Philippines

Cebu Province News September 2016

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Province of Cebu - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

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

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

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

WHY??

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

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Cebu medical staff to undergo drug rehab training

By Nestle L. Semilla 9:15 pm

MEDICAL personnel in Cebu will undergo seminars and trainings to better provide interventions for drug users who surrendered to authorities.

Dr. Niño Ismael Pastor of the Provincial Health Office said there are 40,000 drug dependents in Cebu province who surrendered and 10 percent of them need to undergo rehabilitation.

He said Cebu only has 11 rehabilitation facilities which cannot fully accommodate them all.

Psychiatrist Edwin Menguito of the PHO said they only have 200 personnel to help thousands of users.

“I don’t think they can handle four thousand patients plus others who also need treatments like the outpatients although they are not going to be admitted (in a rehabilitation facility). But we will still do outpatient rehab in respective barangays and/or municipalities,” Menguito said.

The PHO said they will monitor those who undergo rehab to ensure their full recovery and conduct drug testing twice a week.

Those who violate the conditions of their rehabilitation will be jailed, Menguito said.

Cebuanos call for global protection of thresher sharks

(PNA), FPV/PR-GREENPEACE/EDS

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- Local government officials, coastal community representatives, environmental groups, marine scientists, resort owners, divers, and other tourism industry representatives gathered at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Friday to make a global call for the protection of thresher sharks.

The call is being made a week before delegations from different countries meet in Johannesburg, South Africa for the 17th Conference of Parties to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from September 24 to October 5.

“Thresher sharks are an essential link in our way of life, especially for coastal communities like those we have around Cebu and, indeed, most of the Philippines. They bring us life and livelihood, and so they are more valuable thriving in our seas rather than slaughtered and eaten on our plates,” said Dennis Bryan Bait-it, Coordinator of Migo sa Iho (Friends of the Sharks) a local enforcement group deputized to enforce fisheries law around the Shark and Ray Sanctuary of Monad Shoal and Gato Island.

The groups are calling for the inclusion of thresher sharks in Appendix 2 of CITES, which would place the species under global protection and also means automatic protection in the Philippines as stipulated in the Amended Philippines Fisheries Code.

Thresher sharks are vital not only to marine ecosystems but also to tourism in coastal communities, however its populations are currently threatened by illegal fishing, trading and bycatch.

“We are calling on the 182 parties to the Convention for a YES vote in Johannesburg. The inclusion of thresher sharks for protection under CITES is an opportunity to prevent unsustainable fishing and protect our marine tourism industry,” said Malapascua Barangay Kapitan Rex Novabos, who is also the current President of the Association of Barangay Captains in the Municipality of Daanbantayan.

The groups have also put together an online petition to gather support for the YES vote, which the public can sign at http://bit.ly/PHsayYES

According to Dr. AA Yaptinchay, Director of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, "thresher sharks are in real danger of being caught in both targeted and non-targeted fisheries as well as bycatch. It would be a global embarrassment not to support the CITES proposal for its protection, given its iconic status within the diving community in the Philippines. These sharks are clearly more valuable alive than dead."

Monad Shoal, near the Island of Malapascua in Cebu’s Daanbantayan Municipality, is the only place in the world where thresher sharks could be viewed with certainty on a daily basis. Threshers have become the main feature of the SCUBA dive tourism industry in Malapascua, which accounts for most of Daanbantayan’s economy, securing the livelihood of many in the municipality and its neighboring communities.

“Threshers are not just fish species that bring in tourism income, but is for us a very important icon of hope that deserves global attention and protection. Their presence has turned Malapascua Island into a major dive tourist attraction, helping local residents to recover after the devastation that tropical typhoon Yolanda brought in 2013,” said Atty. Ahmad Clay Escolar, Chief of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Cebu is the only province in the Philippines that bans the catching, selling, possession and trading of all shark species and its derivatives. Cebu also hosts the country’s first, and currently only, shark and ray sanctuary.

“Sharks are valuable for both their ecological and economic value, especially for an archipelago like the Philippines. We absolutely need to ensure that their population in our seas are not depleted,” said BFAR 7 Regional Director Andres Bojos, during the presentation to members of the media today.

Aside from Cebu, thresher sharks are also afforded local protection in Batangas City; Panglao, Bohol; and Palawan. Unfortunately, these are not enough, as thresher sharks could still be fished, hunted, and traded unconditionally elsewhere. Their meat is usually consumed locally but the fins are sold internationally, for use in shark fin soup.

“Sharks have long languished from misinformation and the bad reputation they received from thriller monster movies. But they are vital to marine ecosystems. Their protection under CITES also means that Threshers will automatically be protected under Section 102 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Amended Philippine Fisheries, until such time a scientific study allows it to be traded under strong monitoring and regulation,” said Vince Cinches, Philippines Oceans Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

PLDT starts construction of 9th data center, 2nd in Cebu

(PR)

CEBU -- Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT, through its enterprise digital enabler ePLDT, is expanding its commercial data center operations in Cebu with the construction of a second Vitro facility in Mandaue City.

This is in response to the growing requirements of enterprises in Cebu province and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao for a reliable and secure repository for their rapidly expanding volume of digital information.

This facility also answers the needs of enterprises in Luzon for additional diversity via a business continuity site outside Luzon.

Expected to be completed by fourth quarter of 2017, the new Vitro facility will serve the growing demand for co-location, enterprise-class cloud and managed services requirements of data-driven industries and businesses such as banks, financial services, call centers and BPOs, IT, content and media companies, retail enterprises, as well as the need of the public sector entities.

Like the other Vitro facilities in ePLDT's network of data centers, the second Vitro Cebu data center will be built and operated with international certifications. It will be a four-floor level facility with a minimum of 3,600-square meter floor area situated alongside ePLDT's existing data center in Mandaue City.

The new data center will have a minimum of 700-rack capacity to add to ePLDT's 8,300 rack capacity by end of 2016. This new data center will bring up the PLDT Group's current network of data centers to nine sites.

Once operational, the facility will also have a minimum of eight layers of security and 24/7 monitoring and surveillance in all of its areas.

"Visayas and Mindanao are home to the most vibrant industries and business communities that greatly contribute to the country's economic growth. A little more than three years after its opening in 2012, the first Vitro in Cebu is now 100 percent utilized, a testament to the region's dynamic business environment. The second Vitro data center will address the region's local enterprises' needs as they get more aggressive in outsourcing the hosting and management of their IT assets," said PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.

"Our expansion plans will complement the growing need for data center services in the region and provide a stronger foundation to sustain the momentum of businesses to become more competitive with digital services," added Alberto.

The second Cebu Vitro Data Center and the rest of the ePLDT Network of Data Centers will serve as the bedrock for the emerging data-driven enterprise in the future and the testament of modern civilization to help them optimize, harness, safeguard and protect the data-driven core of their business including mission critical data, co-location, business continuity and data backup, managed data security, network connectivity management, and other IT services which will usher them into the digital age.

Aside from the efficiency and expertise that come with these services, businesses will also be able to minimize costs in running and managing their own information systems and platforms through Vitro's Opex-based hosting arrangement.

The second Cebu Vitro data center is supported by PLDT's robust fiber optic network spanning over 100,000 kilometers across the archipelago enabling the delivery of digital solutions nationwide.

8 schools tie up with Province for Paglaum scholarship program

By Camille L. Pateres (USJ-R Journalism Intern)

THE Provincial Government of Cebu partnered with eight colleges and universities for the “Paglaum” scholarship program intended for differently-abled and marginalized students in the province.

The partner-schools signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Capitol yesterday to seal their partnership. These schools and universities are Cebu Technological University (CTU), University of Cebu, University of the Visayas, Cebu Normal University, Mandaue City College, North Eastern Cebu Province, Lapu-Lapu City College, and Cordova Community College.

Among those who graced the MOA signing was former Provincial Board member Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero, one of those who pushed for the scholarship program.

She said she decided to attend the activity to make sure that the program will be implemented.

Gov. Hilario Davide III said that education has always been a priority of the Province.

The governor thanked the partner-schools for supporting the Province’s education program.

Better life

“This agreement will strengthen our sword in fighting against illegal drugs and would strengthen our commitment to provide our children to achieve their dreams and to live a better life,” he said.

Jenny Murillo, 32, shared the story of her life as an example of paglaum (hope).

Murillo, who now works as a video blogger of a United States-based company, said that she came from a dysfunctional family.

At the age of five, her father was murdered, and when she reached high school her stepfather allegedly attempted to rape her.

Murillo said that she is happy that the Province came up with the Paglaum scholarship program as a lot of people will benefit from the program, especially those who were abandoned.

Japanese budget carrier to start Cebu flights by Christmas

By Katlene O. Cacho

CEBU’s connection to Japan will get a boost following the announcement of Tokyo-based budget carrier Vanilla Air to offer direct flights between Tokyo and Cebu by Christmas.

According to the Nikkei Asian Review, the wholly-owned ANA Holdings unit will operate once daily round-trip flights from Narita Airport to Mactan Cebu International Airport beginning Dec. 25.

Vanilla Air is the first Japanese airline to launch regular non-stop service to central Philippines.

“The service will cater to the demand from Japanese travelers seeking refuge in the tropical island’s year-round warm weather or looking to take English classes on short- to medium-term stints,” the report said.

At present Cebu’s connection to Narita, Japan is being serviced by Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Air. PAL operates two round-trip flights daily, while Cebu Pacific operates four round-trip flights a week.

Vanilla Air will market the low ticket prices and the convenience of daily flights to travel companies, citing the ease of putting together group tours and individual packages, the report said. One-way fares will start at about 15,000 yen ($147), or around 50 to 70 percent lower than those of bigger airlines.

Cebu’s tourism stakeholders welcomed the addition of the route, saying it will boost tourism and trade between Cebu and Narita.

“This is an exciting and much welcomed development. A realization of the cumulative efforts of various stakeholders to invite more airlines to offer direct flights to and from Cebu. This will open up more opportunities for an increase in tourism arrivals and spending, which will impact the overall economy of Cebu and the region,” said Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Melanie Ng.

“I’m very elated it will finally happen because I was part of the Cebu delegation that first met with Vanilla Air in many World and Asia Routes events before,” added Ng.

GMR-Megawide Cebu Aiport Corp., the private operator of Mactan Cebu International Airport, however, declined to comment as there are no formal agreements signed between them and Vanilla Air yet, although the Vanilla Air website now shows Cebu is included in its list of destinations.

Tourism advocate Jonathan Jay Aldeguer said Vanilla Air’s entry to Cebu is remarkable news, as the Japanese have always had a strong affinity with Cebu.

“They are also known as big spenders so Cebu will definitely benefit from this. The best part is because of the very affordable rates, the younger market will be able to visit Cebu more frequently,” said Aldeguer, president of The Islands Group.

Trade is expected to be given a boost with the added connectivity to Japan, said Glenn Anthony Soco, president of Manadaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said this will enhance the brand of Cebu as an island destination in the Pacific.

DSWD sponsors free birth registration for Sama-Bajaus

(Cebu Daily News)

To assist the indigent indigenous communities like the Sama-Bajaus in acquiring legal documents like birth certificates, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) sponsored a free late registration.

The DSWD-7, in partnership with the Public Attorneys Office, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Philippine Statistics Authority, Cebu City government and Nano Nagle Child Care and Learning Center provided a venue where the Sama-Bajaus of Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, can avail of the free late registration in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 8371 also known as “The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997.”

The free civil registration activity is in line with the Indigenous Peoples Participation Framework geared towards the fulfillment of their community participation and promotion of their rights.

It is also in consonance with the Article 7 of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that “The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and cared for by his or her parents…”

During the activity, about 91 birth certificates issued by the City Registrar’s Office and PSA were distributed to the Sama-Bajau parents whose children were registered last year. This year, more than 50 are set to be registered.

PSA-7 Regional Director Ronaldo Taghap during the distribution of the birth certificates stressed that such documents should be kept properly as it contains the legal identity of their children.

“We only have one name and we should take care of our identity especially the children who are now enrolled in schools,” Taghap said in the vernacular.

Capitol mulls hiring doctors, nurses

By Oscar C. Pineda

GOV. Hilario Davide III said that the Provincial Government of Cebu will accommodate rural doctors and nurses under the Department of Health (DOH) who will be displaced next year.

Davide issued the statement yesterday following the announcement of the health department on its plan to reduce the number of rural health doctors and nurses next year.

The expected reduction of health personnel is the result of the National Government’s implementation of the Salary Standardization Law.

In Cebu alone, there are 630 nurses and 18 doctors under DOH that are assigned in the different government facilities in the province, said Provincial Health Office (PHO) Head Dr. Rene Catan.

Catan said that the plan to reduce the number of doctors would have a huge effect on the delivery of public health services. But if the Capitol will take them in, it would be better for the province.

“But they will have to apply, and if they qualify with our standards we will take them in,” said Davide.

Dr. Niño Ismael Pastor said that the nurses are evenly distributed in all 44 towns and 7 cities.

Of the 67 doctors assigned at the Municipal Health Office and Rural Health Office (RHUs), 16 of them are under DOH. These 16 doctors are assigned to serve for the Doctors to the Barrio Program. Half of these doctors are expected to end their services for the program next month.

The remaining 51 doctors are hired by the local government unit (LGU).

Davide said that the Capitol needs more doctors and other health personnel for its four provincial hospitals and 12 district hospitals.

“From this group nga makuhaan og trabaho, anha ta makapili og maayong nurses ug doctors,” said Davide.

The governor said that once the Province managed to hire these doctors, he plans to assign them back to the RHUs on special assignment, particularly in Dalaguete or Minglanilla.

Davide did not mention the salary rate of the doctors if they would be hired by the Province.

He, however, said that apart from the salary that the doctors would be receiving from the Province they would also get their shares from the PhilHealth and district hospitals.

Catan said that the Province is in the process of upgrading the categories of its four provincial hospitals from level one to level two.

Catan said that the four district hospitals need to increase its bed capacity from 50 to 150, and more hospital personnel like radiology technician, medical technologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists are needed.

These four provincial hospitals also need to become blood collecting units (BCU).

The Carcar City Provincial Hospital is now serving as a provincial blood collecting unit, though the collected bloods are still processed in the regional BCU.

Lakbay Lahi held at SM Seaside

(Sun.Star Cebu)

IN CELEBRATION of Buwan ng Wika, the Tutoring Club Cebu (TCC) and Eagles Nest Condominium in Mandaue City recently held the “Lakbay Lahi: A Heritage Journey” at the Mountain Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu.

In its seven years of operations, TCC, a United States skill-based tutoring service for children at all levels of academic ability from elementary to high school with branches in Banilad Town Centre, has undertaken many educational causes in line with its advocacy that education goes beyond the four walls of the classroom.

These advocacies include outreach programs to the less fortunate students of Cebu, environmental preservation, family-oriented competitions that apply academic skills and creativity, sharing knowledge with fellow educators in the community and cultural heritage preservation.

In its quest to help in nation building, TCC Director Jogen Mil, together with her team, decided to organize an event in partnership with SM Seaside City Cebu.

In cooperation with JCI Metro Cebu Uptown, Monster Radio BT 105.9 and Ad 58 Productions, the event involved both public and private schools in Cebu in celebrating the Buwan ng Wika through linguistic and cultural activities aimed at nurturing patriotism.

The one-day event held last Aug. 27, which was open to the public, was endorsed by the Department of Education represented by Dr. Grecia Bataluna, chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division.

It showcased Filipino heritage through the exhibition of Amano weaves from Argao by Dexter Alazas, Kultura handicrafts, Baybayin ancient writing, Cebu’s traditional hilot, sipa and arnis demo, larong Pinoy, Ifugao headdress-making, alamat storytelling, The Cube sculpture-making, guhit at salaysay, Rondalla, heritage songs, dance and music, sabayang pagbigkas, and a Filipiniana fashion show.

The event was made possible through the support of Lakbay Lahi’s sponsors including Primary Group of Builders, Paramount Life and General Insurance Corp., Lucky Tableware Factory Inc. H2Zero, Julie’s Bakeshop, Titay’s, CBX Corp., Uniqlo, iFlix, Lola Pureza, San Diego Dance Company, Cebu Beautiful Moms, Danny Booc, Lemuel Rosos and their teams.

SSS opens 5 CV branches on all Saturdays of September

(Sun.Star Cebu)

IN LINE with its efforts to assist member-borrowers in settling their past due loans, Social Security System (SSS) branches in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay and Tagbilaran in Bohol will remain open in all Saturdays of September to accommodate applicants for the SSS loan restructuring program (LRP) in Central Visayas. LRP offers affordable payment terms and condonation of loan penalties.

Lawyer Alberto Montalbo, SSS officer-in-charge vice president for Central Visayas 1 Division, said five out of the total eight branches in Region 7 are among the 109 chosen SSS offices nationwide, which will accept LRP applications as well as other select SSS transactions on Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24.

The special Saturday schedule is also part of the 59th SSS anniversary celebration, whihch falls on Sept. 1 with the theme, “SSS at 59: Kaagapay at Kabalikat sa Pagbabago.”

“The special Saturday schedule is definitely advantageous to our members as it will give them the opportunity to avail (themselves) of the ongoing SSS loan restructuring program on a weekend,” said Montalbo.

The SSS decided to open these offices so that those who cannot visit SSS on weekdays due to their busy work schedules can have an opportunity during Saturday to file their LRP application, update their SSS records and undergo UMID data capture, among other branch transactions.

Aside from receiving LRP applications, the five Region 7 branches will also offer Saturday services, such as verification of SSS records, updating of SSS records, and UMID card applications.

The LRP was launched last April 28 to help calamity-stricken borrowers settle their unpaid short-term loans so that they may enjoy full amount of their benefits in the future.

“We hope that our members in Cebu and Bohol provinces, especially the borrowers, will take advantage of the services offered during the special Saturday schedule for September and we really expect that many will avail (themselves) of the loan restructuring program,” said Montalbo.

Application forms for the LRP and other SSS programs are downloadable from the SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph.

Members registered at the My.SSS facility of the SSS website can also view their SSS statement of loan account and other SSS records via the Internet.

For more information, members may call or email the nearest SSS office in their area, or visit the SSS website.

Resort with a view opens in Argao

By Justin K. Vestil

WHAT started out as a family rest house in the hills of Argao is fast becoming a popular destination for backpackers and families.

Located in Sitio Dobdob in the hillside village of Talaga, the JSJS Mountain Resort promises to provide a respite from the busy life in the metro with refreshing pools, affordable accommodation and a breathtaking view of Bohol.

Sweeney Villahermosa-Capote, one of the managers of the property, said the resort used to be the rest house of her husband’s family.

They did not plan on converting it into a resort until relatives and friends started asking them if they could rent the pool.

Before, the rest house only had a nine-feet pool.

Those who rented the rest house started spreading the word about their place and not long after, JSJS Mountain Resort was born.

Capote said that with an increase in the number of patrons, they decided to construct three more pools, one for adults and two for kids.

They also constructed dorms and standard rooms that can accommodate up to 84 people.

The standard rooms, which cost about P3,300, can accommodate four persons and also include free breakfast.

They also have three dorms that can accommodate up to 10 persons. It costs P3,300 to rent, also with free breakfast.

All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a TV set, water heater, refrigerator, bathroom with toiletries and towels.

Cottages are also available for day use.

Aside from having free access to amenities, room renters no longer need to pay the entrance fee of P100 for adults, P50 for children 4 to10 years old and P150 for those who want to use the pool at night.

Aside from their pools and accommodations, the resort also has function rooms and a restaurant that serves reasonably priced Filipino dishes.

In time for their barangay fiesta this month, Capote said they have been offering a 10-percent discount on cottage and room rates starting last month. The offer is only until Oct. 7.

Aside from their quality service and amenities, Capote said they offer customers a perfect view of Bohol Island and a relaxing getaway from the busy life in the city.

“What we can offer is tranquility. Our resort is a peaceful and relaxing place to be,” she added.

Spurring Mandaue’s growth

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) recognized outstanding brands, businesses and entrepreneurs that have helped spur growth in Mandaue City through their bold ideas, innovations and brave ventures during the chamber’s gala night on Thursday.

This is the first Mandaue Chamber Awards launched by MCCI this year, an award with a “dynamic modern image that recognizes people, products and places, that define Mandaue City and that also serves as model for entrepreneurial success.”

“Mandaue Chamber Awards aims to inspire other entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs in cultivating businesses, which adds value within their organization and the community in general,” said MCCI president Glenn Anthony Soco.

The Mandaue Chamber Awards trophy was designed by Kenneth Cobonpue.

For its product quality representing the food culture of Mandaue, MCCI conferred awards to Didang’s Masareal as the Local Product of the Year.

“Since 1912, Didang’s Masareal has represented the values of ingenuity, persistence, and hard work of rising above circumstances to create businesses and products that stand the test of time,” said MCCI.

According to Prudencia Suico Falcis, proprietor of Didang’s Masareal, honesty (in the business) and continued prayers made her mother’s business grow. Masareal is a delicacy made of ground peanuts and sugar served in a rectangular bar.

Leo Lim Liu, patriarch of the family behind Golden ABC, Matimco Inc. and Oakridge Business Park, was awarded Mentor of the Year.

MCCI said his achievement and influence spans many industries and whose next generation displayed tremendous success in garments, global fashion and manufacturing. Golden ABC is behind popular retail brands like Penshoppe.

The Destination of the Year award was conferred on Parkmall for its innovations in destination shopping and creating a unique lifestyle environment for shoppers in the Mandaue area.

The Global Brand of the Year was awarded to Philippine Brand of Profood International Corp. The Philippine Brand is now present in 52 countries.

Justin Uy, the company’s president and chief executive officer, said consistent quality, reasonable pricing and continuous delivery were the factors that made the brand reach foreign territories.

Dedon was named Foreign Investor of the Year for its contribution to the Philippine furniture industry, generating local employment, spurring innovation and cultivating design excellence.

MCCI said Dedon’s “outdoor sophistication, global lifestyle, cutting-edge design and Filipino craftsmanship” have made the company and Mandaue City a standout in the global furniture scene.

“Innovation for us is also about people, how we treat people, how we deal with people, how we inspire people in Mandaue, in the Philippines to do their best every single day, in every single piece of furniture they produce in Dedon. In Dedon, we always like it to be the first movers,” said Hervé Lampert, chief executive officer and managing partner of Dedon.

DTI to hold forum for exporters

By Jeandie O. Galolo

IN response to the weakening export industry, the Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that it will consult with exporters in Cebu on Sept. 21.

DTI Cebu Trade Specialist Tessie Emphasis said the consultation intends to solicit inputs on the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU).

“We want to inform our exporters and let them know about the export opportunities in Europe,” Emphasis said, noting the export downtrend.

The topics to be discussed during the whole- day consultation at the Quest Hotel along Archbishop Reyes Ave. in Cebu City include strategy in exporting to Europe, the Philippines-European FTA, the EU Generalized Systems of Reference Plus (GSP+), market access, rules of origin, trade in services and investments, and intellectual property rights.

In June, merchandise exports fell 11.4 percent, its 15th straight month of decline. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) attributed this to weak demand from major export markets and the slow global economic recovery.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show total export receipts went down to $4.8 billion in June this year from $5.4 billion in the same month last year due to lower sales across commodity groups.

These include mineral products; machinery and transport equipment; other manufactures; chemicals; woodcrafts and furniture; ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircrafts and ships; electronic products; metal components; and coconut oil.

Talisay City breaks ground for new PHP150-M public market

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

TALISAY CITY, Cebu, Sept. 8 (PNA) -- Talisay City Mayor Eduardo R. Gullas on Thursday led the groundbreaking for the city’s new PHP150-million public market in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

Gullas said the new public market is scheduled to be completed in a year and a half.

During the groundbreaking, Gullas placed old medals of the Virgin Mary and coins provided by his wife, Norma, on the time capsule that would be buried along with the plans for the new market.

Gullas said he chose September 8 as a good day to hold the groundbreaking because it is birthday of the Virgin Mary.

He said he also broke ground for the new Talisay City Hall on Sept. 8 more than a decade ago.

The mayor said the new public market will be constructed in two phases.

The first phase will involve the construction of two market buildings for the dry goods section, while the second phase will develop the wet market.

Cebu state-run hospital offers free emergency services starting Sept.

(PNA), CVL/EB/EBP

CEBU CITY, Sept. 7 (PNA) -- The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu’s biggest state-run hospital, will provide free services for patients with emergency cases starting this month, an official said.

Dr. Gerardo Aquino, VSMMC chief, said the free emergency services program, which began Sept. 1, is estimated to cost PHP5 million a month.

The free services in the emergency department include laboratory fees and the cost of medicine and procedures, he said.

Aquino issued Hospital Order No. 1216, series of 2016 last Aug. 23, in line with the health agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said changes were adopted to heed President Duterte’s order to reduce long lines in government offices and facilities.

These changes are taking place amid familiar challenges, such as overcrowding, which sometimes means that patients’ beds are placed in hallways and lobbies.

“Our policy is to accept all patients who want to be admitted. We don’t say no to incoming patients because we want them to get well even if they have to be accommodated anywhere inside the hospital,” Aquino said.

He noted that the hospital had 1,200 personnel when its capacity was 500 beds.

The hospital still has the same number of personnel after its capacity was increased 1,200 beds, he said.

Aquino said the hospital often serves more patients than it has beds for.

“To alleviate the situation, we expanded the services of the Out-Patient Department (OPD) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” he said.

Aquino said that from January to June this year, the hospital also provided PHP209 million worth of quantified free services (QFS) for all patients.

These services amounted to PHP229.8 million in 2013; PHP199.7 million in 2014; and PHP311.6 million in 2015.

Aquino said these services account for about 25 percent of the total bills and the rest are paid for by other agencies, among them the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and medical assistance.

Cebu to enjoy long weekend holidays

By Michelle Joy L. Padayhag

A long weekend is up ahead for the City of Cebu and Cebu province, along with its component cities, after President Rodrigo Duterte declared September 12, Monday, a national holiday in observance of Eid’l Adha.

September 9, Friday, is also a special non-working holiday for Cebu, based on Republic Act 6953, in honor of the Philippines’ 4th President, Sergio Osmeña Sr., dubbed as the “Grand Old Man of Cebu”.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga clarified that it will be a “no work and no pay” holiday on Friday, while workers will earn double pay on Monday if they will be asked to report.

“For Monday, salaries will be doubled for those who are working. Those who are not will receive a hundred percent (salary) rate,” Sarcauga told Cebu Daily News adding that companies will be monitored by DOLE for compliance of the directive on double pay.

There will be no classes in all levels for both Friday and Monday, according to Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Bianito Dagatan.

Osmeña, grandfather of former senator Serge Osmeña III, Toledo City Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña, former Cebu governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña was also the founder of the Nacionalista Party.

Before becoming President from 1944 to 1946, Osmeña was also governor of Cebu from 1906 to 1907.

Meanwhile, Republic Act 9849 declares Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice a national holiday.

Eid’l Adha is the tenth day in the month of Hajj or the Islamic Pilgrimage to Mecca wherein Muslims pay homage to Abraham’s supreme act of sacrifice that signifies mankind’s obedience to God.

Duterte’s declaration for a national holiday on Monday was contained in proclamation 56, which notes that the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommended that the observance of the Islamic holiday be on September 12.

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Experts finish Argao church’s facelift

By Justin K. Vestil

THREE years after an earthquake damaged it, the facade of the century-old Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel in Argao has been completely restored.

The repair and rehabilitation of the Spanish-era church ended just in time for the town’s fiesta celebration this month.

Rommel Aquino, materials conservator of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), told Sun. Star Cebu that they finished the restoration works last June 17.

Aside from the facade, the church’s old convent and Capilla Mortuario (mortuary chapel) were also fully restored and repaired.

The NHCP spent close to P17.5 million for the repairs and restoration of the three buildings, Aquino said.

Based on NHCP’s scope of work, repairs and restorations were done on the old church’s choir loft, pulpit, roof, eaves, facade, internal ceiling, walls and belfry, which were all damaged when the 7.2 magnitude quake struck Cebu and Bohol on Oct. 15, 2013.

Aquino said that compared to their extensive work in Bohol, which involved collapsed churches, the repair of the old church is Argao was manageable.

What was difficult, he said, was restoring the old structure of damaged portions of the church, which required extensive work and study.

Aquino said that even though NHCP’s focus is to make the old churches more disaster-proof, they cannot ignore the fact that they are also dealing with a piece of history that needs restoration.

“Aside from engineering experts, we have to consult international experts on masonry, wood and stone to get exact details on the portions of the church that we want to restore,” Aquino said.

The NHCP has also started training 12 people, composed of artisans and other craftsmen, who can help maintain the relics that were restored and those that survived the earthquake.

Aquino said that they also came up with detailed catalogue of all relics, including old structures and items that have historical value.

The catalogue will be turned over to the Municipal Government for their safekeeping and reference, Aquino said.

10 Cebu LGUs unite to protect Tañon Strait

By Izobelle T. Pulgo

Ten local government units (LGUs) in Cebu have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Rare to protect the Tañon Strait from further degradation.

The signatories of the agreement composed of mayors of Alegria, Aloguinsan, Badian, Bantayan, Ginatilan, Moalboal, Samboan, Santa Fe, San Remigio and Santander expressed their desire to promote sustainable practices in dealing with marine biodiversity located in their respective towns along the Tañon Strait.

The MOA highlights the roles of LGUs in protecting the Tañon Strait by establishing mangrove conservation and rehabilitation programs, providing community education and outreach, and implementing programs that will monitor the economic condition of its locals.

The LGUs, along with Rare, an international conservation organization dedicated to addressing environmental problems, will implement the

“Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key Biodiversity Areas Project” in Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau.

Bantayan Mayor Arthur Despi said the role of Rare as an organization that specializes in behavior change is relevant in changing the mindset of the fisherfolk community.

“Kaniadto pa man gyud, ang Bantayan ni-suffer sa consequence anang kaingin attitude didto sa dagat — use and abuse (Bayan has long been suffering from the consequence of kaingin attitude in the sea — the use and abuse,” he said.

“Mao man gyud na akong gitan-aw nga mag-change na gyud og mindset. Gone are the days nga abundance (fish). So kung gusto ta nga mabalik ang kaabunda, magsugod gyud ta sa behavior change kay ang ato mang kinaiya nga nagsalig ta sa kadaghan sa isda, nga abi nato di mahurot, nga hangtod karon bisan karon nga wala’y isda, mao ra man gihapon atong panghuna-huna, mao na mag-usab gyud ta og mindset (It’s very important that we should change our mindset. Gone were the days when fish were abundant. So if we want to have abundant fish again, we must start with behavior change by changing our mindset because we think that the number of fish would not dwindle),” he added.

Raquel “Rocky” Sanchez-Tirona, vice president of Rare, said the organization will help the LGUs reduce threats to natural resources through their “Pride Campaigns” that provide technical assistance in the management of the communities’ coastal and fisheries resources.

“We’re going to work closely with the protected area office in their capacity building, help provide the necessary tools for rationalizing, aligning and harmonizing policy, and sustainable financing opportunities,” she said.

The program is a timely response to the ever-depleting fishery resources that have been the source of livelihood among many locals in coastal areas.

5 Cebu grads top Medtech board

By John M. Destacamento (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Five graduates from Cebu-based schools landed in the top 10 of the August 2016 Medical Technologist (Medtech) Licensure Examination, the Professional Regulation Commission announced through its website Thursday night.

Eunice Maybelle Antonio Garcia of Cebu Doctors' University finished third place with a score of 90.30 percent.

Garcia, in an online chat with The FREEMAN, said she did not expect to top the board knowing that she started her review a little late.

"(My) struggle in preparing for the board was really how to start reviewing, kay I started late for the review classes kay June naman nag-start," she said.

"Ang review man gud namo kay naa'y 1st batch sa Manila April to nag-start. Then most of my classmates took the 1st batch, but I decided to take the 2nd batch here sa Cebu and June 14 na nag-start," she explained.

Garcia, a magna cum laude graduate, admitted that there were moments when she felt life was pressing her down, especially when she failed some of her exams. She said one of the hardest parts about taking the board was to live up to people's expectations.

However, she managed to overcome this with resiliency, prayer and guidance from her family.

"Pray the hardest when it is hard to pray. Then don't let your failures put you down because it will not define you," she said.

To the future board takers, Garcia advised that topping the exam is not impossible as long as one desires it and commits to work to achieve it.

Garcia is followed by Justine Danielle Desphy Cadungog and Ma. Lourdes Lacerna Bajarias, both from Velez College, who ranked fourth and fifth places, respectively, with a rating of 90.20 percent and 90.10 percent.

Frances Abigail Chua Dotillos, also from CDU, scored 89.60 percent to place ninth while Daryll Dayne Jueco Arcayan, also from Velez College, rounded out the top 10 with 89.50 percent.

Among schools with at least 50 takers, CDU was among the four that registered a 100 percent passing rate with all of its 71 takers passing the test.

Velez, meanwhile, produced 206 passers out of the 209 it fielded or a passing rate of 98.56 percent.

Of the 5,126 graduates who took the test, a total of 4,144 passed, according to the PRC.

The examination was given by the Board of Medical Technology in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Tuguegarao.

Roselle Louise Luga Publico of Silliman University emerged with the highest score at 91.10 percent. Clarisse Joan Ceriales Cadano, a fellow Sillimanian, obtained the second spot with 90.70 percent.

Red Cross blood bank to rise in Bogo City

(Sun.Star Cebu)

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will break ground today its Bogo City/northern Cebu branch and blood bank building.

The groundbreaking will be led by PRC Chairman and Sen. Richard Gordon, Gov. Hilario Davide III and Bogo City Mayor Carlo Martinez.

The construction of the two-story building that will cost P10 million will be shouldered entirely by the PRC on land donated by the City Government at the New Government Center.

According to Marco Abrazado, field operations head of the PRC for Haiyan (Yolanda) Operation, the building will be the focal point for Red Cross operations in the north.

These include disaster management, safety services, health services, Red Cross Youth, social services and blood services.

Abrazado said that Bogo City was the right place due to it being the gateway to northern Cebu, and the presence of support facilities.

400-hectare theme park eyed as Cebu’s next tourism star

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, Sept. 1 (PNA) -- A 400-hectare theme park being developed in Carmen town, some 41 kilometers north of Cebu City, is being groomed as Cebu’s next tourism star, an official said.

Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa, Cebu Province’s tourism consultant, said the theme park, developed by Cebu pawnshop and money remittance magnate Michel Lhuillier, is expected to attract both local and foreign tourists.

Roa, a former Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 director, said the 400-hectare theme park in Carmen is an ecotourism Disneyland-like attraction in size and activities.

“It is a grand tourism product,” Roa said.

She said the theme park is already a “destination by itself.”

Roa said Lhuillier’s theme park will have accommodation facilities, farms, zoo, nature tripping and other outdoor activities that promote “communion with nature.”

“This new tourism product will boost our positioning as an eco-tourism destination,” said Roa.

Roa said ecotourism remains a priority tourism product being pushed by Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who is the chair of the province’s tourism sector.

Earlier, Magpale pledged to develop more ecotourism destinations in Cebu, citing the rising interest on nature tours.

Magpale said the provincial government released last year funds to Samboan town for the Aguinid Falls development; Tabuelan town for its river cruise project; and the towns of Badian and Alegria for their canyoneering activities.

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