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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.

The beach for a day keeps the stress away

By Immae Lachica (/celr)

CEBU CITY, Philippines— Blessed with coastal communities and white sand beaches, a trip to Cebu is never complete without a day by the sea.

They say even a day trip to the beach can heal the soul. Seawater has its wonders and the sound of the waves has a way of recharging the weary spirit.

Let CDN Digital take you on a quick tour of the best and affordable beach destinations in Cebu that you can visit for a day trip or an overnight delight.

Tingko Beach

Hop on a bus at the Cebu South Bus Terminal and head on to the town of Alcoy. Pay P165 for a two- to three-hour bus ride that will take you to a public beach of fine white sand.

An entrance fee of P10is required, which is really no biggie considering the beauty that you are about to experience. You can rent cottages with tables and chairs which are priced between P300 to P500 depending on the number of people.

Basdaku Beach

Sure this part of Moalboal is wonderful to just lounge around. But the beauty of Basdaku is not just found on the surface. When you find yourself here, spend time in exploring what’s underneath the blue water. You’ll be surprised about what you will find.

The town of Moalboal is located two to three hours from the city. Bus fare is P145/person for airconditioned bus or P125/person for non-airconditioned bus. Ask the driver to drop you off at the town proper. Hire a tricycle to take you to Basdaku for a one-way fare of P100.

Lambug Beach

Lambug Beach is not easily accessible from the main town of Badian. But once you get there, you will never want to leave. This destination is perfect for those who want to experience beach camping. Gather your friends and spend an overnight trip filled with stories and jamming sessions. Just remember to go easy on the booze and do not swim when you’re tipsy.

When you’re in a bus heading to Badian, tell the driver or the fare collector that you are going to Lambug Beach and you will be dropped off at the highway just across a convenience store. Bus fare is P130 per person.

In Badian, tell the drivers of motorcycles-for-hire to take you to Lambug Beach. It will cost you P30 per person for a motorcycle ride.

Maravilla Beach

Say “no” to city noise as you spend the weekend at Maravilla Beach in the northern Cebu town of Tabuelan.

For P20 as entrance fee per person, experience a day at the beach that many people can only wish to experience. Several cottages are available to be rented.

Bus fare from the Cebu North Bus Terminal to Tabuelan is P120 per person. Alight at the Tabuelan Public Market and take a motorcycle going to the beach proper for P30 each.

Mactan Newtown Beach

Cross the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge to get to Mactan Newtown Beach for an entrance fee of P100 per person.

Tents are for rent for 1, 500 to P3, 000. Tables and chairs are available for rental too at P500.

Fancy an adernalish rush? You can try the following: jet ski (P3, 500/hour), banana boat ride (P3, 000) or paddle boarding (P600/hour).

Take your pick among these beach destinations or tell us which one have you been to.

Happy swimming!

Rise of historic Mactan

By Kathleen de Villa (Inquirer Research, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Since chieftain Lapu-Lapu killed explorer Ferdinand Magellan and defeated the Spaniards in a battle in 1521, Mactan Island, some 13 kilometers from Cebu City, has risen to become one of the country’s success stories.

With a total land area of about 7,000 hectares, the island is a gateway to the Visayas and is home to economic zones, five-star hotels and resorts, and exotic restaurants. Lapu-Lapu’s heroism, meanwhile, is commemorated in a shrine on the island.

Sleepy fishing village

According to the ancient Cebuano epic “Aginid,” the original name of the island was Opong. As the islanders turned to piracy, however, it was referred to as Mangatang (“to wait in ambush”), which evolved into Matan, then Mactan.

Mactan was a sleepy fishing village when Americans came to the island during the Vietnam War. In 1956, the United States Air Force built an airfield on the island as an alternative staging area for its air offensives. In 1978, international air routes of Mactan-Cebu International Airport commenced as a charter service.

By then, a bridge was built to connect populous Cebu to the island. In 1979, the Mactan Export Processing Zone was opened. This divided Mactan into industrial west and tourism east.

The coral island used to have stony beaches, not conducive for swimming, until businessmen covered them with fine white sand and developed the coastline that would eventually spur a resort boom.

Aside from the white sand beaches, Mactan Island has also attracted local and foreign divers, mostly from South Korea and Japan, for its lush marine ecology, exotic tropical fish and abundant rich corals.

Booming tourism

One of the pioneers in Mactan’s tourism industry is private membership resort Tambuli Beach Club, which was owned by the Fonaciers. Boom Fonacier, son of hotelier Anos Fonacier, took over Tambuli in 1979 and converted the development into an upscale resort.

Also an early developer in Mactan is Bluewater Maribago, which opened in 1989. The resort, which sits on a 7-ha expanse, has a wide shoreline.

In 1993, the luxurious 530-room Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, was opened. The hotel boasts of sustainability measures, which include a sewage-treatment plant that processes waste water, then treats and cleans it to the point of providing recycled water for irrigation and landscape maintenance.

Among the relatively newer resorts would be the Filinvest-owned Crimson Resort & Spa. The Balinese-inspired 6-ha resort boasts of 250 casita suites, 40 private villas (with 38 plunge pools), infinity pool, and a spa haven called “Aum.”

A P4-billion mixed-use hotel and residential development on a 5-ha property in Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, is set to be completed in the next two years. Set to be opened this year is the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, while The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort is scheduled to be completed in 2020.

Infrastructure upgrade

As more tourists and investors started to flock to Cebu, its airport became a natural hub for air and sea traffic.

In 1996, under a P2.78 billion modernization project funded by Japan’s Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport upgraded its terminal with facilities at par with world standards and regulations.

In 2018, the Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 was inaugurated. The terminal was one of the projects under the government’s public-private partnership program and was only 16 percent complete when it was chosen as one of the projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure initiative.

It was built to increase the airport’s capacity to 12.5 million passengers from the previous 4.5 million passengers. The new terminal spans 65,500 sqm and was designed by Hong Kong-based Integrated Design Associates together with local designers Budji Layug, Royal Pineda and Cebu’s own Kenneth Cobonpue.

From January to April, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority recorded international and domestic passenger traffic at 4.11 million. In April alone, passenger movements were pegged at 1.1 million.

Ecozone

The first tourism economic zone in Cebu was launched in January 2009 to host more tourism traffic and investments on Mactan Island. The ecozone, which sits in an 8-ha property in Brgy. Maribago in Mactan, features a P4.5-billion condominium-hotel and water park by Korean-owned Philippine-BXT Corp. and a five-star international hotel chain under the Imperial Palace franchise.

Another tourism ecozone is the Mactan Newtown, a commercial mixed-use complex on a 16-ha property. It is one of the biggest projects in the Visayas of property giant Megaworld Corp. It houses luxury residential condominiums, offices, retail shops, entertainment and leisure establishments, a wellness facility, and a boutique hotel.

In March this year, consultants from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) proposed a new bridge that will connect Mactan Island to Mandaue City in Cebu “to meet the expanding traffic capacity between the two islands generated by the booming Cebu’s industry and tourism.” The proposed 7-km bridge will be the fourth bridge connecting Mactan to mainland Cebu.

The first Mactan bridge was finished in 1972, while the Marcelo Fernan Bridge was opened to traffic in 1999. The third bridge project called the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway is under construction. Spanning Cordova and Cebu City, it is a PPP project undertaken by Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corp.

Cebu can benefit from film exposure

(JOB with KOC)

IF CEBU will become the location of more international films and series, there is a possibility of a spike in the tourism industry.

Gin Kai Chan, a Singaporean-based film producer of Silver Media Group, during the Tourism Innovation Forum, said films open opportunities for the global market to witness the beauty of a place.

“A lot of times when we see locations on films or on television, we see an amazing increase in tourism,” he said.

He cited the famous HBO series “Game of Thrones” for which (some) scenes where filmed in Croatia and “The Beach” that starred actor Leonardo DiCaprio in Phuket, Thailand as some of the films whose locations have become tourist hotspots.

Even those involved in the film production like actors, stuntmen, cameramen among others, which could be hundreds of people, can already be counted as foreign arrivals.

Cebu’s tourism, he said, stands to benefit in filmmaking as locations are promoted longer in the big screen.

“If it’s in the film, we don’t skip advertisements, and it lasts longer than the average air time which is around a minute. It’s longer memory retention,” he said.

Having venues and locations in film, he said, is more effective than in newspapers and television.

Chan said what attracts film production companies are government incentives.

“Countries should realize that if they spent money supporting film productions, their tourism receipts will be much more than what they have given in incentives,” he said.

Aside from that, other countries also provide support in the application of permits and visas for persons and equipment that are needed for the film production.

Moreover, Chan said creating a database of all potential film locations in the Visayas could also be of big help.

“It would make it easier for our people to know where to shoot our films,” he said.

Arrangements for restaurants and hotels will also be beneficial like partner discounts so that the products and services in a particular location gets featured in the film, Chan added.

Film Act

In 2015, Sen. Sonny Angara called for the passage of a bill which seeks to promote film tourism in the country following the recent tourism boom in select provinces that local movies have promoted in their setting.

“We should encourage more filmmakers to feature different parts of the country and showcase their beauty and culture to effectively promote Philippine tourism. The influx of tourists in Sagada in Mountain Province due to the movie ‘That Thing Called Tadhana’ should extend to other tourist destinations in the Philippines,” said Angara.

The senator filed Senate Bill 2160 or the Fostering Investment through Local and International Movies (Film) Act which aims to attract filmmakers by providing tax incentives, and to empower the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to provide additional benefits.

Under the proposed measure, eligible local and international productions may be granted 20 percent tax credits if the final product is set completely or largely within the Philippines, or if at least half of filming occurs in a community here in the country that is still recovering from a significant natural disaster.

The Department of Tourism is tasked to provide the FDCP with a list of locations it is promoting while the National Commission for Culture and the Arts shall be the resource for filmmakers for Filipino culture, traditions and values.

The FDCP will also be responsible for ensuring that environmental regulations are properly adhered to by production companies in the process of filming.

Aside from tax credits, SB 2160 also provides additional incentives such as exemptions from all fees for or associated with filming permits, free access to public lands, free police protection, free and expedited work visas, and a designated liaison.

Resort wins ‘Loved by Guests’ award

(PR)

KNOWN for its fresh, fun and friendly approach to hospitality, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu has been recognized with another award that highlights excellent service and customer satisfaction.

Hotels.com’s “Loved by Guests” Awards is an annual recognition program where guests stand as real judges. It celebrates and recognizes all properties that have achieved the best average review rating, determined by over 20 million genuine and trusted reviews from hotel guests. Each guest is given the platform to share their stay experience by giving a rating and reviewing the property.

This year, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu made it again to the premium list, with a high rating that’s supported by a number of positive reviews from guests from different parts of the world.

“I am honored to receive the ‘Loved by Guests’ award from our trusted partner, Hotels.com,” said its general manager, Max Huber.

“This is a testament of the dedication given by each member of my team, to ensure satisfaction on all aspects that make for a great stay. Likewise, this award sheds light on our performance, from the point of view of a guest. Their positive response inspires us to continue to do our best at all times.”

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel in the Philippines located about six kilometers from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The 245-room property offers a myriad of choices from accommodation to dining, wellness, leisure activities and venues for meetings and events.

Aside from comfort and ambiance, the resort houses four food and beverage outlets that serve diners with its selection of savory and classic dishes. It also features Ibiza Beach Club, which is one of Cebu’s premier dining and entertainment spaces that offers an authentic Balearic-inspired, signature 15-course grill and Mediterranean tapas.

Cebu airport opens new China route

By Richmond Mercurio (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — A new Chinese destination is set to open from Cebu’s main international gateway, according to the private company managing the terminal operations and other related areas of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) said Xiamen Air is set to commence operation of its direct service to Chengdu from the MCIA beginning June 27.

This is the first time that Cebu will have regular scheduled flights to Chengdu. Previously, Chengdu to Cebu is operated during the Chinese peak travel season only.

“We are glad to welcome Xiamen Air’s newest direct service to Chengdu, one of China’s busiest and economically-robust cities. Through this partnership with Xiamen Air, we aim to achieve a common goal which is to increase connectivity between Cebu to international destinations,” GMCAC president Louie Ferrer said.

Xiamen Air will service the Cebu-Chengdu route thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday using a Boeing 737-800 with 22 business class seats and 161 economy class seats.

“The launch of the Chengdu service is in line with Xiamen Air’s plan to open more routes between the Philippines and China, specially in Cebu and Chengdu as these two major cities have huge tourist markets and are internationally known for its tourism destinations and upbeat economic activities,” Xiamen Air Cebu station manager Bruce Gong said.

Xiamen Air also operates regular thrice weekly flights to Xiamen and Fuzhou.

“With the opening of this new service, Filipinos will have more reasons to visit and will slowly discover the diverse culture and interesting destinations in China,” GMCAC chief commercial adviser Ravishankar Saravu said.

Last January, GMCAC welcomed two new Chinese carriers that launched direct flights to Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Aside from Chengdu, MCIA is connected to other key destinations in China namely, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen.

The MCIA was named Asia Pacific Medium Airport of the Year last year by the CAPA-Center for Aviation.

MCIA was selected among airports with over 10 million annual passengers for “having been the biggest standout strategically, has established itself as a leader and done the most to advance the progress of the aviation industry.”

In 2016, MCIA was named Asia Pacific Small Airport of the Year, just two years after GMCAC assumed landside operations under a 25-year public-private partnership agreement.

Domestic traffic at the MCIA rose by 13 percent year-on-year in the first quarter to close to two million passengers, while international traffic grew almost 10 percent to around one million passengers.

DOT 7 trains spotlight on northern Cebu Towns

By SHEILA C. GRAVINEZ (LRC)

SOUTHERN Cebu’s falls, beaches and whale sharks are known to tourists all over the world and for the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7’s director, it’s now time for northern Cebu’s tourist attractions to shine.

DOT 7 Director Shahlimar Tamano said his office will intensify efforts to promote northern Cebu towns and cities as tourist destinations.

He said that too many tourists flock to the south—from Carcar City’s heritage sites to Oslob’s whale shark watching, Ginatilan’s falls and Aloguinsan’s river cruise—while some areas in the north are overlooked.

He said all of Cebu’s 53 towns and cities boast of nice beaches, verdant hills and falls but many of these are not known to local and foreign tourists.

Tamano said among Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat’s priorities is to promote tourism in northern Cebu, including the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen town and the white sand beach in Malapascua, Daanbantayan, Sta. Fe, San Remigio and Medellin towns.

“We think the product is here already. It’s just that we need more marketing (activities to promote it),” the regional director said at the sidelights of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 meeting Friday, June 21, 2019, in San Juan, Siquijor.

Tamano said that during his visit to the safari on Saturday, June 22, Benito Bengzon Jr., DOT undersecretary for tourism development planning, was impressed by the facility and said he would make sure it got enough promotion.

Promoting tourism in the north, however, would require infrastructure development and improvements in the transportation sector, according to Tamano.

He said there should be more transportation options for tourists from Metro Cebu to northern Cebu towns.

Tamano suggested operating water taxis and constructing more ports in northern Cebu.

“What we need is faster and more efficient intra-Cebu transportation. Like from Lapu-Lapu City to Bantayan Island takes five hours. How do we cut that to two hours?” he said.

Developing sea transportation in the region is among the items in the tourism master plan that the DOT, the National Economic and Development Authority and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority are currently working on.

The master plan, which will cost P50 to P100 million to make, will identify the areas in the region that offer adventure, sports, faith and culture tourism.

It will also tackle maritime infrastructure, power supply needs, communication facilities and carrying capacity of tourist destinations, among others.

“We’ll make sure the designs of the resorts and facilities will blend with the environment so that they don’t become an eyesore,” Tamano said.

The crafting of the 10-year master plan, which will be implemented from 2020 to 2030, was approved during the RDC 7 meeting.

DSWD 7 To award model pantawid pamilya beneficiaries

(S)

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 has picked 12 Pantawid-beneficiary families from Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental to receive its award for serving as role models to other families.

Officials of the DSWD 7 will honor the families during the provincial awarding ceremonies this month of June.

“These families exemplified strong family ties, demonstrated positive Filipino values and they created a positive impact in their respective communities,” said DSWD 7 Director Rebecca P. Geamala.

All the provincial first placers will compete in the regional level search in July 2019.

The Bohol provincial winner is the Batac family in Balilihan town, while the second and third placers are the Busalanan family in Dagohoy and Palingcod family in Batuan, respectively.

In Cebu, the provincial winner is the Elardo family in Badian. The second placer is the Vaflor family in Cordova, while the third placer is the Ejes family in Bantayan.

The Negros Oriental provincial winners are the Bohol family in Mabinay, first place; Villego family in Basay, second place; and Esteral family in Siaton, third place.

Siquijor’s provincial winners include the Taroc family in Maria, first place; Astillero family in San Juan, second place; and Ponce family in Lazi, third place.

Geamala said the stories of the model families are inspirational and worthy of emulation by other Pantawid Pamilya family-beneficiaries.

“Through this Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya search, we can disprove the misconception that the program’s beneficiaries have become too dependent on government aid. The program underscores the value of working together to achieve success,” Geamala said.

She said the model familes were chosen based on the following criteria: strong family ties and harmonious relationship while upholding Filipino values despite the challenges of poverty (25 percent); family practices and promotion of healthy living and environment care (20 percent); family involvement in community activities (20 percent); family as inspiration to others in the community (20 percent); and the family strives to improve living conditions amid the difficult situation (15 percent).

The provincial winners will receive cash prizes and certificates of recognition.

The judges during the provincial search were from partner civil society organizations, national government agencies the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Philippine Information Agency, and provincial governments of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

3 MSMES get tech Assistance

(JOB)

WITH Industry 4.0 affecting trends in the business industry, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 7 is helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) upgrade their technology to remain competitive in the market.

DOST Cebu Director Tristan Abando told SunStar Cebu that they are helping MSMEs scale up their businesses through the agency’s small enterprise technology upgrading program (Setup).

“We are providing technology upgrade assistance to companies to improve their productivity and for our MSMEs to transform from manual production to semi-mechanized and also to those who have existing equipment to upgrade to high capacity ones,” he said.

DOST Cebu entered into a memorandum of agreement with three MSMEs on June 19, 2019, Wednesday.

These are for the upgrading of the lathe machining technology for enhanced metal processing capability of Jevken’s Machine Shop in Minglanilla, Cebu; introduction of mechanical drying and spray painting technologies for process and product quality improvement of Giant Q Exports in Tayud, Liloan, Cebu; and edge banding technology upgrading for improved quality and increased productivity of the production of cabinets and furniture by Vicarte Interior Concepts in Mandaue City.

As of June 2019, DOST Cebu has provided technology upgrading assistance valued at P20 million to seven firms in Cebu.

Abando said they have an annual budget of P60 million for Central Visayas.

The Setup program provides MSMEs with equipment and technical assistance to enable them to increase sales and production, streamline and improve overall operations, upgrade the quality of products and services and conform to national and international standards of excellence.

“We are promoting technology adoption, now that we are in the Industry 4.0 and the status of our manufacturing and processing industries are still way behind,” Abando said.

For micro enterprises to avail themselves of the Setup program, Abando said their business needs to be at least one year in operation, while small and medium enterprises need to be at least three years in business operation.

P10-M compensation released to 1,300 farmers, fishermen

(RTF)

AT LEAST 1,300 farmers and fishermen from 35 local government units (LGUs) in Cebu Province affected by the weather phenomenon El Niño have received P10.91 million worth of indemnity.

The Cebu Provincial Government, through its partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., contributed P4.23 million to the compensation fund.

For its part, the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture program of the Department of Budget and Management gave P4.37 million.

A report presented during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2019 showed that around 458.75 hectares of corn fields, 88 livestock and eight fishing boats were affected by the dry spell.

The report further stated that 490 farmers, 143 stock raisers and eight fishermen have received their indemnities.

As of Thursday, damage to agriculture, fishery and livelihood in 35 LGUs has reached P121,704,303.84.

Some 7,622 farmers and 928 fisherfolks were affected by the dry spell.

Affected areas include the cities of Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Mandaue, Naga and Toledo, and the towns of Alcantara, Alegria, Aloguinsan, Asturias, Badian, Balamban, Bantayan, Carmen, Compostela, Consolacion, Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Moalboal, Pilar, Pinamungajan, Poro, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Remigio, Sta. Fe, Santander, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabuelan, Tuburan and Tudela.

At least 16 of the affected LGUs have placed their areas under a state of calamity, which would allow them to use their calamity funds.

The Capitol had already spent around P32,598,080 of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management’s P59 million quick response fund for this year.

Of the amount, around P10 million was used to purchase food items such as sacks of rice and canned goods. The Capitol spent P17.19 million to buy water containers, hoses and a generator set.

Around P1.2 million was also used to purchase vitamins for livestock and poultry, while another P3.61 million was spent for the rental of water tanks and hauling of rice from the National Food Authority.

Senior HS grads score job offers in June 12 fair

(PR)

SENIOR high school graduates were among those who gained financial freedom when they were hired on the spot during the Kalayaan Jobs Fairs held on June 12, 2019, Philippine Independence Day.

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) 7 said at least six senior high school graduates landed jobs as electricians, production or manufacturing workers or machine operators.

The senior high school system added Grades 11 and 12, the last two years, to the K-12 program where students begin to study subjects that will introduce them to their preferred career path. Graduates become employable and start looking for jobs should they want to join the workforce.

Dole 7 Regional Director Salome O. Siaton said, “Last Labor Day job fair and now after the conduct of the Independence Day Jobs Fairs, we are seeing senior high school graduates getting jobs. This could be a demonstration that indeed they are ready to be employed and that their skills match with what the employers require.”

One of the graduates, Kristine Vil Bendoy, 18, was hired at the job fair conducted in Lapu-Lapu City. Within the week, Bendoy started work as a production operator in one of the industrial production companies in the city.

Bendoy, who graduated last April from the Babag National High School under the Accountancy, Business, and Management K-12 Strand, said she is thankful to Dole and the participating employers at the jobs fair for giving her and the rest of the senior high school graduates the opportunity to be employed.

“I really wanted to work right after graduating from senior high school to help support and provide for the daily needs of my family. I have five siblings and we are being raised alone by my father who is a tricycle driver,” she said.

Siaton said the number of senior high school graduates employed could still increase. So far, her office recorded 446 such graduates about to be hired. There are 297 for local employment and 149 for overseas employment. With these figures, she said she hoped for an increase in the employment rate in the region, as well.

The Dole 7 will monitor those employed and those processing their requirements after they were tagged as for hiring by companies in the jobs fair.

Sea and Terrestrial Environment Protectors PH holds Raising Ocean Heroes Camp in Cebu

By Immae Lachica (/bmjo)

Cebu City, Philippines—Everyone wants to become a hero.

The Sea and Terrestrial Environment Protectors (STEP) Philippines is giving the youth a chance to be one.

Just last weekend, 25 young participants from around Cebu took on the challenge to become heroes themselves when STEP organized the Raising Ocean Heroes Camp, a two-day camp at the Mactan Newtown Beach in Lapu-Lapu City.

The camp was held last June 15-16, 2019.

The camp was centered on not just raising awareness about the environment but also empowering and inspiring future leaders and changemakers to do something different for the environment through group activities, lectures, and games.

STEP, a member organization of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN), was officially established in May 2018.

Kisha Rodriguez Muaña, 23, the founder of STEP, told CDN Digital that this was the first Raising Oceans Heroes camp in Cebu.

“Our primary focus is for youth empowerment, development, and mobilization,” said Muaña.

This youth-led nonprofit organization is composed of young leaders. advocates, divers, volunteers, researchers, aspiring environmentalist, and conservationists.

As of now, the Cebu-based organization has 50 active members who organize seminars, trainings, forums, press conferences, and other activities.

During the recent camp, participants were from all over Cebu, such as Mandaue City, Camotes (Pilar, Tudela, and Poro), Bantayan, Lapu-Lapu, Sogod, Oslob, Boljoon, Minglanilla, Talisay, Cordova, and Olango.

Muaña is encouraging more to take part in their mission, especially since registration is for free.

“The only requirement is passion, dedication, and commitment to help serve and save the environment. They can visit our page, STEP PHILIPPINES or message us and we will send the registration link to them,” she shared.

Muaña, meanwhile, thanked their partners who helped them with the camp like Mactan Newtown Beach, Cebu Eco-Fix, Save Philippine Seas, Cebuanos Against Wildlife Captivity, Allson’s Inn, and USGAA Cebu.

Cebu-based shipbuilder plans $20 M expansion

By Louella Desiderio (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — Shipbuilder Austal Philippines is spending $20 million to expand its facility in Cebu which would allow the firm to build more ships and other large vessels.

Austal marketing manager Paul Sparke said on the sidelines of the 6th Philippines Marine event yesterday the $20 million expansion would allow the firm to construct larger ships and make the Cebu facility the second biggest in the shipbuilder’s network, next to the US.

“We would be able to construct vessels up to 120 meters long,” he said.

Austal decided to expand the facility in Cebu due to demand for commercial ships based on orders being placed with the company.

“We have demand globally to build high-quality, cost-effective ships and the Philippines has shown they can build for high Austal standards cost effectively,” Sparke said.

Construction works for the expansion of the Cebu facility which started last year are expected to be completed by next month.

Austal’s expansion is timely as it is vying to build vessels for the Philippine Navy which invited companies to provide bids earlier this year.

The company has expressed interest to build six offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Philippine Navy as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.

“Now, with a license to construct naval vessels recently issued, the shipyard is ready to deliver major naval projects such as the OPV for the Philippine Navy,” Austal Philippines president Wayne Murray said.

Sparke said it would take about 18 months to two years to build the first ship, while the rest could be completed in a shorter period of time.

He said the Cebu shipyard gives Austal an advantage over other firms looking to provide vessels for the Philippine Navy such as German shipyard Lurssen and Dutch company Damen, which would be constructing most of the vessels overseas.

“It is better for the Philippines and the Philippine Navy to be getting your ships here, servicing them here. Another point to make is we will be able to service in the Philippines. We don’t need to send them off to other countries to be able to service,” he said.

Should Austal win the contract to supply to the Philippine Navy, he said the company would increase its workforce to more than 1,000 from around 900 at present.

Prior to the expansion, Austal’s facility in Cebu employed around 500 to 600 workers.

To date, Austal Philippines has delivered 17 ships, with 15 exported to the United Kingdom, French Polynesia, United Arab Emirates, Germany, South Korea, Spain and Norway.

Locally, Austal Philippines has constructed two 30-meter catamarans for the 2GO Group Inc.

Austal started its operations in Cebu in February 2012.

Aside from the Philippines and the US, Austal has shipyard facilities in Australia and Vietnam, as well as service centers in Australia, Singapore and the Middle East.

Capitol opens disaster-resilient warehouse for relief supplies

(RTF)

FOOD items, supplies and equipment for calamities owned by the Provincial Government will now be stored in a more disaster-resilient facility in Cebu City.

On Friday, June 14, 2019, Capitol officials led by vice governor-elect and outgoing Gov. Hilario Davide III inaugurated the P37.8-million Cebu Provincial Central Warehouse.

Located inside the old Department of Agriculture compound in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, the 2,564-square-meter facility is considered the biggest warehouse owned by a local government unit in Cebu.

It is approximately the size of 10 basketball courts.

In a June 14 report published on the Provincial Government’s website, Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) Head Jone Siegfred Sepe said the facility has two chambers.

It has a small two-story office at the center, a 513-square-meter storage area on the left side and a 2,049-square-meter storage area on the right wing.

The central warehouse will be used for the prepositioning of stocks and food items in preparation for calamities and disasters.

It will also serve as storage for Capitol’s supplies and equipment.

“It is designed to endure high-intensity earthquake and high-level typhoon. So, this will be the last building standing after a disaster,” Sepe said.

All Capitol relief goods and items are currently kept in the stockrooms of the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City, the Hope Center in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City and the Capitol PGSO warehouse.

With the inauguration of the new facility, Sepe said items and goods stored in these stockrooms will be transferred to the new warehouse.

The contractor of the project, Zumyrphil Construction Inc., had 180 calendar days to build the warehouse.

DOST 7 awards inventors, innovators

(JOB)

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Arlan Vincent German, a Grade 11 student of the Science and Technology Education Center in Lapu-Lapu City, does programming as a hobby.

This led him to win the Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research for high school.

German, the lone researcher for his brainchild “Project MeTus (Medical Tumor Scanner): Mask CT-CNN as AI-Powered Low-Cost Pre-Diagnostic Virtual Assist Machine Module for Skin Cancer Screening Technology” will represent Central Visayas in the National Invention Contest.

“It is an initiative and basically my life advocacy because people with personal relationships with me died of the disease. And according to a recent study, statistics from the World Health Organization in 2018, cancer ranks second in the world’s deadliest disease so it’s a prevailing problem not just in our country but also in the world,” he told SunStar Cebu.

German created an algorithm that will allow medical devices to detect cancer cells at its most vulnerable state.

“To address this problem, why not use modern advancement in technology to actually detect the disease at its weakest state. Early detection is a potential solution to cancer,” he said.

“Being an algorithm, the deep learning model could be integrated within the X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging machines as a virtual-assist module. It can help cancer screening facilities and hospitals of the country to detect and pre-diagnose the disease at great accuracy. Hence, saving more lives in the process by promoting early detection and cheapening it,” the award-winning research stated.

German was one of the champions hailed during the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (Rice) initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (Dost) 7.

Other winners

For 2019, Dost 7 received 90 entries for five out of the six categories of the contest, which were later trimmed to 82 regional finalists.

Award-winning sustainable manufacturers Pedro and Cathy Delantar, founders of Nature’s Legacy Eximport Inc., emerged as winners in two categories as Outstanding Utility Model for their colored simulated stonecast and earthenware product and under the Industrial Design for their creation, armchair.

A research entitled “The development of Ecobangku from Upcycled Plastic Sheets” by researchers Angeline Baldapan and Jefferson Elegio from Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran City bagged the Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research for high school.

The Sibol Award for Student Creative Research for college was given to researchers Samantha Reyes, Cristina Malicay, Agnes Sabijon from the Velez College for their research entitled “Eco-based Fiberglass from Alternative Materials: Implications to Solid Waste Management in Cebu City.”

Rice is a nationwide biennial activity conducted in different regions to highlight the creative innovations of inventors, researchers and students in the country.

P638-M Cebu underpass project opens to traffic

By John Rey Saavedra (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 (Central Visayas) on Saturday morning opened the PHP638-million Mambaling, Cebu underpass project to traffic with a simple prayer and blessing ceremony.

DPWH-7 Director Edgard Tabacon said the structure was opened to traffic at exactly 10 a.m., aiming to ease the traffic flow along the N. Bacalso Ave. - F. Llamas St. junction, in time for the opening of classes.

The underpass project, which began in 2017, became controversial when parents ranted on social media about the terrible traffic that had affected their children’s travel time to school.

However, the DPWH-7 and the Cebu City Traffic Office (CTTO) maintained that the project is the solution to the traffic congestion in the area, which has two supermarkets, a fast food restaurant, and other business establishments, as well as the city’s oldest main thoroughfare before the Cebu South Coastal Road.

Joselito Sayson, chief of the DPWH-7 construction division, said they opted to have the structure opened through a simple blessing by a priest while waiting for word from their central office for the formal inauguration.

“The decision to open it to traffic was reached by stakeholders. We intend to ease traffic along that junction,” Sayson told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview.

He said a team from DPWH-7 will inspect the structure on Monday, after which the contractor will set its formal turnover to the DPWH.

On Saturday morning, CCTO chief Francisco Ouano conducted a run-through inspection before it was actually opened to motorists.

The CCTO and the DPWH-7 have installed traffic lights in the underpass.

On June 11, officials of DPWH-7 and CCTO, along with representatives of the underpass contractor, WT Construction, held a meeting for the final preparations before its opening.

Ouano suggested that passenger buses and mini-buses should not be allowed to use the underpass. These vehicles would continue to ply the Cebu South Coastal Road - South Road Properties route in ferrying passengers to and from southern Cebu to the south bus terminal.

The ban could be temporary, depending on the decision of incoming Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, he said. The underpass was temporarily opened to traffic during the mid-term elections last May 13.

Dino eyes monorail system for Metro Cebu

By John Rey Saavedra (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- The top presidential aide for the Visayas on Thursday said he welcomes the proposal of a Davao-based firm to construct a monorail system, instead of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, for Metro Cebu.

Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, chief of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), said that monorail “is the right track in solving the traffic gridlock that we have been suffering for years now.”

“Monorail is faster to build, consumes less footprint and it has the carrying capacity for Cebu’s needs,” Dino said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Last Tuesday, Udenna Infrastructure Corp. announced that it is considering a monorail system for Metro Cebu.

Manuel Jamonir, assistant vice president for operations and business development manager of Udenna Infrastructure, was quoted in a newspaper report as saying that using the monorail technology, the project cost will be brought down to about PHP80 billion, half of the estimated cost of an LRT system.

The firm and its foreign partner were granted original proponent status (OPS) for its proposed Cebu Rail Project under an unsolicited proposal submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) last year.

Under the OPS, the national government gives Udenna the right to match any competing offer in a Swiss challenge when the procurement process starts that entails inviting other companies to bid for the same project as mandated under the Build-Operate-Transfer Law (Republic Act 7718).

According to Dino, Cebu has been clamoring for a modern mass transport system for almost 30 years now.

The presidential assistant for the Visayas expressed his confidence that Cebu will “finally have our mass transit system,” with Udenna’s dedication to spearhead the rail technology here.

Dino said he is positive that Udenna and its foreign partners’ OPS on the project will soon be endorsed to the NEDA ICC for technical review.

“My goal is not just to reduce the burden of Cebuano commuters but to solve the horrendous traffic that we are experiencing today,” he said.

“I am glad that the private sector is bullish in investing in a massive infrastructure project that aims to solve Metro Cebu's traffic problem,” he noted.

DepEd Cebu launches integrated, gender-sensitive curriculum

By Rosalie Abatayo (/bmjo)

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) in Cebu Province has launched a wholistic and gender-sensitive approach for learners.

Dubbed the Integrated Curriculum for Cebuano Learners to Engage for Better Understanding or iC-Cebu, the new learning approach looks at a more participative way in teaching basic education learners.

The iC-Cebu will make use of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in teaching.

During its launching on Thursday, May 30, 2019, Cebu Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud said they will be training master teachers in the province to implement the iC-Cebu in teaching subject areas in basic education.

“In teaching the subject areas [through multidisciplinary approach], there is a theme and the discussions will revolve on a theme; then [for the interdisciplinary], there are skills that will be taught that can be applied in all the subject areas so that learning will be facilitated,” Angtud said.

The transdisciplinary approach in iC-Cebu will focus on a project-based learning approach, where students will be given more explorative and participative opportunities.

Being gender-sensitive, Angtud said iC-Cebu also looks at giving equal opportunities for male and female students in all learning areas as well as erasing stereotypes among students.

“Tanan opportunities, ma-babayi o ma-lalaki, matagaan. Wagtangon pod nato ang hunahuna nga Math gani lalaki ra ang maayo ana unya English, babayi ra ang maayo,” Angtud added. /bmjo

(All will be given opportunities, weather to a girl or to a boy. We want to remove the impression like boys are good in math and girls are good in english.)

MCIAA to finish improvement by June 6

(EOB)

THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) expects work to improve the taxiway to be completed next week.

For an hour and a half before dawn, the MCIAA has been closing the runway since March 25, 2019 for the taxiway rehabilitation. No international flights are affected.

MCIAA assistant general manager Glenn Napuli said they want to finish the work by June 6, and general manager Steve Dicdican is personally overseeing progress.

He said that while they want to speed up the project, they also do not want to compromise quality. Dicdican meets the contractors before the start of work every evening and again in an assessment meeting in the morning.

“We have to close the airport from 1 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. because of this P340-million project. But no international flights are affected because the closure is by segment,” Napuli said.

Duros Construction is doing overlaying work on Segment 1. Succour Construction is overlaying Segment 2. Evercon Construction is working on the lighting of both sides and the middle portion of the taxiway.

“If the overlaying is on Segment 1, then Segments 2 and 3 are open,” said MCIAA public affairs manager Mary Ann Dimabayao.

The lighting of the taxiway is to guide the aircraft during night time and rainy days when visibility is an issue.

They use LED lights to reduce power consumption and make it an environment-friendly airport.

Cebu gov't, private entities mark start of National Flag Days

By John Rey Saavedra (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- Government offices and private establishments in Cebu started Tuesday the 15-day National Flag Days with the simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag and singing of the national anthem.

At the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, military officers and enlisted men, led by their chief of the unified command staff, Col. Vincent Iringan, honored the flag with an early morning military ceremony in front of the Lapu-Lapu monument in Camp Lapu-Lapu here.

Lt. Gen. Noel S. Clement, Centcom commander, in his message read by Iringan, reminded the importance of displaying the flag from May 28 up to Independence Day on June 12.

This year’s celebration is dubbed as “Stop and Salute,” a message sent by Centcom information officer, Maj. Abel Potutan said.

“Ipagdiriwang natin ang national flag day sa pagtataas ng ating watawat, at ang permanenteng paglalantad ng pambansang simbolo na ito simula sa Mayo 28 hanggang sa Hunyo 12 sa lahat ng tanggapan at ahensiya nga gobyerno (Let us celebrate the National Flag Days by raising our flag and permanently displaying it as our nation’s symbol, starting May 28 until June 12 in all offices and agencies of government),” Clement said in a message.

“Let us salute and honor our flag as a sign of patriotism and love of our country,” he added.

The members of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), headed by acting chief Lt. Col. Lorenzo Batuan, have joined city officials and employees in the flag-raising ceremony in Plaza Sugbu, in front of the Cebu City Hall.

City Councilor Margot Osmeña, wife of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, led the officials, employees in the ceremony.

“As I said earlier, hinaot lang unta makahibalo ta nga kining heritage (area) sa atong siyudad, di na kinahanglan mangita ta og mga site for heritage ug culture kay dire lang sa (I wish that the people would know that we have heritage area in the city that we don’t need to look for another site for heritage and culture as they can be found in Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro, and Malacañang sa Sugbu, these are all heritage area,” Osmeña said in a radio interview.

Also on Tuesday, the city government opened its first Cebu City Heritage Week, showcasing Cebuano culture and heritage which can be found at this city’s downtown district.

The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) of the city government here has prepared a line-up of activities from May 28 to May 31, which includes native games, stories of myths and fables, tartanilla rides, museum visits and heritage talks, said its officer, Bryner Diaz.

Under City Ordinance 2327 declared the last Friday of May as “Gabii sa Kabilin” or Night of Heritage. Ordinance 2474 amended the said ordinance and declared the last week of May as Cebu City Heritage Week.

As private establishments here openly displayed the Philippine flag in various sizes, the Oakridge Business Park in Mandaue had a unique celebration of the opening of the National Flag Days.

Edmun Liu, chief executive officer of Oakride Realty Development Corp. was quoted in a radio report as saying that more than 300 employees, partners, and tenants of Oakridge gathered at the park yard to wave national flags, to mark the observance of the 15-day period of honoring the country's heraldic symbol.

Capt. Joselito Marquez, chief of the CCPO’s Tourist Police, said their office has prepared a deployment plan to secure local and foreign tourists who are visiting the heritage area in this city’s downtown district.

Biggest tapioca dessert served in first Cebu Mangoes Festival

By Immae Lachica (/celr)

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Cebu has outdone itself one more time as it showcased the making of the “biggest mango sago (tapioca) dessert in the world” on Sunday, May 26, at the Mactan Newtown.

The country’s biggest serving of mango sago was unveiled during the first Cebu Mangoes Festival.

It was made by Chef Richard Hao along with culinary students of the University of San Jose Recoletos.

Chef Hao said almost 300 kilos of mangoes, 50 liters of milk with sugar and 30 kilos of sago to make the mango sago.

The mango sago mixture has a combined weight of 200 kilos.

It took Chef Hao and the students five hours to finish making the mango sago, which was shared to everyone who participated in the festival.

Noli D. Hernandez, president of Megaworld Cebu Inc., said that all the mangoes used during the event, especially the ones used in making the mango sago, were freshly picked from the mango trees in Mactan Newtown.

Hernandez said mango sago was a hit to the festival participants and showcases one of the best products that Cebu can offer.

Cebu’s heritage churches

By MICHELLE P. SO (MPS WITH SCG)

FIVE heritage churches in southern Cebu have been introduced to cultural heritage practitioners from around the country as examples of church cultural preservation.

These are the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Carcar City, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Sibonga, San Guillermo Parish in Dalaguete, Patrocinio de Maria Parish in Boljoon and the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel in Argao.

A one-day tour of these centuries-old churches, all located in the southeastern towns of Cebu, was made part of the 11th Biennial National Convention of Church Cultural Heritage Practitioners held in Cebu City on May 6-9, 2019.

About 150-200 members of the clergy and the laity, tourism officers, architects, engineers and other cultural heritage practitioners from different dioceses in the country joined the convention held at Cebu Parklane International Hotel.

Discussions focused on the use of technology to preserve heritage churches and on the right people to handle the preservation or rehabilitation work.

Repairs

The thick foundations and walls of heritage churches have helped preserved them. Roofs, floorings, doors and altars have been replaced and extensions have been built over the years.

This is why their current architecture style can best be described as hybrid, not pure baroque or pure neo-classical.

The earthquake in October 2013 damaged parts of the heritage churches. The damaged parts have since been fixed.

Preservation handling

Established architects and heritage conservationists Omar Maxwell Espina and Melva Java, speakers at the convention, pointed out the importance of documentation in repairs and hiring the right people to do the repair work.

Espina, speaking during the tour at the Carcar church, said it’s good to take pictures of the church because the “before” photos can guide the restorer on how to fix the damaged part by knowing how the original looked.

Java, speaking at Parklane Hotel, said the contractor and his crew that have been commissioned to repair heritage churches should be trained on conservation and even appreciation of cultural heritage.

Common to almost all the five heritage churches mentioned are the presence of wooden choir lofts, side pulpits, ceiling murals, high ceilings and pipe organs.

New technology

On the use of modern technology in restoration of heritage churches, the use of 3D laser scanning and digital heritage recording was presented by Manila-based Digiscript Philippines Inc.

3D laser scanning for heritage conservation is accurate and objective. It provides a large volume of measuremement data, Conrad Alampay of Digiscript said during the Sibonga church tour.

The technology is expensive, but it makes work faster and easier, Alampay said.

During the May 8 tour, the five heritage churches received quick response (QR) markers from Smart Communications and InnoPub.

Using its mobile app, the QR code allows the user instant information about the church such as its history and some trivia of it.

Swim, dive, party in Moalboal

By Immae Lachica (/celr)

CEBU CITY, Philippines — It’s the weekend and you’re yearning to go out of the house for a well-deserved break.

The first thing that comes to mind when you leave in often-sunny Cebu?

The beach!

And when it comes to beach fun, one destination comes to mind — Moalboal!

The town of Moalboal, located 89 kilometers from Cebu City or a three-hour drive from the city center, is home and haven for divers, adventure seekers and beachgoers.

From good food that will put you in good mood to the best water activities consisting of free diving, scuba diving, and snorkelling… Moalboal never runs out of fun and exciting things to do for the ones who just want a simple and laidback lifestyle in the company of the sand, sea and sun.

In fact, Jackson Grooves, an Australian travel blogger, fell involve with Moalboal that he decided to live in the southern Cebu town and has since called Moalboal his home for two years now.

Grooves, who maintains www.journeyera.com, even wrote a full entry in his blog entitled “The Digital Nomad Guide to Moalboal, Cebu in the Philippines.”

In this entry, he wrote about the basics on what a digital nomad needs to know when in Moalboal; from accommodation and transport to Wi-Fi connection and night life.

In an interview with CDN Digital, Grooves says he chose Moalboal because he wanted a place where “there’s good adventure and beach nearby so he can have good lifestyle and good life quality.”

Grooves said he can just visit waterfalls and climb peaks by motorbikes, which is an added thrill and excitement to island life.

Of course, as a digital nomad, internet connection is a requirement which Moalboal provides.

“I wanted access to an international airport but I didn’t wanna live in a city because it is too crazy for me. Moalboal has a LTE connection and some places with Wi-Fi. I wanted somewhere where there’s good adventure and beach nearby so I can have good lifestyle and life quality,” says Grooves.

If a foreigner like Grooves has called Moalboal home, then there’s no reason why you should not visit the town even for just a day.

So what can you REALLY do in Moalboal? Here are some suggestions:

Island hopping

Pescador and Turtle islands are the two most famous islands in Moalboal because of their rich marine biodiversity that enthrals even the most experienced divers. Do not forget to bring your gears or at rent some equipment. It’s a mortal sin to miss the chance to see the beautiful world down there.

Good food

Food shacks and restaurants are everywhere in Moalboal! Fruit bowls and fruit shakes; grilled meat and seafood; hearty soup and refreshing ships… there is no shortage of good food and drinks in Moalboal. Just find your spot and eat and drink to your heart’s content.

Night life

Moalboal is also a place to enjoy the night life with good music and positive vibes best celebrated with cold bottles of beer. Dance to reggae music and enjoy the night away from the crazy, busy streets of the city. Check out the party places on Panagsama Beach and you’ll be glad you took the break!

White sand beach

You will be committing a big mistake if you don’t swim when you’re in town! Basdaku is the perfect destination for those who would just want to bask under the heat of the sun and listen to the crashing sound of the waves. This beach area is also the venue for sporting activities like beach volleyball, beach soccer and frisbee so do check out social media posts for any before heading to Moalboal.

Diving spots

We’re not done yet with the beauty of Moalboal because it’s diving spots are truly worth the visit. The sardine run is the most talked about sign among divers who visit Moalboal. It can be witnessed all year round so it’s a definite must-do when you visit Cebu. Of course, Cebu was not dubbed as the center of the center of marine biodiversity without its rich underwater world so go ahead and take the plunge.

Truly, Moalboal is the one-stop town for all your de-stressing needs so on the next weeked, pack your day bag and head down to the Cebu South Bus Terminal and hop on that bus that will take you to the not-so-hidden paradise called Moalboal.

‘Cebu Mangoes Festival’ – a celebration of Cebu’s pride

(THE MANILA TIMES)

If there’s one thing that will forever endear anyone who has visited Cebu — besides the warm, genuine smiles of the Cebuanos, of course — it’s got to be the abundance of sweet, juicy mangoes.

A hands-down worldwide favorite, mangoes have easily become a proud trademark of Cebu, long before the recent mango craze caught on in various parts of the country.

Such has been the inspiration behind the upcoming “Cebu Mangoes Festival,” a two-day festivity that celebrates the legacy and the success of mangoes as the top produce of the Queen City of the South.

The event takes place at The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City on May 25 and 26, be spearheaded by Megaworld Corporation, in partnership with the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office.

“We are very happy to get this cele­bration underway here in Lapu-Lapu City as we pay tribute to the mangoes of Cebu that the world has come to love. The Mactan Newtown is a very special township that plays host to more than 200 mango trees lined up along the main avenue, and it is the vision of our chairman, Dr. Andrew Tan, to showcase this vibrant aspect of the Cebu lifestyle,” shared Noli Hernandez, president of Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc.

Tourists and visitors will literally have their hands full of everything and anything mangoes the moment the festival begins.

Guests are invited to take part as the celebration kicks off with the Mango Street Dancing led by the Kadaugan Dancers on May 25, followed by the official start of the all-day mango picking activity along Newtown Boulevard inside The Mactan Newtown.

There’s also the Mango Bazaar featuring the so-called “mangopreneurs” of Cebu that will showcase a wide variety of mango-related products. Those who will take part in the festival can also look forward to enjoying a dining feast at the 500-seater Mactan Alfresco.

Moreover, the festival will host the unveiling of the world’s biggest mango sago — poised a historic first in the island

Both days will be capped off by the “MANGAmazing Concert,” which will feature live performances from Cebu’s most sought-after talent as well as a grand fireworks display.

“The Cebu Mangoes Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration here at the Historic Resort City of Lapu-Lapu and this side of Cebu. Although the economic progress of the city has gone up by leaps and bounds, agriculture products like mangoes still thrive, and that proves how rich and diverse Cebu’s economic sector really is,” Hembler Mendoza, Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Head, noted.

The 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown of Megaworld is the country’s first “Live-Work-Play-Learn” lifestyle township with its own beachfront located in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu. It is currently home to almost 10,000 BPO and office workers, as well as to Megaworld’s first school in Visayas and Mindanao, the Lasallian-supervised Newtown School of Excellence.

Trade fair, other activities to cap Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration

By Irene R. Sino Cruz (/dcb)

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Visayas ends the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration by holding a trade fair and exhibit, along with other activities.

Cherry Dela Victoria, DA-7 information officer, said the trade fair dubbed as “Tabo sa DA and TienDa” will be held on May 29-31, 2019 at the regional office in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City.

The event will enable farmers and fisherfolks to promote locally produced agricultural products and sell these direct to the consumers without going through middlemen.

It also serves as recognition to their contribution to the economy, according to DA-7 post on its Facebook page.

Around 20 farmer associations in Central Visayas have confirmed participation in the event. These include the Rice Processing Center (RBC) in Pilar, Bohol and the Carmen Samahangnayon Multipurpose Cooperative in Carmen, Bohol.

Also, several farmers’ groups from the upland areas in Cebu City and Dalaguete, Cebu will display their vegetable produce while the Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) in Sogod, Cebu will be selling fruits, fresh milk, and organic products.

Aside from the trade fair and exhibit, DA also scheduled other activities such as technical advice from agriculture experts and a seminar on urban agriculture and mushroom production.

Farmers who encounter problems in their farm such as pest and diseases of their crops and farm animals could seek advice from agriculture experts. On May 29, DA-7 will be holding a free seminar on Urban Agriculture ug Mushroom Production.

Those who are interested can call (032) 8888-022 for pre-registration since they could only accommodate 50 participants. The next day, the Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office and the Mandaue Veterinary Office will provide spay and neuter services, vaccination and deworming.

Meanwhile, DA-7 has two national winners for the following categories – the Communal Irrigation System (CIS) won by Bayawan United Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and the Small Water Impounding System Association in San Roque Irrigators Association in Talibon, Bohol.

The awarding will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Cebu BPO sector records 19% hiring growth in Jan-May

(Business World)

THE BUSINESS process outsourcing (BPO) industry in Cebu registered a 19% hiring growth from January to May this year, according to Cebu jobs site mynimo.com.

The BPO sector, one of Cebu’s major employment generators, is among the top industries that posted significant hiring.

Other main job generators were maritime, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, medical, media and administration.

Mynimo President Wesley Chiongbian said most of the companies that are hiring are located in Cebu City, the provincial capital and where most regional headquarters of big companies are located.

It is followed by Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City, and Consolacion. For the entire Cebu province, hiring growth was at 16% during the five-month period.

In an earlier interview, Cebu IT BPM Organization (CIB.O) Managing Director Wilfredo Sa-a Jr. said automation and artificial intelligence (AI) had tempered the employment growth in Cebu’s BPO sector.

“The direction of the industry now is towards the non-voice sector,” Mr. Sa-a said.

As of end 2018, the Cebu BPO sector posted an employment of around 160,000. Mr. Sa-as said the industry is eyeing to grow to as much as 200,000 workers this year, but that could be lower with developments in AI and automation.

DepEd, RAFI to pilot ICT track for senior high in Cebu

By Irene R. Sino Cruz (/dcb)

CEBU CITY, Philippines -A group of incoming senior high students will be the first to join a pilot program offering information communication technology (ICT) track in the municipality of Liloan, Cebu.

Regional Director Juliet Jeruta of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Central Visayas said they will be starting the new ICT track in the school year 2019-2020 at the Don Bosco campus in Liloan, in partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

DepEd-7 entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) extending its Adopt-A-School program with Don Bosco Liloan in September last year.

This MOA also included a partnership with RAFI for the construction of a school building within the Don Bosco Liloan campus for the additional Senior High School ICT track. The school offers two tracks – the General Academic Strand (GAS) and the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strand.

According to Jeruta, the new school building will have 12 classrooms. The new ICT track will be open to Grade 10 students from Liloan town. Those who would like to enroll in the track would have to undergo screening since the school could only accommodate 80 students.

She disclosed that the new school building funded by RAFI would have state-of-the-art facility. The total project cost is P100 million, but the initial funding was estimated at P20 million, Jeruta told CDN Digital. DepEd would evaluate the quality of graduates produced by the school in 2021, she said.

“Our future aspiration is to bring the same track to other areas in the region,” Jeruta said.

She explained that they decided to initiate the pilot project in response to the clamor of the ICT industry for improvement in the senior high graduates’ ICT skill so they could match the skills required by the call center and business process outsourcing companies.

In a forum organized by RAFI and attended by ICT industry stakeholders, Jeruta said, they learned that the basic ICT track taught in senior high schools did not meet the industry requirement.

Meanwhile, DepED has been in collaboration and coordination with BPO companies in Cebu, through the work immersion program as part of the senior high track. Some senior high students have started earning during the work immersion phase.

Jeruta disclosed that some students of the Mabolo National High School received P12,500 in allowance from Qualfon.

She also noted that in the recent job fair held in Cebu City, 40 percent of the senior high school graduates applying for jobs have been hired on the spot.

Cebu power firm upgrades substation to meet growing demand

By John Rey Saavedra (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- The second largest electric utility in the country serving eight cities and municipalities in Metro Cebu has upgraded its northern town substation to meet the growing demand for electricity in the northern part of its franchise area.

In a statement, Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (VECO) Reputation Enhancement Department manager, Quennie Sanchez-Bronce, said its Consolacion substation that was inaugurated last May 10, is expected to meet the demand for electricity brought about by growing residential developments and the vigorous economy in the northern corridors of the metro.

The Consolacion substation was built in 1995 with an original 33 mega-volts ampere (MVA) capacity.

Assistant vice president for engineering operations of VECO, engineer Noel Modesto, said the largest utility firm in the Visayas sees “the need to improve, rehabilitate and upgrade the substation to a capacity of 66 MVA to improve reliability and flexibility to better serve its customers in the municipalities of Consolacion and Lilo-an.”

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, in her speech during the inauguration, thanked VECO for keeping up with the demands of the municipality’s growing economy.

“We in Consolacion consider VECO as a partner in growth and development and we are very thankful that VECO readily answers the call of the times,” Alegado said.

“In fact, VECO is several steps ahead. Seeing that Consolacion is growing rapidly, you are also preparing your facilities to meet the demands,” she said, noting that the townsfolk “look forward to working with you more and we assure you that we will always be hand in hand in the development of Consolacion.”

A substation is a set of equipment, which transforms voltage from high to low so it would become suitable for supply to the consumers, the statement read, adding that VECO has 19 substations.

The company started the rehabilitation works at the Consolacion substation in October 2017 and upgraded its capacity in August 2018.

The upgrading of the Consolacion substation is also in preparation for the upcoming rehabilitation of the nearby Paknaan (Mandaue) substation, in June with commissioning targeted by 2020.

Rehabilitation and upgrading works for the Calamba substation in this city into 66 MVA is ongoing and is expected to be completed this year.

VECO, owned and managed by the publicly-listed Aboitiz Power Corp. and Vivant Corp., serves the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, and Naga, and four municipalities of the greater part of Metro Cebu --Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanilla, and San Fernando.

Royal Air Philippines launches Cebu hub, boosts Central Visayas operations

By Jessica Fenol (ABS-CBN News)

MANILA - One of the country's youngest carrier Royal Air Philippines on Friday launched its Cebu hub along with 5 new routes to and from Central Visayas.

Starting May 20, passengers can book flights from Cebu to Manila, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Caticlan, and Cagayan De Oro and vice versa with tickets ranging from P1,000 to P6,000.

Royal Air, which started as a chartered carrier in 2002, forayed into commercial operations in December 2018 and is currently offering flights to Caticlan and Puerto Princesa from Clark.

It currently has 3 97-seater British Aerospace (BAe) AVRO 146 RJ-100 with at least 3 subleased Airbus A319 arriving in the next few months, CEO Ed Novillas said.

"Royal Air is serious in expanding our market reach across the Southern region," he said.

Novillas said the expansion would double its manpower to 140 from the current 77 by the end of July.

Royal Air also positioned itself as a boutique airline by selling "the best experience" with reasonable prices.

A quick search on their website showed one-way tickets to Caticlan from Clark for the month of July at just P1,500.

Passengers get 10 kilograms free check-in allowance on top of the 7kg hand carry items. It won't be selling "cup noodles" and cheap items on board, said Novillas.

"The challenge is we have to let people know who we are. We are not a legacy airline. We are also not a low cost carrier," he said.

It partnered with Singapore-based firm Sapphire for inflight entertainment platform containing premium contents such as movies, music and games for free.

The airline is owned by former travel agents who are expert in chartering Chinese tourists in the region, Novillas said, declining to disclose more information. Its chartered flights currently sustains the business, he said.

"We know in the commercial operations it takes a while to be noticed by people. In the airline business its hard to make money in a year. So we're banking in the charters in the evening or red-eye flights to fuel the operations," Novillas said.

The company currently charters Chinese tourists for the Lallo, Cagayan-Macau, Kalibo-Macau and Taipei-Kalibo routes, among others, Novillas said.

Royal Air is planning to operate flights to San Vincente, Palawan potentially by the end of the year, Novillas said. It currently operates daily Clark-Caticlan and Clark-Puerto Princesa flights.

Celebrating Cebu’s mangoes

(JOB)

TO ATTRACT both local and foreign tourists to celebrate the famous mangoes of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City will be holding the first Cebu Mangoes Festival on May 25 and 26.

“We will showcase it with other favorites like sikwate, puto and budbod,” said Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Officer Hembler Mendoza.

Mendoza said the festival is also strategic because of the location’s proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which is a 10-minute drive from the venue.

The festival will be held at the Mactan Newtown, where 10,000 kilos of mangoes are expected to be harvested for the event from 248 mango trees inside the 30-hectare township.

Noli Hernandez, president of Megaworld Cebu Properties Inc., said the planting of mango trees was included and a priority in their masterplan.

“The Mactan Newtown is a very special township that plays host to more than 200 mango trees lined up along the main avenue, and it is the vision of our chairman, Dr. Andrew Tan, to showcase this vibrant aspect of Cebu. That is the reason why we find it fitting to celebrate Cebu mangoes here,” he said.

The trees will also be preserved as part of the township’s identity and celebration of the community’s own product that symbolizes the diversity of Cebu’s booming economy, he said.

Hernandez said mangoes will be sold at P80 to P100 per kilo.

Tefel Pesigan-Valentino, vice president and head of marketing of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, said the festival will also highlight another side of Lapu-Lapu City, aside from its booming commercial and industrial industries.

“Different entrepreneurs will be selling mangoes, which also includes different varieties. And also products that have mangoes. Not only edible ones but also those that you can put on your skin, and others,” she said.

This will be showcased at the Mango Bazaar where a variety of mango-related products will be displayed.

DTI-Cebu launches Kapatid Mentor ME Batch 6

By Irene R. Sino Cruz (/dcb)

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Another group of budding entrepreneurs in Cebu will undergo a series of training under the “Kapatid Mentor Micro-Enterprise” (KMME) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DTI Cebu provincial office launched on Thursday the sixth batch for KMME, which has 25 mentees. The mentees have to commit that they will participate in 10 weekly training sessions on different modules.

The KMME aims to produce confident entrepreneurs with the right mindset and basic management skills which will enable them to sustain and scale up their enterprises.

The program has two major objectives. First, it aims to help micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) develop a good business sense by capacitating them through the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Second, it provides assistance to the MSMEs in scaling up and sustaining their operations by equipping them with the needed skill sets in the course of theoretical and conceptual discussions and lectures as well as mentoring and coaching sessions.

The training started Thursday with two modules.

Module 1 focused on entrepreneurial mind-setting and values deepening discussed by GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc. chief operating officer Leonora Salvane and Kevio Skinceuticals chief executive officer Mark Philip Geniston.

Module 2 on marketing was tackled by Eduardo Roberto, co-founder of Salt and Light Ventures Inc.

The other modules are Product Development and Innovation/market growth and expansion; business model canvas; operations management; supply and value chain; human resource and organization management; entrepreneurial accounting and financial management; taxation/ business laws; tapping government programs and services to grow your business and business improvement plan presentation.

The KMME program is organized by DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-GoNegosyo and taps top caliber, highly respected entrepreneurship mentors/coaches certified by PCE-Go Negosyo.

PADS eyes Sports and Social Center in Cebu

By Immae Lachica (/END)

Cebu City, Philippines—A home for the athletes of the Philippine Accessible Disability Service, Inc (PADS) will soon rise in Cebu in December 2020.

The soon to be PADS Adaptive Sports and Social Center will be situated in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City.

Jp Ecarma Maunes, PADS Executive Director, said that the construction of the facility will start as soon as they have the enough funds.

“We encourage our stake holders, the LGU and donors to help us make this dream a reality for the persons with disabilities in our community,” he said. “We want to activate the community to take full ownership of the advocacy and share the vision of PADS towards a disability-inclusive Filipino society.”

Maunes told Cebu Daily News Digital the Sports and Social Center will not just serve as their home, but also a training ground for persons with disabilities.

“We want to provide an avenue for persons with disabilities to engage in sports and recreational rehabilitation activities and for the public to get to know more about community based rehabilitation” said Maunes.

The sports and social center is a two-storey building with a huge space for outdoor training. There will also be a space for all their sports equipment, a gym, a canteen, a lecture room and a meeting area.

Cebu Province Archived News

The older news reports are kept here.

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