Cebu City News September 2018

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View of Cebu City from the bay
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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

Cebu City allows online application of community tax certificates

By Delta Dyrecka C. Letigio (USJ-R Journalism Intern)

Those who wanted to secure their community tax certificates or cedulas in Cebu City can now do it online.

Acting City Treasurer Veronica Morelos said the online application will shorten the processing time, as major parts of the application such as the interview are already covered by an online form.

The cedula application will be printed out for payment which is done personally at the City Treasurer’s office (CTO).

The online cedula application is Cebu City Government’s entry to the Philippines’ Best Digital Cities.

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.

City features online cedula in IT contest

(RTF)

CEBU CITY is one of seven highly-urbanized cities in the country that is vying for the best in customer empowerment award in the 2018 Digital Cities Philippines Awards for Best Practices in e-Governance at the local government unit (LGU) level.

The contest aims to encourage the effective and efficient use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the delivery of services and performance of duties and responsibilities by LGUs.

It was launched by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines last July.

Acting City Treasurer Veronica Morelos said that one of the city’s entries is the recently launched online cedula (community tax certificate) application.

“We’re hoping to get the award since we’re the first in the country to have an online cedula,” she said.

The city’s online cedula application is submitted under the Best in Customer Empowerment category, which recognizes the measurable effect of an LGU’s outstanding practices using ICT solutions in the education and engagement with the public, and in the use of electronic facilities towards providing improved, timely and relevant delivery of public services.

The online cedula application was launched last March to help reduce the transaction time at City Hall.

“It is accessible through cebucity.gov.ph and now, processing is faster, they just come here to pay. Fewer people line up,” Morelos said.

In a related development, Morelos said they have collected around P4.5 billion in fees and taxes as of August.

Cebu City bags gold in Batang Pinoy triple jump

By Glendale G. Rosal

BAGUIO CITY- Abellana National School’s Rex Amamampang, who represented Cebu City, clinched the gold medal in the boys triple jump event in the ongoing PSC Batang Pinoy National Finals 2018 at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.

Amamampang jumped 13.69 meters to bag the gold.

Fellow Cebu City athlete Rick Angelo Sotto claimed the bronze with his 13.45-m jump.

The silver went to Dasmariñas, Cavite’s Charles Antones after he posted a 13.55-m jump.

Citrineland targets millennial homeowners

(JOB)

PROXIMITY to the workplace and smart technology are highlights of a residential condominium targeting millennials.

The Median, which will have 559 units, is Citrineland’s first vertical development and will soon rise in La Guardia Extension, Lahug, Cebu City, by 2022.

“In terms of market outlook, the housing market will be very strong in the next few years. Of course, we would have a lot of millennials because their workforce is actually growing in number, so we’re pretty confident, given the market condition and the demographics of Cebu,” said Charles Vincent Ong, chief operating officer of Citrineland, during a briefing held yesterday.

The Median will be a 27-storey high-rise condominium, with units being offered as low as P10,000 per month on equity payments and balances that can be paid through bank loans.

The Median targets the mid-range market and focuses on quality and affordability.

“There are certain payment schemes we’re offering that makes it very affordable and inviting,” he assured.

Ong said that they expect more end-users, those who actually live in the units themselves, to be the top buyers for The Median.

“Majority are end-users because the idea here is we created this product because of the proximity (to their work). That’s the attraction. So people would really like the idea of staying in a place where they can actually walk going to different establishments within 15 minutes where they can enjoy,” he said.

The Median boasts of home automation, which is smart technology built in each unit like a smart lock entry, lighting and an internet protocol (IP) camera, all controlled via a mobile app.

Ong said that they still have more projects to come.

“We have projects in the pipeline. We haven’t launched it yet. We will launch it one at a time. Currently, we’re launching this The Median project,” he said.

Cebu City government to partner with private firms to improve traffic system

By Morexette Marie B. Erram

The Cebu City Government is planning to partner with private firms to improve the traffic system in the city.

Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo said it is high time to upgrade and repair the city’s traffic management system, which is used to man traffic such as traffic lights, and detectors of traffic volume.

Guardo said this kind of arrangement is just one of the solutions to issues on traffic congestion in Cebu City.

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.

City urges network firms to up signals in hilly barangays

(PAC)

THE Cebu City Government is calling telecommunications companies to a meeting to find ways to solve the weak network signals in the mountain barangays.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, chair of the communications and other utilities committee, who was tasked by Mayor Tomas Osmeña to take the lead in the meeting, said they received positive feedback from the companies.

“Upon the order of the mayor, I called on representatives from Globe, Smart and Sun to give us an update, especially on the network signals in the mountain barangays,” said Guardo.

The councilor said the mayor himself experienced the difficulty in communicating from the mountain barangays to the city and to other areas.

The mayor earlier warned that if the network providers couldn’t eliminate dead spots in the mountains, he would no longer allow new cell sites in the city.

Guardo said Smart Communications has 21 pending cell site applications and they want to know where it intends to install them in the city.

He said he also received reports that there also spots in the city that have weak signals, although as of now, some providers are trying to address these.

He assured that the City Government will cooperate with the network providers in facilitating their applications if only to eliminate dead spots in Cebu City, especially in the mountain barangays.

Today, the network providers will submit a report on their number of cell sites, their pending applications and their identification of areas with weak signals.

City’s aid to cops reaches P53.9M

(RVC)

AROUND P53.9 million worth of support has been given by the Cebu City Government to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) this year.

In a report submitted to Mayor Tomas Osmeña, the Department of General Services said the CCPO is currently using 89 city-owned vehicles worth around P48 million.

Aside from the vehicles that were already assigned to CCPO even before, the City has allocated close to P5 million in terms of fuel in most of its vehicles.

Apart from the 89 city-owned vehicles assigned to the police, another 84 Philippine National Police (PNP)-owned vehicles that are being used in the 11 police stations are also getting its fuel supply from the City.

For the first six months of this year, the City has allocated 96,120 liters of diesel and 75,006 liters for gasoline were allocated for the city police.

Of the amount, CCPO was only able to to consume 71,680 liters of diesel worth P2.0 million out of the 96,120 liters allocated to them; and 33,902 liters of gasoline worth P1.7 million out of the 75,006 liters were consumed from January to June this year.

DGS chief Ronald Malacora said the City has been extending fuel allocation to the police even in the previous years to help them maintain peace and order in the city.

The City has also been paying for the electricity, water and telephone bills of some police stations.

From January to June this year, the City has paid P343,107 for electricity expenses, P337,425 for telephone expenses and P18,942 for water expenses of some police stations and offices.

The City has also distributed 246 units of hand-held radios and 24 units of base radios to CCPO worth around P4.2 million.

Women-only ‘Startup Weekend Cebu’ to raise profitable ideas, leaders

By Mary Ruth Malinao (USJ-R intern)

CEBUANO women in business have united to organize a women empowerment program.

For this year’s Startup Weekend Cebu, dubbed “Startup Weekend Cebu Women Edition,” women are urged to participate to be inspired and empowered.

The event will be held on Sept. 28 to 30 at The Inspire Team Space, Level 8, Mabuhay Towers in the Cebu IT Park.

This three-day event will have a competition-workshop format, focusing on ideation, mentorship and presentation. The expected number of participants is 40 to 50 women professionals such as designers, developers, marketers and startup enthusiasts.

Mary Grace Quidet, lead organizer of Startup Weekend Cebu Women Edition, said this event is special because this is focused on women, with the goal of inspiring female leaders to develop an interest in technology, design thinking and entrepreneurship toward transformational change.

On the first day of the event, the participants are going to meet the people they will be working with, choose a project they will work on over the weekend, pitch an idea for a minute and create a cross-functional team to work with.

The next day, local mentors such as Frances Teves, Desiree Roxas, Ezra Gayon, Lorna Bondoc, Timmy de Jesus, Laurice Chiongbian, Dan Allen Pantinople and Rochel Abrasaldo, will meet the participants to coach them through the hard problems they might encounter while working; participants will be responsible for everything from finding customers to building their product.

For the last day, participants will be given five minutes to present the product or service they created in front of the panel of judges.

“The goal at the end of the event is for them to present a prototype of their idea,” said Ashley Uy, overall facilitator of Startup Weekend Cebu Women Edition.

“They have to prove that their idea can be profitable,” Uy said.

The chosen winners will be invited to present their work during the APAC Finals + Demo Day on Oct. 20 to 21 in Bali, Indonesia.

“The emphasis of the event is always on the experience,” said Uy.

Although the event is dedicated to women, men are also welcome to join. But they are not allowed to pitch and lead the teams.

Uy said that internationally, many women are making a lot of noise. However, when it comes to quantity, the number of leading women founders are still few, especially in the Philippines.

“Programs like this exist to hopefully raise that number so that those women who are shy will have role models to look up to,” said Uy.

“With this event, maybe, we don’t know, Filipina leaders will be the role models for our neighboring Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, right?” she continued.

The registration fee for the event is P1,000, inclusive of six meals, an event shirt and event goodie bags.

“Currently, there is a lack of female role models in the tech field, gender bias in the workplace, unequal growth opportunities and unequal pay for the same skills. We are hoping to help promote a culture that does not make women feel like they have to prove themselves,” said Quidet.

Rafi to launch 1st Cebuano dances book on Sept. 21

(SunStar Cebu)

THE Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) will formally release the first-ever documentation of Cebuano dances, Sayaw Sugbo Cebuano Folk Dances volume 1 on Sept. 21, 2018 at the Casa Gorordo Museum.

The launch will follow the Casa Gorordo Museum Talk on Cebuano dance research and documentation, “Pagduki-duki ug Pagtala sa mga Sayaw sa Sugbo (Researching and Documenting Cebuano Dances)” by Prof. Ceasar Nimor, co-author of the book, at 2 p.m. Registration to the talk is free.

The talk specifically deals with the background, process of Cebuano dance research, as well as the nature, kinds and influences of Cebuano folk dances.

Dance researcher Prof. Nimor is co-author of the book, together with Prof. Mila Catelo-Janson.

The book offers 10 dances native to Cebu, and provides the cultural background, a listing and photo of the costumes, the dance and music annotations of each dance.

An instructional video for demonstrations and accompanying music is also included in the book.

Cebuano dances have been documented in the past but are featured as examples of Visayan dances in Philippine dance anthologies.

This is the first time a compendium of Cebuano dances is released.

“This exemplary contribution from folk dance researchers and practitioners in Cebu contribute a lot to our national resources in performance of our cultural tradition. From Cebu alone, it acquaints us with the indigenous progenies and practices that the rest of the country should gratifyingly acknowledge,” said University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus and Philippine dance expert Basilio Esteban S. Villaruz in the book’s Preface.

Sayaw Sugbo vol. 1 has been softly launched in the 38th National Folk Dance Workshop of the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS) last May 22, 2018 and PFDS Cebu Province chapter dance workshop last July 20-21, 2018.

The book was also used as basis for the dance workshop organized by the Cebu Provincial Government Tourism Office and RAFI to 50 Department of Education MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health) teachers representing the various districts in the province and cities of Cebu last Aug. 7-9 2018 at the Capitol Social Hall.

Volume 2 of Sayaw Sugbo is slated to be released in 2019.

Copies of Sayaw Sugbo vol. 1 will be sold at the launching price of P720 per copy (from the regular P800) during the event only.

Copies are available at the Casa Gorordo Museum shop and in museums and hotel shops in the city.

For inquiries about the book and to reserve a seat at the talk, both on Sept. 21, contact (032) 411-1700 local 24537, or send a message at www.facebook.com/casagorordomuseum.

UP Cebu to hold exhibit on martial law Wednesday, Sept 19

(VLA/SunStar Philippines)

THE University of the Philippines Cebu joins the Cebu Press Freedom week with an exhibit dubbed "1081: Interactive. Retrospective" on Wednesday, September 19.

"This is UP Cebu's contribution to the Cebu Press Freedom Week this week," organizers from the BA Communications program of the College of Communication, Art and Design (CCAD), said.

The exhibit will run for one day at the UP Cebu CCAD Multimedia Room.

It is also timed on the 46th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by deposed President Ferdinand Marcos through Presidential Decree 1081 on Friday, September 21.

The activity will feature a simulation of a torture chamber employed during martial law. It will start from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

A screening of the classic movie Dekada '70 by the famed Filipino novelist Lualhati Bautista will be shown at 1 p.m. The movie is about the struggle of a middle class family in surviving the dictatorship.

By 4 p.m. a forum on martial law will be held with Retired Judge Meinrado Paredes as panelist. Paredes was incarcerated and tortured during these dark years.

A poetry reading will be held at 6 p.m. with Tinta, Andres Performance Art, Professor Raymund Ferndandez and XO.

The 26th Cebu Press Freedom Week opened on Sunday, September 16 and will culminate on September 23. This annual celebration serves as a reminder of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines and recognizes the role of the community media as a watchdog of government.

Clinical process outsourcing firm seeks 500 workers

By KATLENE O. CACHO

US-BASED Shearwater Health is offering job opportunities to nurses and clinicians as it expands its clinical process outsourcing (CPO) operations in Cebu.

With the current employee count of 567 in Cebu, Anshum Sinha, Shearwater Health’s chief operating officer announced yesterday that they will be expanding their workforce to at least 1,200 workers by the end of 2019, following their transfer to a bigger facility in the Cebu IT Park.

Shearwater Health is occupying five floors of the Mabuhay Tower in Cebu IT Park.

The company used to hold operations in the Cebu Business Park in 2Quad Building. It began operations in 2014.

The migration will be completed by Sept. 27.

“As we move to a bigger location, we will definitely offer more job opportunities for highly motivated, career-driven and hardworking nurses and clinicians. We are offering jobs for about 500 USRN (US Registered Nurse), PHRN (Philippine Registered Nurse) and medical coders,” said Sinha.

According to Sinha, they had been evaluating other potential cities like Iloilo City for their planned expansion, but they opted to stay in Cebu because of the province’s healthy talent pool and its proximity to other nearby islands like Bohol and Dumaguete, whose universities are also producing high-quality nursing graduates.

“With high-quality healthcare professionals, the Philippines is a conducive environment for our company to thrive. We don’t have problems delivering the needs of our clients,” said Tom Kendrot, Shearwater Health president and chief financial officer.

He noted that there is a significant nurse shortage in the United States with over 100,000 openings for clinical experience in its healthcare industry, a gap that his firm seeks to fill.

This shortage is expected to reach 200,000 by 2020.

Shearwater, according to Kendrot, provides employment opportunities for Filipino registered nurses who don’t want to work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities but are still eager to apply what they know in another related industry.

“Working in this industry provides a whole new career growth for them,” he said.

According to Sinha, a bedside nurse in the Philippines earns an average salary of $400 to $500 a month, but if the nurse opts to join the outsourcing industry like them, they may earn at least $800 a month.

Shearwater Health uses clinically certified staff from all over the world to meet the needs of healthcare companies in the US. It boasts of over 2,000 clinicians in HITRUST-certified and URAC-accredited facilities in the Philippines.

By outsourcing clinical and administrative needs to them, various clients can can free up their current clinical staff to perform other high priority and complex tasks.

Cebuana sisters among AirAsia's lady pilots

By Luel Galarpe (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- From Florence Nightingale to Amelia Earhart.

This is the story of Cebuana sisters Marizette and Abegail Bacus, who both shifted from nursing the sick to flying passengers.

Flying was a childhood dream for both women, whose father, Mario, was an airline pilot.

“Our inspiration to become pilots was our father,” the 30-year-old Marizette said. “He was a pilot of Philippine Airlines. My conviction to become a pilot began when he took us to the flight deck for the first time. I think I was about five years old at the time.”

“I felt the excitement seeing the instrument panel in the cockpit. And that was it! That triggered my desire to become a pilot like my dad,” said Abegail, who is two years younger than her sister. “After that amazing experience, we would always ask our dad to take us to the flight deck every time we travel and he was by chance the pilot of the flight.”

After graduating from high school, Marizette asked her dad if she can go to flight school and pursue her dream of flying.

“I remember him saying, ‘Yes, why not?’ But he added that I needed to have a college degree first,” Marizette recalled.

At this stage, their mother Suzette, a physician, proved to be a big influence, too, as Marizette took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Cebu Doctors’ University. Abegail followed her elder sister’s footsteps a couple of years later.

Marizette and Abegail both passed the Nursing Board exams after graduating in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

They both set aside their dreams of flying for a time to practice their nursing profession.

Marizette looked after patients of the Intensive Care Unit at the Mactan Doctors’ Hospital while Abegail was assigned as an Emergency Room nurse at the Chong Hua Hospital.

After several years of attending to the needs of sick people, Marizette and Abegail decided it was time to make their dream a reality.

“We were very determined to become pilots, so we enrolled at a flying school in Mactan,” Marizette said.

The Bacus sisters eventually completed their flying qualifications and went on to become one of the 25 female pilots of AirAsia Philippines.

“We were lucky to be chosen to train with AirAsia, who trained us to become not just first officers but captains,” Abegail said.

AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer (CEO) Capt. Dexter Comendador, the only flying CEO in the country today, said the airline is investing in the training of their pilots.

“We have 240 pilots, 25 are women, who have all undergone our Airbus training, which costs AirAsia PHP1.7 million,” Comendador said. “In fact, we are encouraging employees who wish to become pilots to enlist for the training.”

He said some of their pilots are former flight attendants and ground crew members who have undergone the Airbus training.

About their lady pilots, Comendador said AirAsia has the most number of female pilots in Asia and they are proud to have them.

“We take pride in our women pilots, who have proven that they weren’t any different from male pilots,” he said.

Marizette and Abegail both fly domestic and international flights for AirAsia Philippines and have not experienced any untoward incident so far.

“You cannot feel that you’re flying a big aircraft, but you have to keep your composure up there. You have to be prepared for any eventuality,” Marizette said.

However, the sisters have never flown together as AirAsia prohibits siblings from flying together as pilot and co-pilot.

On gender issues, the Bacus sisters said female pilots are treated equally and fairly at AirAsia.

“Our male pilots never discriminate (against) us. They treat us, even if we’re still first officers, with respect,” they said. For young ladies aspiring to conquer the skies someday, Abegail only had one thing to say. “When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”

Schoenstatt Movement PH gathers for 4th Nat’l Congress

(SunStar Cebu)

THE Schoenstatt Movement Philippines will gather for the 4th National Congress starting today, Sept. 14, until Sept. 16, with the theme, “Father Joseph Kentenich, our guide in the Covenant of Love.”

The “Covenant of Love” refers to the spiritual attachment of each Schoenstatt member to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the shrine and Schoenstatt father and founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich.

The daughter shrine in the Philippines is located in Barangay Lawaan 3, Talisay City, Cebu.

It is a popular pilgrimage site, which has been declared an Archdiocesan Shrine since 2012.

The three-day convention will also feature a “barrio fiesta” themed celebration to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of Fr. Kentenich, a German priest and theologian who died on Sept. 15, 1968.

On Sept. 16, Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma will celebrate the pontifical mass and bless the father-statue.

At least 150 people from Visayas and Mindanao are expected to attend.

Sr. Isabell Naumann will deliver the keynote address.

Philbex Cebu 2018 opens doors to sustainable future

(PR)

NOW on its 16th year, Philbex Cebu affirms its commitment to lead the region’s construction and design industry into a future of sustainability and progressive innovation with another ground breaking installment.

The official opening on September 13 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall, the grand launch for the highly-anticipated trade event, was well-attended by select VIP personalities from the government as well as representatives from the construction and design trade.

Among those who graced the momentous occasion and took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were,

Mr. Mario Montejo, Mr. Miguel Antonio Magpale, Idr. Ryan James Mantuhac, Dr. Herbert Buot and Ms. Herley Ann Herrera with Worldbex Services International’s Joseph L. Ang, Levi Ang, Archt. Francisco Flameño, Jr.,Rene Ramos and Jill Aithnie Ang.

Towards a self-sustaining future

Led by theme of “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability”, this year’s Philbex Cebu aims to unite architects, engineers, interior designers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts in its endeavor to promote the value of ingenuity and innovation in shaping the industry into one that is self-sustaining and adaptive to the ever-evolving demands of the times.

Furthermore, as Philbex Cebu moves closer to its Silver Anniversary, this year’s theme also aligns itself with the organization’s core thrust of leading the region’s construction and design trade at the forefront of global ascendance.

Unsurprisingly, the industry has eagerly expressed its trust and full support for the goals and aspirations of Philbex Cebu 2018 as evidenced by the impressive number of participants taking part in the four-day trade event. From last year’s 105 booths, Philbex Cebu 2018 houses over 120 booths and over 78 exhibitors across its 1,158sqm-wide exhibition space.

Apart from various local exhibitors, something new to watch out for at this year’s Philbex Cebu are the roster of international exhibitors from countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.

No doubt a testament to the growing global reach and influence of Philbex Cebu, industry professionals and investors are expected to benefit from this year’s show as it offers everyone a unique opportunity to tap into a foreign network. It would come as no surprise if Philbex Cebu 2018 easily outnumbers its previous visitor count of 28,000 show attendees.

Upholding value-laden strategies

Philbex Cebu may be highly-regarded for showcasing the most extensive display of the latest and most outstanding product and service innovation from the market but its compelling line-up of signature events is what truly sets the show apart from its contemporaries. And this year is no different as it returns to deliver another insightful range of event highlights.

Among these include the Architect’s Gallery, a venue that showcases the unique design perspectives and insights into the latest trends by the region’s top architects and their respective firms. Participating at this year’s show are Abadia Architects and Designers, Archiglobal, Inc., Nueast, Arkitecture, Pont Architectural + Design Studio, the Philippine Institute of Architects Cebu Chapter, and the United Architects of the Philippines.

Another highly-anticipated Philbex Cebu event is the Projéto Cebu Furniture Design Competition. Now on its 3rd edition, Projéto engages participants with the challenge of creating a studio-type condominium unit that will address a student’s need for a relaxing and work-conducive haven. This year, the shortlisted participants are students from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, the University of San Carlos-Safad, and the University of San Carlos-Talamban.

This year, Philbex Cebu is also thrilled to return with the Philbex MiniCons. Considered as a platform for the free-flowing exchange of information about innovative solutions that will address issues that concern the industry, the Philbex MiniCons is an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to expand their knowledge and get acquainted with likeminded individuals.

The Philbex MiniCons 2018 kicked off with the 3rd General Membership Meeting and Technical Seminar of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) last September 13 while another General Membership Meeting (GMM) for the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations Inc. (Creba) will be held on September 14. Most notably, on September 15 to 16, the Philbex MiniCons in cooperation with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) chapter will present the Business of Interior Design Conference.

Nurturing an empowered community

Over the years, Philbex Cebu, in partnership with Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) chapter, has championed the value of interior design in the construction of spaces through the longstanding Interior Designers Gallery. By hosting this year’s PIID – VisMin caravan, Philbex Cebu affirms its commitment to nurture Visayan interior design.

Viewed as direct actualizations of the various goals that Philbex Cebu have for each of its edition, these highlights serve to engage industry practitioners in relevant discussions and activities that will further the growth and development of the community. As stated by IDr. Joan S. Reyes, President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – Panay Chapter, Philbex Cebu marks the “mutual effort to equip the professionals with learning tools in undertaking a higher set of responsibilities as our nation pursue the mandate to building infrastructures.”

Indeed, this year’s Philbex Cebu is shaping up to be the show’s biggest and most ambitious installment yet. As captured best by the remarks of IDr. Shiela Sandino-Gumba, President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Eastern Visayas Chapter, Philbex Cebu 2018 “presents a preview of the future for industry professionals in the field of construction and interior design.”

Organized by Worldbex Services International, the 16th PHILBEX will run until September 16, from 10am to 8pm, at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Admission is free. For more information, follow Worldbex Services International on Facebook and @worldbex on Instagram, call (02) 656-9239, or email info.worldbex@gmail.com.

Skate park in Cebu City gets green light

(RTF)

TO AVOID impending legal questions, the Cebu City Government might have to look for another portion of the South Road Properties (SRP) to build the proposed skate park.

In Tuesday's (September 11) regular session, the City Council passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Tomas Osmeña to enter into and sign on behalf of the City Government the deed of donation and acceptance with Maria Victoria "Minnie" Osmeña.

The mayor's sister, Minnie, is contributing $100,000, which is equivalent to over P5 million, to build a skate park.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr.'s approved resolution, though, did not specify a particular portion of the SRP for the project.

The initial plan was to build the skate park in a lot within the 26-hectare SRP that three giant developers supposedly bought.

Earlier, Mayor Osmeña said the City will use the lots that were initially bought by the consortium of Ayala Land Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Filinvest Land Inc., saying there was no legitimate sale of the lots.

The City awarded the lot to the consortium last July 21, 2015.

The deal was closed for P16.76 billion.

Of the 45.2 hectares that were opened for bidding, 26 hectares were bought by the consortium of Ayala and SM, while 19.2 hectares were bought by Filinvest.

However, Filinvest has rescinded the contract of the sale.

But due to location concerns, the Council has agreed to omit any specified location provided in the resolution, and deed of donation and acceptance.

Before the deliberation of Gabuya's measure, opposition Councilor Joel Garganera delivered a privilege speech on the matter.

"I have no issues about this donation. But if we put it in a property that has been subjected to controversies, then I doubt that the intentions of the donation was pure," he said.

Didal finds Olympic inspiration in Cebu City's skate park plan

By Jude Torres (Reporter, ABS-CBN News)

CEBU CITY - Skateboarder Margielyn Didal on Sunday said she will draw inspiration from the planned construction of a skating park here in her hometown as she eyes a gold finish at the Olympics.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña last month announced plans for a park for skateboarders in the area after the 19-year-old Didal won a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.

"This will serve as my inspiration to acquire the gold medal for the 2020 Olympics," Didal said in Ilonggo at the sidelines of a program commemorating the birth anniversary of former President Sergio Osmeña.

City officials lauded Didal's athletic achievements in the same program and affirmed plans for building the skate park.

Didal previously lamented that most skateboarders have been subjected to discrimination, as they are considered a nuisance when they skate along the roads or sidewalks.

“Nag-ii-skate kami sa Cebu sa streets lang,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. “Hinahabol kami ng pulis ng security ‘pag may nakikitang nagiiskate.”

“Minsan 'pag nasa mall, 'pag may hawak na skateboard bawal nang pumasok.”

(We only skate along Cebu's streets. Police and security guards would chase us. Sometimes we are barred from entering malls if we're carrying our skateboards.)

Didal and city officials on Sunday also offered a Mass for the late President Osmeña outside the house where he was born 140 years to this day.

"He was a man of principle. He was for the development of the welfare of every Filipino," said the former Chief Executive's granddaughter, Minnie Osmeña.

ePLDT’s Cebu data center bags global accreditation

By Richmond Mercurio (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — Digital business solutions enabler ePLDT Inc. has received its another global accreditation for the company’s VITRO Data Centers, a development seen to boost investments in the Visayas region.

ePLDT said NTT Communications now recognizes the newly inaugurated VITRO Data Center in Cebu City as part of its network of Nexcenter-certified data centers located in more than 140 locations in 18 countries.

All Nexcenter-accredited data centers have passed rigorous in-house parameters set by NTT Communications, ensuring that all facilities meet the globally consistent data center standards in service quality, flexibility, and cost efficiency.

ePLDT Group senior vice president and COO Nerisse Ramos said the VITRO Cebu 2, with its global accreditation, would help drive economic growth by attracting more investors to build their business in the region and optimize its operations by colocating in a premier data center.

“Knowing that there is a state-of-the-art data center in Cebu will help secure the growth of Cebu-based businesses and will help attract more investments in one of the country’s fastest-growing economies,” Ramos said.

“Our new VITRO Cebu 2 Data Center will help drive positive economic impact in Cebu, ensuring that businesses meet their demands for managing and safeguarding mission-critical data from natural and operational catastrophes,” she added.

VITRO Cebu 2 is ePLDT’s 10th data center facility in the country housing up to 800 racks, bringing ePLDT VITRO Network’s total rack capacity to 9,150.

Of the 10, ePLDT has a total of five Nexcenter-accredited data centers that are in Makati, Pasig, Paranaque, Clark, and Cebu.

“This accreditation comes at a very opportune time for the company as we recently launched our premiere data center in Cebu,” said Eric Alberto, ePLDT Group president and CEO and PLDT-Smart chief revenue officer.

“As part of the international network of the state-of-the-art data center facilities around the world, VITRO Cebu 2 is now more capable of offering technology solutions to businesses that are looking to expand their operations in the region. Similar to other Nexcenter-certified data centers across the globe, VITRO Cebu 2 is positioned to empower both local and multinational businesses with global scalability that conforms with NTT Communications’ consistent data center standards and service quality,” Alberto added.

CCENRO to use biofences to trap garbage from Cebu City’s waterways

(Cebu Daily News)

Nets used as floaters will soon be installed on riverbanks and other waterways in Cebu City to prevent garbage from going out to sea.

The initiative of the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) hopes to prevent garbage from reaching the city’s coastal areas, said former city councilor and CCENRO officer-in-charge Nida Cabrera.

Called biofences, the floaters are made from recycled plastic bottles wired together before these are wrapped in fishnets that are designed to swing loosely underwater. Each of the biofence is about ten meters long and half-a-meter wide and cost around P800.

“We have long been planning to do something about (the) water pollution here in Cebu City. This is one step to helping the environment,” Cabrera told Cebu Daily News.

The CCENRO tested a prototype of the biofence on the waters of the Pasil fish port on September 6 to especially see if this can withstand strong current.

Cabrera said that they plan to start mass production of the biofences next week and have their finished products installed in bodies of water in the city before the year ends.

“We don’t just want to enforce ordinances against water pollution, we want to provide a solution to this long withstanding problem,” Cabrera said./Delta Dyrecka Letigio, USJ-R Intern

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.

Trash to cash recycling market day in SM malls

(SunStar Cebu)

SM MALLS in Cebu will hold a two-day recycling activity on Sept. 7 and 8 at the designated parking areas of SM City Cebu, SM City Consolacion, and SM Seaside City Cebu.

The activity hopes to promote the reduce-reuse-recycle practice by engaging community and households in proper waste disposal and management.

The project was launched in 2007, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to raise awareness on environmental issues as well as provide a public incentive program for proper disposal and management of waste materials.

SM’s trash to cash across all SM malls, which happens every first Friday and Saturday of the month, accepts plastic and PET bottles; tin and aluminum cans, paper scrap including books, newspapers, used papers, cartons; and scrap metals.

Classified hazardous wastes, such as batteries and e-waste, however, are not accepted because of their harmful content.

The activity happens from 10 a.m. to 2 pm.

The trash to cash recycling market day is one of the activities of SM to promote eco-friendly living.

Peňafrancia novena masses begin on Sept. 14

(SunStar Cebu)

NOVENA masses for the Our Lady of Peňafrancia, patroness of Bicolandia, will begin on Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

The novena masses will run for nine days until Sept. 22, to be followed the next day, Sept. 23, a Sunday, with the fiesta mass to be celebrated by Bicolano priests.

Schedule of masses:

• First novena mass - Friday, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m.

• Second novena mass - Saturday, Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m.

• Third novena mass - Sunday, Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m.

• Fourth novena mass - Monday, Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m.

• Fifth novena mass - Tuesday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m.

• Sixth novena mass - Wednesday, Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.

• Seventh novena mass - Thursday, Sept. 20, 5:30 p.m.

• Eighth novena mass - Friday, Sept. 21, 5:30 p.m.

• Ninth novena mass - Saturday, Sept. 22, 5:30 p.m.

The ninth novena mass will be preceded by a foot procession at 4:30 p.m. before the 5:30 p.m. mass.

Fiesta day will be on Sept. 23, to be marked by a concelebrated mass by Bicolano priests at 5:30 p.m.

The Bicol Association of Cebu Inc. is organizing the fiesta activities. All devotees of the Ina or the Our Lady of Peňafrancia are invited to attend the fiesta masses.

Cebu City Hall’s one-stop shop to help BPM workers

(KOC)

HAVING to get several requirements just to get employed can be time-consuming and expensive, when one has to go from one government agency to another.

And with heavy traffic around the metropolis, some locations are just more convenient for others.

This is why workers in the business process management (BPM) industry welcome the move of the Cebu City Government to install a one-stop shop of government services at the Ayala Center Cebu.

In his Facebook post last Monday, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Omeña announced that the City has entered into a partnership with Ayala Center to set up the center, specifically for pre-employment requirements of BPM workers.

“Many people working in the BPO industry have complained that because of their late hours, it is very difficult and time consuming for them to access some of the government services they need. So, the Cebu City Government, in partnership with Ayala and many of our national agencies, is opening a One-Stop Shop where one can access NSO (National Statistics Office), Philhealth, Pag-IBIG, SSS (Social Security System), and even get NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance and cedula (community tax certificate) all in one location. No need to be absent from work anymore,” Osmeña said.

The first location will be in Ayala Center Cebu and will be followed by a second location in Cebu IT Park.

Osmeña said that although the one-stop shop was conceptualized with the BPM workers in mind, it is open for all. The management of Ayala is also providing these locations for free.

“I think that this is a brilliant idea,” said Abegail Alcaraz, an employee in one of the biggest BPM locators in Cebu IT Park, saying that availing of government services is one of the top reasons people file for a leave in the BPM industry.

“It would be very convenient for us, as we do not have to spend so much money on transportation; we can do everything in one place. Also, this can be really good, as BPM employees won’t have to sacrifice their sleep,” she said.

BPM employee Leizel Cabayacruz also lauded the City’s initiative, saying this is a “huge step in the right direction.”

“We are grateful that the government is being attentive with our concerns; this would mean convenient time in processing legal and work documents, more time for your own family, or simply just quality time for personal time off without compromising on work,” she said.

Workers in the BPM industry are known to juggle their personal and work responsibilities because of its work dynamics. Employees in this industry work in schedules — graveyard, evening and morning shifts.

Companies typically ask for an NBI clearance, NSO-issued birth certificates and those of their dependents, marriage contract and documents from SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig, among others.

Cabayacruz said there are teams or departments that shift schedules weekly, making it difficult for workers to attend to their other responsibilities. She said it is also not that easy to file for leave of absence right away.

Crisanta David Dagooc, who is also working in a BPM firm, shared the same sentiment, saying longer queues and government working hours are some of the challenges they face.

But besides the physical presence in areas accessible to everyone, Dagooc, who is also a mother of three, wishes that some transactions can be done online.

Cebu IT BPM Organization (Cib.O) managing director Wilfredo Sa-a Jr. said the one-stop shop will make getting pre-employment requirements much easier.

“This will help expedite on boarding of new employees, thus, improving productivity in the industry,” said Sa-a, adding that this development could also be used as an additional marketing pitch for potential investors.

“This will make Cebu a more competitive city,” he said. Cib.O, formerly known as Cebu Educational Foundation for Information Technology (Cedf-IT), is a full-time industry association that envisions making Cebu the preferred IT-BPM location for higher value IT and IT-enabled services.

There are about 150,000 BPM employees in Cebu City. The industry is earning P7 billion per month.

Cebu City government to continue giving radio, mobility assistance to police

By Morexette B. Erram

The Cebu City government has denied not giving radio and mobility assistance to the Cebu City police.

Kevin Paz, the city’s Peace and Order Program chief, said they have distributed over 60 radios to various police stations in Cebu City.

Paz, however, said that Senior Supt. Royina Garma, director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), refused to accept the radios since their specifications do not comply with those from Camp Crame.

He also said they will soon distribute safety vests to police officers.

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.

Modern fish market to attract tourists

(RVC)

THE construction of the new Pasil-Suba Fish Market will start next month, said Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa (Cebu City, south district).

Abellanosa said the project has an approved budget of P22 million for this year alone under the Department of Public Works and Highways 7.

“If you remember during the campaign together with Mayor Tomas Osmeña, I always wanted to modernize the Pasil Fish Port, at the same time include a seafood market. So we included an appropriation for the construction of a new seafood market there and rehabilitation of the old fish port through my congressional allocation to the various agencies,” he said.

At present, Abellanosa said, the design of the new Pasil-Suba Fish Market is on its final stage and once completed, civil works will immediately follow.

“We’re hoping to start by October because it will really be something we will be proud of. Tourists will no longer be afraid to visit the area. There will be ample parking,” the congressman said.

Councilor Joy Young, in a Facebook post on August 29, showed the proposed fish market.

For the second phase of the project, Abellanosa said they will propose an additional P50 million budget.

He said the seawall in the area will be enhanced by adding a boardwalk.

Abellanosa also said that an P80-million budget will be made available for a new drainage system in the middle of Gines St., which is the road in between Barangay Suba and Barangay Sawang Calero.

Gines St. serves as the access road towards the fish port.

“It will be a pilot for that kind of drainage that will be constructed in the middle of the street. It will be a wide drainage that will serve as the main artery that connects other drainage from the upland going to the sea. If it will work out and it will be functional and good, then we will replicate it in other areas,” he said.

Abellanosa believes that once the area will be improved, the residents living nearby will have the potential to do business by selling souvenir items to tourists.

New Seda Hotel opens in Cebu City

By Arra B. Francia

AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) has opened its newest Seda Hotel in Cebu City this month, targeting both business and leisure travelers.

ALI had refurbished the former Cebu Business Park hotel and rebranded it as Seda Ayala Center Cebu (Seda ACC). It will feature guest rooms, function rooms, and amenities from the plans of architect and interior designer Conrad Onglao.

The redesign includes changing the hotel’s lobby to show Seda’s signature open layout. The company has also expanded the lobby’s seating capacity and reception area, which now contains computers free for use of guests as well as an all-day dining facility.

The guest rooms have also been updated to showcase a modern, minimalist layout featuring earth colors. Function and meeting rooms likewise have been altered using lighter and brighter colors.

Prior to its opening, Seda ACC Director of Sales and Marketing Frances Alfafara noted the hotel has already been receiving requests for guest and function room reservations until early 2019.

The Seda brand’s entry into the Cebu market looks to take advantage of the lack of modern hotel facilities in the booming financial district. ALI noted that Seda ACC’s location gives guest easy access to key office of multinational firms in Ayala Center Cebu, as well as its entertainment and retail options.

“When the property at the Cebu Business Park, the most popular of the business districts commanding the highest values, became available last year, we felt Seda was ready to compete with all the other established hospitality brands in Metro Cebu,” Seda Senior Group General Manager Andrea Mastellone was quoted as saying in a statement.

The company looks to have many repeat guests coming into Seda ACC, as it delivers quality service from its front-liners.

“Whichever way you look at it, excellent service and superior location represent great value, the key benefit of every Seda hotel. We have no doubt that Seda Ayala Center Cebu will also be known for the same, as well as the seamless experience it offers to its guests,” Ms. Mastellone said.

Seda ACC is the ninth property carrying the homegrown Seda brand. ALI currently operates Seda hotels in eight locations, namely Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Laguna, Quezon City, Taguig, and Palawan.

This is part of ALI’s goal to expand its Seda hotel brand to 3,500 rooms by 2019. It is also scheduled to open Seda hotels in Circuit Makati, Arca South in Taguig, Ayala North Exchange in Makati, the Bay Area, and the Cebu IT Park.

The company is also expanding Seda Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, adding 342 more rooms to its flagship hotel.

Gov't workers run to mark Civil Service month in Central Visayas

By Luel Galarpe (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- More than a thousand officials and employees of different government agencies in Cebu joined the "RACE (responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective) to Serve" fun run on Saturday at the University of the Philippines Cebu Campus in Lahug here.

The RACE Fun Run was spearheaded by the Civil Service Commission in Central Visayas (CSC-7) in observance of the 2018 Civil Service Month.

Civil Service Regional Director Editha Luzano said the fun run is the kick-off activity in the month-long celebration of the 118th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, which carries the theme “Lingkod Bayani: Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makabayan.”

The fun run aimed to remind all public servants to always be responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective (RACE) in the performance of their duties, Luzano added.

It is also a fund-raising event for the “Pamanang Lingkod Bayani” program initiated by the CSC honoring public servants who sacrificed their lives in the service of the Filipino people.

Recipient of this year’s proceeds in Central Visayas is the family of Police Officer 2 Rey Anthony Nazareno, who died in the line of duty during the Abu Sayyaf Group’s incursion in Inabanga, Bohol in April last year.

Aside from a plaque of recognition, Nazareno will be posthumously rewarded with a scholarship grant for any immediate member of his family and a financial assistance of PHP100,000 for his family.

Last year, the CSC-7 provided PHP100,000 assistance to the families of two Special Action Force members from Cebu who died in the Mamasapano encounter in Cotabato.

The CSC has been raising funds through the RACE Fun Run since 2010. Several private individuals and running enthusiasts also participated this year’s benefit marathon.

Other activities lined up for the Civil Service Month celebration include the Regional Awarding Ceremony for outstanding public officials and employees to be held later in Septermber.

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