Cebu Province News January 2014

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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 trade group pushes for Cebu’s conversion into an ecozone

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

CEBU CITY, Jan. 31 (PNA) -- The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will continue to push for the conversion of the entire Cebu province into an economic zone.

CCCI president Lito Maderazo said they are consulting business and political leaders on the creation of the Cebu Economic Development Zone (CEDZ) as Cebu is now seen to face shortage of industrial zone properties in the short term.

The House Bill 1319, creating the Cebu Special Ecozone and Free Port, has already passed through the House's economic affairs committee some three years ago.

The bill was authored by all the eight congressmen from Cebu and is jointly supported by local business groups.

But Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) director general Lilia de Lima said that while Cebu needs more industrial zones, making Cebu a province-wide economic zone is difficult.

She said monitoring inflow and outflow of goods will be more complicated if the entire province will be declared as economic zone.

Maderazo said that while House Bill 1319 creating the Cebu Special Ecozone and Free Port has gained so much resistance, the CCCI is also encouraging the private sector to set up or invest in developing economic zones.

"We will leave the fate of the CEDZ proposal to the lawmakers. Meanwhile, we will try to convince those that have money to invest in economic zone development," Maderazo said.

Maderazo said Cebu cannot wait for the bill to be passed into law, which is expected to take time.

He said the chamber now is gearing towards encouraging developers to invest on ecozone projects, as Cebu needs to boost its manufacturing sector.

"We would rather encourage private developers to create economic zones. Ours in Cebu are almost full," he said.

Maderazo called on AboitizLand Inc., the developer of Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) 2 in Lapu-Lapu City, to build another economic zone here.

"We need manufacturing to aid our growth in business process outsourcing (BPO)and tourism. We can't continue to soar in 'one leg', manufacturing is the key to have a balance economic growth," Maderazo said.

He said Cebu now lacks the availability of vacant economic zones to host interested investors.

Peza's requirement of five-hectare ecozone development could solve the problem, just like what is being done in Japanese electronics manufacturer Mitsumi in Danao City, he said.

Cebu Capitol to partner with Bogo City for wharf, ecozone development

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Jan. 30 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government and the Bogo City government will jointly develop the Polambato Wharf in northern Cebu where 40 hectares of flatlands have been declared a part of a special economic zone.

Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr., who presented the development plan for the wharf and its surrounding areas to Gov. Hilario Davide III, said the declaration of a special economic zone was made through Proclamation No. 239 by then president Joseph Estrada in 2002.

Bog is located some 101 kilometers north of Cebu City.

Martinez told Davide there are locators that have expressed interest and are looking for a port for the shipment of cargoes.

Davide proposed that a team from the city and the province will look into the plan jointly.

“It’s a good project to attract investors and to improve the economy in the north by bringing in investors and locators,” Davide said.

Sometime in 2012, the Investment and Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP) inspected the site as an expansion area of the already congested Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City.

ICCP tried to evaluate the property owned by the Fernan family in Bogo City, although it is just too small for what it needs, which is at least 100 hectares.

The area is said to be ideal for light to medium industries and sets an advantage because of its immediate access to the port of Polambato and the major road networks of the province.

Despite the declaration as an economic zone, the area is still being planted with sugarcane.

Martinez said the Bogo City government thought of developing the site nearby into an economic zone because it is near the new city hall.

Martinez has encouraged shipping lines and logistic companies to consider investing in Polambato as a potential port for cargo shipments to and from Cebu, providing them with possible direct routes and faster time travel and shorter distance.

CCCI keen on pushing province-wide ecozone

By Ehda M. Dagooc /JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is going to revisit the possibility of pushing for the Cebu Economic Development Zone (CEDZ) as Cebu is now seen to face shortage of industrial zone properties in the short term.

"We are in consultation with our business and political leaderships how and when we can push for it," said CCCI president Lito Maderazo.

The House Bill 1319, creating the Cebu Special Ecozone and Free Port, has already passed through the House's economic affairs committee some three years ago.

The bill was authored by all the eight congressmen from Cebu and is jointly supported by local business groups.

Philippines Economic Zone Authority (Peza) director general Lilia de Lima, on the other hand, said that although Cebu needs availability, making Cebu a province-wide economic zone is difficult.

She said monitoring inflow and outflow of goods will be more complicated if the province will be declared as economic zone.

Maderazo said while the proposal or the House Bill 1319, creating the Cebu Special Ecozone and Free Port, has gained so much resistance, the chamber is also putting its focus now on encouraging private sector to set up or invest in developing economic zones, aside from convincing and consulting the political leaders to possibly pursue it.

"We will leave the fate of the CEDZ proposal to the lawmakers. Meanwhile, we will try to convince those that have money to invest in economic zone development," Maderazo said.

The CEDZ is envisioned to be a paradigm of an effective and functioning public-private sector partnership with the private sector taking the lead and government providing infrastructure and institutional support and contributing part of the needed resources.

However, Maderazo said while Cebu cannot wait for the bill to be passed into law, which is expected to take time, the chamber now is gearing towards encouraging developers to invest on ecozone projects, as Cebu needs to boost its manufacturing side.

"We would rather encourage private developers to create economic zones. Ours in Cebu are almost full," the new chamber president said calling the attention of AboitizLand Inc., the developer of MEZ-2, to build another economic zone here.

"We need manufacturing to aid our growth in BPO, tourism. We can't continue to soar in 'one leg', manufacturing is the key to have a balance economic growth," said Maderazo.

While the law is needed now, as Cebu now lacks the availability of vacant economic zones to host interested investors, Peza's requirement of five-hectare ecozone development could solve the problem, just like what is being done in Mitsumi in Danao City.

OWWA sets aside P44.8M assistance for northern Cebu

By Gregg M. Rubio /RHM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-7 has set aside P44.8 million for its "Cash-for-Work Assistance Program," which was intended for families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) victimized by Yolanda.

OWWA-7 Director Wilfreda Misterio is set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Province of Cebu for the implementation of the program.

Yesterday, the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) passed a resolution sponsored by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale authorizing Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III to sign the MOA.

The program is a short-term intervention program of OWWA for active members, their families, or their legal dependents affected by super typhoon.

Under its guidelines, OWWA will provide temporary employment for a minimum of 15 days and maximum of 30 days to qualified program beneficiaries and in exchange for a daily wage of P327 per day.

Misterio said the workers have insurance coverage for the entire duration of their work. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

She stressed that only those 18 years old and above are allowed to work for the program.

The Province of Cebu would identify worker-beneficiaries who are active OWWA members or their families and legal dependents in municipalities and cities affected by the typhoon.

It should also come up with identify government rehabilitation or rebuilding projects and submit their program of works to OWWA.

Yesterday, Davide welcomed to the Capitol Presidential Political Adviser Ronald Llamas, who paid him a courtesy call to talk on on-going rehabilitation programs in the earthquake- and typhoon-stricken areas of the province.

After a closed-door meeting with the governor, Llamas told reporters that no less than President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III ordered him to personally find out the status of rehabilitation efforts in Cebu.

"I'm here to see the rehab efforts…yung mga nasira nung lindol at bagyo. Eto ang part ng buong project ng (those damaged by the earthquake and typhoon). national government to help the devastated areas," he said.

In a separate interview, Davide said he only gave Llamas update on the process the Capitol adopted in distributing aid in the northern part of Cebu, which was badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda last Nov. 8.

Davide said he also informed Llamas that the province has already submitted to the Regional Development Council a request for a P14-billion budget for use in reviving northern Cebu.

"I said we already submitted our budget sa (to the) RDC (for it to submit it) to Manila; Pero wap-a lay action. So wap-a ta kahibaw pila'y ilang igahin (We don't know how much would be set aside. We will just make a follow up," he said.

It can be recalled that a few weeks after the deadly typhoon hit northern Cebu and destroyed billions worth of properties, Davide submitted a proposed P26.8-billion budget for the rehabilitation of 15 heavily-affected towns to the RDC-7. 

It was also last year when RDC endorsed the proposed budget to the National Economic Development Authority.

DPWH to release P100M for Naga-Carcar road

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon /QSB (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways is set to release P100 million additional funding for the P1.25 billion Naga-Carcar road expansion project.

This was according to former Cebu 1st District representative Eduardo Gullas, who initiated the said project.

"Another P100 million will be released for 2014," said Gullas in an interview with The Freeman, adding that the said project is necessary to decongest traffic in the south.

Gullas said the project is beneficial not just to the Cebuanos but Boholanos and Negrenses, as well, who pass the road on the way to Cebu City.

The road project was delayed after an environmentalist group, the Philippine Earth Justice, opposes the cutting of heritage trees that will be affected by the project.

"Just like them I also care about the environment. I am also concerned about the trees. But whether these trees will be cut or not, it is up to the DPWH and DENR to decide on this matter because they have the expertise," said Gullas, who was replaced as first district congressman by his grandson, Gerard Anthony "Samsam" Gullas.

The former legislator added that he does not have the skills, the education nor the authority to decide whether these trees should be cut or not.

To recall, PEJC condemned the proposed cutting of heritage and fruit-bearing trees which will be affected by the road widening project of Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Naga-Carcar Section.

Isabelo R. Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director have emphasized that no cutting of trees shall commence until the completion of the assessment and after all the requirements shall have been satisfactorily complied with, taking into consideration the social acceptability issue.

According to DENR-7, a total of 155 trees with an aggregate volume of 192.77 cubic meters of different species will be affected based on the May 11 and 16 , 2013 inventory conducted by a joint team from DPWH and DENR.

The said inventory revealed that 25 are century old acacia trees with a diameter ranging from 92 centimeters to 226 centimeters. Of the 25 trees, nine were considered to be defective and hazardous.

The three barangays in Tinaan, Inoburan, and Langtad, all in Naga City have already issued a barangay council resolution and a certification interposing no objection on the tree cutting and earth-balling of trees that may be affected by a road widening project.

Montejo said that replacement of at least 13,800 native and indigenous seedlings should be undertaken first before the actual cutting.

Montejo emphasized that the seven acacia trees (there were supposed to be eight but one tree fell down two months ago which caused a ten-hour traffic) to be cut down are in an advanced stage of decay and could no longer be rehabilitated or applied with tree surgery.

To be ready in six months Disaster-proof village started

By Gregg M. Rubio, Jose P. Sollano /BRP (The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - The French community yesterday broke ground for the Habitat French Daanbantayan Village, the first disaster resilient village in Cebu for typhoon victims in Barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan town, worth $500,000.

Don Lee, the chairman of the France-Philippines United Action, said that the project should be finished immediately to encourage more to come. Lee said that the more the project is delayed, the weaker the willingness of others to support it. The project is eyed to be ready in six months.

Lee said that 17 French businesses contributed to help typhoon Yolanda victims, particularly in northern Cebu.

“We want to help families get back on their feet by providing them with an assurance of their future by delivering the peace of mind that comes from a safe and durable home. We are privileged to be working with the architects from the Habitat for Humanity, who has designed disaster relief houses that will withstand the deteriorating climate situation in the Philippines,” Lee said.

Rene Sunico, a representative of La Farge Philippines and a member of FPUA, said they chose Cebu where a lot of French companies are operating.

Cyril Rocke, president of the French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, said that more French companies assured their support for the construction of houses for affected families.

In accepting the project, Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro said that the groundbreaking ceremony marked another milestone in making change happen and is another step closer to the dream of building a new Daanbantayan.

“As your mayor, here I am always ready to link arms with you in rebuilding our lives and creating a new Daanbantayan,” he said. He also assured to work hard to make sure the rebuilding of Daanbantayan will be fast and efficient.

The Habitat French Daanbantayan Village is a French village that will showcase disaster resilient housing units, it is a joint partnership project of FPUA, Cebu Province, Daanbantayan town and Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Cebu Province donated a 5,488-square-meter lot behind the Cebu Technological University in Daanbantayan for the purpose. The entire area shall be developed for 75 housing units, each with an area of 3.5 meters x 6.5 meters.

The house roofing will be triangular in structure to resist earthquakes and the roofing will be made of specially mixed cement to resist typhoons.

Corro said those living in danger zones will be prioritized for the project. One beneficiary, Lito Amistoso, expressed his thanks to Corro’s administration for giving them the relocation site.

Aside from houses, the builders will also put up other facilities and possibly a livelihood project for affected families and beneficiaries of the project.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines chief executive officer Charlie Ayco said they can finish the project in six months as long as the site development will be done immediately by the provincial government. The National Housing Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways has expressed willingness to fast track the site development.

Cebu town on its way to cityhood

(PNA), FPV/ EB

CEBU CITY, Jan. 25 (PNA) -- The northern Cebu town of Consolacion, which is adjacent to Mandaue City, is on its way to become another city in the province.

There are currently nine cities in Cebu, namely, the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Danao, Bogo, Talisay, Naga, Carcar and Toledo.

Consolacion, Cebu Mayor Teresa Alegado said the town’s population is close to the minimum required for cityhood but she has to consult her constituents.

She said Rep. Gabriel Luis "Luigi" Quisumbing (Cebu, sixth district) has expressed his continued support to the move to make Consolacion a city.

Alegado said the town’s population will almost qualify for cityhood status but she still has to check the municipal income.

A town’s income must be at least P100 million to P150 million to be converted into a city.

It must also have a population of at least 100,000.

Alegado said Concolacion’s conversion into a city would mean a bigger Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share.

But she said cityhood status also has its disadvantages, such as higher business and real property taxes.

Alegado said she does not only need to consult her constituents, she also has to ask the other mayors in the sixth district, Cordova and Mandaue City.

Sen. Loren Legarda earlier said she will support the move to convert Consolacion into a city once Quisumbing files it in the House of Representatives.

Pacman visits CPDRC

By AJ de la Torre (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - After the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) dancing inmates made waves in the national and international scene, the facility once again introduced a first in the Philippine jail system-a detainees' boxing team.

Yesterday, "Pambansang Kamao" and Saranggani Rep. Emmanuel "Pacman" Pacquiao visited the Supermax boxing team, the first and only jail-based boxing team in the Philippines.

Pacquiao watched the detainees as they presented special song and dance numbers, which were followed by an exhibition fight by the CPDRC boxers.

In an interview with the media, Pacquaio expressed how impressed he was by the jail's boxing team, adding that the detainees now have other means of entertainment and exercise.

"Basta sports, not only boxing but other sports,"said Pacquiao when asked if he also encourages other jail facilities to come up with boxing teams.

"Kung gusto nyo mag-boxing magpakabait kayo dito para makalaya (If you want to join boxing, behave so you would soon be set free),"said Pacquiao in his message to the inmates.

He shared to them his experiences prior to becoming the boxer that he is now. He revealed the hardships he endured, including as well a time in jail.

The boxing champion shared words of encouragement with the detainees, saying they must look forward to a life outside the jail after serving their sentences.

Pacquiao, who is now a born-again Christian, also led the detainees in a group prayer and shared as well his beliefs.

Marco Toral, Capitol consultant on jail matters, and the founder of the boxing team, said they were happy Pacquiao accepted the invitation to be their guest to give inspiration to the detainees, particularly to those interested in boxing.

Toral said that when they launched the boxing program, more than 80 detainees showed interest to train they were forced to trim to number to around half. CPDRC now has 47 detainee-boxers under its wing.

He said the program is part of their inmate welfare development plan, by having them engage in more physical activities like boxing to fight "depression and loneliness of the inmates."

"We are hoping that when they get out of jail, they would have a different outlook in life," said Toral, disclosing that most of the boxers are facing serious cases like murder and rape.

He brushed off notions that it is dangerous to have a fighting team inside the jail.

"A lot of people would think that the jail is a dangerous place. But we told the boxers to take boxing as a sport and not as a tool for trouble," he said.

Edgar Laping, an inmate for six years and one of the lead boxers of the facility, said that he is pleased with the privilege given to them to train boxing while serving time.

Laping already trained as a boxer prior to his arrest for illegal possession of firearms. He said he lost interest in boxing when he was detained but with the training they have now, he hoped to pursue it as a career when he gets out of jail.

"Mao man gyud na akong ambisyon (That has always been my ambition)," he said.

Toral said they hope to have professional fighters soon even when the CPDRC currently uses boxing facilities culled from scrap materials.

Their boxing ring, for example, used tarps for floor matting. While this is not ideal, Toral said they would just take extra precautionary measures to safeguard the boxers.

DTI 7 allocates P59M to make Cebu coops competitive

(PNA), LGI/EB

CEBU CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 has allocated P59 million to make Cebu cooperatives competitive, an official said.

Elias G. Tecson, DTI 7 chief for business development division, said the fund will help make cooperatives ready for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Community by 2015.

Tecson said the financial assistance will be given to the cooperatives through the Shared Services Facilities (SSF) program.

He said the SSF is aimed at providing local micro, small and medium enterprises common service facilities, modern equipment and access to the latest technology.

Tecson said this is in answer to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call for all sectors to be part of the country’s inclusive growth.

He said the DTI has already identified five cooperatives in Cebu that will be given assistance through the SSF program this year.

These include the Cebu Federation of Dairy Cooperatives in Consolacion town, the Metal Industry Association of the Philippines, the Cebu Technological University.

The two other cooperatives, he said, need a corn storage facility and an organic fertilizer facility.

Tecson said the DTI has already assisted through the SSF program some cooperatives engaged in processing desiccated coconuts, virgin coconut oil production, charcoal production, mango puree, among others.

He said local government units and the academe can also avail themselves of the SSF program.

Police intensify monitoring of foreign nationals in Cebu

(PNA), FFC/EB

CEBU CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) has intensified its monitoring on the activities of foreigners in Cebu after the arrest of a Brazilian national for possession of guns and illegal drugs.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) of the CPPO, said they are monitoring the arrival of foreign nationals in the province as well as their activities.

Albotra said Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac, CPPO director, has ordered the PIB to look into the possible involvement of foreign nationals in organized crime groups, especially those who already have criminal records in their home country.

Brazilian national Delcon Tamayose was arrested in Danao City Monday for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions as well as illegal drugs.

Albotra said the PIB is set to meet with the Bureau of Immigration to check Tamayose's background and possible involvement in any organized crime group.

He said they are also coordinating with the Interpol Philippine Center for Trans-national Crime on the background of the Brazilian national.

Tamayose denied ownership of the guns seized from him but Albotra said this will be determined in the course of the investigation.

Tamayose was flagged down by Danao City police personnel during a checkpoint while driving a Sunriser motorcycle.

Police recovered from his possession a caliber .22 magnum revolver, semi-automatic rifle, three rifle grenades, two ampoules of nubain, five syringes, a sachet of shabu, an expired passport, four rubber stamps, a brown bag and two ID's, one of which is a fake Professional Regulations Commission ID.

DSWD opens database of the poor

By Jessa J. Agua/GMR (The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - An available database on less-privileged Cebuanos may now be accessed by concerned groups.

The “Listahanan: Talaan ng Pamilyang Nangangailangan”, an information management system developed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development that contains names and locations of citizens living below the poverty line.

DSWD has recently turned over to Cebu Provincial Government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office the electronic copy of Proxy Means Test (PMT) results and statistics covering the selected demographic profile of poor households in the province.

It was received by Governor Hilario Davide III.

This was preceded by the signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) between DSWD and the provincial government for the data sharing.

The program aims to establish objective targeting system on the social protection programs and services to this sector with endeavours both by government agencies and civil society groups that focus their efforts on those living below poverty line.

Information available through the data base include respective barangay and municipality where the “poor household” resides as well as particulars like date of birth, age, type of toilet facilities used, water and electricity supply, and even PhilHealth membership.

Citizens whose occupation include farming and fishery were also listed in the same database and even unemployed individuals whose ages range from 15 to 60 years old.

The DSWD database identified 151,425 poor households in Cebu based on the data gathered in 2009 through the agency’s first household assessment.

A follow up household assessment will be done this year, according to DSWD.

Local government units in Cebu, which also inked a MOA with DSWD, were also furnished electronic copies of the database.

Apart from Cebu, Central Visayas provinces of Bohol and Negros Oriental also signed the same MOA with DSWD for the same project.

Cebu Capitol kicks off Suroy-Suroy to southern Cebu on Wednesday

(PNA), FPV/EB

CEBU CITY, Jan. 21 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government will kick off its first “Suroy-Suroy Sugbo” (Visit Cebu), its local tourism program, on Wednesday.

The three-day tour will take some 150 paying guests to tourist spots in southern Cebu.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he will join the tour.

He said his wife, Jobel, will also join as a paying guest to show how strict the Capitol is in collecting payment from the participants.

The policy is implemented after state auditors questioned the disparity between the number of paying and non-paying guests in 2012.

Davide said his wife, Jobel, already paid for the package which costs some P12,000 to P13,000 per participant.

Jobel also paid for her driver, according to Cebu Provincial Tourism officer Grace Paulino.

Government auditors noted discrepancies in the Suroy Suroy 2012 with the tour’s expenses amounting to P11.45 million and its revenue collection, P3.79 million.

The Commission on Audit (COA) said participants who were excluded from payment were provincial officials and personnel, security officers, bus and van drivers, tour guides, Sugbo TV staff and the media.

Davide said Jobel will join the whole duration of the tour which will include their hometown Argao.

The countryside tourism program will include fewer stops but will give visitors more time in each attraction, said Paulino.

On Wednesday, the tour will cover the Carcar City Plaza and museum, Barili’s milk station and Mantayupan falls, Alcantara’s mangroves, the Kawasan Falls in Badian and the heritage parks in Moalboal.

On Thursday, tourists will visit Sumilon Island, and the heritage sites in Samboan, Oslob and Santander.

On Friday, they will tour the old churches in Boljoon, Argao and Sibonga and the farm market visit in Mantalongon, Dalaguete.


Companies bank on innovation to attract more Sinulog crowd

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Different companies have invested into innovative branding techniques during the Sinulog festivities, trailblazing with the evolving preference of customers in appreciating advertising tools and marketing come-ons.

Aside from the usual "mar de gras" and float contest participation, installing of huge billboards, among others, few companies have put in their money in holding high-profile activities, such as lifedance, bar hopping events, product innovation fashion shows, and other novel event concepts design to entice customers' participation.

Lee Jeans, for instance, celebrated its 125 year anniversary in Cebu by holding a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Denim party, emphasizing the brand's recognition to Cebuanos' world-known creativity.

Lee Jeans held its DIY Denim Craftsmanship workshop a day before the Sinulog Grand Parade to jumpstart Lee's 125 years of craftsmanship.

The festive and colorful celebrations of Sinulog that attract foreign and local tourists and make Cebu one of the hottest places to visit during this season are few reasons why the American Jeans brand decided to invest and take part of the festive mood in Cebu.

Globe Telecom, on the other hand, installed a carnival-like exhibit at the Cebu IT Park, featuring the deployment of its mobile retail store truck, and bringing in attractive post-paid offers to the consumers to further strengthen its subscription volume, specifically in the post-paid package.

In an interview with Joe Calero, he said that the telecommunication brand Globe is relaxing its offer in terms of post paid affordability and documentary requirements for applicants. All and other enticing offers are available at its exhibit at the IT Park in time of the weeklong Sinulog Festival.

Souvenir retail chain Islands Souvenir, Inc. also puts a step forward in investing the high-profile fashion show event to stress its adoption of constant marketing innovative campaign, taking off with the introduction of "Cut & Style" your Sinulog Shirt concept.

ISI president Jay P. Aldeguer said that while the market has involved differently from the traditional retail platform, the company also has to trailblaze with the fast changing market psyche, adding that providing personalized designs and "make-your-own" design t-shirts have hit the modern market's "weakness."

ISI's "Cut & Style" (Your Sinulog T-shirt) strategy has been running for two years now.

Aldeguer said while it has hit its desired success, the company is now ready to offer this particular retail approach to other beach destinations and various festivities in the country.

Recognizing the Filipinos' inherent creativity, Islands Souvenirs is giving everyone the chance to customize their own Island Souvenirs t-shirt to wear come Sinulog or really, whenever they please," said Camille Aldeguer, ISI executive vice president.

The fashion show was held at the SM Northwing Atrium last Thursday to emphasize the company's venture into sophisticated and highly fashionable t-shirt retailing.

While the company is one of the trend-setters in the t-shirt and souvenir retail industry in the country, Aldeguer said the challenge is not just coming up with innovative ideas but more importantly rolling them out strategically to optimize the innovation.

Lee Jeans, Globe Telecom and Islands Souvenirs, Inc. are just few of the companies and brand makers that embraced the concept of innovative marketing and branding effort strategies during the high-traffic festivities, like Sinulog.

Other brands also held their own branding and marketing efforts in novel concepts to give customers much fresher and exciting activities, diversifying from traditional ways to "out-of-the-box" concepts, which the younger and more informed and active consumers are demanding for.

Fair weather for Niño’s crossing

By Ria Mae Y. Booc, Flor Z. Perolina, Kristine B. Quintas, Liv G. Campo, and Jean Decemillo, USJ-R MassComm Intern /JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the threat of a bad weather the other day, yesterday morning turned out to be a smooth crossing for the image of the Santo Niño at the Mactan Channel.

Authorities were considering of cancelling the fluvial procession owing to the entry of a tropical depression to the Philippines Friday, but better conditions eventually prevailed yesterday morning.

Strict security was implemented throughout the procession – from the Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City where the vessel carrying the image originated to Pier 1 in Cebu City where the vessel docked. At least 250 vessels joined the procession, said Commodore William Melad, Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas.

“There was no incident and the time frame was covered as scheduled and arrived at Pier 1 a few minutes before 8:00 a.m.,” Melad told The Freeman.

In Mandaue City alone, an estimated 50,000 sent the image of the Santo Niño and the image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe off at the Ouano Wharf. Mandaue Police chief Police Sr./Supt. Petronelli Baldebrin said that despite this number, the crowd remained calm and peaceful during the send-off.

Meanwhile, despite warnings from authorities, hundreds of balloons were released into the air during the procession.

Both the the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and Basilica del Santo Niño were explicit in their instructions that no helium-filled balloon should be carried and/or released into the air during the procession, but several vessels did not follow the guidelines. Some devotees even popped confetti to the sea.

Environmentalists have since been saying that balloons that land on the ocean pose a danger to marine animals because of the helium and other chemical contents.

At Pier 1, four groups, including the group from Barangay Mabolo where Estrelita Diola, the keeper of the original Sinulog beat and dance came from, performed to greet the vessel carrying the image of the Santo Niño.

San Roque Barangay Captain Boy Miranda, overall chairman of the Basilica Eucharistic Minister Association, said it was the first time that there was a performance at the port. In the previous years, performances were allowed only after the reenactment of the first mass and baptism at the Pilgrim Center at the Basilica.

During the mass preceding the reenactment, Fr. Jonas Mejares thanked attendees for their undying devotion to the Child Jesus. Thousands continued to flock to the Basilica for the daily Novena masses despite the rain the past week.

“Unos, balod, mao kini atong gikabalak-an nga mahitabo karong adlawa, pero sigon sa akong nasaksihan, ang nasaksihan sa akong mga mata, ang ka-kalma sa kadagatan. Kining tanan hinimuan sa Batang Balaan,” Mejares said.

Taking off from the recent calamities that struck the Visayas, Mejares, in his homily, said people should be more afraid of Satan’s influence more than disasters.

“Dili angay kahadlokan ang mga katalagman kay ang labaw sa kalibutan nga angay natong kahadlukan mao ang lakang ni satanas. Kinahanglan kining likayan kay kun dili malikayan, kadaot ang atong padulngan,” he said.

The reenactment, Mejares said, depicts that through baptism, people became “adoptee of God.” Through the ‘Batobalani sa Gugma,’ people rejoice the greatest love from God, he said.

“Isalig ni Sto. Niño ang tanan aron ang atong pangandoy sa atong kaugalingon, pamilya, ug nasod matuman,” said Mejares.

100 vessels to join fluvial procession

By Jessa J. Agua and Ria Y. Booc /BRP (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu expects almost a hundred vessels to join the fluvial procession today in seawaters off the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

The PCG registered at least 85 vessels but the number may increase as they are expecting other smaller vessels to join today despite not registering with their office.

PCG-Cebu District Commander Rodulfo Villajuan said they have designated areas where small and large vessels should stand by.

"Hindi maiiwasan na may mga sasali kaya hindi na naming ma-hold 'yan but we have to make sure na andu'n sila sa hulihan," Villajuan said.

He added that he designated a task group to take charge of the line formation between the vessels to avoid possible incidents.

"Ninety eight percent ready na kami ngayon kasi hirap namang sabihing 100 percent, hindi naman kami perpekto," Villajuan said. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Furthermore, the head of PCG Central Visayas, Commodore William Melad, said they will base the decision to continue or cancel the fluvial procession on the weather advisory by PAGASA.

As of 6:30 p.m. last night, Melad said they have not yet decided on the matter while preparations continued for the fluvial procession from Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City to Pier 1 in Cebu City.

PAGASA Mactan officer-in-charge Al Quiblat said tropical depression Agaton, the first weather system for the year, will bring rains up to the Fiesta Señor on Sunday if it does not dissipate.

The state weather bureau yesterday placed Southern Leyte under public storm signal number 1, the lone Visayas area, together with Mindanao areas of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Dinagat Province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Quiblat added that the public must be alert for possible landslides and floods.

Waves measuring 3.4 meters to 4.5 meters high are probable in the Visayan seaboard, sea crafts that plan to sail have been cautioned.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said everyone must contribute to fervent prayers in order to have good weather condition for the fluvial and solemn procession.

"We just continuously pray and prepare because that's the only thing we can do. But knowing Sto. Niño, there might be miracles. The adjustments would be to bring umbrellas…don't bring too many cars to lessen traffic congestion," Rama said.

DENR 7 to watch Aloguinsan oil drilling

By Flornisa M. Gitgano and Justin K. Vestil

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 will send a team to Aloguinsan town to monitor the oil-drilling operations there.

Eddie Llamedo, DENR 7 spokesperson, said that with the recent discovery of oil in the town, they urged Australian firm Gas2Grid to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment Survey (EIAS) to determine if the ongoing oil drilling operations can affect the surrounding communities within the area.

Gas2Grid supervises the oil drilling project in the town, currently known as Malolos-1.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu yesterday, Llamedo said that William Cunado, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 regional director, will send a team from their office to monitor the oil drilling operations conducted on Malolos-1.

Llamedo said that with the discovery of oil in Aloguinsan, Gas2Grid will need to consult with affected stakeholders as part of its compliance with EIAS.

“The purpose of public consultation is to determine the relevance of the project and the proponents involved as a way to mitigate environmental impact on the surrounding areas,” Llamedo said.

He said the public consultation is crucial as the oil drilling project in Aloguinsan is considered as an “environmentally critical project.”

The EIAS will also serve as one of the basis for the approval of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). The EIAS is required based on Presidential Decree 1586, which establishes an environmental impact statement system in the country.

Llamedo said the review committee from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will assess the EIAS submitted by Gas2Grid.

As of now, Gas2Grid has yet to submit its EIAS, he said.

However, Llamedo revealed that the DENR Central Office in Manila issued a certificate of non-coverage to Gas2Grid just before they conducted the oil drilling in the town.

The certificate was issued two years ago.

The discovery of Malolos-1 drew the ire of cause-oriented groups who believed that the oil drilling operations in Aloguinsan could create a negative impact in the town’s health and environment.

Safety measures

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Capitol assured the environmentalists that safety measures for the oil exploration in Aloguinsan will be implemented so that there will be no harmful effects to the environment, said Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

Three groups filed a petition dated Jan. 10 before the Provincial Government urging officials to stop the oil drilling because it will harm the environment.

These include Philippine Earth Justice Center, Inc., Freedom from Debt Coalition-Cebu and Central Visayas Farmers Development Center.

The petition was addressed to Gov. Hilario Davide III, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, and the provincial board members.

The petitioners said oil is a fossil fuel, which is a “major driver” of climate change.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he has not yet read the petition.

“All stakeholders should be given the chance to air their opinion, their position on any major projects such as this one, such as any activity involving the Provincial Government of the Province of Cebu,” Davide said.

Magpale pointed out that things should be balanced because Cebu also needs the oil.

“Motabang sad mi nila nga ang tanang measures (of) safeness tinuod gyud nga mai-mplement but di usa nato i-judge tagaan nato’g chance kay (We will help the environmentalist groups that safety measures will be implemented but let us not judge right away because) we also need this,” Magpale said.

Earlier, Australian firm Gas2Grid announced that the Department of Energy approved their application declaring Malolos 1 oil well as an “oil discovery.”

“We are hoping that we can bridge the gap between the two, the investor and the environmentalist by assuring them that we in the government may help nga katong safeness nga gisaad nila matuman (that safeness as far as the environment is concern will be observed),” Magpale said.

To expand Mactan Newtown; Megaworld to develop Portofino

By Ehda M. Dagooc /LPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cashing in on Cebu’s vibrant economy, Megaworld Corporation is developing a beach resort as part of the plan to expand its Mactan Newtown development in Lapu-Lapu City.

Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc., president Noli D. Hernandez announced yesterday the company’s move to ink a joint venture with Landmark Inc., the owner of the 11.5-hectare Portofino Beach Resort.

In addition, Megaworld also acquired half a hectare property fronting the famous Mactan Shrine along Punta Engaño Road.

The property will be connected to Mactan Newtown’s proposed Punta Engaño entrance that the company intends to be one of the main access points to the township.

According to Hernandez, with the acquisition of the property along Punta Engaño Road, the Mactan Newtown further establishes an impact as a major tourism landmark in Mactan Island.

“Megaworld is committed to help rehabilitate the famous historical landmark and its surroundings to give the place the kind of dignity it deserves,” Hernandez said.

The company hopes to work closely with the Lapu-Lapu City government, particularly the city tourism commission, for the plan to rehabilitate the Mactan Shrine.

With this, Megaworld’s development project will increase to 28.8 hectares as it aims to maximize its live, work, play and learn concept.

“The expansion will allow us to provide more enhanced features aligned towards resorts-style living, perfect for active retirees and investors,” said Hernandez.

He said Megaworld, the largest commercial and residential developer in the country, hopes to create a unique and exciting township for it future residents, business process outsourcing (BPO) workers, office and commercial tenants, students and visitors.

Last year, the company partnered with the La Salle Schools Supervision Office (LASSO) to construct a school within the Mactan Newtown.

The construction of the first residential condominium cluster, 8 Newtown Boulevard, is ongoing. It is expected to be completed next year.

The second office tower, Two World Center, on the other hand, is expected to be finished by the second quarter of this year.

“It is going to be an exciting year for the Mactan Newtown. We are overwhelmed by the favorable response of Cebuanos and investors to our residential projects as well as to our office towers. We will definitely continue to build more structures in the township within the next few months,” Hernandez.

Earlier, Megaworld Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Andrew L. Tan announced the additional capital expenditure for the Mactan Newtown from P10 billion to P20 billion.

Cebu to generate wind power

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

A RENEWABLE energy company will put up windmills that can produce about 200 megawatts for Cebu Province.

Amihan Energy Corp. (AEC) plan to construct the windmills in Balamban, Toledo City and Sudlon II, Cebu City within two to three months.

The company would a total land area of 20,000 hectares.

Officials of AEC, the Mudajaya Berhad of Malaysia and Dongturbo Electric Company Ltd. of China presented their plans to Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III yesterday.

Joaquin Rodriguez Sr., chairman of AEC, said they hope the windmills will become operational in December.

Rodriguez said the governor and mayors concerned have issued their endorsement of the project.

AEC would be the first company to put up windmills to generate energy in the Visayas.

Rodriguez said Cebu gets strong winds that can be harnessed as energy source.

He said AEC has been studying Cebu and its wind energy in the past seven years.

Rufino Barinan, one of the founders of AEC, said one windmill can produce 2 to 2.5 megawatts.

He said phase one of the project can generate 62 megawatts while all windmills will have a combined capacity of 200 megawatts.

Rodriguez said they are also looking at solar power and other renewable energy sources.

“It will not only be the first production of clean, ecologically sound energy for the good people of Cebu but it could also be an attraction,” he said.

He said the project will create jobs, bring in revenues for the government through taxes and give way for other businesses.

He said AEC already has a contract with the National Government for the production of wind power in Cebu.

Rodriguez said the Cebu project needs an investment of $192 million to $200 million.

Over 5T households get roofing materials

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Roof for Relief program has given roofing materials to over 5,000 households in the typhoon-stricken areas in Northern Cebu.

The organizers yesterday thank the various donors and supporters for lending a helping hand to the 5,020 households in the devastated communities to rebuild their lives.

Jay Aldeguer, president of the Islands Group, said he knew that they need to continue what they have started in Bangon Sugbohol after the super typhoon Yolanda.

Bangon Sugbohol was a relief operation to help earthquake victims in Bohol.

While donors and volunteers were busy giving food and other relief goods to typhoon victims, Aldeguer together with Edmund Liu of LH Foundation Inc. and Tony Florendo of Gawad Kalinga-Cebu and other friends have agreed to donate roofing materials in northern Cebu.

The group launched a fund-raising drive and was able to raise a total of P18,255,403.22 from various donors here and abroad.

Florendo said that out of the amount, they were able to give 5,477 roofs in 72 sitios in 11 municipalities.

The beneficiaries came from the city of Bogo and the towns of Sogod, Tabogon, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Borbon, Bantayan, Sta. Fe, and Madridejos.

The group still has 452 galvanized iron sheets which the organizers intend to give to Camotes Island. Each household-beneficiary received eight pieces of G.I. sheets and three kilos of umbrella nails.

“The support of our various donors as well as the GK volunteers were amazing,” said Liu, whose foundation was instrumental in making the program a huge success.

The Roof for Relief program is a Gawad Kalinga project in partnership with The Islands Group and LH Foundation Inc. to help typhoon victims in northern Cebu.

Free Sinulog Guide mobile app from InnoPub, Smart

(PNA), LGI/RTA/PR

MANILA, Jan. 13 (PNA) -- Tourists visiting Cebu for the Sinulog now have a handy guide to the country’s grandest festival with the release of Sinulog Guide, an Android app, Windows Phone app, and mobile web guide from Cebu-based startup InnoPub Media and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Sinulog Guide can be downloaded to Android phones and tablets from the Google Play Store and to Windows Phone devices from the Windows Phone Store for free.

Those using other devices can access the mobile web version of the guide at http://sinulog.myguide.ph. Standard mobile data browsing charges apply when using the app.

The Sinulog Guide is a comprehensive resource on the festival. It contains the history of the Sinulog and the story behind the festival. It also has a complete listing of official activities.

The guide also lists places to stay when in Cebu. While most hotels and pension houses are booked for the weekend, the guide indicates establishments that do not accept reservations and can still accept walk-in guests.

Sinulog Guide also contains tips on what to do to make the most of a tourist's visit to Cebu. It also contains a directory of consulates, hospitals, taxi and other transportation companies and the complete list of Department of Tourism-accredited tour guides and tour operators.

The listings in the guide are active. To call a tour guide or book a restaurant reservation, for example, a tourist just needs to tap the phone number beside the listing to initiate the call.

Listings also have location data. Most establishments featured in the guide contain a “tap to check location” link. When tourists press this link, the system will look for their current location via the phone's GPS and then show them the location of the establishment and, using the Google Maps system, indicate a suggested route.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said the app brings Sinulog to another level.

“It offers quick and interactive information on the palm of your hand,” Rama said.

Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricky Ballesteros said Sinulog Guide is a “unique resource that would help our guests make the most of the biggest festival in the Philippines.”

The Sinulog Guide is still being actively updated. A new version will be released later this week to include articles on contingents joining the grand parade on January 19.

"We're happy to support this new app release for Sinulog especially in the aftermath of last year's disasters in the Visayas region. Using digital and wireless technologies can help further promote tourism in the region." said Atty. Maria Jane C. Paredes, Smart senior manager for Public Affairs Group for Visayas and Mindanao.

"Most travelers nowadays bring along tablets and smartphones wherever they go. We think using mobile apps to deliver tourism information will be very useful to them," said InnoPub Media co-founder Max Limpag.

The Sinulog Guide was released as part of the Digital Tourism initiative of Smart and InnoPub. The program harnesses technology to enhance tourism.

One of its projects is the deployment of interactive tourism markers that, when scanned or tapped with a phone, trigger the download of tourism and historical information about a place or structure.

This system is being showcased in Argao, where the Cebu-province wide implementation was launched by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III last Sept. 27.

South Korea to open consular office in Cebu

By Jose P. Sollano, JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Koreans staying in Cebu have welcomed the move of the government of South Korea to open a consular office here.

Bong Hwan "Charlie" Cho, president of the Cebu Korean Association, Inc. told The Freeman that a consular office here would be beneficial to Koreans here because they would no longer need to go to Manila.

Cho said there are about 30,000 Koreans in Cebu. Of this number, 10,100 are members of the association. Some are already permanent residents here and others are regular tourists.

Aside from being beneficial to Koreans, a consular office here would also strengthen the relationship between Korea and the Philippines.

"There are may be conflicts with some Filipinos but we always do our best to settle those conflicts and be good friends with Filipinos because we really like Philippines especially Cebu and we already love Philippines so we are here," Cho said.

He said the Korean Government is now finalizing the requirements for the opening of a consular office.

Lawyer Augusto Go, president of the University of Cebu, is the Honorary Consul of Korea here.

Last year, President Benigno Aquino III announced that South Korea will open a consular office in Cebu.

With the surge of Koreans visiting the Philippines, especially Cebu, every year, Aquino said there is a need to enhance efforts to ensure their safety and protection.

"They will establish a (consulate) there and they will teach our policemen on the sharing of databases," Aquino said.

The president acknowledged that it was difficult to prosecute if the perpetrators of crimes against Koreans are their fellow nationals. He cited the need for closer intelligence sharing between Manila and Seoul about the "unsavory elements" who may visit the Philippines and prey on fellow Koreans.

"I mentioned that most of the time, if there is a Korean victim, the perpetrator is also Korean," the president had said in Filipino.

"If they stay quiet, we can't use the information we need," he added.

Cane planters in northern Cebu to get calamity aid

By John M. Destacamento (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of sugarcane planters in northern Cebu are expected to benefit from an emergency employment program as the Sugar Tripartite Council (STC) has approved the release and use of P14-million fund for the industry workers affected by last year’s super typhoon.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, who chairs STC, announced the approval in a form of a resolution unanimously approved recently by the council members in a meeting attended by various sugar milling industry stakeholders.

“I am happy that the Sugar Tripartite Council is fast to respond to the need of sugar workers to be able to stand up on their own again. The emergency employment program is a post-calamity strategy that provides income support to calamity victims,” said Baldoz in a report.

About P4 million of the Sugar Amelioration Program (SAP) fund will be sourced out from the Socio-economic Project Fund while the remaining P10 million will come from the Sugar Workers’ Fund.

Aside from sugarcane plantation workers in Cebu’s fourth district, the program is also set to benefit sugar workers in Region 6 and 8 after Yolanda destroyed sugar mills, sugarcane crops, infrastructure and the workers’ houses in the areas.

In Cebu, roughly 90 percent of sugarcane planters in the towns of Medellin, San Remegio, Tabogon, Daanbantayan and Bogo City had houses made of light materials that easily fell prey to the destructive storm. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Northern Cebu is home to close to 10,000 hectares of immense tract of flat lands conducive to planting sugarcane. At present, over 80 percent of these lands are being utilized for cane plantation.

“Malipay ta ana nga balita kay kinahanglan gyud atong mga farmers diri og support sa gobyerno karong panahona,” said Bogo-Medellin Milling Corporation (Bomedco) general manager Joel Cayasan, who welcomed the development that aims to assist in the immediate restoration and rehabilitation of affected sugarcane milling districts.

Bomedco, which usually runs a yearly production requirement of 600,000 bags of milled sugar, is currently functioning eight hours less of its daily 24-hour operations. It was even worse last month when the company was under-operating by 50 percent its maximum capacity.

While Cayasan hopes losses could be recovered soon, he expects about 10 to 20 percent decrease in their yearly production for 2014.

Foreign experts from the US, Cayasan pointed out, have even estimated the slide to go down further by as much as 40 percent.

The months of December to June are usually the harvest season but because the typhoon came a month earlier in November, it had destructed a vast portion of sugarcanes that could have been harvested in two months time.

Cayasan said it will take two years before the planting and harvest cycle settles back to its normal pace.

“Ang mahitabo karon nga year kay mapugos mi og harvest bisan og di pa mature ang mga tubo kay para lang mabalik mi sa normal cycle sa tingtanom,” said Cayasan.

In their meeting last week, STC officials said they have found the emergency employment project proposed by the labor department’s Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns as acceptable as it will provide affected sugar workers with employment alternatives and income while the industry grapples to recovery.

The SAP is provided for under P.D. No. 621 and enhanced under R.A. No. 6982, which expands sugar workers’ benefits and established the tripartite mechanism for planters, millers and workers to participate in policy decision-making.

The department’s announcement did not, however, specify when and how the program is going to be rolled out.


Good prospects seen in Cebu tourism this year

By Ehda M. Dagooc/JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism stakeholders are anticipating another banner year for Cebu’s tourism industry, amid challenges brought about by the two disasters in the later part of 2013.

“The airport expansion is the best indicator that things look bright in 2014 for travel and tourism for Cebu,” said tourism capitalist Jay Aldeguer.

Aside from internationally and nationally based tourism establishments setting up shops in Cebu, many of the local players, especially those coming from the export sector, have now shifted to capitalize on the tourism potential of the province, he said.

This active stance of stakeholders to further propel the tourism sector in providing more advance and improved choices and tourism related activities is seen to heighten prospects of Cebu’s tourism advantage.

According to Aldeguer, many of these new players have invested in hotels, restaurants, transportation, handicrafts and other tourism-related businesses, as they are more confident of the sectors’ sustainable growth, although disrupted by calamities.

“The local stakeholders’ participation will play an important role in providing solid and more complete ‘value chain’ for travel in Cebu. This will help solidify Cebu’s potential to become premier tourist destination in the region,” Aldeguer added. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Likewise, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) which has been backing up the tourism sector’s development for couple of years now, committed to implement more improved tourism programs this year, in close coordination with the different tourism organizations, and the government, through the Department of Tourism (DOT).

CCCI president Lito Maderazo said that while the northern part of Cebu is still recovering from the bad effects of typhoon Yolanda, a more extensive program for tourism should be started in the southern part of the province to keep the balance.

Maderazo mentioned that Cebu, especially in the southern part, could implement more active tourism activity promotions, as well as introduce newer activities and develop more exciting destinations.

Latest report from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7) indicated that tourism target for the region has already achieved 65.7 percent average growth in the last three years.

Although the effects of the Yolanda typhoon and 7.2-magnitude earthquake can affect the growth momentum of the sector and its target for 2013, NEDA-7 is looking at a fast recovery of the sector in 2014.

Cebu Business Club (CBC) president Gordon Alan Joseph said that that the industry is seen to continue its upswing performance despite the calamities’ interventions.

“I do hope the industry pulls together and does what Bali did after the bombing, and what Thailand did after the tsunami. They promoted and discounted rate packages to attract the tourists back—and the strategy worked,” said Joseph.

Guv: Capitol, city can jointly manage Fuente

By Gregg M. Rubio/RHM (The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Hilario Davide III wants the pending case in court on the ownership of Fuente Osmeña Rotunda be dismissed and for the Province and the City of Cebu to jointly manage the park.

Davide made the statement following queries on who would get the earnings from the traders doing businesses inside the rotunda, especially this time of the Sinulog festival in Cebu City.

Davide said that it is a pointless debate for the Province and the Cebu City Government to fight over a landmark.

“Nganong awayan pa man na (Why should there be a fight over that)? I would even prefer nga ang province and the city would jointly manage it para everyone wanting to use it, whether for business and entertainment, makagamit ana (could use it),” Davide told reporters yesterday.

He is set to talk on the matter with Mayor Michael Rama, whom he used to work with at the Cebu City Council.

When Davide assumed office July last year, he ordered Provincial Legal Officer Orvi Ortega to review the province’s ownership claim on the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, a case long pending in court.

In a hearing last year, Ortega said that lawyer Donato Villa Jr., who represented the Capitol, made an open court manifestation that the Province of Cebu is willing to co-manage with the City of Cebu on the operation of Fuente Osmeña Rotunda that would lead to the withdrawal of the case.

Ortega said that in offering such to the city, the Capitol maintains its position in asserting ownership of the property.

Ortega added that it would likewise help expedite the settlement of the case.

Rama was reportedly planning to have the rotunda expanded and made into something like the Arc of Triumph and Champs Elysees in Paris, France.

He would also like to ban passenger jeepneys and taxis from passing through Fuente Osmeña.

Former governor now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia was the one who asked the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to order Cebu City Hall to turn over ownership of the 1,100 square-meter park, which sits on two adjacent parcels of land in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City, to the province.

The RTC earlier denied the city’s appeal to dismiss the case.

The court said the Capitol established ownership of the lot as evidenced by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 122635 and RT 5346 in the name of the Province of Cebu, which was issued by the Register of Deeds of Cebu City.

In its civil case for quieting of title, the Capitol asked the court to declare it as rightful owner of the area, which is managed by the city for over 100 years now.

It also asked the court to direct the Cebu City Government to respect the said rights and turn over possession, control and administration of Fuente Osmeña to the province.

Cebu to host PRISAA Meet

By Emmanuel B. Villaruel (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu will host this year's Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Regional Meet after Bohol begged off from the hosting chores as it is still recovering from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the province nearly three months ago.

"Bohol is supposed to host the PRISAA Meet but they could no longer carry out the task because they're still in the recovery process following the powerful earthquake that hit the province. And during our recent meeting with PRISAA-7 officials headed by our president Fr. Vic Uy, it was agreed upon that Cebu will take over the hosting job," said National PRISAA Desputy Secretary-General for the Visayas Bernard C. Ricablanca.

Though no longer the host, Ricablanca said the good thing is that Bohol will still be fielding in a strong 200-man contingent to the multi-sport conclave scheduled to be held on February 15-16 mainly at the Cebu City Sports Center.

"I thought that Bohol won't also be competing that is why I was very happy to learn from Fr. Uy that they will be sending a huge number of athletes here," added Ricablanca. "It's really a pleasant news, a good sign that after the calamity, they have already moved on as sports enthusiasts."

Ricablanca, who is also a Cebu City Sports Commissioner, said Fr. Uy will again convene the members of the PRISAA Board this Thursday to finalize everything regarding the two-day joust particularly the logistics and the financial aspect of the athletic meet.

The event serves as the selection process for the region's representatives to the PRISAA National Collegiate Games calendared for April 6-12 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.

Ricablanca said they're looking forward to the Nationals with excitement not only because Central Visayas is the defending champion but also because the region is set to receive the first ever Dr. Emmanuel Angeles 'Hall of Fame' Award for accomplishing a rare grandslam feat.

Central Visayas dominated the PRISAA National Championships for three consecutive years from 2011 to 2013 held in Zamboanga City, Cebu and Lingayen, Pangasinan, respectively.

"It's really something that we are looking forward to," said Ricablanca. "Come the regional PRISAA, we will make it sure that only the best of the best would represent Central Visayas because we are aiming to continue our winning streak. It's something we can truly be proud of if we will make it four in a row."

Founded in 1953, PRISAA is an association of private schools, Christian schools, and home school athletic departments throughout the country.

A total of 18 events will be contested in the coming games. These are baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, football, sepak takraw, softball, volleyball, athletics, badminton, boxing, chess, dancesport, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo.

DOH-7 probes ‘measles’ cases in Bohol, Cebu

By Carine M. Asutilla (Correspondent, Cebu Daily News)

THE Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit in Central Visayas is looking into reports of patients showing symptoms of measles in Bohol and Cebu.

RESU-7 is closely monitoring this following a measles outbreak in Luzon.

Rennan Cimafranca, chief of RESU-7 to the Dept. of Health, said that his team visited Loon, Bohol late December last year and took samples from 12 patients for laboratory tests.

Last week, the team returned to Loon after they learned that 30 more patients from another barangay showed symptoms of suspected measles.

Cimafranca is still waiting for the release of laboratory results due this week.

He said there is a possibility that patients are not suffering from measles but from Chikungunya, a disease coming from aedes mosquito, which results in similar symptoms as measles.

UNDP grants P9-M for livelihood in four Yolanda-hit areas in northern Cebu

(PNA),LGI/EB

CEBU CITY, Jan. 6 (PNA) -- The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is set to implement in four typhoon-ravaged localities in northern Cebu more than P9 million worth of livelihood and rehabilitation projects.

This is contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of an early recovery program between UNDP and Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III.

The rehabilitation of livelihood assets component of the program, which costs P1.12 million, would be implemented in Bogo City.

Super typhoon "Yolanda", which struck Cebu last Nov. 8, caused heavy damage to the fishing industry in Bogo and affected more than 300 marginal fisherfolks.

The UNDP-Cebu Province project will include repair of the boats of 98 fishermen under the Bogo United Fishermen's Association, which is a self-help and community-based organization accredited by the Bogo City Government.

The damaged fish pens of the association will also be repaired under the program.

Under the MOU, UNDP, a subsidiary organ of the United Nations, will fund in tranches the purchase of needed materials for the repair.

The UNDP will also shell out P7.84 million for the debris clearing in the towns of Bantayan, Sta. Fe and San Remigio.

This would be implemented using the cash-for-work scheme, where some 1,800 beneficiaries will work by removing debris and cleaning their communities in exchange for daily wage.

The respective municipal governments and the Department of Social Welfare and Development will identify the project's participants.

CCCI calls entries to songwriting contest

(The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - In preparation for the annual Cebu Business Month (CBM) celebration in June 2014 under the theme, ASEAN 2015 And Beyond, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is calling on interested parties to join the CBM Song Competition.

The CBM, an institutionalized month-long jubilee of the business community, will have a series of events that will highlight, celebrate and inspire more success in the Cebu business community, and is geared toward sustaining business growth and development of Cebu and the neighboring islands.

The song competition is one of the highlights for this year’s celebration. Through the contest, CCCI hopes to find the song that will creatively express the brand values of CBM 2014 and effectively promote and increase public awareness of this annual event.

Entries will be judged based on originality, lyrics, melody, and more importantly, its commercial appeal. The entry song must not exceed four minutes and thirty seconds (4:30), including the intro and extro.

English lyrics are preferred, but Cebuano/Filipino terms may also be used if it contributes to the overall charm and effect of the song.

In addition, the copyright of an entry must be owned exclusively by the songwriter-contestant, and that the songwriter should warrant his/her entry song as not being contracted by any third party.

The CBM Song Competition is open to Filipino citizens, foreigners, and individuals with Filipino parentage. Only the members of the screening committee are disqualified from joining the contest.

Interested participants may log on to www.cebuchamber.org. to get more details on rules and mechanic and entry forms.

Deadline for submission of entries is on January 16, 2014.

Cebu Capitol needs more than P70M to repair convention center

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

CEBU CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government would need more than P70 million to prepare the province-owned Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in the Mandaue City reclamation area, an official said.

The CICC, built for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, is being eyed as venue for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in 2016.

It sustained heavy damage during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last Oct. 15 and super typhoon Yolanda.

Cebu Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino said that aside from the the damage caused by the earthquake and the typhoon, the CICC’s electrical connections and its airconditioning system also need to be redone.

Tolentino said the airconditioning system in the building has to be decentralized to cut electricity consumption.

Since the airconditioning at CICC is centralized, the whole building is cooled even if only one function room is in use.

Tolentino said there is also a need to build a loading bay to bring heavy equipment and objects, like cars, to the upper floor during exhibitions.

At present, workers have to detach glass doors and walls to bring in big equipment and exhibit items.

“These things existed before the typhoon and earthquake but we will have to address them. These would bring the cost up,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino said Department of Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin came to inspect CICC as it is being considered a possible venue for Asia Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) meetings next year.

Early this week, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III met Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes to talk about the repairs of the CICC.

The officials will meet again next week to discuss the issue.

Tolentino said the P70 million estimate to rehabilitate CICC was the “conservative figure” given by provincial engineers.

The Cebu Provincial Government and Mandaue City Hall agreed to share the cost of rehabilitating the facility but Davide said that if the amount will exceed their budgets, they will have to ask the National Government for help.

Cebu guv expects smooth relations with PB this year

By Gregg M. Rubio, RHM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Gov. Hilario Davide III considered the smooth passage of the 2014 annual budget a sign that the executive and the legislative departments of the Province of Cebu would have a good working relationship this year.

Davide expressed his gratitude to Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and members of the Provincial Board (PB) for approving the P2.6 billion proposed annual budget for 2014 without controversy.

He said the approved budget would guide how the Provincial Government should spend in the implementation of its projects and programs for the year.

“Mao na ato gusto nga (We like to have a) harmonious ang executive and legislative. I’m happy nga mao ni karon ang nahitabo (that this is the case),” Davide said.

He said that for the past six months since they assumed office, there has already been a good working relationship between elected officials of the two branches of the provincial government.

Majority of the PB members are Liberal Party allies of Davide and Magpale.

“I thank the Vice Governor and the Provincial Board for their cooperation and support sa atong mga programa (of our programs),” the governor said.

The PB, during its final 2013 regular session last Dec. 16, approved without further deliberations and discussion the P2.6 billion annual budget submitted by the Office of the Governor.

Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, who heads the PB committee on budget and appropriation, said the proposed budget was carefully scrutinized as it passed through a series of hearings attended by concerned Capitol department heads.

The 2014 budget is less by P1 billion compared to the P3.6 billion submitted by then governor and now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia for 2013.

Davide assumed office last July 1 after winning in the May 2013 elections.

Of the P2.6 billion budget for this year, P726.12 million is for general services; P1.38 billion for social services; and P490.47 million for economic services.

Development projects and activities worth P407 million are contained under the Province’s Annual Investment Plan for 2014, which is covered by the annual budget.

At 113 million, the biggest chunk of the amount goes to road, bridge, highway construction and rehabilitation program.

David earlier said he was submitting a lean, prudent but efficient budget, with the end goal of achieving excellent government service at the least cost.

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