Cebu Province News August 2015

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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.

PHL hosting 46th APEC energy efficiency and conservation official meeting

By Juzel L. Danganan [(PNA), RMA/JLD]

MANILA, Aug. 31 (PNA) -- The Philippines on Monday started hosting the three-day 46th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Experts and Officials' meeting in Cebu Monday.

In a statement Monday, the Energy Department said the Energy Efficiency and Conservation experts and official meeting is a bi-annual forum of APEC members that promotes energy conservation, application of energy efficiency practices and technologies. It aims to contribute to international efforts of reducing the impacts of increasing energy production and consumption.

The APEC's members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

The department said the forum , which runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at Mrco Polo Hotel, will also tackle developments on smart grids, energy management systems, standards and labeling, energy intensity reduction, energy management systems, standards and labeling and transport fuel efficiency.

It also said the delegates would also visit Mandaue City for an educational briefing on its green buildings that include the San Miguel Brewery Inc. - Mandaue Brewery for its efficient energy practices.

The department said it has implemented various energy efficiency measures such as retrofitting of public lighting, public offices, state universities and street lights, distribution of energy efficient lights, promotion of energy efficient vehicles.

The department added it has initiated consumer education programs on energy efficiency measures and demand-side management.

The government office said that the Philippines was also finalizing its 2014-2020 National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Action Plan with the European Union's SWITCH Program.

APEC 2015 International Media Center in Cebu opens on August 29

By Ferliza C. Contratista (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

CEBU CITY, August 30 (PIA)—The International Media Center (IMC) for the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) meetings in Cebu formally opened yesterday (August 29).

Media covering the APEC started claiming yesterday their accreditation cards at the IMC.

Ambassador Angelina Sta Catalina, deputy director general of APEC National Organizing Committee Conference Management Services (NOC-CMS), gave the first briefing to the media.

Sta. Catalina explained to the media the kinds of APEC meetings taking place in Cebu City.

“There are 87 meetings in Cebu with already 1528 delegates,” Sta. Catalina said.

She said some of the meetings will be aired on live feeds at the IMC.

Sta. Catalina enumerated the sources of APEC information for the media, which include the Deputy Director General for Strategic Messaging Abigail Valte, Deputy Director General for Media Relations Assistant Secretary Virgilio Nadal, the APEC Spokesperson, press briefings, scheduled interviews, press releases, and media coverages.

Dalaguete expands habitat for fruit bats

By Liberty A. Pinili

THE home of bats in the southern town of Dalaguete got bigger.

This, as the heirs of Eugenio Belandres turned over their rights to 4,472 square meters of land in the upland barangay of Lanao to the Municipal Government to provide a habitat for flying foxes.

The Municipal Council authorized Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante to accept the deed of donation from Zosima Ibarola, representative of the heirs of Belandres.

Ibarola held a tax declaration on the lot, classified as timberland, an area that cannot be privately owned. As a token for planting trees on the lot, the Municipal Government gave Ibarola P20,000.

Lisa Paguntalan of the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (PBCF) said that the forest in Lanao serves as home to the golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), little golden-mantled flying fox (Pteropus pumilus) and the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus).

Endangered

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies the golden-crowned flying fox as an endangered species while the large flying fox and the little golden-mantled flying fox are near-threatened.

The Municipal Government of Dalaguete vowed to plant more trees in Lanao, which forms part of the flying foxes’ sanctuary.

The Dalaguete forest patch, which covers about 500 hectares, is part of the remaining .3 percent forest cover of Cebu mainland and an important component of the Nug-as Forest-Palinpinon Range-Mt. Lantoy key biodiversity area.

Paguntalan said that few local governments are as committed as Dalaguete in wildlife conservation. She said that she has not yet heard of any local government unit that is willing to purchase land to provide habitats for wildlife.

Aside from the bats, the forest in Dalaguete is also the home of the Cebu flowerpecker, Cebu black shama and Cebu hawk-owl, all endemic to Cebu.

Sanctuary

The Dalaguete Municipal Government established its own biodiversity conservation management program. It also declared the forest as bird and wildlife sanctuary and allotted funds for community-based forest and wildlife protection.

The Municipal Government also implemented a habitat restoration program, which involves the expansion of the natural forest.

Paguntalan said bats play a vital role in biological biodiversity because they are natural pollinators—they help expand natural vegetation through their droppings.

She said the population of flying foxes in Dalaguete is rising. Research and monitoring by PBCF noted that the number of flying foxes dropped below 1,000 in 2004 but last January, surveys found 2,500 individuals.

Paguntalan said, though, that while the survey indicates how effective Dalaguete’s efforts have been so far, the conservation of the species requires the proper management of an ecosystem network.

The forests in Dalaugete is adjacent to forest patches in Alcoy and Argao.

Gov’t to rollout more Negosyo Centers in Central Visayas

By Kris M. Crismundo [(PNA), CTB/KMC]

MANILA, Aug 28 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be rolling out more Negosyo Centers in Central Visayas.

DTI Region VII Director Asteria Caberte said aside from two Negosyo Centers recently launched in Cebu City, DTI’s regional arm will open the same facilities in Bohol and Dumaguete in the next two months.

The two new Negosyo Centers in Cebu marked the 80th Negosyo Center facilities nationwide.

The DTI targets to launch a total of 100 Negosyo Centers at end-2015.

“You can expect more rollouts in 2016,” said Caberte.

Under the Go Negosyo Act passed into law in July 2014, the DTI was mandated to put up Negosyo Centers nationwide which will promote the growth of enterprises through improved processes of doing business.

A Negosyo Center offers three core services including business registration assistance, business advisory in the areas of product development, market access, financing, and investment promotions, and business information and advocacy.

More bank branches opening in CV

By Jeandie O. Galolo

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported an increase in the number of bank branches that have opened in Central Visayas in one year. The central bank sees this as a sign of widening access to banks in the region.

From March 2014 to 2015, BSP Department of Economic Statistics Deputy Director Teresita Devesa said there were 642 bank branches operating in Central Visayas, from the previous 618 in the same month last year. Of the number, 46 of these banks maintain their head offices within Central Visayas.

“Financial resources in Central Visayas continue to improve in 2014 and in the first quarter of 2015. There is wider bank presence, higher bank deposits, and more loans granted, which means more capital to fund economic expansion in the region,” Devesa said.

For universal and commercial banks, the number grew from 359 to 391. Meanwhile, thrift banks increased in number, from 120 to 126.

However, things were different for rural and cooperative banks. The number of branches dropped from 139 to 125, indicating that these banks might have transferred some of their branches to another region or closed.

On the other hand, bank density ratio, or banks per municipality in Central Visayas, performed positively. It grew from 4.9 percent in 2013 to 5.2 percent in 2014.

Loans to deposit ratio increased from 36.1 percent in 2013 to 38.3 percent in 2014. The loan to deposit ratio is used to calculate the bank’s ability to cover withdrawals made by its customers.

Net loan portfolio, however, dropped in the region. It declined from 54.6 percent in 2013 to 24.1 percent in 2014.

Deposit liabilities also slowed down from 31.2 percent in 2013 to 17 percent in 2014. Deposit liabilities are the money that bank clients have put into the bank, which the bank will have to pay back at some point in the future.

Nationwide, the banking industry performed at a better rate, as reflected in the number of branches which grew to 9,810 in March 2015 from the 9,353 branches in March 2014.

The bulk of the banks are in the National Capital Region.

Barangays get emergency vehicles

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

THE Cebu Provincial Government distributed more than P18 million worth of ambulances and mini-dumptrucks to barangays and provincial hospitals. All vehicles left the Capitol with fuel tanks full.

Gov. Hilario Davide III led the turnover of the vehicles at the Capitol parking lot. The governor was assisted by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and some members of the Provincial Board.

Davide said that the distribution of the vehicles is in line with the administration’s goal to deliver services to residents.

The Provincial Government bought five ambulances at P1.6 million each for the Provincial Health Office and the provincial hospitals in Balamban and the cities of Bogo, Carcar and Danao.

Mini-ambulances

An ambulance worth P1.3 million was given to the City Government of Danao which was represented yesterday by Danao Vice Mayor Ramon “Red” Durano VI.

Thirteen mini-ambulances, worth P205,000 each, were distributed to barangays Cadulawan of Minglanilla; Lamacan and Tabayag of Argao; Don Juan Climaco Sr., Don Andres Soriano and Subayon of Toledo City; Pansoy of Sogod; Basak of Catmon; Kang-actol, Panlaan and Calaboon of Dumanjug; Banhigan of Badian; and Manguiao of Asturias.

Nine barangays received one mini dumptruck each. The beneficiaries are barangays Ubogon of Asturias, Cansaga of Consolacion, Tungkil of Minglanilla, Nug-as of Alcoy, Santo Niño of Malabuyoc, Biasong and Poblacion of Talisay City, Taloot of Argao and Toledo City.

The nine mini dumptrucks were bought for a total of P6.3 million.

Maintenance

Davide told barangay officials to properly maintain the vehicles.

“Hinaot pa unta way babay nga magbati nga wa moabot sa hospital kay way sakyanan (I hope that no woman in labor would fail to reach the hospital because there is no ambulance),” said Magpale.

Provincial General Services Officer Jone Siegfred Sepe said that the vehicles distributed by the Capitol were brand new.

He said that the mini-ambulances in the barangay can also be used by neighboring villages in need.

The vehicles, he said, were requested by the local government units through resolutions from their local legislative councils.

Barangay Captain Peter Cabillada of Barangay Cansaga in Consolacion said that the mini dumptruck will be used to collect garbage.

He said that the vehicle can also be used for evacuation during disasters.

APEC ministers to tackle structural reform in Cebu

(PNA), RMA/PR-NEDA/EBP

MANILA, Aug. 25 (PNA) -- In a bid to enhance regional economic integration, ministers from 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies will meet in Cebu City on Sept. 7 and 8 to review APEC’s structural reform efforts and set the post-2015 agenda of the region.

The APEC Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM), to be chaired by Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, will focus primarily on addressing issues that impede inclusive growth.

“Guided by this year’s theme, our priority is to facilitate inclusiveness, not only in the regional sense but also within economies. The APEC region has been growing rapidly as a whole but this is in many cases shared unevenly across societies,” said Balisacan.

At the SRMM, the ministers will discuss key issues including challenges in implementing structural reform, their respective economies’ priorities, and areas of collaboration.

Speakers from the APEC Secretariat and the World Bank will also speak on regulatory reform and cooperation on services. This will be followed by a panel discussion among ministers and heads of delegations on the challenges in undertaking structural reform.

Discussions of the SRMM will revolve around five themes. These are 1.) Structural Reform for Inclusive Growth; 2.) Structural Reform and Innovation; 3.) Structural Reform and Services; 4.) Tools for Structural Reform; and 5.) New Directions for Structural Reform in APEC.

At the end of the meeting, the ministers will adopt a post-2015 APEC New Strategy for Structural Reform (ANSSR), which will further enhance the efforts and focus of structural reform initiatives from 2016 to 2020.

NEDA Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra will head the Philippine delegation to this year’s Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (2nd SRMM). The first meeting was held in 2008 in Australia.

President Aquino inspects infra projects in Cebu

(PNA), LAM/BNB/EB

CEBU CITY, Aug. 24 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday inspected two newly-completed infrastructure projects in Cebu -- the Mactan Circumferential Road in Lapu-Lapu City and the Sergio Osmena Jr. Boulevard in this city.

The President also attended a political gathering and said that the national government has fully supported the infrastructure projects in the province.

In a briefing, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson bared that of the PhP43 billion worth of projects the agency implemented in Central Visayas since the start of the Aquino administration, PhP23 billion were in Cebu.

According to Singson, major infrastructure projects in the province include 950 kilometers of roads and bridges.

Also included in the province's infrastructure list is the widening of the Cebu North Road from Mandaue City to Bogo City.

”All I ask is for the local government units to help in the widening of the roads,” he said.

In addition, there is an ongoing widening of the Cebu South Road from Naga City to Carcar City.

This is the third visit of the President to Cebu this year. The first on May 1 to mark the Labor Day celebration here, and last June to lead the groundbreaking of the modernization project of Mactan Cebu International Airport.

In the afternoon, the President also attended the “Gathering of Friends in Cebu” at the Cebu Coliseum here, attended by officials from Cebu province and the provinces of Negros Oriental, Bohol, Siquijor, Leyte and Samar.

Capitol installs storm-strong fishing cages

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

THE Provincial Government installed typhoon-resilient fish cages in the 12 towns of northern Cebu that were affected typhoon Yolanda.

At least 28 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages were turned over and used by fishermen associations in the 12 local government units, more than 21 months after Yolanda hit.

The Capitol explained that the implementation of the project took longer than what was agreed by Capitol and the BFAR because of the procurement process.

In a press statement, Capitol had three failed biddings.

According to the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), the HDPE fish cages were made according to the Capitol’s “build back better” approach.

After typhoon Yolanda hit last Nov. 8, 2013, bamboo-made fish cages in the northern towns were destroyed.

PAO said the HDPE cages can survive strong waves and can last for more than ten years.

Each cages has 9 by 6 meter frame and five-meter in length.

The funds used for the project came from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

BFAR downloaded P33 million to Capitol last year to rehabilitate damaged fish farms and fishing equipment.

These cages can accommodate 3,000 fingerlings.

The Capitol will provide the first batch of fingerlings while the LGU will only have to spend for the feeds.

Where

The LGUs that have availed themselves of the assistance are Bantayan, Madridejos, Santa Fe, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, Tabuelan, San Francisco, Poro, Tudela and Bogo City.

The PAO said the project is not applicable in the towns of Borbon, Sogod, Tuburan and Pilar, which are also affected by Yolanda, but their fishermen can still get other assistance from the government.

The Capitol is also about to complete the delivery of fishing equipment, such as fish pots, craft pots, nets, fish attracting devices, set longlines and other materials for seaweed farms.

All these will be given to the 16 LGU’s affected by Yolanda.

Josephine Lane Cabuñac, Agriculturist II of PAO, said the procurement was made according to the itemized costing set by BFAR.

She said the Capitol only validated the site and implement the rehabilitation plan.

Cebu provincial gov't launches Cebu Guide app for APEC delegates

(PNA), RMA/PND/SSC

MANILA, Aug. 22 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government, in partnership with Smart communications, has released the updated travel application Cebu Guide, to give the delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Cebu a handy guide to the top attractions of the province.

Made available by InnoPub Media and mobile leader Smart Communications (Smart) in partnership with the Cebu provincial government, the mobile app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store for Android devices and Apple App Store for iOS. The app can also be downloaded from apps.myguide.ph/cebu/.

The guide lists island attractions - from heritage structures like ancient houses and centuries-old stone churches to white sand beaches and island-hopping destinations, a wide range of land and water activities, the best accommodations, food to try, and important contact numbers.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said the Cebu provincial government was working to make APEC 2015 meetings a success.

He said one of the initiatives was tapping existing partnerships like the Digital Tourism program with SMART and InnoPub.

“By providing delegates with information through the Cebu Guide app, we make their visits meaningful. By using the platform for announcements, we are also helping Cebuanos get the latest updates on APEC activities,” Davide said.

The app directory also provides a complete listing of Department of Tourism-accredited tour guides, tour operators, transport services as well as consular offices and emergency contacts like police and hospitals.

Tourist attractions, hotels and other locations featured in the app have GPS data and users need only to tap the "check location" link to be guided on how to get to a place.

Contact details are also active and users need only to tap on phone numbers to call a guide, tour operator, police station or any person or organization listed on the app.

Smart Communications said it is happy to support the Cebu provincial government in promoting what the province can offer to the APEC delegates.

A comprehensive and handy guide to Cebu, the Cebu Guide can help the delegates maximize their stay in the country, it said noting this is aligned with the company’s digital tourism program which aims to enhance the delivery of tourism information through the use of mobile and digital technologies.

A chapter of the travel guide will carry important Cebu updates, such as developments pertaining to the anticipated APEC meetings scheduled from August to October. The locally-relevant APEC updates will be provided by the Cebu Provincial Government.

The mobile app has a notification function that allows users to immediately receive information on such things as traffic changes like rerouting and road closures for the duration of the APEC 2015 meetings in Cebu.

The app is released as part of the nationwide Digital Tourism program by SMART and InnoPub Media in collaboration with local government units and private organizations. The program started in Cebu and is now in Iloilo, Baguio, Albay and Bohol and is set for expansion in key tourism areas in the country.

The APEC 2015 Third Senior Officials' Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM 3) will be held in Cebu starting Aug. 22 to Sept. 6.

Central Visayas welcomed 2.1 million visitors this year

By Katlene O. Cacho

PROVINCES in Central Visayas welcomed 2.107 million visitors during the first half of 2015.

Records from the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 show local and domestic tourists grew by 6.20 percent from January to June this year, from 1.984 million in 2014.

Domestic arrivals dropped by 1.36 percent from 1.235 million to 1.218 million this year. However, foreign arrivals posted a significant growth of 18.44 percent from 742,947 to 879,936 during the first semester.

Arrivals in Cebu grew by 2.83 percent, from 1.946 million to 1.539 million.

According to economist Bernardo Villegas, the continued growth in tourism helps the country achieve the six to seven percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth eyed in the next three to four years.

Villegas noted that there are about 40 million Filipinos discovering the numerous tourist destinations spread out all over the country, which will continue to sustain growth the country’s tourism sector, providing livelihood to local communities and helping rural areas generate revenues.

In a business forum held here, Villegas encouraged local entrepreneurs to place investments in tourism, especially in Cebu, whose charm still continues to captivate more and more tourists.

The economics professor specifically pointed out Siquijor, Camotes, and Malapascua as ideal destinations for tourism investments. He noted the enhanced air connectivity between the country and overseas, as well as the presence of nautical highway, which he credited to the Arroyo administration, which will spur more travel and tourism-related businesses.

Villegas said the country’s jewel is its young population, who are determined to spend and travel.

Korea remained the region’s top source market, which grew by 26.28 percent to 319,739 arrivals this year, from 253,203 arrivals in 2014.

Taiwan, on the other hand, posted the highest growth during the period at 107.18 percent, from 7,772 arrivals to 16,102 this year.

Japan, which is the region’s second top source market, grew by 22.79 percent to 136,123 arrivals, followed by tourists from the United States, which grew by 13.88 percent or 81,473.

Arrivals from China grew by 16.82 percent from 32,750 to 38,257. Australia, on the other hand, posted 29,668 arrivals during the first half, up by 13.84 percent while guests from United Kingdom slightly grew by 3.59 percent to 20,105.

Other markets also grew significantly.

Germany posted 15.46 percent growth or 19,545 arrivals, followed by Canada, whose growth from last year grew by 5.33 percent to 19,085 arrivals. France posted 29.66 percent growth or 17,942 arrivals.

The Philippines recorded consistent growth in arrivals for the first half of the year, according to the DOT. Latest figures show the country welcomed 2.6 million visitors, posting a 7.65 percent increase over the same months of 2014 at 2.4 million.

Within the six-month period, the month of January still recorded the biggest arrivals at 479,149, while the biggest growth was registered in May 2015, with an increase of 13.53 percent.

Earnings generated from tourism activities in the first half of 2015 grew by 1.16 percent, aggregating to P111.05 billion from the P109.77 billion recorded last year.

For June alone, visitor receipts amounted to P17.14 billion.

Air arrivals to the country for June 2015 was recorded at 387,313 visitors, while those who entered the country by sea registered 3,173 visitors.

Manila received the biggest arrivals at 273,626 or 70.07 percent of the total arrivals. Cebu’s share was at 15.65 percent, hosting 61,121 visitors for June 2015. Kalibo received the third highest arrivals of 36,216 visitors, which constituted 9.27 percent of the total.

On the other hand, arrivals by sea, which constituted 0.81 percent, recorded 3,173 arrivals. Davao received the most number of visitors entering by sea at 1,152, while Batangas followed with 1,041 visitors.

Cebu Capitol launches 55-volume ‘History of Cebu’

(PNA), RMA/EB/SGP

CEBU CITY, Aug. 20 (PNA) -- The Cebu provincial government Thursday launched the 55-volume “History of Cebu,” the most comprehensive history of the province.

Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said the provincial government spent Php 11 million for the research and printing of the books.

Magpale said the 55 volumes recorded the history of all the cities and towns in Cebu, with a volume for each city and town.

”This is the most comprehensive history of the province,” Magpale said.

The research goes back to the time of the Spanish colonial period and the establishment of the different towns and cities in Cebu.

She said the “History of Cebu” set was made possible with the collaboration of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City and the Cebuano Studies Center.

But Magpale said the production of the book hit some snags when some officials found some “unsavory” accounts in the book.

”It’s a history book. It records the good things and the bad things too,” she said.

Aug. 21 is a special non-working holiday

By Elias O. Baquero

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) yesterday announced that tomorrow, Aug. 21, is a special non-working holiday (not a regular holiday as earlier reported).

This is to commemorate the death of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on the tarmac of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Aug. 21, 1983.

Ninoy is the father of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Dole 7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said that workers who will work tomorrow will receive 30 percent more in addition to their regular pay.

He said that if it’s the rest day or day off of a worker but he is required to work by his company, he will receive a total of 150 percent in compensation, including his regular pay, and not 200 percent of their basic pay as earlier reported.

Exempted

Sarcauga said that those exempted from receiving holiday benefits are personnel with managerial positions, government employees, and those who are paid on commission basis only.

Sarcauga urged employers to pay holiday benefits to their workers based on the law in relation to holidays, otherwise, they will be in legal trouble.

He said that if workers are not paid of holiday benefits, they can ask Dole 7 to conduct adjudication.

The labor official said that because it is the policy of the labor department to work for amicable settlement, the agency will request the employers who are subject of complaints to settle the obligations with their employees.

Sarcauga said that it is only after the refusal of the employers to pay the holiday benefits to their employees that Dole will file charges against them.

Davide to address Cebu today

By Oscar C. Pineda

IMPROVING the peace and order, and addressing the concerns of poor farmers are among the issues that a former village chief and a farmer hope to hear from Gov. Hilario Davide III when he delivers his last State of the Province Address (Sopa) at 3 p.m. today at the Capitol Social Hall.

Gener Almendras, former barangay captain of Tabok, Danao City, said that Davide should exert more efforts in improving the campaign against illegal drugs. He said he is concerned about the increasing number of youth allegedly getting hooked on drugs that would result in crimes and gang or fraternity-related incidents.

Almendras, who served as barangay chief for 21 years, said he finds the police too lax in handling clashes and crimes involving youths.

For 47-year-old Lucia Diamante, Davide should prioritize giving livelihood to poor farmers.

“Ako naglaum ni Gov. Davide nga mahatagan jud niya og dakong pagtagad ang mga mag-uuma nga karon nakigbugno sa tumang kalisod (It is my hope that Gov. Davide would pay attention attention to the farmers who continue to struggle in life),” said Diamante.

Diamante is from Barangay Alegria, Tuburan, where she cultivates a cornfield and grows vegetables.

The mother of two wishes that the Province would increase the distribution of livestock, such as goats, pigs and cows, to farmers as additional earnings.

Diamante, though, thanked the Provincial Government for providing them with a safe water system. Barangay Alegria was once hit by a typhoid outbreak.

Lito Maderazo, former president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the business sector wants the Province to come up with more initiatives to make the business environment more conducive and competitive.

He said “access” is the primary need of investors. These are roads, transport and port facilities.

“When you produce your goods or services, you either bring in raw materials or sell your finished products. So you need to have good port facilities to be competitive. So access is very important,” said Maderazo.

Immigration brings “Service Beyond the Metro” caravan in Cebu

By Hazel F. Gloria (mbcn/hfg/PIA7)

CEBU CIY, August 17 (PIA) – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) brought its “Service Beyond the Metro” caravan in Cebu recently at JCentre Mall Convention Hall, Mandaue City, Cebu.

This is a one-stop-shop caravan that include services such as; 10 Long Stay Visitors Visa Extension; 2) Extension and implementation of Student Visa; 3) Updating of Stay; 4) Alien Registration Program (ARP); and 5) Application and issuance of ACR I-Card.

BI Alien Control Officer for Cebu Casimiro Madaramg III said, “Cebu plays a key role in taking care of foreign nationals in the country because it is a preferred location for foreign nationals since the place is one of the tourist destinations and the economy is very well growing.”

Madarang said, the program aims to engage and collaborate with the transacting public and the local communities to allow a more transparent and more effective and efficient processing of immigration document.

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison on the other hand said, this is part of the activities leading to the BI’s 75th anniversary in September and also a way to make its personnel at the field officers feel they are part of the celebration.

It provides more interaction among BI’s top management and its field personnel to resolve grievances and equipment requirements, Mison added.

A first in BI history, “Service Beyond the Metro” offers a one-stop service that allows the transacting public to receive their immigration documents on the same day that the application was filed.

Heads of the issuing offices of BI are also present to address queries from the public and also receive suggestions to improve immigration services.

“Due to system limitations, some papers need to be transmitted to our main office in Manila for approval. Through ‘Service Beyond the Metro,’ we basically bring our main office services around the country,” added Mison.

The program will run for two months and will include services to Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro, among others.

The caravan already completed its services to Olongapo, Baguio, Batangas, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Tourism task force pursues talks to open more Cebu-direct flights

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Tourism Task Force initiated by the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) is trying to woo more foreign airlines in countries with large Filipino populations to open direct flights to Cebu.

GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Harrison, during his talk before the Rotary Club of Cebu District 3860, said the team is working on direct connections between Cebu and the United States, Middle East, Europe and Australia.

Developments so far include the Philippine Airlines (PAL) direct flight between Cebu and Los Angeles, thrice weekly, which will begin on March 15 next year. It will use the 254-seater bi-class Airbus A340 with 36 lie-flat seats in business class and 218 seats in regular economy.

The Tourism Task Force, according to Harrison, is also 70 percent on its way to getting the confirmation of airlines flying to the Middle East to revive or open flights to Cebu. He said that by October, the team would likely know already if there would be an additional daily service to the Middle East which is a home to many overseas Filipino workers.

The firm is in talks with Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines.

Harrison said they are also in talks with Turkish Airlines to mount a non-stop service between Cebu and UK, hopefully by the end of this year. He noted the firm initially picked Turkish Airlines because of its strong network connectivity to diverse destinations.

The team is also keen on getting non-stop flights between Cebu and Australia. Although carriers here such as PAL and Cebu Pacific admitted it’s quite difficult to add more flights due to aircraft availability, the team has set up meetings with the Australian tourism stakeholders in November this year.

Showing Cebu

According to Harrison, they will be inviting at least 40 representatives from the travel and tours sector in Australia to visit and experience Cebu and the Philippines.

“We will show them what is best in our country and in Cebu,” said Harisson, adding that there are close to 300,000 Filipinos in Australia, making it a promising market for the airlines.

“Our strategy here is to market Cebu as a destination with greater connectivity,” Harrison. “We’ve created the Tourism Task Force to engage all stakeholders to jointly market Cebu and showcase its rich culture and tourism.”

Harrison also added that the increased connectivity to Cebu would not only bring in more tourists but is also good for the export and import industries and will pave the way for more business engagement.

Higher wages pushed for immigration workers

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Jave A. Matugas (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - As part of the modernization of the Bureau of Immigration, it will upgrade employees’ salaries and hire more workers to assist in the country’s airports.

Representative Luigi Quisumbing (Cebu, sixth district), who was one of guest speakers in yesterday’s “Service Beyond the Metro” caravan of the bureau, said the House Committee on Appropriations will continue to work on the improvement of the salaries of Immigration employees.

“It is important for us to continue to improve our immigration services for the safety and security of the residents of the province and the rest of the country,” Quisumbing said.

Quisumbing assured that the committee will continue to support BI.

“You have our absolute commitment that we will do our best to make sure that your needs are addressed. BI has the smallest staff and their salary grades are not commensurate to the similar position in other agencies of government,” Quisumbing added.

BI-Cebu chief Casimiro Madarang III said BI has 1,400 employees nationwide. He lauded the move of Quisumbing’s committee.

“Nalipay mi nga naa na gyu’y chance nga dungagan ang empleyado sa Immigration og mosaka sad ang sweldo,” Madarang said.

Part of BI’s nationwide caravan yesterday at the J Centre Mall in Mandaue City was for overstaying foreigners without any derogatory record to have themselves registered.

Madarang said they have a program called Alien Registration Program, which gives a chance for overstaying aliens to register and get their individual security number until September this year. 

“After September unya wa pa gyud sila makaparehistro, they can be considered as an illegal alien ug pwede na namo sila dakpon kay illegal na man ang ilang pag stay sa atong nasud,” said Madarang.

Yesterday’s event was in line with the mission of BI of bringing services closer to its clientele. It kicked off on the 75-day countdown to their anniversary day.

The caravan offered to process immigration documents, including the long-stay visitor’s visa extension, extension and implementation of student visa, the updating of stay, among others.

Aside from foreign nationals, personnel of travel and tours agencies and English language schools also joined the event which was graced by BI Commissioner Seigfred Mison and his department and section heads from their head office.

A memorandum of agreement was also signed between BI through Mison and the administration of the Southwestern University and the University of San Carlos, among others, for the Handog Edukasyon program, wherein BI employees and their kids can avail of scholarships from these schools.

The caravan is set to run for two months in different parts of the country, including Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, among others.

Cebu Action plan enjoys support of APEC

By Jeandie O. Galolo

THE FULL support of 21 member-countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will bring about the formal launching of the Cebu Action Plan (CAP) on Sept. 11 in Lapu-Lapu City.

The ceremony will be done during the Finance Ministerial Meeting at Shangri-La Mactan Resorts and Spa, which is expected to gather 300 finance ministers from countries like United States, Japan, China, Korea, Russia and the Philippines, among others.

Department of Finance assistant secretary Teresa Habitan said the CAP is a four-pillar proposal of the Philippines. It aims to make economies in the Asia Pacific more transparent, resilient, and integrated.

Specifically, the pillars include financial integration, fiscal transparency and reforms, financial resiliency, and infrastructure development and financing.

Inspection

“What we are doing is a long-term plan. We need persistence (in the fulfillment of the CAP),” said Habitan, who was in Cebu yesterday to inspect the venue together with DOF Assistant Secretary Edita Z. Tan and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares.

On the day of the Finance Ministerial meeting, Henares said that member economies will share best practices in these areas.

The Philippines can take pride in the present landscape of microfinance in the country, which is supporting micro entrepreneurs.

The Economist Intelligence Unit has described the Central Bank’s (BSP) regulatory environment for microfinance services as “one of the best frameworks in the world.”

Micro insurance in the country has also been growing, Habitan said, wherein big insurance players like Pioneer and Prudential have started to offer micro insurance products to low-income Filipinos, especially now that the country has visited by natural calamities.

In the area of financial transparency, particularly in the field of taxation, Henares said the BIR is an agency that has always been “transparent” with its transactions, although there’s more to be done in terms of going after companies and corporations that do not pay the right amount of taxes.

“Infrastructure is one of our weaknesses,” Henares said, reminding the government to increase infrastructure investments, one of the four pillars in the CAP, if it wants to further boost its economy.

APEC member economies have formulated a roadmap for Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), as documented in Apec’s website.

PPP “offers a viable alternative to traditional procurement methods to support infrastructure development.”

It has several merits, such as expanding public infrastructure supply, improving service quality, maximizing the use of private sector capital and knowhow through sharing of risks and responsibilities.

Most importantly, the officials said the Philippines has to continue pouring investments on education to improve its human resource.

“With more educated workforce, we can attract high-value investments,” Habitan said.

Cebu, being one of the hosts of this year’s APEC summit, is hoped to be considered as one of the prime locations for foreign investments.

In an ocular inspection conducted at the venue, the officials said Shangri-La is ready to host the finance ministers, expressing confidence of what it had done in 1997 when the last finance ministerial meeting was held in Cebu.

APEC readiness to boost Cebu’s positioning as MICE destination

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The intensive preparation of hotels and other related service providers for APEC delegates is seen to boost the positioning of Cebu as premier MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination and further gain mileage to the global market.

Tourism advocate Robert Lim Joseph said that the different expansion moves, and service and upgrading of amenities, including training programs for personnel, are just few of the factors which provide Cebu a couple of steps higher in terms of attracting local and global MICE events.

This long-term effect that Cebu could expect after hosting some of the APEC meetings, will not only put Cebu in the global MICE spotlight, it will also heighten awareness of some international investors to see the potential of Cebu.

"APEC delegates are businessmen too. Some of them are tourism investors," said Joseph stressing that everyone should collaborate in making the event "seamless" as this is one of the crucial events that will make or break Cebu's positioning to make MICE as primary driver for tourism growth.

Some hotels in Cebu, specifically those that are appointed to host so of the APEC meetings, invested several millions of pesos to renovate, upgrade both their services and amenities, to present Cebu well to the international market.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu for instance, invested several million pesos to elevate the standard of service, product, including amenities, not only to impress the dignified APEC officials, but to sell Cebu to the most influential people in the work, said the hotel's general manager Nishan Silva, in an interview.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu will host the most number of meetings and 350 rooms of its total 400 rooms have been booked for the APEC delegates.

Likewise, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu recently completed its P300 million renovation program in time for APEC.

"At the end of the day, our goal is to drive Cebu as a premier MICE destination," Silva said.

Meanwhile, Julie Najar, president of the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) said that while the accommodation sector is unquestionably ready to host world-class events, Cebu should immediately provide bigger convention facility.

Although, hotels and even resorts are investing on expanding the accommodation of their respective ballrooms and convention facilities, a bigger convention facility is needed, specially that Cebu is capitalizing on bigger MICE events globally, said Najar.

"We do not have [right] venue or facility for bigger conventions and events yet. CICC has to be renovated and expanded to fit the requirement of MICE market. It has to have additional amenities for back-end operations like kitchen, etcetera," said Najar in an interview.

Last year, major hotels in Cebu reported an all-time-high performance, owing to the strengthening of Cebu's positioning as preferred destination MICE events.

Najar, who is the general manager of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, said that MICE has become a driver force of hotel's thriving business in Cebu bolstered by the province "irresistible" leisure destination advantage.

Gov't to spend PHP296.5M to repair Cebu International Convention Center

(PNA), LAM/EB/

CEBU CITY, Aug. 12 (PNA) -- The National Government will spend some PHP296.5 million to repair the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City which was damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake on October 15, 2013.

The amount was based on the program of works and estimates (POWE) submitted by the Cebu provincial government and the Mandaue City government to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DTI has offered to rehabilitate the CICC to set up a Center for Industry and Trade Expositions, and offer which the Cebu provincial government and the Mandaue City government considered.

The CICC was built in 2006 during the first term of former governor and now Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district) for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in 2007 at a cost of some PHP800 million.

The Mandaue City government owns the land on which it was built.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said there is no more hindrance in the rehabilitation of the CICC after the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas approved it.

Last July 6, Governor Davide wrote the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas requesting for authority to repair the CICC, which is the subject of some criminal and administrative cases filed with the ombudsman.

“Happily, the deputy ombudsman for the Visayas, Deputy Ombudsman Paul Elmer Clemente, approved our request,” Davide said.

In his two-page answer to Davide, Clemente said “there exists no legal impediment for Cebu Province, Mandaue City and DTI to rehabilitate the CICC, a facility presently the subject of cases filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.”

Last July 31, 2012, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales approved the filing of formal cases against Garcia and six other Cebu Capitol officials for allegedly violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in the construction of the CICC.

Clemente said the pending cases would not have any diminishing effect on the right of Cebu Province and Mandaue City to use CICC and the land on which the facility is built.

5 Tokyo investors to visit Cebu

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

AT least five investors expressed interest to invest in Cebu during Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III’s visit to Tokyo, Japan for the 10th International Forum on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Forum last Aug. 4.

Davide, who arrived from Japan last Monday, said the investors will come to Cebu to check which area they can invest in. He said the investors come from two prefectures and three private companies.

The forum was attended by government officials in Saitama and Yokohama, including former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, who served as keynote speaker during the event.

Davide said that Mahathir is the honorary chairman of Asian PPP Institute of Toyo University.

Participants

In his speech, Davide invited participants to invest in Cebu and check the business climate in the province.

He told them that Cebu is ready to engage prospective investors with the right investment environment and opportunities.

Mayors

Davide was accompanied by Mayors Raymond Joseph Calderon of Samboan and Lisa Marie Durano-Streegan of Sogod, and Vice Mayors Wilson Wenceslao of Santander and Richard Streegan of Sogod.

Rep. Wildfredo Caminero (Cebu, 2nd district), Provincial Board Members Peter John Calderon, Christopher Baricuatro and Jude Thaddeus Durano-Sybico also attended the forum.

Davide went to the city of Yokohama and met with businessmen there.

Help

“In fact two of them expressed interest to come to Cebu and to to see for themselves unsay mahimo nila, unsay matabang nila (what and how they can help),” Davide said.

Davide instructed Cebu Investment Promotion Office Chief Benjamin Yap and other consultants to immediately communicate with the investors who expressed interest in coming to Cebu so that the Province can send a formal invitation.

The governor is open to PPP for the development of provincial properties like the old Baex building, which he intends to convert into a disaster risk reduction resource center, and the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

“I said (my trip was) fruitful and productive because we are able to engage them, engage these private companies and invite them to Cebu, and some of them have expressed their interest in coming to Cebu and sharing their best practices,” he said.

During his visit to Japan, Davide said that the Taiheiyo Cement Corp. chairman and officials announced that they will donate 10,000 bags of cement to the Province.

DENR-7 to distribute over 5,000 land titles

By Kristine B. Quintas/NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is targeting to distribute over 5,000 residential and agricultural titles to lot claimants in Central Visayas on November 30.

Dr. Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 director, said they are gearing up to issue 3,290 and 1750 agricultural and residential patents, respectively.

He said this would complete this year’s total target of 10,000 agricultural patents and 2,580 residential patents.

“We have been doing our best to further intensify our efforts to fast track the processing and issuance of patents in Region 7, so that for this year we will be able to meet, if not exceed, our targets,” he said.

Based on the current data of DENR’s Technical Services, at least 6,710 titles were awarded to farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) covering 2,374.5 hectares of land. While for residential, 830 patents covering 24.24 hectares have been awarded.

Bohol province got the bulk of the patents with 5,172 and 393 for agricultural and residential, respectively.

On the other hand, at least 974 agricultural patents and 162 residential patents were benefited by Cebu residents. Others went to Negros Oriental with 360 for agricultural and 264 for residential patents; and Siquijor province, 204 agricultural patents and 11 residential patents.

The total issued titles constitute 67 percent of the total target this year.

Montejo said they will improve the productivity of idle lands in the region as well as “boost the economic prosperity in the countryside" with the completion of the cadastral survey last May.

A cadastral survey is intended to determine the administrative boundary of a city or a municipality and its component barangays as it identified administrative lots in alienable and disposable lands of the public domain for purposes of land titling. The survey commenced in 2003 and only concluded on May 30 this year.

Emiliano Hormachuelos, DENR’s geodetic engineer and chief of the surveys and mapping division, said each person applying for agricultural patent is given 12 hectareswhile at least 200 square meters per claimant for residential patent in an urbanized lot, depending on the classification of a local government unit.

A free patent on residential land covers those in public alienable and disposable areas that are zoned by LGUs as residential, including town sites, public schools, municipal halls, public plazas or parks, delisted and abandoned military camps or reservations, as stipulated in the Public Land Act.

Agricultural patent, on the other hand, is confirmation of imperfect or incomplete titles over alienable and disposable public agricultural lands through administrative procedures and also by virtue of their “open, continuous, exclusive and notorious” possession of their predecessors-in-interest.

Any Filipino citizen who is an actual occupant of a residential land for at least ten years with tax declaration and affidavit of two adjoining owners may apply for a free patent title.

Thrilling treks from Alegria to Badian

By Oscar C. Pineda

ADVENTURE-SEEKERS are finding thrills in exploring the Alegria-Badian River, which the Provincial Government plans to promote as one of Cebu’s tourist destinations.

“The clamor is there,” said Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

In a popular canyoneering adventure developed in the area, participants follow a river from Barangay Compostela in Alegria to Barangay Matutinao in Badian, said 36-year-old guide Felix “Nonoy” Guardiario.

The four-hour trek includes high and low dives; swimming between rock openings; crawling under huge boulders; scaling a rock wall using ropes; and going through rock holes.

“Naa’y murag cathedral, mga nindot nga mga view (There’s a cavern that looks like a cathedral, and some great views),” said Guardiario.

In one bend, the river has cut through solid rock, forming high walls on both sides.

Some guests find this a nice spot for a dive or to climb, holding on to vines.

There are a total of seven dive spots, from 20 to 50 feet high, Guardiario said.

Jumping is optional.

Worth the scratches

There are moss-covered inclined rock planes for those who wish to slide downstream.

Scratches are normal after the trek, the guide said, but the adventure makes one forget the pain.

Compostela Barangay Captain Joseph Redulla said the river trek starts from Sitio Kangmamhot in his barangay up to Kawasan Falls in barangay Matutinao, Badian, where one either rents a place to stay overnight or changes clothes and finds a ride back home to the city.

During weekdays, Barangay Compostela gets 30 to 40 guests daily. That climbs to more than a hundred during weekends and holidays, said 36-year-old Avelina Guardiario, who collects P20 for each entrance ticket.

Aside from the entrance fee, one needs to rent a helmet, life vest and aqua shoes, for a total of P200, said Avelina. An additional P100 is collected for those who want a waterproof bag and another P100 for a rope, if a guest needs one.

From the Alegria Municipal Hall, one takes a P10 jeepney ride, passing the main highway going to Badian, and stopping at the crossroads in Sitio Sangi, Barangay Madridejos, some eight kilometers away, said Redulla.

From the Sangi crossroad, adventurers then take a three-kilometer motorcycle-for-hire ride to the Barangay Compostela canyoneering entrance, for P50.

Guests must be at least 15 years old, Redulla said.

Those below 15 can join only if their parents let them, but young children are advised against doing the trek, the captain added.

When the river swells and the current becomes very strong, Alegria’s guides bar anyone from going canyoneering, to prevent accidents, said Guardario.

Some friction

Last July, Guardiario recalled denying entry to some guests of a guide from Badian, because the flood had made the water too murky. A few days later, when he guided guests to Matutinao, Barangay Captain Clemente Emperado punched him, leaving a scar on his upper lip.

He reported to the police but did not press charges. When asked why he said, “Wa ta’y ika-sukol ana (I don’t stand a chance).”

That night after the incident, Mayor Robburt Librando went to the interior Barangay Compostela to ask for an apology on behalf of the barangay captain, said Carmelito Lagrado, Alegria’s agriculture technician.

(Sun.Star Cebu’s requests for a comment from Emperado and Librando did not get a response.)

Magpale said she had heard about friction among some of the guides.

“I will meet with both mayors. Let’s have a dialogue,” the vice governor and tourism advocate said, pointing to the need for clear guidelines for the activity.

Redulla said that collectors turn over P10,000 per week, but last March, April and May—during the summer school break—they made more than that.

Provincial Board Member Celestino Martinez III, head of the federation of barangay councils in the province, went canyoneering with his family and friends last month, said Redulla.

He urged Magpale, who chairs the tourism committee in the Provincial Board, to include canyoneering as one of Cebu’s tourist attractions.

But Magpale said she will first check if the local governments involved are ready to accommodate a number of visitors, both local and foreign.

With the revenues and the mayor’s help, Redulla said they are improving facilities, like building an information center where guests can converge at the entrance in his barangay.

Alegria Mayor Verna Magallon said that the town will buy more safety gear for guests and improve a three-kilometer stretch of dirt road from the main highway.

At present, there is a huge tent in Compostela where safety gear is displayed for guests to choose from. They have a new comfort room, with a water system and tanks. But they still need an electrical connection to pump water.

Asked if Alegria has a problem in coordinating their tourism and environment efforts with Badian, Magallon said she has no problems with Mayor Librando. She added they will work on a joint watershed management system for the river that stretches through both their towns.

Magallon said that Alegria and Badian were able to get the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ assistance to develop a watershed area that feeds the Kankalanog River, which is connected to Kanlaob River in Barangay Compostela and leads down to Barangay Matutinao in Badian.

Jesus Ray Cabalida, the municipal planning officer, said they now have a watershed management council for Alegria-Badian.

This, after Alegria approved their forest land use plan (FLUP), in which they identified the watershed area that covers portions of Alegria and Badian. He is hoping that Badian’s council also passes their own FLUP, so their joint watershed management council could meet.

“In fact, we already included our watershed management in our PRDP (Philippine Rural Development Project),” said Cavalida. The PRDP is a World Bank project that funds rural initiatives, including those that improve farmers’ lives.

Cebu students vow to help clean-up drive

(PR)

A GROUP that began the movement to clean up the Philippines got the support of communication students of the Saint Theresa’s College (STC)-Cebu to create promotional content to get more young Filipinos to join a nationwide clean-up drive on Sept. 20.

Last July 15, Let’s Do It Philippines discussed with officers and members of the STC-Cebu Theresian Communicators’ Organization (TCO) the promotional strategies they will produce for the #iam5milllion project.

Let’s Do It Philippines’ #iam5million project aims to gather five million Filipinos to participate in the national clean-up drive.

TCO members and officers presented their ideas to Let’s Do It PH national co-convenor Enrique San Juan, international communications officer John Ray Arquisola and Odette Wiggers, a volunteer from the Netherlands for the International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences.

Ideas

“These strategies will easily be welcomed by the youth who want to empower themselves as stewards of our planet,” San Juan said. “It is important that the message gets out there and can be easily understood.”

First year students presented the idea to produce short challenge videos, similar to the ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) ice bucket challenge. Instead of throwing a bucket of ice on themselves, participants will be shown cleaning up their surroundings.

First year students will also launch a promotional paign through environment-themed posters that will be posted online and in schools around Cebu.

Second year students will spread awareness through video and radio advertisements. The video will feature areas in Cebu that are polluted and in need of support from the campaign. It will also feature prominent individuals inviting others to join the movement to attract more volunteers.

Radio

The radio ad by the sophomores will feature a casual conversation between two individuals getting frustrated about how dirty their surroundings are. As they talk, they will be inviting the audience to join the national clean up.

In partnership with DYRF, the third year students will produce radio encouraging people to join the clean-up.

Fourth year students will be doing monthly video campaigns that will focus on raising environmental awareness. The videos will be shared on social media.

Seniors will also produce press releases that will be submitted to new organizations in Cebu.

The Let’s Do It movement was created after 50,000 people in Estonia cleaned up their country in just five hours with just 500,000 euros in hand.

The movement grew into an international campaign participated in by 13 million individuals from 112 countries. The non-profit and non-political movement aims to clean up the entire world of trash.

Let’s Do It is an accredited member of the United Nations Environment Programme.

Popcom conducts PopDevEd training in Zambo

(PNA), RMA/RCK/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 8 (PNA) – The Commission on Population (POPCOM) has conducted a one-day training on Population and Development Education (PopDevEd) to education officials to equip them with the knowledge on how to teach population development and human sexuality.

POPCOM Regional Director Reynaldo Wong said those who attended the training, which was held Friday, were school supervisors and principals.

“This is given in order to equip teachers with the confidence to deal with human sexuality education,” Wong said.

He said the population and development education module had two sections and these were population and development and the human sexuality. The module is further divided into elementary, high school and college.

He said the elementary module focused on getting to know your body; what are the changes in my body; and, how am I going to deal with the changes in my body.

The high school module is centered on how to handle relationship while for the college is on fertility awareness and how to deal with responsible parenting.

Wong said the module was prepared by the population studies division of the University of San Carlos.

He said the participants who attended Friday’s training will be the ones to train the teachers in their respective schools on population development and human sexuality.

Innoland to continue development in Cebu

By Jeandie O. Galolo

EVEN with its recent entry to Metro Manila, Innoland Development Corp. assured that it will continue to develop more projects for Cebu.

Innoland and affiliates vice president external for sales and marketing Wilson Granados made this commitment in an interview with reporters on Thursday in Filinvest City, Alabang, where the company built three corporate office towers worth P5.5 billion.

Granados said it will keep on developing commercial, residential and industrial projects in Cebu, to support the rising demand for real estate developments.

Innoland will continue to position itself as a green-oriented developer across its projects, he said.

By the third quarter of 2015, Granados disclosed they will launch a mid-market, horizontal housing project in the town of Consolacion. Last year, Innoland embarked on its first horizontal project in Talisay City, Harmonis, which sold out its 150 house-and-lot units early this year.

In its 10 years in property development in Cebu, Innoland has developed the TGU Tower, The Link, and Calyx Center in Cebu IT Park. The first two are office spaces while the third is a mixed-use development with commercial, office and residential units. It also constructed the Teradyne facility in Cebu Light Industrial Park in Lapu-Lapu City and the Harmonis subdivision in Talisay City.

The company’s real estate investments in Cebu reflect data from Philippine Statistics Authority 7, which showed the construction industry having registered the highest growth across all industry sectors in Central Visayas at 24.7 percent last year versus the 2.2 percent growth registered in 2013.

Earlier, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan projected that the Philippine property market is poised for “more robust” growth, supported by the country’s solid economic backdrop, stronger demand for business process outsourcing (BPO) services, heavy consumer spending, and the healthy inflow of remittances from overseas Filipino workers.

Innoland was officially registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2005, with an initial authorized capital stock of P20 million.

The company is also registered as an ecozone facilities enterprise with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

‘Wildlife Festival’ pushed for Olango

By Katlene O. Cacho

THE Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Council is planning to mount a Wildlife Festival in Olango Island this October to drum up awareness on wildlife protection and conservation among local stakeholders.

The tourism council will collaborate with concerned government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the implementation of the festival, which features activities like dancing, painting, and symposiums among others, said Hembler Mendoza, the city’s tourism officer.

Olango’s main attraction is the wildlife sanctuary, which supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the Philippines. According to olangowildlifesanctuary.org, there are 97 species of birds in Olango, 48 of which are migratory species while the rest are resident birds of the island.

The island is a major refueling station for approximately 40,000 migratory birds. The website noted that 1,030 hectares of sand-flats and mangroves in the island serve as a haven for the birds that come from Siberia, Northern China and Japan.

In 1987, approximately 10,000 migratory birds were discovered in Olango Island. Then Philippine President Corazon Aquino signed a law that declared Olango Island a protected area in 1992.

The best time to do birdwatching is between September and May. During peak migration, which is from November to February, approximately 40,000 migratory birds visit Olango.

Chinese egrets, Asiatic dowitchers and Eastern curlews are just some of the species that can be found in the island. Tourists from Asia, America and Europe frequent the island for bird-watching.

“Staging a Wildlife Festival, which we intend to do annually every October, aims to increase awareness on wildlife protection and conservation among the local community. Hopefully, this will encourage community involvement in taking care of our wildlife resources,” said Mendoza, adding that the proposed program is already getting interest and support from the public and private sectors, although it hasn’t been officially endorsed to the City Council.

“We are still polishing the program and finalizing the budget. We are also meeting with government agencies on how we are going to implement this to ensure that wildlife conservation is observed through responsible tourism,” said Mendoza.

On top of raising awareness, the program also aims to generate livelihood in the local community.

Like Mactan, Olango also has several diving and snorkelling spots, including the shark-inhabited Mabini Point, the soft coral haven of Santa Rosa, and the deep wall dive of Baring.

Province kicks off activities for 446th anniversary

By Michael Vencynth H. Braga/JMO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines- The Cebu provincial government has kicked off its month-long celebration of its 446th founding anniversary.

This year’s theme, “Makanunayong pagtinabangay, taas ang lahotay,” embodies the importance of unity for the province’s continuous growth, said Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

Yesterday, Magpale led local chief executives in raising the provincial and municipal flags to kick the celebration off.

Among the highlights of the celebration are the ballroom dance contest and raffle draws on August 6, the anniversary day itself.

Also on August 6, Magpale will deliver the anniversary message on behalf of Governor Hilario Davide III who is in Japan to participate in an international public-private partnership forum in Tokyo.

Magpale confirmed that Capitol employees will receive an anniversary bonus, albeit not disclosing the amount just yet.

Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas said more than1,500 regular and casual employees who have been employed since December 31, 2014 are entitled to the bonus.

The cash incentive is part of the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) with the Provincial Employees Association of Cebu, Inc. for meeting the performance targets at “lesser cost” and attaining “more efficient and valuable operations” through cost-cutting measures and systems improvement.

Yesterday, the Provincial Board approved its fourth Supplemental Budget for this year amounting to P449 million, which covers the P23 million for CNA, P57 million for consultant services, P27 million for the development of a building inside the Capitol compound, P33 million for the purchase of 11 units of Suroy-suroy buses, and P50 million for the retirement incentive package.

Also yesterday, the agro-fair dubbed as “Tabo sa Kapitolyo” was opened to the public.

It will run until August 8, 2015 from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day.

Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said 41 LGUs, five line government agencies, and 29 private exhibitors are participating in the fair.

A prize of P20,000 is in store for LGUs with the “best booth”, and P5,000 for “early decorated booth.” Each participating towns will also receive P2,000 as consolation prize.

Mactan airport to have second runway costing PHP6B by 2020

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY, Aug. 3 (PNA) -- The Mactan Cebu International airport (MCIA), the country’s busiest airport outside Manila, is poised to have a second runway by 2020, an official said.

Engr. Nidel Paul Villarete, MCIA general manager, said the second runway will cost about PHP6 billion.

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the consrtitum that won the bid for the PHP17.5-billion MCIA expansion project, is building the MCIA Terminal 2 (T2).

Mactan airport T2 is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to 12.5 million passengers a year.

The from the existing terminal has a capacity of only 4.7 million but it already handled more than seven million passengers last year.

President Benigno C. Aquino III last month led the groundbreaking for the Mactan airport T2.

Villarete said the second runway project has been approved by the MCIA board, the airport’s governing body, but construction may start obly by 2018, the year Mactan airport T2 is expected to be completed.

He said the second runway may require an additional 38 to 80 hectares of land.

The project will first have a conceptual design, a financial and economic feasibility study and a detailed engineering design before it will be submitted for the approval of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), he said.

Capitol marks 446th year

By Oscar C. Pineda

AUGUST will be a busy month for the Provincial Government of Cebu.

This, as the Province will mark the 446th founding anniversary of Cebu.

Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale will lead the opening of the month-long celebration, which will kick off with the launching of an Agri-Aqua Fair at the Provincial Capitol grounds at 8 a.m. today.

Maria Theresa Abella, fair coordinator, said that at least 510 farmers and local agriculture officials are expected to attend the festivities, which will run until Aug. 8.

Abella said that 18 piglets and 18 goats will also be raffled off during the occasion.

Acting Provincial Agriculture Head Roldan Saragena said that during today’s opening of the fair, a total of 500 kilos of bangus (milkfish) from a fishpond in the City of Naga will be sold at P100 per kilo, which is cheaper by P20 compared to the regular market price. Tilapia, another variety of fish, from San Francisco, Camotes Island will also be available for sale at the fair.

The Province will spend some P342,000 for the fair.

The Provincial Government has declared Aug. 12 as a Farmers’ Day, aimed at recognizing the farmers for helping the government in the implementation of its various programs down to the household level.

The Province will recognize 10 outstanding farmers who will each receive a plaque of recognition and P5,000 cash during the ceremony.

The recognition of farmers was made through the initiative of Capitol consultant for agriculture, Dr. Romulo Davide, who introduced the Farmer-Scientist Training Program, and supported by a resolution of the Provincial Board.

“This year, it has been conceptualized that not only the creative Cebuanos will be recognized and awarded, but also the people who have given us life and the food that we eat,” said Saragena.

Gov. Hilario Davide III will not be around for the opening of the founding anniversary celebration as he is on official trip in Japan from July 30 to Aug. 10.

Davide was invited by Toyo University’s Asian Public-Private Partnership Institute to participate in the second international public-private partnership forum.

DTI-7 to set up shopping showcase for APEC meet

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) and the APEC-National Coordinating Council are working closely in mounting the largest "Cebu's Bests" shopping showcase to catch the attention of APEC delegates.

Tentatively slated on August 24 to September 8, the Shop Philippines' –Cebu version to be situated in a 1,200 square-meter area at SM City Northwing, will converge all makers, retailers of Cebu's products from furniture, fashion, accessories, home decors, and processed food, among others, said DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte.

In an interview with Caberte, she said that this shopping exhibition intends to entice APEC delegates with Cebu's world-class products.

Early is year, DTI mounted a Shop Philippines event in Boracay as part to boost the development "travel retail" campaign of the government, as well as a dry-run event in preparation for promoting the country's shopping advantage to APEC delegates.

This time, Cebu will hold its own version of Shop Philippines' series, closely working with the organizing committee of the APEC.

Caberte believes that aside from expecting good sales during the three-week shopping exhibit, displaying the best products to the most influential people in the world, is a good pitch for Cebu to promote its products to the export market.

Besides, she said this is also another avenue for Cebuanos to take advantage of the promising prospects of the "travel retail" agenda.

Caberte will also work with industry organizations like the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF), Cebu Gifts, Decors and Housewares, Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME), local fashion designers, souvenir makers and retailers to make sure that what will be showcased in event are of top quality and authentically Cebu-made.

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