Cebu Province News July 2016

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.

A hat trick of holidays soon, including Cebu’s 447th anniv

By Justin K. Vestil

CEBUANOS will mark the 447th founding anniversary of Cebu Province with a non-working holiday on Aug. 6.

Even though Malacañang has yet to issue a special order for this date, Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) 7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said it might be released within the week.

Based on Republic Act 8952, Aug. 6 every year is declared as a special non-working holiday in the Province of Cebu.

The declaration also extends to highly urbanized cities such as Cebu City and Mandaue City and to component cities such as Lapu-Lapu, Danao and Toledo.

Sarcauga said that aside from Aug. 6, Aug. 21, or Ninoy Aquino Day, will also be declared as a special non-working holiday nationwide.

Heroes

Aug. 29, or National Heroes Day, will be a regular holiday.

Based on the Labor Code, an employee who works during a non-working holiday by virtue of a special declaration is entitled to a premium pay of 30 percent.

An employee who works during a regular holiday earns extra pay equivalent to his regular rate.

For the Province, its founding anniversary celebration will have different features, one of which is the holding of an Agro Fair at the Capitol Compound.

MBG 7 to boost ties with LGUs in curbing illegal mining

(PR)

THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 will boost its partnership with local government units (LGUs) in stopping illegal mining and quarrying activities in Central Visayas, amid the call for responsible mining.

“There is no way to stop mining, but there is a way to stop illegal mining,” said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Director Isabelo Montejo during the Mid-year Assessment on DENR programs, projects and activities, and expanded execom Meeting held last week.

Mining and quarrying have significant and growing roles in the economic development, especially with the expanding urban investments on construction among others in Central Visayas. Illegal and small-scale mining proliferates as the demand for aggregates increases, said Montejo.

“When it comes to environmental protection, we cannot do this alone. We need the different sectors to help us. We need help because in the end we have one planet and we use the same resources,” Montejo said.

MGB 7 Director Loreto Alburo sought for a stronger coordination with the LGUs and local civil society sectors to report illegal activities in the region.

Small-scale mining operations or those activities, which rely mainly on manual labor and use simple implements, are regulated by the LGUs while large-scale mining is under the supervision and regulation by the bureau, said Alburo.

However, he said that any mining and quarry activities that do not have permits both from the LGU or MGB shall automatically be issued with a cease-and-desist order.

Alburo said that small-scale and large-scale mining activities must have an environment compliance certificate (ECC).

DENR Secretary Regina Paz Lopez has ordered to conduct an audit of existing mining operations all over the country.

Audit

MGB 7 is set to finish its audit in August.

“We see the Secretary’s sincerity to help the poor through responsible mining and one of the avenues for responsible mining is for these mine operators to get ISO 14001 certification, although this is just one of the requirements to be responsible miners for the common good. We have also regularly monitored the tree planting and other environmental and social development activities of these companies on a quarterly basis,” Alburo said.

In Central Visayas, there are 11 non-metallic and one metallic mining operations. Carmen Copper Corp., the lone metallic mining operation in the region was among the first to acquire an ISO certification in the country.

Cebu-based developer breaks ground on new housing project in south Cebu

(PNA), LAP/EB/PJN

CEBU CITY, July 29 (PNA) -- Cebu-based M&E Family Realty Development Corp. has broken ground for its fourth project, the South City Homes Minglanilla in Barangay Tungkop, Minglanilla town in southern Cebu.

M&E Family Realty Development Corp. president Basil B. Ting said horizontal housing for the upscale market will be the company’s thrust over the next years.

The South City Homes Minglanilla is on a 1.5-hectare property and will have 71 houses priced from PHP4.8 million to PHP9 million.

The company’s marketing coordinator, Gloria Gonzales, said they anticipate seafarers as their top buyers, similar to their previous projects.

“Ninety percent of our buyers are seafarers,” she said.

Seafarers are generally compensated higher than the land-based overseas Filipino workers, which allows them to have bigger purchasing powers than their peers, Gonzales said.

Ting said that while they are focused on building homes for the high-end market, they plan to cater to the middle market segment in the future to serve the growing housing needs.

Ting said the family is also scouting for more properties in Metro Cebu to support their expansion plans.

Ting said this might still be in the southern part of the metropolis.

Existing projects of the developer totaling 142 homes are located in Labangon and Bulacao in Cebu City and in Talisay City.

Free Wi-Fi soon in key areas in Cebu by August

By Kimberly C. David (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Free internet will be available in key areas across the province by the end of August, said Engr. Antonio Edward Padre, regional director of the newly established Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Padre made the announcement during the Kapihan sa PIA yesterday, barely three days after President Rodrigo Duterte announced during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday that Internet connection in the Philippines will be strengthened and free Wi-Fi will be made available in public places across the country.

Padre said phase one of the project in Cebu will cover Cebu City, Naga City, Bogo City, and Danao City with 88 access points in select plazas, public schools, and science high schools.

Tacloban City in Leyte and Calbayog City in Samar will also be covered by the first phase.

"The timeline will be, phase one must be up by the end of August," Padre said.

He said further that the initial speed of the public Internet will be four megabits per second but this will reportedly be increased to 10 megabits per second. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

During his SONA in Manila, Duterte directed DICT to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technology to improve internet speed.

Padre said bidding for the project was opened to the two major telecommunication companies.

"As requirement of the government, we offered a public bidding and both (of the) telcos will have their own respective areas for the bandwidth," he said during an interview.

At present, free Wi-Fi is available at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City and the public plaza in Argao town in southern Cebu.

Padre's announcement also coincided with the observance of the National Science and Technology Week.

Jesus Zamora Jr., assistant regional director for technical operations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - 7, said activities are geared towards encouraging the youth to study science. A science and technology exhibit was opened at Robinson's Galleria yesterday, which will run until tomorrow, July 29.

"Labi na taga-adlaw, nagagamit ta og cellphone so science and technology is always a part of our lives," Zamora said.

Anti-poverty program boosts Cebu coffee-growing industry

(PNA), LAP/PR/LDV

CEBU, July 27 (PNA) -- The government’s Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP) is giving a boost to the local coffee industry in Tuburan, Cebu.

Government agencies, local government units (LGUs) and private enterprises collaborate to expand production and markets of coffee growers in the area.

Launched in 2015, ASAPP aims to ensure that poverty reduction programs are focused, well targeted and coordinated.

In Cebu, stakeholders identified the coffee industry as a potential driver of inclusive growth that will increase the incomes of the poor in the areas.

Convened by the Regional Office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Region VII, the ASAPP Cebu Action Team led discussions among local government units (LGUs), line agencies, private enterprises and community members to come up with a poverty-reduction program in Tuburan through developing local Tuburan coffee.

Based on coffee site visits and an assessment of the 2,000 hectares currently planted to coffee in Tuburan, the ASAPP Cebu team developed various technical assistance projects to enable the town’s local coffee growers sector to increase production and sell to wider markets.

These include technical assistance on coffee production, coffee handling practices and post-harvest facilities as first steps.

The team also found the need to provide coffee seedlings and funds for fertilizers, as well as for post-harvest facilities and facilities for coffee bean grinding/processing.

Being part of commercial value chains is likewise considered crucial.

“What is good about the ASAPP is that it is inclusive—the community, the LGUs, the line agencies and the private sector all work in a coordinated fashion towards a common goal and common interest of raising incomes. ASAPP is mutually beneficial to all stakeholders in the area,” said NEDA Deputy Director-General for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon.

The ASAPP-Cebu Action Team is composed of members of the Tuburan LGU and its coffee people’s organizations.

From the private sector, Bo’s Coffee and the Philippine Retailers Association were involved in the Tuburan coffee ASAPP project.

From the government, representatives were from the NEDA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, PCA, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Cebu provincial government.

Meanwhile, another ASAPP undertaking in Cebu was the collaboration between the DTI and the DSWD, together with LGUs, to provide retail trade management training and seed capital to 105 individuals in the towns of Dalaguete, Tuburan and Santa Fe, Cebu.

Also under the ASAPP, DTI conducted entrepreneur-driven intensive trainings for the Hapao basket weavers in Tuburan.

Raw materials used during the training were supplied by a private partner that also purchased the finished products of the participants.

“One of the poverty reduction strategies of the ASAPP is to assist marginalized groups in self-employment. This includes apprising them of industry demand and assisting them in responding to this demand through capacity-building, production and value-adding support, and linking them to markets and institutional buyers,” said Edillon.

Consistent with the mid-term review of the PDP, ASAPP accelerates the inclusion of marginalized groups in the growth process by making the interventions area-specific and responsive to the gaps that the private buyers and grassroots suppliers identify.

The ASAPP was implemented in nine pilot provinces, which are considered the poorest provinces in the country.

These are Iloilo, Pangasinan, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao del Sur and Sulu.

The NEDA is the convener of the ASAPP Action Team in Cebu, comprising members of the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster and selected members of the Economic Development Cluster.

Mass transit for Cebu, Davao

By Razel V. Cuizon, Princess Dawn H. Felicitas

QUEZON CITY—In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned a promise that traffic-suffering residents of Davao and Cebu will likely welcome.

He promised to push for mass transit systems in both metropolises, along with other rail projects for Metro Manila, Luzon and Mindanao.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the proposed rail project for Cebu will be in addition to the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

“Very traffic”

Pernia explained that the BRT project is just a short-term project, which will take less time to implement but will require other, complementary solutions like a rail line.

“Cebu is very traffic already,” said Pernia, who has experienced road congestion in Cebu first-hand.

In his SONA, President Duterte said: “We shall pursue rail projects in Manila and the major key points in the country. Hindi ako nagyayabang pero totoo talaga ito (I am not bragging; this is for real). Six years lalabas talaga ito (This will get done). I assure you because it is going to materialize. Rail projects like the Davao transit system, the Cebu transit system.”

What’s already in the pipeline for Cebu is the P10.6-billion Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Cebu City. The 16-kilometer project, which will run from Bulacao to Talamban, is among the projects approved by former president Benigno Aquino III in 2014.

Proponents had earlier eyed to start its implementation within the year, after the detailed engineering design is completed.

Urgent

Interviewed separately, Cebu Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura also pointed out the promised transportation projects for Cebu and Davao.

“As a fellow government official, I am looking forward to this because this was a promise that the Aquino administration never had. So when President Duterte mentioned the LRT in Cebu and other provinces, hopefully it will be achieved. I wasn’t able to watch the beginning of his speech. But I think he failed to mention about the extension of government hospitals,” Shimura added.

Pernia said the proposed Cebu Transit System will address not only the traffic problems in Cebu City, but as well as other areas in Metro Cebu.

“We were the ones who put the plans together with the president. He (Duterte) has the will to implement and to get things done,” Pernia said.

The pledge elated several Cebu legislators.

In an interview after the SONA, Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar said he was happy that the president mentioned his plan for Cebu.

“We welcome that. I was very happy to hear that because he mentioned Mindanao first and I was hoping that he would also mention Cebu, which he did. He mentioned us. We can expect that we will not be forgotten,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.

“We need to create additional road access like skyways up and subways down, and together with the (road) widening is the rail. It has to go together,” he added.

Cebu City South District Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa said he will help follow up on the projects that the president promised for Cebu.

“That’s a very welcome development that President Duterte is willing to pour national government resources and efforts into this mode of transport,” he said.

For former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, the Cebu Transit System would be a big help for the city.

Rama, who was among those who attended the SONA, said Cebu needs mass transport to address its traffic. “We were so happy hearing that because it’s a good thing for Cebu,” he added.

Giving tourism more flavor

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Province of Cebu lauded organizers of the 12th Cebu Goes Culinary held over the weekend, saying this annual activity helps upgrade Cebu’s standards in the culinary arts.

“Every year, there are certainly improvements,” said Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who is also chair of committee on tourism.

Magpale underscored that culinary tourism is important in boosting arrivals to Cebu and that taking each tourist, whether local or foreign, on a culinary journey of Cebu would help attract tourists to either stay longer or return to Cebu.

Cebu Goes Culinary is an annual competition organized by the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRAC). This year’s activity was anchored on the theme “Fruits of the Earth.”

The event highlighted the skills and mastery of the culinary arts by professional and aspiring chefs from different hotels, resorts, culinary schools and universities from all over Cebu and neighboring provinces like Bohol, Negros, Dumaguete and Iloilo.

Cake decorating, speed cooking, bartending, table setting and menu setting were some of the activities in the two-day culinary competition. Among the highlights were The Chocolate Chamber Challenge and The Noodle Challenge.

Early this year, Hong Kong-based marketing and communications agency Catch On announced that it has included the Philippines as one of the New Gastronomic-8 emerging markets of influence in world cuisine.

“The Future of Food” report mentioned that the cross-pollination of culinary influences in Philippine cuisine mirrors the country’s colorful historical influences. These influences are amplified and interpreted gastronomically for the world by a young breed of bold and tech-savvy Filipino chefs.

It also noted that as more Filipinos travel overseas, they bring with them their culture of food. Philippine ingredients and the country’s signature dishes like adobo, kinilaw, and sisig are slowly making their way into international kitchens.

Julie Najar, president of HRRAC, said the recognition is a welcome development as the Department of Tourism (DOT) eyes the country as a potential food hub in Asia.

DOT 7 Director Rowena Montecillo lauded the private sector for its support in boosting culinary tourism in Cebu.

She said that the private sector has always been creative and competitive when it comes to food, thus, the birth of events like Cebu Goes Culinary, a platform where chefs and cooks showcase innovative ways of cooking dishes, pastries and drinks, among others.

Carmen Copper, DAS execs unveil multi-purpose center

(Sun.Star Cebu)

OVER 45,000 people will benefit from the new Corazon Regis Cabrera DAS Cultural and Multi-Purpose Center in Barangay Don Andres Soriano (DAS), Toledo City, which was inaugurated on July 6.

The edifice stands on a 3,336-square-meter parcel of land donated by Carmen Copper Corp. to Barangay DAS. The donated property, which has a market value of P18.6 million is a project under the company’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).

Carmen Copper also created the building plan and design.

During its construction period, quality inspection of structural works was also performed by company engineers.

In his inaugural message, DAS Barangay Chief Jose Jeffrey Cabrera said he was grateful to Carmen Copper for fulfilling the village’s dream.

“Daghan kaayong salamat Carmen Copper kay tungod sa mina natuman ang among damgo nga magtukod og multipurpose center para sa mga tawo (Thank you very much Carmen Copper because of you our dreams of having a multi-purpose center come true).”

Cabrera said that the Barangay Council came up with its plan of building the edifice in 2013. However, due to lack of space, the council asked the Carmen Copper management to donate to them a parcel of land beside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Construction of the building started on June 11, 2014 and was funded from the excise tax of the company.

Better services

“We are proud to be a part of the fulfilment of your dreams for the people of Barangay DAS,” said Carmen Copper President Enrico Nera. “We remain committed to supporting you in your programs, which provides better services for your constituents.”

The facility boasts a 1,300-seat basketball court with a play court capacity of 700 persons, as well as a variety of other spaces for fitness fanatics, such as a gymnasium, and the cultural hall for performing arts. It also houses business centers, canteen, four restrooms and outdoor areas for people to enjoy.

It was named after the late Corazon Regis Cabrera in honor of the first elected teniente del barrio of DAS (formerly Lutopan) from 1947 to 1955.

The facility was blessed by Fr. Domingo Tapic, parish priest of Our lady of Mount Carmel Parish and his parochial vicar Fr. Rogen Leyson.

The center was inaugurated by Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia (Cebu, third district), Cabrera and members of the Barangay Council, Nera and executive vice president Tristan Ronald Choa, and members of the Toledo City Council.

The newly-refurbished barangay plaza named in honor of Don Andres Soriano, the founder of Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp., was also inaugurated and opened to the public.

Cebu Capitol collects Php 1.564 B in revenues for first half of 2016

(PNA), RMA/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, July 23 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government has collected a total of Php 1.564 billion in revenues from January to June this year, the Cebu Provincial Treasurer’s Office said.

The collection for the first semester this year is higher by Php 165 million, or 11.8 percent, than the Php 1.399 billion collected over the same period last year.

Local Treasury Operations Officer Edna Toring-Obeñita attributed the increase in revenue to the Cebu Capitol’s extensive tax campaign and the income of the Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The comparative revenue records are divided into the general fund, Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), district hospitals and development fund.

The general fund covers tax revenues and non-tax receipts.

The CSBT at the N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City is earning income through the collection of parking fees for buses plying the southern part of Cebu.

The ten provincial government-run district hospitals in the province have also become sources of revenues for the provincial government.

Talisay City to start construction of new PHP150M disaster-resilient public market

(PNA), LAP/EB/RSM

TALISAY CITY, Cebu, July 22 (PNA) -- The Talisay City Government is set to start the construction of the new PHP150-million disaster-resilient public market in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

Talisay City Vice Mayor Alan Bucao said the PHP50 million budget for phase 1 of the market project was included in the city’s PHP114.5-million third supplemental budget (SB3) which has been approved by the Talisay City Council.

He said phase 1 of the market project covers the foundation and drainage of the one-story building.

Bucao said the Talisay City Engineering Office can now initiate the bidding for the market project.

He also assured that no vendors will be displaced once construction begins as the city will implement the project by quadrants.

He said phase 1 of the project can be initiated before the end of the first 100 days in office of Talisay City Mayor Eduardo R. Gullas.

Ariel Araw-Araw, planning officer of the Talisay City Engineering Office, said the design for the market is ready.

He said the PHP150 million total cost of the market project covers not only the main building but also its drainage, commercial spaces and a sewage treatment plant.

South Korean bank to partner with Cebu-based bank

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, July 21 (PNA) -- A big bank in South Korea is set to firm up a partnership with a local bank owned by a Cebuano businessman, Consul General Oh Sung-yong of the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu said.

He, however, did not name both the Korean and the Philippine banks.

Oh said Korean investments in Cebu include the Korean Electric Power Corp. (Kepco), which is partnering with SPC Power Corp. in building and operating two 100-megawatt coal-fired power plants in Naga City in southern Cebu.

Oh said he was also happy the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has hired the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which conducted a feasibility study on the proposed Cebu International Container Port(CICP) in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

CPA General Manager Edmund Tan said the project is expected to be deliberated by the National Economic and Development Authority-International Coordinating Council (NEDA-ICC) this month.

Once the project is approved, he said KOICA will facilitate the release of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) funds.

The completion and operation of the new PHP10-billion CICP is expected to decongest the existing Cebu International Port in Cebu City.

KOICA was also the one hired to make a feasibility study on how to upgrade Mactan Cebu International Airport into a world-class airport, which is now being undertaken by GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp.

Capitol marks Day Care Workers’ Week

By Elisha Judy P. Tabaque (UP Cebu Intern)

NEARLY 300 day care and social workers from various municipalities and cities were taught how to implement and design creative and developmentally appropriate activities for children during the Provincial Early Childhood Care Development conference at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall last week.

The conference with the theme, “Sa Child Development Worker, Bata and Bida!,” highlighted the First Provincial Day Care Workers’ Week and the celebration of the Day Care Workers’ Month last June.

“Education and learning should not stop. We should always embrace new technology, new teachings to improve our craft,” Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head Marivic Garces told participants.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, in a speech, said that the conference was a way of upgrading the skills of day care workers.

The event was organized by the Province of Cebu, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the Cebu Association of Daycare Workers.

Rafi also launched the day care workers’ data management system after the lecture and workshops.

DENR-7 bats for building of dams to prevent floods

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, July 18 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has urged local government units (LGUs), especially the cities of Cebu and Mandaue which were heavily flooded early this month, to build dams to avoid floods.

Dr. Eddie Llamedo, DENR 7 public information officer, said these small water-impounding structures or dams should be built in upland areas to prevent floods in the lowlands.

”We really need to catch or harvest rainwater,” Llamedo said.

Llamedo said the LGUs must start cleaning the rivers and creeks now after piles of garbage littered the streets following the flooding last July 1 and before the onset of La Nina.

“This means we have not been observing proper solid waste management. Our geo-hazard maps are reference for us to take the right programs,” Llamedo said.

He said the problem of flooding has to be addressed by integrating and pooling resources through strict implementation of a solid waste management ordinance.

Oscar Tabada, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas director, said heavy rains are expected in the coming weeks.

Tabada said the La Niña is expected to come in the last quarter of 2016.

Earlier, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) acting general manager Noel Dalena said they are willing to expand the Lusaran and Cotcot Dams in the hinterlands on Cebu City.

But Dalena said it will cost them PHP2 billion, and the banks or foreign lending institutions will not grant them a loan because the National Government will not issue a guarantee.

City of Naga officials eye new Olympic-sized swimming pool as attraction

(PNA), LDV/EB/EDS

CITY OF NAGA, Cebu (PNA) -- Officials of the City of Naga in southern Cebu are eyeing their new Olympic-sized swimming pool as a new attraction especially to competitive swimmers and triathletes.

Former City of Naga mayor Valdemar Chiong said the city spent more than PHP70 million for the Olympic-sized pool and the track and field oval.

The pool alone costs PHP20 to PHP22 million, Chiong said.

Chiong’s daughter, Kristine Vanessa Chiong, is the city’s incumbent mayor.

The city opened its new Olympic-sized swimming pool at the St. Francis Ocean Park in Barangay East Poblacion, City of Naga last June 24.

The older Chiong, who was the mayor that time, said the pool was supposed to be inaugurated before the city hosted the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) meet last February, but its completion was delayed to inclement weather.

The swimming event in the CVIRAA was held at the Cebu City Sports Center instead.

Chiong said the construction of the Olympic-sized pool in Naga will enable the city to host swimming competitions and even multi-disciplinary sports events such as triathlon.

Aside from the eight-lane pool, the City of Naga currently has the Enan Chiong Activity Center (ECAC) for basketball games and the Teodoro Mendiola Sr. Sports Field and Oval in Barangay North Poblacion.

Interested swimmers can use the pool for a fee of PHP50 during the day and PHP70 at night, with a 20-percent discount to City of Naga residents, Chiong said.

NZ wants closer ties with Cebu

By Jeandie O. Galolo

WITH 50 years of bilateral relations with the Philippines, the New Zealand government has expressed interest to foster closer ties with Cebu.

Early this week, New Zealand Ambassador David Strachan met with Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena, a gesture he said that signals the foreign government’s interest in Cebu. On Thursday, the New Zealand Embassy Manila hosted a reception dinner with select members of the Cebu community at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

“We are mindful of the dynamic growth of the BPO sector in Cebu. The New Zealand services sector is excited about the growth of the Cebu market for New Zealand’s education and tourism sectors,” Strachan said.

In particular, Strachan said he wants more people from Cebu and in the Visayas to avail of the yearly scholarship provided by the Kiwi government to 24 Filipinos who would take courses focused on renewable energy, disaster risk management and agri-business.

Cebuanos, according to Education New Zealand Regional Communications Manager Ben Burrowes, are one of the largest group of students studying presently in New Zealand. According to Strachan, more than 3,600 Filipinos studied in New Zealand in 2015, 83 percent more than in 2014, making it the fastest growing international student market.

Presently, one percent of the 4.5 million population in New Zealand are Filipinos, mostly working for the healthcare and information technology fields. In the Philippines, about 20,000 Kiwis arrived as tourists in 2015.

The ambassador also cited the Kiwi government’s interest to strengthen trade opportunities between New Zealand and Cebu in terms of dairy, technology, and fruits and vegetable products.

For three years, the New Zealand government has collaborated with the Philippines in improving its dairy output.

“The Philippine-New Zealand dairy project involves more than 20 focused farms in your country and we are bringing live cattle and providing technical expertise of strengthening your dairy production,” said Strachan.

New Zealand Trade Commissioner Hernando Banal said he also looks forward to see more premium New Zealand food and beverage products in Cebu’s supermarket shelves.

Bisdak Magasin ‘Bangga sa Sayaw’ sets caravan in southern Cebu

(ARJ)

EXCITING prizes and giveaways await as Smart Bro and Sun.Star Bisdak Magasin will once again invade southern Cebu in the annual Bangga sa Sayaw Caravan on July 21 and 22.

The caravan aims to invite groups from the south to join Bisdak Magasin's yearly Bangga sa Sayaw hip-hop dance contest, of which the grand finals will be held in October. A northern caravan is set next month.

The caravan will also give Cebuanos in the south the opportunity to get to know Smart Bro's various products and services.

Raffles and giveaways will also be conducted by caravan participants from Julie's Bakeshop, Isuzu Motors and International Pharmaceuticals Inc.

On July 21, the caravan is scheduled to visit the markets of Minglanilla (9:30 a.m.), Carcar City (11:30 a.m.) and Dalaguete (3:30 p.m.)

The next day, the caravan will also hit the markets of Badian (9:00 a.m.), Barili (11:00 a.m.), Pinamungajan (2:00 p.m.) and Toledo City (4:00 p.m.).

Don't miss the chance to win exciting prizes during the caravan's games and raffles.

Entry mechanics for the Bisdak Magasin Bangga sa Sayaw 2016 will be announced soon.

Book reading day at SM malls, July 19

(Sun.Star Cebu)

SM Supermalls around the country will host the National Children’s Book Reading Day on Tuesday, July 19.

National Children’s Book Reading Day is held every year, in partnership with the National Book Development Board, Vibal Publishing Inc., Unicef and the Department of Education.

The annual event aims to help improve reading proficiency and instill love for reading in grade school students.

The simultaneous book-reading will happen at 10 a.m. at the Event Centre of SM City Cebu, SM City Consolacion and SM Seaside City Cebu.

Readers will come from the teachers from different schools, non-government organizations and different partners of SM malls.

Target students will also come from the different schools of Cebu City and the province.

Aside from the story-reading, the participants will also receive books from Vibal Publishing and Unicef.

SM Supermalls has been celebrating the National Children’s Book Reading Day across all its malls in annually since 2009.

Through its SM Cares Program for Youth and Children’s Welfare, SM campaigns the love for books and reading among kids.

International civic group raising awareness on shingles

(PNA), LAM/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- An international civic organization, which is behind the world-wide end-polio campaign, has vowed to help raise awareness on shingles in the Philippines.

Rotary International District 3860 Governor Mary Anne Alcordo Solomon said the campaign will be conducted in areas not yet covered by the government program.

It is under the civic group’s theme, “Rotary Serving Humanity.”

Rotary International is behind the campaign to eliminate polio worldwide. The Philippines has since been declared polio-free.

Solomon said their group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with shingles vaccine producer MSD-Philippines for the shingles awareness campaign.

Solomon said shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, but it is more painful.

Solomon said 95 percent of adults are at risk of getting shingles.

She said age and a problem with a person’s immune system may increase the chances of getting shingles, as the risk increases after the age of 50.

She said one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime.

"If you had chickenpox, you may get shingles any time. It does not matter how healthy you may be," she said.

Shingles, locally known as “likos-likos,” can strike when a person least expects it, she said, adding that it is important to talk to a doctor about ways to protect against shingles.

Cebu-based BIR 13 collects PHP13.4B in first half of 2016

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, July 12 (PNA) -- The Cebu-based Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 13 has collected a total of PHP13.4 billion in taxes in the first six months of the year, an official said.

But BIR 13 Director Hermeno Palamine said the collection for the first semester this year is 17.3 percent short of its goal for the period of PHP16.2 billion.

Palamine said the collection goal of BIR 13 for the whole year was set at PHP36.3 billion.

Palamine said the shortfall does not mean the local tax agency has not performed well, but it’s because the goal this year is too high to achieve.

He said the BIR 13’s collection target this year was increased by 43 percent from last year, but he remains “hopeful” of meeting the goal, although he once described the target as “mission impossible.”

The BIR 13 covers the revenue district offices (RDO) of Mandaue City, Cebu City North and South, Talisay City and Tagbilaran City in Bohol.

None of the five revenue districts hit their respective goals, Palamine said.

RDO Mandaue collected PHP4.1 billion while Cebu City North collected PHP5.4 billion.

Cebu City South’s collection was at PHP1.8 billion, Talisay City at PHP1 billion and Tagbilaran City at PHP1 billion.

Palamine said the decision of newly-appointed BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay to temporarily suspend all audits on taxpayers has affected BIR’s collection.

As of June 2016, BIR 13 has a total of 705,701 corporations and individual taxpayers.

'Cebu is world’s 6th best island'

By Katlene O. Cacho

A TRAVEL magazine based in New York City has named Cebu the sixth Best Island in the World.

Two other islands in the Philippines—Boracay, which ranked second, and Palawan, hailed the Best Island in the World— dominated the 2016 World’s Best Island List of Travel + Leisure (T+L).

“The Philippines’ predominance shows that discerning travelers are willing to travel great distances for the rewards of clear waters and sugary white beaches,” said the travel magazine.

Published 12 times a year, T+L says it has five million readers. It is published and owned by Time Inc.

In the annual World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe and to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines and more.

Readers rated islands on their natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, food, friendliness, and overall value.

Garnering 88.65 points, Cebu was described as an island that offers excellent diving and “makes (for) a good launching pad for island-hopping.”

“There is never a dull moment in Cebu,” said one T+L reader, who said island is “perfect for travelers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on recreational activities.”

Hiking, swimming with whale sharks, and diving from the top of a waterfall are just a few of the activities visitors can try in Cebu, said T+ L.

The Best Islands in the World are Bali, Indonesia, which ranked 10th and got a score of 88.24; (9th) Kauai, Hawaii, 88.33; (8th) Hilton Head, South Carolina, 88.35; (7th) Maui, Hawaii, 88.55; (6th) Cebu; (5th) Santorini, Greece, 89.07; (4th) Waiheke Island, New Zealand, 90; (3rd) Ischia, Italy, 90.22; (2nd) Boracay, Philippines, 90.47; and (1st) Palawan, Philippines, 93.71.

Zooming in on Asia, the Philippines dominated this year’s list, nabbing four out of the top five spots.

The country’s largest island, Luzon, scored 88.32 points and landed the fifth spot in the Best Islands in Asia list, followed by Bali, Indonesia.

Cebu came third, followed by Boracay, which one reader deemed a “natural treasure.”

One reader wrote: “Nothing beats the feeling of sinking your feet in the cool powdery white sands.” Shangri-La’s Boracay resort placed eighth in this year’s Top Resort Hotels in Southeast Asia.

Palawan landed the top spot and was described by T+L as an island “with untouched beaches and lush jungle.”

In 2015, the Philippines welcomed 5.4 million international visitors, up by 10.91 percent from the 4.8 million foreign visitors logged in 2014.

Foreign tourist spending in the Philippines showed a dramatic increase from P112.55 in 2010 to P227.62 billion in 2015, according to the Department of Tourism.

Last year, tourism accounted for an estimated $5 billion or P227.62 billion worth of international visitor receipts. This was 5.92 percent higher than the 2014 total earnings of P214.88 billion.

Shingles awareness drive launched

By Elias O. Baquero

AN international civic organization, which is behind the end-polio and anti-dengue campaigns, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MSD-Philippines for the shingles awareness campaign.

Rotary International District 3860 Governor Mary Anne Alcordo Solomon said that the campaign will be conducted in areas not yet covered by the government program. It is under the group’s theme, “Rotary Serving Humanity.”

Solomon said that shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, but it is more painful.

Solomon said that 95 percent of adults are at risk of getting shingles. She said that age and a problem with a person’s immune system may increase his chances of getting shingles, as the risk increases after the age of 50.

She said that one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime. If you had chickenpox, you may get shingles any time. It does not matter how healthy you may be.

Shingles, locally known as “likos-likos,” can strike when a person least expects it, she said. That’s why it is important to talk to a doctor about ways to protect against shingles.

The MOU for the shingles awareness campaign was signed for Rotary by Solomon, lawyer Bernardo Amago IV and Maricel Borromeo-Amores; and Caroline Lopez and Aileen Bautista for MSD-Philippines, a shingles vaccine producer.

The MOU signing was witnessed by Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry past president Philip Tan and Rotary District secretary Lilu Aliño.

Amores and Nenette Calalang told the media during a press conference that they had suffered shingles.

“What happened to us should not happen to other people. That’s why we are supporting this shingles awareness campaign so the people may know that there are many ways to prevent it,” Amores said.

“Learn more about shingles prevention. It only takes a simple step on your road to freedom and life,” said Lopez.

Bautista, on the other hand, explained why shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. She said that after one suffered chickenpox, sores heal and the virus lies dormant in the victim’s nerves and may re-activate as shingles.

“That’s why anyone who’s had chickenpox can get shingles,” Bautista said.

Cebu Province to stage fun run, futsal tourney

By Richiel S. Chavez

CEBU Province together with the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) will host two events in line with activities of the 447th Cebu Province Founding Anniversary.

The 447th Cebu Province Founding Anniversary Run will take place on Aug. 28 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol for the benefit of the grassroots sports program of CPSC.

The race has six categories—the local 20-kilometer, foreign 20K, 10K local, 5K grassroots, 3K grassroots and 5K employees. The grassroots and Capitol employees are free of charge.

Cash prizes are at stake to the winners in all the categories. The winners in the local and foreign 20K will win P10,000 each, while the winners in the 10K local and capitol employees will get P5,000. The 5K grassroots will get P3,000 and the 3K winners will get P2,000. Cash prizes and medals to those who make the Top 10 in all categories.

“We intend to do this event every year. The plan of Gov. Hilario Davide III is to continue and expand the grassroots program,” said Atty. Ramil Abing, the executive director of CPSC.

Aside from the run, the CPSC will also hold the 1st Anniversary Futsal Tournament on Aug. 13 to 14 at the Minglanilla Sports Center. The futsal tournament is in coordination with the Cebu Football Association (CFA).

The futsal competition will have three divisions—the Girls 15-under, Boys 15-under and the mixed under-11.

One of the organizers Eleazar Toledo said that they will be inviting 20 teams from the Province of Cebu and are eyeing Mandaue City, Talisay City, Barili, Balamban, Argao, Dumanjug, Lilo-an, Consolacion, Danao City and Carmen, among others.

Brando Velasquez, the Administrative Officer III of CPSC, said that the two sporting events are part of the sport development on the grassroots level.

He said that the grassroots sports program of the Provinces is geared on athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, karatedo, tennis, volleyball, softball, baseball and football.

Meanwhile, the registration for the 447th Founding Anniversary Run is now ongoing. Registration fee for the 20K local or foreign is at P500 and P300 for the 10K local category.

Entry forms are available at the Cebu Provincial Office, 2nd Floor of tte Legislative Bldg., Capitol Compound, Cebu City and Cebu City Sports Center.

Cebu braces for big Cobra Ironman staging

(Manila Times)

Preparations are in full swing for the staging of the 2016 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships presented by Ford on August 7 in Cebu.

This will be the biggest triathlon event to be held in the region and the host Cebuanos, together with the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc., are guaranteeing a world-class setup for the lung-busting race that starts and ends at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resorts and Spa.

To ensure the safety of everyone on race day, officials announced road closures in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay which will serve as part of the route of the 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run race of the event produced by SEI and backed by Cobra Energy Drink as title sponsor.

In Lapu-Lapu, the affected roads will be from Punta Engano (Kabesang Tasyo Road) to Manuel L. Que-zon National Highway to the Junction of Marcelo Fernan Bridge. The road from Goldberry Hotel, Pusok, up to Punta Engano will be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. while the Punta Engano side up to Amisa will be opened at 5 p.m.

In Mandaue, Ouano Ave. and Plaridel Street will be closed from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vehicles bound for Mandaue City and Northern Cebu are advised to take L. Jaena and MC Briones Streets, while those going to Lapu Lapu City and Mactan Airport are urged to take L. Jaena, MC Briones and UN Avenue or SB Cabahug and UN Avenue, and motorists bound for Mandaue City and Cebu can take MC Briones and L. Jaena.

In Cebu City, the entire Sergio Osmena Blvd, from Mahiga Bridge leading to Legaspi Extension as well as the underpass going straight to South Road Property will be totally closed to traffic from 5 a.m. to 12 noon while the Talisay Fish Port Cebu South Coastal Road to Cong. Bacaltos Roas in Talisay will also be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All motorists going to the airport coming from any direction are also advised to take the Sangi Mo-tumbo Road or Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase if available. All trucks, trailers, tourist buses or motor ve-hicles with GVW 4500 and above will not be allowed to travel during the duration of the event, espe-cially at diversional/alternative routes going to the airport.

The Cobra Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific will feature the region’s best, with 31 pros confirmed and tipped to slug it out in a spirited battle for top honors in the grueling swim-bike-run event supported by Ford as presenting sponsor, Summit Water as presentor, 2Go Express (official courier and logistics partner), Asics (official footwear and apparel), Gatorade (official sports drink), Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu Province, Lapu-Lapu City (venue hosts), Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City (bike course partners), Philippine Airlines (official carrier), Globe, Prudential Guarantee (official insurance provider), Oakley (official eyewear) and Timex (official timing partner).

Serving as an equally exciting prelude to the action is the Alaska IronKids, which blasts off Aug. 6.

In line with the Ironkids, Lapu-Lapu’s Angasil Road, from Kapitang Tasyo Road up to Mangal Punta Engano will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. All side roads leading to race route will also be closed for the duration of the race.

Other backers of the event are Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Alaska, David’s Salon, Intercare, Gu gel, Kenneth Cobonpue, Megaworld Mactan Newtown, Sun Life Financial, TYR, media partners The Philippine Star, ABS-CBN Sports+Action, TriLife Magazine, AsiaTri, Finisher Pix, technology partner Xurpas, official hotels Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, Be Resorts Mactan, Crim-son Resort and Spa Mactant, Waterfront Hotel and Casino Mactan, Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu and offiicial registration partner Active Network.

Cebu trade leaders excited over direct Cebu-Bangkok flights

(PNA), RMA/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, July 7 (PNA) -- Cebu’s business leaders have expressed excitement over Thai Smile Airways’ entry to Cebu.

Thai Smile Airways has announced in a statement it will offer Bangkok-Cebu-Bangkok direct air services starting in October this year.

Thai Smile said it would fly to Cebu daily, three times weekly in the morning and four times weekly in the afternoon.

The airline will be using an Airbus A320 with 162 dual class seats, with 12 business class and 150 economy class seats.

“Fantastic! This should allow easier access into Region 7 for European tourists coming from Thailand. This is real boost!” said Gordon Alan Joseph, president of Cebu Business Club.

“This is a welcome development as it will help promote business and tourism between Cebu and Bangkok. It will likewise push Cebu as a regional hub in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” said Glenn Anthony Soco, president of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Melanie Ng, president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said there will definitely be a positive effect on the economy once travel and tourism between Bangkok and Cebu via the new direct flight by Thai Smile Airways starts.

Ng said the Department of Tourism is expected to increase marketing initiatives in Thailand by DOT to support this new route.

”We have to make sure there are attractive tour packages that we can offer to the potential Thai tourists who will avail of this new direct route to Cebu. For travelers that frequent Bangkok, this is a welcome development. There will be a positive impact on trade opportunities between the two cities,” said Ng.

MCWD celebrates Youth Day with Unesco Clubs

(Sun.Star Cebu)

AT LEAST 30 youth leaders from different schools that are members of the Unesco Clubs in Cebu participated in a youth forum on April 29 organized by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) as part of the Earth Month celebration.

The student leaders were from the Cebu Institute of Technology University, Cebu Normal University, University of San Carlos and University of San Jose-Recoletos.

Engr. Lemuel Canastra, manager of the Environment and Water Resources Department of MCWD, talked about Metro Cebu’s water resources and water supply situation.

Another speaker was Francis Sollano, co-founder of the Youth for Livable Cebu and recipient of the Global Shaper of World Economic Forum, who talked about the importance of recycling and how his organization has provided livelihood for the marginalized.

The aim of the forum was for youth leaders to come up with criteria for a good leader and the qualities of a candidate that the youth should vote for.

They were divided into six groups and each group was told to present their criteria of a good leader in an artwork.

Group 4 won for promoting transparency and flexibility in the government in their presentation.

Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara, head of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department of MCWD, hopes that the forum made the participants understand that water supply sustainability is a shared responsibility of all sectors, not just MCWD.

DPWH 7 to implement 5 major flood control projects in Mandaue, Cebu cities

(PNA), PGL/EB/EBP

CEBU CITY, July 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 will implement five major flood control projects in some creeks or rivers in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue, an official said.

DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas said these include one for Tipolo River in Mandaue, which has been included in the DPWH budget for 2016 under the General Appropriations Act.

Preliminary detailed engineering works on these projects are ongoing, Canlas said.

These projects may be completed either within this year or in 2017, depending on how fast the local governments can sort out road right-of-way issues.

“Definitely, with the completion of these projects, the flooding problems in Cebu City and Mandaue City will be reduced significantly, particularly within the area of influence of the said projects,” Canlas said.

Canlas said its United Project Management Office-Flood Control Management Cluster (UPMO-FCMC) is also conducting a feasibility study on drainage and flood control projects in Metro Cebu.

The cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay were swamped with floods Friday afternoon after a heavy downpour.

Major streets turned into instant lakes and rivers, with some areas having waist-deep waters.

Hundreds of commuters spent three hours or more on the road Friday night in Metro Cebu, while floods stalled vehicles and slowed down the flow of traffic until as late as 11 p.m.

Canlas said findings from the flood that hit Metro Cebu Friday night will be woven into the study, which will spell out measures to address flooding.

DENR awards partner-agencies

By Elisha Judy Tabaque (UP Cebu Intern)

AT LEAST 15 national government agencies, partner private companies, local government units (LGUs) and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) were awarded during the Second Gawad Tugas Awarding Ceremony held at Marcelo B. Fernan Cebu Press Center, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City last June 30.

The ceremony was held to mark the 2016 Philippine Environment Month of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7.

"This is the second year of the Gawad Tugas Award, which was initiated by the DENR 7 starting last 2015 to seriously take recognition of our partners' efforts and sound environmental practices beyond their normal responsibilities and functions," said DENR 7 Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo, in his message to the awardees.

Field

Dr. Montejo, Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) 7 Director William Cuñado and Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7 Director Loreto Alburo, represented by Engr. Raul Laput, with other DENR officials, led the awarding ceremony.

The awardees in the field of National Greening Program (NGP) were people's organizations Tumalog Daanglungsod Cañag Upland Farmers Association and Cebu and Cabacnitan Multi-purpose Cooperative; the Provincial Government of Bohol in the field of patent issuance; CP Kelco Philippines Inc. in the field of clean water; Alberto Prieto Pasigna and the Philippine National Police Larena Station in the field of enforcement of environmental laws; Siquijor Fire Station in the field of forest protection and management and the City Government of Lapu-Lapu and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the field of protection and management.

Responsible mining

Other awardees include the Apo Cement Corp. in the Tinaan, City of Naga, Cebu and JLR Construction and Aggregates Inc. for their contributions to the geohazard mapping and assessment program and in the field of responsible mining; the Municipality of Mabini, Bohol in the field of Biodiversity Constervation and Management together with the Municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu, which is also an awardee in the field of solid waste management, and Kanepackage Philippines Inc. in the field of environmental rehabilitation.

Gawad Tugas intends to promote and replicate good environmental practices done by the awardees and recognize institutions, which have made significant and outstanding contribution in the protection, conservation and management of the environment and natural resources.

"Gawad Tugas symbolizes our hardest efforts to combat environmental degradation similar to a molave or tugas, which is touted as one of the hardest wood," Montejo said.

Montejo also emphasized the need to work together with various stakeholders in meeting its mandate and goals to ensure the protection, conservation and preservation of the environment while addressing poverty alleviation.

Advocacy

He also urged all partners of the department to continue working for the advocacies especially under the leadership of the new DENR Secretary, Regina Paz Lao Lopez.

Sun.Star Cebu and 16 other media outfits were also awarded for delivering news in relation to the protection, conservation and preservation of the environment.

"This is the moment where we take pride in our accomplishments and a moment where we inspire and challenge in pursuing to a higher level of quality outputs and greater honors in the field of environmental sustainability," Montejo said.

SEAG in Cebu

By Rommel C. Manlosa

PHILIPPINE Sports Commissioner Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez wants to bring some games of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games to Cebu, and he wants the more popular events that could entice people.

Fernandez told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday that aside from ice hockey, he will try to have Cebu host basketball, football or even volleyball when the country hosts the Seag anew in 2019.

“Ice hockey is one. But we’ll see if we can have the more popular games in Cebu. Basketball, volleyball, football or even track and field,” Fernandez stressed.

The Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City would be a good venue for both basketball and indoor volleyball and the Cebu City Sports Center can host the football and track and field competitions. Beach volleyball can be accommodated at the sand courts at the Fort San Pedro or at the Aznar Coliseum.

The four-time PBA MVP and all-time leading scorer of the pay-for-play league is still trying to settle things in his office that will be set up in Cebu City in the coming days.

“I am still trying to set everything up, like the other commissioners we’re still trying to feel our way inside (PSC). For one, I’m seeking the permission from Michael Diño if I can have my office at the Malacañang sa Sugbo. Then my staff and my consultants. But for sure, since the President wants to have the Sea Games outside of Manila, then there will be events in Cebu,” added Fernandez.

In 2005, Cebu became one of the hubs of the biennial regional sports competition.

However, the less attractive events went here like karatedo, judo, dancesport, Mt. Bike, sepak takraw and pencak silat, while Bacolod got boxing, weightlifting, beach volleyball, volleyball and men’s football.

As his assignment, Fernandez will focus on the team sports, the Philippine National Games and to bring sports development to Visayas.

“I am assigned to see the development of the team sports and PNG. And to bring sports development to the countryside,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez is also looking at the people who can help him in his task to “change the game.” He will be naming soon the people who is going to be his legal, medical and regional consultants.

Auto scanning of boarding passes now at MCIA

By Elias O. Baquero

THE GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) and Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) announced the operation of the country’s first automated boarding pass validation system, or VeriPax, which started last June 1.

GMCAC, the airport terminal operator under contract with MCIAA, tapped US-based firm Rockwell Collins in implementing ARINC VeriPax on Gunnebo Security Group automated gates to help streamline the security check process.

It will also improve passenger experience and boost security at the airport.

Andrew Aquaah-Harrison, GMCAC chief executive adviser, said that his company also tapped Rockwell Collins for the implementation of other airport solutions, including the flight information display system, airport operational database system and baggage messaging server.

“We understand that tourism is one of the major drivers of the Philippine economy, thus we want to ensure that our travelers have a positive experience when they are at the airport. We are extremely pleased to implement these airport solutions to improve our operations,” Harrison said.

Harrison added that the Rockwell Collins ARINC VeriPax is a passenger management system that instantantly verifies or denies clearance using real time data, strengthening security and reducing queues.

It will also gives passengers more free time in the terminal. ARINC VeriPax automates screening using 2D boarding pass scanners as well as self-service biometric technology.

At present, Mactan Cebu International Airport has four VeriPax machines available at the final security check for all domestic and international passengers.

Upon entering the final security check, passengers are advised to ready their boarding passes for scanning. The system is able to read both printed boarding passes and electronic boarding passes on mobile phones or tablets.

Harrison said that the printed boarding passes should face down on the scanner. For those using the electronic boarding pass, they are to place the pass on the scanner facing down and collect the printed pass upon entry.

If refused entry, passengers are advised to step away from the VeriPax machine and proceed to their respective airline representative at the check-in counters.

The passengers on wheelchairs, passengers with strollers, and passengers with small children are advised to use the assisted scanning lane.

Harrison said they have received positive feedback from the passengers about the latest innovation at the airport.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Cebu_Province_News_July_2016&oldid=947939"