Cebu Province News June 2016

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Province of Cebu - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Cebu trade group picks mass housing leader as 'Entrepreneur of the Year'

(PNA), PGL/EB/EBP

CEBU CITY, June 30 (PNA) -- The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has chosen Luis Yu Jr., chairman emeritus of the company behind the mass housing brand Deca Homes, as this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year.

Yu leads the roster of awardees of CCCI’s 24th Grand Chamber Awards which will be awarded Thursday night during the culmination of the month-long “Cebu Business Month 2016: Digital Cebu” at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

The Grand Chamber Awards recognizes individuals who serve as role models for Cebuanos to level up and become globally competitive while maintaining CCCI’s core values of integrity, commitment and synergy.

Yu is one of the founders of 8990 Holdings Inc., a company organized as a joint venture among three partners, namely, Yu, Mariano Martinez Jr. and JJ Atencio.

The company was founded on the vision of offering reasonably priced and quality houses in the countryside through mass housing.

Yu, who holds a master’s degree in business management from the Asian Institute of Management, has more than 30 years’ experience managing and heading companies engaged in mass housing subdivision development.

The listed company, which focused on building residential properties in provinces, began modestly in 1991 in Cagayan de Oro City with its first project, Villa Candida.

The company’s entry to Cebu City was through Deca Homes Bacayan and in Davao City with its Deca Homes Cabantian.

The CCCI said the company is producing 6,000 units a year and is projected to double its production in five years to 12,000 units per year and also double its sales to Php12 billion in five years.

The 8990 pioneered a pre-cast construction technology, which enables them to construct townhouses and single-storey attached units in just 10 days and turn over the units to its customers in a fast and efficient way.

The 8990 Holdings Inc. was awarded the Pag-IBIG Fund’s 2015 Top Developer Corporate-wide in takeout value and a special award for the “Most Number of Members Served.”

Other awardees this year are Wellington Chanlim, president of Wellisa Farms as Countryside Entrepreneur; Dr. Alvin Roxas, president of Yakski BBQ, Inc. as Small Business Entrepreneur; and Anya Lim, creative and managing director of Anthill Fabric Gallery as Young Entrepreneur.

The chamber will also award Thursday night Juanito King & Sons Inc. as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Institution of the Year, while a special citation will be given to Tsuneishi Heavy Industries as Economic Driver in Western Cebu.

USJ-R, Cebu Mitsumi Inc. sign collaboration deal

(PR)

THE University of San Jose-Recoletos signed an agreement with one of Cebu’s largest electronic manufacturers for a collaborative effort to hold robotics engineering classes for its students.

USJ-R president, Rev. Fr. Cristopher Maspara, signed the agreement with Cebu Mitsumi Inc. managing director Yoshihiro Sakanushi for seven salient points that include curriculum development, on-the-job trainings, collaborative research, plant visits, recruitment and hiring and faculty immersion program.

Also signing as witnesses were College of Engineering dean Virgilio Abellana and Mitsumi HR manager engineer Caesar Augusto.

“As an electronics manufacturing destination, gone are the days when we market the Philippines as a source of cheap labor,” said Augusto, adding that in the next 10 years, Vietnam will beat the country in that regard. He claimed that Vietnam is set to pay rank-and-file workers $2 a day by that time.

He added that the country needs to rebrand itself as the go-to destination for highly skilled workers and engineers.

“Manufacturing is not really a sexy job for engineers. You want to be wearing long sleeves and ties but believe me, this is where you should be,” he added.

According the agreement, Mitsumi will lend the school its robotics equipment used in its Danao City facility to “provide students hands-on experience of the company’s technology.”

The equipment is housed in a classroom aptly called Mitsumi Robotics Laboratory at the ground floor of the College of Engineering building. It was blessed by Fr. Maspara last June 25.

Mitsumi is a Japanese electronic manufacturing firm that specializes in making connectors, wire harness, molded and stamped components, optical pick-up units, camera modules, chips on board, magnetic tape head, floppy disk drives, CD-ROM drives, digital audio tapes and micro actuators, among others.

It employs at least 20 thousand workers in its Danao facility.

Mitsumi engineers who are subject matter experts will hold classes for three hours every Saturday at the laboratory for selected electrical, electronics, computer and mechanical engineering students. There are 24 students selected for the first batch.

“There is a gap between the academe and industry,” said Augusto. “The industries complain to the universities that their graduates are no good. But I don’t think we can just stop by just complaining. The industry has to do something. And this is for me a step in the right direction.”

USJ-R and Mitsumi will also collaborate on developing elective subjects that would be responsive to the needs of the industry in robotics engineering.

Mitsumi will also accept Josenian students for their on-the-job trainings while the university allows the company to conduct recruitment and hiring activities in the campus.

A faculty immersion program is also in the works to enhance and upgrade their competencies in the field of robotics engineering.

“We are very excited about this,” Augusto said. “It takes a forward-looking organization to come up with this kind of agreement. It is a recognition that something needs to be done and USJ-R and Mitsumi pave the way for things to be done.”

Abellana thanked Mitsumi for their trust and confidence in USJ-R. He promised to produce graduates who are work ready for Mitsumi and other electronics manufacturing companies.

“We want you to be industry ready, especially with the onset of the ASEAN integration where competition is expected to be fierce,” Fr. Maspara said.

Cancer center to rise in VSMMC

By Justin K. Vestil

BEFORE she ends her term, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin came to Cebu yesterday for the groundbreaking of the P475.5-million cancer center at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

Garin, along with VSMMC and DOH 7 officials, also signed the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 10770, which allows the tertiary-level hospital to increase its bed capacity from 800 to 1,200.

At 2 p.m. yesterday, Garin led the groundbreaking of the cancer center, which will rise at VSMMC’s tennis court.

Aside from Garin, Cebu Reps. Gwendolyn Garcia (Cebu, 3rd District), Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th District), Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north district) and Rodrigo Abellanosa (Cebu City, south district) also witnessed the groundbreaking of the new cancer center.

Bill

Salimbangon is one of the six Cebu representatives who worked for the bill’s passage in Congress.

Former Cebu Reps. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” Del Mar (Cebu City, north district), Ramon “Red” Durano VI (Cebu, fifth), Gabriel Luis “Luigi” Quisumbing (Cebu,sixth), Eduardo “Eddiegul” Gullas (Cebu, first) and Pablo Garcia (Cebu, third) also helped in the cancer center’s creation.

The cancer center, the second in Cebu, will have 10 floors, two of which will be for parking spaces.

It is also considered as the first cancer center in a public hospital in Cebu.

Garin also attended the opening of VSMMC’s Philhealth wards, which will cater to indigent and non-indigent patients who are supported by Philhealth.

Quality service

Garin said that with the new cancer center and the signing of the IRR for RA 10770, VSMMC will be more capable to handle more patients and provide them with quality services.

But Dr. Gerardo Aquino, VSMMC medical chief, told reporters that while their bed capacity has increased and more facilities will be offered soon, he lamented that they are still working beyond what is given to them.

He said that before they became a 1,200-bed hospital, they only had 800 beds for more than 1,200 patients.

Even with a 1,200-bed capacity, it is expected that their hospital population would increase, Aquino said.

CSC opens new test center in Bogo City

By Juju M. Empuerto (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu)

CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is opening a new test center in Bogo City for the Career Service Examination Paper and Pen Test (CSE-PPT) professional and sub-professional levels on October 23, 2016.

This is in addition to the test centers in Cebu City, Dumaguete City, and Tagbilaran City, said CSC-7 Chief of the Examination Services Division Dixie Gonzales.

According to Gonzales, applicants who are interested to take the CSE-PPT exam and are residing near the northern part of Cebu may now have an easier access when taking the exam in Bogo City.

Application filing for the exam will also be accessible and convenient since CSC personnel will conduct an offsite processing in Bogo, she added.

The schedule for the offsite processing of CSE-PPT exam application forms will only be during office hours or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following dates and places: August 12 in Borbon, Cebu; August 18 in Medellin and Daanbantayan, Cebu; August 19 in Bantayan, Cebu; and August 30, 31 and September 1 in Bogo City.

Application for the CSE-PPT examination is ongoing at the CSC regional and field offices until September 1, 2016.

However, acceptance of applications may be closed earlier than the deadline date of September 1, 2016 as soon as available testing rooms will be filled-up by examinee-applicants, the civil service official said.

The application forms are available at said offices or may be downloaded at www.csc.gov.ph.

For more information and details, please call CSC Regional Office-7 at Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City at telephone numbers 2539050, 4147676, 4147488.

CCCI opens up Grand Chamber Awards night to non-members

By Jeandie O. Galolo

AT least 500 entrepreneurs and business executives will gather on June 30 to culminate the Cebu Business Month (CBM) spearheaded by the local chamber.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will give out the awards for Entrepreneur of the Year, Small Business Entrepreneur, Countryside Entrepreneur, Young Entrepreneur, and Corporate Social Responsibility Institution at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu.

“The 2016 Cebu Business Month may be coming to an end but the vision of CCCI, the CBM team members and all the sponsors will not fade. Digital Cebu is merely a stepping stone to the possibilities and innovative enterprises that are yet to come,” CCCI said.

The chamber adopted the “Digital Cebu” theme, emphasizing the use of digital technology in harnessing businesses, especially among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have not widely utilized digital tools to run operations and tap larger markets.

This year’s CBM is chaired by Christian Paro-an of gadget shop RC Goldline, while the incoming Grand Awards Night will be led by Pia Monica Alturas.

Paro-an said this will be the first time in the 20-year CBM celebration that the chamber will recognize the past CBM chairs. This will also be the first time that the chamber will open the event to non-CCCI members.

One of the highlights of the awards night is the showcase of “3D mapping technology.” The technology is used mostly in events that do away with flat projections, and instead combines motion graphics and 3D animation.

The dress code is “futuristic formal” or metallic colors, connoting the digital theme.

Further, Paro-an has also encouraged MSMEs to join CCCI, dismissing the notion that the chamber is only for the established business owners of Cebu.

Through CCCI, Paro-an assured that MSMEs can expect help by giving them a stronger representation to their fellow business owners and to government offices.

Presently, CCCI has 700 active members and this is projected to increase as more businesses in Cebu open up.

“We are very bullish. Let’s hope and pray because there’s no way but up,” Paro-an said. The Cebu business community is also bullish about the new government, he added.

Prulife continues house building program in Bantayan Island, Cebu

(PNA), RMA/JSV/PJN

BANTAYAN ISLAND, Cebu, June 25 (PNA) -- Focus on areas hard-hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), one of the strongest cyclone to date in the world, where aid were scarce was the idea of Prudence Foundation of utilizing its finances and maximizing its benefits.

Bantayan Island, located at the west of Cebu’s northern end, is an ideal area for Prudence since about 90 percent of the island’s population , which according to the 2015 census numbers to about 125,726, was badly devastated by the typhoon.

Prudence Foundation Executive Director Mark Fancy told reporters that their help was much needed in this island because bulk of the aids, both from the government and domestic and foreign donors, had been poured in Tacloban City and the rest of the province of Leyte, where at least 10,000 people perished.

”We want to help areas that received little support,” he said.

The foundation targeted to build 126 houses in the island, to be funded by a USD 2 million allocation, to be used also for relief and long-term recovery effort.

Employees from the 12 offices of Prudential Corporation Asia, the business unit of UK-based Prudential plc in the region, gathered in Bantayan Island in 2013 to start the construction of new house buildings with the help of the local government and non-governmental organization Habitat for Humanity.

In 2015, 65 disaster-resilient homes, which can withstand winds of up to 275 kilometer per hour (kph), were turned over to home partners or beneficiaries.

This week, from June 18-25, 2016, another batch of Prudential Corporation Asia, particularly from Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Cambodia, trooped again to Bantayan Island to build about 62 houses in the island’s Sulangan village.

Fancy said the latest batch of volunteers had the hardest time compared to the previous three batches due to the weather conditions, a combination of rain and temperature of up to 38 degree Celsius.

The solutions to this – raincoat and lots of water, he said.

”They were so tired after the first day but that changed from the second day onwards,” Fancy said.

Fancy said the volunteers had realizations on what they were doing.

”It raised awareness among them that what they’re doing is something that has tangible results. That they are donating a part of their life for something important,” he said.

”It puts life into perspective. Whatever you have now there’s no hierarchy among the volunteers,” he said.

Asked on the reaction of the program’s beneficiaries, Fancy said Filipinos and Asians, in general, were happy people.

”Their resilience is astronomical. They continue to have a ‘can do’ attitude despite what happened to them. The spirit and optimism is there. There’s definitely a Filipino spirit in the works,” he said.

On the eventual turnover of the houses, Fancy said they were not that particular “but we’ll make sure that we will not leave until the houses are not finished."

”We’re quite tenacious. You have to keep pushing,” he said.

Fancy said the foundation was very thankful to the local governments in the area and to Habitat for helping in the realization of the program.

The local governments vowed to provide the basic necessities such as water and electricity connections and drainage system while Habitat provides the information on what areas and which entity to tie-up with.

One of the special part of the program is the participation of those from Prudential Corporation Asia’s Indonesia office who are Muslims and are in the middle of the month-long Ramadan, which will run until July 15.

Muhammad Perdana, a trainor for new agents, said he is happy to be part of this batch of the Regional PRUvolunteer Program.

He said the people were so nice and it made him forgot that he’ was fasting.

”I’ve been volunteering for long now and the manual labor is fine with me even while I’m fasting,” he said.

Fancy the Muslims’ participation and strength during the five-day program is amazing.

”I don’t know where they are getting their energy,” he said.

Jasmit Brar, Director of Acturial in Prudential’s office in Hong Kong and a second timer in the program, said she really wanted to be part of the volunteering program because it makes her realize the worth of what she has in life right now.

”It’s good to know that you’re doing something that would help others that has tangible impact,” she said.

”After I came here in 2014 I realized that I wanted to do more with my life. I’m really lucky to know that there are people who have nothing but remain happy and I want to share what I can with them,” she added.

Cebu Archdiocese opens door for development of church-owned lands

(PNA), LAP/EB/PJN

CEBU CITY, June 24 (PNA) -- Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma Palma on Thursday said the church is opening the door for developers who are interested to develop the idle properties of the Archdiocese of Cebu scattered around Cebu Province.

But Palma said he could not cite the total size of the Archdiocese-owned land, saying that these lands are in chunks.

“We are throwing the idea at the moment. Anybody who would hear of it and is interested can come to us,” Palma said.

He said whatever proceeds it can get from the dealings would be distributed to the pastoral and mercy works of the church.

Palma issued the statement during the launching of the PHP3-billion 23 Minore Park, which will host an international hotel chain, a Landers superstore, an outdoor chapel and a park.

It will rise inside a two-hectare property of the Archdiocese of Cebu, where St. John XXIII Seminary in Mabolo used to stand.

The property will be developed under a 25-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme with Cebu-based developer Duros Land Properties Inc.

But Palma said the church is not selling the lands, but welcomes a BOT scheme with developers in the same way the 23 Minore Park operates.

Palma cited Patria de Cebu, a church property in front the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in downtown Cebu City, as part of its properties it is willing to open up for development.

“The point is land is not being used to the best of its potential. What we can do to have the optimum benefit from that area, we will do it because that’s how we ought to be real stewards,” Palma said.

OURFood exhibit promotes food safety from farm to fork

By Euchrissa Theresa Ladrera (UP Mass Comm Intern)

GOVERNMENT agencies and institutions, producers, buyers and sellers banded together to promote food safety from farm to fork in the ceremonial opening of the first OURFood exhibit.

The second leg of the first OurFood Conference, a joint project by the German AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Department of Science and Technology 7 (DOST 7) and the Association of Negros Producers gathered around 30 exhibitors, including farmer associations from Dalaguete, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

“We are really overwhelmed by the success (of the conference and the exhibit). We had more than 400 participants. Before we were planning it, we were thinking there was a need to talk about food safety certifications and now we are really overwhelmed with the response,” Dietmar Speikmaier, AFOS Foundation program manager for OURFood told Sun. Star Cebu.

Melanie Ng, president of the Cebu City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, officially opened the exhibit by highlighting the importance of food safety at the farm level through the promotion of GAP-certified produce of OURFood-assisted farmers.

“It is primarily a venue to showcase good and effective, healthy and safe food technologies, which is a springboard for business matching with potential market and suppliers and an access to opportunities. This is an initiative that will bring not only the food industry but businesses here in Cebu to the next level,” Ng said during her welcome remarks.

Meanwhile, Teresa Pono, resident representative of AFOS Foundation, shared how the OURFood project has helped farmer associations gain Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certifications.

“Our Negros Occidental farmers were the first small farmer groups certified under PHILGAP for high-valued crops. The Dalaguete Vegetable Growers Association closely followed soon after passing the PHILGAP certification just recently. And soon, our Negros Oriental farmer groups will likewise be certified,” said Pono.

Engr. Edilberto Paradela, DOST 7 Director, emphasized the importance of World Health Organization’s (WHO) 10 facts on food safety.

“This exhibit showcased the whole concept of the food safety supply and body’s health in consonant to the conference team promoting food safety from farm to fork. This is the venue of understanding of food safety,” said Paradela.

The exhibit, which ran until June 18, showcased GAP-certified produce, other food safety products and services, and cooking demonstrations.

The OURFood Project

Founded in 2012, OURFood or Optimizing and Upscaling Roles in the Food Supply Chain is a project that falls under the German Development Aid Services. It is fully funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation Development, and its current project areas are Cebu City, Cebu Province, and Negros Island.

It targets micro to medium-scale enterprises and its overall objective is to increase the income situation of farmers and food processors in the Philippines and to make them more competitive in the global market.

Speikmaier told Sun.Star Cebu that the project has established services for food processors and farmers.

On the farm level, Speikmaier said their team is promoting GAP, organic alignment and entrepreneurial skills by providing training skills and coaching for farmers.

Project success

Twelve out of 100 farmer associations all over the Philippines have received GAP certifications through the assistance of OURFood.

Based on the Food Safety Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10611, GAP refers to the practices that address environmental, economic and social sustainability for on-farm processes, and which result in “safe and quality food and nonfood agricultural products.

As program manager, Speikmaier thinks that obtaining the certification is important, not just to ensure food safety measures, but also to help entrepreneurs in the food supply chain gain wider market access.

OURFood offers services to food processors through its Cebu Food Consultancy Group, which provides training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and GAP. The group also provides trainings regarding food safety management systems, plant layout, GMP assessments and GMP manualization.

Members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry can also get these services for free.

The exhibitors

Reynaldo Lee, president of the Dalaguete Vegetable Growers Association (DAVEGA) told Sun. Star Cebu that their participation in the project helps increase their competitiveness by gaining awareness regarding food safety.

“The benefit that we get is on the safety side of the vegetables. GAP standards have four elements--food safety, product quality, environmental management and conservation, and last is the worker’s health and welfare, “said Lee.

He added that through the OURFood program, harmonization among high-valued crops began since the last quarter of 2012 in Cebu.

Tourism spurs resto growth

By Katlene O. Cacho

CEBU’s booming tourism industry has spurred growth in the food and dining sector, allowing entrepreneurs to expand their chain of restaurants.

Among them is restaurateur Ma. Ligaya Machida, who opened over the weekend her seventh branch of Nonki Japanese Restaurant in JPark Island Resort and Waterpark Cebu, two years since her last Nonki expansion.

The latest branch is a 300-square-meter restaurant that has a seating capacity of 128 persons. Unlike her other Nonki branches in Cebu and Mactan, this one already has a captive market, being located inside the resort facility.

“Tourism represents a unique opportunity, especially in the food business,” said Machida, noting that other foreign nationalities like Koreans and even the locals frequent her restaurants.

However, Machida is all the more confident her food business will continue to take off, following the continued influx of Japanese tourists to Cebu, which is now becoming a more stable tourism source market for the region.

“We decided to expand the chain because of the increasing Japanese arrivals to Cebu. Cebu now has more direct flights to Japan. The Japanese market is coming back,” she said.

Japan’s increased flights from Cebu commenced on the last quarter of 2015, boosting arrivals of Japanese travelers, the Department of Tourism said. The second top source market grew by 25.91 percent or 312,491 arrivals last year.

The Nonki chain has been operating for more than 10 years in the food and dining industry. The company extended its reach to Davao City, the first outside Visayas.

Nonki’s other outlets are located on AS Fortuna St., SM City Cebu, Mactan, Banawa, and JCentre Mall.

CCCI goes digital with donated tablets

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is now going paperless, after Samsung agreed to donate some 30 Samsung tablets to help the chamber become more efficient in its management and operation.

CCCI president Melanie Ng said they will distribute the tablets to members of the board for their use in all CCCI meetings and other in-house functions. She added the chamber will slowly migrate to storing documents on the cloud.

Ng said the partnership with Samsung is timely, now that the CCCI is celebrating Cebu Business Month (CBM), which bears the theme “Digital Cebu.”

In earlier interviews, Ng stressed that one way for the chamber to remain relevant to its community and members is to become digitally-equipped.

“Technology plays an important part in bringing our businesses to the next level,” she said.

This initiative, Ng added, makes the CCCI the first business chamber in the country to implement full digital management.

Samsung will donate 30 tablets of which 28 units will be distributed to the members of the CCCI board while the two units will be raffled off during the culmination of the CBM at the end of this month.

The Samsung tablets will become property of the chamber, which the current set of officers will pass on the next after the end of their terms.

Under Ng’s leadership, members of CCCI’s board, including the past presidents, were introduced to more tools in digital communication. She said they will exploit the available digital tools and services to stay connected with the chamber’s operation while managing their own respective businesses.

“This way the organization can respond immediately to issues that need prompt and on-time solutions,” Ng said.

DOLE 7 gives Php1.1M livelihood aid to south Cebu town farmer’s association

(PNA), LDV/EB/SSC

CEBU CITY, June 20 (PNA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 7 has released some Php1.1 million in livelihood assistance to a farmer’s association in Argao town in southern Cebu.

Cresente Templa, president of the 38-member Anajao Farmers’ Association, said the amount will be used to buy all materials needed for their coffee, vegetable and corn production.

He said their group was the first association in the barangay to receive help from DOLE 7.

Dole 7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said Anajao, a mountain barangay and one of the 45 barangays in the town of Argao, is the proponent and accredited co-partner (ACP) of the beneficiaries’ project.

Sarcauga thanked the barangay for acting as an ACP, which made the implementation of the famers’ project possible.

Being an ACP, Barangay Anajao shelled out Php279,000 as counterpart fund since the total project cost reached Php1.4 million.

Sarcauga urged the recipients to comply with liquidation requirements so that their association’s record with Dole will be clean.

He said the beneficiaries were also oriented on how to go about their liquidation and project monitoring report.

Church to launch green program

(Sun.Star Cebu)

THE Archdiocese of Cebu will hold a mass for the environment at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at 10 a.m. today, June 20, as it marks the launching of its program to protect the environment.

The public is invited to hear the mass.

The mass will commemorate the anniversary of the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si (“Praise Be With You”).

Laudato Si, subtitled “On Care for our Common Home,” was launched on June 18 last year, and criticized how unsustainable human development activities have gravely contributed to environmental degradation and climate change.

The mass will be celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma and concelebrated by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo and other priests.

It is organized by the 51st International Eucharistic Congress committee on environmental concern (IEC-CEC), which will be launched, together with its flagship program, the “Parish Community-based Pocket Forest Program,” in a separate event after the mass.

Part of the ceremony of the mass will be the partners’ pledge to care for the environment and protect the poor and vulnerable.

The IEC-CEC was organized as an act of penance for the cutting of 260 trees to make way for the construction of the IEC Pavilion in Mabolo, Cebu City.

The committee is seen as the archdiocese’s response to the call of the Holy Father to be true stewards of His creation.

The committee partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metro Cebu Water District, Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water and the University of San Jose-Recoletos for the project. A signing of a memorandum of agreement between the partners and the Archdiocese of Cebu will also be held during the launching.

The CEC aims to plant a minimum of 13,500 in pocket forests established and maintained by different parishes all over the seven districts in Cebu that belong to the archdiocese.

An important feature of the CEC’s pocket forest program is the provision of not just technical training in planting native trees, but also environmental-ecological spirituality formation of CEC counterparts in the parishes.

For more info on the IEC-CEC, visit www.facebook.com/IECCEConline.

Cleanup marks Coral Triangle Day

By Oscar C. Pineda

LOCAL fisherfolk, residents, divers, nongovernment organizations and the local government joined the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) and the Philippine Coast Guard in cleaning up Malapascua island in Daanbantayan, northern Cebu for the Coral Triangle Day.

The celebration in Malapascua last June 11 started with a coastal clean-up, a tree planting at the beach, the divers’ underwater cleanup and was capped with a forum on solid waste management in the evening.

Malapascua Barangay Captain Rex Novabos said that the residents, who are mostly members of Pantawid Pampamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps), participated in the activities.

Novabos said that a total of 16 divers from the Navforcen, PCG and the Sea Knights joined the underwater cleanup that gathered 90 bunches of plastic bags, plastic containers, pipes, cans and other solid waste items.

According to the Cebu Provincial Government Public Information Office, at least 400 Talisay tree seedlings were planted on the shores of Malapascua.

Gary Cases of the Dive Link advocacy group also shared 100 tree seedlings for the tree planting.

The Coral Triangle Day is celebrated globally in the first week of June, particularly on June 9, according to wwf.panda.org., the Coral Triangle refers to the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity that encompasses the seas of six countries in Asia Pacific Region: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste.

It is one of the three mega ecological complexes on our planet, together with the Congo Basin in Africa and the Amazon Rainforest in South America.

Mactan airport is PHL’s first labor laws compliant airport - Secretary Baldoz

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- The Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City on Wednesday was officially declared as the first labor laws compliant airport in the Philippines.

Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz led the unveiling of the Labor Laws Compliance Marker at the Arrivals Forecourt of the MCIA.

She was accompanied by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, DOLE 7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga and officials from MCIAA Authority and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the private manager and operator of the Mactan airport.

The DOLE compliance badge signifies GMCAC’s strong support to the implementation of Dole’s major labor reform program, the Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS).

The LLCS is a voluntary compliance system of labor laws where companies are assessed and assisted to become compliant.

The Labor Laws Compliance Marker is a significant milestone for all those who work and manage the airport terminal.

GMCAC president Louie Ferrer said their company will continue to build good relations with its officials and employees as they will operate the airport for the next 23 years.

GMCAC has a 25-year concession agreement with Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) to manage the domestic and international passenger terminals when it won the bidding conducted in 2014.

The company won the PHP17.5-billion bid for the expansion and management and operation of the airport.

The expansion project includes the construction of Mactan airport Terminal 2 (T2) which will increase the airport’s passenger capacity from the current 4.5 million a year to 12.5 million a year.

1st Cebu Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition set on July 28-29

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata [(PNA), BNB/MCCA]

MANILA, June 16 (PNA) -- The first Cebu Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (CSECE) is scheduled on July 28-29 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu.

With the theme, "Showcasing and Preparing Cebu's Electronics Industry towards IoT Age", about 29 companies are expected to join the exhibition.

This will be organized by the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) in partnership with Mitsumi and Teradyne.

Wikipedia defines the Internet of Things (IoT) as the network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings and other items that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity which enables these objects to collect and exchange data.

According to Cisco, an American corporation technology company headquartered in California, about 50 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020.

"The growth and convergence of processes, data, and things on the Internet will make networked connections more relevant and valuable than ever before. This growth creates unprecedented opportunities for industries, businesses, and people," Cisco cited in its website, adding that IoT can potentially transform almost every industry- both locally and globally.

For SEIPI President Dan Lachica said that as an industry,this is the reason why they should fully undersand the opportunities and challenges IoT brings to the semiconductor and electronics industry.

He added that since IoT might be the "next big thing", then IoT might also be the new growth engine for their industry.

Through this convention, CSECE organizers aim to prepare the industry members to take advantage of the opportunities that IoT may bring. Moreover, through this event, they want to learn how to position their industry in the IoT age.

CSECE will feature various range of electronic products and services -- from chips to finished products, suppliers, service providers, manufacturers, as well as retailers and distributors.

SEIPI said the first CSECE will be the business platform where top and middle management and industry professionals will gather to discuss issues, future directions and matters pertaining to sustainability and competitiveness of the industry.

Moreover, the event will also serve as a venue for business cooperation and partnerships.

Technical symposium is also part of the event.

Cebu PB passes PHP231.628-M Supplemental Budget 3

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, June 15 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has passed the province’s third Supplemental Budget (SB3) this year worth PHP231.628 million.

The largest chunk of the SB3, which amounts to PHP157.234 million, will go to the general fund proper; PHP30 million is allocated to development projects; and PHP44.394 million will go to operation of hospitals.

The general fund proper includes the legislative assistance fund (LAF) of PB members, which has been allocated PHP26.9 million; PHP35 million for job-order workers; and PHP40 million for employees of the Cebu Provincial Health Office.

Development projects include water supply development and subsidies for local government units’ development projects.

Of the allocation for the operation of hospitals, PHP41.9 million will go to salaries of employees, while the remaining PHP2.5 million will be for maintenance and other operating expenses.

Cebu Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas said funding for SB3 was sourced from this year’s savings on vacant positions, maintenance and other operating expenses; and savings on capital outlay last year and 2014.

DFA Cebu to launch online appointment system today

(Sun.Star Cebu)

The Department of Foreign Affairs Regional Consular Office in Cebu announced it will officially launch its online appointment system today, June 15.

DFA 7 Director Anika A. Fernandez said that this initiative is in line with the Department’s e-Passport system upgrade to further improve its front line services by providing the public the convenience of obtaining online an appointed date and time for their passport transactions.

Beginning July 1, priority numbers will no longer be distributed and DFA Cebu will only entertain applicants with confirmed online appointments.

Exempt from obtaining confirmed online appointments are applicants entitled to the Courtesy Lane (senior citizens, minors aged seven and below, overseas Filipino workers with contracts, differently-abled/PWDs, etc.). The exemption is, however, subject to certain conditions.

Appointments may be obtained by visiting the website: https://www.passport.gov.ph/

Setting a passport appointment online is free of charge.

In filing and scheduling for an appointment online, an applicant needs to have: a working computer with Internet access, a Web browser (Internet Explorer ver. 11 or higher/Mozilla Firefox ver. 45 and up recommended), a valid and working email address to receive system-generated messages with file attachments, and a PDF reader and a working printer to view and print the system-generated the application form in A4-size paper.

PhilHealth portals installed in CV accredited hospitals

By Hazel F. Gloria (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/Philhealth-7)

CEBU CITY, June 13 (PIA) – Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) installed the Health Care Institution (HCI) portal in accredited hospitals and facilities in Central Visayas.

As of April this year, 93 percent of accredited hospitals already have access to the HCI portal to provide members with an easy, fast, and hassle-free way of having their health insurance applied to their hospital bill.

The portal allows facilities to quickly verify upon admission if a patient is entitled to PhilHealth coverage.

The portal generates a PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF) which provides information as to whether a patient is covered based on the Corporation’s policies on membership and dependency, qualifying contribution, and compliance to the 45-day coverage limit per year.

With this, members don’t need to bring a copy of their Member Data Record (MDR) and/or proof of contribution.

Upon portal verification, the facility will automatically deduct from the member’s hospital bill his/her health insurance coverage.

A case rate predetermined per medical condition or procedure.

Only when the member’s records are not updated or when there are discrepancies in the information provided that supporting document(s) will be required in order for the health insurance coverage to be applied.

PhilHealth enjoins all accredited hospitals and other health care facilities to make use of the portal.

Members are also encouraged to avail themselves of the ease afforded by this system.

Aboitiz bullish on Cebu businesses in 2016 amid rosy Q1 results

(InterAksyon.com)

CEBU CITY—Conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. remains confident its main businesses in Cebu province - power distribution and land - will sustain growth this year as its business units carry out various expansion plans for 2016.

Speaking to local reporters at Gorliz Tapas Y Vinos in Banilad, Cebu City last June 10, Jaime Jose Y. Aboitiz, AboitizPower Distribution Business Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), said Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (VECO), the country’s second-largest privately-owned distribution utility, will continue to post growth for the rest of the year.

“Aside from robust growth in the economy, other factors such as IEC (International Eucharistic Celebration) which brought tourists in Cebu, the prolonged El Niño which necessitated the use of cooling systems, and this year's presidential election—all contributed significantly in the impressive growth in the first quarter. For 2016, we expect sales to grow by 5.3%,” Aboitiz said.

VECO also continued to report progress on its underground cabling initiatives, now on Phase 1-B.

“The project is a continuation of the initial implementation compliant to the Cebu City Ordinance 1894 in building utility structures and distribution underground. The project concentrated on Osmeña Boulevard, from the Provincial Capitol to P. del Rosario Street,” said Anton Mari G. Perdices, VECO Senior Vice President and COO.

AboitizLand, meanwhile, is on track with its latest mixed-use development in Mandaue City, a joint-venture with Ayala Land. AboitizLand intends to spend P4.7 billion this year to expand its industrial and residential land bank as it continues to grow its footprint outside Cebu.

“We launched last Monday (June 6) our latest joint venture with Ayala Land. Gatewalk Central, dubbed as the dynamic center of Mandaue, is a 17.5-hectare mixed-use project that will consist of an Ayala mall, residential towers, and office spaces,” explained Andoni F. Aboitiz, AboitizLand President and Chief Executive Officer.

“One of the mall tenants will be Landmark, which will be the mall’s first expansion outside Metro Manila,” he added. AboitizLand is also in the final planning phase for three new projects in Luzon.

AEV posted a consolidated net income of P5 billion for the first quarter of 2016—up 24% year-on-year versus 2015—driven by the strong performance of its power, banking and financial services, and infrastructure BUs. Power accounted for 70% of earnings, followed by banking and financial services (15%), food (7%), infrastructure (7%), and land (1%). Core net income for the quarter stood at P4.9 billion, 19% higher year-on-year (YoY).

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) is the publicly listed holding and investment company of the Aboitiz Group with major investments in power, banking and financial services, food, land, and infrastructure.

Capitol scholar graduates cum laude, receives P5T

By Oscar C. Pineda

THE daughter of a fisherman is one of 132 college graduates of the Provincial Government’s valedictorian and salutatorian scholarship program.

Nesmae Desabille, the eldest of nine siblings, received a P5,000 cash incentive for graduating cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education, major in mathematics from the Cebu Technological University in Daanbantayan.

During the awarding ceremony held at the Capitol yesterday, her father Nestor, who is 40, said he will do his best to ensure all his children finish college while he is still young and able.

He said his 21-year-old daughter was a consistent first-honor student from kindergarten to high school, studying her lessons with the aid of a lamp.

The Desabilles hail from Sitio Bitoon, Barangay Kinatarcan. Kinatarcan is an island that is part of Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island.

Beneficiaries

The scholarship program is offered to valedictorians and salutatorians from public high schools around the province.

They get free tuition and miscellaneous fees if they enroll in a government college or university.

The Province also provides them with a monthly allowance until they finish a four- or five-year course.

Nesmae currently works as a cashier in a local mall, while she’s preparing for the teacher’s licensure examination later this year.

She said the P2,000 monthly stipend she received while in college wasn’t enough, so her family still had to shell out for her daily needs like food.

Nesmae admitted that she almost quit school after her family lost their home during super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

She was in her boarding house in Daanbantayan when the typhoon struck. She was nearly pinned down by a felled coconut tree.

Now that she is done with her studies, she hopes her family can serve as an example to others.

Despite their family’s poverty, she said her parents strove and continue to strive to make sure she and her siblings get an education.

NGO announces winners of its first Ocean Heroes Award

(PNA), LAP/EB/PJN

CEBU CITY, June 10 (PNA) -- Oceana, a non-government organization, has announced the four pioneering awardees for its first Ocean Heroes Award for helping protect the marine resources within the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).

TSPS, the narrow body of water separating the islands of Cebu and Negros, is known as the playground of 14 of the 27 species of whales and dolphins in the Philippines.

It is also an important fishing ground, supporting the livelihood of coastal dwellers in 42 cities and municipalities of the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

Lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos, vice president for Oceana Philippines, said the awardees were Norlan Pagal of San Remegio, Cebu; Oliver Dayupay of Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Roberto Quigay of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; and Veda Raunillo of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Ramos said they hoped the efforts of the four awardees will inspire others to come up with initiatives to protect the TSPS.

Dr. Isabelo Montejo, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 director, said the protection and sustainability of the TSPS depends on the participation and involvement of people like them.

Pagal, who is now wheelchair-bound, nearly lost his life in his 13-year campaign against illegal fishing in San Remigio town in northern Cebu.

Pagal was returning home from a fiesta celebration in a nearby barangay last year when unidentified men he believed were illegal fishermen waylaid him and shot him several times before leaving him for dead.

A bullet pierced his spine that turned him into a paraplegic.

In 2010, Pagal said he was also almost killed when illegal fishermen threw a stick of dynamite on the patrol boat he was riding.

Three years ago, he said he was attacked by illegal fishermen when he caught them fishing inside a marine protected area.

Raunillo, who served as fisherfolk provincial director for Negros Oriental, was recognized for her active part in guarding the marine protected areas in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Dayupay, a fisherman and a registered scuba diver who died of a heart attack earlier this year, was recognized for helping protect marine sanctuaries in Ayungon town, also in Negros Oriental.

Quigay was recognized for his efforts in establishing marine protected areas, fishing vessel registration and fisheries management plan in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

New Cebu hospital opens rehabilitation and sports medicine center

(PNA), LAP/EB/MP/EDS

CEBU CITY, June 9 (PNA) -- The University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed), the newest Cebu hospital at the Mandaue City reclamation area, on Wednesday opened its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center.

Dr. Rhoel Dejaño, who heads the center, said they will offer Advanced Physical and Occupational Therapy; Nuerological, Musculoskeletal, Cardiopulmonary and Pediatric Rehab Care; Prevention and Treatment of Orthopedic and Sports Related Injuries; Spine and Hand Therapies; Strength and Conditioning Programs; and Geriatric Wellness Programs.

"This is a facility designed to cater to patients who need rehab care and also patients who need intervention and prevention of sports injuries or any injury for that matter," Dejaño said.

Dejaño became the first ever Filipino doctor to have passed the International Olympic Committee Diploma Course in Sports Medicine.

This required two years of studies and constant travels to Europe for two years to finally become the first Filipino to have earned this diploma from the IOC.

Dejaño said he will be trickling down what he learned to Cebuano patients of the UCMed Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center.

He said the rehabilitation center boasts of a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning gym, the latest modalities and equipment for rehabilitation and a rubberized track.

Dejaño heads the rehabilitation team as its Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Doctor.

There are also two other visiting physiatrists, Dr. Mary Jeanne Flordelis and Dr. Carmelo Barcenas.

The rehabilitation team also includes four physical therapists, Maia Lucille Pacubas, Maricar Mamites, Brylle Anthony Codina and Luis Lagunay Jr., and an occupational therapist, Gracielle Therese Araw-Araw.

MCWD gets additional water supply from private supplier

(PNA), LAP/EB/SSC

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is getting an additional 6,000 cubic meters of water a day from a private supplier.

MCWD Acting General Manager Noel Dalena said they are getting the additional water supply from Abejo Water Corp.’s latest bulk water supply in Casuntingan, Mandaue City, which was activated on Monday.

Abejo Water chief executive officer Gabino “Borgy” Abejo Jr. said this brings to 45,000 cubic meters their total supply to MCWD at the rates of PHP15 to PHP18 per cubic meter.

Abejo said that while they have a contract to supply MCWD 6,000 cubic meters per day from its bulk water supply, its capacity is 8,000 cubic meters a day.

Production can be increased to 8,000 cubic meters at MCWD’s request.

Abejo Water has been supplying bulk water to MCWD since 2003.

The rates depend on location and distance from MCWD injection points: PHP15 in Cabangcalan, Mandaue City; PHP14 in Consolacion, Cebu; PHP16 in Pit-os, Cebu City; and PHP18 in Talisay City.

Abejo said they have a coming brackish water desalination plant in Lapu-Lapu City, which will supply 7,000 cubic meters of water daily to MCWD at PHP24 per cubic meter.

The desalination plant for Lapu-Lapu City is imported from Europe, together with the desalination plant for Panglao, Bohol with a capacity of 5,000 cubic meters per day.

Dalena said Abejo Water’s rate of PHP15 per cubic meter is lower by PHP9 compared to their buying price of PHP24 per cubic meter from Cebu Manila Water Development (CMWD) and PHP.30 lower than the minimum water rate of PHP15.30 per cubic meter to those who consume 10 cubic meters and below.

Dalena said they buy bulk water from CMWD at PHP24 per cubic meter because its source, the Luyang River in Carmen, Cebu is too far.

Dalena said that with the additional 6,000 cubic meters from Abejo Waters, their water supply increased from 195,000 to 201,000 cubic meters for their 175,000 service connections.

Initiatives to promote tourism

By Elias O. Baquero

WITH tourism contributing much to Cebu’s economic growth, the tourism committee of this year’s Cebu Business Month has lined up activities that it believes will be relevant to the industry.

CBM tourism co-chair Carlo Suarez, who manages Cebu Grand Hotel and is a member of the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC), said that they will hold a tourism job fair at the Marco Polo Plaza on June 15 and a tourism forum on June 16.

“The CBM 2016 team has invited hotel properties, airlines, cruise liners, travel agencies, and many more to participate in the job fair on June 15,” Suarez said during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza.

Tourism Committee chair Julie Najar said that varying job opportunities for both local and overseas await eager job hunters during the whole-day event.

Najar said tourism always will be a defining factor in the development of a growing economy. In the continued effort to promote and strengthen this sector, the tourism committee of the 2016 CBM celebrations aims to gather 100 tourism-related companies to participate in the tourism job fair.

Companies joining the job fair are Cathay Pacific Airways, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu Pacific Air, Crown Regency Hotels and Resorts, Dunkin Donuts, GGC Services Inc., GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., Grand C Manpower Support Inc., Julie’s Bakeshop, Magsaysay Maritime Corp., Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Maribago Bluewaters, MCRI Global Corp., Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, Multinational Shipping Management, Philippine Airlines, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Quest Hotel and Conference Center, Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, RC Goldline, Sunpride Foods Inc., Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc., The Abaca Group and the Islands Group.

As for the tourism forum, Suarez said it will focus on how digital technology can be used to boost Cebu’s tourism on a global scale.

The tourism forum, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., four individuals with expertise in tourism and technology have been invited to speak before participants.

The topics to be covered will include Marketing for sustainable Business Success-Making the Customer Brand Experience Reality by Merril Yu; The Essence of Hospitality by Eric Waldburger; Reputation Management in the Are of Disruption by Ron Jabal; and Digital Tourism: Apps, Social and Bots: Harnessing Tech for Tourism by Max Limpag.

There will also be a presentation on Mega Cebu for Tourism by Gordon Alan Joseph and messages from Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 Director Rowena Montecillo.

Central Visayas logs 1.3M visitors in first quarter

By Katlene O. Cacho

CENTRAL Visayas welcomed 1.3 million tourists during the first three months of the year, records from the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 show.

First quarter arrivals increased by 9.07 percent from the 1.2 million arrivals during the same period in 2015.

Local tourists grew by 13.46 percent to 718,627 this year while foreign tourists registered 588,270 in arrivals, up by 4.65 percent compared last year.

Cebu Province welcomed a total of 938,887 tourists, followed by Bohol at 175,234 arrivals, Negros Oriental (174,018) and Siquijor (21,756).

Tourist arrivals in Cebu grew by 5.73 percent, from 887,999 during the same period in 2015.

Arrivals from China recorded the highest growth during the first quarter, posting growth of 103.04 percent or from 25,131 arrivals last year to 51,027 this year.

Five source markets, however, posted negative growth— Australia (-7.90 percent), Germany (-3.23 percent), United Kingdom (-13.47 percent), Canada (-17.25 percent) and Taiwan (-30.94 percent).

DOT 7 Director Rowena Montecillo yesterday said they are currently studying the tourism and travel trends. She said total Canadian outbound travel declined by 5.3 percent due to economic problems. DOT 7 is still looking at other markets.

Korea supplied the most arrivals to the region at 206,621, up by 3.03 percent. Japan came second with 98,754 arrivals or a growth of 9.41 percent. China came third followed by the United States, which grew by 3.78 percent or 50,924 arrivals.

Arrivals from Australia logged 17,003; Germany (13,937); France grew by 11.82 percent (13,901); UK (10,995); Canada (10,469); and Taiwan (6,331).

DOT said that for the first quarter of 2016, the Philippines recorded 1.6 million arrivals, which reflects the strong performance of the tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale pledged to develop more ecotourism destinations in Cebu Province, citing the rising interest among tourists on nature tours.

Speaking before the members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Magpale said pushing for ecotourism ensures Cebu’s natural resources will be taken care of through proper development so it can withstand the pressures brought about by natural disasters.

At present, the province is conducting a workshop among local government units on ecotourism management through the Cebu Investment and Promotions Office (CIPO) for the Province to eventually come up with a comprehensive plan.

Some eight towns have participated in the workshop held in Argao, which had about 120 individual participants. The workshop covered discussions on ecotourism best practices, culture, cuisine, crafts and textiles, hospitality, waste management, as well as legislation and government policies in relation to tourism laws and protected areas.

After the workshop, Magpale said viable ecotourism projects of the LGUs will have access to funding, which is ready for release. Last year, the Province released funding to Samboan for the Aguinid Falls development; Tabuelan for its river-cruise project; and Badian and Alegria for their canyoneering activities.

Magpale also disclosed that a Tourism Code for the Province will soon be in place. She said it has already passed the first reading and will soon be out for public hearing.

DENR 7 assures fast issuance of geohazard certifications for new classrooms

(PNA), SCS/EB/SSC

CEBU CITY, June 5 (PNA) -- An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has assured the fast issuance of geohazard certifications for the construction of new classrooms.

Al Emil Birador, chief geologist of DENR 7 Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), said their office lacks manpower, but the issuance of geohazard certification still continues.

Birador made the assurance after some city and municipal engineers complained of the slow issuance of geohazard certification, a requirement needed before the construction of government buildings.

Lawyer Gerardo Mahusay, MGB 7 assistant director, said they have been swamped with so many requests for geohazard certification since 2013, mostly from local government units (LGUs) that are constructing new buildings, such as classrooms for public schools.

Birador said the issuance of geohazard certificates is slower as there are only six regular geologists working at the MGB 7.

He said that although lack of manpower is a contributing factor, the lack of requirements from the requesting party also slows down their assessment.

Birador said they often require the requesting party with a detailed map of the area where they would construct.

“If they cannot provide, then our office would have to do it so it would be delayed,” he said.

Cebu Port Authority to build P400-M terminal

By Elias O. Baquero

THE Cebu Port Authority (CPA) will start the public bidding process for the P400-million one-stop-shop fastcraft terminal at the Cebu Base Port once the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will approve its loan application.

CPA General Manager Edmund Tan said the agency’s loan application with DBP in Cebu has been sent to the DBP-Manila for approval.

“Hopefully, it will be approved so we can start the process of bidding our fastcraft terminal at the Cebu Base Port worth P400 million,” Tan said.

Tan said that the Robinsons Galleria Cebu has a pending proposal to construct a skywalk or flyover to connect the newly-opened mall at the North Reclamation Area (NRA) to the fastcraft terminal at the base port, better known as Pier 4.

“But they will only build the skywalk once our terminal will start construction or completed, depending on what Robinsons management decides,” Tan said.

The future fastcraft terminal will be located at the area formerly occupied by Supercat and 2Go. The area was abandoned after it was damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu and Bohol on Oct. 15, 2013.

Tan said a new and world-class terminal will be the exclusive berthing area for all fastcraft vessels of Oceanjet of Ocean Ferries Inc., Supercat, Weesam and the proposed airport shuttle ferry service where airplane passengers can check-in at the terminal and ride a fast ferry going to the airport via the Anton’s wharf in Lapu-Lapu City.

At present, Tan said taxi drivers and drivers of privately-owned vehicles are confused in conveying their passengers who are taking fastcrafts because some are berthing at Piers 1, 2 and 3.

An exclusive fastcraft terminal will clear this confusion, Tan said.

Aside from the P400 million loan application for the fastcraft terminal, the CPA is also applying for another loan in the amount of P600 million for the expansion of a domestic port beside the Cebu International Port (CIP) so that a quay crane can be installed for domestic port operations.

“Once money is available, which is a requirement before we can start the procurement process, the two projects (terminal and port expansion) can be finished within one-and-a-half year,” he said.

The income of CPA, which reached P1.3 billion in 2015, is seen to increase once the Cebu Port Commission and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will succeed in reversing the income sharing of port charges at CIP.

At present, CPA is only receiving 20 percent of the CIP income on cargo handling charges, and the 80 percent goes to the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corp., an exclusive cargo-handling provider at CIP.

Lapu-Lapu City hosts three-day international robotics competition

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

MORE than 200 students from 13 countries, including the Philippines, will showcase their abilities in making robots during the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League (FLL) Philippine Islands Invitational 2016.

Lapu-Lapu City is hosting the three-day event at the Hoopsdome, which started yesterday.

Lapu-Lapu Schools Division Superintendent Marilyn Andales said that students aged nine to 18 years old, teachers, school administrators and parents from Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Singapore, Spain and Philippines are participating in the event.

With the theme “Trash Trek,” the students will use Lego pieces in the robotics competition this afternoon.

Mayor Paz Radaza said the opportunity given to Lapu-Lapu to host the event will help promote the city in the international robotics community.

“Nowadays, the children are into social media, and science and technology. We are also adapting to the trend. There are also students who are interested in this,” she said.

The City Government, led by Radaza, hosted a welcome dinner for the participants at the Plantation Bay Resort yesterday.

Andales said this will be the sixth time that the City will participate in an international robotics competition through the Caridad C. Labe (CCL) Education CentrEx, Inc. school.

Aside from CCL, three schools from Bulacan, Quezon City and another team from Cavite will also represent the Philippines.

Radaza encouraged the Lapu-Lapu Schools Division to have a robotics center in Hoopsdome so students in the city will have a venue to showcase their skills in science and technology.

Cebu guv leads distribution of PHP4.3M worth of agri-machineries to farmers’ groups

(PNA), LDV/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, June 2 (PNA) -- Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III on Thursday led the distribution of some Php4.3 million worth of agri-machineries to different farmers associations in Cebu at the Cebu Capitol grounds in Barangay Capitol Site here.

Davide said his administration will continue supporting initiatives and programs for farmers in the province.

The agri-machineries and equipment include 20 corn mills, 15 units of outdoor storage called Hermetic Cocoon, 15 moisture meters and 10 weighing scales.

Cebu Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said 20 farmers’ organizations and beneficiaries in 20 different towns in Cebu will benefit from the equipment.

Saragena said the beneficiaries were from corn-producing areas.

“We also took into consideration farmers associations that are active and interested,” Saragena said.

Capitol workers, volunteers hold coastal cleanup in Talisay

(Sun.Star Cebu)

CAPITOL employees and volunteers braved the rain for the coastal cleanup activity in Barangy Pooc, Talisay City, Cebu last May 25.

The bulk of trash collected is mostly plastics, according to a data from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro). The waste gathered totaled 1,184.50 kilos.

The information can provide and improve the waste management plan of the barangay or the city in a larger aspect.

Talisay Councilor and committee chairman for environment Antonio Bacaltos Jr. urged the barangay folks to work together in keeping their place suitable for living and not just relying on volunteers to clean their place.

Dennis Villavinez, 43, president of Poocanong Mananagat sa Talisay, said they used to have abundant fish catch.

Villavinez said there are times that their catch could not even support the need of their families, and it has been very hard for them to make ends meet.

Fishermen from other barangays and organizations also joined the cleanup.

Julio Abapo, president of Pundok sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Sawsawan from Barangay San Roque said that the activities devoted for fishermen give them the encouragement to continue with their cause.

The organizations vowed to campaign for the rights and opportunities of small time fishermen.

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