine-themed hotel in the Philippines, Hotel H20 has 147 uniquely designed rooms.

The hotel opened in 2010 and has been designated as the official residence and patrons of Manila Ocean Park.

Hotel H2O is a joint venture with Europe-based World Hotels, a global hotel group for independent hotel and regional hotel brand that has built 500 concept hotels in 265 destinations and 65 countries.

Amid the stiff competition of hotel accommodations along the Manila Bay area, which is also where US Embassy is located, Santos-Adrid said the hotel is optimistic in enticing guests because of its modern technology and unique characteristics.

“We have rooms connected by a long aquarium wall that holds 3,000 fishes,” she said.

While the traditional hotel services are still appreciated despite recent hotel trends, their hotel is one of those that adopted unique designs and technology and coupled with personal services to provide total hotel experience and keep up with the changing preferences of customers.

The hotel has 128 rooms and 19 suites spread across 11 room categories. It also has a fitness center spa lounge, business center, grand ballroom, function rooms, boutiques and specialty restaurant.

She said the hotel has an average of 70 to 75 percent occupancy rate every year from both local and foreign market. Most of their guests are families who stay in their facility to tour the Manila Ocean Park.

4 Cebuanos top teachers board exam

By Liv G. Campo /JPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Four students from Cebu topped in the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Two are from the Talisay City College (TCC), one from the University of Cebu in Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) and one from the Cebu Normal University.

Jestoni Limpangog Potot of the UCLM made it to the top 4 in the elementary level with 88.20 percent. Sheila Mae Mangubat Diano of Cebu Normal University, who garnered 90.80 percent in the secondary level, placed number 7.

Junnalie Labajo Brago and her fellow TCC graduate, Angielo La bajo Pahamutang, placed 10th in the elementary and secondary levels, respectively. This is the fifth time in a row that TCC placed in the top spots.

Brago, a graduate of Bachelor in Elementary Education major in Special Education, garnered an 87-percent rating while Pahamutang, who finished a Secondary Education major in Filipino, got 90.20% in the secondary level exam.

Out of 37,117 examinees who took the exam last March, 10, 2013, 10,310 elementary teachers passed (27.78 percent) while 15,223 secondary teachers out of 38,433 examinees or 39.61 percent were successful.

Meanwhile, out of 82 elementary teachers from TCC who took the exam, 74 passed; while out of 148 examinees from the secondary level, only 115 of them passed.

Last year, Diana Rose Bucar Zamoras of TCC (elementary) was number 7 in the same exam; Mary Kaye Oliverio Misa (elementary) was 8th in 2011 and Zaldy Villarias (elementary) placed 10th in the 2010 exam. Aiza Valenzona Pansacala (elementary) started the trend by making it to the top 9 in 2009.

Placing first in the elementary level was Aileen Ventinilla Dacasin of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (89.80) while second placer was Mae Gabrielle de Chavez Gabrieles, also of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (89.60).

Aside from the graduates of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, those from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) were also among the top placers, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced yesterday.

Cebu needs thousands of classrooms -DepEd

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon \LPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The province of Cebu is in need of thousands of additional classrooms for the next school year, according to the Department of Education-7.

Deped-7 information officer Clara Falconi said of the 5,676 classrooms needed for Cebu, 2,660 are in municipalities across the province.

The remaining 3,016 classrooms are needed in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Naga and Toledo.

Falconi said that the need for additional classrooms for Cebu is included in their budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013.

DepEd identified Cebu to have acute need for classrooms aside from Pangasinan, Isabela, Batangas, Quezon, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur and North Cotabato.

The education department said in a separate statement that some 2,000 classrooms will be turned over by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in December 2014.

This is part of the government's effort to wipe out classroom shortage in public schools nationwide.

The ongoing construction of the additional classrooms, which is being funded by the P2 billion donation from PAGCOR, is being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Lone entry

Meanwhile, DepEd's Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) has been the lone entry from the ASEAN to the Partnerships Awards 2013.

The project aims to address shortages in public school classrooms through partnerships with the private sector,

The PSIP, which is the Philippine's first PPP social infrastructure project, supplements the initiatives of the government to address the current shortage of public school buildings nationwide.

About 9,301 classrooms will be built in various sites in Regions I, III and IV-A under the PSIP.

DepEd, in a statement, said the bidding for the second phase of PSIP is ongoing.

With PSIP-II, 10, 679 classrooms, including furniture and toilets, will be constructed in 5,146 public schools in 14 regions nationwide under a build-and-transfer agreement.

P100M a year

Team PNoy senatorial candidate Edgardo "Sonny" Angara said that if elected, he will allot P100 million a year from his Priority Development Assistance Fund to help solve problem on classroom and equipment shortages in public schools.

Angara, in a statement to The FREEMAN, said one of his priority projects is to build more classrooms, libraries and upgrade computers in public schools.

A senator has P200 million PDAF a year.

"Our public schools and government-run universities lack the necessary facilities like classrooms, libraries, and their computers need upgrading compared to public schools and universities in other countries," he said.

Angara said that there is a need to prioritize the classroom shortage because it leads to other problems in the education sector such as the increase in dropout rates and poor student performance.

Lapu-Lapu City bares actors in Battle of Mactan reenactment April 27

(PNA), HBC/EB/BH

CEBU CITY, (PNA) -- The Lapu-Lapu City Government has revealed the actors playing the principal roles in the reenactment of the “Battle of Mactan” on April 27, the day Mactan chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on the shores of Mactan in 1521.

Lapu-Lapu tourism officer Damian Gomez said actor Polo Ravales will play the role of Lapu-Lapu, Yam Concepcion as Lapu-Lapu’s wife, Datusa Bulakna and Troy Montero will play the role of Magellan.

Gomez said the costumes will be slightly modernized this year for artistic purposes.

The Battle of Mactan reenactment started as the “Bahug-Bahug sa Mactan” but was later changed to “Kadaugan sa Mactan” (Victory in Mactan).

Hembler Mendoza, Lapu-Lapu City tourism chief, said part of the commemoration of the “Battle of Mactan” is the celebration of the “Kadaugan Food Festival,” which will be held from April 19 up to April 26.

On those days, different hotels and resorts in the city will sell food starting from P10 to P99 per serving at the Liberty Shrine in Mactan.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office chief Rey Lyndon Lawas said they will deploy more than a hundred policemen to secure the local and foreign tourists attending the festivities.

Candidates urged to also look after drivers’ welfare

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Transport leaders in Cebu are calling on senatorial candidates to have an advocacy for the welfare of transport workers.

“Nanawagan mi nga ilang i-apil unta sa mga kandidato sa ilang plata porma ang kahimtang sa mga draybers (we call on the candidates to include in their platform of government the welfare of the drivers),” said Romeo Armamento, president of Mandaue United Drivers Association.

Armamento said that no single candidate for senator is advocating for the transport sector in spite their contribution to the country’s economy.

Former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar, who is running for senator under Team Pnoy, said revisiting the Oil Deregulation Law, which transport sector blamed for the series of oil price increases, may help the industry.

She promised to push for the review of the said law if she gets elected to the senate.

“We have to review and revisit this law, this is one of my agenda. Kasi ito palagi ang sinasabi ng ating mga drivers lalo na sa mga pampublikong sasakyan na nagpapahirap sa kanila,” said Villar.

Villar visited the towns of Pilar, San Francisco, Poro and Tudela in Camotes Island the other day.

Independent senatorial candidate Edward Hagedorn, who is having a two-day campaign caravan in Cebu starting yesterday, said he will push for government subsidy to convert public utility jeepneys and make them eco-friendly.

“This would be the impetus for starting a green revolution for the whole public transport system in the country,” Hagedorn said.

Meanwhile, transport leaders in Cebu and Land Transportation Office-7 director Raul Aguilos yesterday have a dialogue on the revised schedules of fines and penalties for traffic violations.

The transport leaders are calling for the LTO to stop the implementation of Department Order No. 2008-39 otherwise known as the ‘Revised Schedule of LTO Fines and Penalties for Traffic and Administrative Violations”.

Aguilos said that he listened to the request of the transport leaders to stop suspending driver’s license but told them that he cannot do this since it is an order coming from the Department of Transportation and Communication.

Aguilos instead advised the group to make a resolution asking DOTC and LTO head office to amend or stop the implementation.

Armamento said that although they have no plans to hold rallies and transport strike just to bring home their point, they will just instead file an urgent petition for review or amendment of the said department order.

DTI trains MSMEs; LGUs brace for OTOP

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento /JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry - Cebu (DTI-Cebu) is conducting product development trainings among small-scale entrepreneurs in preparation for various big trade fairs to be held within this year while local government units initiate One Town, One Product (OTOP) display centers to showcase signature items of their municipalities.

In an interview with DTI-Cebu business development division chief Elias Guia Tecson, he said that the agency currently holds trainings in product development and product design among micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

This is in preparation for large trade fairs that will be conducted within this year, such as the regional trade fair during the Sandugo Festival in Tagbilaran City, Bohol this July and the national trade fairs in Manila.

"In every fair, there is product focus so we have to prepare for it," he said.

He also lauded the interested participating exhibitors who have been cooperative and open-minded to follow the trend of the market.

Meanwhile, Tecson noted that there are some local government units in the region which plan to set up OTOP display centers in their municipalities within this year as initiatives to highlight the signature products which their localities are known for.

These include the municipality of San Remegio, which will feature its handicraft items and the town of Dalaguete, which will showcase its vegetables.

Other existing OTOP display centers in the province are located in Carcar City which is famous for the footwear items, Argao for its torta and tablea and Carmen for its weaving industry.

Tecson further encouraged other LGUs to have the same initiatives and put up more OTOP display centers in their respective localities.

OTOP is a priority program of the government to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment with local chief executives of each city and municipality taking the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service that has a competitive advantage.

It serves as a marketing strategy to help small-scale entrepreneurs to primarily generate domestic sales and eventually produce a ripple effect in the society as they create more jobs and ease out poverty particularly in the countryside.

It supports the MSME sector to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

Last April 2012, three outlets of TindahangPinoy located in Cebu, Clark and Davao were launched.

Located in a 500-square-meter space in Bridges Town Square along Plaridel Street in Mandaue City, TindahangPinoy showcases and sells world-class products catering to the high-quality tastes of local and foreign tourists.

Around 70 percent of products in the TindahangPinoy Cebu outlet will be sourced in Central Visayas and 30 percent in other regions in the Philippines.

Products under the OTOP program are displayed which also include dried mangoes, mango wine, guitars of Lapu-Lapu, peanut kisses of Bohol, stonecraft of Negros Oriental, rosquillos of Liloan, chicharon of Carcar City, wall decors, house and body accessories and others.

To date, Tecson said that the TindahangPinoy outlet generates a monthly sales of P300,000.

MOA for surgical mission signed

(The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - JCI-Mandaue, the Give A Filipino Child A Chance Foundation and the Vicente Gullas Memorial Hospital recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the conduct of a surgical mission for children with cleft lip and palate.

The agreement, signed last April 1 at the University of the Visayas, provides free surgery, confinement and recovery care for 50 children who have a cleft lip and palate.

The Give A Filipino Child A Chance Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization managed and staffed by volunteers of varying nationalities, whose aim is to provide medical aid and assistance to less fortunate Filipino children.

Dr. Leticia F. Abinuman, medical director of the VGMH said the hospital partnered with JCI-Mandaue and the foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility, as well as to further the passion of UV Executive Vice President Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas’ to help the poor.

CPPO sets up command posts in EWAS

By Niña G. Sumacot, Ria Mae Y. Booc/MBG (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - To ensure a peaceful and orderly elections in the province, the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) has started putting up advance command posts (ACP) to monitor all election-related activities in places in the Election Watchlist of Areas (EWAS).

Areas described as prone to violence and with intense political rivalries that need to have ACPs are Cebu’s second, third, fourth and fifth districts.

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, CPPO director, said that PNP’s duty is to ensure the safety of the public although he admitted that they could not totally eradicate threat.

“As PNP, we are in the position to minimize any trouble. This is part of our operation called Safe 2013 and this is precisely the reason we have augmented personnel for the people to feel safe,” Comendador said adding that people can easily visit the ACP in the area if they have concerns.

Supt. Glenn Ares, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, is tasked to be the overall supervisor in northern Cebu while Supt. Renato Malazarte, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations, is for southern Cebu.

EWAS are determined based on evaluation and assessment of past election experiences, presence of private armed groups and presence of communist groups. Supt. Paul Labra II, Regional Intelligence Division (RID) chief, said so far, there is no place in Central Visayas that is recommended to be under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In Cebu City, every polling center will have a Police Assistance Desk (PAD) where voters can immediately ask for assistance, said Cebu City Police Office Director Mariano Natu-el, Jr.

Natu-el said they will not be putting up ACPs as there is no place in the city that is included in the EWAS.

Each PAD, which will be open from 7 am to 7 pm, will be manned by a police officer.

Four other policemen will guard the vicinity of the polling area and they will be deployed as soon as the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines are distributed.

There are around 70 polling centers in Cebu City, mostly in schools.

PRA-Cebu taps CCCI to strengthen retail biz

By Ehda M. Dagooc /JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu) is set to join hands with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in reinforcing opportunities for retail businesses to expand regionally and take advantage of the opportunities in franchising in the retail sector.

In an interview, PRA-Cebu president Jun Yap said that apart from strengthening the market hold and security among retailers, PRA-Cebu is joining and supporting programs together with other organizations in increasing the reach to other countries of Cebuano retail businesses or capitalizing on the strong interest of international brands entering the Philippines to get local franchise.

In fact, members of PRA-Cebu will be joining a trade mission to be hosted by the national PRA to explore Turkey in the third quarter of this year.

“We would like to know the retail environment outside the Philippines,” said Yap, expressing confidence that Filipino retailers have great opportunities to expand retail businesses outside of the country.

He said that while retail sector in Cebu, or the Philippines in general, is performing very well despite the stiffer competition, retail players here are also preparing to grab opportunities in handling exclusive franchise offers for international brands.

“This is one avenue for retailers that expand their businesses. A lot of international brands are coming in. This is a good opportunity for us,” said Yap.

Earlier, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) urged Filipino retailers, franchisors and exporters to consider Asia, or in particular Indonesia, as a potentially lucrative market for retail goods.

PTIC commercial attache Alma Argayoso said that following the Penshoppe opening of stores in Jakarta, the leading lifestyle retailer in Indonesia PT Mitro Adiperkasa (MAP) expressed interest to possibly export more products from the Philippines.

The MAP group is the company behind the success of famous lifestyle brands in Indonesia such as Sogo, Seibu, Debenhams, Zara, Marks and Spencer.

Yap, on the other hand, believes that retailers have a lot of options in terms of expansion, either to strengthen their brands locally or regionally, or to take advantage of the Philippines’ good retail market in getting exclusive franchise deals with international brands.

Cebu, for instance, is continually attracting more international brands, even signature brands, to take advantage of the growing sophisticated market and increased purchasing power of Cebuanos.

Based on National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) figures, the purchasing power among Filipino consumers have increased significantly as noted in 2011.

NEDA record indicated that the availability of high-paying jobs specifically offered by the outsourcing sector and the increased confidence of the consumer market on the country’s economy have fueled the growth of the retail sector and improved the level of purchasing power among Filipinos, including the Cebuano market.

18th Gullas Tennis Cup on today

By Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (The Freeman)

MANILA, Philippines - The 18th edition of the Gullas Tennis Cup, the longest existing age-group tennis tournament in Cebu, will blast off today at the Cebu International Tennis Centre, Inc. (CITCI) courts in Laray, Consolacion.

Over 200 aspiring netters from all over the country will take part in the five-day tilt that features once again the 21-under category.

The rest of the age brackets are unisex 10-under, boys and girls 12, 14, 16, and 18-under. There will also be a doubles competition for the 10, 14, 18 and 21-under classes.

For those who have joined the 14th Tru-Flex National Age-Group Tennis Championships and in the Milo Juniors Visayas championships, the Gullas Cup is a chance for them to further sharpen their skills.

The Gullas family led by Jose ”Dodong” R. Gullas have continued their support to the event as their own way of helping Philippine tennis develop new set of talents that will be the country’s representatives to international competitions in the future.

For nearly two decades now, the Gullas Cup has minted top caliber athletes who made waves here and abroad.From UV alone, it has produced two Junior Phl Davis Cuppers in Fritzgerald Tabura and Francis Largo.

Being a Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Group 2 sanctioned event, the Gullas Cup also gave players from Visayas and Mindanao an opportunity to earn points needed to upgrade their individual rankings.

More than the competition, the Gullas Cup also provides an avenue for the participants to foster goodwill and camaraderie among each other.

"That is the reason why we have set a fellowship night of fun and games on April 12. We want to tell the participants that tennis is not just about pressure and competition, but also an opportunity for them to build friendship to each other. This will further enhance their love for the sport," said John Pages, one of the event organizers.

Registration fee is pegged at P300 inclusive of a souvenir t-shirt, welcome dinner and all other fees relative to the five-day tilt.

Aside from trophies and gift certificates, more prizes will be given away to the top performers in each category.


PHL triathlon group wants another NAGT series in Cebu before year ends

(PNA), HBC/EB/MJT/BH

CEBU CITY, April 10 (PNA) -- The Philippine Triathlon Association of the Philippine (Trap) is planning to hold one more National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) in Cebu before the year ends, this time at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

If the plan pushes through, this will serve as a first in the history of the NAGT series that Cebu will be hosting two legs in a year.

Trap executive director Oscar Rodriguez announced the plan after the successful staging of the two-day NAGT-Cebu and Youth Olympic Games Qualifiers at the Alegre Beach Resort and Spa in the northern Cebu town of Sogod over the weekend.

”We are planning to hold another NAGT leg before the year ends in Plantation Bay, but we will be doing a sprint distance only. This is ideal for the newbies,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, spearheaded by general manager Efren Belarmino, is instrumental in the growth of the sport because newbies overcome their fear in swimming as they compete in waist-deep to neck-deep water.

”We had this in Plantation Bay Resort for five times. Their hosting has also contributed to the growth of triathlon because they help in eliminating the newbies’ fear in swimming because of their lagoon,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said it was also Plantation’s hosting of the Supertrikids that allowed Trap to form its developmental team.

One of the members is Justin Liam Chiongbian, who is currently among the country’s top bets to represent the country in the Asia Youth Olympic Games (YOG) qualifying race next year.

CFIF to benefit from shared service facilities program

By Ehda M. Dagooc /JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Members of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF) will soon benefit from the government’s shared service facilities (SSF) program, as the group’s application is now being evaluated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The Cebu provincial office of DTI has recently endorsed CFIF’s proposal to avail of the SSF program to help micro and small enterprises in the furniture sector sustain their businesses, while they are starting to shift intensive promotion in the regional and local markets.

Last year, DTI-7 announced the availability of the SSF and machineries program for use by micro and small enterprises in their respective areas.

CFIF is one of the industry organizations that responded to the program in Central Visayas.

In Central Visayas, there are already 13 SSFs approved and ready for public bidding based on the report submitted by DTI.

In Cebu, these include coco twine/coir production, decorticating machine, modernized and eco-friendly production facility.

In Bohol, approved SSFs include the shared service facility for the kalamay industry of Jagna and Alburquerque, meat processing project of Catigbian, ginger processing project of Loboc, Raffia competitiveness and productivity enhancement program, shared service facility for the Bicao Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Food Processors and shared service facility for Dauis Fine Jewelry.

For Negros Oriental, they have the bamboo processing center while for Siquijor, they have a food processing and labeling center, enhancement of the community-based Larena woodcraft industry and SSF for bayong production.

SSFs shall be hosted by a private group, industry associations, cooperative, DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte underscored.

She added that SSFs are meant to improve the capability of micro enterprises in the processing of raw materials, improve their productivity and quality and to address gaps in supply and value chain.

Last year, DTI secretary Gregory Domingo announced that the government will put up 1,000 shared services facilities for SMEs throughout the country to help the budding entrepreneurs cut on production costs.

These facilities are targeted to be established in the country’s 609 poorest municipalities.

Through these facilities, SMEs could opt not to purchase equipment and other production requirements and instead use the available machines and services offered by the government.

The shared services facilities would serve existing SMEs, but not start-ups.

Cebu Province seeks Comelec exemption from public works ban

(PNA), CTB/EB/RE

CEBU CITY, April 7 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government has asked the Commission on Election (Comelec) for exemption to 74 projects from the public works ban.

Hector Jamora, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Provincial Engineer, said he has written to the Comelec provincial office for an exemption to these projects which are either ongoing or needing maintenance.

Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Eddie Aba said he has received Jamora’s letter, but his office has yet to issue an exemption.

He said ongoing projects and those that underwent bidding and have been awarded to a contractor before the 45-day election period started are exempted from the ban.

Among the major projects included in the lists are the ongoing P26.8-million construction and upgrading of Tayud-Liloan road, connecting it to Cansaga Bay Bridge, the P78.1 million Cordova reclamation project and the P76-million construction of the Sta. Fe airport runway in Bantayan Island off the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland.

Cash aid for elderly to be given each month, says council

By Doris C. Bongcac (Chief of Reporters,Cebu Daily News)

THE distribution of senior citizen’s cash assistance in Cebu City will be done on a monthly basis starting May.

Voting 14 against 1, the members of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK)-dominated City Council managed to override a veto which Mayor Michael Rama issued on an approved ordinance, which sets the distribution of senior citizens’ assistance every first Monday of the month.

Rama wanted the distribution of the cash assistance to the elderly on a quarterly basis.

Since the city government had already released P4,000 of the P10,000 assistance, this means that the senior citizens this year will divide the P6,000 balance in 8 monthly releases or P750 per month.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., the council’s majority floor leader, warned Rama against violating the approved ordinance during last Wednesday’s session.

Pe said that the council had yet to discuss what action to take should Rama insist on a quarterly release of the aid.

amendment okayed

The councilors earlier approved an amendment to the 2013 budget ordinance introduced by Pe and Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa, to release the assistance on a monthly basis.

The city’s about 60,000 registered senior citizens are scheduled to receive a total assistance of P10,000 from the city government this year.

Rama, however, vetoed the ordinance amendment and insisted on his decision for the quarterly release of the assistance.

He said that the approved ordinance is “prejudicial to public welfare” and that it was an executive prerogative to set the date for the distribution of the assistance.

DENR-7 holds budget consultation meetings

By Hazel F. Gloria (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7 with reports from DENR-7)

CEBU CITY, April 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) held a consultation meeting on its next year’s proposed budget of P588M that was participated in by over 70 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Cebu.

DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, this public consultation dialogue with the various stakeholders is pursued to ensure transparency and accountability in the budget process and implementation of the agency’s budget proposal for 2014.

The “big ticket” or flagship programs were highlighted in the consultative assembly namely; national greening program (NGP), balik probinsya program (BPP), anti-illegal logging campaign, cadastral survey, clean air and water, and geohazard mapping and assessment.

Montejo added this exercise is in compliance with the direction of the Aquino administration and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for an enhanced participatory governance and transparency in the planning and budgeting among government offices.

“This is also consistent with the President Aquino’s thrust of empowering the poor and the vulnerable sectors of the society by promoting participatory planning and budgeting as well as forging constructive partnerships with the CSOs,” said Montejo.

In a related development, around 20 CSOs attended the dialogue in Tagbilaran City coordinated by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Bohol with the Planning and Management Division (PMD).

Aside from this, Montejo said the DENR is preparing a 2014 budget proposal though the bottom-up budgeting (BuB) approach.

Montejo said it will take into consideration, the development needs of poor cities or municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans that shall be formulated with the strong participation of basic sector organizations and other CSOs.

“We will roll out this process of consultation with the two provinces in Siquijor and Negros Oriental so that we would be able to discuss and consolidate certain issues and concerns that were brought out during our Cebu and Bohol meetings,” he concluded.

Lapu-Lapu receives P10 million from DOH

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City has received an award from the Department of Health central office for its City Wide Investment Plan that aims to improve the delivery of health services, City Health Officer Dr. Rodolfo Berame said.

According to Berame, Lapu-Lapu is the only recipient in Region 7 to receive P10 million from the DOH central office. The city will use the money to implement different projects such as the improvement of health centers in some barangays.

“Dako kaayo nga garbo nato sa dakbayan sa Lapu-Lapu nga nakadawat kita sa maong pasidungog kay nagbunga gyud ang atong mga kahago,” Berame said.

A big portion of the budget this year is allocated for the purchase of medicines and medical equipment for the city hospital and the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital in barangay Talima in Olango Island.

Last Tuesday, the city government inaugurated the P5-million annex building of the hospital in the island.

On the other hand, Berame said the cash prize received by the city government will be used by the city for.

With the upgrading of the health centers in selected barangays, Berame said it is a big help to pregnant women from the barangays.

He further said that Mayor Paz Radaza directed barangay captains to closely coordinate with his office for the success of the implementation of the program.

150 participants enlist for National Age Group Triathlon

By Mars G. Alison (Correspondent, Cebu Daily News)

AN exciting weekend awaits folks in Sogod, north of Cebu as the Alegre Beach Resort and Spa hosts three triathlon events — the SuperTriKids (STK) and the second Philippine Youth Olympic Games (YOG) qualifier on Saturday and the 3rd leg of the 2013 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) on Sunday.

Organizer Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez said during the press conference yesterday at the Irie Gastropubliko that some 150 participants have already signed up for the event.

“Last year, we reached about 220 participants so now we are expecting to attract about 250 including 50 to 60 for the STK,” Rodriguez said.

With Rodriguez were former Philippine triathlon record holder Noy Jopson, Philippine developmental team member Justin Chiongbian, his mother Millette Chiongbian and Alegre Beach Resort and Spa marketing manager Bruce Bollozos.

Bollozos said this weekend’s affair is also a pre-event celebration for the resort’s 20th anniversary. He added that the Alegre Beach Resort and Spa is the only resort in Cebu that is recognized as one of the best in Asia.

Rodriguez also announced that this weekend’s event will also be the first Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) event here in Cebu which will use RFID timing chips and will have automatic online results on the www.runningmate.ph.

Rodriguez added that the youngest participant will be under seven years old while the oldest is a 62-year-old American.

Some of the participants will also be coming from Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and some seven YOG qualifier including Cebu’s very own Chiongbian, Louie Lalanto, Ohj Nobles, Sam Ranque, Vicky Deldio and Magali Echauz.

Jopson, who is gunning for a third win in Alegre, said that he would always make it a point to join a triathlon in Alegre because for him it is an ideal venue for the race.

“With its pristine waters and no traffic, I have wonderful memories of Alegre. This is one of the events that Cebuanos always look forward to,” Jopson said.

He added that his daughter Mikele is also excited about competing in the STK.

Those interested can still register at The Brick at J Center Mall, Rudy Project and Runnr in Ayala Center-Cebu and at the Brick at J Center Mall. On-site registration will also be accepted but only one hour before the race starts.

Rodriguez also announced that in the spirit of fairness, the overall winner in the women’s division will get an overnight stay at the Alegre Beach Resort & Spa on top of the intended cash prize.

“It wasn’t my intention that women prizes will be lower than the men. Before there were less women participants so the prize was lower and it became just automatic. But since the issue has been raised, future races will now have equal prize for men and women,” Rodriguez said.

French envoy says Europeans have soft spot for ecotourism

By Ehda M. Dagooc /JOB (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (FCCP) president Cyril Rocke said the Philippines needs to work harder in promoting ecotourism destinations if it wants to attract more European tourists, specifically French and Germans.

Rocke said the Philippines has the potential to attract French tourists if it strengthens its ecotourism by keeping destinations, such as the cities as well as the beaches, environment friendly.

“The main interest for French tourists is in ecotourism,” said Rocke adding that outdoor, nature adventure, such as whale-shark watching, diving, among others are all part of it, provided that the destinations display friendliness to the environment.

In a separate interview with German Embassy to the Philippines commercial counsellor Christof Wegner, he said that the Philippines continues to lag behind Thailand and Indonesia in attracting German tourists. However, if the country strengthens its marketing promotions in Germany and highlighting its ecotourism destinations, the Philippines will start luring in, not only the Germans, but a huge chunk of the European travelers market.

Clearly, Wegner said the issue on direct flight, or easy air access to bridge the Philippines and Germany is a major concern, but a good package of inter-linking the top destinations in the Philippines, highlighting the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” tagline is surely an irresistible attraction for foreign tourists, like the adventurous Germans.

In January of this year, German arrivals to the Philippines only reached 6,389, based on the latest DOT record.

Like the French travelers, Germans are also most interested in ecotourism, adventure and outdoor activities, nature-related attractions.

Lack of proper promotion to these two European countries, France and Germany is one of the hindrances why the Philippines is not getting enough share of these high spenders and long staying European tourists.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Gille Garachon confirmed this observation, saying that “lack of knowledge” about the country is the reason why it lagged behind from other Asian tourism destinations, in terms of attracting European travelers.

Attraction wise, the Ambassador said the Philippines has great and diverse offering, however, it has to be promoted well, specifically in its drive to heighten the eco-tourism destinations all over the Philippines.

In 2012, record showed that there were only 30 thousand French who visited the Philippines. About an average of three million French travelers visit the Asian region every year. Top of the list is Thailand.

Earlier, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the Philippines achieved 93.3 percent of its 4.6 million visitor arrival goal for 2012. However, some shortfalls were felt due to economic and political pressures from traditional markets such as US, Europe and China.

“It’s going to become increasingly challenging to meet future targets. But we know that Filipinos are the biggest believers of our slogan, ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’. We remain confident and will continue to build on the positive energies in order to cross the five million milestone in 2013,” said DOT secretary Ramon Jimenez in an earlier pronouncement.

“The thrust of our marketing in 2013 is market development, which entails expanding the potential market for new users and new uses. We will look into segments that we have not thoroughly explored. We will explore more creative executions geared towards sustaining the fun we have started. We hope to have stronger representation and be part of the future of tourism in Asia,” added Jimenez.

Health workers to undergo short course on TB

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Health centers in Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay City are among the 12 local government units in Central Visayas that has inked an agreement with the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development-7 (DOH-CHD-7) for a short course on tuberculosis directly observed treatment.

Jagobiao and Tipolo Health centers of Mandaue, Pajo Health Center in Lapu-Lapu City, and Talisay City along with Toledo City, Boljoon, Balamban I and II, Daanbantayan II, Cebu Province, Mabolo and Luz Health Centers of Cebu City, Liloan, Danao City, and San Fernando signed a MOA with DOH recently at the Sarrosa Hotel.

TB DOTS is a comprehensive strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD) to detect and cure TB patients.

Also, 10 checks totaling P900,000 were also awarded to 10 LGUs and health centers of Central Visayas for the construction and enhancement of DOTS facilities to be endorsed by the mayors, treasurers and heads of health units.

The recipients are Cebu City Health Office, Cebu Provincial Health Office, San Francisco, Cebu City Medical Center, Sogod, Medellin, Negros Oriental, Bais City, Mabinay, Guihulngan, and Bindoy.

Jocelyn Tabotabo, nurse coordinator of the National TB Program here said that of the 6,222 smear positive cases in the region last year, a cure rate of 88 percent was recorded.

Tabotabo said that overall, there were about 13,578 cases of TB in the region with 56 deaths in 2012.

Most of the TB patients are male and more than 50 percent are regular smokers which is why the Department of Health has also been aggressive in its no-smoking campaigns.

The Philippines was ranked no. 7 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the 22 countries that carry much of the burden of tuberculosis cases, said Anden.

Holy Week in Cebu ‘mostly holy, orderly’

(DSM/JKV/Sun.Star Cebu)

CEBU CITY -- A small fire, a few road accidents, and the arrest of some men for illegal possession of firearms kept the police in Cebu busy during Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday.

But these incidents, which the police described as minor, failed to spoil the peaceful observance of the last week of Lent this year.

Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador, head of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), declared the religious holidays as generally peaceful.

The Sugat Kabanhawan Festival in Minglanilla town, he said, went without a hitch on Sunday despite the high turnout of spectators.

“In the previous year, there were reports of pick-pocketing. Wala gyud karon (We had none of that this year),” Comendador said.

In Bantayan Island, where hundreds of locals decided to spend their holidays either to join the procession or beach parties, there were no major crimes reported. Sugat Kabanhawan festival in Minglanilla, Cebu THE FAMILY THAT PARADES TOGETHER. A family persuades a performer, dressed as a larger-than-life image of the Risen Christ, to join them for a photo during the Sugat Kabanhawan festival in Minglanilla town. (Sun.Star Cebu Photo/Alex Badayos)

At random checkpoints, several men were arrested for alleged possession of illegal firearms and violations of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) gun ban.

A similarly peaceful Holy Week was reported in Cebu City, said Senior Superintendent Mariano Natu-el Jr., acting chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

He said the presence of police teams in areas where people converged, such as churches, helped thwart the plans of criminals.

Donation

Natu-el said there were no other crimes reported except for the attempt of one man to steal some bills from the donation box inside the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral last Good Friday.

On Maundy Thursday, a fire struck the third floor of the WDC building on Osmeña Blvd., Barangay Sto. Niño.

An electrical short-circuit was eyed as the cause of the blaze that damaged at least P50,000 worth of properties.

Since Palm Sunday, the police maintained a heightened alert on Camp Crame’s orders. The status will be lifted today, Monday.

In an earlier interview, Senior Superintendent Edward Carranza, head of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Visayas directorial staff, said their security preparations will continue throughout the summer vacation.

During his Easter Sunday mass, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the Cebuano faithful to be thankful that God has given them new saints.

He said the recent canonization of Saint Pedro Calungsod and the proposed recognition of other potential saints such as the late Archbishop Teofilo Camomot are proof that Filipinos are getting closer to God.

Last laugh

“Heaven is getting closer through our saints. Through Christ’s resurrection, not just our saints but all of us, as well, are given a place in heaven through our faith,” Palma said.

He praised this year’s Sugat production, performed by the Barkada performers of Barangay Pardo and the Sandiego Dance Troupe.

Before the Easter mass, the performers reenacted the Passion of Jesus Christ, which began with His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and ended on His death and resurrection.

Archbishop Palma, who is also president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said that through the Sugat, he saw a glimpse of the vital role of Jesus Christ’s mother, Mary.

Mary may have suffered with her son’s death, but she too “reaped the fruitful harvest” with His resurrection, he said.

The lesson of Easter, he added, is the triumph of life over death and the victory of Jesus through His resurrection.

“Kung sa Tagalog pa, ‘Sa atin ang huling halakhak’ (As they say in Tagalog, ‘We get the last laugh’),” Palma said.

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