Cebu Province News November 2014 (2024)

DOLE helps former OFWs get livelihood

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/11/30/1397516/dole-helps-former-ofws-get-livelihood
• Sunday, November 30, 2014 12:00 am

By Ria Mae Y. Booc, NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Eighty former Overseas and Filipino Workers from Central Visayas underwent livelihood skills training and financial literacy by the Department of Labor and Employment.

DOLE, through the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers, conducted the two-day training, which started yesterday, with the aim to help the ex-OFWs alleviate their lives through entrepreneurship.

Fifty-two of the participants are from Cebu, seven from Bohol, and four from Negros Oriental. They were referred by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.

As per record, 63 of the ex-OFWs were abused by their former employers while working abroad while the remaining 17 were undocumented or the commonly called Tago nang Tago (TNT).

Labor and Employment Officer III Dexter Paro said the 63 participants will be given cooking starting kits worth P7,500 while the 17 will be handed over P10,000 financial assistance.

A 26-year-old female participant from Barangay Pasil, Cebu City shared that she had worked in Malaysia for three years before she found out that she was actually TNT.

“Nakasulod tuod ko og trabaho sa usa ka dako nga company, pero nahibulong ko kay almost three years wala pa gihapon koy visa. Sige ko og ask sa company, pero ila kong ingnon nga gi-process,” she shared.

She said her employer assured her that her stay was legal, but curiosity prompted her to go to the embassy and eventfully found out that she had been undocumented.

“From there, I asked the embassy nga mouli na lang ko sa Pilipinas, mao ‘to ila ko gitabangan,” she further shared.

A 41-year-old domestic helper in Kuwait, on the other hand, said she had experienced being abused by her employer during her one-year stay, like receiving delayed salary and being deprived of meals until she was done with the chores.

She managed to escape from her employer’s custody and sought the embassy’s help.

The DOLE-NRCO hopes that the P700,000 budget they allocated for the participants would help them start their own businesses.

Town sets medical, dental mission

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/29/1397091/town-sets-medical-dental-mission
• Saturday, November 29, 2014 12:00 am

By Liv G. Campo (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Senior citizens in Minglanilla town can avail of the free medical and dental services on December 7 in the town's sports complex.

Sheena Sacay, the event's coordinator, said they hope to serve at least 500 elderly people on this day. It will start at 9 a.m. onwards.

"We try to reach every place in Cebu to help as many people as possible, especially the senior citizens," Sacay said.

She said indigent senior citizens will be handpicked by their respective barangay officials to avail of these services.

Doctors from Miller Hospital in Cebu City and those from the Adventist ministry, which is spearheading this activity, will take part in the one-day undertaking, said Sacay.

Services to be availed of are free dental and medical checkup with free medicine, glucose tests, optometry, among others. There will also be free diet sessions, nutrition counseling and others.

The event is also spearheaded by the local government of Minglanilla led by Mayor Lani Peña.

LGUs can access post-Yolanda projects ahead of time

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/11/28/lgus-can-access-post-yolanda-projects-ahead-time-379201
• Friday, November 28, 2014

By Oscar C. Pineda

YOLANDA-hit local government units (LGUs) in Cebu may be able to access P10.4 billion worth of rehabilitation projects in 2015 if they are able to meet their goals this year.

The P10.4 billion is northern Cebu’s rehabilitation and recovery allocation for 2015 and 2016.

“Kung mabilis sila mag implement pwedeng sa 2015 makuha na nila,” said Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (Oparr) Secretary Panfilo Lacson.

Northern Cebu LGUs affected by typhoon Yolanda are scheduled to receive P7 billion worth of projects in 2015 and P3.4 billion in 2016. This year, P4 billion was downloaded this year after President Benigno Aquino III approved the P14.4-billion recovery and rehabilitation plan of Cebu last Oct. 28, said Lacson.

Funds

Funds released this year came from the P50-billion disbursem*nt for the Yolanda rehabilitation project. The National Government allotted P80.3 billion for 2015 and P35 billion for 2016 for the Yolanda recovery program for 171 LGUs, including Cebu.

Of the P14.4-billion rehabilitation program for Cebu, P8 billion is allotted for resettlement, which will be implemented by the National Housing Agency.

In a related development, Lacson said chief presidential legal counsel, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, is studying the possibility of creating a draft proclamation declaring Bantayan as an alienable and disposable area.

Bantayan was declared a protected wildnerness area, which means lots in the area cannot be issued titles. This is one of factors that hamper the relocation of Yolanda survivors and those living in high-risk zones in Bantayan.

DA, trade department intensify promotion of organic farming

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/11/27/1396423/da-trade-department-intensify-promotion-organic-farming
• Thursday, November 27, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Central Visayas is turning its attention towards further promoting the expansion of organic farming in the region.

Based on the multi-agency action plan participated in by the Department of Agriculture and led by the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas, organic farming is one of the focuses that will be given attention in the agriculture sector, providing farmers competitive advantage and market demand opportunity.

DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said more trainings will be introduced to farmers for organic farming technology as well as livestock.

Caberte said aside from promoting organic farming, the multi-agency group will also intensify its information campaign on food and agriculture as well as provide know-how through consultations on product standards and budget for research and development.

Earlier, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry introduced an advocacy to promote organic-farming in the entire province.

CCCI recognized the need for Cebu to organize a group of farmers that will eventually serve as a certification body.

At present, there are at least three organic farm certification group, two of which are privately operated, while the other one is managed by the government.

While the market for organic products such as fruits, vegetables, and crops are on the rise, farmers will not only be able to take advantage of this growing market domestically but it will also open a wide consumer-base overseas.

In terms of organic farming promotion, Cebu is lagging behind, although the province is not an agricultural area. Negros, and Bohol are leading this movement, and Cebu is seen to trail blaze in this movement.

In Cebu, several non-government organizations appealed to the Department of Agriculture to implement a sustainable farming system in the city and province to help ensure food security.

In 2011, DA announced that it is allocating P900 million for 2011 to implement various initiatives under the “Organic Agriculture Act 2010” or Republic Act No. 10068.

As provided under the Republic Act, a National Organic Agriculture Board will be created to serve as the policy-making body that will provide direction and general guidelines for the implementation of the national organic agriculture program.

DSWD culminates children’s month

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/11/26/1396052/dswd-culminates-childrens-month
• Wednesday, November 26, 2014 12:00 am

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/NSA (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - In line with this year’s 22nd National Children’s Month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 culminated yesterday the month-long celebration with various competitions participated by daycare representatives in Central Visayas.

Grace Yana, DSWD-7 focal person-Children’s Sector said day care pupils, aged two to four years old, represented 14 cities and three provinces in the region in the singing, draw and tell, and folkdance contests.

“It is our aim to promote the rights of the children and showcase their skills and talents,” Yana said.

This year’s theme is “Bata Kasali ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga,” with the aim to call on stakeholders in contributing to the promotion and protection of children’s rights and advocating for stronger and holistic actions, particularly addressing the gap in child participation and the importance of children’s role in decision-making.

The theme underscores that in every decision and undertaking for children, their opinions are important and their right to participate is encouraged.

Japanese firm launches environmental program

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/11/25/1395660/japanese-firm-launches-environmental-program
• Tuesday, November 25, 2014 12:00 am

By Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Kanepackage Group of Companies, a Japanese paper-based and packaging firm, launched recently its Coastal Greenbelt Project and gave recognition to its partner groups and to the coastal communities in the Visayas region.

The Coastal Greenbelt Project aims to rehabilitate, protect and manage mangroves and beach forests in the Philippines. It complements the company's CSR program, Plant 5 Million Mangroves in Five Years which was launched in 2009.

According to Abner Barnuevo, Project Coordinator of the KP Company, the company has already planted around 5.8 million mangroves in four Visayan coastal communities covering a total of 162 hectares.

Different coastal communities have benefited the company's environmental advocacy, said Barnuevo. Among these coastal groups are the Olango Island Eco-Tours Association in Lapu-Lapu City, Manipis Fisherfolks Association in Tanjay, Negros Oriental, Banacon Fisherfolks and Mangroves Association and Banacon Growers of Seaweeds and Mangroves Association, both of Getafe, Bohol.

Aside from mangrove planting, the company has also built school buildings in Bohol and a day care center in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City.

Since the coastal community in Tanjay was only covered by the group last March, Barnuevo said that they are still thinking of possible projects that will positively affect the fisherfolks aside from mangrove planting.Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

"People organizations are the frontline in protecting the coastal areas", Barnuevo said.

That is why the company is giving cash incentives through monthly honorarium in exchange for their management and protection of the mangroves.

"We learn lesson from typhoon Haiyan," said Al Orolfo, Office-in-Charge and Regional Technical Director of Department of Environment Natural Resources- 7.

He said that the planting sites in the Visayas area served as green walls that protect the coastal residents from flood.

39-year old Stella Oral, a mother of two kids from Barangay Sabang, Olango Island said that planting mangroves is a big help for them.

"Gawas sa financial aspect, makatabang sad siya ilabi nag naay storm surge," she said.

Oral and the rest of the group does coastal clean-up twice a week.

Oral's group is one of the three coastal communities that received a plaque of appreciation from KG Company President Yoshizaku Kanesaka.

Sinulog foundation may receive P1.5M aid from Capitol

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/11/24/sinulog-foundation-may-receive-p15m-aid-capitol-378393
• Monday, November 24, 2014

By Flornisa M. Gitgano

THE Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) has been re-accredited by the Cebu Provincial Government.

This means that the foundation can get its P1.5 million, which has been pending since 2013 from Capitol.

The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) approved the re-accreditation of SFI as a civil society organization yesterday.

The Province donated P500,000 to SFI in 2013 and P1 million this year for the annual Sinulog Grand Parade.

But the donations were not released because the foundation lacked accreditation.

Yesterday, the SFI board faced the PB for the second time in a bid to be re-accredited.

Denied

The PB denied the accreditation last week because the provincial ordinance on accreditation requires that at least half of the members of the organization's board will appear before the PB.

SFI again failed to meet this requirement yesterday with only three board members present—executive director Ricky Ballesteros, board of trustees secretary Renato Dychangco and treasurer Pericles Dakay.

But the officials brought with them a certification signed by the rest of the board members stating they are still active members of the organization.

SFI has 12 board members, including Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

During the discussion, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said that the appearance of the other members may be dispensed with as long the organization is in good standing.

PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy moved that SFI be exempted from meeting the required number of board members present for accreditation.

But PB Member Joven Mondigo Jr. said that the purpose of the appearance is to give the legislators opportunity to verify the identities of the members and the background of the organization.

The accreditation was approved anyway.

“We thanked them for trusting us. We also thanked them for seeing our track record. The fact that the board has successfully organized and managed the Sinulog for the past 35 years is a testament that we have a working board,” Dakay said.

Ballesteros said they tried to renew their accreditation in 2012 but failed.

In a separate interview, PB Member Sun Shimura said that the organizations may now renew their accreditation every three years instead of annually following a directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Mandaue choir sets charity drive

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/11/23/mandaue-choir-sets-charity-drive-378139
• Sunday, November 23, 2014

(SunStar Cebu)

OVER a span of a decade, the Mandaue Children’s Choir under the direction of internationally acclaimed musical director, Maestro Dennis Gregory Sugarol, has earned accolades here and abroad.

From their beginnings as the Mandaue City School for the Arts Children’s Choir, the group evolved into a community-based choir. Recognized by the national government as grand champion in the children’s choir category in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists in 2004, the group journeyed for the past 10 years through choir competitions in Indonesia, Korea and Hong Kong where they emerged as winners, and has been invited to Taiwan as special guest in the Taiwan International Music Festival.

Having served in the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod for several years, the group’s greatest reward was the privilege to sing in the canonization of the second Filipino saint, San Pedro Calungsod, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy in October 2012.

In the words of the children, it was the experience of a lifetime.

Unlike many children their age, this group of young boys and girls spend long, grueling hours rehearsing for their performances.They grew learning their math, grammar and history, alongside musical notes. With the excellent training that they received, they developed self-discipline, time management, value for hard work and passion for purpose.

As they celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, they are honored to have been invited by Adolf Fredriks Musikklasser in Stockholm, Sweden, as one of only six choirs in the world to perform in the “Let the Future Sing” International Children and Youth Choir Festival in May 2015.

They have also been accepted to compete in the choir festivals in Halle, Germany and Citta di Filadelfia, Italy in summer 2015.Support

The children have the full support of their families, however, with such a mammoth endeavor ahead of them, they need the help of the entire Cebuano community and all generous countrymen, to be able to rise with pride, the Philippine flag in Europe.

Help the 34-member choir fund their mission to serenade, inspire and give joy to Filipino families and make the children proud of their roots.

As part of their fundraising campaign, the Mandaue Children’s Choir Inc. will be hold a benefit dinner and pre-Christmas concert at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall on Nov. 29, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Join the children and be among the first to hear them sing their original song compositions, and interpret the heartwarming Christmas song composition of multi-awarded songwriter, Jude Gitamondoc.

Celebrate early Christmas with the Mandaue Children’s Choir and “Let the Filipino Kids Sing in Europe” in summer 2015.

For ticket inquiries and sponsorships, one may contact Jenny Antiquina at 0917-6286801 or Mayang Tariman at 0927-3083695.

DPWH, LGUs to coordinate on implementation

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/22/1394610/dpwh-lgus-coordinate-implementation
• Saturday, November 22, 2014 12:00 am

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways assured officials in Metro Cebu that they will coordinate with local government units in the implementation of projects next year.

Officials of DPWH Sixth Engineering District, who visited Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, said they will closely monitor with the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, as well as the towns of Consolacion and Cordova.

During the meeting, they assured close coordination in the implementation of the projects.

"Dako gayud kaayo ang akong kalipay nga nakig-coordinate na nato ang mga opisyales sa DPWH kun duna sila'y projects nga ipatuman sa Mandaue," Mayor Cortes said.

Before, Cortes said the officials of DPWH implemented projects without his knowledge.

The city mayor said the city government has priority projects for implementation, and so does DPWH.

But at times, he added, they encountered problems if there was duplication of the projects.

According to Mayor Cortes, with close coordination with DPWH, they can utilize the funds available for local and national sources.

Cortes appealed to the public to be patient, citing that once the projects are completed, they would eventually benefit the city.

Earlier, Engineer Renult Ricardo of DPWH Sixth Engineering District office said 2015 is a good year for the department with a number of projects slated for implementation.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza maintained that DPWH should coordinate with the city government once they have projects for implementation.

Although the city is the one responsible for projects' implementation, once problems are encountered, Radaza said local officials take the public's blame.

Radaza cited the problems of traffic and other inconvenience of the riding public in her city.

Meanwhile, DPWH officials also visited the towns of Consolacion and Cordova and also assured better coordination next year.

Code creation to position Cebu as investment hub

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/11/21/1394193/code-creation-position-cebu-investment-hub
• Friday, November 21, 2014 12:00 am

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - With its promising economic potential, Cebu should be considered as a good investment partner in areas such as real estate, tourism and information and communications technology, said a business leader.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Teresa Chan touted the province’s economic gains in recent years.

With the creation of the 2014 Province of Cebu Investments and Incentives Code, Chan noted Cebu, one of the country’s highly developed cities, would become an important investment destination.

The code, being proposed by the Provincial Board, wants to encourage local and foreign investors to set up enterprises in the province and help grow the agricultural, services and industrial industries in the countryside.

The code will give fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to potential investments. It will also create its own regulating board and operations center.

Potential growth areas in the province aside from the central district should be identified to boost economic growth. The code's preferred investment areas include tourism, renewable energy, export activities, mining and clean water projects.

“Cebu is also known for shopping districts, pristine beaches and excellent resorts,” the CCCI official said. “It is also a hub for education, trade, business process outsourcing, commerce and industry aside from Manila.”

Chan shared the chamber is planning to do a trade mission in Indonesia to invite businessmen in the Muslim country to explore commercial opportunities especially in Cebu.

She said: “Cebu-based companies would also be challenged to do the same -- to explore opportunities there.”

Sustaining economic stability and making sure citizens benefit from the economic gains are also challenges that need to be considered.

She explained the two ASEAN nations have faced the same challenges such as vulnerability to natural disasters, inadequate infrastructures, high logistical systems and rigid labor system which has restricted the expansion of the manufacturing sector.

Seaweed and oil sectors; Phl, Indonesia strengthens trade ties

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/11/20/1393872/seaweed-and-oil-sectors-phl-indonesia-strengthens-trade-ties
• Thursday, November 20, 2014 12:00 am

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines and Indonesia can further boost economic relations through developing their common potential in the seaweed and oil industries.

The two ASEAN countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their seaweed sectors.

Both nations have aimed to share good practices in seaweed farming and expand marketing practices, said First Secretary Erna Herlina of the Embassy of Indonesia at the sidelines of embassy’s business forum in Cebu yesterday.

This is one indication of the continued goal to expand trade relations and investment between the two nations amid the ASEAN economic integration, she told The FREEMAN.

The Philippines is known for vegetable oil production and is also deemed as the largest producer of carrageenan, a dry seaweed extract, around the globe followed by Indonesia and China. Indonesia is exporting raw seaweed.

“We’re also among the largest palm oil producer and we want to expand here,” Herlina said of the interest of Indonesian companies to build palm oil plants in the Philippines particularly in Mindanao.

She noted other potential and good quality plantation areas in the country like Cebu are also being considered.

“We need recommendations on what areas as we are going to communicate this to Indonesian companies also,” the official added.

Collaboration

Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Johny Lumintang said both countries have been exploring cooperation in other areas to forge enhanced economic relations.

He said his country has been looking at various economic sectors where business collaboration can further be established.

Herlina also stated other areas of interest to the Muslim-dominant nation include retail, franchising, mining and energy industries.

Both are also considering other industries -- shipbuilding, geothermal and renewable energy, steel, chocolate and cacao production, infrastructure, machinery and pharmaceuticals -- for cooperation.

Connectivity and more awareness from both sides, the secretary noted, are important to realize the bilateral agreements with the abundance of opportunities to explore.

Trade

Total trade between the two as of end-2013 reached US$ 3.5 billion. Philippine-Indonesia trade from January to July this year totaled US$2.1 billion, with the balance of trade in favor of Indonesia having a surplus of US$ 1.2 billion.

Its major exports to the Philippines include coal, coffee, copper, processed food, cars and chemical fertilizers. Its imports from the Philippines are banana, coconut crude oil, machinery, vegetable extracts, medical instruments, electronic goods, etc.

From January to September this year, Philippine investments in Indonesia totaled US$ 11.5 million.

The country's investments in the Muslim country decreased in the last three years. In 2010, ventures from the Philippines reached US$ 49.6 million, the highest investment value so far.

Brgys take spotlight in tomorrow’s Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/18/1393125/brgys-take-spotlight-tomorrows-garbo-sa-lapu-lapu
• Tuesday, November 18, 2014 12:00 am

By Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – At least 15 barangays will participate in the 14th Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu Festival tomorrow in line with the city's fiesta celebration.

The activity is one of the major projects of the city government that highlights the city's tourism industry by exhibiting each barangay's culture.

The Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu, according to organizers, gives opportunity for barangays to showcase their products such as guitars, beach resorts and some seafood delicacies.

Under the categories Pasahalad (Pasalamat, Pinaagi sa Pagsayaw ug Paghalad), street dancing and festival dance queen, the barangay contingents of Gun-ob, Buaya, Mactan and Tingo in Olango Island are expected to participate.

Barangays Gun-ob, Basak, Pusok, Ibo, Maribago, Mactan and Punta Engaño will participate in the float category, along with Barangay Suba-basbas, Babag, Calawisan and Tingo.

The festival was started in 2001 by the former congressman Arturo Radaza and has been sustained by the administration of Mayor Paz Radaza.

The event was made possible through the Association of the Barangay Councils led by ABC President Jose Dungog as the festival committee head and Raleigh Vilo as the event organizer.

Assembly will start around 10 in the morning on G.Y. Dela Cerna Street in Barangay Poblacion while the parade will start around 12 noon.

The grand stage is located at the Hoops Dome grounds in Barangay Gun-ob.

The best decorated and most symbolic floats, dancing contingents, pasahalad and festival dance queen who will give relevance to each barangay's festival will be awarded.

Cedf-IT takes on added role: Promote Cebu

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2014/11/17/cedf-it-takes-added-role-promote-cebu-377011
• Monday, November 17, 2014 12:00 am

By Mia A. Aznar (The Freeman)

ON its 13th year, the Cebu Educational Foundation for Information Technology (Cedf-IT) acquired an additional task—promote Cebu as a location for IT and business process management.

Although Cedf-IT managing director Wilfredo Sa-a Jr. acknowledged that it is not difficult to sell Cebu, this task was formerly undertaken by the Cebu Investment Promotions Center that ceased operations in December last year.

From just 15 members when it first started in 2001, Cedf-IT now has about 120 members from the academe, industry, civil society, government, media and support group.

Sa-a said Cebu is very much on the radar of top companies in the industry that they do not consider the added task of promoting Cebu as a difficulty. He said that at the International IT-BPM Summit in Metro Manila last month, a survey conducted among stakeholders showed that Cebu still ranks the highest among cities outside Metro Manila as the preferred location.

Sa-a said it is easy to sell Cebu because it has enough office space, the right bandwidth requirements and enough talent to supply the needs of the industry. He added that they have also established linkages with colleges and universities to serve companies that are expanding and new ones that are about to open.

He admitted that having enough talent remains a concern for them but they are constantly working with the academe to produce the talent required of the industry.

Although he believes Cebu is an established enough location to attract the best companies in the industry, Sa-a said Cebu cannot rest on its laurels, as other cities like Bacolod, Davao and Iloilo are also developing their own industries while many are looking at Cebu as their model.

As of October, global outsourcing consultancy firm Tholons estimates Cebu has 120,000 employees directly working for IT and BPM firms.

As for following the roadmap that was prepared by Tholons, Sa-a said the academe has managed to follow the recommendation of developing talent for a higher level of activities beyond voice operations. “It is happening now. We are seeing non-voice operations coming in. We have a lot of healthcare, insurance, management operations that are of higher value,” he said.

Cedf-IT also moved to another location within the Cebu IT Park at the STP Compound along Jose Ma. del Mar St. They have been equipped with high-speed Internet by PLDT.

Cedf-IT celebrated its anniversary Friday at the Lexmark Plaza 1 multi-purpose hall.

At the celebration, Sa-a gave updates on what the organization accomplished the past year, including the postponement of the previous year’s anniversary to give way to relief work for victims of typhoon Yolanda.

Cedf-IT chairman Francis Monera swore in new trustees and new member companies while memoranda of agreement were signed with different organizations that have partnered with Cedf-IT for various projects. These include the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s commitment to fund Phil IT GCE certifications for selected IT graduates in Cebu.

Cebu inventor's feat to inspire more youth

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/16/1392407/cebu-inventors-feat-inspire-more-youth
• Sunday, November 16, 2014 12:00 am

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Fifth District Provincial Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale said the success of Cebuano inventor Brian Yuson in coming up with a self-contained renewable vehicle will encourage youths to show their talents.

Magpale sponsored a resolution approved by the members of the board commending Yuson for his invention.

Yuson was invited by the Provincial Board to attend the board regular session to receive copy of the said resolution.

According to Magpale, the Province of Cebu recognized him (Yuson) for his valuable contribution to Filipinos' sustainable development and for his craftsmanship and talent for bringing pride and inspiration to Cebuanos.

The Office of the President scheduled the awarding ceremony on November 27, 2014 at Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang Palace which also coincides with the launching of the Bayanihan sa Daan Awards.

Yuson, a resident of Compostela town and the president and chief executive officer of Saint James Academy of Skills, Inc., is the designer fabricator of the first-ever solar and wind-powered railway car.

The said self-contained renewable vehicle is a semi-train, which is pedal-wind and solar powered and runs using a bank of batteries that convert heat and kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Magpale said the Office of the President acknowledged Yuson as "the modern-day example of what happens when we unleash the native genius of the human heart."

Yuson teamed up with environment lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. in coming up with the self-contained renewable energy vehicle.

Under the invention of Yuson, the batteries are charged from three renewable energy sources – a solar panel, pedal, and wind.

Unlike other electric vehicles which are charged by plugging batteries to an external source of electricity, this one he called the Transport Secret.

The energy comes from the vehicle itself and does not need to be plugged into an electric socket that is usually powered by fossil fuel, the coal or bunker oil.

The said invention shows that renewable energy in the form of solar and human-power is the way of the future, Yuson said.

He also said tat the invention could be a solution to much of the transport problems of the world without burning global-warming fossil fuels.

As city kicks off fiesta activities Carcar to show off heritage, growth

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/15/1392032/city-kicks-fiesta-activities-carcar-show-heritage-growth
• Saturday, November 15, 2014 12:00 am

By Garry B. Lao (The Freeman)

­­CEBU, Philippines - Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura will lead the opening of the city's fiesta today starting with a street parade, as well as daily and nightly activities.

This year's fiesta theme is "Carcar: Sabakan sa kabilin, larawan sa kalambuan."

City information officer Candice Acuña said the city, which is known as the Heritage City of Cebu, boasts of the presence of old structures, grandiose church and rich historical background.

"We came up with the theme 'Carcar: Sabakan sa kabilin, larawan sa kalambuan' because we are the seat of heritage but progress is mirrored in the industries that rise in the city," Acuña said.

Carcar is 40 kilometers south of Cebu City.

After the opening at 3 p.m. today, the city will sponsor nightly activities such as fashion show and talents night of Ms. Carcar 2014, DepEd Students Night and Teachers Night, Carcar Academy Night and St. Catherine's College Night, as well as the first-ever Mayor Nice Apura Legal Drag Race.

On November 23, schools will be competing for Kabkaban Festival street dancing competition.

"Kabkaban" is a ritual dance that is believed to drive away bad spirits when performed.

This annual activity is one of the highlights of Carcar's fiesta in honor of its patroness St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Aside from the heritage and old structures, the city is also known for its shoes, bolo making and basket weaving, wooden furniture manufacturing and antique reproduction.

Carcar was established as a municipality 414 years ago.

Tourism spurs growth in inter-island shipping

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/11/14/1391648/tourism-spurs-growth-inter-island-shipping
• Friday, November 14, 2014 12:00 am

(The Freeman)

­­CEBU, Philippines - Despite the presence of budget airlines, the local inter-island shipping industry has continuously shown a significant growth in seaport passengers.

This is mainly driven by the booming tourism industry in the region, said Angelito Salvio, general manager of SuperCat 2GO Travel, which is part of the 2GO Group, Inc. under the parent company, Negros Navigation Co.

Salvio said sea transportation remains to be one of the primary means of inter-island transport, buoyed by the increase of local and foreign travelers to nearby provinces.

“The tourist industry is really growing especially in Cebu. Cebu is attracting a lot of tourists,” he said at the sidelines of the firm’s inauguration of its ticketing office yesterday in Cebu’s Passenger Terminal 1.

The increase in tourist arrivals is good for the sea travel business as several travelers take fast craft ferries to arrive in several tourist destinations in the region.

Data from the Cebu Port Authority showed that in 2011, fast craft services ranked third in terms of both disembarking and embarking passenger traffic. Roll-on/roll-off ranked second and metro ferry ranked first.

While some shipping operators said the cheap fares offered by low-cost carriers are affecting ferry owners, Salvio pointed out the upgrading of ferry terminals increases the competitiveness of sea travel industry.

Despite the challenges the shipping sector is currently facing, sea travel operators believe passenger ferries will continue to serve the local market.

A growing passenger market segment for sea transport is seen to be still evident.

“We also have to commend the renovation of the terminal,” he said, noting that Cebu’s Terminal 1 has already modern port facilities compared to other terminals in the country. The new seaport passenger terminal was inaugurated last April this year.

The CPA said it renovated the terminal building to address the public’s clamor for better port facilities and help the growth of the local tourism sector.

In addition, 2GO Travel has currently six fast craft vessels operating routes in Cebu, Ormoc, Tagbilaran, Iloilo, Bacolod, Calapan and Batangas.

Naga to plant 2.9T seedlings to replace trees

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/11/13/naga-plant-29t-seedlings-replace-trees-376249
• Thursday, November 13, 2014

By Elias O. Baquero and Justin K. Vestil

THE City Government of Naga will be planting 2,900 tree seedlings to replace the 58 trees that they cut down for the construction of a track oval inside the Naga City Central School.

The tree-planting was part of the agreement the City and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 forged before the tree-cutting permit was issued to the local government unit.

Dr. Eddie Llamedo, DENR 7 spokesperson, told reporters that the City of Naga is expected to replace the trees on Nov. 21, once a commitment will be signed to plant the replacement trees. The site of the tree-planting is in Barangay Lutac, one of the city’s mountain barangays.

The site has been identified as a reforestation area of the DENR’s National Greening Program, said Llamedo.

About 60 percent of the trees that the City will plant are narra trees.

Llamedo said that the DENR 7 only required the City of Naga to replace 50 seedlings for every felled tree as the primary project is not a road widening.

For a road widening project, an applicant for a tree-cutting permit is required to provide 100 tree seedlings per felled tree.

Llamedo said that aside from planting replacement trees, the DENR 7 required the City of Naga to organize a multi-partite team that will monitor the progress of the trees that will be planted in Lutac.

The City of Naga has been required to ensure that 85 percent of all planted trees must survive within the next three years.

Llamedo said he is inviting conservationists, particularly Fr. Robert Reyes and his colleagues, to join them in the tree replacement activities.

The cutting of 58 trees at the Naga Central School was done to make way for the construction of a P60-million sports oval.

City officials said that the cutting of the trees was done with permission from the DENR 7.

A group of environmentalists led by Fr. Reyes opposed the removal of trees, and filed a case against Mayor Valdemar Chiong and other local officials.

Exemptions

Meanwhile, Llamedo said there are five exemptions in granting permit to cut trees anywhere in the country.

These five exemptions are: renewable energy projects, construction of transmitter of power lines, widening of roads and other projects either by the national or local government units, trees that pose danger to public safety and other government priority projects as approved by the President.

Llamedo said that DENR granted permit to cut the trees at Naga City Central School because of the construction of a track oval similar to that of the Abellana National School in Cebu City.

The DENR allows the cutting of trees in favor of renewable energy projects, such as geothermal energy, solar energy and wind power because the government wants self-sufficient power supply with less pollution.

Permit to cut trees are also issued on areas where power transmission lines will pass because electricity is needed everywhere.

In 2011, Llamedo said President Benigno Aquino III has issued Executive Order 23 directing a moratorium on the cutting of trees to prevent floods and protect the environment. Cutting of trees on sustainable or protected forest or watershed areas is absolutely prohibited.

DENR will still issue cutting permit on planted trees on production forest.

Llamedo said that since Aug. 7, 2014, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje has allowed tree-cutting in connection with road widening provided it passed a review by DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.

Once Singson will find out that the cutting of trees is necessary for any road widening and will submit a recommendation, DENR will then grant the permit to cut the trees.

Llamedo said DENR 7 has issued permit to cut the trees along the highways of the cities of Naga and Carcar, and San Fernando because of reports that it pose danger to motorists.

However, some permits were revoked on order of the DENR central office.

Cebu now ‘ready’ for 2015 APEC

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/11/12/1390920/cebu-now-ready-2015-apec
• Wednesday, November 12, 2014 12:00 am

By Michael Vencynth H. Braga, Jean Marvette A. Demecillo / RHM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu is now prepared to host a series of ministerial meetings as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in the country next year.

Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer Grace Paulino said the province has already checked the hotels and resorts where the delegates will be billeted, as well as the venues of the ministerial meetings, and everything is found to be satisfactory.

The APEC member-countries’ finance ministers will have their meetings in September 2015, while the energy and transportation ministers will have theirs in October next year.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said preliminary meetings with the private sector and concerned government agencies were already conducted.

Sixty Capitol, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City employees who would serve as guides of APEC delegates were also made to undergo training at the country’s Foreign Service Institute.

Davide said the province is also ready to serve as alternate venue for the heads of state meeting in December 2015 primarily set in Legazpi City, Albay.

It was earlier reported that Cebu has been chosen as alternate venue for the APEC senior officials meeting as the threat of Mayon Volcano erupting may disrupt the event.

Davide said international conferences also serve as avenues for the province to attract foreign investors, which is why Cebu is really preparing.

The Philippines, an APEC member for the past 25 years, last hosted an APEC summit in 1996.

Yesterday, a coordination meeting attended by the Department of Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson was held at the Capitol to prepare for the energy ministers meeting.

Ayson requested the concerned local government units to beef up security for the series of APEC meetings in Cebu, considering that there will be around 500 delegates of the international conference.

Senior Superintendent Conrado Capa, Police Regional Office-7 deputy director for operation, on the other hand, said a security plan has already been crafted based on the security template of the APEC national organizing committee and already took into consideration security at the airport, site and venue, convoy security, and crowd control.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Coordinating and Advisory Council Chairman and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella yesterday urged the City Council to comply with the Department of Interior and Local Government directive on the provision of budget on intelligence funds next year.

Labella said the city government has to prepare in terms of peace and order since Cebu City is eyeing to host international events.

He said the DILG circular states that intelligence funds may be sourced from the 30 percent appropriations of peace and order program and three percent of the total annual appropriations.

The city government is preparing for the upcoming international events, particularly the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2015 and the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress.

Labella said the request was timely since the council is currently meeting to for the budgeting process.

“The PCAC is urging the City Council because peace and order is important in addition to police visibility, especially that we are in the preparation for the international events,” he said, adding that the events would draw thousands of people to Cebu City.

“We will always assume that the Pope is coming, so we have to be prepared; maong mohangyo ta nga ang atong budget is in accordance with the guidelines,” he said.

34 finish 100-km run to remember Yolanda

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/11/10/1390116/34-finish-100-km-run-remember-yolanda
• Monday, November 10, 2014 12:00 am

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento / FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Thirty-four Cebu ultra runners successfully reached Bogo City yesterday noon after finishing a 100-kilometer run from Cebu City.

Members of the Cebu Ultrarunners Club and other running groups conducted the “One Run Takbo ni Juan” to commemorate the first anniversary of the super typhoon Yolanda that battered the Eastern Visayas region and northern part of Cebu.

Tony Galon, founder and president of the Cebu Ultrarunners Club, said they offered the memorial ultra run to the victims and survivors of the storm.

He said the ultra-marathon is also intended to raise awareness on the effects of climate change and promote the planting of more trees in preparation for another storm. He clarified that they wanted to hold a peaceful commemoration.

“We don’t care about political issues. We care more on the typhoon victims and raise awareness,” he said.

Galon said that they aimed to arrive in Bogo City 16 hours after they started the run. 50 runners assembled at the kilometer zero marker in front of the Capitol building.

They left the Capitol grounds and started their run towards northern Cebu at 6:34 p.m. Saturday and reached Bogo City at around 12 noon yesterday.

The group passed through Osmeña Boulevard before turning left at the Fuente Osmeña Circle for General Maxilom Avenue then headed towards Mabolo and crossed the boundary towards Mandaue City all the way to northern Cebu.

Galon said some ultra runners ran only until Danao City since they still have to work. He added that they had two breaks during the 18-hour memorial run. They stopped for a break in Danao and Sogod. The breaks were mainly intended to eat, drink and account the number of runners.

“We have to count to check if wala ba na-missing pag-start namo ug kinsa’y napuno sa grupo,” he said

He shared that there have been instances at night that runners were being pointed with a gun by lawless elements especially if being left behind in Danao. He advised the runners to be in groups so as to avoid such incidents.

He further cited that they were challenged since the climate during the run was so hot.

“Nisakripisyo gyud ang mga runners sa kainit pero amo gyud gituyo para sa mga Yolanda survivors. Lisod tuod among gibuhat pero actually mga ultra runners na man mi. Anad na gyud mi pero karon grabe gyud kainit,” he said.

Founded in 2011, the Cebu Ultrarunners Club is a group of 800 running enthusiasts who have gone beyond the regular marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers.

Transparency hub set for Yolanda projects

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/11/09/transparency-hub-set-yolanda-projects-375631
• Sunday, November 9, 2014

By Elias O. Baquero

THE government is ensuring accountability and transparency in the implementation of projects for the rehabilitation of 171 cities and municipalities damaged by super typhoon Yolanda.

In a press conference in Bogo City, Sec. Panfilo Lacson, presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery, said President Benigno Aquino III is serious in implementing the Electronic Management Platform Accountability and Transparency Hub for Yolanda (Empathy).

In Empathy, Lacson said the details of all the 18,000 programs, activities andprojects are uploaded including the location of the project, winning bidder, date awarded to the contractor, cost of the project, date the project started, date of target completion and project status.

Projects

Lacson said Empathy contains programs, activities and projects that are funded in the total amount of P167.8 billion, which is broken down to P52.5 billion for 2014, P83.8 billion for 2015 and P35 billion for 2016.

Lacson said the President told them during a Cabinet meeting last week that he wants the Empathy projects implemented smoothly and successfully before his term ends in 2016.

Lacson said the media, government agencies, government’s bilateral partners like JICA and World Bank, private sector and donors, about 50 of them, are given access to Empathy so they can monitor how the projects are implemented and uploaded their comments, if there is any.

“If a person will report to Empathy that a project is seemingly substandard, we will immediately send a team to inspect it,” Lacson said.

He said the government will also know through Empathy the contractors who are lagging behind in project implementation.

Working on hub

Lacson said they are now working overtime to populate the hub (Empathy). Right now, out of P167.8 billion for Empathy, they have spent P20 billion and accelerating in pace.

“It’s (Empathy) a tool to really maximize (accomplishments) and see to it that there’s accountability and transparency in the implementation of Yolanda projects,” Lacson said.

Lacson said that after the Yolanda projects, the next administration may make use of Empathy to cover the entire archipelago.

“But it depends on the kind of administration we have after the Aquino administration.

If the next administration doesn’t want accountability and transparency, they may dump it and place it in the garbage can. But if they want transparency, they will definitely adopt it,” Lacson said.

CCCI offers training for smaller chambers

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/11/08/1389449/ccci-offers-training-smaller-chambers
• Saturday, November 8, 2014 12:00 am

By Carlo S. Lorenciana (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has partnered with Germany’s AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation to help its partner business membership organizations improve in terms of business network.

CCCI said small chambers need capacity-building and skills development programs.

Developing the local chambers of commerce is essential in ensuring strong business networks of entrepreneurs in the community.

The presence of local chambers in the society has driven business activity as they work with enterprises of all sizes and represent various industries.

CCCI partnered with AFOS for the WE CAN project that aims to help BMOs in the Visayas and Caraga regions.

In a press conference Wednesday, May Ybañez, CCCI executive director, said training the BMO partners can contribute to the advancement of the micro, small and medium enterprises in their localities.

CCCI, which serves as the big sibling, teaches these groups on membership development, enterprise growth, advocacy and internal management.

Insights

John Jalandoni, executive director of Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the project has improved the chamber's relationship with the local government and government agencies.

Ina Gaston, ED of Association of Negros Producers, said their group's involvement in the project has improved the potential growth of supply chain of local producers in Negros. They include makers of gifts, housewares, furniture, garments and organic farm products.

In addition, Lawyer Nolito Quilang, president of Ormoc Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted the local government has now become sensitive in involving the business sector in policy making and agenda planning.

Quilang said the business sector must ensure that its views are heard by the government.

Meanwhile, Teresa Pono of AFOS mentioned the association of BMOs would allow them to gain business opportunities in both local and national markets.

These organizations are backed in promoting their industries through training, help from technical experts, marketing support and networking.

The project, which started in 2009, is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.

Mandaue exec launches scholarship program

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/07/1389059/mandaue-exec-launches-scholarship-program
• Friday, November 7, 2014 12:00 am

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Councilor Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon yesterday inked a memorandum of agreement with two schools in the city for her scholarship program for deserving but less fortunate students in the city.

The program is dubbed as "Edukasyon Mo, Pangandoy Ko."

Ouano-Dizon poured P1.5 million of her personal money so that 300 students coming from the 27 barangays in the city can avail of a four-year college education in the seven schools in Mandaue.

Yesterday, Ouano-Dizon accompanied by his father sixth district provincial board member Thadeo Ouano signed a deal with Ambassador Frank Benedicto, the founder and chairman of Benedicto College, Lilian Benedicto-Huan, vice president of Benedicto College and college director Ranulfo Visaya Jr. being one of the recipient schools of her program.

She also signed an agreement with Dr. Editha Flores, the dean of education of St. Louis College.

These two schools are just among the seven private schools in the city wherein Ouano-Dizon is set to pour her educational assistance .

Although the recipients do not necessarily belong to the top ten of the class, they should maintain at least 82 percent average in their grades while they are under the scholarship program.

Ouano-Dizon's office will also be coordinating with the 27 barangays in the city to help determine these less fortunate students .

Board member Thadeo Ouano for his part said he was glad that her daughter came up with her own scholarship program.

Ouano said her daughter's educational assitance was patterned after the scholarship program of his father former Mandaue City mayor Alfredo Ouano.

He said when his father was still city councilor, he also initiated his own Ouano-Mendoza Scholardhip program wherein just like her daughter, his father also used his personal funds to come up with the program.

PB Ouano also said he was wondering that Mandaue City has been tagged as an industrial city and yet most Mandauehanons have not been given the opportunity to land a job in these companies.

For this reason, he is also endorsing to the council the drafting of an ordinance allowing college students to avail for an educational loan from the city government for them to pursue their college education and land job in these industrial companies.

"Matingala ta,gitawag atong siyudad nga industrial city apan ang mga Mandauehanon kutob ra sa pagpanilhig sa dalan, that's why I also initiated an education program aron mahatagan sad ug kahigayonan nga maka-eskwela atong mga kabatan-onan," PB Ouano said.

He said that it has been their family's belief that the only way to fight poverty is through education.

Shelter up, slowly

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/11/06/shelter-slowly-375103
• Thursday, November 6, 2014

By Davinci S. Maru, Elias O. Baquero and Flornisa M. Gitgano

A YEAR after super typhoon Yolanda, the path to recovery in most of the 16 affected areas in northern Cebu is still a long, bumpy road ahead.

Thousands of families remain compromised; they live in tents and within the 40-meter no-dwell zones, exposing them to risks brought about by severe weather.

The Cebu Provincial Rehabilitation, Recovery and Development Plan listed 152,746 families displaced when Yolanda struck on Nov. 8, 2013. Of this number, 16,290 households have to be relocated because their homes sit within the 40-meter danger zone.

In Bogo City, and Daanbantayan and Medellin towns alone, only 134 of the estimated 10,000 households have been relocated to permanent shelters.

Issues

Several issues continue to delay the transfer of these households to safer ground: lack of funds, lack of relocation sites, legal concerns, and refusal to leave their old homes.

In the meantime, private sector and humanitarian organizations have brought in volunteers, provided materials or donated lots where the survivors’ houses may be built. These organizations include Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, Islamic Relief, March for Christ, Oxfam, and Red Cross.

One year since Yolanda’s onslaught, the National Housing Authority (NHA) has yet to start building houses.

The agency is set to build 22,423 houses in the 16 affected areas: Bogo City and the towns of Bantayan, Borbon, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, San Remigio, Sogod, Sta. Fe, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Tuburan and Tudela.

The project is estimated to cost P7 billion but NHA 7 Manager Gavino Figuracion said only P2.2 billion is available yet, or an equivalent of 7,000 houses. Figuracion, however, said only 500 may be completed this year.

Because of this, Figuracion said the project will have to be implemented on a first-come, first-served basis for municipalities based on their submission of the project plans and detailed engineering. The local government unit must also have a title, not just a tax declaration, for the land where the houses will be built.

At least 10 local government units (LGUs) have identified lots that may be used as relocation sites. Construction work and site development have started in some areas.

Special case

The situation is a lot more complicated for six municipalities comprising the islands of Bantayan (Bantayan, Madridejos and Santa Fe) and Camotes (Pilar, Poro and San Francisco).

Bantayan and Camotes have been declared wilderness and mangrove forest reserve areas, respectively, by then president Ferdinand Marcos in the early 1980s. As a result, lots in these areas can neither be privately owned or titled.

Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana said the Municipality has found a seven-hectare titled property near an existing relocation site.

Their problem, however, is its acquisition, saying that the NHA wants to buy the property at a lower price.

In Madridejos, Mayor Salvador dela Fuente is involving the constituents in the search for titled lots. That way, he said, they will have no reason not to relocate because they were the ones who suggested the new location.

Sun.Star Cebu chanced upon dela Fuente in late October having a dialogue with constituents, appealing to them to help the Municipality look for lots that are both titled and not far from their means of livelihood.

San Remigio and Medellin are also confronted with lot problems.

Mayor Mariano Martinez said an estimated 1,500 families were not able to get help because they do not own the land where their houses were built.

A donor would’ve been willing to build the houses but the lot owner refused to authorize the construction.

Medellin, on the other hand, does not have a suitable land. The Municipality has given their titled lots to be used by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Land Transportation Office.

Own initiative

With thousands of residents needing decent shelter, the affected LGUs took the initiative to address the resettlement problem either on their own or by partnering with local and foreign non-government organizations.

“Our goal is to make it attractive for the prospective beneficiaries so they won’t have a reason to decline the offer. The site must be accessible and already equipped with electricity and water,” Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro told Sun.Star Cebu.

In Camotes Island, San Francisco Mayor Aly Arquillano said his constituents are rebuilding their houses through their own initiatives.

“Most of the families are still building their houses in the same area,” Arquillano said, adding that he stressed that only light materials must be used as they will eventually be relocated.

Under the Capitol’s “Build Back Better” rehabilitation plan, proposed relocation sites must be within two to three kilometers from the beneficiaries’ original dwelling.

Bantayan Mayor Ian Christopher Escario, however, admits he is worried about letting the affected families move from where they are now to the proposed relocation sites.

“How can I ask them to relocate and take their livelihood away and not be able to offer them anything in exchange?” he said.

Resiliency

But Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez III, who says he has lost interest because of the National Government’s slow intervention, is confident his constituents will pick themselves up in due time.

“Many meetings were conducted. We already submitted everything we need but until now, nothing. But no matter how poor we are, we will always find ways to fix ourselves,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.

For Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Baltazar Tribunalo, though, it’s just a matter of working together, saying there are already plenty of survivors who have built their houses back.

He, however, admitted he hasn’t received any feedback yet on when the P12 billion that they asked from the National Government for the rehabilitation of the northern towns could be downloaded.

“I would like to reiterate that Cebu was among those that quickly recovered, from the fallen experience to recovery. We were able to recover. No one died because of hunger. No one was brought to the hospital because they do not have a house to protect them from the heat and rain,” Tribunalo said.

Agro-industrial zones in Cebu pushed

• Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/agro-industrial-zones-in-cebu-pushed/
• Wednesday, November 5, 2014

By Malou M. Mozo

Cebu – The Cebu provincial government and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) are currently in talks for the development of an agro-industrial zone possibly to be located in Argao town, in Southern Cebu.

During the sidelines of the recent grand opening of the Naga Valley Industrial Park in Naga City, Governor Hilario Davide III said there are potential areas for an agro-industrial zone in Cebu, particularly in Argao, which is seen to drive opportunities for employment in the countryside.

In an interview, PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima said the agency’s thrust is to create “pockets of development,” which include the promotion of agro-economic zone investments that provide decent employment to Filipinos with lesser educational attainment in remote provinces.

PEZA started registering agro-industrial zones in the country in 2008. Of total investments of P27.516 billion, P21.629 billion come from locators while P5.887 billion are those by developers of these economic zones. The latter figure does not include the expansion programs of developers and their locators.

These ecozones are stand-alone establishments, with a minimum of five hectare lot, and some are also being leased to other locators.

“Agro-industrial investments will help us attain inclusive growth,” De Lima said noting that majority of these agro-industrial investments are located in Mindanao, home to some of the poorest municipalities in the country.

De Lima noted that to date, the agro-industrial ecozones have created a total of 45,643 jobs nationwide.

Registered activities in these ecozones include the following: production of feeds for fish, shrimps, and other aquaculture farm; seaweed processing; production of crude coconut oil, cochin, RBD oil (refined, bleached, and deodorized oil), copra expeller cake, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and palm olein; production of acidulated oil, all purpose vegetable and shortening, copra solvent extraction pellets, degummed oil, and bio treated copra meal; manufacture of desiccated coconut and coconut milk powder; production of processed foods and beverages; milling of crude oil and copra cake; production of fresh pineapple and pineapple concentrated juice; production of pineapple solids, mixed-fruit products, tropical fruit co*cktail, and nata de coco; and processing of canned fruit base foods, among other agri-based related productions.

Danao farmers finish organic farming program

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/04/1387915/danao-farmers-finish-organic-farming-program
• Tuesday, November 4, 2014 12:00 am

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – Farmers in different barangays of Danao City have undergone training on organic farming.

The farmers recently graduated from a season-long training of Farmer Field School program in Barangay Licos, Danao City.

Danao City Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III and his son Vice Mayor Ramon "Red" Durano VI agreed to upgrade the knowledge of farmers, especially in organic farming.

The 18-week program was a group-based learning process that promotes Integrated Pest Management, an approach that integrates practices in order to control pests such as corn borers that feed on crops.

Danao City Councilor Jose Thaddeus Roble Jr., chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, said the program also tends to maximize the farmers' crop yield by making the farmers "understand the proper dosage and time element of planting" based on the knowledge that they have acquired in their training.

Roble added that the city has launched a program on organic agriculture to expose the farmers on the advantages of organic technology over the conventional method.

"Organic farming is less costly compared to the conventional method as it utilizes vermicast and chicken dung which are way cheaper than the chemicals that they are using in their fertilizers," he said.

The program encompassed three phases: worm production; bookkeeping and disposal of vermicast; and finishing touches which cover the budgeting of the city to support the first and second phase for the farmers to have a continuous and viable support.

Furthermore, Roble shared that the city government is mulling to put up a vermi facility in every barangay so that the farmers can have an access to organic fertilizers.

Trichogramma, an insect that is harmless to vegetations and an efficient destroyer of the eggs of moths and butterflies which are leaf-eaters in the larval stage, will be also given to the farmers for free together with earwigs, an insect that feeds on aphids.

Roble said the city has conducted a program that trains the farmers on how to culture African night crawlers or vermiworms.

"The city will let them (farmers) borrow two kilos of vermiworms to be reproduced in 45 days," he said.

Rhoda Capangpangan, city corn/cassava coordinator, added that the main purpose of such program was to educate farmers on the proper ways of planting crops.

The program is a joint project of the Danao City government and the regional office of the Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Rural Improvement Club through the Maslog Rural Club Organization will launch its cassava food processing on Friday at Baliang, Danao City.

Interested participants will be lectured on food processing, among others.

PEZA calling for more Cebu ecozone projects

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/11/03/1387546/peza-calling-more-cebu-ecozone-projects
• Monday, November 3, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Economic Zone Authority has urged the private developers in Cebu to build more economic zones, as interest from international investors, especially from Japan has heightened.

PEZA director general Lilia de Lima said that Cebu should leverage its inviting environment for investors and make it easier for them to locate here by providing ready-facility like economic zone developments.

"Cebu has all the amenities of a cosmopolitan city," De Lima said expressing optimism that investors would prefer to locate in Cebu for its attractive and conducive environment for both business and leisure.

Early this year, the Cebu Chamber of commerce and Industry considered a plan to re-visit the possibility of pushing the Cebu Economic Development Zone, as Cebu is now facing a shortage of industrial zone properties.

"We are in consultation with our business and political leaders on how and when we can push for it," said former CCCI president Lito Maderazo.

House Bill 1319, creating the Cebu Special Ecozone and Free Port, has already passed through the House's economic affairs committee, some three years ago.

The bill was authored by all the eight congressmen from Cebu and is jointly supported by local business groups.

De Lima on the other hand maintained that although Cebu needs more ecozones, the bid for a province-wide ecozone could be difficult.

Cebu seeks sisterhood with Barcelona

• Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/176157/cebu-seeks-sisterhood-with-barcelona
• Sunday, November 2, 2014 6:26 am

By Jaime Picornell (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Casino Español de Cebu marked Dia de la Hispanidad on Oct. 11 with the traditional pomp and circ*mstance. First there was the anticipated Mass (next day was Sunday) officiated by Msgr. Achilles Dakay.

co*cktails were served at 6:30 p.m. at Salon Granada where two tables were laden with Spanish appetizers. There was a carving station for jamon serrano, varied sausages, cheeses, the ubiquitous tortilla española (potato omelet) neatly diced, and special chorizo balls made by the Yoldi family in Dumaguete.

Asked where the Spanish gourmet items came from, food and beverage consultant Bernardo Losada said they came from the deli department of the Rustan’s supermarket recently opened at Ayala Center Cebu.

By 7:30 p.m. everyone was ready to file into and get a vantage table at the grand ballroom, Salon de España. Welcoming all were the club’s officers led by president Eduardo Gonzalez (honorary consul of Mexico) and his wife Therese.

Former president and now vice president Antonio Veloso Jr. was there, too, as well as secretary Paco Jarque; treasurer David Chan, later joined by wife Tess, who is president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; house chairperson Luis Moro III with wife Lynn; sports director Edgar Chiongbian with wife Cely; and director for social and cultural events Gabriel Leyson with Tina Jordana.

Welcome remarks were delivered by president Ed Gonzalez, while the toast was led by honorary consul of Spain Anton Perdices who came with his pretty wife Maripaz. They had just arrived a few days before from a trip to Spain and Portugal with a group spearheaded by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

In Barcelona they followed up the sisterhood process, and in Portugal they visited the birth-place of Ferdinand Magellan in Sarbossa. “You welcome us even if we killed Magellan in Cebu,” Mayor Mike commented. He was told, “Don’t worry, it was not you; we know who did.”

Paella Valenciana, truffles

Dinner was served at about 9 p.m. at Salon Madrid. As usual, it was an array of Casino Español’s best-loved specialties. The authentic version of the paella Valenciana rated superlatives, as did the roast turkey.

At the dessert station, there was a beeline for the delicious homemade (the Casino’s kitchen) chocolate truffles. All those calories had to be burned, and so the dancing started in earnest once the On The Cover band began to blare to the point of drowning any attempt at conversation.

Those tripping the light fantastic just swayed, swung, cha-cha-ed and boogie-woogied to their heart’s content. Among the dancingest were Don and Zelda Ruiz, Tony and Lorna Quisumbing, Tintoy and Maricar Perdices, Louie and Lynn Moro, Ed and Cely Chiongbian, and many more.

Myra Gonzalez Osmeña was seated with sister Margot and Manuel Larrañaga, José Mari Miranda and a special guest who had arrived from Spain, TV reporter Iñigo Ascensio. He was filming Basque residents in the Philippines for a special series about them all over the world.

Next important event at Casino Español de Cebu is a Spanish Gastronomic Wine Dinner set at Salon Comedor the evening of Nov. 26.

It is coordinated with Barcino of Manila, which is sending a special chef, Nicolas Diaz, for Spanish cuisine. The menu has about six courses, accompanied by the appropriate wine pairings.

There will be much activity during the Christmas season at Casino Español de Cebu. The traditional Cestas de Navidad raffle will be on Dec. 8, with buffet dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.

It is not just the 15 baskets filled with goodies that will be raffled but a treadmill (grand prize!), and Asian Royal Caribbean cruise holiday for two, a laptop, a Go Pro camera, a Galaxy Tab, and luggage.

There will be special buffets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Then comes the grand costume ball on New Year’s Eve, and on the first Sunday of January the three kings will come to distribute gifts to the members’ little children.

Schools honored for topping nat'l test

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/11/01/1386901/schools-honored-topping-natl-test
• Saturday, November 1, 2014 12:00 am

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City Council has recognized different private and public elementary and high schools in the city that topped the last National Achievement Test.

Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong led the members of the City Council in recognizing the principals and school heads of different private and public schools.

City Councilor Eduardo Cuizon, chairman of the Committee on Education, sponsored the resolution.

According to Cuizon, recognizing the school principals, head teachers and supervisors is one way of acknowledging them in helping the students.

Cuizon said the city government provides full support to the needs of the school heads and students.

He further said the city is making sure that all the needs of the different public elementary and high schools in the city are given immediate attention.

In yesterday's regular session, Councilor Cuizon introduced an ordinance giving P10,000 for each school that landed to top 5 during the NAT.

A separate ordinance seeking to give P20,000 to each school that landed in the top 3 is also being lobbied at the council.

Schools division Superintendent Eduardo Ompad expressed his thanks to the council and Mayor Paz Radaza for the support given to the Department of Education.