Cebu Province News October 2014

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Province of Cebu - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

House adds P20M to DA-7 budget

By Gregg M. Rubio / NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The House of Representatives has added P20 million to the proposed P1.33 billion National Expenditures Program of the Department of Agriculture-7 that was approved Wednesday evening.

This was reported by Cebu second district Representative Wilfredo Caminero, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Agriculture, during the DA-7’s Regional Gawad Saka awarding ceremony yesterday.

Caminero said the additional P20 million is for the operational expenses of DA-7 after the committee found the agency’s shortfall.

Aside from the approved NEP for DA-7, another P1.3 billion fund was set aside under the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Farm Mechanization headed by Secretary Francisco Pangilinan.

The amount has to be divided by the Philippine Coconut Authority, National Irrigation Administration, and National Food Authority.

Caminero urged the local government units to access the funds and help uplift the lives of the farmers.

The lower House has approved a total amount of P88.8 billion for DA under the P2.606 trillion proposed budget of the Aquino administration.

Caminero congratulated DA-7 and other line agencies for honoring his fellow farmers.

“Og dili ako mag-uuma, wala ako’y igong ascendancy pagsulti kaninyo nga pahingusgan nato ang atoang papel kay nia sa mga mag-uuma, nia kanato ang pundasyon sa kinabuhi sa atong nasud,” he said in his speech.

Caminero proudly reported that he currently has around 100 tons of corn in his farm.

DA-7 director Angel Enriquez also thanked the farmers as she congratulated them for the support which inspired them to implement the programs of the government.

“Kung wala mo, wala’y pagkaon sa ato mga kusina,” Enriquez said.

Of the 20 awardees, nine were from Negros Oriental, seven from Bohol, three from Siquijor and one from Cebu.

Individual winners received P30,000 each; P50,000 for group or association and P15,000 each for the assisting technicians. Enriquez is hoping to produce national winners.

Talisay council OKs energy project

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – The City Council of Talisay approved the proposed memorandum of agreement between the city government and a firm for the waste-energy project in the city.

In a resolution sponsored by City Councilor Antonio Bacaltos, the city council authorizes Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to enter into a MOA with E3 Integrated Solutions for a partnership on a waste to energy facility located at Barangay Tapul.

Bacaltos, Chairman on the Committee of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management, said the company had already submitted project details for the building of a sustainable environmentally friendly waste to energy recovery plant generating electrical power from the city's waste.

"The City of Talisay has been burdened with effective waste management and related costs, both tangible and non-tangible, including disposal and landfill management," Bacaltos said in his resolution.

Bacaltos said the analysis on waste to energy and an opinion rendered by Michael Espina Nuñez, the city's consultant on the Generation of Investment, firmly concludes that "waste to energy using Refuse-Derived Fuel is an acceptable technology and is considered as renewable and sustainable energy.

Under the MOA, the company will conduct feasibility study for recycling waste into energy in order to achieve the objectives like cleaner environment, electricity production, employment creation, provision and generation of community income, eliminate the need for land filling and earning carbon credits for the city.

"The proposal of E3 Integrated Solutions, Inc. to establish a waste to energy facility in our city will bring three long term benefits for our environment and income generation for the city, respectively - it eradicates the reservation of waste, clean energy production will happen while abolishing greenhouse gas emissions, and provide local employment and add up to the income of the city by the monetary share from the biogas being produced and sold," Bacaltos added.

DA to launch P27B development project

By Gregg M. Rubio /LPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture is set to launch its P27 billion Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in Cebu on November 21 with President Benigno Aquino III and officials of the World Bank.

All governors of the country’s 81 provinces are expected to attend the event.

The PRDP is aimed at improving infrastructure and providing livelihood to farmers, said Gerry Avila, chief of the Agri-Business and Marketing Division of DA-7, during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

Avila said the P27 billion loan from the World Bank will be distributed throughout the country up to 2021.

PRDP is patterned after the Mindanao Rural Development Program, which is said to be successfully implemented.

Avila said the program is expanded to Visayas and Luzon though Mindanao is still covered by PRDP.

“It envisions inclusive growth. It is the thrust of our government in terms of market access,” he said.

Of the total amount, 67 percent will be allocated to i-Build Project for infrastructure, 25 percent for enterprise development and the remaining is for planning and supporting infrastructure.

Avila explained that the entry point is the provinces which will prepare the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) in which priority projects are identified.

In Central Visayas, Avila said they are initially focusing on Bohol and northern Cebu, which were hit by major calamities last year, in terms of infrastructure and livelihood projects.

Initially, Cebu province identified the development of cassava plantation, dairy production, coconut, seaweeds, cacao, mango, livestock and poultry.

“Ang budgeting, it depends on how the provincial or municipal government will be able to prepare. Kung enterprise, it is on business plan; if infrastructure, it is on feasibility study,” Avila said.

The World Bank has also set some requirements especially on social and environmental safeguards.

Avila reported that the loan package was already approved and the agreement between the Philippine government and World Bank has been signed.

Daanbantayan economy is up and running again

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The local economy of Daanbantayan town has significantly picked up months after super typhoon Yolanda hit the town and other parts of Northern Cebu last year.

In an interview yesterday, Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro noted the businesses in the town have been able to revive normal operations faster.

Days before the affected provinces including Daanbantayan will mark one year of the Yolanda disaster on November 8, the town official expressed confidence the town is on its way to full recovery.

"Nabalik na gyod ang mga negosyo, naka-open up man gyod dayon sila bisan hinay-hinay lang," Corro said.

The town mayor claimed that business establishments here were faster to move ahead amid the effects of the calamity compared to the pace of the government's action.

He, however, said the intervention of the private sector, non-government organizations, government agencies have helped the condition of the town and its people get back on their feet.

The fishery and farming sectors in the locality have gradually shown positive indications of continued revival as local residents have aggressively want their livelihood alive again.

"Dako ang contribution ani sa nahitabo sa atong ekonomiya," he said. "Dako ang na-in ject ani sa atong mga negosyo (ug sa livelihood sa atong mga tawo)."

Corro also cited that Malapascua Island which is part of the town has slowly regained the presence of both local and foreign tourists; thus, the tourism sector is booming again.

Aside from the help the town received from government agencies, he also recognized the private sector that donated classrooms to the locality.

Investments

The prospective investments in the municipality could surely boost again Daanbantayan's economic performance.

The official reported the municipal government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a Korean company for the construction of a solar power plant in the town's Barangay Tominjao.

The local government is also in talks with another power generation firm for the possibility of coal-fired power plant project in Barangay Batirya, he said.

He added the Gaisano company is also eyeing to build a mall which, he hoped, to be started during the third quarter of next year.

Soco pushes holding of Coffee Congress in Cebu to perk up local production

By Katlene O. Cacho

ENTREPRENEUR Glenn Soco is pushing for Cebu to be the next venue of the Coffee Congress. Soco said he will pitch the project to the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), where he sits as one of the board of trustees.

“I want the coffee community in the province to convene and talk about the opportunities coffee production can bring to further grow Cebu’s economy,” said Soco, who owns the Coffee Dream chain.

Soco earlier identified the towns of Tuburan and Asturias as potential areas for growing coffee.

Among the topics he wants discussed during the Coffee Congress are coffee farming techniques, financial assistance to coffee farmers and the retail and marketing aspects of the coffee business.

“The challenge we need to address is that there are more coffee retailers than coffee growers,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has been actively promoting the development of the country’s coffee industry. It partnered with private sector, farmers groups and academe for the creation of a national roadmap.

The master plan aims to reverse the current status of the Philippine coffee from being a net importer to exporter. The roadmap, the DA said, also highlights the difference between typical and modern coffee growing, gaps in the value chain that need to be addressed, good farming and management practices, and support services which include financing, logistics, and research and development.

The Philippines imports 100,000 metric tons (MT) of coffee beans worth P10 billion annually, mainly from Vietnam.

Soco said the brisk coffee consumption growth is prompting the industry to encourage local production.

“Although we are behind Indonesia and Vietnam in terms of production, we are still one of the biggest consumers of coffee. In fact, it has been noted that 70 percent of our country’s population are coffee drinkers,” said Soco, adding that this growth in consumption is also the reason sales of instant coffees have been steadily growing.

DA said the Philippines is among the few countries in the world that can grow coffee and cacao with its geographical position around the equator.

The Philippines produces 25,000 MT of coffee yearly. Philippine Coffee Board chairman Nicholas Matti said in a statement the organization is looking into multi-sectoral support to establish an agriculture model in the country similar to that of Vietnam.

IEC “Icon” launched, to visit 20 Cebu churches

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon /JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Pilgrim Icon or Symbol for the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016 was launched yesterday and is set to visit 20 different parishes in Cebu for the Cebu leg promotional tour of the 2016 event.

From the Mariner’s Court at Pier I, the venue of yesterday’s Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress, the “Icon” was brought through a motorcade to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Starting October 29 until January 10, 2015, the “Icon” will visit to the parishes of San Fernando Rey Parish in Liloan, Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Danao City, Immaculate Conception in Camotes, San Guillermo in Catmon, San Vicente Ferrer in Bogo City, St. Rose de Lima in Daan Bantayan, Saints Peter and Paul in Bantayan, San Antonio de Padua in Tuburan, St. Francis de Assisi in Balamban, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. John de Suhagun in Toledo City, St. Anne in Barili, Our Lady of Sorrows in Ronda, St. Gregory of Ginatilan, Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon, San Guillermo in Dalaguete, St. Michael de Archangel in Argao, St. Catherine de Alexandria in Carcar, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Minglanilla and back to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma who celebrated yesterday’s mass said the visit of the “Icon” would mean that one is not forgotten and is being cared for.

“It means, the visit of God himself,” Palma said to over 500 delegates in the congress.

The “Icon’s” visit to other places aims to drumbeat the upcoming event where every Christian is encouraged to join in a journey of faith, formation and transformation.

The 51st 2016 IEC will culminate on January 24 to 31, 2016 with the theme “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory. The Eucharist, Source and Goal of the Mission.”

Msgr. Dennis Villarojo, secretary-general of IEC 2016, said the congress was attended by Diocesan/Archdiocesan coordinators all over the Philippines, representatives of various parishes in Cebu and volunteers.

“The 51st IEC is envisioned to provide the participants opportunities for experiencing and understanding the Eucharist as a transforming encounter with the Lord in his word and in his life-giving sacrifice of himself—that we may have life and have it to the full,” the IEC website reads.

The IEC is an international gathering of people, which aims to promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church, help improve our understanding and celebration of the liturgy and draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist.

After 77 years, Cebu Provincial Capitol Building gets elevator

By Joel Locsin/JDS (GMA News)

Finally, Cebu's provincial capitol has its own elevator.

The provincial government said the elevator was installed at the capitol's east wing 77 years after the building was constructed.

“That is for the persons with disabilities and senior citizens who have difficulty using the staircase,” said Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, who inaugurated the facility last October 20.

Construction of the elevator started in November 2013, in compliance with the Accessibility Law for PWDs and Senior Citizens.

As early as 2011, the provincial board enacted Ordinance 2011-09 or the “Barrier-Free Tourism Ordinance of the Province of Cebu.”

The ordinance encouraged the installation of PWD-friendly features in private and public buildings.

Talisay OKs measure about blood donation

By Garry B. Lao (Freeman, The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Talisay City approved an ordinance that institutionalizes a voluntary blood donation program.

The Committee on Laws and Ordinances of the City Council chaired by Councilor Socrates Fernandez has already rendered its report and sees no legal impediment in the proposal.

In fact, the report said the move actually "harmonizes" with Republic Act 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994.

"The Committee finds out that the ordinance is not contrary to the approved ordinance if read in its entirety. The Committee finds out that the ordinance is not an ultra vires act," the report read.

City Councilor Richard Francis "Choy" Aznar, who authored the ordinance, said the program involves the conduct of massive bloodletting and blood typing, and seeks to provide a local mechanism by which Republic Act 7719 will be implemented in the city to promote public health.

Under the ordinance, the 22 barangays will identify at least one percent of its population who are 18 years old and above to undergo bloodletting every six months.

Their names will be entered into a databank of the barangay and shared with the City Health Office that will manage it.

Each barangay will also have its list of walking blood donors according to blood types and with their contact numbers.

"The capabilities of local government units, especially the municipalities and barangays, shall be enhanced by providing them with opportunities to participate actively in the implementation of national programs and projects," Fernandez said in the report.

Aznar, chairman of the Committee on Health, also said the ordinance will promote and encourage voluntary blood donation by the constituency and will install and heighten public awareness of the principle that blood donation is a humanitarian act and a community responsibility.

Under the ordinance, the blood donor program in the barangays will be made a regular but voluntary activity in the barangay. This will be conducted every July, which will be considered Barangay Blood Donors' Month.

There will also be a separate list for people with rare blood types or those with type AB or RH negative, with their addresses and contact numbers, to facilitate coordination in case of emergencies.

Aznar said the walking blood donors are individuals included in the list of qualified donors who are ready to donate blood whenever needed by the community.

The city government will be setting aside funds as seed money for the operation of the Barangay Blood Donors' program in the first year of its implementation.

The funds shall be used to purchase blood bags, reagents and other materials used for bloodletting.

Aznar said the barangay is authorized to set aside one percent annually to be taken from the 20-percent Barangay Development Fund to finance the annual bloodletting activity, in the second and succeeding years of implementation.

BJMP-7 urges pharmaceutical companies to donate HPN drugs to inmates

By Fayette C. Riñen (rmn/fcr/PIA-7)

CEBU CITY, October 23 (PIA) -- Twenty inmates died mostly from cardio-pulmonary arrest in September alone in various jail facilities in Central Visayas, making the region the highest in case fatality rate among detainees nationwide.

From January to September this year, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-7) registered 60 deaths in the region mostly from heart diseases.

There are 34 jail facilities in Central Visayas under the auspices of the BJMP-7, of which 17 are based in Cebu.

“We are appealing to pharmaceutical companies and drug stores to donate hypertensive drugs and even those for diabetes for our inmates,” urged Ma. Roselle Escaño, senior jail officer II of the BJMP-7 as the country celebrates the 20th National Correction Consciousness Week from October 23-30.

Escaño said the allocation for medicines per inmate is only at P5 per day.

“The amount only covers medicines for common ailments such as flu, colds and headache and does not include drugs for hypertension and diabetes,” said the senior jail officer.

Most of the detainees are poor and cannot afford to buy maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes, said Escaño.

Escaño said the health condition of inmates is further aggravated by over congestion of detention cells. The most congested jail facilities in the region are the Mandaue City Jail and the Cebu City Jail.

Though Escaño did not specify which province in Central Visayas recorded the most number of deaths, the senior jail officer surmised the bulk of the fatalities come from Cebu which had the highest number of inmate population at 7,001 out of the 9,000 inmate populace in the entire region.

Escaño said most of those who died were aged 30 years and above.

“For inmates who need maintenance medication, this will already be the lookout of the immediate family,” said Escaño.

The BJMP-7 custodian of the detainee who is rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care is even responsible for the processing of document for the indigent detainee through the Department of Social Welfare and Development so hospital fee could be waived, bared Escaño.

“They (inmates) are still human beings and need proper care and attention,” as we appeal to kind-hearted people and organizations including pharmaceutical companies and drug stores to donate medicines for hypertension and diabetes to the prisoners, said Escaño.

Group turns over school facilities

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

A NON-GOVERNMENT organization (NGOs) turned over yesterday more than 200 classrooms and day care centers in four towns in northern Cebu that were hit by typhoon Yolanda last year.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) repaired and built 229 classrooms and day care centers in Daanbantayan, Sta. Fe, Madridejos and Bantayan.

The classroom rebuilding and construction project was implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and local and foreign groups.

The project cost P218.95 million. Of the amount, P27.5 million came from local and international NGOs that are partners of Rafi.

Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) Chief Panfilo Lacson and Rafi president Roberto Aboitiz led the turnover ceremony held at the Bantayan Central School.

The project repaired 95 classrooms and eight day care centers in Daanbantayan; 67 classrooms and four day care centers in Bantayan; 42 classrooms and three day care centers in Madridejos; and five classrooms and five day care centers in Sta. Fe.

Anthony Dignadice, Rafi education development unit executive director, said the classrooms and day care centers will benefit a total of 11,300 children.

The structures were designed to withstand disasters, he said.

The rehabilitated classrooms and day care centers have stronger columns and beams, improved roofing and elevated flooring.

Help

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu chapter and the International Labor Organization (ILO) helped in the repair and construction of classrooms in Sta. Fe, which cost P4.5 million. The league provided skilled workers and equipment, while the ILO paid for the wages of the workers.

Dignadice said the contractors had to transport materials through motorized banca to two islets in Bantayan.

Aboitiz said the project was implemented using the “coalition model,” which involved the local governments, private sector and DepEd.

Rafi’s partners include the International Rescue Committee, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, She Entrepreneurs Organization, Let's Help Philippines, Christ Leather Foundation, Pesch Family, Calligaro-Mueller Family, Sacred Heart School-Alumni 85, Portraits Artists Society of the Philippines, Art Association of the Philippines, St. Clare's Foundation and St. Clare's Hospital.

The turnover ceremony was witnessed by Gov. Hilario Davide III, DepEd Undersecretary for External Linkages Mario Deriquito, PARR Communications Director Karen Gimeno, town mayors and some Provincial Board members.

In his speech, Lacson thanked Rafi for helping the National Government. “Without them I cannot imagine where we would be right now,” he said.

He said that he was tempted to resign from PARR when confronted with the problem of lack of funds.

“(I was like) Superman without powers,” he said.

Engineers' group pushes biogas technology

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – The Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers in Mandaue City has urged local officials in Metro Cebu to adopt biogas technology in addressing the problem of garbage.

The PSME-Mandaue City Chapter headed by its president Pedro Ronulf Diongzon is now working with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes to implement biogas technology at the 6.5-hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan.

Mandaue City government and PSME-Mandaue signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the project.

PSME-Mandaue has been tasked to conduct the design of the project while the city government will look for available funds to finance the project.

While PSME-Mandaue is working for the project implementation, they have also urged local officials in Metro Cebu to adopt the same project.

Their project is called Biogas Technology, the Solid Concrete Fermentation Digested Chamber.

Biogas, which is mainly methane, is a gas produced from the digestion of organic materials in an oxygen-free environment or anaerobic fermentation.

PSME officials said that proper disposal of organic household waste, especially from backyard piggeries and poultries, is usually done in open-dug pits which are messy, odorous and often breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies, rats and pathogenic bacteria.

This system of waste disposal threatens the ground water through the infiltration of pollutants.

This scenario creates health hazards as well as potentials of conflict with neighbors, PSME officials said.

Having a biogas digester, Diongzon said, can help solve this issue.

Senica Engineering & Construction represented by Engr. Fableo Senica Jr., a contractor based in Carmen town, is the one who designed the biogas technology.

At present, Senica Engineering & Construction already constructed a biogas plant in Mindanao and is also working on another plant in Leyte.


Developer beefs up presence in Cebu

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Vista Land and Landscape Incorporated, one of the largest home and commercial developers in the Philippines, is now planning to build more projects in Cebu including a shopping mall, BPO complex, condominium towers, and subdivisions.

Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar said that although the company already has several projects here such as Camella Homes, Crown Asia, and other brands, these are not enough to make its strong presence in Cebu.

Villar was in Cebu recently to meet with the local real estate brokers and agents announcing the company's grand development plans in the province.

In an interview, Villar said more residential inventories are lined up for Cebu, specifically in Mactan Island, Talamban, Talisay, Carcar, and other areas in the province.

Another Camella Homes will be built in Mactan, a construction of a condominium project and establishment of Star Mall in Cebu. Construction of these projects will start before the end of the year.

Despite the presence of big and small developers competing in Cebu’s upbeat condominium market, Villar is confident that his company will be able to catch up in this market segment saying there is still a huge room for growth in the market.

Villar said his company will initially build a twin-tower condominium project here, although he did not divulge the exact location of the development.

The former Senator added that as Cebu provides a conducive environment for more real estate projects, he is going to be hands-on on this move.

"We are beefing up our presence in Cebu. I will be coming here often," he told brokers.

At present, Villar's company has more or less 50-hectare land bank located in different areas in Cebu. However, he emphasized that the company is actively looking for more properties for acquisition.

Meanwhile, aside from making a much stronger presence in the real estate sector in Cebu, Villar said his group will also open up other businesses here like the planned opening of its All Home, a home depot retail concept, as well as establishment of its All Day convenience store chain here.

For the first quarter of this year, the company reported a P5.4 billion revenue performance, a 12 percent up from the same period in 2013.

Capital expenditures for 2014 are expected to reach over P20 billion.

Talisay as highly urbanized city pushed

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – Is Talisay City ready to be converted into a highly urbanized city?

For former mayor and now City Councilor Socrates Fernandez, who is the chairman of the Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Government, yes it is.

"There is an urgent need for the conversion of Talisay City into a highly urbanized city so that it can effectively and efficiently address social, economic, environmental and political concerns brought about by urbanization," according to Fernandez in his two-page proposed resolution No. 2014-38-15 filed before the City Council.

His proposed resolution, which will be deliberated in next week regular session, was co-authored by third and last-termer Councilor Edward Alesna.

Fernandez, in his resolution, is requesting President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to declare Talisay City a highly urbanized city. Currently it is a component city of Cebu province.

Talisay City, which celebrates its Charter Day every January 12, became Cebu's component city on Dec. 30, 2000 by virtue of Republic Act 8979, which former congressman Eduardo Gullas authored.

Fernandez, who was then the municipal mayor before it was converted into a component city, said as a component city, Talisay has moved on forward to progress under the leadership of past and present administrations.

"The City of Talisay, Cebu, as a component city throughout the past years, has displayed its competence and capability to address problems affecting the city under the able leadership provided by the local government and private sector. As a component city located within Metro Cebu, serious problems affecting the metro communities are spilling over to Talisay City, such as problems of criminality, demand for housing, squatting, transportation congestions and other social concerns," said Fernandez in his resolution.

If upgraded to HUC status, Talisay would be a separate political subdivision from the province of Cebu with its own congressman who could bring in funds for the city's various projects.

The city's internal revenue allotment would also increase considerably and would bring enormous benefits to the city.

Local Government Code of 1991 requires that a city should have an income of P50 million before it could be classified as highly urbanized.

According to Fernandez, the city has already met all the requirements for a highly urbanized city, such as a population of more than 200,000 and an income of more than P50 million, among others.

He said the city is also possessing wide tract of lands comprising agricultural, forestall verdant plains and endowed with springs and rivers and a beautiful coastal area facing Bohol and Siquijor provinces.

However, Fernandez admitted the ultimate decision - whether they want Talisay City to be converted into a highly urbanized city or not - will be put in the hands of the voters.

So far, the country has 32 highly urbanized cities.

In Cebu, there are three highly urbanized cities, namely Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City.

Cebu first district Representative Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas and Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes are still waiting for the council's action before making their statements on the matter.

Talisay City belongs to Cebu's first district.

IT and BPO sectors fuel Central Visayas economy

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The continued expansion of the information technology and business process outsourcing market in Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu and Negros Oriental, has greatly contributed to the growth of the regional economy, according to the National Economic and Development Authority region 7.

In a recent economic report, NEDA-7 assistant regional director Ruth Cruz said the IT and BPO sectors remain as two of major growth drivers of the economy in Central Visayas.

Data from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority showed that in the first quarter of this year, direct employment generated by IT centers reached to 65,303, up from 51,962 last year.

In 2013, investments from IT companies reached to more than P9 million. Manufacturing ecozones' investments stood at more than P15 million in 2013 and generated direct employment of 120,989 this year, higher than last year's 116,651.

Tourism

Despite the good prospects in the BPO and IT sectors, Cruz said the tourism industry in the region has relatively not been doing good this year due to the Bohol earthquake last year and the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda which hit Northern Cebu.

"Tourism has been the growth driver in 2013, however, 2014 has not yet been a good year (for the industry)," she noted.

Data from the Tourism Department revealed that in the first semester, foreign visitor arrivals in the region decreased by 1.13 percent to 684,864 this year, slightly lower compared to 692,719 last year.

Of the four provinces, only Bohol recorded a decrease by 8.51 percent in tourist arrivals which went down to 209,634 this year from 229,138 last year.

On the other hand, NEDA's Cruz mentioned some development goals for the region's economy: to attain an average gross regional domestic product growth rate of 9.9 percent by 2016; expanding the supply and reach of basic facilities and services including health, education and infrastructure to make the economy more inclusive; and fast track rehabilitation and recovery efforts caused by major disasters that hit the region.

The updated Regional Development plan has also identified some challenges for the region's economic performance, she said.

These include the high poverty incidence, high cost of doing business, poor infrastructure and logistics support, uncoordinated transport network and planning and limited capacity and inadequate maintenance of transport facilities.

Malacañang proposes P1.8B for public health care

By Elias O. Baquero

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has announced that Cebu will get P1.8 billion out of the P30.5 billion set aside by the Aquino administration for public health care programs in 2015.

During a press conference in Cebu yesterday, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the P30.5 billion will focus on the 44 poorest provinces.

“While Cebu is among the most prosperous provinces in the country, it has one of the highest number of poor families at 151,425 in 2012,” read a copy of the 2015 proposed national budget, which DBM gave to Sun.Star Cebu.

The budget for Cebu will cover subsidy to health insurance premiums of more than half a million residents, construction of 122 barangay health stations and the construction or improvement of healthcare facilities. It will also fund the deployment of 543 healthcare workers, including 422 nurses, and the construction of six potable water facilities.

Abad said that through the Universal Healthcare Program, the Aquino administration seeks to increase health insurance coverage, improve accessibility to healthcare facilities and help achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Abad said that drainage projects, considered a priority by local government units in Metro Cebu that face flooding problems, will be funded through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The DPWH proposed a budget of P174.5 billion to pave 2,231 kilometers of national roads and build a total of 5,231 linear meters of permanent bridges.

DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas earlier said that the agency will ensure that all road projects will have accompanying drainage.

Malacañang is also proposing P450 billion for basic education programs in 2015. The amount covers construction of more classrooms, hiring of teachers and purchase of books.

During the Good Governance Dialogue organized by the Union of Local Government Executives of the Philippines, Abad said fiscal management in the National Government has improved.

“Leakages have been plugged in the planning and execution of the budget enabling the faster implementation of programs,” he said. “Budget prioritization has been strengthened further.”

Firm behind Bluewater to build hospital

By Katlene O. Cacho

CEBU-BASED Alenter Resort Hotels Corp., the company behind the Bluewater Properties, is diversifying its investments in the province by putting up a 100-bed hospital in Mactan Island.

Rhyz Buac, vice president for finance and operations, said in an email that the group is holding off any major resort expansion in all of its properties as they will concentrate on building a hospital facility, whose construction is scheduled for next year.

The company will be spending about P300 million for the Mactan Island General Hospital, Buac said in a statement. “Resort plans and expansion will follow after the development of the hospital,” he said.

Alenter Resort Hotels Corp. owns Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort and Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. The company also owns Almont Hotels in Mindanao.

Buac reported occupancy in its three big resort properties are doing well amid tight competition among resorts players and the lingering effects of the twin calamities last year.

“So far this year, we average 85 percent occupancy for Bluewater Maribago; 60 percent occupancy for Bluewater Sumilon; and 50 percent occupancy for Bluewater Panglao,” he said.

Edison Navas, resident manager of the 54-room Bluewater Panglao, said the beach resort is now recovering from the impact of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and tourists, particularly foreigners, are starting to come back.

Holiday influx

Because of the earthquake, tourism arrivals and occupancy in Panglao Island resorts dropped in the last quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014. Arrivals started to increase, however, during the summer.

“What we are now anticipating is the influx of tourists for the holidays. In fact, our resort has already logged bookings for December, (mostly from) the domestic market,” he said.

The biggest challenge among tourism players in Bohol is the impact of the travel advisory imposed by China on the Philippines. The Chinese market, Navas noted, is one of the top travel markets for resort players in Bohol, apart from Koreans, Japanese and Europeans.

China recently advised its citizens to avoid the Philippines due to the country’s security situation.

Bluewater Panglao is a 5.5-hectare property in Brgy. Danao, Panglao Island, Bohol. The firm invested P500 million for its development in 2010.

According to Buac, there are no definite plans yet for Bluewater Panglao’s expansion, as future developments will depend on the timing and development of Bohol infrastructure such as the Tagbilaran seaport and international airport.

Meanwhile, the 25-year old Bluewater Maribago is getting a makeover.

Renovation

Buac said they are updating and renovating their facilities, including the rooms and main swimming pool. The beach resort expanded its room inventory from 158 to 165 rooms.

Among the ongoing projects at Bluewater Maribago include the renovation of its main swimming pool, whose target completion is on Oct. 25, and beach wing rooms in December. The renovation of its deluxe rooms will start in the first quarter of 2015.

Bluewater Sumilon also expanded the number of its rooms from 14 deluxe rooms to 27 rooms composed of deluxe rooms, premier deluxe and one- and two-bedroom villas last year.

For this year, Buac said they also augmented their island activities by introducing the island cruise, pedal boat, lagoon trek, recreation corner with board games, arts and crafts and billiards.

Mandaue lays down plans, designs for new market

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – Plans and designs for the construction of a new public market in Mandaue City are now in place.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said the local finance board is now in the midst of discussion on where to source out money for its construction, which will probably start before the year ends.

Cortes, in an interview with reporters, said the city government might come up with a P300 million budget for the construction of the new market in Barangay Centro where the old market used to stand in the 90s.

It was badly hit by a fire in 2004.

Cortes said they have finally decided to construct the new market in Barangay Centro after they found out that the market constructed at the back of the City Sports and Cultural Complex is not an ideal place for the market goers.

“Imagine, kaluoy sa mga tiguwang nga mo-tabok sa major thorough-fare, naka-cause na nuon og samot nga traffic,” Cortes said.

Once the market will be constructed in Centro, A. Soriano Street, which is the way towards the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, is seen to be decongested.

He said that the new public market can be of use by 2016.

Cortes also said the market at back of the complex which was devastated by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake last year will not also go into waste as many entities have already sent their proposals for a public-private partnership.

“We also have to maximize the use of that area kay taas kayo na ug value diha,” Cortes said.

He said aside from the market, the city has also to prioritize the construction of a “promotion investment center” where all of the city’s products will be gathered and displayed.

This as the city also aims to be the primary source of high-quality consumer products here in Central Visayas.

Carcar shoemakers to receive P1.7M set

By Marites S. Villamor

TO SUPPORT a key industry in Carcar City, P1.7 million worth of shoemaking set from Taiwan will be turned over to the Carcar United Footwear Manufacturers Association Inc. by the third week of this month.

The development was shared by Department of Trade and Industry Cebu business development chief Elias Tecson in an interview yesterday. The amount is part of the agency’s Shared Service Facility program where it has allotted a total of P36 million for Central Visayas this year.

Under SSF, DTI sets up common service facilities or production centers to give small and medium scale enterprises access to “better technology and more sophisticated equipment.”

“Actually, we can say that our shoe industry here in Carcar is really dwindling. If before we consider it a sunrise industry, now I can say it is a sunset industry, instead,” said Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura in a separate interview.

The mayor said that in the 1980s, Carcar City had around 500 shoe manufacturers.

However, this went down tenfold, with only 50 surviving manufacturers, including himself.

Apura opened his shoe factory in 1985. By 2010, he started to feel the effects of the increasing presence of cheaper China-made shoes in the country.

From China

Cufmai president Gerry Sandoy said in previous interviews that imported shoes from China posed a competition to locally-made footwear. Apura and Sandoy both described shoes imported from China as cheap but of “low quality.”

Tecson advised local shoe manufacturers to find a way to keep up with the pricing of China-made shoes. In order to do this, the DTI official encouraged Carcar shoemakers to work together to buy raw materials in bulk rather than individually.

“The local footwear industry should adopt global strategies like the bulk buying of raw materials. To compete globally, (they should) decrease the cost of raw materials and labor,” Tecson said.

Food industry

To counter the dwindling shoe industry, Apura said the city is heavily supporting its food entrepreneurs.

Early this month, DTI and the local government of Carcar turned over a total of P3.21 million for skills training, with majority of the participants involved in food making.

Carcar, according to Apura, is popular for its chicharon (pork cracklings), ampao (puffed rice) and bocarillo, which are attracting locals and other buyers from outside Cebu.

Commercial activities are also upbeat in Carcar with the opening of supermarket giants like SM’s Savemore three months ago and Metro Gaisano, which is set to open soon.

Mactan-Cebu airport upgrade set

By Marites S. Villamor

CEBU CITY -- As a private manager takes over terminal operations at the second busiest airport in the country on Nov. 1, the state-owned Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) prepares to expand facilities and services to cope with growing airline and passenger traffic volumes.

A second runway by 2020 and an airport express to key urban centers in Metro Cebu are among the projects lined up to bring the airport up to par with world standards and cope with a projected annual passenger traffic volume of 10 million in the next five years, said Nigel Paul C. Villarete, airport general manager and a member of the MCIAA board.

To help fund the expansion and cover increasing operating costs as well as comply with the 25-year concession agreement between MCIAA and private airport operator GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the board approved on Oct. 10 higher passenger service charge (PSC) rates, commonly known as terminal fees.

Effective Nov. 1, a domestic passenger would have to pay P220, P20 more than the current P200 fee, while an international passenger would have to shell out P750, or P200 more than the current P550. The domestic PSC rate will increase further to P300 effective January 1, 2016.

The new rates were approved after the board held two public hearings and a focus group discussion. The last adjustment in the fees was made 15 years ago for domestic and nine years ago for international.

In a statement issued yesterday, the MCIAA board said its projected investments along with those of GMCAC are “vital to ensure that our airport maintain its high safety standards and provide a much better world class airport experience to all its users and passengers.”

“It is our hope that MCIA not only evolve as a major contributor to Cebu’s tourism and business development, but as a vital and pivotal focus of the economic development growth of the entire country,” the statement added.

The Mactan airport is the “first and the only Certificated Aerodrome in the country pursuant to Annex 14 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Sec. 139.050 of Administrative Order No. 139 of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP),” the board added.

The increase in the PSC rates coincides with the takeover by GMCAC, which has vowed to promptly improve service and efficiency levels as well as the terminal’s aesthetic value. Simple turnover ceremonies will be held at 12 midnight of Oct. 31 to mark this new era.

“I can assure you that there will be significant changes from day one,” GMCAC Chief Executive Adviser Andrew Acquaah Harrison told journalists here during the recent launch of the group’s new corporate brand and tagline, “Start here.”

New seats have been ordered and will be rearranged for a more spacious environment, Cary Santiago-designed uniforms for staff are being prepared, the WiFi hot spot has been upgraded and MCIAA offices have been temporarily relocated to the Waterfront Mactan Airport Hotel to free up space at the terminal.

First up for renovation are the washrooms, Mr. Harrison said even as he assured that the group will minimize the impact of transforming the terminal. In time for the Sinulog festival in January, electronic passport gates will be installed, he added.

Also to be expected are an airport village with retail and entertainment options, six contact gates, triple-level in-line baggage screening, four baggage carousels and 14 escalators.

Construction of a second terminal, which will increase annual passenger carrying capacity to 12.5 million, will start in January and will take up to 36 months to complete. The existing terminal was designed for 4.5 million passengers, but now serves 7.1 million.

“All this we will do in conjunction with MCIAA. We are together as partners for the next 25 years,” Mr. Harrison said.

GMCAC, 60% owned by listed Filipino construction company Megawide Construction Corp. and 40% by Bangalore-based GMR Infrastructure Ltd., expects financial close for the project between the end of this month and middle of November, GMCAC President Manuel Louie B. Ferrer said in a previous interview. The company is looking to raise P17.52 billion, 70% through debt and 30% equity.

The airport management has initiated pre-development work for the planned second runway.

The same MCIAA board statement said pre-investment studies will start next year. Construction is targeted for completion by 2020.

“MCIAA recognizes the need to expand runway capacity in the future. While present aircraft movement at peak hour is still less than half the single runway hourly capacity, we can’t overemphasize the fact that air transport infrastructure are bulk investments that may take years, sometimes even decades, to pursue.”

Another project lined up is the establishment of an airport express that will provide direct links to key urban centers in Metro Cebu as well as form another backbone for an expanded bus rapid transit (BRT) system.

Mr. Villarete, who was also the project development officer of the P10.6-billion World Bank-funded Cebu City BRT project, said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) has asked him to study how it can be done. One option is for the DoTC, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, to grant MCIAA the franchise for the proposed airport express and for MCIAA to procure the services of bus companies to operate the system.

Mr. Villarete said these projects will not only support the growth of the airport but also boost Cebu’s competitiveness. “We have to have that in the next five years,” he said.

The P17.52-billion Mactan Airport upgrading project is the second public private partnership contract awarded (Apr. 5) under DoTC after the P1.72-billion Automatic Fare Collection System awarded on Jan. 31. MCIAA and winning bidder GMR-Megawide, which offered a one-time premium of P14.4 billion, signed the 25-year concession agreement last April 22.

PRO-7 renews partnership with SoKor’s Chungnam Police

By Bryner L. Diaz, JMD (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 and Chungnam Police of South Korea have strengthened their relations by signing a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday morning at the regional headquarters.

Top officials from Chungnam headed by Senior Superintendent General Sang-Yong Park came to Cebu to sign the agreement while Senior Superintendent Orlando Ualat, deputy regional director for operations, represented PRO-7 during the signing of the MOU.

In an interview with Lee Yong San, Police Attaché, he said that the purpose of the agreement is to foster the partnership between Chungnam police and PRO-7 and to enhance good relations of South Korea and the Philippines.

After the agreement was signed, Lee asked PRO-7 officials to protect the citizens of South Korea who come to Cebu mostly to study English and for recreation.

“As you know, many Koreans have been coming to Cebu for education purposes and recreation, I ask PRO-7 to protect them,” Lee said.

He said while they are asking the local police to protect their ci-tizens living in Cebu, he also assured that Korean criminals will be dealt with accordingly.

“I heard some cases the Koreans sometimes are victims and suspects as well. The criminal can be handled by law; criminals can be punished by law,” he added.

He said Koreans who come to the Philippines are obliged to follow the law of the host country.

“Koreans promise to abide by the law… Koreans come as foreigners. I ask you to treat them warmly,” he said.

In an interview, Senior Superintendent Pablo Labra III said the agreement has been there for years already and the signing of the MOU is just a continuation of the program.

“This agreement that we have with Chongnam Police has been there for several years already, ato lang ning gi-continue. Ang purpose is yung training at yung study tour, nakapadala na ta’g police sa ilang lugar, sila sad nakatrain na sad sila sa atoa,” Labra said.

Labra said the Korean police officials are happy with the Korean Desk established in every police station in the region and they are now learning PRO-7’s Beat Patrol System and the Comprehensive Deployment System.

“Usa is yung pag-establish nato sa mga station og Korean Desk and sa beat patrol system nga atong gi-enhance. They try to implement comprehensive deployment system, diin atong tun-an ang usa ka lugar kung unsa’y problema ug atong ibuhos ngadto ang mga personnel sa ilaha. Wala pa kaayo nila ma-practice but suwayan nilang tun-an,” he said.

Mandaue bags regional plum for helping coops

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government has been awarded for the third successive year as the best local government unit in Central Visayas in terms of support to the cooperative movement.

Norma Panulde, development officer of the Cooperative Development Authority, revealed this during a press conference last Thursday at the mayor's conference room.

Panulde said the city government won the award because through the Mandaue City Cooperative Development Office, it has extended the necessary support to the city's cooperatives.

The city also won the award in 2012 and 2013.

Lawyer Ernesto Maringuran, the City Cooperative Development officer, said with the three consecutive Gawad Parangal awards they have received, they are hoping to bag a slot for a similar search in the coming National Cooperative Summit this October 16-18 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Having won the award in the regionals, Mandaue City is now automatically nominated to the national search. Maringuran said the city has also been accredited to conduct trainings on cooperative development at present.

"Nahimo na tang training provider ron human ta gi-acknowledge sa Cooperative Development Authority," Maringuran said.

According to The Cooperative Learning Centre, cooperatives are autonomous associations formed and democratically directed by people who come together to meet common economic, social and cultural needs.

Founded on the principle of participatory governance, coops are governed by those who use their services: Their members.

Based on the principles of empowerment, education, and community, coops operate laterally promoting participation both within their own organization, and through a focus on community interaction and support.

Councilor Beethoven Andaya, chairman of the Regional Cooperative Development Council, disclosed the important role of cooperatives in helping the people meet their basic needs.

Having recognized this, he said the city allotted P1.5 million to fund a soft loan program to cooperative members at a maximum of P100,000 and zero interest within a span of 12 months.

At present, there are around 25,286 members in 62 different cooperatives in the city.

And because the number of cooperatives in the city is rising, MCCDC Secretary Emy Bustillo said they are contemplating on asking the City Council to infuse an additional fund of P3 million to help other members in the city who are new players in the coop business.

Meanwhile, the City Cooperative Development Office announced the launching of their three programs: "Anak Mo, Lab Ko," which seeks to organize cooperatives with children, 18 years old and below as members; "Asenso Mo, Negosyo Ko," which aims to help a coop start off a business venture; and "Negosyo Ko, Buhay" to help strengthen cooperatives in manufacturing sector by offering training programs.

Lito del Castillo, CEO of Mandaue Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative and chairman of Mandaue City Cooperative Development Council, also announced the holding of a "Cooperative Run" on October 19, 4:30 a.m. at City Heritage Plaza City Hall grounds.

Aside from the fun run, they will also be conducting a medical mission and feeding program today at the 6.5-hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan.


Microsoft launches economic development project in Visayas

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman, The Philippine Star)

CEBU, Philippines - Microsoft Corporation, in partnership with international center for innovation in cities and region--Fundaciòn Metròpoli, have introduced a project in the Visayas patterned after the "Next Cities Lab", a research center with operations capability for design of intelligent territories at the intersection of the physical structures of cities and next-generation digital platforms.

Microsoft Corporation, led by its Asia director for international organizations John Cann, and Fundaciòn Metròpoli president Alfonso Vegara will introduce the project initially to key cities including Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Tacloban City, Ormoc City, and in Bacolod and Iloilo Cities in the coming days.

Despite political issues and leadership transition, the project which will use the six-year old proven methodology of transforming cities and regions, Cann and Vegara expressed confidence that the project will be embraced by LGU executives saying "no one can say no to economic development."

The Visayas Diamond project aims to identify the identity and uniqueness of each city in the Visayas to make an effective and powerful synergy in complementation.

The concept works like the "Mega Cebu" project however, this covers a larger scope of implementation, where a united and stronger regional economic development is pushed.

Each city and city-region is unique. In an international context which is increasingly interconnected and complex, cities and territories are able to provide competitive advantages through full cross-section of economic sectors in a place. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Vegara said the study which will map out the "diamond" or unique advantage or identity of each city will usually take a year, and recommendation for development will then be turned over to LGU and multi-sectoral organizations or City Forum for implementation.

While the Fundaciòn Metròpoli will be the "brain" of the project, Microsoft on the other hand will take care of the digital connection and technological requirements of cities and regions in order to be globally competitive, and become a an economic power.

According to Cann, for the 21st century cities, it is imperative that they should enroll themselves in the cloud, provide GIs applications, establish efficient data collection and data sharing, and good strategy for disaster response. These are just the few of the first stage digital transformation that will be implemented.

Cann hopes that the project will commence with a formal agreement with cities to move forward early this coming December.

"It’s a marvelous concept about connectivity, at the same time making integration, connectivity and synergy among chief executives that will lead towards better governance and making the principles of 'coopetition' come alive, " said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Making Visayas a "diamond corridor" can make the region a vital engine and a significant contributor to overall Philippine economic growth, Rama added expressing his interest on the project.

Along with other countries and regions in the world, transformed by this methodology, like Columbia, the Visayas will be a pilot area for implementation.

In Cebu, Japanese resto chain expands operations

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The recovery of Japanese arrivals in the country has prompted a Japanese restaurant chain to expand in Cebu.

Nonki Foods Cebu Incorporated, one of the most established Japanese restaurant brand in Cebu, owned and managed by Ligaya Arong-Machida, recently opened its sixth outlet at the JCentre Mall in Mandaue City, introducing another Japanese dining experience--the Teppanyaki, a style in Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. This concept allows interaction with the chef as he cooks the food in front of the customers.

For the past 10 years, the company already has six outlets, one in Davao and five in Cebu.

The other five Nonki restaurant, she said are taking the inspiration of the Japanese's Isakaya concept, a type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks. It is a casual place for after-work drinking.

In Cebu, there are four Isakaya Nonki restaurant concepts located at A.S. Fortuna, SM City Cebu, Mactan, and Banawa.

The opening of more direct flights from Cebu to Japan and vice-versa, with the earlier announcement of Philippine Airlines to launch the Cebu-Narita-Cebu route and soon a Japanese Hotel will open in Mandaue City, prompted Machida to invest on a new concept with the opening of bigger and high-end Japanese restaurant concept the Nonki Teppanyaki.

Machida said the company is planning to open more outlets soon but is not considering to open the brand for franchise to keep its quality.

"I decided to expand the chain because of the increasing Japanese arrivals to Cebu. We now have direct flights to Narita, Osaka and Nagoya,” she said.

Based on the latest record from the Department of Tourism, Japan is Cebu’s biggest market for foreign tourists next to Korea.

As of June this year, Cebu posted a total of 14,424 Japanese arrivals while the entire region recorded a total 14,895, a growth of 15.40 percent from 12,907 arrivals of Japanese nationals in the same period in 2013.

Japan is the country’s fourth major source of tourist market for the first half of the year with 220,366 arrivals. In terms of expenditures, the Japanese market spent P5.48 billion during their stay in the country.

Aside from the growing number of Japanese nationals visiting Cebu, Machida also observed the increasing interest from the local market.

“The market for Japanese restaurants has already evolved. This observation pushed me to venture into other Japanese dining concepts,” Machida said.

Surprisingly, she said the influx of Koreans to the Philippines has also made Japanese restaurants like Nonki to thrive, as “they [Koreans] are our second largest customers.”

NGO to help rebuild school destroyed by typhoon, fire

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

THE Bogo Central School (BCS) 1 needs P9 million to P10 million to replace the classrooms that were consumed by fire last weekend.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) promised to rebuild the classrooms for four sections in grade 1, four more in grade 2 and one in grade 3 that were destroyed by the blaze. RAFI sent engineers to Bogo yesterday to assess the damage and come up with estimates.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said the Capitol and the Bogo City Government will shoulder the additional expenses for the rebuilding of the classrooms. Bogo Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. said the city will have a minimal counterpart for the construction.

The classrooms housed 393 students.

Last Monday, teachers from other schools in Bogo City gathered at BCS 1 to celebrate World Teachers’ Day. Only the concrete structure of the Gabaldon school building, built in 1919, was left.

The building was recently repaired with the help of the Israeli Government after it was damaged by typhoon Yolanda, which made landfall in northern Cebu on Nov. 8, 2013.

BCS 1 Principal Galilee Ylanan said that instead of holding classes in tents, school officials decided to convert ancillary rooms into classrooms.

The school’s ancillary rooms include those used for the feeding center, industrial arts, library and Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

Ylanan said the pupils would be reminded of the tragedy that fell on their classrooms if they stayed in tents.

Teachers of the nine sections will conduct stress-debriefing for their pupils.

Dominica B. Chua, RAFI chief operating officer, called Martinez yesterday to express the foundation’s interest to help BSC 1.

“Part of RAFI’s advocacy and one of its pillar programs is to rebuild schools, including those destroyed by calamities, especially since this is in relation to our goal of providing a better learning environment for our children,” Chua said in a press statement.

Ylanan said that based on the standard design of the Department of Education (DepEd), one classroom would cost P1 million.

Loss

Thelma Saberon, a grade 3 teacher, said teachers and students feel sad about losing the classrooms. Some of the teachers lost their class records, documents and teaching materials during the fire.

Grade 2 teacher Maria Lourdes Condor said she lost certificates of recognition and a CD player during the blaze.

The teachers asked for assistance to purchase furniture and teaching tools, like charts and tables. They said they used their funds to buy the materials that vanished in the fire.

Principals of other schools in Bogo City met last Monday to discuss how to help BSC 1 teachers.

Books

Chua said RAFI expects DepEd to help by providing books, other learning materials and school furniture.

Anthony Dignadice, RAFI education development unit executive director, said the foundation’s engineers would also assess the entire BSC 1 to see if it needs more classrooms. He added that RAFI plans to build more aside from replacing the nine classrooms that the fire destroyed.

RAFI has rehabilitated more than 200 classrooms damaged by Yolanda in northern Cebu, he said.

Dignadice also said that RAFI coordinated with the University of San Carlos to send a team to assess if the burned Gabaldon classrooms, which are considered heritage structures, could still be salvaged.

He said RAFI would like to make sure that the building could no longer be saved before clearing the area to make way for the construction of the new school buildings.

BFAR-7 gives over 1T boats to northern Cebu fishermen

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/ATO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 turned over yesterday a total of 1,453 new boats intended for the fisherfolk in 14 towns and one city in northern Cebu.

BFAR-7 information officer Alma Saavedra said that the new boats were part of their “Build-A-Boat” program which aims to assist fishermen affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

Saavedra said that the 1,453 new boats were distributed to Bogo City (410), Medellin (278), San Remegio (170), Daan Bantayan (119), Tabogon (70), Tabuelan (40), Borbon (40), Tuburan (40), Sogod (20), Bantayan (36), Sta. Fe (96), Madridejos (25), Poro (25), San Francisco (34), Tudela (25) and Pilar (25).

Aside from giving the new boats, BFAR-7 also briefed the fishermen on “Improving Enforcement Capability In Fishery And Coastal Resource Management.”

BFAR-7 aims to donate at least 10,000 bancas to identified fisherfolk in the Visayas that were affected by the super storm.

Around 6,000 fishermen lost their livelihood in Cebu when Yolanda struck the Visayas November last year.

The Fisherfolk registered under BFAR’s Municipal Fisherfolk Registration or FishR were given priority.

FishR is aimed at developing a standardized registry system among municipal fisherfolk nationwide as manda-ted under Section 19 of Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code.

BFAR eyes to register at least 2 million fisherfolk nationwide by the end of the year. It has earmarked a total of P30 million to ensure the complete fisherfolk registration all over the country.

Yesterday’s event at AHON Construction site in Polambato, Bogo City, was graced by the mayors and representatives of the towns and city whose fisherfolk were beneficiaries of the program.

Daycare pupils get supplies from Japanese foundation

By Jose P. Sollano/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A Japanese teacher who heads a foundation in Hiroshima, Japan visited the typhoon victims in Sitio Lunas, Barangay Cadaruhan, Borbon, Cebu to give out school supplies for daycare pupils.

Tomoe Yokohagi, chairperson of Hiroshima-Philippines Friendship Society, made true of her promise to return to the place where she first visited to distribute relief goods two weeks after super typhoon Yolanda in November last year.

Yokohagi was accompanied by her daughter when she returned to Borbon town last week. Aside from bringing school supplies, Yokohagi promised to construct a daycare center for the pupils who are using the chapel as temporary classroom.

Yokohagi told The Freeman that some of their friends in Cebu asked for relief goods last year for the typhoon victims in northern Cebu. According to her, their group visited different towns in northern Cebu like Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Bogo City when a friend invited them to also come to Borbon.

Advocacy on kids’ rights intensified

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon /NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development has intensified its advocacy on the rights of children in time for the 22nd National Children’s Month celebration this month.

This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Bata Kasali ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga,” which promotes children’s participation in nation-building.

DSWD-7 regional director Mercedita Jabagat, in a statement, said that “the theme is apt and timely as it has become nationally imperative to address issues on children.”

Jabagat further said the theme also highlights children’s rights to participation and encourages stakeholders to promote and advocate children’s involvement in decision-making process at all levels specifically at home, family and community.

DSWD said one of the highlights of the celebration is the National Children’s Congress on October 22 to 26, which aims to bring out their voices on issues that directly affect the children.

Through the congress, DSWD said that the children-participants will identify the various emerging challenges they meet and will present these to concerned government officials for appropriate solutions.

Under Presidential Proclamation 267, the month of October of every year is declared as the National Children’s Month to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and in nation building.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Council for the Welfare of Children, as part of this month’s celebration, said that the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, in cooperation with DSWD and their agency, is undertaking its first search for “Exemplary Government Registered Social Workers” who worked during the super typhoon Yolanda disaster operations.

Only social workers registered with the government who were directly involved during the disaster may be nominated and they must be assigned in Regions 4B-MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII and the National Capital Region.

The objective of this award, the CWC said, is to give recognition to the exemplary social workers in the field practice of disaster response and management on child protection in emergencies, welfare and family service to super typhoon Yolanda affected areas.

DOT-7 backs printing of tourist spots on stamps

By Ria Mae Y. Booc/JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism-7 is supporting the move of a lawmaker to push for the printing of images of the country’s tourist destinations in postage stamps.

“This will surely promote and boost tourism in the country,” said DOT-7 Director Rowena Lu Montecillo.

Parañaque Representative Eric Olivarez has filed House Bill (HB) 2417 or “An act requiring the Philippine Postal Service (PhilPost) to print postage stamps depicting Philippine tourist spots and to require that these stamps be affixed on all outgoing mail matter for a certain period of time to attract foreign tourist and for other purposes.”

The bill, also known as the “Philippine Stamp Act of 2013,” requires the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board to assist PhilPost in identifying tourist spots to be depicted in the stamps.

However, because only a limited number of destinations will be featured, Montecillo is hopeful that priority will also be given to the spots in Central Visayas.

“I guess duna na ni kaniadto but then gibalik nila, maybe because they were re-thinking and reconsidered the importance of the postage stamps as a way of promoting the country,” she said.

In filing the bill, Olivarez said the move is also aimed at helping accelerate tourism promotion efforts in the country with the campaign slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

He said the tourism is an industry that the national government relies on for the country to attain an industrialized status in Asia and promoting the tourist spots further will contribute to achieving this goal.

He said sending postage stamps depicting tourist spots would arouse interest for possible tourists without extra cost on the part of government. HB 2417 was approved on second reading at the House of Representatives on September 25.

City sets disaster trainings

By Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government will be creating barangay response teams in the 30 barangays in a disaster preparedness training meant to gear up residents for upcoming calamities.

Teodulo Ybañez, city administrator, said they are starting to conduct training programs per barangay this month. He said the city allocated P130 million for disaster preparedness programs this year.

Ybañez said they are targeting 15 barangays to undergo trainings by the end of this year, teaching their volunteer response teams about safety measures such as do's and don'ts.

The city administrator added that they are tapping the Philippine Red Cross– Lapu-Lapu and Cordova Chapters to assist in teaching the barangay volunteers to respond in natural disaster situations.

Barangay Mactan, according to Ybañez, has finished its workshop last Tuesday. Next in line will be Barangay Pusok this coming October 9.

Ybañez plans to totally finish the training program for the barangay response team by the first quarter of the year 2015.

Gov. Davide optimistic on Trans-axial Highway

By AJ de la Torre-Orong/FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Hilario Davide III hopes that the proposed Trans-axial Highway project would be implemented within his first term despite funding concerns.

Davide said he continues to hope that the Trans-axial Highway would at least be started within this term albeit the Capitol does not have a clear source of funding yet.

Davide said they are still looking into the Private-Public Partnership agreements as possible funding source or a grant from a foreign group.

The proposed 300-kilometer Trans-axial Highway project, a brainchild of the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez, would reportedly cost P56 billion. The project aims to connect the northern most part of Cebu from Daanbantayan to the southern most part in Santander.

It would also include 550-hectare reclamation from Talisay City to Minglanilla then to the City of Naga, as well as a seaport stretched in a seven-kilometer area, and economic zones in the second to fifth districts of Cebu.

He disclosed though that President Benigno Aquino III has mentioned the project but they were not able to discuss the specifics.

“He is aware na duna ta’y ingon anang projeka but wala pa gyud mi nagkaistoryahay ug taas ana,” Davide said, adding that they hope this would be supported.

Davide is an ally of the president under the Liberal Party.

After Davide won the election in 2013, he said that he was to speak with Aquino on projects they hope to get support from the national government, including the “ambitious” highway.

Davide said yesterday that he hopes to implement the project in his first term since he does not yet want to talk about the next term.

Meanwhile, Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said they continue to meet and discuss the Trans-axial Highway project.

“We continue to meet, update on the roads. The identification of roads, asa mi mo-connect, asa mo-open,” said Natera.

She added that after the assessment, they hope to proceed with the feasibility study which would take around a year.

7 sites for history buffs to visit in uptown Cebu

By Line Arias (HangingRice.com)

CEBU is a city with a lot of history. After all, it is one of the oldest cities in the country -- a fact that many born and bred Cebuanos are certainly quite proud of.

Now, if you're a self-confessed history buff, you'll be glad to know that many relics of Cebu's past still exist today. If you ask locals though, most of them will probably lead you downtown where you can find many of the city's museums and old houses.

But contrary to popular belief, uptown Cebu also has some of the cities most important historical and cultural sites or structures. Which am I referring to exactly? Read on and find out.

1. Cebu Provincial Capitol

Facts: Constructed in 1937 and finished about a year later, this important government building may not be a hundred years old yet but it's certainly one of the most important structures in the city. And if you have seen it, you'd agree that it's also one of the structures in Cebu with the grandest facade. It was designed by Juan M. Arellano, one of the most prolific Filipino architects of the 1900s. Like many of Arellano's designs, the Cebu Provincial Capitol is of neoclassical style but with some visible hints of art deco.

How to get there? From downtown, you can take jeepney routes 06B, 06F, 14D, 15, 17B, 17D or any jeepney with the sign that says "Capitol" on the windshield.

What can you find there? It is where you will find the office of the incumbent Cebu governor and other Provincial Government offices, including the Palace of Justice.

When can you visit? The Capitol is like any other government office, which means it's only open from Mondays to Fridays. But you can certainly take snapshots of its beautiful facade on Saturdays, too. On Sundays, it has a makeshift iron fence in front. But I gather you can easily squeeze through some gap on the side -- granted you'll just be there to take pictures and not actually have a picnic or party at the outdoor foyer.

2. Fuente Osmeña Circle

Facts: One of the most famous landmarks of Cebu City, the Fuente Osmeña Circle is deemed by many as the center of the city. It's one of the many memorials dedicated to the "Grand Old Man of Cebu," President Sergio Osmeña (hence the name). Basically, it's an urban park in the middle of the roundabout that you pass by when going from the downtown area to the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The traffic that flow through it are from Osmeña Blvd., Gen. Maxilom Avenue(a.k.a. Mango Avenue), and B. Rodriguez St. Today, it's one of the most popular venues for all kinds of events in the city. In fact, the park is quite a busy place in the months leading to the Christmas holidays until the Sinulog Festival.

How to get there? Any jeepney route that passes through any of the three streets that flow through it, especially those with signs that have "Jones" and/or "Capitol" on them.

What can you find there? Aside from its greenery, its most recognizable feature is the Osmeña fountain in the park's innermost circle. Actually, the word "fuente" is the Spanish word for "fountain," so you can say the park is definitely aptly named. Sadly, the fountain has been decommissioned for quite some time now. Still, the park's remaining trees do still supply some cool fresh air and the many benches can still be a welcome respite for your weary wanderer's feet.

When can you visit? The park's two gates are pretty much open to the public all the days of the week. Sometimes though, they're closed by midnight. One gate can be found across the old police station at the corner of B. Rodriguez St. while the other one is across the Rajah Park Hotel. Be careful crossing the roundabout though, some motorists pretty much ignore the pedestrian lanes (or perhaps they're just unaware that they're supposed to slow down).

3. Don Sergio Osmeña Museum and CAP Art Gallery

Facts: This building was once the family home of Cebu's beloved statesman, President Sergio Osmeña, and was constructed in 1947. It was where Pres. Osmeña entertained the famous Gen. Douglas MacArthur. In fact, the room where the American five-star general stayed is called the MacArthur room. Almost 40 years after it was built though, the family sold the property to CAP (College Assurance Plan). Over the years, new wings were added to the original house. Now it has an auditorium, various business offices, and the Fashion Institute of the Philippines.

How to get there? You can get there by riding any jeepney that passes along Osmeña Blvd. (a.k.a. Jones Avenue). If you're coming from Fuente Circle, you can reach it by just walking past Crown Regency Hotel and McDonald's. It will be right across the street from Jollibee. If you're taking a taxi, you can either tell the driver to get you to CAP or you can give its exact address, which is 60 Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City. Don Sergio Osmeña Museum and CAP Art Gallery in Cebu City

What can you find there? You can certainly find a ton of President Osmeña's old stuff here, including his old Cadillac along with old black and white photos and other memorabilia. The guard who let me in even informed me that many of the furniture in the room are the original ones the Osmeña family once used. I even spied the president's old luggage and the mace he used when he was the Speaker of the National Assembly. Really cool!

When can you visit? Any time during regular business hours from Monday to Saturday. The place is closed on Sundays.

4. Rizal Memorial Library & Museum

Facts: According to the plaque in front, the library was inaugurated on December 30, 1939. I'm not sure when the museum was added, but I assume it was later. The museum can be found in the second floor while the library is on the ground floor. This place is right across Philippine National Bank.

How to get there? Any jeepney from downtown going to the Provincial Capitol will pass by here. Rizal Memorial Library & Museum in Cebu City

What can you find there? The library, of course, has books that may be available to the public. From what I can remember, general reference books can't be brought outside the library though. As for the museum, it has various paintings, some sculpted busts of Philippine heroes and politicians, and old black and white photos of various places here in Cebu.

When can you visit? The museum is open to the public during regular business hours, except for Sundays. The library is open on the same days and hours, except when it is being used for seminars or exclusive workshops.

5. Casino Español de Cebu

Facts: This clubhouse was established in 1920 but the original Casino Español de Cebu was in the corner of Legaspi and Zamora Streets. Today, it can be found at 107-109 V. Ranudo Street. Although the structure today is relatively new, its interior just screams lovely European vintage. Originally a gathering place for the Spanish elite when it opened, the establishment still maintains its exclusivity by only admitting club members in its premises and restaurant. However, their various ballrooms are available for outsiders to rent for all kinds of events such as birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings.

How to get there? To get there, you can ride any jeepney that goes to Ramos-14D jeepneys coming from Ayala Cebu, for instance. Then, you get off right outside Velez College and walk along V. Ranudo St. Once you spy a huge mansion-like structure on the left side of the road -- that is, if you're coming from Velez -- is the Casino Español de Cebu.

What can you find there? The place definitely has that old Spanish mansion vibe with its architecture and interior décor. I remember when I attended a friend's wedding reception there, the signs on the toilet doors were in Spanish. I think it was mujeres for women and hombres for men. They were adorably quaint.

When can you visit? You can probably be allowed to have a look-see for an ocular inspection, if you're canvassing venues for an event. But outsiders are ordinarily allowed inside only if they're in the company of a club member.

6. The Filigree House

Facts: This pretty house was once used as a temporary Casino Español de Cebu, way back when the current clubhouse was still under renovation. However, it is not a property of the club but of Don Gil Garcia and his wife Teresa. The structure is called Filigree House, probably because of its intricately detailed moldings. It was designed in 1932 and is made of hardwood brought in from Surigao del Norte. It was constructed by local artisans, but the design itself was crafted by Don Gil and his wife.

How to get there? You can find this on your way to Casino Español de Cebu, on the opposite side. So any route that takes you to the exclusive club will also bring you to this lovely white house.

What can you find there? It currently looks like a private residence because I spied a car parked beside the house, inside its gates. It may or may not have antique furniture and décor, but you'll never know unless you get to convince one of the current owners to let you inside.

When can you visit? The property is not open to the public. You can probably ask permission to take photos, but you may only do so from the property gates.

7. University of the Philippines Cebu

Facts: Among the oldest UP campuses in the Visayas and Mindanao, UP Cebu was established in 1918. But did you know that UP Cebu was not originally in Lahug? The college held its first school year near the Carbon Market, in the Ermita District. Then it relocated to the Parian District, and after that to Fort San Pedro. The campus was relocated to its present location in Lahug in 1929.

How to get there? From downtown, you can ride any jeepney routes 04B, 04D, 04I, 04H, 17B, 17C, and 17D. If it's bound for Lahug, then it will bring you to UP Cebu.

What can you find there? The most noticeable feature of the campus is "The Oblation" statue right in front of campus' main building, which serves as the administration building. Aside from that, there are also several other structures that serve as offices, classrooms, as well as dormitories. There's also a clinic, a Cebu Cultural Center for Performing Arts, and some study kiosks for students.

When can you visit? Former students tell me that you can pretty much visit the campus whenever it's open. The security guard by the gates will probably ask you what's the purpose of your visit and may or may not ask you to present a valid ID. So far though, I have never been asked to present any identification. But then I've wandered the campus during weekends only, so I'm not so sure about other days.

History was among my favorite subjects back when I was still in school. I love that it gives us clues or glimpses on how people lived during bygone eras -- what were considered proper behavior, what things were considered taboo, what kinds of clothes they wore, and how anyone ever managed to accomplish any work without electricity or computers. Now that I've been done with school for over a decade, historical places still continue to amaze me. And living here in Cebu, I'd probably wouldn't get over my fascination for them for years to come.

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