Cebu Province News April 2018

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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.

Camping spots in Cebu

By MARYMIL M. CABRERA

WITH Cebu’s rich natural resources, waking up to a beautiful view of mountains covered with rug of trees, greenery and city lights twinkling like stars at night, or to waves crawling gently to the shore under the blue limitless sky is just 30 minutes to three hours away from the hustle and bustle of Cebu City. Here are some camping and glamping (glamorous camping) sites one could enjoy to live an off-grid life for a day or more.

1. Chalet Hills in Busay

A perfect trail for beginners. Situated in Sitio Babag, Barangay Busay, Cebu City and a few minutes away from the Temple of Leah, Chalet Hills is one of the most accessible campsites within the city that gives a panoramic view of the metro and of its surrounding mountains.

How To Get There:

Take a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) from JY Square Mall and tell the driver that you’re heading to Chalet Hills. You will be brought straight to the foot of the hill, and from there, you can start hiking for at least 10 to 15 minutes to get to the top of the hill.

2. Mt. Naupa in the City of Naga

Ranking eighth among the highest mountains in Central Visayas with a height of 584 meters above sea waters, Mt. Naupa is a popular destination for mountaineers and campers. The trek is at least an hour long, depending on how often you rest to catch your breath, but totally worth it when you get up there. The sea of clouds is often seen when you’re up there.

How To Get There:

If you’re from Cebu City, ride a bus or jeepney going to Lolo Tinong’s Bakery in Tungkop, Minglanilla. From there, hire a habal-habal to Sto. Niño Chapel in Barangay Cogon, City of Naga, the jump-off point going to Mt. Naupa.

3. Bacalla Woods Campsite in San Fernando

A home of the artists, environmentalists, explorers, extreme sports athletes, campers and all nature enthusiasts, Bacalla Woods Campsite is nestled in Sitio Libo, Barangay Ilaya, San Fernando. Aside from camping, there are a lot of activities you can bask yourself in like river trekking, mountain biking, long boarding, snorkeling and stand-up paddling.

FYI: There’s no WiFi or cellphone signal in the area so you can really disconnect with the stressful life to connect from nature.

How to get there:

Hop on a bus headed south at the Cebu South Bus Terminal and inform the bus conductor to drop you off on the jump-off road in Ilaya. From there you would have to hire a habal-habal and tell the driver that you’re going to Bacalla Woods Campsite.

4. Lambug Beach in Badian

This public beach with crystal clear waters and fine white sand has no entrance fee. Just pitch your tents on any spot you want, and you’re good. At night, multi-colored lights are turned on to give you a well-lit camping spot.

How to get there:

Ride a bus going to the south and inform the conductor that you’re going to Lambug in Badian. From there, ride a tricycle going to the beach.

5. Formosa Camp Resort

For those who want to experience hassle-free camping with amenities that offer a resort-like experience, go to Formosa Camp Resort in Barangay Bagasawe, Tuburan town, a two-hour drive away from Cebu City.

How to get there:

There are three routes to get there: 1) Via the Transcentral Highway where one can take a V-Hire from the Ayala Center Cebu terminal going to Tuburan, then ride a tricycle from Tuburan town proper to Formosa Camp Resort. 2) Via Toledo, which is ideal for those who are coming from the Cebu South Bus Terminal. 3) By bus going to Tuburan via Lugo in Borbon/Sogod from the North Bus Terminal.

Gentle reminder: Wherever you are camping, it may be in a public or private place, don’t forget to clean as you go and respect other campers by behaving properly.

Cordova ties up with SoKor for agri, fishery

(KOC)

THE municipality of Cordova has strengthened its economies ties with South Korea to boost each other’s agriculture and fishery sectors.

In a statement, Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government units of Wonju City, Hoengseong County and Sukcho City for a fishery and agricultural exchange program.

Under the agreement, participants from Cordova will be sent to South Korea to undergo agricultural and fishery training for three months.

They will be exposed to South Korea’s sophisticated farming and fishing methods that could be replicated in the municipality.

The Cebu Korean Association (CKA) has likewise pledged to assist in the processing of their visas, among other requirements.

“These partnerships give us one of a kind opportunity for our people to learn and experience South Korea for three months. This also strengthens the bond between the Philippines and South Korea,” said Cho.

Aside from the technical experience, the beneficiaries will also be given cash allowance to take care of their personal needs and the needs of their families while they are away.

Cho said other LGUs in South Korea have expressed interest in the program. She said she is looking at the possibility of extending the agreement to the rest of Cebu.

Philippine exports to the Republic of Korea stood at $218.16 million in January this year. Korea ranked sixth in the country’s top 10 market destinations for the month. It, however, ranked second with imports, valued at $899.99 million in January 2018, contributing a share of 10.5 percent.

Import from this country rose to 53.3 percent from $587.03 million in January 2017.

ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) Secretary General Kim Youn-sun in reports said, South Korea coined a new term for “VIP”, which stands for Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines as countries that can offer huge potential for the East Asian nation.

He added that South Korea and the Philippines can cooperate on value-adding industries and digital economy.

Aside from infrastructure, South Korean firms can also look into investment opportunities in shipbuilding, automotive and electronics manufacturing, food production and processing, banking and finance, and other labor-intensive industries.

Lapu-Lapu City celebrates 'Kadaugan sa Mactan'

By Luel Galarpe (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- The City of Lapu-Lapu on Friday celebrated the 497th “Kadaugan sa Mactan” anniversary of the historic Battle of Mactan between Datu Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

The Lapu-Lapu City Public Information Office (PIO) told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that an estimated crowd of 5,000 people including guests gathered at the Liberty Shrine to witness the commemoration and re-enactment of the epic battle of our ancestors against the Spanish conquistadores.

The event was spearheaded by Mayor Paz Radaza and was graced by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino, Department of Tourism - Central Visayas Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - 7 Director Ahmed Cuizon and other government officials.

Tamano praised Lapu-Lapu City for being the No. 1 tourist destination in Central Visayas last year.

Of the 2.9 million tourists who visited the region in 2017, one million spent their vacation in Lapu-Lapu, Tamano said in his short message.

He also expects the influx of more tourists in Central Visayas this year after the opening of the Mactan Cebu International Airport’s Terminal II and the Panglao Bohol International Airport.

In her opening remarks, Mayor Radaza said she hopes the determination and dedication of Lapu-Lapu to protect Mactan against Magellan would encourage the residents to protect the city and make it grow.

Dino, on the other hand, reiterated his support for the Light Railway Transit project in Cebu during his speech.

Making up the lead cast in the re-enactment were model/actor Derick Hubalde as Datu Lapu-Lapu, actor Luis Alandy as Magellan, and Cebuana actress Dionne Monsanto as Reyna Bulakna.

The re-enactment was directed by Rudy Aviles with Victor Cuenco as creative director. The Visayan theme song and official jingle for the re-enactment were composed by Isagani Villarojo.

Chamber bares activities for Cebu Business Month 2018

(PR)

TO inspire, promote, and help grow Cebu’s business sector, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (CCCI) has set a series of activities for this year’s Cebu Business Month (CBM) in June, which are designed to highlight the importance of innovation in all aspects of the business.

Aligned with the theme, “INNOVATE CEBU!”, the month-long annual flagship project of CCCI will feature relevant activities and events that focus on the areas of tourism, entrepreneurship, and information and communications technology and business processing management. CBM is currently running on its 22nd year.

“Cebu Business Month's main objective has always been to inspire, promote, and grow businesses. For this year, many will be able to see and hear the paradigm shift of the businesses through innovation,” said Benny Que, CBM 2018 overall chairman.

CCCI will hold a Grand Launching and Press Conference of CBM 2018 on May 10 to be followed by a Grand Opening Salvo on June 1. Que said that the public can expect world-class performances during the salvo at the Ayala Terraces where a variety of products will be showcased through the One Town, One Product (OTOP) and Start-ups Exhibits, encouraging local businesses to flourish.

CBM 2018’s adventure racing event dubbed as Lumba’g Laag Sa Sugbo on June 10-12 will bring teams to Cebu’s hidden attractions while the Tourism Innovation Forum on June 14 will be a day full of learning as leading stakeholders come together to discuss new ideas to attract more tourists to Cebu.

The Innovation Summit (Conference and Exhibition) on June 19-20 is the main highlight of CBM 2018. “It will feature international powerhouse speakers that aim to challenge everyone's way of thinking,” Que said.

CBM 2018 will also celebrate new event partnerships that led to these collaborations: Design Week on June 16-23, MSME Industry Edtour on June 22, and Sugbo Entertainment Expo (SEE Cebu) on June 23-24.

On June 21, Business-in-Golf Tournament will be held as a light but competitive day on the green.

Other CBM 2018’s activities and events include One Two, On Product (OTOP) Exhibit on June 1-6, CEO Forum on Workforce Development on June 5, CEBU.IFF Curtain Raiser Cebu International Film Festival on June 8, AAA Renaissance Cebuana 2018 on June 9 (Cebuana Sports Marathon)and June 23 (Battle of the Brains), and Lumba’g LaagsaSugbo Awarding on June 13.

“CBM2018 will culminate with an outstanding bang with the Grand Chamber Awards and Fellowship Night on June 29,” Que said.

All event updates can be accessed through the CBM 2018 app on Android.

“Through the CBM 2018 programs within the entire month of June, CCCI continues to contribute to the competitive advantage of Cebu in the global economy, thereby propelling Cebu businesses to catalyze inclusive growth in the region,” said CCCI president Antonio Chiu.

He said that the chamber ensures that the CBM every year is meaningful and relevant to the current needs and trends in order to help the business community in Cebu and in the neighboring islands achieve and sustain growth and development.

“CCCI through CBM continues to actively engage in economic programs that will spur the formation of new investments and expansion of operations leading to the creation of jobs as well as in promoting sustainable initiatives,” Chiu added.

CCCI envisions itself as “The Engine of Cebu’s Business Growth towards Global Competitiveness”. It has more than 800 member-companies coming from different sectors. One of its annual flagship projects is CBM, with the Presidential Proclamation No. 748 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos declaring the event to be celebrated in the whole month of June.

NBI opens 9th satellite office in Metro Cebu

By Elitz Caballero (CNU Intern)

TO avoid long lines in its main office, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) opened a satellite office in Shopwise, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City yesterday.

NBI National Director Dante Gierran, who attended the opening, said the agency’s new satellite office will help decongest the main office, usually full of those who want to get an NBI clearance.

Gierran said that having satellite offices in malls will provide convenience.

The opening of a new satellite office in Mambaling was made possible by NBI’s partnership with Maycre Inc.

Jomel Maypa, chief executive officer of Maycre, said that the Shopwise satellite office has been operational since March 5 this year, and already served around 1,400 clients.

Gierran said they will be opening more satellite offices in Cebu. In May, he said that another satellite office will be established in SM City Cebu in the North Reclamation Area.

With over 116 satellite offices nationwide, NBI assured the public of a better, faster, and hassle-free transaction.

NBI 7 Director Atty. Patricio Bernales Jr. said there are now nine satellite offices in Cebu, including the one in Barangay Mambaling.

The others are located in Bogo City, Naga City, Danao, Banawa, J Centre Mall and two in Mandaue City.

“This will allow people from far-flung places to transact clearances in the satellite offices nearest to them,” he said.

Tourism Heritage Plans

By MAO BA

Netizens gave their inputs to plans by the Cebu Association of Tour Operation Specialists (CATOS) to strengthen tourism heritage in Cebu to lure more visitors to the province.

Mary Reponoya Debacker wrote, “the main reason tourists dont like to stay longer in the country is because of pickpocketers, holduppers , snatchers and children selling stuff to the tourist or begging they do not like that. If i asked them how´s your vacation we would like to stay longer, but they don’t like snatchers, it’s very disturbing.”

A netizen named Dale L Roach commented, “Clean up the city and make transportation better, plus making sure the water is clean enough to swim in. Train those in the business taking care of tourist for better service.”

While Amarita Huret said, “Clean up Cebu City !, Take those children away , NO MORE beggars for anyone especially to foreigners , Clean up all beaches & all along the coasts..”

Medical mission serves 3 hinterland brgys

(SunStar Cebu)

SOLID Earth Development Corp. (SEDC) sent back three separate medical missions to the hinterlands of San Fernando, Cebu over the recent months.

With the support of Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. (TCPI), it mobilized resources and volunteers to serve a total of 1,958 residents who hardly have access to medical attention.

SEDC director and chief technical adviser Hiroyuki Sakakibara oversaw the three missions in Barangay Ilaya, then in Barangay Tañañas, and in Barangay Cabatbatan.

The mission recorded similar cases in the three barangays, including common cough and colds, stomachache, arthritis, body malaise, diabetes, headache, fever, urinary tract infection, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Cebu to benefit from 3 big-ticket infra projects

By Rea Cu

THE Department of Finance (DOF) has pointed out that Cebu stands to benefit from at least three big-ticket infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) program in step with the DOF’s goal of boosting this province’s status as a major growth driver of the national economy.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said the strong support of the Philippines’s friends in the region in the form of official development assistance (ODA) comprising of grants and soft loans has allowed the government to pursue “hybrid” public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects faster and at lower costs.

“These infrastructure investments are being made with the expectation that Cebu will continue playing a strong role as one of the reliable growth drivers of the national economy,” Dominguez said in a speech read for him by DOF Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin at a conference in Cebu.

The finance chief explained that in Cebu, the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port, which is expected to be completed by 2020, is being supported by Korean ODA.

Meanwhile, two other big-ticket projects in the area, which are up for submission to the Investment Coordination Committee, are the 24.5-kilometer Cebu-to-Bohol Link Bridge ​and the 5.5-kilometer Cebu-Negros Link Bridge.

Dominguez said that, aside from the generous ODA provided by the country’s allies in the region, the government can also count on the fiscal space created by the Philippines’s investment-grade ratings and robust revenue flows from the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) to support massive investments in infrastructure.

The second CTRP package that aims to reduce corporate income taxes while reforming the investment-incentives system is expected to be passed by Congress this year.

Another program expected to further drive the Philippines economic growth in the immediate term and make it more inclusive is the BBB program, comprising not only the three multibillion-peso projects for Cebu but also the 72 other flagship projects that will develop growth corridors in other parts of the country and sharpen the economy’s competitiveness.

“Complemented by an extensive road-building program undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways, this infrastructure program will bring all areas of the archipelago into the growth mainstream,” he added.

The BBB program will provide the stimulus to expand the country’s GDP by 7 percent or better, which will enable the government to reduce poverty incidence to only 14 percent by 2022, the finance chief said.

“Twenty-three of the flagship infrastructure projects have passed the approvals process and are ready for execution,” Dominguez said. “We expect the rest of the projects to clear the approvals process this year, and we aspire to complete the majority of these projects before President Duterte’s term ends in 2022.”

Massive coastal cleanup today

By May B. Miasco (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — In time for the Earth Day observance today, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 intends to engage local communities in its efforts to preserve and protect the coastal areas here.

DENR-7 information officer Charmie Regudo said this yearly initiative also serves as a persistent call for the public to stop the improper throwing solid waste directly into the waters.

Plastic garbage and waste thrown into the seas float and oftentimes end up back in the coastline.

“We want to gather partner stakeholders and encourage public participation to improve the status of our coastal areas here in the region,” she said yesterday.

She said this year’s observance of Earth Day aims to achieve a healthier environment by reducing plastic garbage along the coastlines and seashores. Hence, the theme for this year is “Green the cities, green the oceans: End plastic pollution.”

Regudo said DENR-7 has initiated various activities in the different provinces that will happen simultaneously today.

In Cebu, the local office will spearhead a coastal cleanup activity that happens to be a yearly initiative already. The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Cebu chose an area in Minglanilla town in southern Cebu because it has a wider space there that participants can clean up.

Starting 7 a.m., people are expected to crowd along the coastline of neighboring barangays Calajo-an and Tungkil that stretches for about one kilometer

Regudo said about 600 participants are expected to participate in today’s event.

Joining the DENR personnel are people from other government agencies, the local government unit, the non-government organizations, and private companies.

Just recently, the Philippines was identified by environmental group Greenpeace as the third worst polluter of the world’s oceans after China and Indonesia.

Regudo urged the public to maintain the cleanliness in the surroundings by disposing of their garbage properly.

Province acquires 27 heavy equipment for road repair

By Jeany C. Abit (CNU Intern)

THE Provincial Government inaugurated 23 heavy equipment units that will be deployed around Cebu.

Gov. Hilario Davide III said that four more will be arriving.

The purchase worth P227,385,350 consisted of three hydraulic excavators, two crawler tractors, two wheel loaders, two motor graders, two vibrator rollers, a forklift, a manlift, two self-loaders, nine dump trucks, a water truck and two boom trucks.

These will be distributed in towns that have an ongoing road project next month.

The municipality that will use the equipment until the project is completed will shoulder fuel expenses.

Five task forces will be assigned to monitor the equipment, the governor said.

KSPC turns over P1.3M to Naga’s health facility

(SunStar Cebu)

KEPCO SPC Power Corp. recently turned over their annual support for the City of Naga’s one-stop health facility, Vicente Mendiola Center for Health (VMCH), in the amount of P1,320,000.

It was part of the company’s social development plan and corporate social responsibility (SDP & CSR) programs. It is aimed at supporting the operation and sustainability of the facility that houses the medical laboratory/diagnostic center, dialysis, lying-in, and the soon to open City of Naga Infirmary.

The donation also aims to cater to the basic health and medical needs of the City’s constituents, especially the underprivileged Nagahanons.

KSPC President Chang Yong Cho, together with the Community and Public Relations Manager Victorio B. Naval led the turnover of the donation to the mayor, Atty. Kristine Vanessa T. Chiong.

Cebu students who take ‘bangka’ to school everyday finally graduate

By Cody Cepeda (/JB, INQUIRER.net)

For the students in Mambacayao Island, one of the small islands within the area of Bantayan Island in Cebu, they take not the school bus but the “yellow sea bus” when going to school.

The yellow school boats were donated by the Fillmore Elementary and Cabrillo High School 0f Lompoc, California to the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, before making their way to students of Mambacayao Island, who use the boats in going to school every single day.

On April 3, pictures of the students finally graduating surfaced on Facebook. These were shared by Arnulfo B. Pierra Jr., activities and sports director at the Cebu International School and also a “Hope Paddler” at the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.

“The bottomline why we are doing this,” wrote Pierra Jr. “We donated boats for this community in North Cebu two years ago, these students used them for free as transportation to go to school everyday.”

Many were happy for the children’s success, as the boats are one of other instruments that allow the children access to education. One government worker, Manuel Jr. Reyes Gonzales, shared Pierra Jr.’s post, saying he was one of those who delivered the concern and coordinated with Pierra years ago about the Mambacayao students’ plight.

A small school self-paddle boat costs around P10,000, whereas school boats, which can carry 15 to 20 students, costs approximately P75,000, as per the foundation’s website. According to Gonzales, teachers in the island previously complained about their situation in traveling to the island by boat.

Thanks to the foundation’s help, the students now get to go to school everyday. “I’m so happy to see [these] [pictures],” wrote Gonzales. “Thank you gyud kaayo. God bless you guys. Congrats to the graduates!”

The foundation also shared the good news last April 3 through its Facebook page, which has around 270,000 followers.

“Yellow Boat of Hope is not just about providing safe access to school. We are about making sure they finish school,” the foundation stated. “Congrats to our kids from Mambacayao, Northern Cebu for inspiring us to work harder! Makes all the hard work and sleepless nights worthwhile! Thank you donors and hope paddlers, this is our REWARD!!! #HopeSails.”

Pierra Jr., too, extended his greetings to the children, “Congratulations to the students of Mambacayao Island! Thanks teachers and the boat operator. Galing naman, laban lang. (How great! Fight on.)”

CLI inks deal to bring first Radisson RED Hotel to Cebu

By Jose Santino S. Bunachita

The Philippines, particularly Cebu, will soon have its very first Radisson RED Hotel.

Homegrown developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) has signed an agreement with the Radisson Hotel Group on Tuesday afternoon to bring the brand to Cebu.

Following the signing, CLI Chief Operating Officer Jose Franco Soberano said they will continue working on their permits before actual construction can start.

“We hope to break ground in two or three months,” he said during a press conference after the signing which was held at the City Sports Club.

The Radisson Red Hotel will be the centerpiece of Astra Centre — CLI’s mixed-used development along A.S. Fortuna Ave. in Mandaue City.

The 146-room hotel is expected to finish construction by the last quarter of 2021.

Scott Bryce, Radisson Hotel Group vice president in finance and IT for Asia Pacific, said they are “excited” to bring the brand, which was only launched in 2015, to Cebu.

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Cebu to have LRT subway-elevated system

(PR)

CEBU will soon have its first Light Rail Transit.

This as a consortium of local and foreign companies are now working closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the construction of LRT as an efficient and convenient mass transport system in Cebu.

Chris Kou, the consortium’s representative and project developer, said today that a proponent led by Tjen Hian Ka, the consortium's senior consultant, started the process with the DOTr way back in the last quarter of 2017.

The consortium expects to complete the process with the DOTr this year. After completing necessary permits and other documentations by this year (2018), construction may start immediately in early 2019, Kou said.

Kou said Tjen is senior director of SAA Architects Pte Ltd (Singapore) and a recognized personality in architectural industry in Singapore and China. His company works in transportation and integrated development projects and completed various scales of metro rail and light rail projects in different countries in Asia.

Tjen’s company has actively participated in the design and construction management of more than 50 percent of Singapore’s MRT and LRT systems. Currently, SAA it conducted the design and construction management of Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 4, with a total floor area of 225,000 square meters, with a capacity of 16 million passengers per annum. The airport, with a total cost of almost one billion Singaporean dollars, was opened and inaugurated in October 2017.

Kou said the proposal presented by Tjen’s group to the administration of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte through the DOTr is to build the Metro Cebu Light Rail Transit (Cebu LRT) through a design-finance-build-transfer and manage project.

He said Cebu LRT will be funded by One Belt One Road program of the Chinese government, supported by Chinese companies: Guangzhou Metro China; Guangzhou Metro & Design Institute China; Anhui Shengyun Environmental Protection Group Co (China); Guangdong Hydropower Co. Ltd. China; Harvest Global Investment Pte Ltd, Singapore; and Sinophile Sheng Yun Management Inc. (Philippines).

“The proposal is to build an elevated LRT with a subway section at the central business district of Cebu City,” Kou said.

He assured the Cebuano community that Cebu LRT will be constructed with minimum disruption to the existing traffic.

This light rail project will be implemented under two phases.

“There will be two lines under phase 1 that will cover the Metro Cebu area. This phase comprises the Central Line and the Airport Line with bridge crossing from Cebu’s mainland to Mactan Island,” Kou said. “Phase 1 will also provide research, development, and technical support center for building local skills related to rail eco-system.”

Engr. Manuel "Jam" Jamonir, business development manager of Udenna Infrastructure Corp., said the Cebu LRT phase 1 will substantially cover the entire Metro Cebu because the line will start from Carcar City up to Danao City and vice versa.

Jamonir said: “For the first time, Cebu City will have a rail transport that will run in a subway system. Beyond Cebu City, the LRT will go above ground to minimize utilization of the existing roads for the columns of the rail system’s infrastructure,” Jamonir said.

This rail transport system for Cebu that will benefit the 2.8 million population will be constructed with zero cost to the government, to be operated without government subsidy, and without government guarantee, with high quality assurance given the active participation of Udenna Group under Mr. Dennis Uy’s leadership, said Jamonir.

The second phase will be a commuter rail for the greater Cebu, Kou added, the implementation of which shall be subject to economic, population, future modern transport needs, and other factors.

The project developer quoted the senior consultant as saying that the LRT will provide Cebu’s populace with a fast, reliable, and efficient transport system that is seen to alleviate the current traffic condition particularly in the central business district of Cebu City.

Kou said Mr. Tjen’s group takes into consideration the estimated ridership for the next 50 years as well as the current road networks.

“In a project like LRT, we need to look forward and consult with the planning experts. In the implementation stage, we have to see to it that disturbance is lesser and inconvenience to existing road users and residents in the metropolis are respected,” Kou emphasized.

Cebu LRT’s first phase will be constructed within shortest possible time, with all site works targeted for completion by 2022, he said.

Central Visayas records 6.9-M local, foreign tourists in 2017

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora (PNA)

MANILA-- The Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Visayas has tallied around 6.9 million tourist arrivals from January to December 2017, recording a 17.13 percent growth rate from 2016.

According to the agency, this figure surpassed its 6.3 million target for the said year.

DOT attributed the increase to the active movement of Filipinos travelling to different destinations in the Philippines. This boosted Cebu and Central Visayas' tourism industry, as domestic travelers dominated the arrival volume by 58.33 percent or with four million locals visiting Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The top ten tourism markets recorded by DOT Region VII, included Korea, with the highest at 895,776 followed by China with a volume of 429,306, Japan with 408,566, and US with 219,796.

DOT-7 also recorded a total of 71,739 visitors coming from Taiwan, Australia with 71,724, Germany with 58 432, followed by France with 50,257, UK with 49,484, and Canada in tenth place with 43,084 registered tourists.

The tourist influx can also be attributed to the increase of direct international commercial and chartered flights to Cebu from other countries.

DOT said Cebu and Bohol have become a choice venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), including the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings last year.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City, Panglao, Dumaguete City and Tagbilaran City also recorded a competitive number of tourist arrivals.

Aside from massive promotions, the implementation of the Tourism Road Infrastructure Projects has also contributed to visitors coming in, due to greater access to tourist sites in the region.

Central Visayas to get over 6 thousand new teachers

By May B. Miasco (/FPL, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — More than 6,000 aspiring teachers in Central Visayas will be hired by the Department of Education in the next school year, a development seen to help address the perennial problem of lack of teachers amid the growing number of students enrolling in public schools to avail of free education.

Over 500 of these new teaching positions were allocated for Cebu City.

The Department of Budget and Management recently announced the approval of the 75,242 new teaching positions for the next school year wherein 6,317 have been allocated for Region-7.

“The number of teachers given by DBM to Region-7 will be the same number that will have to be filled in. That will be divided and distributed to the 19 schools division in Region-7 depending on how many teachers each division need,” said Tomas Pastor, education program supervisor of DepEd-7.

DepEd Cebu City Schools Division superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan said his office requested more than 500 teachers; over 300 is expected to be hired for Kindergarten and elementary levels while over 200 is for junior and senior high school levels.

Pastor said the division offices themselves provided the number of teachers needed for the schools in their respective areas; they base their individual request on the number of enrollees in their schools.

DepEd earlier asked for additional positions to resolve the inadequate number of teaching personnel in public schools across the country. Pastor said they have started accepting applicants last January. The list of qualified applicants was already prepared pending the approval of DBM for the allocation of teaching positions.

Dagatan said they will now start the selection process from among those qualified applicants. The DBM said the funds needed to cover for the salaries and other forms of compensation of the new positions will be charged from the 2018 budget.

Cebu’s time to shine

By Carlo S. Lorenciana, Lorraine Mitzi A. Ambrad (with Le Phyllis F. Antojado, Mae Clydyl L. Avila, and Philippine Star News Service /JMD, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu stands to benefit from the six-month closure of Boracay as the province boasts of a long list of attractions, including white sand beaches and crystal seawaters, a tourism official said.

Department of Tourism-7 Director Shalimar Tamano said Cebu and Bohol, which are among the alternative destinations being promoted by the agency to local and international visitors, are likely to experience a surge in tourist arrivals amid Boracay’s impending shutdown.

He said the opening of a second terminal at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) this June and the Panglao International Airport in Bohol this November is expected to further boost influx of tourists.

“These two airports will be ready then. And we have the products to offer to the tourists,” Tamano told The FREEMAN in a phone interview on Thursday, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the total closure of Boracay for six months, starting April 26, to pave the way for the island’s restoration.

Yesterday, Governor Hilario Davide III urged tourists to consider Cebu as their next destination as he called on the local chief executives of towns and cities to ensure that environmental laws are strictly observed in their respective areas.

“Cebu should just expect that those tourists nga bound for Boracay, in case they change their mind, ari nalang sila diri sa Cebu. Actually, not only Cebu but also Bohol,” Davide said in an exclusive interview.

Cebu Offerings

From trekking to diving, Cebu is home to many attractions.

Bantayan Island offers white sands, pristine waters, and long shorelines. Other famous destinations include the islands of Sumilon, Camotes, and Malapascua, which is often dubbed as the “Little Boracay of Cebu.”

Oslob town in the south is prized for its “gentle giants” or whale sharks, while Moalboal is known for its diving spots.

For the adventurous, Cebu also offers trekking, canyoneering, waterfalls, and camping activities.

Davide said he is confident that host resorts or guides are capable of ensuring the safety and enjoyment of their guests.

This month, he said, the provincial government will resume its Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo campaign, bringing tourists to Camotes on April 21-22. The host towns will include Tudela, San Francisco, and Poro.

Hurdles

Tamano believes Cebu and Bohol have done so much to offer to tourists, adding that now is the opportune time for both islands to showcase their tourist spots.

The DOT-7 chief also said these provinces remain to be attractive destinations because of continuous campaign to promote them locally and abroad.

But efforts to lure in more tourists will not come easy as there some challenges that need to be addressed, two of which are the issue on security and the availability of rooms to cater to the increased demand.

On security, Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery, Police Regional Office-7 director, said police authorities have laid down preparations to ensure that visitors to the region are safe.

Officials from the PRO-7 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command met in a command conference on Wednesday to discuss, among others, their contingency plans for security this summer.

“We are coming up with a contingency plan, particularly on security, especially with the orders of the President to close Boracay starting April 26, we are expecting influx to Central Visayas, that’s why a meeting was conducted to draw up plans for security,” Quenery said.

For its part, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has assured the public, especially the tourists, that medical centers are made available in tourism areas, especially those offering extreme activities.

PDRRMO information officer Julius Regner said these medical centers are manned by medical personnel from rural health units (RHUs). Local responders are also stationed where guests have easy access in case of an emergency.

Regner said medical stations have been already present in tourist destinations even before. In anticipation for the influx this summer, personnel from RHUs and local disaster offices will be augmented into those centers.

He also said the PDRRMO will continue monitoring areas where tourists are expected to flock, such as beaches and falls.

Another major concern is the trash generated by tourists, so Regner urged LGUs to maintain cleanliness in their areas amid the upswing of visitors.

He also reminded tour operators, the LGUs, and tour guides to always prioritize the safety of their guests, especially those joining extreme activities such as ziplining and canyoneering in Alegria and Badian.

Sustainability

According to a Philippine Star report yesterday, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the six-month closure of Boracay was approved by President Duterte during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in Malacañang.

“DENR-DOT-DILG (Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Department of Tourism-Department of the Interior and Local Government) proposal approved after an exhaustive discussion,” Guevarra said.

Last February, Duterte called Boracay a cesspool as he decried the lack of a sewerage system on the island.

He threatened to shut down the island and file charges against officials who did nothing to prevent its deterioration.

The environment, interior and tourism departments had proposed a six-month closure of the island to allow rehabilitation.

The trade department, however, said the closure should be done in phases to soften the impact on residents’ livelihood on the island.

Carlo Suarez, president of the Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants Association in Cebu, earlier said that while the local tourism industry remains competitive, operators of tour sites should strive to keep their attractions sustainable.

“Cebu’s tourism remains competitive and at par with international standards,” he said, but stressed that sustainable tourism is key to ensuring the industry’s continued growth, which is strengthened by its diverse history and natural tourist spots.

“Of course, in all these, we make it to a point that the developments toward Cebu becoming a premiere tourist destination be in a sustainable manner. (We must keep) in mind that we do not forget the responsibilities relating to the government and local communities,” Suarez said.

DA-7’s rice outlet opens today

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon (/KBQ, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — Starting today, the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas will conduct a rice retail trade, also known as Bigasan ng Bayan.

The bigasan outlet at the DA regional office in Maguikay, Mandaue City will be open twice a month (every second Friday and fourth Friday) at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DA-7 Regional Director Salvador Diputado decided to make it bimonthly following the success of last month’s event.

On March 16, DA-7 established a farmers' rice outlet at its regional office in line with this year's Women's Month celebration.

Diputado said the bigasan outlet is aimed at selling cheaper but quality rice to the public.

Undermilled rice will be sold at P38 per kilo, while the regular milled rice and premium rice can be bought at P42 per kilo and P46 per kilo, respectively.

The DA-7, however, limits 10 kilos of rice per customer.

The rice products are from Bohol and milled by the Rice Processing Center, which is managed by the Bohol Federation of Farmers’ Cooperative, in Pilar town.

Also, DA-7 will be selling pink rice at P42 per kilo and black rice at P65 per kilo.

It will be available in two and five kilos per pack.

PSC representatives, Cebu officials meet for PNG 2018

(ABS-CBN Sports)

Representatives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and officials from the Cebu Provincial and City committees met Tuesday to further discuss preparations for the smoothening of the Philippine National Games (PNG), which will be held in the province next month.

The Games, which is widely considered as the Olympic Games of the country, is slated from May 19 to 25 and will feature various athletes aged 16 years old and above.

During the coordination meeting, PSC Visayas Executive Director Bobbie Kintanar welcomed everyone for the event and assured that everything will be successful through collective cooperation.

"We are positive that the staging of the PNG will be successful," Kintanar said.

PSC secretariat chief Annie Ruiz also bared that there will be 21 events in the tournament, including the national sport, Arnis.

Sporting events will take place in 12 playing venues around Cebu City, Cebu Province, Naga City, Municipality of Tabuelan, Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City.

There will also be 19 billeting areas to house the athletes for the tourney.

Ruiz added that the Commission will be providing weekly updates on their website heading to the event.

PSC Visayas Regional Coordinator Nonnie Lopez meanwhile mentioned that three delegates, representing the three major island groups in the country, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, will be taken from their respective local government units.

The Queen City of the South last hosted the PNG in December 1997.

PB to put up satellite office in every district

By Gregg M. Rubio (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board is eyeing to establish a satellite office in every district to be known as the “Opisina sa Probinsiya.”

Board Member Edsel Galeos sponsored a proposed ordinance establishing the satellite offices in order for the PB to attend to the needs of their constituents, especially those in the farthest barangays in the province.

Galeos pointed out that at present, constituents from island municipality or from mountainous barangays, in most instances, need to travel to Cebu City to submit resolutions or documents and to make follow-ups on their requests.

He said there are also indigent constituents wanting to avail of the provincial government’s assistance programs who, in most cases, will approach the PB member’s office for help.

“The presence of satellite offices right in their respective localities shall ensure that every constituent will be properly guided and facilitated accordingly based on their needs,” Galeos explained.

Under the proposed ordinance, the vice governor will establish and maintain a maximum of four satellite offices within the province.

A regular board member will establish one satellite office within his or her district while the ex-officio member will maintain one satellite office of his or her choice of location.

The office will be manned by the existing personnel of the PB member. Deployment of additional job orders is subject to the approval of the executive department.

Among the functions of the office is to assist clients in the processing of financial assistance prior to personal appearance for interview at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office at the Provincial Capitol.

All personnel detailed at the satellite office shall strictly adhere to the rules and procedures imposed by the provincial government’s Human Resources Development and Management Office.

Upon the effectivity of the ordinance, the funds to establish and maintain the office will be taken from the approved budget of the respective office.

Cebu and Fujian to sign sisterhood pact in September

(The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Province is set to sign a sister-province relationship with Fujian, China this September.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III will be flying to China on the third quarter of the year to represent Cebu during the signing.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be in time for the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) from September 8 to 11 in Xiamen, China. CIFIT is China's only international investment promotion event aimed at facilitating bilateral investment.

The signing also includes a visit to the cities of Quanzhou, Putian, and Zhangzhou in a bid to also forge sister-city ties with other Cebu cities such as Danao, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

Several undertakings are already in line to pave way for a strong relationship between Cebu and Fujian, even months before the official signing of the sisterhood agreement.

The Province of Fujian is offering cultural-exchange opportunities, including the Fujian ASEAN government officials/International Friendship State and Province Liaison Officers Seminar.

The Capitol is invited to send two representatives to attend the seminar for 15 days in April or in May in Fujian. The seminar will include site visits to inland and coastal areas of the province, as well as lectures on Fujian culture.

Scholarship program for students from Cebu to study in institutions of higher education in Fujian was also offered by the Fujian government.

Students below 45 years old who would like to pursue graduate or post-graduate studies will be offered Chinese language and culture classes and other opportunities to deeply understand the economic and social development of the Chinese province.

The study period is from September 2018 to July 2019. The tuition and accommodation expenses, as well as comprehensive medical insurance and allowances, are covered by the Fujian Provincial People's Government Scholarship. The airfare, meals, and utility bills will be shouldered by the sending organization.

For June or July, Fujian is also proposing a two-way cultural exchange for the youth from different sectors, including the media from Cebu and Fujian.

Last month, officials from Fujian came to Cebu to discuss the programs. They are Chen Chuxin, vice president for the Fujian People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; CaiWenzhi, deputy director for the International Exchanges Division of the Foreign Affairs Office; James Jiang of International Exchange Division of Fujian's Foreign Affairs Office; ZhengZhi Liang, deputy director for the Quanzhou Municipal Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office; and Jin TengXu, associate consultant for the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Putian Municipal Government.

Capitol was represented by Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino; Rodrigo Lachica Jr., consultant for international relations; and FlorezaAlpuerto, OIC of the Cebu Investment Promotions Office.

Devotees flock to get flowers from Sto. Entierro

By Ermida Q. Moradas (/MBG, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — Almost 400 years had passed and yet people still flock as they try to get a piece of the flowers on the carroza of the Sto. Entierro on Good Friday during the Holy Week celebration in Bantayan Island.

The Sto. Entierro is the statue of the dead Christ after he was crucified.

According to Eufemia Chiong, 72, the image of Sto. Entierro was brought by their great-grandmother, Victorina Maderazo, from Barcelona, Spain.

Their family kept the image it as it is since the day it was brought in Bantayan.

"Wala gyud na namo gi-repaint or gipa-reconstruct. Mao gyud na siya og unsa siya pagdala diri sa Bantayan almost four hundred years ago," she said.

The Sto. Entierro is venerated by many Bantayanons and they believe that the Holy Image is miraculous.

It has been part of the lives of Bantayanons to get a piece of the white flowers made of bond paper below the bed where the dead Jesus was laid believing that it brings luck.

New Talisay market now open

By Iris Mariani B. Algabre (/MBG, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — Around 500 Talisay City market vendors have transferred to the new Tabunok Public Market last Monday.

Market Administrator Winnie Bas said that fish, meat, fruits and vegetable vendors were already given their place at the new building.

Fish section has 180 stalls, meat section has 98 while there are 224 stalls for fruits and vegetables vendors.

Talisay Public Market has almost 1,000 vendors and those who were given stalls in the new market went through a selection process.

The market committee gives priority to vendors who have good standing or those who have no records of delinquency.

Bas said not all vendors have transferred yet.

They also still need to check which area in the market that they can develop so that they can accommodate the vendors who do not have stalls yet.

But even if the transfer is still partial, some vendors have complained after learning that a fast food chain will be accommodated in the market because the franchisee is Eduardo "Didi" Gullas II, the son of Mayor Eduardo Gullas.

The mayor confirmed that there will be Jollibee branch in the market but he does not know that the franchise owner is his son.

“Wala ko kahibaw og si Didi ba ang tag-iya pero kahibalo ko nga dunay magbutang, dunay naghangyo nga Jollibee,” he said.

Gullas said he will wait for the report from the market committee about the matter.

Those who complained said that they are worried that some vendors might not be given a place in the new market so that the fast food chain can be accommodated.

Daya Cañedo, 51, a fish vendor for 20 years now, said she is satisfied with the stall that was given to her.

"Kontento ra ko sa kung asa ko nila gibutang. Nindot man sad ang porma sa merkado kay matuyok tanan," she said.

Vegetable vendor Lilia Cabrera, 58, said the new public market is spacious.

"Ganahan ra ko sa akong pwesto. Hamugaway siya unya dili alimoot kay taas kaayo ang ceiling," she said.

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