Cebu Province News March 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 Capitol drafts PHP10-M aid to boost carabao milk production in Cebu town

(PNA), LAP/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, March 31 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government is drafting a PHP10-million worth of assistance to support the women “queseo” or cheese makers in Barangay Lupa, Compostela in northern Cebu.

Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, Cebu provincial veterinarian, said she endorsed the project after learning the women association’s difficulty in meeting their market demand for their cheese products made from fresh carabao’s milk.

Vincoy said the University of San Carlos was the one tasked to craft the project management plan for the industry.

She said the project covers the production up to its marketing aspect.

She said the ultimate goal is to increase the production of carabao milk to support the livelihood in Lupa.

Vincoy said they also sighted the agri-tourism potential of the industry.

She said a processing plant would be established along the national highway.

Beside the plant will be a stopover shop for buses and private vehicles which will also become the showroom of different products made out of carabao milk.

“This is a first multiplier farm that we will establish in Cebu. If successful, this could be replicated in other areas,” she said.

At present, the women’s association only has 12 carabaos.

The Cebu Capitol intends to add 25 milking carabao heads and provide trainings for the Lupa women’s association.

Jobs for the tourism sector

By Katlene O. Cacho (PR)

THE Tourism Committee of this year’s Cebu Business Month (CBM) is targeting 100 tourism-related companies to participate in the Tourism Job Fair on June 15.

CBM’s Tourism Committee chair Julie Najar said various job opportunities in the tourism sector, both local and overseas, await job seekers during the whole day fair in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Najar, who is also the president of Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC), said they will invite hotel properties, travel agencies, airlines, cruise liners, manpower services, among others to participate in the job fair.

The activity, she said, aims to help job seekers land their desired job in the growing tourism sector.

According to the DOT, the continued growth of the country’s tourism sector did not only generate healthy revenues for the country but also decent jobs and livelihood to Filipinos.

For 2015, tourism employment is estimated at 4.99 million, with a share of 12.7 percent to national employment, already representing 4.8 percent growth from 2014, said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.

Total inbound tourists surpassed the five million mark last year. The country welcomed 5.3 million visitors, up by 10.91 percent from the 4.8 million foreign visitors recorded in 2014.

Aside from the job fair, the CBM’s Tourism Committee will likewise hold a forum the following day, June 16.

The forum is centered on the use of digital technology in enhancing Cebu’s competitiveness in global tourism. Najar disclosed five speakers with rich tourism and technology background have been invited to speak before the academe and stakeholders.

Some of the topics that will be discussed include the advantage of digital technology in tourism marketing; and the use of social media in public relations.

Other tourism-related activities during the whole month of June include the Hotel Cebu Business Month Room Package, where various hotels offer attractive room rates for June promoting “Cebu in a Bag” booklet of discount coupons from participating establishments.

There will also be an activity called “Day-Off Cebu,” a whole day tour of things to do, places to see, flavors to taste and experience, and a two-hour sunset cruise of the Mactan Channel with cocktails.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which organizes the CBM, signed a memorandum of agreement with the City of Cebu during its quarterly general membership meeting last month at SM Seaside as testament of the functional collaboration between partners and to develop governance protocols.

Signing on behalf of the CCCI was then president Ma. Teresa B. Chan while Mayor Michael Rama represented the Cebu City Government.

The MOA aims to strengthen the collaboration between CCCI and the government in the fulfillment of shared objectives and deliverables on programs, projects, policies and action agenda at various levels.

Caritas Int'l turns over newly-built disaster-resilient school in Cebu

(PNA), RMA/PR-NASSA-CARITAS/EDS

MANILA, March 29 (PNA) -- A member of the worldwide Catholic charities, Caritas Internationalis, has recently turned over a newly-built disaster-resilient school to survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Barangay Malbago, Madridejos town in Cebu.

According to Caritas Switzerland Chief Delegate to the Philippines Marcel Reymond, the Malbago Elementary School, which is one of the seven schools under its School Rehabilitation Program, could also serve as an evacuation center.

It was handed over in the presence of the Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Andrea Reichlin.

“The rehabilitated school will serve as evacuation area if a heavy typhoon or other calamity strikes the area. Disaster risk reduction and mitigation strategies are an integral part of the rehabilitation program,” he said.

Reymond said the school has 12 newly constructed classrooms with re-furnished tables, chairs and multipurpose blackboards, which were designed in collaboration with the University of San Carlos in Cebu.

“In times of evacuation, the multipurpose blackboards can be used as separation wall inside the classrooms to provide more privacy for evacuees. During regular times they are used as shelves and for teaching,” he explained.

There is also a retrofitted computer room and principal’s office, a small canteen, a new perimeter fence, features to facilitate access for people with disabilities, a stage, and improved water and sanitation facilities.

The school, which is estimated to cost about Php 23.96 million (500,000 CHF) also employed 65 skilled and unskilled workers from the community. They were instructed in DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) resilient construction techniques and are now TESDA certified.

“This would eventually pave the way for better employment opportunities in the future,” Reymond added.

Apart from these, Caritas Switzerland also conducted hygiene promotion activities for the students and taught the community to establish their own repair and maintenance program, contingency plan and evacuation plan for the school.

Malbago Elementary School, which serves as a home to a total of 500 kindergarten and elementary students, was the second completed school in the seven barangays covered by the program.

Located at the eastern coastal part of Bantayan Island, where the majority of the people rely on fishing, farming and livestock raising, the school was among the most heavily damaged by Yolanda.

Caritas Switzerland is one of the Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations present in the country and is working together with the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines on implementing the Catholic Church’s largest rehabilitation program for Yolanda survivors.

Capitol beefs up support for dairy farming in Cebu

By Kristine B. Quintas / RHM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - To help Cebu become self-sufficient in terms of fresh milk supply, the provincial government has beefed up its support for the dairy farming production, allocating at least P35 million worth of assistance for the development of the industry this year.

This is in line with Governor Hilario Davide's five star development agenda. Davide said earlier that many will benefit from the program designed to generate livelihood in the countryside.

The dairy program has five components, including dairy upgrading program, dairy multiplier farm, small hold dairy farming, forage and pasture development. Under the dairy multiplier farm, the Capitol also plans to build milk processing plant.

The Capitol also echoed the thrust of the national government to promote the local production of milk.

Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy said earlier that fresh milk is more complete and nutritious compared to powdered milk, which is usually imported.

Aside from helping the dairy farmers to earn, the Capitol also allocated around P16 million for the purchase of additional "breedable livestock" and equipment. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

The bidding for almost P1 million worth of 150 heads of goats for dispersal has also started.

The equipment the Capitol purchased included milking machines, milking canisters, and test kits. These will be given to dairy farmers in Cebu.

Last year, hundreds of cattle, carabaos, and cows were distributed to farmers under the large animal dispersal program of the province. The program will continue with the distribution of another P6 million worth of large domestic animals.

"The ultimate goal is to increase the number of dairy animals and (of) milk production," Vincoy said.

According to the National Dairy Authority, the province needs 80,000 dairy cows to produce 10 liters of fresh milk per day. This is assuming that every person of the four million people in Cebu drinks at least two glasses of milk per day.

Presently, Cebu only has 600 dairy cows engaged in milk production in the towns of Consolacion, Compostela, Liloan, Barili, Argao, and Dalaguete.

Vincoy further said that there are also Artificial Insemination (AI) equipment worth almost P500,000 to be distributed such as straw guns, and thermos with thermometer and retriever.

For the 37 local government units (LGU) implementing artificial insemination (AI), the Capitol would build shaded concrete AI heat centers. Vincoy said each LGU would get an enhanced AI heat center.

Heat centers are places where AI services are conducted so that the movement of the animal is minimized or controlled. This would also be used during veterinary outreach activities, such as vaccination, vitamins supplementation, and deworming.

Each heat center is roughly estimated to cost P200,000 to P300,000.

Free surgery for cleft lip, palate set

(Sun.Star Cebu)

OPERATION Rainbow from Perth, Australia, together with the Kiwanis Club of Cebu and the Dr. Ignacio M. Cortes General Hospital in Mandaue City, will once again hold a medical mission that aims to serve more than 100 children with hare lip and/or cleft palate on May 21 to 27.

Operation Rainbow, a charitable institution, has been doing such mission since 1992, which started in Dipolog.

Since 2009, Operation Rainbow moved its annual mission to Cebu; the first mission was done in Lapu-Lapu City, and then to Mandaue City since 2011.

Dr. Tim Hewitt, a plastic surgeon, will head the team from Australia.

Among the children that benefitted from the group’s previous missions was Reymart, a boy from Barangay Luyang, San Remigio, Cebu. Before his operation, Reymart was a shy boy hiding in the family’s little house in the mountains.

Now, Reymart loves to go to school, plays with other kids and has been learning how to speak.

Apart from providing free surgery, medicine and medical supplies, Operation Rainbow also invests on hospital improvements, such as donations of medical equipment.

Last year, the group donated two operating tables for the operating room (OR) as well as two diathermy units. Operation Rainbow also provided free on-the-job training for Filipino nurses in the OR as well as in the patients recovery rooms.

The Kiwanis Club of Cebu headed by its president Dominique Pelayo partners with and supports the Operation Rainbow team, especially in preparing, communicating and organizing support for the Australian team.

Leo Tacke is the Kiwanis project leader for this operation in Cebu.

The screening of patients is set on May 21. It will start at 8 a.m.

For registration, which is ongoing, call 0922-8570304 or (032) 345-1486 local 105. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, call Leo Tacke at 0917-6271285.

DENR 7 earmarks Php 20 M to TSPS

(PNA), RMA/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has earmarked Php 20 million through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) to protect and manage one of the country’s protected seascape.

“We are allocating a sizeable amount of budget for 2016 to pursue major programs and projects related to protected area management; nature conservation, rehabilitation and protection; and establishment of protected area facilities and amenities in TSPS,” said DENR 7 Regional Director and PAMB TSPS Chair Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo in a statement.

Under the protected area management with a budget of Php 1.7 million, the activities are survey, mapping and assessment of marine protected areas; inventory of coastal marine resources users; operationalization of TSPS PAMB; and coordination meetings with other law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders.

Some PHP2.47 million was set aside or nature conservation, rehabilitation, and protection.

This include provision of financial assistance to the local government units or people’s organizations for the implementation of coastal resources management-related projects; monitoring and patrolling; and information, education and communication.

The biggest chunk goes to the establishment of protected area facilities and amenities with a total budget of PHP15.640 million for the operationalization of a protected area office (PAO), capability building, and procurement of office equipment, motorcycles and patrol boats.

Montejo said the TSPS has been regarded as an important migration corridor for whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals, making it a preferred destination for whale-watchers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

The TSPS, which lies between the islands Negros and Cebu and covers 521,018 hectares and borders 677 kilometers, is among the country’s top 10 major fishing grounds where about 26,000 fishers operate.

The TSPS was declared a protected seascape by virtue ofPresidential Proclamation 1234 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos last May 27, 1998 in recognition of its extraordinary abundance and diverse assemblage of dolphins, whales and other marine species.

DENR 7 maintain skeletal force during Holy Week

(PNA), RMA/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, March 25 (PNA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo has directed all field officials in the three provinces to put up a skeletal force and a quick mobilization and response mechanism in case of emergencies in the observance of the Lenten break.

“This is part of our continuing efforts and commitment to provide the necessary services as we commemorate our well-cherished and well-treasured tradition during this Lenten season as we establish an operational protocol to respond very quickly to emergency situation,” Montejo said.

He directed all provincial and community environment and natural resources officers to continue in closely monitoring environmental situation and immediately report illegal activities and untoward incidents within their respective area of assignment.

He also put in place measures and strategies by assigning front line personnel who will be keeping an eye on wildlife trafficking, illegal trading of mineral resources, and other environmental and natural resources law enforcement operations in airports and seaports

In a memorandum issued by Montejo, all field officials in Central Visayas were told to keep their communication lines open 24/7 so that they could be contacted anytime.

Among the strategies being employed by the DENR to boost its forest fire prevention and fighting capabilities during the “dry” months include the involvement of community members in its trainings in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, with which the DENR has a standing agreement to conduct joint trainings as well as forest fire-fighting operations.

Forest fire preventive measures consisted of monitoring for “kaingin” or slash and burn activities and unauthorized bush burning in pasturelands, construction of water impounding structures to trap and store rainwater, clearing of new growth in fire lines or “fire buffers” inside tree plantations, and conduct of forest fire drills with forest resource-dependent communities especially in drought-prone areas.

Cebu Airport Launches China, Taiwan Direct Flights

(BusinessNewsAsia.com)

GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), operator of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), welcomes the launch of two more international destinations out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) via two new airline companies.

This March 28, Xiamen Airlines of China is launching a route between Cebu and Xiamen of Fujian province in China.

Three round-trip flights will be scheduled each week. The plane will leave Xiamen at 9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, arrive in Cebu at 11:55 am, and return to Xiamen one hour later.

It will be utilizing a Boeing 737 aircraft with a 170-seat capacity.

Xiamen Air has previously opened international routes to Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Cebu-Taipei-Cebu Flight From Mactan Airport

Meanwhile, Taiwan-based EVA Airways will likewise inaugurate this March 27 the Cebu-Taipei-Cebu flight. An Airbus 321 aircraft will be operating this route on a daily basis.

It departs Taipei at 7:10 am and arrive in Cebu at 10:05 am. It will also leave Cebu on the same day at 11:05am and arrive in Taipei at 2:00pm.

This is EVA Air’s second Philippine destination after flying Manila daily. “It’s a very exciting time for MCIA- we’re growing our capabilities as a gateway to one of the country’s most competitive regions,” said GMCAC President Louie Ferrer.

Before the month ends, GMCAC will be launching a Cebu-Dubai flight through Emirates.

Cebu-Los Angeles-Cebu Flight From Mactan Airport

Last March 15, the direct flight to Los Angeles from Cebu by flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) marked the first US connection out of MCIA.

The improved connectivity is expected to boost the trade and tourism links of Cebu.

“Providing airline and route innovations for the travelling public are keystones of MCIA’s transformation,” Ferrer said adding that many of these flights are a first for Cebu, which will draw inbound tourism and give strong support for export services.

GMCAC, which operates and manages MCIA under a private-public partnership model, is actively pursuing potential new airlines and routes targeting destinations like Australia, Thailand, India, Japan, Malaysia and China.

Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman of the GMCAC Board commented that the pursuit of such new and diverse routes for Cebu was supported by detailed economic analysis to ensure the long term sustainability as well as economic and social benefits for passengers and businesses.

Andrew Harrison, GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor noted that the improvements of facilities at MCIA play a big part in attracting airlines with multiple products such as economy and business class, thereby offering travelers more choice in their travel product. Examples of the terminal improvements include the new CIP Lounge operated by Plaza Premium, which airlines with a business class product require.

MCIA is the second busiest airport in the Philippines with the capacity to handle 4.5 million passengers a year and will soon surge to 12.5 million when the new terminal be unveiled by June 2018 to accommodate the continually increasing passenger traffic.

Capitol sets earthquake drill, wants all LGUs to participate

By Oscar C. Pineda

ALL offices under the Provincial Government will hold an earthquake drill on March 31 to make sure that provincial workers know what to do when one happens.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Baltazar Tribunalo urged all local government units in the province to participate.

“Magpractice gyud ang mga tawo kabahin sa pagpangandam sa wala pa, sa nahitabo na, ug pagkahuman sa linog, nationwide (The people should practice what to do to before the earthquake, during and after an earthquake),” Tribunalo said, adding that the drill is a nationwide activity initiated by the Office of Civil Defense.

All institutions, both public and private, should hold their respective earthquake drill, Tribunalo said during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting last Tuesday.

He said that since March 31 falls on a Thursday, schools should also participate.

Immediately after the drill, Tribunalo said they will assess the response of the different offices to determine what needs improvement.

He recalled that when an earthquake drill was held in 2014, not all officials and employees of the Province joined the activity.

In 2015, more offices joined, with about 90 percent of the workers participating in the drill. He said the remaining 10 percent did not join for different reasons, including some who preferred to stay inside their office because they were not feeling well.

“Bisan unsay imong gibati, tinud-on gyud ni nato (No matter how you’re feeling, we will take this drill seriously),” he said.

The last time an earthquake drill was held in Capitol was in July last year.

That time, the PDRRMO observed that employees were just walking around casually while others remained standing, which disaster officials said is not the appropriate response during an emergency.

Tribunalo said the participants should take the earthquake drill seriously, and should walk cautiously, duck under a table or chair and cover their heads.

Mactan airport ready for influx of passengers during Holy Week

(PNA), FFC/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, March 22 (PNA) -- The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) is ready for the influx of passengers passing through the airport on Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Easter Sunday and Monday next week, an official said.

MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said they had either canceled or disapproved the vacation leaves of their personnel, especially those assigned in security.

Villarete said it is still the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. that spearheads the preparations.

Villarete said they will set up a medical station at the airport because they noted that many passengers in the past had asked for medicines and had their blood pressure checked at the airport during Holy Week.

He said unlike land travel, the number of airline passengers can be predicted.

Villarete said there will be increases in frequency of flights and in the volume of passengers per hour.

”But, usually this will not exceed 15 percent and not like the land terminal where there is congestion of passengers,” Villarete said.

He said aircraft frequency is constant for six months and changes for the next six months.

Villarete said there will still be flights even on Good Friday and the rest of the Holy Week.

Villarete said he has also issued a memorandum to address grass fires.

“All concerned personnel are hereby instructed to be closely vigilant and in constant lookout for any indication of impending grass fire and to speedily address this so that it will be immediately controlled to avoid any disruptions in airport operations,” a part of the memorandum read.

Capitol gives 31 multicabs worth P4M to brgy. chiefs

By Oscar C. Pineda

CEBU Gov. Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale turned over 31 multicabs worth P4 million to barangay captains yesterday at the Capitol compound.

A captain of an island barangay said he is grateful for finally getting a vehicle that he had been requesting since the previous administration.

“Inyo na ni, wala na moy pirmahan nga MOA, di parehas sa ubang admistrasyon. Kamo na lay rehistro ug pagasolina ani (It’s yours, no need for any MOA, unlike in the other administration),” Davide told the recipients.

Each multicab cost P129,500.

Some multicabs left Capitol with their tanks full, courtesy of the Province.

Grateful

“Nagpasalamat ko kay sa unang administrasyon pa ko nangayo ani ug bisan lisod ni dad-on didto sa among isla (I am grateful because I had been asking for this since the previous administration, although it’s a challenge bringing this to our island),” said Langub, Sta. Fe Barangay C aptain Rolando Villacarlos.

Villacarlos is also Sta. Fe’s Association of Barangay Councils chairman.

Kinatarcan

Barangays Langub, Hagdan and Kinatarcan each received a multicab. They are located in Kinatarcan Island.

In getting to the island, one takes a one-hour ferry ride from Hagnaya wharf in San Remigio to Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island, and a two-hour pump boat ride from Sta. Fe to Kinatarcan.

Nine of the 31 vehicles are for five barangays in Bantayan town, Barangay Sta. Cruz in San Francisco, Camotes Island, and the three barangays in Kinatarcan Island.

Magpale said the giving of multicabs has the concurrence of the Commission on Elections since it’s a continuing project.

Activities for the Holy Week

By Katlene O. Cacho

RESORTS in Mactan Island are starting to get fully-booked as the Holy Week nears.

Resort players have mounted various activities to make their visitors’ long weekend in Mactan worthwhile.

The 244-room Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is already fully-booked for Holy Week, according to Meghann Hernandez, the resort’s marketing and communications manager.

She said the resort has prepared various activities for families to enjoy with games and activities, like the egg hunt and entertainment for its special Easter family affair.

“This weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to relish in traditional local Easter customs within a modern Mediterranean ambience, surrounded by the beautiful lush greenery and crystal blue waters,” the resort said in its press release.

“For next week, we are averaging about 90 percent in occupancy, but we are filling up,” said Fiona Escandor, communications executive at Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa. The resort guests, she said, are a good mix of locals and holiday makers from regional markets.

The five-star resort has also mounted activities for children like the egg hunt and set menus for guests at Cowrie Cove and Acqua, and Sparkling Fun-ch Buffet at Tides.

The Cebuano-owned Bluewater resort chain in Maribago, Sumilon and Panglao islands, likewise, projected high occupancy during the Holy Week.

Maribago and Sumilon resorts are fully-booked on Good Friday and Black Saturday while the Panglao resort is running high during the entire week, according to the press statement provided by Bluewater’s marketing communications officer Eric Monsanto.

This Holy Week, the resorts said they will have tours and a series of “fun-filled activities” for the whole family. Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort will bring back their special Bisita Iglesia Tour.

Resort guests will be able to pay homage and get a unique and animated look at the Filipino’s culture and tradition as they visit Cebu’s historical churches and pilgrimage spots.

On Easter Sunday, the resort prepared family-themed activities like Dolpo’s Amazing Adventure Race in Bluewater Panglao, pirate-themed egg hunt event in Bluewater Sumilon and Bluewater Maribago.

Holy Week is usually considered a low season for city hotels but a peak season for resort hotels. While most locals go on pilgrimage tours like visiting churches, others troop to resorts and beaches to spend quality time with their families and loved-ones. For many Filipinos, Holy Week isn’t only a time of reflection and prayers but also a chance to catch up with friends and engage in recreational activities.

Based on tentative bookings as of yesterday, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is averaging at 70 percent occupancy next week, said Andi Lim, PR officer of Plantation Bay yesterday.

The resort prepared various activities for Easter Sunday like the Easter parade, bonnet contest, egg hunt, bubble show, dance with fairies and children’s party.

On the other hand, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan is also averaging 80 percent in occupancy for the long weekend.

Mia Sy, Crimson’s public relations and marketing and communications manager, said they have also prepared activities at the beach for families, adults and children such as seafood beach dinner buffet, wine pairing dinner, Easter egg hunt and Sunday brunch.

Cebuano-owned Be Resorts Mactan and Panglao also expect high guest occupancy next week.

According to Erin Garcia-Rivera, head of sales of Be Resorts, average occupancy of their resorts in Mactan and Bohol is at 70 percent and 65 percent, respectively.

An Easter Sunday brunch, egg hunting, face painting and cookie-making demo are among the activities the resort lined-up during the long vacation.

Cebu airport PPP deal wins award in Singapore

By Azer N. Parrocha [(PNA), LGI/ANP]

MANILA (PNA) -- The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project has earned top recognition from a foreign magazine, the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) said last Wednesday.

PPPC said that the airport bagged “Best PPP Deal in Asia-Pacific Region” during the IJGlobal Asia Pacific Awards 2015 held in Singapore last March 3.

IJGlobal Infrastructure Journal and Project Finance Magazine recognizes excellence, achievement and innovation in energy and infrastructure finance. It also honors excellence of market participants by naming outstanding public and private sector players in the region.

The awarding body is composed of industry leaders in the various areas of international infrastructure finance.

This is not the first global recognition given to the MCIA PPP Project. Last December 2015, Thomson Reuters’ Project Finance International (PFI) hailed the PPP project. It was also ranked by www.sleepinginairports.net as 18th best airport in Asia through a survey answered by travelers.

At present, upgrades and changes have been in place at the MCIA Terminal 1 including renovated washrooms, and the installation of a greener terminal building and self-service check-in kiosks. Immigration, customs and quarantine counters and new seats have also been improved.

To recall, the government through the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) awarded the PhP17.52 billion MCIA PPP contract to GMR Infrastructure and Megawide Consortium in April 4, 2014.

This contract involves the construction of a new world-class passenger terminal building and operations and maintenance of the existing airport.

DOTC turned over the airport’s operation and maintenance to the private partner in November 1, 2014. President Benigno Aquino III meanwhile led the groundbreaking of the new MCIA terminal building last June 29, 2015.

The construction started in July 2015 and a ceremonial pouring of concrete at the Mactan construction site was held last January this year.

Cebu to use PHP7-M DILG prize to build ICU for Danao hospital

(PNA), JBP/EB/PR/EBP

CEBU CITY, March 17 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government will use the PHP7-million cash incentive it received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) -- for gaining the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award in 2015 -- to build an intensive care unit (ICU) in the Cebu Provincial Hospital–Danao City.

The SGLG awarding ceremonies was held last July 14, 2015 with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III receiving the plaque and replica of the cheque from then DILG Secretary Mar Roxas.

But Cebu Provincial Treasurer Emmanuel Guial said he actually received the PHP7 million cash incentive from the DILG only on March 10 this year.

Cebu province received the SGLG award from DILG for the second year in a row in 2015.

“It means that the Provincial government is practicing the Full Disclosure Policy which means we are not hiding anything from the public,” Guial said.

Guial said the 2014 cash incentive was spent on the waterworks system in the municipality of Tudela in the Camotes Islands off northern Cebu.

Out of 136 local government units in Region 7, eight municipalities from the Cebu province also got the SGLG award last year.

These towns are San Remigio, Bantayan, Medellin, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Dalaguete, Dumanjug and Argao.

Each municipality got a cash incentive of PHP3 million.

Socorro Dorina Salas, Performance Challenge Fund Regional Focal Person, said the awardees had to pass certain criteria as well as submit their accomplishments.

She said awardees have to pass requirements on social services, Commission on Audit and disaster preparedness.

Aussie envoy urges Cebu tourism sector to market more in Australia

(PNA), JBP/EB/EBP

CEBU CITY, March 16 (PNA) -- Australian Ambassador to thePhilippines Amanda Gorely has urged Cebu’s tourism sector to “market more in Australia” to lure more Australian tourists to visit the province.

Gorely, who is a first time visitor to Cebu, said she was amazed by the warm hospitality of Cebuanos, natural attractions and thriving economic landscape.

She was in Cebu Monday to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties between Australia and the Philippines this year.

The Australian Embassy mounted an exhibit at the SM City Cebu Northwing at the Cebu City North Reclamation Area, which highlights the 70-year friendship between the two countries.

Gorely said that if Cebu intends to grow its arrivals from Australia, she highly recommends investing more in advertising and other marketing campaigns, as Cebu is not as popular compared to other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, which Australian tourists frequently visit.

“You already have the making of a perfect holiday, but you need to market Cebu more. You need to do more advertising in terms of building knowledge and familiarity of the brand. You already have a fantastic package to sell,” said Gorely.

She was referring to the province’s pristine beaches, adventure tourism, shopping and natural wonders.

She said the country’s tropical weather and Filipino cuisine are big attractions among Australian tourists.

But the absence of direct flights between Cebu and key cities of Australia such as Melbourne and Sydney remains a challenge to boost arrivals from these cities.

Cebu logged 44,311 arrivals from Australia last year.

The region, on the other hand, registered 5.94 percent growth in the Australian tourism market, from 53,197 in 2014 to 56,356 last year.

UNICEF turns over PHP6-M cold storage for vaccines to Cebu Capitol

(PNA), FFC/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, March 15 (PNA) -- The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has turned over to the Cebu Provincial Government a PHP6-million cold storage facility for vaccines.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said the cold storage preserves living microorganisms and bacteria, which are important to make the vaccines effective.

Davide said providing vaccines to children immediately in times of emergency will save lives.

The facility, located within the Cebu Capitol compound, was constructed by UNICEF carpenters from China in less than a week.

Department of Health (DOH) 7 Director Jaime Bernadas thanked UNICEF for the donation.

Bernadas said the facility addresses the need for adequate and appropriate handling of vaccines, including transporting them from the place where these are procured to the rural health units or other final destinations.

Vaccines must be kept under a controlled temperature to prevent destruction and to preserve its efficacy.

UNICEF country representative Bernie Bersola, in a message read by Cebu Provincial Health Office Dr. Cynthia Genesolango, said UNICEF will always be around to assist local government units (LGUs) with their health needs, especially those that concern children.

The DOH 7 has distributed ice-lined refrigerators, also for vaccine storage, to 31 LGUs in Cebu Province.

Rehab on Cebu pre-colonial church near completion

By Justin K. Vestil

THE restoration work on a pre-colonial church in Boljoon town, Cebu is now close to completion, a church official said last week.

Fr. Brian Brigoli, chairman of the Archdiocese of Cebu’s Commission on Cultural Heritage, told Sun. Star Cebu that the restoration and rehabilitation work on the Nuestra Señora de Patrocinio de Maria Church in Boljoon is now 70-percent complete.

Sites

Brigoli said that through the help of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), parts of the church that were damaged through years of wear and tear and during the 2013 Cebu-Bohol earthquake are being repaired.

The NHCP spent around P14.4 million for restoration work in the old church in Boljoon, according to a report on the status of churches and historical sites in Cebu that were restored after the quake.

NHCP is funding the repair of the old church’s buttresses.

Other components of the old church like the walls, roof and old open canals in the church’s compound that had weathered over the years are undergoing restoration.

Brigoli explained that interventions had to be done and that the repair and restoration works are at no cost to the parish and its parishioners.

Brigoli, however, cannot disclose how much NHCP has spent for the additional repair and restoration works.

Other churches owned by the Archdiocese and are being repaired and restored by NHCP include the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Dumanjug town, the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel in Argao town, the St. Michael the Archangel Church in Samboan town, the Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza Church in Sibonga town, the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Carcar City, the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church in Dalaguete town, the Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan and the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City.

The NHCP has appropriated more than P200 million for the repair and restoration of old churches and historical sites in Cebu that were damaged by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake.

Cebu hosts Asean info summit

By Elias O. Baquero

CEBU will host the Asean Ministers for Responsible Information (AMRI) meeting and the Senior Officials for Responsible Information (SOMRI) meeting from March 14 to 18.

Fayette Riñen of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said the SOMRI meeting is within the undersecretary level from March 14-16 to be followed by AMRI, the secretary or minister level meeting.

Whatever will be discussed by SOMRI will be finalized by AMRI.

AMRI is chaired by Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), while SOMRI is chaired by PCOO Undersecretary Jess Anthony Yu.

Riñen said that over 100 delegates from 10 countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), namely, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore.

Three dialogue partners identified as Japan, South Korea and China, which are considered economically advanced countries, are expected to attend the five-day event.

Aside from Yu, the other main panelists in the SOMRI, from March 14-16, are Tito Cruz of the Philippine Broadcasting Services and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.

Communication

In a press statement, the information ministers/secretaries of the 10 member-countries underscored the need to accelerate the efforts to communicate Asean and its benefits as the envisioned One Asean Community by 2015 will soon be realized.

In the 12th AMRI Conference last June 12, 2015 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, the ministers signed the Declaration on Socially Responsible Media for a Peaceful and Prosperous Community to affirm their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in information and media programs and activities to bring about a heightened awareness and deeper understanding of Asean.

The ministers also noted the initiatives that have already been undertaken by the Member Nations in support of Asean awareness and community building, including television and radio news exchanges and the Asean Quiz.

They also welcomed the initiatives towards the adoption of digital broadcasting by the Member States.

The press stated further stated that the information ministers, likewise, highlighted the need to maximize the use of all forms of media, from the traditional and mainstream to the new or social media, to inform the widest public possible of the benefits of Asean integration.

Networking

In the June 12, 2015 meeting, the ministers further resolved to enjoin the engagement of various sectors, including Asean dialogue partners like China, Japan and Korea in making Asean a truly one community.

Among the possible discussion in the AMRI and SOMRI in Cebu are joint production projects, media networking, and human resource development.

Tañon Strait yields P57M in fees

By Justin K. Vestil

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 was able to collect around P57 million in user’s fees from industries that maintain facilities within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).

DENR 7 Executive Director Isabelo Montejo said that there are other establishments that have yet to pay user’s fee.

Montejo said that the collection will be used to fund activities that promote the protection and management of TSPS. The activities include information dissemination and law enforcement.

Montejo said that the DENR is also working with other government agencies and civil society groups for the creation of a general management plan for Tañon Strait.

Plan

The general management plan includes the rehabilitation and protection of around 18,337 hectares of corals and 5,000 mangroves.

The implementation of the management plan will be the sole responsibility of the Protected Areas Management Bureau (PAMB), which is composed of local government units located within the TSPS.

Industries that regularly pay user’s fees include Toledo Power Company, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines for its underwater cable connecting Samboan, Cebu and Amlan in Negros Oriental, and beach resorts.

The collection of user’s fees is mandated by Republic Act 10629.

The Coastal Law Enforcement Alliance in Region (Clear) 7 also reported arrests made by seaborne patrols last year.

Enforcement

Andres Bojos, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 director and a member of Clear 7, said that law enforcement efforts led to the apprehension and prosecution of four commercial fishing vessels.

Bojos said that the apprehensions will serve as a “chilling effect” on illegal fishermen who will try to operate within TSPS.

Commercial fishing boats are banned in the TSPS. The whole strait is classified as part of the municipal waters of 42 towns and cities fronting the seascape.

The Tañon Strait was declared a protected seascape to protect the 14 species of dolphins and whales that consider the area their habitat.

It is the largest marine protected area in the country, covering an area of more than 521,000 hectares that fall within the jurisdiction of two regions and three provinces—Cebu, Bohol and Negros.

Although it was declared protected in 1998 yet, its PAMB was only able to convene in February 2015.

Lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos of Oceana Philippines said that one of their accomplishments after the first TSPS PAMB general assembly is the passage of the amended Fisheries Code.

NG gives PHP23.5M worth of equipment, infra for Mandaue hospital

(PNA), FFC/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, March 11 (PNA) -- The National Government has given a total of PHP23.5 million worth of infrastructure projects and new equipment to the Mandaue City Hospital (MCH).

Dr. Maria Lourdes Espinosa, MCH chief-of-hospital, said of the total amount, PHP16 million was coursed through the Department of Health (DOH) and PHP7.5 million through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

A ceremonial turnover was held at the MCH grounds Thursday afternoon.

DOH 7 Assistant Director Sofia Mancao said the DOH allocated PHP10 million for the hospital equipment and another PHP6 million for the repair of MCH building, and construction of sewage treatment plant and placenta pit.

MCH is one of the DOH’s recipient of the Health Facility Enhancement Program for 2016.

The equipment that will be delivered to MCH are hospital beds, bedside tables, delivery table, ECG machine, blood pressure apparatus, fully-automated blood chemistry analyzer, plasma sterilizer, audiometer, patient monitor and pediatric crib.

The PHP7.5 million funds from the DPWH will also be used for the upgrading of the hospital, including the repairs of the rooms, comfort rooms, ceiling and roof.

Rep. Luigi Quisumbing (Cebu, sixth district) said he requested DOH Sec. Janette Garin last year to provide funds for the rehabilitation and equipment of the hospital.

Quisumbing said the improvement of the MCH will help decongest the state-run Vicento Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City and the Eversley Child Sanitarium in Mandaue City.

State-run hospital in Cebu to build PHP475.8M state-of-the-art cancer center

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, March 10 (PNA) -- The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), the biggest state-run hospital in Cebu, is set to build a PHP475.8-million state-of-the-art cancer center that will cater to patients in Southern Philippines.

Dr. Antonio Roque R. Paradela, bids and awards committee (BAC) chairman, said they will conduct a public bidding for the cancer center on March 15.

But Paradela said two contractors, namely, Young Builders Corp. of Pitogo, Consolacion, Cebu and Arn Builders Inc. of Banilad, Cebu City, have requested the BAC to postpone it due to an alleged defective bidding process.

In his letter to Paradela dated last March 7, Architect Nelson G. Yu of Young Builders said their request to postpone the opening of bid documents on March 15 is due to the delayed release to the bidders of the complete terms of reference (TOR) documents.

Yu also asked the VSMMC BAC through Paradela to reduce the required track records of participating bidders from the present “track record in designing and constructing cancer center” to “hospital track record.”

Yu said that if VSMMC’s BAC will stick to “cancer center design and construction” on its TOR, only Manila-based contractors will qualify and Cebu contractors can no longer participate.

Arn Builders president Arnold T. Espinoza, in a separate letter dated March 8, said “the similar project requirement to qualify bidder, requiring bidders to have cancer center construction experience or record will be tantamount to selective bidding because there was no cancer center construction done in Cebu.”

“It’s the first time that a 100 percent cancer center hospital is going to be constructed in Cebu,” read their press statement.

Both Yu and Espinoza have requested to postpone the public bidding from March 15 to either March 21 or 22.

They said the bidding on March 15 should be postponed to give them and other interested Cebu contractors time to prepare for the bidding as required under Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Cebu PB allots PHP72.3M financial aid to LGUs

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, March 9 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) passed a resolution approving the release of PHP72.33 million in financial assistance to various local government units (LGUs) in the province.

The resolution, authored by Cebu PB Member Celestino Martinez and seconded by PB Member Carmen Durano-Meca, authorized Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III to grant and release financial assistance to the LGUs.

The financial assistance will be chargeable to the 20 percent Development Fund 2016 of the Office of the Governor.

The provincial government has an approved PHP3.6 billion budget for 2016, of which PHP520 million was set aside for the development fund.

Among the 11 listed recipient LGUs are Carmen, San Remigio, Tuburan, Tabuelan, Boljoon, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Oslob, Moalboal and Dumanjug.

Carmen, which got the biggest share, was granted PHP20 million for concreting of the provincial road from Cantucong to Upper Natimao-an and another PHP20 million for other roads.

The town also got PHP3.5 million for an Olympic-size swimming pool for provincial sports and cultural meets.

The financial assistance will be turned over the checks to the LGUs before March 25 or before the campaign period for the local elections.

New ferry, bus service for Cebu commuters to hit Mactan airport in 35 minutes

(PNA), FFC/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, March 8 (PNA) -- Government regulators are set to approve a new ferry and bus service that allows commuters from the Cebu mainland to reach the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in 35 minutes.

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said it will issue a special permit to Ocean Fast Ferries Inc. for them to operate Oceanjet from Pier 1 in Cebu City to a wharf near Anton’s restaurant in Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City.

The new service, utilizing fastcrafts used to ferry passengers from Cebu to nearby islands such as Bohol, held a dry run Monday in preparation for the total closure of the first Mandaue-Mactan bridge for repairs.

The Oceanjet fastcraft only took 30 minutes to get from Pier 1 in Cebu City to Pusok in Lapu-Lapu City, followed by a five-minute bus ride to the Mactan airport.

Marina 7 Legal Officer Jose Cabatingan said it will be up to the company to decide how much to charge because fares in the shipping sector have been deregulated.

Cabatingan said he was optimistic the Oceanjet management would set a reasonable fare.

He said Metro Ferry, which travels between Pier 1, Cebu City and Muelle Osmeña in Lapu-Lapu City, is charging PHP13 one-way.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) implemented a PHP129-million repair of the bridge since the first week of February.

But it held in abeyance the total closure of the bridge from vehicular traffic until the end of classes to avoid severe traffic congestion.

Motorists and commuters traveling from the Cebu mainland to Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island were caught in up to four hours of traffic when one lane of the bridge was closed to traffic at the start of the bridge repairs.

DENR 7 announces winners in World Wildlife Day quiz bowl, essay writing contest

(PNA), LAP/EB/PR/EDS

CEBU CITY, March 7 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 on Monday announced the winners of the quiz bowl and essay writing contest in celebration of the World Wildlife Day (WWD) held on March 3 in Cebu City.

May Antoinette Escoro of Abellana National High School in Cebu City won first place in the quiz bowl, with Kenneth Francis Saxton of Regent Pacific College in second place and Jesson Samuel Dela Cruz of Benedicto College in third place.

In the essay writing contest, Melmar Usman of Ramon Duterte Memorial National High School won first place, with Henel Lou Ramirez Villalon of Regent Pacific College in second place and Jonabelle E. Saban Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School in third place.

“This is a reminder that wildlife plays very critically an important support system for our existence and we should endeavor to co-exist with them,” said DENR 7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo.

Montejo said the competitions, which were held last March 3 at the DENR 7 Training Hall, Banilad, Mandaue City with 11 participating elementary and secondary schools, were aimed at raising awareness and conservation efforts particularly of threatened species.

Montejo said the Philippines had been earning praise from the international community for its efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade, such as when it destroyed the country’s stock of confiscated elephant tusks in June last year.

“We have been continuously monitoring to ensure that the provisions of Republic Act 9147 or the wildlife resources and cave protection act have been carried out to protect and conserve wildlife species and their habitats, to do regulation and collection of trade and wildlife, and to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity,” Montejo said.

The Philippines’ participation in the WWD celebration was part of the country’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement adopted in 1973 to regulate worldwide commercial trade in wild animal and plant species.

CSC-7 to launch 2016 Search for Outstanding Public Officials, Employees

By Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC-7) will launch the 2016 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees on Wednesday, March 2, at 8:00 in the morning at the Multi-Purpose Hall A of the CSC7 building.

Done every year, the CSC Honor Awards Program aims to give recognition and reward to public officials and state workers for their outstanding work performance and consistent ethical behavior.

Awards to be given are the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, Dangal ng Bayan Award, and the CSC Pagasa Award.

The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is given to an individual or group of individuals for exceptional contributions from an idea or performance which had a nationwide impact on public interest.

For the Dangal ng Bayan Award, this is given to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior as provided under RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The CSC Pagasa Award, on the other hand, is conferred to an individual or group of individuals for outstanding contributions resulting from an idea or performance which directly benefited more than one department of the government.

Giving honor to deserving public officials and government employees is hoped to motivate and inspire other workers in the bureaucracy to improve their performance and commitment in giving public service.

Meanwhile, the CSC on the same date will also turn over the financial assistance to the families of the 44 PNP Special Action Force members who died during an encounter with armed groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

The Commission is granting the financial assistance of P100,000 to the families through its Pamanang Lingkod Bayani Program. (rmn/fcr/PIA-7/CSC-7)

MCIA to join Routes Asia 2016

By Katlene O. Cacho (With PNA)

AIRPORT operator GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) are set to join the Routes Asia 2016 in Manila to boost Cebu’s air connectivity.

In a statement sent yesterday, GMCAC and MCIAA are scheduled to meet with 24 airline companies, including some 12 airport operators and tourism authorities during the three-day event happening this March 6 to 8 at the SMX Convention Center.

Both hope to market Cebu as a destination, showcase MCIA as a gateway and discuss potential new markets. At present, GMCAC is pursuing potential new airlines and routes targeting destinations like Australia, Thailand, India, Japan, Malaysia and China.

“Routes Asia 2016, as the largest route development in the region, is the ideal platform to connect with leading aviation stakeholders on the potential of Mactan-Cebu Airport as a hub for the world’s leading airlines. In just one year of operations, passenger traffic grew by 16 percent because we opened Cebu to new domestic and international routes,” said GMCAC president Louie Ferrer.

“Cebu has so much to offer as a tourist and investment destination. It has natural beauty, history and culture, and a strong emerging economy. This is the experience we want to share with the international market,” he added.

Routes Asia is the largest development event for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together a range of airlines, airports, and tourism authorities, including some of the largest carriers from the whole Asian region.

This is the first time the Philippines will play as the host country for this biggest aviation meeting in Asia.

According to the Routes Asia 2016 website, around 900 aviation professionals are expected to attend the event, together with 30 tourism officials, 20 experts and representatives from at least 100 airlines and 200 airports.

The Philippine Government has allotted a some P64-million for the Philippine hosting of Routes Asia 2016.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Route Development Team Head Erwin Balane said that the budget would be provided by the DOT, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

Half of the budget (P32 million) would be provided by the DOT while the remainder will be provided by the DOTC and MIAA, Balane told reporters in an interview.

He stressed the importance of the event in helping regional airports acquire new routes to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“We are increasing the capacity and showcasing our regional airports, particularly Clark International Airport and Kalibo International Airport,” Balane said. Balane pointed out that around 75 percent of air traffic was in Metro Manila while 25 percent divided by other regional airports.

“If we can increase utilization of regional airports by mounting new routes to these destinations, we would be able to get a lot of investments into these areas, especially airports up for bidding under the public-private partnership (PPP),” Balane said.

DOT Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato Jr. also highlighted the importance of the Routes Asia in enhancing air connectivity.

“Our objective is to make the Philippines as a multi-gateway destination and that our top source markets are well connected as we open up other gateways aside from the other gateways we are already providing,” Boncato said.

“Decision makers will be here instead of us going there and finding time to meet them so DOT, DOTC, local government units (LGUs) will have to take advantage of their presence,” Boncato said.

He also said that air seats in the country in 2015 jumped by 7.9 percent to 13 million seats from nine million seats, an indicator that the country was moving forward as a prime destination.

Within the three-day event, the Routes Asia 2016 Marketing Awards will also take place at the Routes Asia Networking Evening hosted by the DOT. The award recognizes excellence in airport marketing as voted by airlines.

According to the Routes website, MCIA has been shortlisted as one of the nominees for top-hub status under the four to 20 million passenger category. Other nominees for that same category included Auckland Airport, Bangalore International Airport Limited, Perth Airport and Yangon International Airport.

The overall winner announced in Manila will be automatically short-listed for the World Routes 2016 Marketing Awards.

“The Philippines is a strong viable option for staging the largest and most important route development forum in Asia. Trade, investment and tourism in the country have grown very rapidly in the last few years creating numerous opportunities for expanding air routes to major points in Asia and the rest of the world. We owe this strong support to all our stakeholders, who have invested their resources and trust in us to make this work for everybody,” said DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., in a separate statement.

Cebu provincial development body okays PHP18.44-B projects for 2017

(PNA), LAP/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, March 4 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Development Council (PDC) has approved PHP18.44 billion worth of infrastructure projects for 2017.

The PDC endorsed the projects to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 so these will be included in the 2017 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The programs, activities and projects (PAPs) are distributed to district engineering offices (DEOs) in the province.

Among the DEOs, DEO 6 had the biggest budgetary need at PHP5.9 billion, followed by DEO 4 with PHP3.72 billion.

DEO 1 has a proposed budget of PHP1.286 billion; DEO 2, PHP2.445 billion; DEO 3, PHP3.456 billion; and DEO 5, PHP1.616-billion.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is the presiding officer of the PDC.

Davide said the specific projects for each local government unit (LGU) in the province should be discussed by the district engineer.

Among the members of the PDC are the chief executives of LGUs and members of the provincial board.

Chinese-American delegation tours Cebu and Bohol

By Katlene O. Cacho

A GROUP of Chinese-American tourists arrived in Cebu yesterday to explore trade and tourism potentials of Cebu and Bohol.

Rajah Tours Philippines chairman Alejandra Clemente, in an interview yesterday, said about 28 business and civic leaders joined this year’s San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee (SFMSCC) tour and they requested for a sidetrip to Cebu and Bohol for the first time.

Rajah Tours is the official tour handler of SFMSCC.

SMFCC is an organization that serves as a cultural and economic link between Manila and San Francisco, presenting the best of San Francisco to the Philippines, and in turn showcasing the best of the Philippines to the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Their primary purpose is to look for investments in the country and foster cultural relations between Filipino-Americans and Asian-Americans,” said Clemente.

The delegation led by San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee will be here for three days and two nights, with two days to be spent in Bohol.

Clemente said the Cebu-Bohol itinerary came up following the request of the group to tour other tourism destinations in the country. Cebu, she said, is already gaining popularity in the US in terms of tourism and investments.

“The climate of investment here is good,” she said.

Aside from the Cebu City Tour, the delegation also visited Profood International Corp. and the dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

The team will also embark on a Suroy-Suroy Sugbo tour in the south and will pay a courtesy visit to the Province of Cebu.

“The group is impressed with the Cebu culture. They are impressed with the overwhelming welcome reception of the Cebuanos,” she said.

DENR 7 tops mangrove and beach forest development in disaster-hit regions

(PNA), FFC/EB/EBP

CEBU CITY, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 won first place in the regional presentations of post-project assessment report of the Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project (MBFDP) in disaster-hit regions last year, a press statement said.

MBFDP Regional Coordinator Emma E. Melana presented the report for Central Visayas in behalf of DENR 7 Director Isabelo R. Montejo.

The report said Central Visayas contributed about 10 percent of the mangrove-beach forest plan’s national target of 50,000 hectares.

This means the DENR 7 covered 4,947.41 hectares out of its 4,728-hectare target, or a 105 percent accomplishment.

MBFDP is one of the projects under the reconstruction andrehabilitation program of areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda, the 7.2-magnitude earthquake and other disasters in 2013.

The regional presentation was organized by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), the national coordinator of MBFDP.

The presentations focused on MBFDP accomplishments in seedling production, area planted, social mobilization strategies, jobs generated and number of men and women benefited from the project.

The presentation also included issues and problems addressed, lessons learned, innovations and technology generated and the mechanism to sustain the project.

Central Visayas welcomed 4.5 million visitors

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 announced yesterday that Central Visayas has exceeded its tourism target for 2015.

The region welcomed 4.5 million arrivals last year, up by 10.46 percent, partial records of the DOT showed.

Domestic arrivals contributed 2.6 million or a growth of 7.02 percent while foreign arrivals grew by 15.65 percent or 1.9 million. The agency’s arrival target for 2015 is pegged at 4.4 million.

Cebu logged a total of 3.3 million tourists last year while Bohol recorded 448,147 arrivals. Tourist arrivals in Negros stood at 625,295 while some 61,217 tourists visited Siquijor in 2015.

DOT 7 Director Rowena Montecillo, in an interview yesterday, said the increased flights to Japan has greatly contributed to the increase in foreign arrivals last year as well as the several big-ticket meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) activities last year, including the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeintgs where Cebu played as the host-city for several ministerial meetings.

“The APEC-related events somehow attributed to the growth to our arrivals. We are hoping to see more positive effects of APEC in the future as foreign delegates come here with their families for leisure,” she said.

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

China, however, posted the highest growth last year. This market grew by 80.84 percent or 117,994 arrivals from 65,211 in 2014, making them the region’s fourth tourist market.

Montecillo said, most of these Chinese tourists went to Negros Oriental for some eco-tourism activities together with their families. She said Negros is becoming the next stop for Chinese tourists because it is more laid back.

“This is an indication that tourism is starting to spread out in other provinces of the region. We are happy that they are exploring other tourism destinations outside of Cebu but still within the region,” she said.

Korea remains the region’s top source market, growing at 18.61 percent. It generated 712,743 arrivals in 2015, from 600,904 arrivals the previous year.

Arrivals from the United States, the third top tourist source market, grew by 13.58 percent or 157,910 arrivals while Australia logged 56,356 arrivals up by 5.94 percent.

Other markets also posted positive growths except for the United Kingdom, whose growth declined by 9.42 percent from 39,614 in 2014 arrivals to 35,882 last year.

Arrivals from Germany went up by 11.97 percent with 36,780 arrivals; Canada also grew by 9.30 percent with 33,227 arrivals; France at 23.50 percent with 30,371 arrivals; and Taiwan at 56.07 percent with 26,196 arrivals.

The Philippines closed 2015 with a total of 5,360,682 visitors. It posted a 10.91 percent growth from the 4,833,368 visitors in 2014.

“The strong performance of the industry could be attributed to the intensified marketing campaigns that the country mounted during the year, the influx of visitors during the Christmas holidays, as well as, the international media exposure of the country as major international events were successfully held in the Philippines such as the visit of Pope Francis, APEC 2015 meetings and tourism events such as Madrid Fusion Manila which help boost arrivals to the country,” the DOT said in its website.

Korea continued to be the biggest visitor-generating market last year with 1.34 million visitors, up by 13.97 percent followed by US which supplied the second biggest influx of tourist arrivals with 779,217 visitors; Japan with 495,662 visitors; China with 490,841 visitors; and Australia with 241,187 arrivals.

The country, likewise, generated total tourism receipts amounting to P227.62 billion last year up by 5.92 percent from the previous earnings of P214.88 billion.

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