Cebu Province News January 2017

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

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

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

Province of Cebu - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  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.

OPSI organizes province-wide basketball league

By Calvin D. Cordova

WITH its boxing series already gaining ground, the Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI) is looking to make its presence felt in another avenue as it set to launch a province-wide basketball tournament.

Though the name of the tournament is yet to be finalized, OPSI aims to develop grassroots basketball, develop talents in the countryside and promote sports tourism.

“We’re looking at between summer to July 2017. Games played every weekend. For the final schedule, we’ll consult the teams. We need to be in sync with each other so we start on time and end on time” said Rico Navarro, vice president of OPSI, who is also handling the “Who’s Next?” Pro Boxing Series.

The league, which will be spearheaded by tournament director Van Halen Parmis, will have the northeast, northwest southeast and southwest divisions. Each division will have four teams or at least three squads. Each town will have two teams for the Under-18 (born 1999) and Under-28 (born 1989) categories.

Using a home and away format, the league will have double round robin elimination phase.

In the playoffs, higher seeds will get homecourt advantages. Semifinals will be a best-of-three affair following a 1-1-1 homecourt format. The finals, pitting the north and south champions, will face each other in a best-of-five series on a 2-2-1 homecourt format. Homecourt edge goes to the team with the better elimination round record. In case of a tie, goal difference will be applied as a tie-breaker.

“OPSI seeks to take basketball to a different level as we take the roadshow on the road. We’ll dress up sports venues, bring in music, entertainment, engage the local town supporters and find ways to make things exciting and entertaining – every weekend for a period of two to three months,” said Navarro.

OPSI will make further announcement as to prizes and final schedule.

Floating bridge to link Cebu, Negros eyed

By Dominic D. Yasay

A FLOATING bridge to connect Cebu and Negros Island is being pushed by Rep. Herminio “Harry” Roque as his way of thanking the Cebuanos and the Negrenses who helped vote him to office.

Roque said this bridge would be the first of its kind in the country since the structure would link the estimated three-kilometer gap between Santander town in the South of Cebu and Dumaguete City in Negros Island.

“This is still a wild idea. But I will not give up on this,” Roque told reporters yesterday.

He said that he had already tapped a Europe-based engineering firm to conduct a feasibility study on the project which he hopes to proceed within the year. “I will go over the feasibility and once it is done, I will immediately introduce this to Neda (National Economic and Development Authority).”

Cebuanos have long been clamoring for a bridge that will adjoin both points, but Roque said the enormous depth of the waters separating the Negros Island and Cebu provinces had made the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) abandon all plans of building a bridge there.

“Maliit lang (the distance is too little), you can swim through it. But the problem is the strait between the two points is too deep. DPWH said that a bridge is not feasible because there is no technology that can make it possible. We can’t build posts there that can handle the bridge,” Roque said.

He said he had consulted with a European firm to provide a technology that will enable the construction of the floating bridge.

Roque said the actual project cost will be revealed once the feasibility study is accomplished. The floating bridge will be finished before the congressman’s term ends by 2019.

Cebu's Batang Pinoy medalists get double cash incentives

By Mars G. Alison (Rappler.com)

Cebu's 81-person delegation finished 10th overall among more or less 300 local government unit delegations in November 2016’s Batang Pinoy National Finals

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Hard work and determination paid off for the Batang Pinoy medalists from the Cebu province after Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) chairman Michel Lhuillier surprised them by doubling their cash incentives.

The Cebu provincIal government was supposed to hand cash incentives of P5,000 for gold medalists, P3,000 for silver medalists, and P2,000 for athletes who brought home bronze medals. The amount is the same for both individual and team sports.

However, during last week’s recognition of the athletes held at the Dignitaries Hall of the Cebu capitol, Lhuillier announced that he was going to reward the medalists with the same amount coming from his own pocket because he was in awe with their performance as student athletes.

Thus, gold medalists went home with P10,000, the silver medalists with P6,000, and the bronze medalists with P4,000.

“I talked to some of them and I was amazed at the dedication, to wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning, then to go to school at 8, that’s a lot of sacrifice. I didn’t do that sacrifice, that was beyond me, all I did was train to be successful in sports,” said Lhuillier, who used to be a runner.

He said that student athletes should not underestimate themselves just because they come from the province, “you are better than the city people, it is just a matter of training, dedication and a little bit of funding and I think that is a good combination.”

The 81-person Cebu province delegation finished 10th overall among more or less 300 local government unit delegations in last November’s Batang Pinoy National Finals hosted by Tagum City in Davao del Norte. They brought home 18 gold medals, 18 silvers, and 15 bronze medals.

One of the surprise student athletes of Cebu province is 12-year-old Moira Frances Gabrielle Erediano, who clinched the first gold medal in last year’s Batang Pinoy in her first cycling criterium competition.

Not only that, she is also Cebu’s most be-medalled student athlete after she finished with a total of 3 golds and 1 silver medal.

Aside from the cycling criterium, she also fished gold in triathlon and duathlon in the Girls 10-12 category. Her silver medal came from the cycling-ITT (individual time trial).

Most of Cebu province’s gold medals did not come easy, such as that of 14-year-old Karen Andrea Manayon.

In triathlon, Manayon had finished more than a minute ahead of her opponents, including Nicole Danielle Eijansantos who was gunning for her 4th title in the event but eventually ended with the bronze.

However, Manayon and her coach, Roland “Andoy” Remolino, were surprised after her name was not called during the awarding.

Remolino protested and it was only then that they were told that someone had complained and Manayon was penalized for allegedly not putting her swimming goggles and cap inside the designated box at the transition area.

Someone apparently took a photo of it and showed it to the officials. However, despite the time penalty, Manayon still deserved the gold because of her more than a minute advantage over her opponents.

Manayon’s second gold, which she bagged in the cycling-ITT 17-Under girls, also did not come any easier. She was also left out in the top 3 finishers after officials failed to deduct a couple of minutes from her time as they were using just one big clock for the event.

Another determined student-athlete of Cebu province is 8-year-old Janine Narboada, who bagged two gold medals in karatedo advance kata and kumite (30-kgs) 8-9 girls category despite being sick.

Doctors had to watch her closely as she competed and brought her to the hospital after to make sure that she was getting enough fluids in her body.

PAL to add 5 new domestic routes from Cebu by first quarter this year

By Victor Anthony V. Silva

National flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) continues its domestic expansion with the opening of new routes from Cebu in the first quarter of 2017.

Harry Inoferio, PAL senior assistant vice president for sales, announced on Thursday a direct flight from Cebu to Clark starting January 30.

This service is available four times weekly and daily starting March 26.

On March 26 as well, PAL will also inaugurate its direct flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa (4x weekly), General Santos (3x weekly), Surigao (3x weekly), and Coron, Busuanga (daily).

PAL will also be offering direct flights from Clark to Davao starting Feb. 1 (3x weekly), as well as Puerto Princesa (3x weekly) and Busuanga (daily) beginning March 26.

Inoferio said these new routes will make air travel easier, more convenient, and at lesser expense.

The new domestic routes bring PAL’s total number of destinations from Cebu to 14, including Manila.

Growth for Cebu in year of rooster

By Katlene O. Cacho

LOCATED in the center of the Philippines, Cebu is in a favorable position for business growth this year, said feng shui expert Marites Allen last Monday.

During the 2017 Year of the Fire Rooster Forecast hosted by Montebello Villa Hotel Cebu, Allen revealed that the victory star is in the center, which means Central Visayas, including Cebu, will have much luck to bank on for the rest of the year.

This year’s Chinese New Year fallS on Jan. 28, which ushers in the year of the fire rooster, known to be “one of the most intelligent animal signs.”

The last time the fire rooster reigned was in 1957, which was considered a great year for inventions such as the first pacemaker, first ultrasound scanner, and first electronic watch.

Businesses related to metal, water and fire will have another good year, she said.

Real estate in Cebu is also projected to grow in the next three years, according to Allen. She advised developers though to apply feng shui in picking the locations for their planned projects.

Allen sees favorable growth in water element businesses like tourism. She said Cebu still has many areas that would bring more tourists.

Fire element businesses such as restaurants and the food industry will be prosperous this year.

Healing businesses such as yoga, sports, exercise fitness or anything to do with well-being will be very popular.

This year will also be beneficial to businesses related to beauty, fashion and entertainment.

Aside from opportunities, there will also be challenges this year. She said business will be “demanding, with cash flow and reduced profits, and high competition.”

She said spring and summer seasons will be positive for the stock market but issues will occur during the autumn and winter seasons.

She also warned that after the collapses of the stock market in 1987, 1997 and 2007, there is a need to be watchful around August 2017, as the effects could be devastating.

She also predicted that unrest among unsatisfied workers in large companies will cause work disruptions, loss of revenues and possible company closures.

Cebu bottled water pioneer forays into hospitality trade with 668-room hotel

(PNA), FPV/EB/EBP

CEBU CITY, Jan. 24 (PNA) -- Philippine Spring Water Resources Inc., the company behind Nature’s Spring bottled water, has its first foray into the hospitality business with the construction of the 668-room Bai Hotel Cebu at the Mandaue City reclamation area.

Bai Hotel general manager Alfred Reyes, who is also the hotel’s vice-president for operations, said the hotel is set to open its doors in May this year.

Bai Hotel, named after the term Bisaya speakers often use when referring to a male friend, is the Lua family’s first foray in the hospitality business.

The Luas own Philippine Spring Water Resources Inc., the company behind Nature’s Spring bottled water.

Maricar Vasquez-Tan, the hotel’s marketing and communications manager, said Bai Hotel was established as a way for the family to give back to the community, since putting up a hotel means creating more job opportunities.

Tan said the successful hotel ventures of Lua’s friends in the business community also inspired them to put up their own.

Bai Hotel, with its 668 rooms, is expected to become the biggest accommodation facility outside of Luzon, with a total area of 72,000 square meters.

It is poised to be a significant addition to Cebu’s dynamic tourism sector, which is attracting different types of tourists from business to leisure.

The 23-storey building will also house eight dining venues and 12 conference and meeting rooms.

Tan said the hotel, which will operate under Bai Global Properties LLC Inc., will have seven room categories, namely, deluxe, premiere, executive, presidential, penthouse, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites.

Tan said the hotel has enlisted as a member of Europe-based Worldhotels, an exclusive group of independent hotels, for global connectivity and revenue opportunities.

Worldhotels brings together a handpicked portfolio of 450 properties in 250 destinations and 65 countries.

Lamudi Group picks 3 Cebu cities

By Jeandie O. Galolo

THREE cities in Cebu made it to a property listing site’s “Top Philippine Cities To Watch” list. Cebu City placed first out of 10 in the list while Lapu-Lapu City ranked sixth. Mandaue City trailed Lapu-Lapu City in seventh place.

The property portal cited Cebu City as one of the world’s top outsourcing destinations in 2016, after it ranked seventh in strategic advisory firm Tholons’ as among the best outsourcing destinations in the world for its “quality workforce, relatively cheaper business cost; infrastructure network; and quality of life.”

Lamudi also underscored Cebu City’ performance of the National Competitiveness Council’s (NCC) survey where it ranked sixth most competitive based on economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure.

“Cebu is also a city to watch thanks to its considerable proximity to several of the Philippine’s best tropical destinations and affordable secondary cities,” the report added.

For the property portal, property listings in Cebu City in 2016 averaged 2,900 per month, only behind Makati (5,680), Quezon City (5,560), and Taguig (3,400).

Upcoming real estate projects that were noted in the report include Solinea by Ayala Land and Cebu Exchange by Arthaland, which are expected to boost the city’s property inventory.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City was also one of the most attractive sites due to their proximity to the capital and major cities while remaining more affordable.

Noted projects include Megaworld’s Mactan Newtown, Sta. Lucia’s Arterra Bayfront Residences and Futura Homes-Mactan by Filinvest Land.

The city, according to Lamudi, is a popular alternative to costlier Cebu City.

In 2016, two-bedroom houses for sale in Lapu-Lapu City listed on Lamudi averaged P2.295 million.

Mandaue City, on the other hand, was hailed as an ideal location for home-seekers who want to invest in a home near the Visayas capital.

Echoing the sentiment of Colliers, Lamudi expects condominiums in the affordable segment to rise in Mandaue City.

Lamudi described Mandaue City as “no better alternative for accommodations and real estate to Cebu City.”

Other cities recognized were Las Piñas, which ranked second, Iloilo City in the third spot, Cagayan de Oro in the fourth place, Bacolod City placing fifth, Dasmariñas in the eighth spot, General Trias, and Davao City in the ninth and tenth place, respectively.

Lamudi is a global property portal focused on emerging markets offering sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a platform to find or list properties online.

It is available in selected countries in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.

SM Malls join zero-waste campaign

(Cebu Daily News)

SM Malls in Cebu joined the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in promoting zero-waste in the city and province, in response to Proclamation Number 760 declaring every January as “Zero-Waste Month.”

Employee-volunteers from SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Consolacion, and SM Hypermarket Lapu-Lapu worked hand in hand with the different barangay street sweepers in cleaning the sidewalks and surroundings in their respective areas last January 20.

SM City Cebu joined the street sweepers in A. Soriano Street, in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, while SM Seaside City Cebu employee-volunteers with the help of agency personnel cleaned the mall’s surroundings at the South Road Properties.

SM City Consolacion as well in partnership with Barangay Lamac officials, led in cleaning the streets of the barangay, while employees of SM Hypermarket Lapu-Lapu led the cleaning of the surroundings within their area in Mactan Economic Zone II, Kadaugan Avenue.

As consciousness for social and environmental welfare is trending within the Philippine private sector, SM Supermalls proactively commits to strengthening the communities in which it operates through the holistic approach of its SM Cares program under the Environment Committee.

At present, SM Supermalls has a holistic four-point approach to sustainability: tackling energy, air, water, and solid waste. This multi-dimensional approach has allowed SM to closely monitor day-to-day green initiatives.

The Environmental Committee has also launched programs to create more awareness among its employees and tenants.

These include Trash to Cash, a monthly recycling market fair: the Green Bag movement; the Green Retail Agenda, which creates awareness about environmentally friendly architecture; and the Green Film Festival, which screens movies focused on the environment.

CV tourist arrivals up 10.68% to 4.39 million

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Tourist arrivals in Central Visayas from January to October of 2016 saw a 10.68 percent growth to 4.39 million, nearing the Department of Tourism's 5.8 million target this year.

Cebu accounted for bulk of the tourist count in Central Visayas region which stood at 4.39 million in the first 10 months of 2016, up from 3.97 million in the same period in 2015.

Official data furnished by DOT-7 showed that Cebu's domestic tourists during the period reached 1.72 million

While foreign tourists who visited the island reached 1.5 million.

Cebu's domestic and foreign travelers accounted for 68 percent and 80 percent, respectively, of the total recorded in Central Visayas.

In Region 7, the number of domestic visitors during the ten-month period recorded a 11.70 percent to 2.55 million from 2.28 million in 2016.

Foreign tourists also grew 9.66 percent to 1.83 million from 1.67 million.

Cebu accounted for 67 percent of the region's domestic tourists and 82 percent of its foreign visitors.

Korea remained the region's top source of foreign tourists, accounting for 43.25 percent of the total foreign market.

It was followed by Japan, China, USA, Australia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Taiwan, and Canada.

CHINESE AND JAPANESE TOURISTS

Earlier, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Melanie Ng said more tourists from China will definitely come to Cebu, following the announcement of Chinese carrier Xiamen Air to launch of new routes this year, including Fuzhou-Cebu and Quanzhou-Cebu.

The new routes to be launched in 2017 are seen to strengthen the air linkages between the Philippines and Fujian province in China.

"As more travel routes with China are developed, this affords the business community to explore better travel options and also better logistics options for shipment of goods," Ng further stressed, noting this aligned with the plans of the current administration to improve tourist arrivals from China.

She said this also bodes well with the efforts of the chamber to increase trade and investment opportunities with China, the world's second largest economy.

It is expected that Japanese tourists coming to Cebu will also increase, following the launch last Dec 25 of Japanese budget carrier Vanilla Air's regular flights from Narita airport to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

A unit of ANA Holdings, Vanilla is the first Japanese airline to offer a regular flights between Narita to Cebu's resort island.

The airline earlier said the new route is expected to attract robust demand as more and more Japanese are going to Cebu for travel and study.

The Central Visayas region is also seen to get more share of Japanese tourists, with Cebu, in particular, being branded as the vacation destination of Japanese tourists.

In 2015, visitor arrivals in Region 7 reached 4.6 million, surpassing the 4.4 million target. Of the total, about 3.3 million of the tourists went to Cebu.

DTI to host FabLab conference

(PR)

THE Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office is calling all makers, creatives and innovation enthusiasts to join the first Philippine FabLab Network Conference SlingshotPH MAKER Edition on Jan. 26 to 27 at University of the Philippines Cebu.

The event is focused on innovation, digital fabrication, collaboration and expanding the maker community in the country.

Bannering the theme “Building Communities To Accelerate the Innovation Economy,” the SlingshotPH: Maker Edition will gather in one venue the 12 FabLabs that the DTI has supported over the last two years, makerspaces, enablers, the local maker community and academic institutions that are operating these FabLabs.

The program will be packed with lectures and demo-workshops for makerspaces and enablers to network and learn from each other.

DTI will be inviting makers/innovators from the international community to share the types of projects that they are doing, how FabLabs/makerspaces can be better utilized to foster innovation, and how to effectively network.

Those interested are requested to contact the DTI Cebu at (032) 255-7082, 253-2631, 255-6971 local 109 or register at: https://slingshotphmaker.eventbrite.com

Cebu hotels continue to enjoy high occupancy as Chinese New Year nears

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, Jan. 19 (PNA) -- Cebu hotels, which enjoyed high occupancy from the Christmas and New Year holidays through the Sinulog Festival on the third week of this month, continue to enjoy high occupancy as the Chine New Year nears.

“We are building up our occupancy for Chinese New Year week into the high 90s,” said Ann Olalo, director for marketing and sales of Radisson Blu Cebu.

She said the hotel will be home to a mix of Chinese leisure guests and locals.

Marco Polo Cebu’s occupancy rate is also running at high 90s.

Manna Alcaraz, the hotel’s communication manager, said the Chinese New Year is one of the hotel’s peak seasons and is one of the most celebrated.

High occupancy is also seen in resorts.

Occupancy rate in Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, during the Chinese New Year weekend is between 90 and 100 percent.

Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa is also running full over weekend.

Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival in China, is the most important holiday among Chinese.

This year’s Chinese New Year falls on January 28, which ushers the year of the rooster.

DTI-Cebu to host ASEAN Design Week in April

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry will host the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Design Week in Cebu in April this year.

Nelia Navarro, assistant regional head at DTI-Central Visayas, said this is part of the events Cebu is hosting for the ASEAN Summit this year.

Navarro said that design-related events were usually done in Manila but organizers want to bring it in Cebu this year in time for the ASEAN Summit, which the Philippines will be hosting this year.

"Our MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) had been exhibiting in Manila. This year, they'll bring it here in Cebu in time for the ASEAN Summit," Navarro told The FREEMAN.

The trade official said this is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and talents.

The creative industry includes, among others, people engaged in music, animation, publishing, painting, and web and games development.

Cebu and Bohol will also be hosting some of the ASEAN meetings on the same month.

The official further shared that she has a dream of making Cebu City accredited as Creative City of Design by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

She said there is a need to urge the local government of Cebu City to submit an application for the "Creative City of Design" title.

As part of the requirements of the UNESCO, a city seeking to be accredited has to come up with a work plan or road map for the design industry in the city.

Based on UNESCO's website, cities that are part of its creative network will have enough to fully integrate culture and creativity into their development plans.

It can be recalled that in 2008, the British Council recognized Cebu City as the Creative Capital of the Philippines.

In Southeast Asia, Singapore and the Indonesian city of Bandung are the first two ASEAN cities to be part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Together with the two are Budapest in Hungary, Detroit in the US, Kaunas in Lithuania and Puebla in Mexico which joined the 16 existing member Cities of Design in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

The UCCN was established in 2004 and is comprised of 116 cities worldwide in seven creative fields namely design, crafts and folk art, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts and music.

UNESCO said joining the network will require cities tp commit to "sharing best practices” and “develop partnerships involving the public and private sectors as well as civil society in order to strengthen the creation, production, distribution and dissemination of cultural activities, goods and services.”

The city should also commit to develop hubs of creativity and innovation and broaden opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector and improve access to and participation in cultural life.

Metro Cebu is also currently part of the Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network (SEACCN).

It was in June 2015 when Cebu hosted the 4th SEACCN.

SEACCN, created in April 2014, is a network for creative cities and clusters in SE Asia.

Cebu, having been known for its creative sector, represents the Philippines in the association along with other secondary cities in SE Asia namely: Chiang Mai, Thailand; Penang, Malaysia; and Bandung, Indonesia.

The association has interest in urban development, heritage and arts, all art forms, crafts, innovation, digital content, functional design and entrepreneurship, among others.

Cebu chosen as one of selected areas to benefit from relaunch of Philippine Sports Institute

By Calvin D. Cordova

The rebirth of the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) has given a renewed hope for the country’s sports program. It is a major undertaking that needed the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to set aside P25 million to fund the project.

Selected regions, including Cebu, will immediately feel its effects through the creation of regional training centers aimed at developing grassroots talents.

“Establishing regional training centers needs manpower. So we will start by putting up 12 spread across the country. We have to sign MOA (memorandum of agreement) with the mayors and governors who are interested in working with us,” said PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, who led PSI’s inauguration last Monday at the PSC Multi-Purpose Arena in Pasig City.

Apart from Cebu, the initial areas that were identified by Ramirez set to have training centers are Marawi, Leyte, Baguio, Laoag, Davao del Norte, Samar and Vigan.

Sports officials in Cebu expressed elation with the development.

“The relaunching of PSI is a welcome development. It bodes well for Philippine sports. What I specifically like about it is that the PSI will focus not only in developing elite athletes but will also concentrate on grassroots development, which is also the centerpiece program of the provincial sports commission. I hope we can contribute and participate in their programs and I wish that the young athletes from Cebu Province be beneficiaries of their programs so that we can have new breed of elite athletes from Cebu,” said lawyer Mark Abing, executive director of the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission.

Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman Edward Hayco was optimistic that the PSI will be felt and have a trickle-down effect.

“The PSI will have a rippling effect, working through the local sports commission and the local DepEd. Just like our program with coach Philip Dueñas and Joy Tabal in Barangay Guba. We have 100 potential Palaro athletes in the making. Also, our air rifle national coach Miguel Rodriguez now has 100 A-level athletes, same with Architect Don Don Sombrio in archery. His knowledge being an Asian gold medalist is being filtered directly to the grassroots training pool. So we assure PSC, the regional sports institute will ripple and cascade everything that comes from PSI,” Hayco added.

Hayco said the CCSC will support PSI’s goal of developing grassroots talents.

“We will make sure the technology and training will not end up with the elite athletes, but we’ll surround the elite athletes with grassroots training pools, so the special trainings will be filtered down effectively,” said Hayco.

Entrepreneur invests in Cebu’s first library café for homegrown authors

By Cris Evert Lato-Ruffolo

ENTREPRENEUR Caroline Porras, president and chief executive officer of ClintKAMMS Corp., invested about P1 million or another business venture that will serve as home of printed books and a venue for authors to converge and discuss their craft.

Porras, who has been in the printing business in the last 14 years, sees the opening of PhiloSophia Library Café as part of the “forward integration” of ClintKAMMS and its subsidiaries, SoLine Publishing Co. Inc. and Phialo Trading Corp.

“The business is growing and we needed to have a venue where we can showcase the books we printed here … to tell the public that Cebu can produce high-quality books that we can be proud of,” said Porras, whose company prints coffee table books and textbooks.

PhiloSophia Library Café, located along M.C. Briones Street in Mandaue City, can also serve as a training venue for teachers, students and other groups as it is equipped with sound system, microphones and LCD projector and screen.

It can accommodate around 20 to 30 people.

“This is perhaps the only café of its kind in Cebu because the books displayed here are written mostly by local authors and printed by a local printing company,” said Porras.

She said they are looking at opening PhiloSophia branches in Cagayan De Oro and Davao so the books will have a home in these major cities in Mindanao. This will hopefully reach the huge but untapped market in the cities of Pagadian, Ozamiz, Bukidnon, Iligan, Butuan and Cotabato.

Porras works closely with the University of San Carlos (USC) Press in many book projects.

The books by Cebuano authors such as Resil Mojares, Simeon Dumdum Jr., Jobers Bersales, Louie Nacorda, Raymund Fernandez and Louella Alix, which are under USC Press, were printed by ClintKAMMS.

The commemorative book, Days of Hope and Glory, on the 51st International Eucharistic Congress was put together by writers and team members of Phialo Trading and was printed at ClintKAMMS.

Cafe business

Porras said entering the café business has not been difficult for her since she has a background in running a fast-food chain franchise in the past.

This is further strengthened by a 14-year experience in running a printing company which was marked by several issues and challenges. Despite the setbacks, Porras managed to continue the business and come out stronger.

PhiloSophia is a play on the word “philosophy” and Porras daughter’s name, “Sophia.”

Porras was actively involved in the café’s design which exudes an antique ambiance.

Porras said the café embraces “love for knowledge” and welcomes people to dine and drink in an atmosphere of learning and art.

Cebu airport launching seven new flights in Q1

By Louella Desiderio (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) expects seven new flights to be launched at the airport within the first quarter of the year.

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) said three of the new flights expected within the first three months of the year, would be offered by flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the three new flights would be serving passengers from Cebu who are going to domestic destinations such as Clark, Puerto Princesa and General Santos.

GMCAC said new international flights are also expected to be available at the MCIA within the current quarter. Close Ad X

In particular, PAL is expected to offer charter flights to Wuhan and Wenzhou in China from Cebu.

China Eastern Airlines, is also set to launch charter flights to destinations in China such as Wuhan and Wuxi from MCIA. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

MCIA connects Cebu to over 20 domestic destinations as well as 13 international points across Asia, US and the Middle East.

GMCAC, composed of Filipino firm Megawide Construction Corp. and India’s GMR Infrastructure Ltd., was awarded the 25-year concession agreement to develop and operate MCIA under the government’s public-private partnership program.

The joint venture took over the management of MCIA in November 2014.

Construction of Terminal 2 of the MCIA is ongoing.

GMCAC expects to open the second terminal of the MCIA by June 2018.

Earlier, GMCAC chief executive advisor Andrew Harrison said the second terminal would be catering to international flights to Cebu.

A second terminal would enable MCIA to reduce congestion as well as address growing passenger traffic.

32 Sanson brings famed ‘Rockwell lifestyle’ to Cebu

By Amy R. Remo (Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A strong local demand continues to fuel the healthy growth of the Cebu residential property market. And the proof is in the numbers.

Latest data from Colliers International Philippines showed that the take up of residential condominium projects in the province rose by 26 percent to about 1,300 units in the third quarter of 2016, from about 1,030 units a year ago.

According to the property consultancy firm, this stronger take up can be attributed to robust international sales of recently-launched projects, while the favorable overall demand from locals can be due to increasing household incomes among families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Other factors that boosted this stronger take-up include low interest rates; flexible and affordable payment schemes offered by banks and developers; improved accessibility to residential projects especially those inside township projects; and a generally robust macroeconomic environment.

In Cebu City alone, there is a continuing demand for larger condominium cuts (two- to three-bedroom units), partly driven by foreigners residing in major business hubs like Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park.

Meanwhile, the take-up for studio and one-bedroom units is fueled by the demand from local and foreign investors, business process outsourcing employees, and affluent college students from the city and neighboring towns and provinces, it added.

“Cebu City attracts a lot of students as it is the Central Visayas’ center for academic excellence. Take up in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities are expected to rise over the medium-term given their status as emerging business hubs,” Colliers Philippines said.

“In the medium term, Colliers sees more luxury and leisure condominium developments in Lapu-Lapu City while affordable projects are expected to proliferate in Mandaue City,” the firm added.

Among the luxury developments that are currently benefiting from the robust residential property market in Cebu include the 32 Sanson, Rockwell Land Corp.’s first development outside Metro Manila.

This charming garden development, set amid a sprawling 3.2-hectare lot in Cebu City has already started a progressive turnover in December last year and will continue throughout the first three months of 2017.

Aside from the units, some of the amenities will also be ready by next month, allowing Cebu residents to experience the famed “Rockwell lifestyle.”

As it is, the first stores to open at 32 Sanson—Kayu Kitchen + Bar Restaurant and Marisse Patisserie—are already living up to the hype, helping ensure the customers’ satisfaction, and completing that distinct community experience.

Business leaders welcome move

By Katlene O. Cacho

BUSINESS leaders in Cebu welcomed the approval of the P1,000 increase in the pension of retired Social Security System (SSS) members.

“It’s a shot in the arm in uplifting the plight of the Filipino people.

The SSS pension hike will surely benefit a lot of Filipinos by providing more security to its members that will generate more economic activity,” said Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Glenn Anthony Soco.

Malacañang on Tuesday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte approved a P1,000 pension increase this month.

SSS members would have a corresponding 1.5 percent increase in contribution rate hike in May or 12.5 percent from the current 11 percent contribution rate and an increase monthly salary credit to P20,000 from the current P16,000.

In peso value, the additional total contribution will range from P15 to P740 equally shared by the employer and employee.

“The SSS pension hike approval by the President was done to fulfill a campaign promise.

To ensure sustainability, we hope this was done after careful study of the funds available at SSS to support this move,” said Melanie Ng, president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Duterte approved the hike amid calls for him to sign the proposal for a P2,000 increase in the pension of SSS retirees.

SSS chair Amado Valdez was quoted in a report saying that the first tranche of the increase will take effect this month while the second P1,000 increase would be in 2022 or earlier. SSS said the hike will benefit the agency’s over two million pensioners.

“It’s good to note that this will come in tranches so as to lessen the impact on the cost of doing business and on the employees whose contribution will increase as well,” said Ng.

Lawyer Alberto Montalbo, officer-in-charge and vice president for SSS Central Visayas, said that while the hike in pension meant an increase in contributions, members should look at this as something that benefits them in the long-term.

“This is an assurance that by the time our members retire, they will not only be getting P1,200 pension monthly but P3,000 minimum pension monthly,” said Montalbo.

As of January to September 2016, SSS recorded 34.5 million members nationwide, with 25 million coming from the corporate segment.

20 vessels register with PCG Cebu to join Sto. Nino fluvial procession

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- A total of 20 vessels have registered with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Cebu Station as of Thursday to join the fluvial procession of the Holy Image of the Senor Sto. Nino de Cebu on Saturday morning, Jan. 14.

Commander Dionlett Ampil, PCG Cebu Station commander, said Thursday was supposed to be the deadline for the registration of vessels joining the fluvial procession.

But Ampil said they will still accept registrants on Friday.

The fluvial procession will the Sto. Nino form Mandaue City to Pier 1 in Cebu City.

Ampil said they have informed all mariners that the entire Mactan channel will be closed to all sea vessels traffic starting at dawn on Saturday until the end of the fluvial procession.

Ampil said they are strictly enforcing security and safety measures for the fluvial procession, including the ban on firearms, fireworks and balloons.

He said marshals on speed boats will also be deployed for a quick response during emergencies, especially when a participating vessel sinks.

But Ampil said the holding of the fluvial procession will largely depend on the weather.

”If the sea gets rough, we have to cancel the fluvial procession for the sake of the safety of participants,” he said.

Church officials said a motorcade from Mandaue City to Cebu City will be held if the fluvial procession is cancelled.

Over 3,500 workers became regular in 2016 – DOLE-7

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 3,528 workers were regularized in Central Visayas from July to December 2016, the Department of Labor and Employment-7 reported.

DOLE Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga said there were 61 establishments complying voluntarily wherein out of the 2,540 non-regular workers recorded, around 1,714 had been regularized.

Sarcauga in a statement said that some workers engaged with agencies, contractors, or subcontractors were also regularized by their principals.

He said DOLE-7 received compliance reports from 42 establishments with 3,541 contractual workers and regularizing 1,788 workers.

This developed as the department conducted full blast "end of contract" or ENDO assessments and massive information drive to put an end to ENDO and other forms of illegitimate employment arrangements.

The data gathered was based on the voluntary compliance reports submitted by the establishments to the DOLE and by the results of the joint assessments conducted.

Sarcauga said that with regards to their ongoing ENDO assessments, they already recorded 174 cases, which are all scheduled for mandatory conferences.

“Our mandatory conferences are ongoing and we give special attention to and priority on ENDO-related cases,” said Sarcauga.

Sarcauga is hopeful that Central Visayas would be able to register more non-regular workers being regularized, and the department will be able to accomplish the target of reaching 100 percent of contractual workers regularized before the end of December 2017.

He said that the ENDO orientations conducted by the DOLE were instrumental for the voluntary compliance of establishments.

Right after the formal announcement by the secretary on the campaign against ENDO on August 2016, DOLE-7 conducted and facilitated 32 consultations and orientations with the Industrial Tripartite Councils and various industries.

Industries covered involved manufacturing; services-restaurants; services-bakeshop; retail or wholesale; hotel and resorts; electric utilities; commissaries; warehouses; construction; and business process management.

Home sales in Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu seen to rise

By Carlo S Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Residential property take-ups in Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City are expected to rise over the medium-term given their status as emerging business hubs.

In the medium term, Colliers International sees more luxury and leisure condominium developments in Lapu-Lapu City while affordable projects are expected to proliferate in Mandaue City.

"The launch of more affordable condominium units will continue, albeit at a slower pace, as developers scramble to acquire cheap developable land," Colliers said in its research and forecast report on the residential sector penned by Joey Roi Bondoc, research manager.

The real estate agency has observed the continued development of residential projects that cater to tourists such as condotels and serviced residences.

"We see a more robust development of leisure-related projects given the projected increase in tourist arrivals in the city that is attributed to Cebu being a jump-off point to Visayas and Mindanao destinations; the modernization of the Cebu Airport; and the city’s emergence as a key MICE destination outside of Metro Manila," Colliers explained.

Overall residential vacancy in Cebu City reached 25 percent last year, up from 20 percent a year ago.

The vacancy rate rose due to delivery of a significant number of new condominium units.

The demand for larger condominium (two- to three-bedroom units) in Cebu City is partly driven by foreigners residing in major business hubs like Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park.

Meanwhile, the take-up for studio and one-bedroom units is fueled by the demand from local and foreign investors, BPO employees, and affluent college students from the city and neighboring towns and provinces.

"Cebu City attracts a lot of students as it is the Central Visayas’ center for academic excellence," Colliers said.

In terms of completion, about 4,000 units were delivered as of third quarter I 2016, a 200 percent surge from 1,300 units completed in same period in 2015.

More than 80 percent of the completed units are located in Cebu City, while the rest are in Mandaue City (9 percent) and Lapu-Lapu City (4 percent), Colliers said.

Among the major projects completed during the period include Persimmon (632 units) by Aboitiz Land and Solinea (591 units) and Avida Towers (527 units) by Ayala Land.

About half of the projects completed fall under the affordable segment while a third are classified as mid-income. The luxury segment accounted for less than a tenth of all units delivered.

For the rest of 2016 about 4,000 units are expected to be delivered while an estimated 10,400 units or about 3,500 units annually are slated for completion over the next three years.

Due to continued development of residential projects in Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu City, house and lots have become more expensive resulting in a more aggressive development of affordable condominium units.

Take-up as of third quarter 2016 increased by a quarter to about 1,300 units from about 1,030 units in third quarter 2015.

More than half of the total take-up were from the Mid-Income category, followed by the Economic (20 percent) and the Affordable (16 percent) segments.

The stronger take-up is also attributed to robust international sales of recently-launched projects, including Taft Properties’ Mandani Bay Suites project.

The favorable overall demand from locals is mainly attributed to increasing household incomes driven by OFW remittances. Other factors attributed to stronger take-up during the period are low interest rates; flexible and affordable payment schemes offered by banks and developers; improved accessibility to residential projects especially those inside township projects; and a generally robust macroeconomic environment.

Cebu-Japan flights to boost arrivals of ‘high-spenders’

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman) 12:00 am

CEBU, Philippines - The entry of more direct flight frequencies connecting Cebu to Japan is seen to further boost Japanese tourist arrivals in Cebu.

This projection is made by the airport's management company GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Inc (GMCAC) following the launching of Japanese low cost carrier Vanilla Air to enter Cebu.

“Japan is an important market for Cebu and the rest of the country. The entry of new flights to Cebu makes us more attractive as a destination especially for Japanese tourists who are fascinated of Cebu’s unique blend as a business and leisure destination,” said GMCAC Chief Executive Adviser Andrew Harrison.

Vanilla Air Inc., wholly owned by ANA Holdings Inc., launched last December 25, 2016, its daily direct flights from Narita to Cebu, making it the fifth international destination in the airline’s route network. It is the first Japanese airline to fly direct from Narita to Cebu. Close Ad X

Vanilla Air currently operates from Tokyo (Narita) to Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City aside from the domestic destinations: Sapporo, Hakodate, Osaka, Amami-Oshima and Okinawa.

MCIA connects to three destinations in Japan – Nagoya, Osaka and Narita. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

The thrice weekly Nagoya flights and the seven times weekly Osaka flights are served by Philippine Airlines. Meanwhile, the 25-times weekly Narita flights are served by PAL, Cebu Pacific and Vanilla Air.

According to Harrison, the increased in flight frequencies to Japan from Cebu will make the Japanese market the next big tourism opportunity for Central and Southern Philippines, once again.

While Japanese market is catching up in arrival numbers with Koreans, Japan is notably fast becoming a travel destination among Filipinos. The country is home to 19 World Heritage Sites and popular tourist attractions like Tokyo, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji and several ski resorts, Harrison said.

Meanwhile, Harrison noted that as the opening of a new airport terminal draws closer by June 2018, GMCAC is focused on developing more international connectivity, which he voiced with optimism will spur tourism and business opportunities in Cebu and the rest of the country.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is currently serving a total of 14 international destinations, 26 domestic destinations with 19 partner airline carriers.

MCIA’s Terminal 2, where construction is fully underway, will boost the airport’s passenger carrying capacity to 15 million passengers a year from the current 4.5 million passengers.

GMCAC is the private company managing the terminal operations and other related areas of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Devotee City underway

By Vania Mae Lim (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The construction of the Devotee City near the Compaña Maritima Building has started Friday in preparation for the arrival of pilgrims starting next week.

Sinulog Devotee City committee chairman Roberto Cabarrubias said they are expecting devotees from other provinces to arrive on Thursday. Cabarrubias said the Devotee City will be ready to receive them by then.

He said they are expecting devotees from the neighboring provinces of Leyte, Siquijor and Negros. The Devotee City will also accept devotees from the municipalities beyond Danao City in the north and Carcar City in the south.

Based on their past experiences, most devotees who come to the temporary shelter provided by the city government are from within the province of Cebu.

Cabarrubias said they will put up showerheads, portalets, and areas for cooking. At least 24 portalets have been delivered yesterday. Security personnel will be deployed round the clock to ensure the safety of the devotees.

The Devotee City is composed of at least 120 container vans that will serve as temporary shelter. Cabarrubias said that for the devotees to be accommodated they need to present their bus or boat ticket upon registration.

Meanwhile, street dwellers will be placed in the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries in the North Reclamation Area starting next week.

Cabarrubias said they will not allow anyone to sleep on the streets, adding there will be a group tasked to roundup street dwellers.

US-based university, Cebu university, foundation join forces to aid micro-entrepreneurs

(PNA), RMA/EB/SSC

CEBU CITY, Jan. 7 (PNA) -- A university based in California, USA has collaborated with a Cebu-based university and a foundation to design and implement programs that will help sustain and improve micro-entrepreneurs in Cebu and alleviate poverty in the province.

The academic collaboration was formed by the Santa Clara University of California, the School of Business and Economics of the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), which is also based in Cebu City.

Fr. Michael Engh of Santa Clara University said they were impressed with the practicality of USC’s current microentrepreneur-focused programs, and that they were giving their full-support on implementing the project.

The academic-collaboration will be a community-based program wherein students, faculty and alumni of the economics and business departments of USC and Santa Clara University will participate on helping and sustaining micro-entrepreneurs in Cebu.

Fr. Dionisio Miranda, USC president, said they invited representatives from Santa Clara University to discuss with them how community extensions of microentrepreneur programs in California in the United States of America can be used to aid the improvement of microentrepreneurship in Cebu, and ultimately “alleviate the poverty situation.”

“Their programs serve as benchmarks on how to further sustain microentrepreneurship,” Miranda said.

Dr. Challoner Matero, dean of USC’s School of Business and Economics, said their department, together with RAFI, would do extensive research to make sure the microentrepeneurship program from Santa Clara University, which are designed for a first-world country, would be applicable for a third-world country like the Philippines.

The team will also research on the poverty situation in Cebu before launching the project.

Carmen Copper brings cheer to 3,200 indigents

(Sun.Star Cebu)

MORE than 3,200 indigents from Toledo City benefited from Carmen Copper Corp.’s Christmas gift-giving last month.

Organized under the company’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), the beneficiaries were mostly members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and their children and senior citizens residing in Carmen Copper’s host and neighboring barangays.

Carmen Copper sought to complement the government’s programs for the marginalized sectors, like choosing the 4Ps beneficiaries and senior citizens to receive gift bundles from the company during this season of giving.

These 4Ps families are considered the poorest of poor by the government who identified them using the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction.

Some 1,300 4Ps families received Noche Buena packs, while their children received toys and refreshments during five separate gift-giving activities held from Dec. 20 to 27.

Over 1,900 senior citizens each received five kilos of rice and canned goods.

“To receive gifts and all forms of material blessings in this culminating part of the year is a common wish of everyone.

Much more for those who have less in life, they should receive more gifts this Christmas,” said Carmen Copper president and chief executive officer Enrico C. Nera.

Nera, who attended one of the biggest gift-giving activities held at the Carmen Copper Recreation Center last Dec. 20 with more than 800 4Ps beneficiaries gathered, said that Carmen Copper will continue to help the community not only during Christmas but all through the year.

Cebu Capitol gives PHP3M financial assistance to Sinulog

(PNA), JMC/EB/MEC

CEBU CITY, Jan. 5 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government has given a PHP3-million financial assistance to the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), the organizers of the annual Sinulog Festival set this year on Jan. 15, an official said.

Cebu provincial treasurer Emmanuel Guial said the monetary assistance the provincial government extended to SFI was taken from the 2016 budget of the provincial government.

Guial said the provincial government forwarded the financial assistance to the SFI on December last year, after receiving the foundation’s request.

Guial said the SFI may avail itself of future financial assistance for the Sinulog, but it has to liquidate the expenses charged to the previous financial assistance.

As this developed, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said big events that attract visitors such as the Sinulog Festival are always a concern when it comes to security.

Davide urged everyone to be always watchful and vigilant.

Davide also said he was not completely amenable to the plans of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to shut off communication signals at the grandstand during the festivities for security reasons.

“Communication is very important, especially for security. Communication is critical, especially in our law enforcement groups – the police, the military, even the government office, government officials who are involved in the preparations for the festivities,” Davide said.

Osmeña’s plan came in light of heightened security for this year’s Sinulog festivities after the recent bombing through an improvised explosive device (IED) in Hilongos, Leyte, while the town was celebrating its fiesta.

Many IEDs are activated through the use of mobile phones.

Capitol to send Sinulog contingent

By Kristine B. Quintas (KBQ /FPL, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government will join this year’s Sinulog with a float with an overarching concept of “stewardship.”

“We are the stewards of our history, and guardians of our culture and heritage,” said Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito “Boboi” Costas.

Costas said the theme of the Capitol’s float will center on the “intersection of culture, environment and heritage.”

Cebu’s endemic species, such as Hoya bicknellii, Cebu Flowerpecker, Kawasan Paper Kite (Idea leucone jumaloni), Cebu mistletoe and Cebu Cinnamon tree will bedeck the float.

The Kawasan Paper Kite is a rare butterfly found in Kawasan Falls in Badian and Nug-as forest in Alcoy; Flowerpecker (Dicaeum quadricolor) is a small passerine bird; Hoya bicknellii is a new Hoya species discovered in the Badian town by David Bicknell and said to be closely related to davidcummingii but differs in shape of flower and size; the Cebu Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cebuense) found in Tabunan forest and grows on limestone in 400–600- meter altitude dry forests; and Cebu mistletoe (Lepeostegeres cebuensis) is unique among currently known species in the genus by having peculiar ridges of orange-brown scales on the young leaves and internodes.

Aside from the endemic species, Costas said prominent Cebuano folklore like Maria Cacao, a diwata (fairy) or mountain goddess associated with Mount Lantoy in Argao, Cebu, will also be depicted in the theme.

“Maria Cacao will represent the concept of mother earth. She is a prominent figure in our Cebuano folklore. She inhabits our forest and protects our trees and animals,” he said.

He said they will also feature “tambuleros” or the Drum and Bugle Corps of Cebu “to play tribute to ancient Cebuanos.”

Around P1 million will be set aside for the float, Costas said.

A dancing contingent composed of Capitol workers will be following the float. Governor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale together with the province’s eco-warriors, tourism officers and town officials will also join the grand parade.

“We are targeting 200-300 participants from the province… not in the competition category but we will participate in honor of Señor Sto. Niño,” he said.

In last year’s Sinulog, the float centered on the province’s advocacy campaign dubbed as “Kalambuan sa Matag Sugbuanon,” which symbolizes the province’s and the Cebuanos’ efforts toward progress. It showcased its icon—two human forms, one blue and one yellow, holding hands.

The provincial government’s float had a theme related to Pope Francis and the unity of the Cebuanos during calamities in 2015.

In 2014, the Capitol’s float featured a simple nipa hut with a Sto. Niño at the window depicting “Bangon Sugbo,” recovery efforts in northern Cebu after super typhoon Yolanda struck in November 2013.

UC opens new School of Medicine and Medical Arts Building

By Maurice Jitty Villaester

CEBU’S leading university University of Cebu opened its new seven-story School of Medicine and Medical Arts Building along Ouano Avenue, Mandaue City last December 8 to accomodate more students.

As a medical campus, the newly-opened building houses state-of-the-art facilities that facilitate outcome-based education which is one of UC’s trusts.

UC president Lawyer Augusto Go in the building’s grand opening and ribbon cutting said that the university aims to serve more students not only in Cebu but also students coming from neighboring cities in the Visayas and across all regions in the country.

“I am very grateful for all the people who are here today. Without you, this venture will not be put into reality,” said Go.

“This is just our start. I am aiming to become one of Cebu’s best medical school. Expect more from us,” he added.

Mandaue Mayor Luigi Quisumbing said that the school could help fill in to the growing need of medical practitioners in the region. “As we all know, Mandaue is starting to become one of the leaders in the medical field in the country. We want to be a trailblazer,” said Quisumbing.

He added that Mandaue is fast becoming a world-class city.

“This will open the gateway not just for treatment, but also for research and development,” he added.

Also present during the opening were Mrs. Elizabeth Go, Ms. Candice Gotianuy, UC President, and Dr. Melfer Montoya, UCMed Dean. Some of the faculty also graced the event.

Trans-axial highway will push through

By Oscar C. Pineda

CEBU Gov. Hilario Davide III said the trans-axial highway project will push through with the help of foreign partners.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale has also proposed to start widening part of that road project this year, referring to a road from Talamban to Compostela.

The proposed trans-axial road cuts across Cebu’s mountains from Daanbantayan in the north to Santander in the south.

“This is a solution to the traffic problem,” Magpale told reporters the other day. Aside from decongesting traffic in Metro Cebu, the mountain highway will also help farmers bring their goods to the lowland, Davide said.

“We have not abandoned our plan to establish an alternative road, the trans-axial is one,” said Davide.

He said the project includes feeder roads to every town center.

Davide was reacting to pronouncements of some legislators that the trans-axial highway will damage Cebu’s watersheds. He said that is only their opinion.

“That’s why we entertain foreign companies that come here and ask us about our projects,” he said.

Davide said they always consult the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) to make all Capitol projects fall in line with national objectives. Before Davide left for a vacation, Magpale talked to him about the project.

Magpale proposed to Davide to develop a road from Barangay Cambinocot in Cebu City, to Barangay Dapdap in Compostela.

Using this road, motorists will no longer pass through the heavily congested coastal roads in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Consolacion and Liloan towns. She suggested widening rough roads, asphalting these and installing street lights.

Magpale suggested another road that connects to Danao City which only needs to be improved. The proposed trans-axial highway is a 300-km. road. In September 2015, the project was estimated to cost P56 billion.

Capitol is eyeing foreign partners to implement the project, which has components such as reclamation areas and seaports; economic zones; wind, hydro and solar power plants; water systems; and housing and commercial centers.

Mice, ESL among tourism prospects for Central Visayas

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 is stepping up its programs next year to help realize the 12-million tourist target in 2022.

A bigger share of the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (Mice) and English as Second Language (ESL) markets; further development of agri-tourism, health and wellness, and retirement tourism; and more focused promotional events of local tourism destinations in the region are some of the prospects of DOT 7 next year.

Foreign visitors The department is also keen on tapping markets from China, Taiwan, and Japan, which garnered the highest growth rates in Central Visayas in 2016.

According to DOT 7, China leads in the list of foreign arrivals, growing more than 60 percent between 2015 and 2016, followed by Taiwan, which grew 20 percent. Japanese tourists grew 16 percent.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo expects up to three million Chinese tourists to visit the country in 2017 after her successful visit to Beijing in October.

A memorandum of agreement on tourism cooperation between the Philippines and China was signed to give DOT a better opportunity to market the Philippines to potential Chinese travelers.

DOT 7’s new tourism chief Catalino Chan III vowed to elevate the tourism industry in the region to a level that is equal across its provinces, as well as to sustain and enhance growth of time-tested destinations in Cebu and Bohol; and to promote emerging town destinations in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

The agency said there will be additional initiatives to improve air and sea inter-island connectivity, and integrate culinary experiences in current tourism products.

Some 4.7 million foreign tourists have visited the country as of September.

Teo said the country stands to surpass last year’s total of 5.4 million international visitors.

The country’s hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in January is seen to boost arrivals.

According to Teo, the beauty pageant is an avenue to provide a sneak peak of the country’s tourism jewels and promote the country as a safe destination.

Aside from the beauty pageant, DOT is also gearing up for the ASEAN Summit next year and other big ticket Mice events.

The country is also preparing to welcome more tourists from Cambodia, after the DOT and the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia signed an agreement that will start a series of programs aimed at revitalizing tourism relations.

Israel Likewise, more visitors from Israel are expected to come in the coming months as six major travel agencies based in Tel Aviv vowed to promote Philippine tourism.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial relayed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that tour operators from the Middle East nation have started making package tours to the Philippines.

He said this is a result of a recent trip of tour operators, composed of CEOs and managers, in popular tourism sites in the Philippines in Cebu, Bohol and Metro Manila last Dec. 6 to 12.

As of September, a 11,800 Israelis have visited the Philippines, a 34-percent increase from last year.

The tour group held business-to-business meetings with Philippine tour companies, conducted ocular visits to major hotels and experienced activities such as snorkeling, watching dolphins in Bohol, a historical tour in Cebu, and shopping in Manila.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Cebu_Province_News_January_2017&oldid=986200"