Cebu Province News May 2014

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

---

Province of Cebu - Archived News

---

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion. But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened . Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions. Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE? Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace? WHY?? There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance: 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. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

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.

Execs sign concession agreement for P17.5B Mactan airport expansion

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=649051
• Saturday, May 31, 2014

By Eddie O. Barrita [(PNA), CTB/EB/]

CEBU CITY, May 31 (PNA) -- Officials of the Lapu-Lapu City Government, the GMR-Megawide consortium and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Friday signed the concession agreement for the P17.5-billion expansion of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza signed for the Lapu-Lapu City Government, along with DOTC Undersecretary Rene Limcauco, MCIA Authority General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete and GMR-Megawide chief executive advisor and chief marketing officer Andrew Acquaah Harrison and Louie Ferrer.

At the signing at the Waterfront Mactan Hotel and Casino, Radaza reiterated her support to the joint project of DOTC and GMR-Megawide consortium in enhancing Cebu’s lone international airport.

Harrison said GMR-Megawide regularly meets with the DOTC.

He said they and DOTC officials have initially toured the areas they will prioritize for renovation in six months time.

“There will be an efficiency of service for the Cebuanos, a friendly and organized environment of the new airport, as well as having a warm and engaging atmosphere. Added potential outlook of the project is also focused in renovating wash rooms and spacious waiting areas,” said Harrison.

Harrison said changes will be made as soon as they will take over the MCIA by the end of October.

Within the months before taking over the MCIA, there are certain arrangements to consider such as submission of documents, manuals to be written, recruitment of staff, launching of the brand and most importantly, the proper training of the recruited people for this project.

Harrison’s team also approached the Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue to be part in designing the new MCIA airport.

Farm-to-market road fund OKd

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/05/30/1329053/farm-market-road-fund-okd
• Friday, May 30, 2014 12:00 am

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council approved the allocation of the city government for the farm-to-market road project, which will be funded by the Department of Agriculture in the amount of P2.5 million.

City Councilor Socrates Fernandez, chairman of the committee on infrastructure, said the DA Regional Field Office already approved the memorandum of agreement entered into by Mayor Johnny De los Reyes.

"The early release of the amount would also facilitate for the expenses and labor necessary for the fulfillment of the project," Fernandez said, adding that the farm-to-market road is seen to improve the people's access to the rest of the city and Talisay proper.

Based on the proposed agreement, the farm-to-market road project covers the mountain barangays.

The road will connect places with higher road class systems and major markets or trading posts. Once constructed, the road networks are seen to generate more jobs, helping farmers bring their goods to their markets more efficiently.

"The LGU-Talisay City is much in need of this project farm to market road, this will expedite and facilitate the mountain farmers to bring down their products to the market," Fernandez said. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

In the MOA, the project is embodied under the 2013 Bottom-Up Budgeting and Planning approach for the city's Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan.

Each project will have 120 days to complete.

Fernandez said the city also signified to appropriate the counterpart amount of not less than 10 percent of each total project cost subject to their Internal Revenue Allotment in compliance with the prescribed 2011 General Appropriations Act.

As mandated under Republic Act 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, the DA "provides post-harvest, infrastructure and facilities to enable small farmers and fisherfolks to have access to technology in order to improve the handling, storage, processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products."

RDC-9 holds ASEAN Economic Community Forum

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1391401270744
• Thursday, May 29, 2014

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao (FPG/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 29 (PIA) – The Regional Development Council (RDC)-9 conducted a forum on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) on Tuesday to enlighten all stakeholders in the region on the 2015 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration.

RDC-9 Acting Chairperson, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-9 Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9 OIC-Regional Director Dr. Sitti Amina M. Jain brought in four experts in trade and economics to help participants better comprehend the “ASEAN Integration.”

First to speak was DTI-Bureau of Export Trade Promotion Director Senen M. Perlada who gave the ASEAN Integration overview and the country’s Free Trade Agreements with neighbouring ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries; the benefits of that these agreements bring not just to the country but to the region in general.

DTI Assistant Secretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo followed, focusing on Advancing Philippine Engagement in AEC and Enhancing Philippine Competitiveness, Empowering Business.

Rodolfo, head of the DTI’s Industry Development and Trade Policy Group, said, “ASEAN 2015 is a continuing process, a journey, and an evolution rather than a revolution. This goes beyond 2015.”

He said ASEAN 2015 envisions a united ASEAN where 10 countries work as one to become a very competitive region in the world economy by becoming a single market and production base. This will also bring equitable economic development in the region.

Dr. Erlinda M. Medalla of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), on the other hand, talked about achieving AEC 2015 through Trade Liberalization and Facilitation, and was followed by Dr. Adoracion Navarro, also of PIDS, touching on Infrastructure and Logistics as the country moves towards AEC 2015.

Dr. Navarro revealed that there is much to be done in terms of infrastructure and facilities in the country. She mentioned the need to improve seaports here in Mindanao as it is nearer to the BIMP-EAGA region. She said Cambodia has better infrastructure and facilities than the Philippines and this should serve as motivation to upgrade the country’s facility to meet all challenges of AEC integration.

Present during the forum are the business sector leaders, local chief executives and concerned government agencies in the region.

Cebu IT industry explores new outsourcing prospects

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/05/28/1328150/cebu-it-industry-explores-new-outsourcing-prospects
• Wednesday, May 28, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - After hitting it big in the voice aspect of the Information, Communication Technology-Business Process Management sector, Cebu is now moving towards seizing the new wave of outsourcing opportunities.

This will be one of the most important topics that will be tackled during the upcoming two-day ICT-BPM conference to be hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry on June 2-3 as part of this year’s Cebu Business Month.

Event chairman Jun Sa-a said in a press conference that there is a need for Cebu to step up to a higher ladder in the outsourcing sector, considering its ability to attract the high value type of outsourcing jobs such as the Health,Information and Insurance Management, Shared services, impact sourcing, and apps development.

Sa-a said it is high time for the Philippines to capture the big opportunity in the higher value outsourcing jobs -- also to prepare for the entry of ASEAN integration next year.

He said the Philippines, Cebu specifically is going to strengthen its grip in these emerging high value outsourcing investments, by also preparing the academe sector in providing qualified manpower in these in-demand skills and professions.

This early, Cebu has already started to gravitate the HIIM type of outsourcing investing like the opening of United health Group, EXL Services, Manulife, Health Cognizant, QBE, among others.

Cebu will also push itself to take advantage of the fast growing and highly profitable mobile apps economy. Next year, when the ASEAN integration will take a move, Cebu hopes to capture a large chunk of the mobile app economy, capitalizing on the 600 million consumer base of ASEAN member countries.

Franco Eisma of Amazon Web Services will expand on a discussion regarding maximizing the apps economy specifically within the ASEAN bloc.

The conference that will carry the theme "ASEAN 2015 and Beyond," aims at providing clearer perspective among participants on how to take advantage of the ASEAN integration, as well as preparing players how to combat possible threats and hindrances.

CHED takes over TCC management

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/27/1327805/ched-takes-over-tcc-management
• Tuesday, May 27, 2014 12:00 am

By Garry B. Lao/JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education – 7 will take over the management of the controversial Talisay City College until such time that the issue concerning the school’s president is resolved.

The TCC Board of Trustees is supporting acting pre-sident Ritchel Bacaltos but Talisay Mayor Johnny De los Reyes has appointed Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete to the post.

Since then, the college has been caught in the middle of a tug of war, including its graduation rites and enrolment.

However, in a closed-door meeting at the CHED office, the BOT members decided unanimously to let CHED take over. The body believes the current dilemma can only be resolved if CHED takes over the affairs of the school.

In effect, CHED Regional Director Freddie Bernal will sit as officer-in-charge of the college.

The meeting yesterday was presided over by De los Reyes who sits as chairman of the board.

The TCC board has 11 members with the mayor as chairman, the college president as vice chairman, Cebu first district Representative Gerald Anthony Gullas as honorary member and Talisay City District Superintendent Woodrow Denuyo as board secretary.

The present members of the board are the chairman of the committee on education, the chairman of the committee on budget and finance, the president of Cebu Normal University, the president of Cebu Technological University, the regional director of CHED, the city treasurer, and the president of the Talisay Chamber of Commerce.

Except for the presidents of CNU and CTU president, all the other members were present in yesterday’s meeting.

“Since time immemorial, I have said that I will abide whatever decision of the Board of Trustees is. The decision of the BOT is for CHED to take over in running the school, then I will abide,” Bacaltos told The FREEMAN.

Bacaltos, who also sits as vice chairman of the college, was present in the meeting.

With classes resuming next week, Bacaltos said the decision of the BOT is timely. This way, possible academic issues can be prevented.

Before the decision was made, the board approved the minutes of its previous meeting, including its reaffirmation of Bacaltos’ appointment and its decision to set aside De los Reyes’ executive order, which formalized Cañete’s appointment.

A source told The FREEMAN that De los Reyes reiterated his choice for president but the board members reportedly reminded him that only the BOT as a whole can make an appointment, as provided for by a city ordinance.

“There was a negotiation. Mi-insist man gyud ang mayor nga si Cañete iyang gitudlo pero ang BOT insisted to recognize Ritchel Bacaltos as the city college acting president,” the source said.

Bacaltos reportedly did not say anything during the meeting.

After the meeting, Bacaltos confirmed an agreement was reached.

“The only way nga dili magsamok-samok na si Cañete is ako pud ma-out sa city college. I did not object because the BOT decided that CHED will take over,” Bacaltos said.

As part of the agreement, De los Reyes said he will revoke the executive order he issued, which formalized Cañete’s appointment.

Bernal said the school board will activate a “search committee” and will set guidelines in looking for a new college president.

Cebu governor cites need to strike a balance between protection of environment and progress

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=647315
• Monday, May 26, 2014

(PNA), FPV/EB

CEBU CITY, May 26 (PNA) -- Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said there should be a balance between protection of the environment and progress, as there are times the environment is compromised in the implementation of government projects.

“There has got to be a balance. There is a need to protect the environment. As the population increases, so will the needs of the populace. There is also a need to fill in the gap to deliver the basic services,” Davide said.

Davide cited as a good example, a water reservoir project, which must need a big track of land for it to be implemented, and this land area could be agricultural.

He said that agricultural land must be sacrificed for the reservoir, which becomes the source of the public’s water.

Davide made the statement when asked for his views on the controversy faced by Argao Mayor Edcel Galleos, who allegedly cut 400 trees in an upland area to make way for a road project.

But Davide said he will just wait for the outcome of the investigation conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7.

Davide said he was also willing to sit down with Galeos and with DENR 7 officials to talk about the mayor’s alleged violation of environmental laws.

DepEd-7 to launch new study materials

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/25/1327137/deped-7-launch-new-study-materials
• Sunday, May 25, 2014 12:00 am

By Jessa J. Agua, ATO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education Central Visayas is set to embrace in its curriculum the "Bugsay" Philosophy of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated.

The RAFI philosophy is described as "having a goal, planning well, and working hard to achieve it, which he (Roberto Aboitiz) liked to share to the younger Cebuano generations."

With this, DepEd-7 pledged to pioneer the integration of "Akong Bugsay" learning materials in selected public elementary schools in 10 divisions of Cebu starting this school year 2014 to 2015.

These materials include workbooks for Grade 3 students.

With this, a memorandum of agreement will be signed this May 28 with Netherlands Honorary Consul Roberto Aboitiz representing RAFI and Regional Director Carmelita Dulangon from DepEd Central Visayas.

Aside from Dr. Dulangon, division superintendents of the pilot schools would also be present during the signing which will also be the schedule for the officials launching of the learning materials. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

The activity will be held at the RAFI-EADSC Plenary Hall, 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City, across the Casa Gorordo, 9 a.m. to noon this coming Wednesday.

Bugsay is a Visayan word for paddle or oar and in this philosophy, every individual involved is a paddle having the choice to either pick and paddle forward into development or remain stationary and stagnated.

Last year, "Akong Bugsay" a bilingual (Cebuano and English) children's book was launched which was written by Amaya Aboitiz, the daughter of RAFI president Roberto Aboitiz and handles Dolores Aboitiz Children's Fund.

The book is likewise illustrated by Karmina Cuzon.

Mactan airport pays initial P88M of P1.8B unpaid real property tax to Lapu-Lapu City

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=646823
• Saturday, May 24, 2014

(PNA), CTB/EB/

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, May 24 (PNA) -- The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) Friday paid an initial P88 million of its P1.8-billion unpaid real property taxes to the Lapu-Lapu City Government.

MCIAA general manager Nigel Paul Villarete, who personally handed the payment to the Lapu-Lapu City Treasurer's Office, earlier said the MCIAA acknowledges its obligation to the Lapu-Lapu City Government.

He said they are willing to pay their obligations but there are many issues that need to be settled first before the payment.

A case between MCIAA and the city government of Lapu-Lapu is now pending at the Supreme Court.

Villarete said MCIAA's initial payment of P88 million will not affect the outcome of the case.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said she was happy with the initial payment made by MCIAA.

Radaza said they are still studying how to use the money, although she said in earlier forums that the money collected from the airport's unpaid obligations will be used to construct more classrooms in the city.

Mayor Radaza said there are other priorities in her administration that need immediate attention.

Early this month, the Lapu-Lapu City Council has passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Paz Radaza to enter an agreement with MCIAA regarding the initial payment of the airport to the city.

But the City Council passed a resolution withdrawing the authority before it reached the mayor’s office.

The same council passed another resolution authorizing Radaza to collect MCIAA’s unpaid real property taxes to the city government.

CICC as Mandaue nerve center

• Source: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/2014/05/23/cicc-as-mandaue-nerve-center/
• Friday, May 23, 2014 8:17 am

By Peter L. Romanillos

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes has found another idea on how to repurpose the mothballed Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

Cortes in a letter to the Provincial Board on May 12 had expressed the city government’s intention to acquire the CICC from the provincial government.

Should the city government succeed in their plan, Cortes said they would rename the CICC as the Mandaue Expo and Convention Center which will then serve as the centerpiece of the city’s South Point Commercial District.

Cortes said City Hall will repair and renovate the facility which was heavily damaged in last year’s earthquake and will be converted into an exhibition center in collaboration with the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

The CICC, which was built by the provincial government in 2006 for the 12th Asean Summit and 2nd East Asia Summit, has a gross floor area of 28,000 square metres and is located on 3.8 hectares of land at the Mandaue City Reclamation Area.

The site where the convention center now stands was originally intended for a sports complex dubbed as the “Cebu Mega Dome”. The project was however halted after some members of the provincial board opposed it.

Then Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia revived the “mega dome” project after the province was designated to play host to the Asean summit but the design was revised as a convention center instead of a sports arena.

CUSTOMIZE DEVELOPMENT

Cortes said they plan to develop the CICC’s unused spaces which would be offered for lease to private establishments as well as build a public transport terminal which will also house a travel agency and traveller’s lounge.

“With this customized development of the CICC among others, we hope that it will become the nerve center of the Mandaue South Point Commercial District and help us propel the city’s attainment of the Mandaue 2020 Vision which is to be the primary source of high-quality manufactured consumer products,” Cortes said.

Despite the proposed developments, the facility will continue to function as a “premier destination for conventions and conferences in central Philippines,” he said.

The Mandaue City Council has passed a resolution supporting Cortes’ plan.

The City Council cited the lack of profit coming from the facility since its closure in October last year due to the damage it incurred from last year’s earthquake.

“Due to the structure’s damages, no more activities have been undertaken compounding the disadvantages against the City of Mandaue as the prime commercial lot will not even earn a single centavo as an income for the city coffers,” the resolution said.

“For Mandaue City to enjoy the benefit of the use and maximize its productivity being an economic enterprise, it is imperative for the city to purchase the edifice for the sole management and operation and facility,”

The facility was initially considered as one of the venues of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation that the country is hosting. The cost of repairing the structure, estimated at P160 million however discouraged organizers and dropped the facility from the list of possible venues.

DepEd-7: Schools, teachers ready

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/22/1325967/deped-7-schools-teachers-ready
• Thursday, May 22, 2014 12:00 am

By Sherwin O. Gabrinez, Kristine B. Quintas and Evelyn C. Espinosa /JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education in Central Visayas is ready for the resumption of classes on June 2.

“We are 100% ready. The teachers are ready, the officials are ready, the children are ready,” said DepEd-7 Director Carmelita Dulangon.

Dulangon said classes will start even in calamity-stricken in northern Cebu and Bohol or those affected by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda last year.

She said the classrooms that were damaged have been repaired to accommodate classes.Makeshift classrooms will also be used.

Dulangon said less than 50 percent of classes will be held in tents. In Bohol, classrooms made of nipa will also be used. Books that have been damaged will be replaced.

To maximize the use of existing classrooms in calamity-stricken areas, Dulangon said a shifting scheme will be adopted – one class will use the room in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Aside from this, classes will be distributed to corresponding days – during Monday-Wednesday-Friday and Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday.

The DepEd central office is yet to approve a P974 million proposed budget to cover expenses for recovery efforts in recovery-stricken areas. Around P15 million was released last week and a separate P56 million was given to the region for rehabilitation efforts in areas in Bohol damaged by the earthquake.

Based on data from DepEd, 1,973 classrooms in Cebu Province were damaged slightly while 366 others incurred major damage during the earthquake and typhoon.

There are 11,491 elementary schools and 630 secondary schools in the 4th District where damage was more prominent. There are 74,092 pupils and 28,426 students are enrolled in these schools, respectively.

Brigada Eskwela

In Cebu City, Councilor Alvin Dizon wants to use the P216,000 budget for t-shirts for Brigada Eskwela volunteers to be used in fixing damaged classrooms instead.

He said doing so would be more practical and useful for more people.

Mayor Michael Rama earlier agreed to provide 1,200 shirts to the volunteers, which they will use for Brigada Eskwela – related activities and for other activities the rest of the school year. Among the volunteers are the members of the Parent Patrol that schools and the Parent-Teacher Association have recognized.

Patrol members are visible in schools for volunteer work.

No permit, no exam

Dizon, vice chairperson of the City Council’s committee on education, also asked the Council to study the possibility of the city to impose sanctions against schools that refuse to let students who have not paid tuition fully to take examinations.

Dizon’s request came after at least 117 private institutions in Cebu are seeking to increase tuition up to 12 percent.

The ‘No Permit, No Exam’ policy refers to the institutionalized policy of many schools and universities in the country that requires students to settle matriculation and other obligations before they are allowed to take exams, usually during midterms and finals.

“This is an urgent call amid the economic difficulties that an average Filipino family has to confront day-to-day and that any increase in tuition and school fees would mean another burden. And if they are required to pay more, every single centavo should translate to real investment on their children’s future,” Dizon said.

“This would be a complementation of the existing provisions to have more concrete penal provisions. But, ato pa ni tun-an pagtarong before filing this,” he added.

The CHED Memorandum Orderhas set new guidelines for higher education institutionsallowing students with delinquent accounts to take school examination, withholding the issuance clearance of students until prior accountabilities are fully settled.

To address skills mismatch Biz community urged to work with academe

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/05/21/1325551/address-skills-mismatch-biz-community-urged-work-academe
• Wednesday, May 21, 2014 12:00 am

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu business community should work closely with the academe to reach out to potential students and teach them about entrepreneurship to prepare them for real work in the industry.

This according to Consul General Robert “Bobby” Joseph, a pillar of the country’s tourism industry, urging members of the business industry to visit different schools and do seminars on marketing, selling and entrepreneurship.

“We also do this in tourism, molding movers and shapers and promoting good acts, values, skills and attitudes for them to be equipped in entering the industry,” Joseph noted during Tuesday’s 888 News Forum.

Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel and Tours, said the skills mismatch is one of the problems the Philippines needs to solve as it prepares for the ASEAN Economic Integration come 2015.

Joseph also expressed the need to mold young people to become entrepreneurs.

Industry experts should also try to visit the academic curriculum to upgrade the learning program of the students in the field of entrepreneurship, suggested Virgilio Espeleta, entrepreneurship consultant of this year’s Cebu Business Month.

Officials and members of CBM 2014 were the main guests of the forum.

He said they have partnered with a univesity in Cebu to teach students and technopreneurs and expose them to possibilities of technology-based startups.

CBM’s entrepreneurship team is inviting people from the Asian Institute of Management and Marketing Association of the Philippines to join in its seminars on business development, Committee Chair Apolinar Suarez, Jr. said.

He said the seminars will not only educate but further expand the knowledge of the small entrepreneurs, adding that the industry should already be brought to a next level.

CBM is also inviting Nora Terrado, undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, to speak during the ICT & BPM Conference on June 2 - 3.

Committee Chair Jun Sa-a said the DTI official will talk about the ASEAN integration and its impact on the information and communications technology and business processing indusries.

“We believe she is familiar of the topic as she used to be an active member of the Philippine Software Industry Association and that she will foresee what would most likely happen in the integration,” Sa-a noted.

The conference will also have people from Amazon Web Services, he added.

He also stressed that one way to tap the integration’s estimated 600 million market is to use information and communications technologies in business startups.

Sa-a believed the Philippines has one of the “youngest, creative, most trainable and innovative and probably the most digitally connected people” and that if efforts are being done to help them, a big opportunity will soon come for the country.

Power supply

Ensuring a stable supply of power in the country is a big challenge especially among businesses as preparations are being done to meet the challenges poised by the 2015’s integration.

Espeleta said the cost of power is now challenging businesses and that these should remain competitive in the coming economic integration.

“We just don’t blame or reklamo na lang,” the consultant said. “What should the business do? That’s part of educating entrepreneurs to be competitive in as far as the Philippine industry is concerned.”

For his part, Joseph shared that the tourism industry is already aware of the energy problem, saying “At times, we can create a destination where there is no air conditioner. That’s part of marketing.”

A Philippine Star report stated that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has planned to have a “super Asian grid” to ensure a stable power supply in the future.

School repairs on

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/05/20/school-repairs-343779
• Tuesday, May 20, 2014

By Justin K. Vestil, Razel V. Cuizon and Rebelander S. Basilan

AT LEAST 359 classrooms in northern Cebu need to be replaced, while 1,809 others need repairs, but much of the work won’t be done in time for the opening of classes in June.

During the launch of the Brigada Eskwela in Bantayan Island yesterday, Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Carmelita Dulangon revealed that while most students are eager to go back to school on June 2, some of them will have to attend classes in damaged classrooms.

Northern Cebu’s schools need “more than a Band-Aid solution” after being damaged or, in some cases, ruined by the quake last Oct. 15 and typhoon Yolanda less than four weeks later.

Dulangon thanked non-government organizations and private groups for being willing to provide help, such as constructing new classrooms and repairing others.

The Brigada Eskwela, held every third week of May, encourages members of the community to help prepare schools for the reopening of classes.

Activities include repainting of classrooms, cleanup of school grounds and repairs of desks, chairs and other facilities. Commercial establishments are asked to donate materials like paint and cement, while students, parents and teachers volunteer to do the work.

This year’s Brigada, the first since the natural calamities that struck the Visayas last year, highlighted the fact that government can’t finish or pay for all the rehabilitation work on its own.

“I encourage the private sector to continue to support our schools,” said Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, in a message he delivered in his city’s Brigada Eskwela opening program.

In Cebu City, close to 700 classrooms in different schools need repairs, DepEd City Schools Division Superintendent Rhea Mar Angtud disclosed.

She said, though, that there will be enough classrooms when classes start next month.

Twenty-four classrooms damaged during the 7.2-magnitude earthquake are being repaired, and the work is expected to be completed by June, she said.

Safety checks

While private foundations, companies and government offices pledged to share their resources when schools in need, local officials also pointed out that safety measures have to be in place.

“We have looked into not only the aspect of cleanliness and sanitation of the schools but also the safety of the students because we have learned our lessons during the recent calamities,” Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella told reporters.

He inspected emergency exits in the school buildings he visited to make sure students are safe in emergency situations.

He visited the elementary schools in Mabolo, Guadalupe, Labangon, Punta Princesa, Inayawan, Mambaling, Pardo, San Nicolas and Don Vicente Rama, as well as the Ramon Duterte National High School and Pardo National High School.

The DepEd reported that based on their assessment, Yolanda caused around P700 million in damage to public classrooms in northern Cebu.

The regional office is set to construct 28 classrooms. But the DepEd head office in Manila has plans to finance the construction of 400 classrooms in calamity-affected areas in the Visayas.

That will take time, Dulangon said, because the bidding process has to be followed.

Private help

In the meantime, private groups are pitching in.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) has committed to shoulder the construction of 61 classrooms and to repair 68 others.

In Cebu City, 446 elementary school classrooms need fixing. So do 245 classrooms in secondary school.

Superintendent Angtud and other DepEd personnel went around the city to check as the Brigada Eskwela proceeded.

In the Abellana National School (ANS), personnel and officials of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pledged to give construction materials to repair damaged classrooms.

ANS Principal Severina Chin told Sun.Star Cebu that the BSP chose to adopt one classroom for a makeover. It also spearheaded the repairs and repainting of the entire structure, including the chairs and toilets.

“We are lucky to receive more pledges,” Chin added.

Chin said only minor repairs were needed in some of their classrooms since the buildings were all properly maintained.

ANS has 60 classrooms and 60 laboratory rooms.

Lacks rooms

After his inspection, Labella also said only minor repairs were needed in some schools and promised that City will help DepEd address the problem.

In Talisay City, school officials reported a shortage of classrooms in public schools spread throughout the city’s 22 barangays.

Dr. Woodrow Denuyo, Talisay City School Division superintendent, told Sun.Star Cebu that as of yesterday, they lacked 276 classrooms for the kindergarten, elementary and high school levels.

The city schools division plans to construct nine classrooms in public schools with the most number of students. These include the San Roque Elementary School, Bulacao National Elementary and High School, Tabunok Central School, Talisay Central School in Barangay Poblacion and Tapul National High School.

Denuyo said that instead of the usual single-storey classroom, they plan to construct three-storey classrooms to make the most of the limited space.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Cortes and DepEd Mandaue City Division Superintendent Virginia Zapanta led a ceremonial cleanup at the Subangdaku Elementary School.

Temporary setting

Among the establishments that support the Subangdaku Elementary School are the SM Hypermarket and Matimco Inc.

The school, which had more than 3,000 students last school year, was awarded best implementor of Brigada Eskwela in the country for two consecutive years.

The earthquake and typhoon damaged several school buildings in the city, forcing some teachers to hold classes in barangay gymnasiums.

The City Government has been partnering with nongovernment organizations like the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the Security Bank Foundation to address the city’s lack of classrooms.

Officials of the Subangdaku Elementary School hope to win a grand slam this year.

Principal Rosalina Gonzales said they start planning for the Brigada Eskwela as early as January.

But more than getting recognition, Zapanta said the main goal of the Brigada Eswela is to unite members of the community to address the needs of their school.

City councilors and Clean and Green workers of the City Hall also participated in yesterday’s activity, which was held simultaneously in schools across the city.

Brigada Eskwela in Cebu Province starts today; DepEd-7 to focus on Yolanda-affected schools

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/19/1324816/brigada-eskwela-cebu-province-starts-today-deped-7-focus-yolanda
• Monday, May 19, 2014 12:00 am

By Jean Marvette A. Demecillo (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The annual Brigada Eskwela program of Department of Education-7 will commence today.

DepEd-7 Director Carmelita Dulangon said they will focus on the repair of damaged school buildings in areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda that struck Central Visayas last year.

“Regional officials will have a caravan together with the local government officials of Madridejos, Santa Fe, and Bantayan…. There will be simultaneous launching activities in the 19 schools division in Region7, pero special-lon gyod pag-adto sa region ang Bantayan Island” she said.

Dulangon said DepEd and other stakeholders will conduct clean-up activities there as preparation for the June 9 classes.

“Among tan-awon didto kumusta na intawon sila (We will see how they are faring there) in terms of their preparations for June kay daghan man kaayo ang naguba nga eskwelahan sa (because several schools were destroyed by) Yolanda,” she said, referring to the November 8 super typhoon that killed thousands of people and destroyed structures, including schools.

Dulangon said students affected during the onslaught of the super typhoon in Bantayan have finished their school year last March.

She urged parents who have children in public schools and volunteers to participate in ensuring that schools are okay for use already before classes begin.

Dulangon said DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro has directed all schools to immediately start classroom instruction on the very first day of classes and not have the students do clean-up activities.

She said DepEd is hoping to finish soon its school building rehabilitation efforts.

“For the reconstruction work, ongoing nami, we are just racing against time. But the process of bidding moagi man gud og (must comply with) COA rules, nga maoy makadala sa pagkalangay gamay (which causes delay in implementation),” she said.

“But we hope that early July, mahuman atong mga (we finish constructing all) buildings aron makasulod na gyud sila sa ilang (so students could already have their) classrooms,” she said, adding that 400 buildings were already constructed in the region.

She said before the major calamities struck the region, buildings were bid at P800, 000 each. But, after earthquakes, consecutive aftershocks, and typhoons, buildings are peg at P1 million.

Dulangon said this year’s Brigada Eskwela or National Schools Maintenance week will make schools become disaster-resilient so that students are assured of a safe place for learning. She was thankful for “consistent partners” Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI) in DepEd’s school rehabilitation and school building program.

Both RAFI and AFI have set aside millions in funds and donations in the repair and/or building of classrooms in northern Cebu schools affected by Yolanda last year.

“The whole country needs attention in introducing new school building designs nga resilient na sa bagyo or linog and naa pa gani mga sunog (against typhoons, earthquakes, and even fires),” she said.

Brigada Eskwela is 2003 DepEd initiative that aims to encourage volunteers from all walks of life in the clean-up, repair, and repainting of classrooms and other school facilities in preparation for the school opening.

DepEd has scheduled the annual nationwide program every third week of May, or at least a week before the start of classes.

US Navy team builds school bldgs in Cebu

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/18/1324503/us-navy-team-builds-school-bldgs-cebu
• Sunday, May 18, 2014 12:00 am

By Bryner L. Diaz, JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A team of US Navy personnel will be setting up camp in the southern town of Sibonga for at least two months as team members build classrooms in the neighboring Carcar City.

The team was deployed by the US Embassy as part of America's continuing efforts to help rebuild communities affected by the October 15, 2013 earthquake and November 8, 2013 super typhoon.

"The US Navy 30th Construction Regiment and the US Embassy forwarded and deployed US Navy Seabees personnel and construction equipment to the Philippines for the purpose of conducting humanitarian assistance projects in cooperation with US and Gov't. of the Phil. engineering units," reads the email from the Regional Public Safety Battalion -7.

The RPSB-7 camp in Barangay Bahay, Sibonga will house the team members. The team also needs the camp to serve as temporary Tent Farm Laydown and storage of the US Naval Construction Force Civil Engineering Support Equipment.

The camp is the most suitable base for the personnel and their equipment because of its proximity to the construction site.

Yesterday morning, Supt. Clifford Gairanod, Battalion Commander of RPSB7 and Commander Joe Harder of the US Navy US 30th Construction Regiment, signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the RPSB camp.

The MOU will take effect immediately and will expire on August 15 once construction is finished.

Migration info drive set in storm-hit areas in Cebu

• Source:http://www.businessweekmindanao.com/2014/05/17/migration-info-drive-set-in-storm-hit-areas-in-cebu/
• Saturday, May 17, 2014

By Rachelle M. Nessia (rmn/PIA-Cebu/CFO)

CEBU CITY - An advocacy campaign to heighten community awareness on migration, illegal recruitment, and human trafficking will be rolled out in Yolanda-hit areas in northern Cebu.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will hold a series of community education programs from May 18 to 23, 2014 in five identified local government units (LGU) in northern Cebu.

The information campaign will kick off in Madridejos on May 18 and 19, Bantayan on May 20, Santa Fe on May 21, San Remigio on May 22, and Medellin on May 23.

The information drive will include public assemblies attended by local officials, Sangguniang Kabataan, local civil registrar, police officials, and Public Employment Service Officers in the areas.

The campaign aims to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions regarding settling abroad, and to generate community involvement on migration concerns, according to CFO Chairperson Sec. Imelda Nicolas in a letter.

The series of activities will also serve as venues to raise issues concerning migration, intermarriages, and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

Pinoy investors take lead in Cebu projects – BOI

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-sports/2014/05/15/1323341/bogo-duathlon-set-sunday
• Friday, May 16, 2014 12:00 am

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Statistics at the Board of Investments Cebu showed that Filipino investors account for 80 to 90 percent of investments registered in the province last year, while the remaining percentage comprised of foreign investors.

BOI Cebu officer-in-charge Philip T. Torres said that this development is something that must be appreciated as it shows that more and more Filipinos are now brave enough to invest their money in bigger ventures within the country.

Real estate investments

With real estate investments taking the lead, the local board recorded 18 projects last year, which amounted roughlyaround P8 billion that generated an estimated 3,400 jobs, Torres told The FREEMAN in an interview.

"There's really a market for housing," he said when asked on what motivates investors to choose property development. "This is a good development because not like before when they were afraid to take the risk. However, these companies also started small."

Out of the 18 projects, 13 of which were real estate or mass housing developments, while the rest included a P700- million tourism project in Bohol and agribusiness related projects, among others. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

This year, BOI Cebu is expecting that the real estate sector will still dominate the whole investment pie and may even surpass last year's recorded P8 billion total investment.

Torres said that to date, the board has already registered one agriculture-based project that amounts to P400 million; a pending application of one hospital investor from Manila; a more than a billion worth of hotel project in Mandaue City; and an approved three housing projects that would cost more than a billion.

For now, the board could not yet determine how much the investments would cost as it differs every year.

For now, there are still many pending applications at the BOI as they are still waiting for the documents and endorsement from other government agencies for the completion of the project.

A more focused IPP

On the other hand, the BOI recently released this year's Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) with now only seven preferred business activities, which is fewer compared to last year's 13.

Torres explained that the board aims to have a more specific and focused sectors and identify the industries that need the government's tax and fiscal incentives, adding that others only need policy changes.

He added that employment generation is one of the major criteria for an economic activity to pass BOI's requirement.

Most of the projects the board has supported are high value ones like the energy which covers exploration, development, utilization of energy and power generation.

But energy-related project only employs few workers, Torres said, emphasizing that the manufacturing sector is considered to be the biggest employment generator.

He said that although investments in the manufacturing sector seems low, it creates a lot of jobs and has a multiplier effect.

The BOI has recognized the manufacturing sector as one of the preferred activities in the new IPP.

The 2013 IPP has 13 preferred activities: agriculture or agribusiness and fishery; creative industries or knowledge-based services; shipbuilding; mass housing; iron and steel; energy; infrastructure; research and development; green projects; motor vehicles; strategic projects; hospital or medical services; and disaster prevention, mitigation and recovery projects.

However, the BOI has delisted six of these, creating a new priority list that comprises: the manufacturing, agribusiness and fishery, services, economic and low-cost housing, energy, public infrastructure and logistics and PPP projects.

The information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) is one sector that has been removed from this year's priorities.

However, Torres explained that most of IT-BPM companies are registered with the Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA) and that these are out of the board's control.

While other sectors could be listed in the exports list because they produce export products, he added.

The public-private partnership of the government, being part of the list, are also given tax holidays, Torres said.

The BOI also grants tax holidays to those involved in export activities that cover the manufacture of export products, services exports and activities in support of exporters.

Bogo duathlon set this Sunday

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-sports/2014/05/15/1323341/bogo-duathlon-set-sunday
• Thursday, May 15, 2014 12:00 am

By Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano elite athletes will once again see action in the second staging of Bogo City Duathlon Trail Challenge this Sunday in Bogo City.

The two-in-one event, features paved and trail route race compose of 8K run followed by 30K bike and another 8K run to the finish line.

The five classes include men’s 18-32, 33-45, 46-and above, female open and relay. The relay will be a male and female tandem as a team.

For those who are interested, one can enlist at Olives Motor Spare Parts in Bogo, through Jorge Ponce at Ibabao, Estancia, Mandaue and Southpeaks Outdoor Shop also in Mandaue City.

Entry fee is pegged at P800 inclusive of a singlet and snacks.Race briefing is set this Saturday at the Bogo Sports Complex in Nailon, Bogo.

This event is part of Bogo's tourism promotion efforts after the town was hit by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ last year.

More oil found in Aloguinsan

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/14/1322923/more-oil-found-aloguinsan
• Wednesday, May 14, 2014 12:00 am

By Gregg M. Rubio, JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Gas2Grid Limited has announced that the percentage of oil found in the swabbing operations in Olango, Aloguinsan has increased.

In a report to the Department of Energy, the company said 95 PSI wellhead pressure was recorded morning on Monday and Tuesday after the well was shut-in overnight.

Yesterday morning, the gas reportedly flared for 35 minutes before subsiding.

Associated gas has also reportedly broken out of the oil as the back-pressure on the oil bearing formation is reduced.

Swabbing fluid from the production tubing and lowering the fluid level reduces the back-pressure on the oil bearing formations and, as this is being done, the percentage of oil recovered and the production rate will likely increase.

"It will likely take several more days before an initial oil production rate can be determined," the company's statement read.

Gas2Grid Limited advised Monday that the Malolos-1 swabbing unit began operations over the weekend and oil has already been produced to the surface.

Swabbing operations commenced early Saturday evening and continued for most of Sunday.

Some delays were experienced Sunday when some material was lodged in the tubing, which affected swabbing efficiency.

Oil was first produced late Sunday morning and increased in amount with each swab run with the balance of the fluid produced being drill water, which filled the tubing before the commencement of swabbing operations.

The extended oil production testing program aims to gather sufficient technical information to confirm commerciality of the Malolos Oil Field to justify the DOE's awarding a 25-year production period and leading to full field appraisal and development.

The company maintained proving commercial production at Malolos Oil Field will have a very significant impact on the value of the company and will benefit the Philippine economy.

Int’l firm eyes $1B project in Cebu

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/13/1322559/intl-firm-eyes-1b-project-cebu
• Tuesday, May 13, 2014 12:00 am

By Gregg M. Rubio (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Emirati company Global Sphere is interested to invest in a project worth at least $1 billion in Cebu.

Executives of the company paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hilario Davide III and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday together with Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon.

Salimbangon said the local chief executives have proposed that the company invest in the North-South Cebu Highway or the Trans-Axial Highway project, which is a brainchild of the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

Davide told the group the 300-kilometer project is also one of the proposed major projects of his administration.

He said the project, which includes the roads connecting the different municipalities from the highway, is estimated to cost P50 billion.

“They are willing to finance. The company is asking that the project to be undertaken by the company should not be less than $1 billion,” Salimbangon said.

Davide earlier vowed to pursue the Trans-Axial Highway project that will connect both ends of the province and help spur development in small towns, as well as decongest Metro Cebu’s urban area.

Salimbangon, for his part, filed a bill in Congress supporting the plan of Sanchez, his former colleague at the Cebu Provincial Board.

Salimbangon said Global Sphere is also looking at the possibility of putting up an oil refinery and an airport in the Fourth District.

“We have to conduct the study where the refinery should be located and they will be the one to put this refinery,” he said.

“Mao na among gi-studyhan karon unsay mga requirements sa government for them to put these projects,” he added.

Davide clarified nothing concrete has been arrived at and that the meeting yesterday was but an exchange of minds.

Global Sphere was established more than 14 years ago and is associated with European and American companies that help arrange funds to commercial companies or governments in building large projects in different fields in the construction and oil sectors, among others.

Global Sphere finance procedures are led and controlled by the top 10 banks in the world.

According to its website, Global Sphere is capable of financing projects that worth tens of billions worldwide. Its member teams are also members of the Bar Association and have dealt with many international contracts.

CCCI lines up activities for business month 2014

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/05/12/1322216/ccci-lines-activities-business-month-2014
• Monday, May 12, 2014 12:00 am

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - This year's Cebu Business Month is focused on preparing Cebu for the 2015 ASEAN Economic Integration opportunities, spurring further its business growth to compete globally.

CBM 2014 organizers have lined up various activities that aim to sustain the development of the business community and to see the future of Cebu in the coming integrated economy.

"What we're trying to do is to offer activities that have ASEAN flavor," said Lito Maderazo, ASEAN Integration chair and past chamber president. "We're now in the process of creating a road map particularly on the economic drivers of Cebu."

Maderazo said the chamber wants to identify on what prospects Cebu could have and prepare it for the challenges in the integration, citing ASEAN's goals to support free flow of goods, cooperation and strong region and global economies.

The involvement of the government and other agencies is crucial in creating a plan for integration, he noted.

CBM Overall Chair Felix Tiukinhoy, Jr. said the Philippines particularly Cebu is now facing the challenges--and opportunities--ahead of the 2015's integration, the main reason of having the event themed as "ASEAN 2015 and Beyond".

The activities, he added, want to highlight and focus attention to Cebu's bright future: "Our collective existence has become a key driver of the national development and progress."

For his part, CCCI President Ma. Teresa Chan cited the two disasters that hit the Visayas region last year made the preparation for the month-long event more challenging, even saying it's getting bigger and bolder this time.

She said the chamber continues to support the trade and industry in Cebu leading to a sustainable progress, which it hopes would help create more jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of the Cebuanos.

"CBM has become a great venue not only for Cebu as a business hub in the Philippines," she noted, "but also to promote and introduce our programs and advocacies."

The programs will focus on improving the different industries that include the information and communications technology, tourism and investment promotion, business process outsourcing, creative industries and entrepreneurship.

For one, entrepreneurship seminars are expected to teach small entrepreneurs and homegrown businesses on how to build a national brand and join the nationwide market, said Apolinar Suarez, Jr., entrepreneurship chairman.

"We put some programs that these entrepreneurs can really do something about," he further said. "The essence of this is like 'What you can do as an entrepreneur?'."

He added members of the micro, small and medium enterprises have to understand the implications, threats and opportunities of the AEC: "We penetrate the MSMEs because we see that they need our help."

Local players are challenged to become a partner of choice of global companies coming into the Philippines.

"Stay towards being a potential global company," Suarez stressed.

Moreover, the chamber is also looking at building infrastructure what will sustain the good condition of Cebu's tourism industry and foreign direct investments, revealed Consul SabinoDapat who chairs the tourism and investment promotions.

"If we want to be competitive, we need to develop infrastructure," he said, adding the major businesses in Cebu are tourism, export and the ICT.

Meanwhile, Tiukinhoy said the city and provincial government continue to support the organization's activities and the success of Cebu's business society.

In fact, CCCI is partnering with the Department of Manpower Development and Placement to have a local job fair during the business month celebration to improve employment.

Industry players and stakeholders from the government, academe and other sectors will discuss the impact of the integration on ICT and BPM industry through a conference and expo.

Another CBM event, the Startup Weekend will gather marketers, entrepreneurs, developers, startup enthusiasts and designers to share ideas and build relationship.

Other activities to expect include Regional Franchise Expo, job fairs, run for a cause, discussion on the Cebu-based creative industries' position on the ASEAN integration, etc.

Other events will strengthen the capacities of Cebu-based businesses and support its business environment, the CCCI said.

FSTP teaches farmers eco-friendly pest control

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/05/11/fstp-teaches-farmers-eco-friendly-pest-control-342314
• Sunday, May 11, 2014

(OCP)

CEBU farmers are learning how to use insects to kill pests and other environment-friendly pest management practices.

Cebu Provincial Agriculture Office Chief Roldan Sarajena said farmers who undergo training under the Capitol’s Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP) learn pest management and organic farming, among others.

One of the farming practices taught under the FSTP is the use of Trichogramma or mini wasps, which destroy the eggs of corn borers.

Sarajena said that by using Trichogramma, farmers avoid chemical pesticides that are toxic and hazardous to the environment and human health.

Eggs

He said farmers can obtain mature eggs of Trichogramma at the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Crop Protection Center in Mandaue City.

Trichogramma as biological insecticide is used in the United States, Europe, Russia and China.

Aside from use of Trichogramma, the FSTP also teaches farmers about intercropping, introduction of different varieties of corn seeds, planting density approaches and detasseling.

Detasseling, or removing the tassels on top of the corn, is one way to create a hybrid variety of corn.

The practice involves planting two varieties of corn on a field. The tassels of two corn varieties are placed together on the ground so that one variety can fertilize the other and create a hybrid type.

Sarajena said farmer-trainees go through four months of hands-on training by Capitol consultant Dr. Romulo Davide, an agriculturist.

About 200 farmers completed FSTP training under Davide early this year.

Capitol to launch massive campaign against catching endangered species

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/10/1321469/capitol-launch-massive-campaign-against-catching-endangered-species
• Saturday, May 10, 2014 12:00 am

By Liv G. Campo /LPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government will launch a massive information campaign about the law that prohibits catching and eating endangered species.

“I think everybody is not aware nga dili ra shark but there are other endangered species (out there). Moadto ta sa (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) BFAR mangayo ta’g photos to be displayed in markets and ports para sila ma-aware,” said Loy Madrigal, chief of the Capitol’s Anti-Illegal Fishing Team.

Madrigal said they will also place photos of endangered species on trucks carrying commercial fishes so drivers will have no reason to deny they are transporting illegally-caught marine species.

Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, prohibits the catching of protected animals or those considered endangered or threatened.

This move of the Capitol came after it was reported that there is a regular sale of shark fins and meat in Talisay City and in other areas.

Madrigal said they will also go after restaurants that are reportedly selling endangered animals like sharks.

“Number one nga daghan og endangered species diha sa Pasil (Public Market). Exotic food man, pampagana kuno. Naa man roy bag-o, kanang Viagra. Leave the endangered species alone, just switch to Viagra,” he said.

Retail group brings modern shopping to untapped markets

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/05/09/1321113/retail-group-brings-modern-shopping-untapped-markets
• Friday, May 9, 2014 12:00 am

By Liv G. Campo (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - To further serve customers from the widely untapped markets, the Metro Retail Stores Group recently opened its 43rd Metro Supermarket in Carmen to bring modern shopping experience to the C and D markets.

Metro Retail Stores Group managing director Christian Nervegno said the new presentation of Metro Gaisano's retail stores look like an ordinary grocery store albeit a bigger version, but with the modern twist.

By modern, Nervegno said the Metro supermarkets offer the usual comforts of the high-end grocery stores but the prices of their products are comparable to those in public markets, that is because they want to cater individuals in the C and D classes.

He further said that there will be eight more Metro supermarkets to open before the year ends as the company targets to open 100 Metro stores nationwide towards the end of 2015.

The Metro Supermarket in Carmen is a one-story building that sits on a 1,800-square-meter lot in barangay Cogon West.

For his part, Mayor Gerard Martin Villamor welcomed the addition of investment in their town. He assured that not like other local government units in Cebu wherein they welcome just any shopping center or grocery store just so they can collect more taxes, Carmen, while he still sits as its commander, will only have one shopping mall.

It may mean no additional income, but Villamor said it will ensure that their investors are protected and the town's growth is managed well. Carmen, for this year, is run by an annual income of P75 million, and Villamor said he expects an increase of their real property tax from the new Metro store this year.

Also, Villamor said Metro Gaisano's presence means jobs for his people, as they have an outstanding agreement that the store will hire at least 60 percent of its employees from Carmen, of which majority of its people thrive on farming.

The opening of Metro Supermarket Carmen last May 6 followed that of Super Metro Colon last February 27 and Super Metro Basak, which opened towards the end of 2013.

Megaworld building 5 luxury hotels in Cebu township

• Source:http://www.rappler.com/business/industries/175-real-estate/57574-megaworld-luxury-hotels-cebu
• Thursday, May 8, 2014 5:42 pm

(Rappler.com)

The hotels worth P8 billion will cater to the growing number of tourists in the province

MANILA, Philippines – Megaworld Corporation, the property unit of tycoon Andrew Tan, is spending P8 billion to build 5 luxury hotels within its nearly 30-hectare township development called The Mactan Newtown in Cebu.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Thursday, May 8, Megaworld said the hotels, which would offer a total of 2,000 rooms, would cater to the growing number of tourists in Cebu.

The first 2 of the hotels – Mactan Belmont Luxury Hotel and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown – will rise along Newtown Boulevard of the township within 5 years. One of the other hotels would carry an international brand.

“With the influx of more tourists to Mactan Island year after year, we hope to be able to offer more exciting facilities that will help further boost tourism in the region. Aside from local tourists, we hope to cater to foreign guests and visitors to The Mactan Newtown as well,” said Carmen Fernando, managing director of Prestige Hotels and Resorts Inc., the operator of Mactan Belmont Luxury Hotel and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.

Aside from the hotels, Megaworld will also construct a 3-level lifestyle mall, Plaza Magellan, which is poised to become a major landmark of The Mactan Newtown.

“Plaza Magellan will be an iconic landmark not just for The Mactan Newtown, but also for the entire Central Visayas region, and the Philippines as a whole. We are already coordinating with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on how we can integrate this landmark to Mactan Shrine. We are also committed to help the government in the rehabilitation and improvement of the historic national shrine,” said Noli Hernandez, president of Megaworld Cebu Properties Inc.

Data from the Department of Tourism revealed that in 2013, 900,000 tourists visited Cebu, up 75% from the previous year’s level.

“We envision The Mactan Newtown as a major tourism hub of Cebu. The township is designed to be tourist-friendly, and our various offerings will also cater to the needs of the visitors of the island,” noted Hernandez.

Megaworld is allocating P30 billion to develop The Mactan Newtown in the next 5 to 7 years.

The Mactan Newtown will have 10 luxury condominium towers: 4 towers for 8 Newtown Boulevard, which is expected to be completed by first half of 2015; 3 towers for One Pacific Residence; and 3 towers for One Manchester Place.

All residential towers will offer pre-furnished units with magnificent views of the Hilutungan Channel on the east and the historic Magellan Bay on the north.

The Mactan Newtown already has 2 office towers and will add at least 5 more by 2020, to bring to around 150,000 square meters its total space. The offices can accommodate an estimated 45,000 workers in the information technology-business process outsourcing sector.

By 2016, Megaworld will open the Newtown School of Excellence, a state-of-the-art educational institution that will be supervised by the Lasallian Schools Supervision Office.

Developers to spend P20B more for MCIA

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/07/1320288/developers-spend-p20b-more-mcia
• Tuesday, May 7, 2014 12:00 am

By Gregg M. Rubio /JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Above the P14.4 billion upfront premium it paid to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, the GMR-Megawide Consortium will be spending around P20 billion to develop the airport.

Andrew Acuaah-Harrison, GMR deputy chief executive officer, said the cost includes the construction of the MCIA Terminal 2 building and the redevelopment of the existing terminal.

“The reason we submitted that high is a demonstration of the confidence we have in the airport and in the economy and its potential to grow,” Harrison said during the 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

GMR-Megawide emerged as the highest bidder for the airport expansion project after submitting a bid of P14.4 billion.

Department of Transportation and Communications and MCIAA officials signed the Concession Agreement with GMR-Megawide following receipt of the payment last April 4, 2014.

MCIAA is set to turn over airport operations and maintenance to GMR-Megawide in October this year. Construction of the new passenger terminal building is slated in January 2015 and is scheduled to be completed in three years or by January 2018.

Harrison pointed out that even before the start of the project, the terms and conditions are clearly defined, including the regulations of fees to be collected.

“If we invest it means there is growth. If there is growth, that means the economy is prospering. If the economy is prospering, it means there will be a return of our investment,” Harrison said.

“We will invest the necessary amount that is required to ensure that we meet the growth and we provide facilities which ensure that it is among the top performing airports in the world in terms of service standards and amenities,” he added.

Harrison reiterated that their primary objective is to market Cebu to the rest of the world and to ensure that tourism in the region grows with excellent and efficient airport facilities as an economic engine for growth.

The Terminal 2 building is expected to accommodate 28 million passengers by the time it is completed.

“We want to develop an airport that will have the capacity to take international traffic directly into Cebu and distribute the traffic throughout the rest of the region,” Harrison said.

He assured again that operations at the existing airport terminal will not be disrupted during renovation.

The consortium’s proposed design for the new terminal at MCIA is a modern expression of traditional Filipino architecture and imbibes the cultural ethos of Cebu without sacrificing efficiency.

Harrison also stressed they are not bringing foreign workers except a handful of specialists during the transition phase.

He said they are going to develop skills and capability of the Filipino people who have contributed to the improvement of the economy of other countries.

“We will work together to ensure the airport capacity is developed to meet the demand,” said Harrison.

Consortium in Php 17.5-B Mactan airport expansion says good workers can stay

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=640801
• Tuesday, May 6, 2014

(PNA), FPV/EB

CEBU CITY, May 6 (PNA) -- Officials of GMR-Megawide Consortium, the winning bidder in the Php 17.5-billion Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) expansion project, said good workers have a place under their management.

They also appealed for the support and cooperation of airport officials, employees and stakeholders, saying their main purpose is to help improve services to passengers, especially tourists.

GMR Megawide-Cebu Airport Corp. chief executive advisor Andrew Acquaan Harrison and company president Louie Ferrer attended the Monday morning flag raising ceremony at the MCIA where they made the appeal.

In his short speech, Harrison said they came to help and continue the good services of MCIA.

He said the airport’s present operation is great that it is a big challenge for them to introduce more improvements in the 25 years in handling the management and operations.

He also assured that it is not their policy to bring in foreigners to manage airports.

“Our purpose here is to help Mactan Airport and not to replace whom they believe can help them in the improvement of airport operations that benefits the passengers,” he said.

He said they have a long experience in managing airports in other countries and have served more than 36 million passengers annually.

Ferrer, on the other hand, said that with the support of the people of Cebu and the airport staff, them as the ones managing and handling airport operation of the airport will benefit the Cebuanos.

Ferrer also assured concessioners and those doing business inside the airport whose contracts were to end in 2016 that they will honor them.

He said all stakeholders at the Mactan Airport are their partners for the good of the airport.

Canduman, four others top Panagtagbo dance fest

• Source:http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/2014/05/05/canduman-four-others-top-panagtagbo-dance-fest/
• Monday, May 5, 2014 9:02 am

By Anie M. Paujana and Rosemarie R. Cananea (CNU Communication Interns)

The contingent composed of barangays Casili, Cubacub, Tingub, Canduman and Tawason emerged as the grand champion of the dance showdown in the Panagtagbo sa Mandaue Festival last Saturday evening.

Clad in aquamarine Spanish period costumes, the dancers carried rosaries during their performance to signify the constant devotion of the Cebuanos to Mother Mary.

“I am overwhelmed as we did not expect to win. All our efforts paid off. It’s worth it,” Rhonikko Kirong, one of the choreographers, said.

He said it took them only a month to prepare for the competition. The contingent also won Best Costume and Best Choreography.

“I’m happy that their efforts paid off,” Tawason barangay chairman Jun Arcilla said.

The closing program for the festival was attended by thousands of Mandaue City residents and visitors at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.

The contingents performed their pieces and added the reenactment of the “Panagtagbo” or meeting of the Holy Family.

Taga-Mandaue Inc., one of the organizers, also gave recognition to Niño Matillano of the Mandaue School for the Arts, for instructing the audience on the basic dance movements of the Panagtagbo.

Matillano showed the basic movements to the crowd and was joined by Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede.

The program closed with all contingents together with the Mandaue School for the Arts Core Group dancing the Panagtagbo.

PANAGTAGBO SA MANDAUE 2014 WINNERS:

BEST IN ANDAS OF ST. JOSEPH Barangays Subangdaku, Guizo, Tipolo

BEST IN ANDAS OF SR. STO. NIÑO Barangay Paknaan

BEST IN ANDAS OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Barangays Subangdaku, Guizo, Tipolo BEST IN COSTUME Barangays Casili, Cubacub, Tingub, Canduman, Tawason

BEST IN CHOREOGRAPHY Barangays Casili, Cubacub, Tingub, Canduman, Tawason

BEST IN STREET DANCING Barangay Paknaan

DANCE SHOWDOWN:

GRAND CHAMPION Barangays Casili, Cubacub, Tingub, Canduman, Tawason Cash Prize: P150,000 with trophy

1ST RUNNER- UP Barangay Paknaan Cash Prize: P100,000 with trophy

2ND RUNNER- UP Barangays Alang-Alang, Cambaro, Opao, Looc and Umapad Cash Prize: P75,000 with trophy

Cortes said he was thankful that the city residents showed their support by attending the event.

Business group receives P3M aid from the Capitol

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/04/1319250/business-group-receives-p3m-aid-capitol
• Sunday, May 4, 2014 12:00 am

By Michael H. Braga /RHM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Government will release P3 million in financial assistance to the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CCCI) for its activities and programs, particularly the Cebu Business Month (CBM) celebration next month.

In an approved resolution, authored by Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, the PB authorized Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III to enter a memorandum of agreement with CCCI for the donation.

However, the amount would only be given after CCCI submit its program concept for the activity and a detailed breakdown of expenditures.

To justify the financial assistance, Sanchez mentioned the Local Government Code, which allows local government units to promote the establishment, as well as the operation, of non-governmental organizations in becoming active partners in local autonomy development.

“CCCI has been an active partner with the Province of Cebu, and the latter has given financial and institutional support for the past successful CCCI’s undertakings, its (Capitol’s) policy being to engage and stimulate strong Public-private Partnership to aggressively promote Cebu as an investment and Tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific Region,” read a part of her resolution.

Last year, the province earmarked P5 million as financial aid for CCCI activities, particularly the 27th Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry Conference.

However, then Acting Governor Agnes Magpale had the amount lowered due to financial constraints.

The CBM is an institutionalized month-long jubilee of the business community with a series of events to highlight, celebrate and inspire more success in the Cebu business community.

Mandaue Mayor Cortes says: Today's Panagtagbo shows city's identity

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/05/03/1318871/mandaue-mayor-cortes-says-todays-panagtagbo-shows-citys-identity
• Saturday, May 3, 2014 12:00 am

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - In today's Panagtagbo Festival, all 27 barangays of Mandaue City will be clustered into six competing contingents for a ritual performance showdown.

Street dancing will start from 3 p.m. at S.B Cabahug Street towards the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Center, the venue of the showdown which will start 8 p.m.

Winners of the showdown will win P100,000 for the first prize, P75,000 for the second prize and P50,000 for the third prize. The best in street dancing will win P30,000.

Mayor Jonas Cortes, who just arrived from a vacation from the United States, will witness the event because this is the first time the Panagtagbo Festival was made part of the fiesta activity.

"The Panagtabo is not only a cultural event but it gives us a sense of religious direction by emulating the religious value being practiced by the Holy Family, which is obedience to God," Cortes said.

He also said it gives people a sense of identity and "promotes unity of our purpose of making Mandaue city truly our home, our pride and our future."

Traffic near the vicinity of the Mandaue City Hall will be closed from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. today in view of the Panagtagbo Festival, a cultural event on the re-enactment of the religious Traslacion celebrating the meeting of the members of the Holy Family.

The actual Traslacion in Mandaue is done a day before the Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras in Cebu City wherein the images of the Holy Family - blessed Sr. Sto Niño, the Virgin de Guadalupe and St. Joseph - meet.

However, Mandaue City wants the "panagtagbo" of the Holy Family to be part of its fiesta activity, thus a festival to this effect was crafted.

Assembly will be along A.C. Cortes Avenue.

At exactly 3 pm, the following thoroughfares will be closed to traffic: S.B. Cabahug Street corner A.C. Cortes Avenue, A. Del Rosario Street corner B. Ceniza Street, Gomez Street corner A. Soriano Avenue,

C. Ouano Street corner Plaridel Street, Gomez Street corner P. Burgos Street, Zamora Street corner P. Burgos Street, U.M. Seno Street corner Burgos Street, P. Burgos Street corner M. Sanchez Street and S.B. Cabahug Street corner M. Sanchez Street.

Hospitals get big slice of P302.5M dev’t fund

• Source:http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/2014/05/02/hospitals-get-big-slice-of-p302-5m-devt-fund/
• Friday, May 2, 2014 1:40 am

By Peter L. Romanillos

The Cebu provincial government has allocated a large chunk of the P302.5 million unused development fund from last year for the improvement of health services in 16 district and provincial hospitals.

The construction and rehabilitation of hospitals and birthing centers was allocated P60.5 million, the biggest among the eight priority areas chosen by Gov. Hilario Davide III.

At Monday’s regular session, the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) unanimously approved the proposed budget realignment and gave the go signal for the implementation of several projects.

Davide said the 2013 development fund, which was supposed to be used for projects of then governor Gwendolyn Garcia, was largely left unused since it “took some time to review the projects.”

“We were still in transition last year. I assumed office in July, at the middle of the year. So I had to check and review all the projects,” he told Cebu Daily News in a phone interview.

Only around P60 million was used from the development fund for 2013.

For this year, the Capitol has set aside P407 million for its projects.

The fund, also known as the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) is 25 percent of the Capitol’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for the year.

For its 2014 development fund, the Capitol has allocated another P73 million for health projects. Bulk of the allocation will be used for the purchase of new hospital equipment in line with Davide’s thrust to upgrade all the provincial and district hospitals and get a level 1 accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).

Recently, eight Capitol-run hospitals in the cities of Bogo, Danao and Carcar and the district hospitals in Tuburan, Argao, Barili, Badian and San Francisco in Camotes Island were granted Level 1 accreditation by DOH 7 .

With the accreditation, the hospitals may now perform surgery, Caesarian operations and appendectomy, among others, as well as laboratory examinations like ultrasound and ECG.

Davide said he also signed 20 consultancy contracts of medical specialists, including medical technicians and nurses.

Earlier, the PB approved a resolution allowing Davide to sign consultancy contracts of specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine and general surgeons.

The upgraded district hospitals have X-ray machines and other equipment, while all eight hospitals already have operating rooms.

Meanwhile, P50 million of the unused development fund was earmarked for financial assistance to local government units (LGU), civil society organizations (CSO) and other institutions.

Davide said the fund will be made available to LGUs after a thorough review and evaluation of their request.

Province wants to spend surplus for health facilities

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/05/01/1318107/province-wants-spend-surplus-health-facilities
• Thursday, May 1, 2014 12:00 am

By Michael H. Braga/JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol is eyeing at spending its 2013 surplus of P566 million to improve health facilities in the province.

One way of doing so would be to purchase equipment for government-run hospitals that the Department of Health upgraded to Level 1. These hospitals can now perform surgical operations and laboratory examinations like ultrasound and electrocardiogram (ECG) tests.

“I’m glad. That’s good news para nako. We must be doing right here diri sa Capitol,” Governor Hilario Davide III told reporters.

Davide said health and hospitals are on top of the list as far as priority is concerned.

“Kana nga savings dako pa ta og gamitan ana sa basic services. We go to our 6-point agenda. Health, hospitals ang number one. We are going to purchase heavy equipment hopefully by June,” he said.

The P566 million surplus for 2013 serves as beginning cash balance for this fiscal year. Records of the Provincial Accounting office showed that Capitol’s total expenses last year was P1.913 billion while its total income was P2.479 billion.

The 2013 surplus is higher by P40 million than the 2012 surplus during the time of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, something that Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said can be attributed to Capitol’s “prudent” spending when Davide assumed office.

Magpale said the province only had P90 million funds when she was still acting governor.

Capitol’s Internal Revenue Allotment at that time reached to P150 a month.

Magpale explained that the province has set aside P7.5 million in the succeeding months, which were deposited in the calamity fund.

“Ako gyud nang gibalik-balik ang ‘prudent’ spending,” she added.