Cebu City News July 2017

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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.

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Cebu City Cathedral
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Magellan's Cross in Cebu City
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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

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

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

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

WHY??

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

City police brace for this year's triathlon

(JOB)

THE Cebu City Police Office will deploy more than 300 police officers during the Ironman triathlon on Aug. 6. CCPO Director Joel Doria said they are anticipating road closures and traffic during the race.

“We will put up public assistance desks in the areas where the triathlon will be conducted,” he said.

Doria said they will be on the lookout for the attendance of celebrities and other prominent persons from outside Cebu.

The CCPO and other agencies are regularly meeting on the security aspect of the international event.

CERC to organize 2018 Cebu Marathon

By Glendale G. Rosal

THE CEBU Executives Runners Club (CERC) will be taking charge of organizing the 2018 edition of the annual Cebu Marathon. This was revealed by officials of CERC during a press conference yesterday at the Mooon Cafe Ayala Centre Cebu branch.

In the past four years, the Cebu Marathon, held every January in line with the celebration of the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, was organized by the Manila-based Run Rio.

“Balik na sa bisaya,” said past CERC president John Pages during the press conference. (It’s back to the bisaya.)

Before Run Rio took over the organizing team four years ago, it was CERC which was tasked at handling the prestigious race.

“We at CERC handled the marathon for six years (before Run Rio took over),” said Pages, who was joined in the press conference by current CERC president Kenneth Casquejo and fellow organizer Meyric Jacalan.

Pages said it is just right that Cebuanos handle the race because the Cebu Marathon was founded by Cebuanos for the Cebuanos.

For the 2018 edition, the race will be getting support from two major sporting brands, 2XU and New Balance.

Early registration for the race will be starting today until July 30 at the Ayala Active Zone.

Interested runners can also register online via www.race.ph/cebumarathon2018 or cebumarathon.ph.

Fee for the early registration is P1,400 for the 42-kilometer race and P1,100 for the 21K.

Early registrants will get a commemorative 2XU shirt with a Cebu City Marathon-inspired print. The shirts, however, will not be given right away. It will be distributed during the race expo before race day.

The shirt costs more than P2,000 but will be given out for free to the early registrants. Aside from that, 2XU will also be giving a 50-percent discount on its products while New Balance will be giving a P500 coupon.

“This time, we would like to have the race be accessible to all, not just for the Cebuanos but to all running enthusiasts and athletes from all over domestic and international,” said Casquejo. “We will also address the concerns of our participants like food and water, we will make sure we can provide them both during the race.”

He added that the registration will be inclusive of the official race tee, finisher’s medal, sling bag and timing chips.

Exhibit to promote awareness for kids with clefts launched

(SunStar Cebu)

To promote more “smile makers” in the Philippines, cleft charity Smile Train yesterday launched an exhibit, #SmileMakerAko, at the Ayala Center Cebu. Located in the mall’s level one, the exhibit runs until Sunday, July 30.

Smile Train partnered with Ayala Malls to help bring more awareness and advocacy for children born with clefts.

The exhibit features the beneficiaries’ success stories after undergoing cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care through the help of the organization. It also showcased images of Smile Train’s volunteers, supporters, patients and ambassadors, including local celebrities Marian Rivera and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

“Smile Train recognizes the need to reach more people in Cebu and surrounding countries in the Philippines. Our goal is to continue to spread awareness about Smile Train and to educate people about clefts and the impact cleft repair surgery has on a child,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train Philippines country director. “Holding this exhibit served as an invitation among Filipinos to bring more smiles to children with clefts.”

In Cebu, Smile Train’s partner hospitals are Cebu North General Hospital and Perpetual Succour Hospital.

Since 2001, Flaviano said that the charity has operated on more than 50,000 kids with cleft nationwide.

For more information about Smile Train's global efforts and to donate, visit smiletrain.org. Follow Smile Train on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

Cebu City can use P716.5-million budget

(RVC)

UNLESS it will be declared inoperative, the Cebu City Government can use the P716.5-million first supplemental budget (SB 1) that the council approved last Tuesday despite some objections.

City Budget Officer Marietta Gumia said that the SB 1 was already approved, which means that the City can use it.

A copy of the approved appropriation ordinance that backed the passage of SB 1 will be forwarded to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for comments and review.

“Unless it will be declared inoperative, the City will continue the implementation of programs and projects funded under the SB 1,” said Gumia.

Francisco Fernandez, executive assistant of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, supported the statement, saying the City is ready to return the funds under SB 1 if the DBM finds irregularities in its passage.

It usually takes at least 90 days from receipt before DBM releases an opinion on an approved SB.

The City Council decided to ask the DBM to decide on the fate of SB 1 after Councilors Jose Daluz III and Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera objected to some portions of the approved budget ordinance.

Earlier, Daluz, objected to the statement of funding sources and the certification that the sources of funds have actual cash back-up to support the SB 1 signed by City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo and City Accountant Arlene Rentuza.

Sources of funds include realignments from continuing appropriations from the general fund proper, particularly the appropriations for the lot acquisitions for the 93-1 lots in previous years.

Daluz said that he is against that particular source of fund because the lot acquisition for 93-1 has no cash back.

Cebu City Hall employees briefed on security protocols

(Intern)

Following a series of hoax bomb threats in Cebu City schools, the city government held a security briefing among the City Hall department heads on Friday.

The briefing is aimed to prepare employees on possible emergency cases such as bomb threats, fire, earthquake and terrorism.

Cebu City councilor Dave Tumulak said the department heads of the city hall are encouraged to have full awareness of the emergency protocols.

“It should be the government that will serve as a role model. For now, emergency protocols are being drafted. Department heads will be given copies so they can relay it to their employees,” Tumulak said.

He added that the security and the level of consciousness on security and preparedness should be enhanced.

Tumulak also urged the department heads to be keen on the people visiting their offices.

“Kun naay something unusual, ilang i-report sa mga authorities dayon ug dapat kahibaw sila unsaon nila pag-approach ang ingon ana nga situation (If they notice something unusual, they should immediately report it to the authorities and they should also know how to deal with the situation,)” Tumulak said.

During emergencies, Tumulak reminded people to remain calm and avoid injuring each other.

He assured that the government, as well as the police, will treat all threats as serious and will take immediate actions.

State-of-the-Art Dental Center Opens in Cebu

By Flor Ynclino (PEOPLE PLACES, The Freeman)

Cebuanos have more reasons to smile now that the leading dental center in the Philippines and one of the best in Asia, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), has opened at SM Seaside City.

During the opening, GAOC founder and world-renowned dental surgeon Dr. Steve Mark Gan and his remarkable team of dentists personally welcomed guests. Attendees witnessed for themselves GAOC’s most advanced dental equipment as they toured the sleek and modern-looking clinic, including the annex which houses the dental diagnostics, digital imaging and laboratory machines – all of which make GAOC a one-stop dental center.

“Cebu is already close to my heart and becoming my second home,” Dr. Gan stated in his welcome speech as he thanked the Cebuanos for gracing the wonderful occasion. “The people here are warm, genuine, friendly and most of all, hardworking. That’s why here in GAOC, we look forward to serving our Cebuano patients and giving the best oral care possible. Cebu is GAOC’s first venture outside Metro Manila, and is the sixth branch we opened. Presently, we already have eight in total nationwide. The Cebu branch has six treatment rooms and one main operating room, making it the biggest GAOC dental clinic for now.”

Personalities from the media, local government and business sectors attended the occasion. A performance by a string quartet entertained the guests, while Cebuano actor “Sir Chief” Richard Yap took the hearts of the audience with a special serenade number. Celebrity couple and GAOC ambassadors Paul Jake and Kaye Abad-Castillo also graced the event.

GAOC Group of Companies president and CEO Dr. Steve Mark Gan led the ribbon-cutting ceremonies with DMG Dental area sales manager for Southeast Asia and the Middle East Sophie Spady; SM Prime Holdings vice president Marissa Fernan; Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Sec. Michael Dino; furniture designer and Regional Development Council 7 chairman Kenneth Cobonpue; actor and GAOC ambassador Richard Yap; Dr. T. C. Phua of Singapore’s TP Dental Surgeons; entrepreneur and Vis-Min Merchants Amity Associations Inc. president AlincolnUy; DMG Dental head of sales for Asia Andreas Kruse; and GAOC Group of Companies CFO Marilyn Gan. Three attendees emerged as lucky winners of complimentary teeth whitening treatments worth P30,000 each which concluded the clinic-opening festivities.

GAOC, founded in 2001, is the recognized trailblazer in dental implant surgery in the country, offering an extensive range of services – from general dentistry to oral surgery and periodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, as well as cosmetic and laser dentistry.

Korean entrepreneur transforms hotel salon

By Kat O. Cacho

THE rising demand for wellness services for people who lead active lifestyles has led Cebu-based Korean entrepreneur Sophia Lee to convert her beauty salon into a spa.

Lee opened last May this year the Well Spa (Thai Massage) on the ground floor of Wellcome Hotel on Molave St. near Escario, Cebu City.

“I shifted to the spa business because it is more profitable. Beauty salons are mostly frequented by women, but in spas, we welcome men and women. We welcome family,” said Lee, who believes that a spa would serve hotel guests more than a salon would.

Well Spa operates under the K. City. Amir Corp.

The 180-square-meter spa offers body and foot massage as well as premium services such as hot stone massage, lava shell massage, and slimming massage.

The facility features nine rooms, two of which are for couples. Lee hired a Filipino licensed spa trainer who studied massage therapy in Thailand to train her 20 massage therapists.

Amid a changing business landscape and the emergence of spas in many parts of Metro Cebu, Lee remains confident she’ll get a good share of the market.

“Tourists continue to come to Cebu and after a long day of activities, they would like to be pampered and relaxed, and a better way to satisfy them is to offer quality massage. Locals, on the other hand, crave for a quality massage after a stressful workday,” said Lee, who first came to Cebu nine years ago.

She said the Koreans’ influence on Filipinos beyond popular culture was her entry point in setting up a business here. After opening Well Spa in Wellcome Hotel, Lee is opening two more spa branches.

By August, she will open Well Spa in Mezzo Hotel in Mabolo and one in Allsons Inn by September.

The worldwide wellness industry grew by 10.6 percent to $3.72 trillion from 2013-2015, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing, most resilient markets, according to the 2016 Global Wellness Economy Monitor released by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).

“The growth trajectory of the wellness industry appears unstoppable,” said GWI’s senior researchers, Katherine Johnston and Ophelia Yeung, in a statement.

Train teachers, parents, pupils proper emergency response

By Futch Anthony Inso, Jose Santino S. Bunachita

Training, not only for employees and officials of public schools, but also parents of students should be done on how to respond to emergencies like bomb threats.

This was emphasized by Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who said that in case of anonymous calls and tips, the most important thing to do is to remain calm.

“There is really a need to train especially those who receive or are in charge of the telephone. They have to be trained first that they should not be scared and that they should not panic. They have to be able to write the exact statements from the caller and try to figure out the tone of the caller,” he told reporters yesterday.

Tumulak, who is the deputy mayor on police matters, said that this is important especially when reporting threats to the nearest police station.

Following the bomb hoaxes which rocked Cebu City schools last Tuesday, Tumulak emphasized the need for quick reporting of these incidents to the police instead of having to go through several other people and officials.

At the same time, Tumulak requested school authorities in the city to regularly conduct drills in order to come up with a systematic flow of movement during emergencies.

“And these drills should be participated by the parents of the school children,” he added.

Protocol

But according to Dr. Bianito Dagatan, Department of Education (DepEd)-Cebu City Schools Superintendent, the principals of the schools who received the prank calls observed protocol in the handling of the situation, although they needed to improve their method of handling the panicked parents.

“Automatic na nga kung dunay incident nga ingon ani, motawag dayon sa police, sa Command Center sa Cebu City ug sa Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (It is automatic for them to call the police, the Command Center in Cebu City and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office when incidents like these happen.),” he said.

In an interview, Dagatan told Cebu Daily News that he already instructed school principals from different public schools to organize a meeting with the parents as soon as possible to discuss the matter.

“Kinahanglan nga i-improve nila ang pag-handle sa mga ginikanan nga nag-panic kay this might resulta sa stampede ug pagka-injury ngadto kanila ug sa mga estudyante (They should improve their handling of the anxious parents because they might cause a stampede which could injure them and the students),” Dagatan said.

The DepEd official said all 112 public schools in the city have their telephone lines with caller ID, but some of them are not functioning.

He said he will raise this concern with the telephone companies.

PSME sets Visayas regional conference

(SunStar Cebu)

THE Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) will hold its Visayas regional conference on July 20 to 22 at the Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu City.

The gathering carries the theme, “Challenges and Opportunities towards Economic Development in the Visayas.”

The two-day gathering will discuss, among others, how the group can contribute to the industrial development of the Visayas, the continuing professional development (with CPD points) as mandated under Republic Act 10912, latest trends and available equipment and services for mechanical engineers, and to help sponsors find market for their products.

Cebu City makes aid flexible

(RTF)

GIVEN the yearly changes in the number of public school teachers in Cebu City, City Hall will no longer allocate a fixed budget for the financial aid for teachers in the general fund of the annual budget.

Seventeen councilors present during last week’s session voted in favor of the legislation filed by Councilor Sisinio Andales amending City Ordinance 2463, which grants a P10,000 assistance to all Department of Education (DepEd) public school teachers in the city.

Prior to the amendment, Section 6 of CO 2463 provides an annual budgetary allocation of P50.1 million for cash assistance.

But with the number of DepEd public school teachers increasing by the year as a result of the growing student population, Andales said there is a need to clear out the provisions of the legislation to avoid confusion.

“The budget that will be allocated should depend on the number of qualified teachers that will be verified by the Local School Board and the division schools superintendent,” he said.

There are now 5,485 public elementary and secondary school teachers in the city that are qualified to receive the cash assistance from the City Government.

This would mean that the City will have to release about P54.9 million this year for the more than 5,000 teachers.

Andales said the City has already allocated P56 million in financial aid in the annual budget this year.

29,000 beneficiaries to get maintenance meds

(RTF)

THE Cebu City Government has started preparations for the third-quarter distribution of maintenance medicine to some 29,000 beneficiaries of the Long Life Medicine Assistance Program (LLMAP).

The City Council, during their regular session last week, approved a close to P13-million budget to procure insulin and assorted medicines for hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis.

The amount will be charged to the City’s Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) funds, according to the approved resolution authored by Councilor Margarita Osmeña.

The LLMAP started last year.

The program employs out-of-school youth to distribute the maintenance medicines to indigent residents of the city with chronic diseases.

Tessie Camarillo, officer-in-charge of the City Treasurer’s Office, has certified that funds are available to cover the procurement of the assorted maintenance medicine amounting to P12,884,350.

The City has a monthly allocation from Pagcor that can be used for peace and order, infrastructure, basic services, sports programs and activities, health services, and culture and arts.

Among the projects that can be supported by the funds are self-sustainable livelihood projects, infrastructure, and delivery of basic health services.

City Hall workers’ coop assembly, July 15

(SunStar Cebu)

The Cebu City Government Employees Housing Cooperative (CCGEHC) will hold its special general assembly tomorrow, July 15, from 8 a.m. until noon. It will be held at the SP Social Hall, fourth floor, Legislative Building, Cebu City Hall.

This year’s theme continues to banner the call for “Disenting Panimalay; Serbisyong Tiunay.”

There will be important updates on the housing projects being coordinated with the Cebu City Government and the National Housing Authority; some amendments to the Articles of Cooperation and by-laws; and election of some members of the board of directors, and members of the audit and election committees.

All members qualified to vote (MQV) from various departments and offices are those considered to be members in good standing (MIGS) as they have paid their membership fees and their share capital of P5,000.

The CCGEHC was organized in 2012 and was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority on Jan. 6, 2014.

JIKFI, PHS renew 10-month link with DepEd for oral hygiene

(SunStar Cebu)

Following the success of the “Project Healthy Smile” oral health program initiated by Juanito I. King Foundation Inc. (JIKFI) and Project Healthy Smile Foundation of Minneapolis in Tabunan Elementary School, another 10-month memorandum of agreement was signed by the stakeholders for Camp Lapulapu Elementary School last July 5.

The program has been organized in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of your development, especially in your dental health through education, such as the right way to brush, proper nutrition and taking care of your teeth” said Kenneth Raymund H. King, executive director of JIKFI, in his message before students, faculty and parents.

The introduction of K-12 in the educational system calls for the prioritization of new classrooms and more teachers including Cebu City public schools. The four dentist of DepEd Cebu City Division caters to 69 elementary and 57 high schools spread all over 65 barangays in the city.

“It is such a sad reality that on our latest examination of Grade 1 pupils from Cebu City’s public schools, it has been noted that children as young as 6-7 years old are developing tooth decay” said Dr. Melissa Paradela, Dentist-in-charge of DepEd Cebu City Division.

The 10-month dental health program kicked-off with the MOA signing, followed by a dental education campaign where proper toothbrushing and nutrition were emphasized.

A toothbrushing drill led by JIKFI’s in-house dentist Dr. John Daniel Villegas was held.

Dental consultation and flouride application to at least 240 elementary students closed the day’s activity.

Cebu City eyes centralized 911 emergency system

By John Carlo A. Villaruel

In the hopes of giving children a chance to showcase their skills not only in sports but also in cultural and performing arts, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is reviving the Children’s Games this November 18 and 19 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The event, which pits kids aged six to 12 years old, will be dubbed “Duwa Sa Kabataan.”

The Children’s Games had its inaugural edition here in Cebu in 2008, drawing over 13 different barangays.

As it returns after a nine-year lull, the 2nd edition of the Children’s Games will not only feature competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and boxing but will also give non-athletes a way to develop their talents as they will add the cultural dance and story-telling contests.

“The objective really is to keep the kids moving and playing not necessarily for winning. Just to keep the kids playing and have fun. Chairman (Butch) Ramirez’s emphasis is the grassroots and sports development,” said PSC-7 Executive Director Sheldon Vincent “Boobi” Kintanar.

Other sports which will be included in this year’s edition are arnis, air rifle, chess, gymnastics, karatedo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, judo, and archery.

With the hopes of attracting more participants, PSC will not only recognize the top performers in each event but also plans to give every kid a medal to encourage them to continue to hone their talents.

“We are looking at 2000 kids from 80 barangays here in Cebu. We will be holding it in all the cities in the country. In the Visayas, around 39 cities. Cebu will just be the first but this will be rotational. We want it to be held yearly,” Kintanar added.

US envoy Kim to visit Cebu today

By Benjie Talisic

UNITED States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim is scheduled to visit Cebu today until tomorrow.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Chief Joel Doria said in an interview yesterday morning that his office will provide police escorts for Kim during his two-day visit in Cebu.

Doria said he also instructed all police stations in the city to secure the area in their jurisdiction where Ambassador Kim will go to. Doria, however, did not reveal the time arrival of the ambassador today and the places in Cebu that he will be visiting.

Doria assured that no group of rallyists can stop the US ambassador’s convoy. He also assured that the policemen are prepared to deal with any untoward incident like a protest rally that may occur during Kim’s visit.

Inter-Island Tourism Policy (Itop) Forum

By Mila C. Espina

THE Inter-Island Tourism Policy (Itop) Forum will be hosted by Cebu in October 2017. Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale met with the Itop officers, secretariat and delegates from Phuket, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Jeju, Korea and Cebu’s Itop team composed of Grace Paulino, Alice Queblatin and MCE to prepare for the event. Boboi Costas heads the stakeholders group while MCE handles the academe. Alice Queblatin, president of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators (Cato), gave an overview of Cebu as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) destination. Theme for Itop is “Synergizing MICE with Culture and Heritage.” Papers will be presented by delegates from the travel and tourism sectors, and the academe. There are about 10 members of Itop, with new members coming up.

Cebu-Israel Friendship Dinner

Congratulations to Honorary Consul Emily Benedicto Chioson for a well-attended Cebu-Israel Friendship dinner held recently at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. In her welcome message, she thanked Israel and Cebu for the enduring friendship which opened up opportunities for meaningful cultural ties.

His Excellency, Amb. Effie Ben Matityao traced the historical trails of the sojourn of Israel in the Philippines. He cited how Israel came to the rescue of the Yolanda survivors and recalled and thanked the Filipinos who sheltered the Israelite refugees through the efforts of the late President Manuel Quezon.

The Ambassador further commended Consul Emily Benedicto for sustaining the educational, economic and cultural ties of Israel and Cebu.

On the other hand, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña hoped for more viable challenges to sustain Israel’s presence in Cebu and hopes to visit the place. After the cocktails, the guests were treated to a cultural show of songs and dances.

The Grand Chamber Awards

One memorable event in June 2017 was the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cebu Business Month Grand Chamber Awards. The photos on this page capture the gaiety of the event.

CH forms children’s choir

By Rona Joyce T. Fernandez

While most kids look up to celebrity singers, nine-year-old Samantha Jane Duque has her elder sisters as her role models.

The youngest in a brood of five, Sam grew up to Sunday morning karaokes and nightly acapella sessions with sisters April and Kate, who are both members of the local church choir in Barangay San Nicolas Proper, Cebu City.

With the sisters’ passion for music, they did not have second thoughts when they were invited to join the City Government’s newly-formed children’s choir.

“I’m happy because this will help me develop my talent and inspire other kids to join and be good in singing as well,” Sam told SunStar Cebu.

Annabeth Cuizon of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (Chac) said that the children’s choir was introduced by Councilor Margarita Osmeña after a lot of youngsters participated in the City Government’s first arts week celebration last February.

Cuizon said the initial plan was to have street children audition to keep them off the streets. But as time passed, the kids lost interest in the trainings.

“That’s where we realized that due to the nature of their residences, which is temporary, we lost them. What we did is encourage barangay-based children, but that doesn’t mean we end there,” she said.

Cuizon said the City will soon introduce a separate training, which will be more “acceptable” to the situations of street children so that they will be encouraged to use their talents.

In the meantime, Chac is focusing on tapping kids in the barangays to join the choir, which is being mentored by volunteer trainers Israel Rubin and Rosalita Racaza.

As of now, the children’s choir is composed of 11 girls between the ages of nine and 16, who are from Barangays San Nicolas Proper and Duljo-Fatima.

Rubin, who also grew up being a choir member, said he volunteered to train the kids to hopefully inspire other youngsters in the city to develop their talents.

“My ambition is to train kids and the opportunity to represent the city in various events is just a bonus. Cebu is known for its many singers and this choir, while new, will hopefully be among those that will bring pride,” he said.

Since its formation, the choir has performed in the recently-concluded Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings and during the State of the City Address of Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

DTI to hold export competitiveness session on July 14 in Cebu

(PR)

THE Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with DTI-Cebu Provincial Office, is pleased to invite exporters, aspiring exporters, forwarders and other stakeholders to an information session under the Philippine Export Competitiveness Program.

This will be held on July 14, 2017 from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in Harolds Hotel, Gorordo Ave. corner Rosal St., Lahug, Cebu City.

Among the topics are the Strategic Trade Management Act (Republic Act 10697), strategy updates, and Tradeline Philippines Interactive Statistics.

The seminar is free of charge, but please reserve your seats through dticebu.idipd@gmail.com.

For inquiries, call Tessie Emphasis of DTI-Cebu at 253-2631 or 255-6971, local 109.

CebuLitFest Komiket set on July 8-9

(SunStar Cebu)

EXPLORE the world of literature and art at the Cebu Literary Festival KomiKet 2017 on July 8 and 9 at the Ayala Center Cebu – Activity Center.

Now on its fourth year, this year’s edition of #cebuLitFest will showcase creators who will launch their latest books, comics, zines, art and many more.

At 2 p.m. tomorrow, July 8, Singapore-based travel writer Shivaji Das will talk about his new book “Angels by the Murky River,” and will be interviewed by Isolde Amante.

This will be followed by the launch of Cecilia Manguerra Brainard’s new book “The Newspaper Widow” at 5 p.m., with a forum moderated by Cris Evert Lato.

Comic book enthusiasts will be able to listen and learn from Paolo Herras and Mark Navarro of KomiKet Inc., Manix Abrera of Kiko Machine, Toto Madayag of Libreng Komiks for Bawal Mamatay May Tumawid Dito, Mike Alcazaren of Patay Kung Patay, Ardie Aquino of Chopsoy Comics, Carlo San Jose of Callous Comics and Tori Tadiar of Sagala/Komiks Cum Laude.

Art and zine enthusiasts will be able to meet the makers and check out art from Clairely Happy, Matchaa Studio, Happy Garaje, Donburi, Cookie Coven, Debbie Tudtud, Siamese Rat, Karl Lucente, Bluetoaster Art, Peregrina, You Be Easy, Papers and Tschai, Charlene Tan, and many more.

There will also be a #cebuLitFest Open Mic on both days, and a Book Swap Cebu event on July 9.

For the full program, check out the Cebu Literary Festival page on Facebook. Use the hashtag #cebuLitFest to join the fun.

World Vision Run in Cebu on July 16

(Cebu Daily News)

For the first time in its six-year existence, the World Vision Run will come to Cebu City this coming July 16.

The event, held in line with the celebration of World Vision Philippines’ 60th anniversary, will start and finish at the Cebu Business Park.

Regularly held in Manila, the running event served as one of World Vision’s ways to raise funds for its charitable programs.

This year’s edition will benefit World Vision’s sustainable livelihood projects in Sogod town, north Cebu. The run also aims to help raise awareness on the group’s advocacy against sexual exploitation of children.

Organizers said there’s a reason why they chose to bring the race to the Visayas on the group’s 60th anniversary.

“The World Vision here in the Philippines was born in the Visayas, so it’s fitting that we celebrate its 60th anniversary by bringing the World Vision Run to Cebu,” said World Vision Resource Development director Jun Godornes during the official launching yesterday at the Golden Prince Hotel.

World Vision came to the country in 1957. Its first orphanage opened in Guimaras Island in Panay.

Cebuano celebrity Matteo Guidicelli, a World Vision ambassador for many years, was also present in the press conference. Joining them were technical director Kenneth Casquejo of Kinetic Running, and World Vision program manager Faith Sy.

The running event will offer 100-meter kiddie dash, 3-kilometer, 5k, 10k and 21k distances. According to Casquejo, they already attracted 1,000 runners. They are aiming to accommodate as many as 3,000 runners on race day.

“If this running event gets enough support from the Cebuano running community, then we will surely be back next year. We are also expanding this run in Davao soon,” Godornes said.

Guidicelli, meanwhile, said being part of this charitable organization is a big honor. He is encouraging fellow celebrities to take part in World Vision’s advocacies.

Guidicelli is currently sponsoring two children while he is involved in a series of charitable projects in Liloan.

“Cebu is a fitting venue for World Vision Run because it’s the home of one of Asia’s fastest marathoners, Mary Joy Tabal, and the running community here is huge,” said Guidicelli, who is planning to join the run along with fellow World Vision ambassador, former volleyball star Gretchen Ho.

Registration fee is P350 for the kiddie dash, P400 for the 3k, P600 for the 5k, P700 for the 10k and P900 for the 21k inclusive of the bib, race singlet and timing chip. Registration can be done at any Toby’s Sports outlets in Cebu City and at the Runnr Ayala Center Cebu and Anytime Fitness Escario branch.

12 Cebu students in Outstanding Students Search list

By Franz V. Correa (SunStar Philippines)

TWELVE students from Cebu City made it to the final list for the Search of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP)-Central Visayas.

The list was released on TOSP's Facebook page Sunday evening, July 2.

• Jimboy Nuñez - Cebu Institute of Technology-University
• Jessa May Basiga - University of San Carlos
• Bret Alfonso Balbuena - University of San Carlos
• Alexander Bajarias - University of San Carlos
• Divina Grace Yuson - University of San Jose-Recoletos
• Lorraine Mitzi Ambrad - University of San Jose-Recoletos
• John Keith Marzo - University of San Jose-Recoletos
• Michael Angelo Alegre - University of the Philippines-Cebu
• Arnold Joseph Caesar Esteban - University of the Philippines-Cebu
• Jeriel Panimdim - University of Cebu-Banilad
• Aljoe Bacus - University of Cebu-Banilad
• Neil Roy Impas - University of Visayas

Three students from Dumaguete City, four from Bohol and one from Siquijor were also included in the list.

• Christine Joy Bongcaras - Holy Name University-Bohol
• Kynn Nyssus Toribio - Holy Name University-Bohol
• Joesil Dianne Sempron - University of Bohol
• Ronald Calamba - University of Bohol
• Lemuel Angelo Eleccion - Foundation University-Dumaguete City
• Val Amiel Vestil - Silliman University
• Genin Raya Amiscaray - Silliman University
• Mark Harley Caspiz - Siquijor State College

The Regional Formation Program will be on July 19 to 22 in Dumaguete City.

TOSP was founded by businessman Jose Concepcion Jr. in 1961 to honor students who are exemplary leaders in their academic fields and their contribution to the society.

TOSP is now a continuing project of the RFM Foundation, Inc., the Commission on Higher Education, and the RFM Corporation, in cooperation with National Bookstore, the Rotary Club of Makati Central, and the TOSP Alumni Community.

SM Seaside to host six Milo Little Olympics events anew

By Glendale G. Rosal

FOR THE second straight year, SM Seaside City Cebu will be hosting six sporting events in the upcoming 22nd Milo Little Olympics Visayas Regional Finals slated August 24 to 27.

Ricky Ballesteros, the chief organizer of the Visayas Regional Finals, sealed the partnership in a meeting with the mall’s marketing team last Wednesday.

Ballesteros said chess, table tennis, gymnastics, karatedo, taekwondo and arnis competitions will be held at the SM Seaside.

The official launching as well as the closing ceremonies of the major school-based multi-sporting meet backed by Nestle Philippines will also be held at the mall.

“We are very ready for the competition. I already met with the tournament managers and school coordinators as part of our preparation,” said Ballesteros.

The opening ceremonies will be held at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), which is also the host of the track and field as well as swimming, football and sepak takraw competitions.

Other venues are the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC), which will host the basketball (elementary and high school) and the elementary volleyball competitions, and the San Isidro Parish School in Talamban, which will host the elementary volleyball competition.

The lawn tennis event will be held at the Citigreen tennis court in Barangay Mambaling and at the Alta Vista Country Club in Barangay Pardo.

The badminton event will be held at the Metrosports in Lahug.

The meet is expected to draw 6,000 athletes coming from various schools and universities in Cebu City, Dumaguete City, Bohol, Bacolod, Iloilo and Antique.

Athletic powerhouse University of San Carlos-Basic Education (USC-BED) dominated both the secondary and elementary divisions last year by scoring 170.75 and 111.6 points, respectively.

Cebu City National Science High School receives 33 new ICT equipment

(SunStar Cebu)

GLOBE Telecom turned over on Friday, June 30, Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to Cebu City National Science High School (CCNSHS), as part of its Global Filipino School (GFS) program.

The program provides selected public schools with infrastructure support and ICT equipment such as the Globe Digital Learning Lab, a mobile cart of ICT gadgets composed of netbooks, tablets, and projectors with internet connectivity.

The GFS, which started in 2012, intends to transform at least one school in each of the 221 school divisions under the Department of Education into centers of ICT excellence in the next four years.

On Friday, the school, which has 38 teachers and 1,004 students, received 20 tablets with mirroring capability for projectors and LCD screens, two projector kits with projector screen, 10 Globe Prepaid Supersticks, one mobile cart that serves as charging station, and free 10 mbps internet connection.

The CCNSHS is the 10th school in Cebu that benefitted from the telecommunication’s GFS program, which covers 142 schools in the Philippines.

Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s senior vice president for corporate communication, said technology is important to 21st century learning, especially to public schools.

"Quality education goes hand-in-hand with ICT which allows learning to take place not only within the classroom but even beyond it. Mobile internet adoption and the availability of affordable data-capable gadgets make it easier now for both students and teachers to access a vast library of information previously out of their reach. We believe that by providing them with the tools they need, we can help uplift the state of Philippine education one classroom at a time," Crisanto said.

Arianwen Rollan, a Grade 11 student at CCNSHS, said the donated gadgets have a big impact on their learning.

"It is very helpful to us students now that information is within reach, it definitely impacts a lot on our learning especially in our Media Information Literacy subject," Rollan said.

Rollan was recently recognized by an international award-giving body for her research on the anti-tumor properties of malunggay seeds and was the only Filipino awarded during the 2016 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

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