Cebu Province News February 2014 (2024)

DOH allots P10M for upgrading of Olango Island hospital

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=7&rid=620978
• Friday, February 28, 2014

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- The Department of Health Central Office has allotted P10 million for the upgrading of the Lapu-Lapu City-operated hospital in Olango Island.

Lapu-Lapu City Health Officer Dr. Rodolfo Berame said the city has been the recipient of the grant from the DOH under the Government Health Facility Upgrading Project this year.

Berame said that the beneficiary of the funds will be the Santa Rosa Community Hospital in Olango Island, a half an hour boat ride from Lapu-Lapu City.

But Berame said there is a need for a memorandum of agreement between the city and the DOH to be signed as basis for the release of funds.

Berame asked members of the city council to authorize Mayor Paz Radaza to accept the funds on behalf of the city government of Lapu-Lapu.

Berame said about P7 million was also released by the DOH to the same hospital last year, which was used in the construction of its building.

He said the release of the new funds this year will help improve the services of the Santa Rosa Community Hospital for Olango Island residents.

The hospital in Olango Island serves residents in eight barangays and three neighboring islet barangays of Lapu-Lapu City.

Koreans eye doing business in Cordova

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/metro-cebu/2014/02/27/1295079/koreans-eye-doing-business-cordova
• Thursday, February 27, 2014 12:00 am

By Jose P. Sollano (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Korean investors are interested to put up tourism-related businesses in Cordova town citing its good potential for doing business.

Bong Hwan "Charlie" Cho, president of Cebu Korean Association, Inc. told The FREEMAN that at present, a considerable number of Koreans are wanting to invest in the town.

Cho, the son-in-law of Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, said that those Koreans who signified their interest were engaged in businesses related to tourism.

He cited the potential of a marine sanctuary in Gilutungan Island to attract more visitors to visit in the town.

In preparation for the influx of tourists, Cho said the municipal government of Cordova will put up a tourism center.

Earlier, Mayor Adelino Sitoy said that tourists provide big contribution to the town's annual income.

The mayor hopes that it will continue this year with the increasing number of tourists, most of them Koreans.

He assured that the municipal government will provide them the basic services and security while in the town.

Cebu gov eyes several projects for PPP with Japanese investors

• Source:http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81556/cebu-gov-eyes-several-projects-for-ppp-with-japanese-investors
• Wednesday, February 26, 2014 8:10 am

(Philippines News Agency)

CEBU CITY -- Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has proposed several projects in Cebu for public-private partnership (PPP) to Japanese investors through the Asia Public-Private Partnership Institute (APPI).

Davide, who has just arrived from a six-day trip to Saitama Prefecture, Japan, said he met with Saitama Prefecture Gov. Kiyoshi Ueada and APPI Director Sam Tabuchi.

Davide said among the projects are the proposed trans-axial development project, the highway from Daanbantayan to Santander, and the upgrading of provincial hospitals.

Ueda had invited Davide for the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Cebu provincial government, Saitama prefecture, and the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City.

The MOA involves Saitama sending professors to Cebu to instruct graduating engineering students and to provide hands-on training.

Once this training program is realized, Davide said he plans to develop sisterhood relationships with Saitama.

Davide said Tabuchi, who teaches PPP at the graduate school of the economics department at the Toyo University, also offered to help the Cebu provincial government.

“He (Tabuchi) requested me to write him what kind of projects we have planned they can provide assistance in terms of technical advice and proposals,” Davide said.

Davide said he will send Tabuchi, who is also the APPPI Center’s vice chairman, a list of the Capitol’s proposed projects so the latter’s students can conduct a study and come up with recommendations.

President Aquino marks EDSA People Power anniversary in Cebu

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=1&rid=619865
• Tuesday, February 25, 2014

(PNA), FPV/PCOO/UTB

CEBU City, Feb. 25 (PNA) -- For the first time in Philippine history, the country commemorated the anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution outside Metro Manila led by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday.

With the theme: “Kapit-bisig Tungo sa Pagbangon,” the President decided to commemorate the historic bloodless revolution in Cebu, City, one of the areas hit by earthquake and strong typhoon last year.

In his speech, President Aquino said it is appropriate to celebrate the EDSA anniversary in Cebu recalling that the province was one of the places that resisted Martial Law under the Marcos regime.

“Talaga hong buong buo sa loob ng mga Cebuano na kung ano ang tama, at kung paano dapat labanan ang mali, at parang malaya na nga ho ang Cebu…Para sa akin ho, kung sasabihin natin kung ang huling yugto o huling kabanata ng pakikipaglabang maibalik ang demokrasya ay nangyari sa EDSA, puwede nating sigurong masabi, ang unang yugto, nag-umpisa naman sa Cebu,” he said.

He added that Cebu served as the bulwark of his late mother former President Corazon Aquino when she was planning to launch a civil disobedience campaign against Marcos dictatorship

“…Panatag po ang aking loob, na dahil nasa Cebu ang aking ina, siya ay nasa mabuting kamay, pangangalagaan ng mga Cebuano. ‘Yung mga nagtatangka ng masama, hindi magtatagumpay dahil nandoon siya sa piling ng ating mga masugid na kakampi,” he said.

The President stressed that it is time to recognize the contribution of other provinces that demonstrated resistance against the Marcos dictatorship such as Cebu and Davao.

He, meanwhile, clarified that all key players in the 1986 People Power revolution were invited by the EPPC amid issues on the changed of the venue for the anniversary.

One of the considerations stressed by the government in holding the EDSA commemoration outside Manila was to spare commuters along the major thoroughfare from heavy traffic as various government infrastructure projects have already been started in the metro.

Ogie Alcasid popular singer and EDSA People Power Commission Commissioner performs "Pilipinas ay Babangon" and "Ang Galing ng Pinoy" during the Salubungan. Actor Dingdong Dantes led the military contingents as he played the role of then Armed Forces deputy chief of staff Fidel Ramos while Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV led the civilian contingents as he played the role of his uncle, former senator Butz Aquino.

President Aquino arrived at the Cebu Provincial Capitol at 8:20 a.m. He was accorded with full military honors and was followed by the flag-raising ceremony.

The President was welcomed by Executive Secretary and EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) Chairman Paquito Ochoa Jr., Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces Chief Emmanuel Bautista, and Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima.

Also present during the event were Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas, Rehabilitation Secretary Panfilo Lacson, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma.

The prayer, meanwhile, was recited by various religious groups representatives including Father Arnold Abelardo; Mr. Lukman Abdulrachman, representing the Muslim community, Dr. Aladdin Ubpon, Imam, representing the Muslim community, Reverend Joe Steven Berdin, Conference Minister United Church of Christ in the Philippines representing the Evangelical Churches and Mr. Vincent Tan, representing the Roman Catholic community.

The President flew to Bantayan Island in northern Cebu, one of the areas damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda last year, after the EDSA commemoration. He also visited Leyte and Eastern Samar to check the progress of the government’s rehabilitation efforts.

Capitol invites Cebuanos to EDSA fete tomorrow

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/02/24/1293949/capitol-invites-cebuanos-edsa-fete-tomorrow
• Monday, February 24, 2014 12:00 am

By Gregg M. Rubio Michael H. Braga /RHM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Government is inviting the Cebuano people to witness the Salubongan, or the reenactment of the EDSA People Power Revolution, tomorrow at the Capitol grounds.

Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said the event is open to all those who want to join, and encouraged the people to wear can wear yellow shirts.

Yellow is the favorite color of Cory Aquino, the widow of Philippine hero Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. who was catapulted to the presidency by the memorable event.

“It is historic for Cebu to host the celebration 28 years after the EDSA event in 1986,” said Natera.

President Benigno Aquino III, Ninoy and Cory’s son, is expected to deliver a speech during the activity.

Since the president is attending, security would be tight, with the portion of Osmeña Blvd. from Fuente Osmeña rotunda to the corner of N. Escario St. and the portion of N. Escario Street, from the corner of M. Velez St. to that of Gorordo Ave. would be closed starting at the noon today until the end of the activity tomorrow.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale earlier said they are expecting at least 5, 000 people.

Aside from the president, his cousin Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, cabinet secretaries, and business group leaders are also expected to join in the celebration.

Actors Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Dantes are also coming to add glamour to the celebration.

Natera said everything is set for the commemoration, which will be held in Cebu for the very first time.

“So far, the EDSA People Power Commission has been satisfied with the preparations. It will be the first time for the Davide administration to host an event like this but preparations are going on smoothly,” she said.

The event would start with a flag raising at 8 a.m., followed by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III’s welcome address and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.’s opening remarks. President Aquino would then deliver his address.

The Salubongan, where civilians give flowers to soldiers in EDSA during the bloodless revolution, would happen next.

Dantes would portray the role of then Philippine Constabulary (now Philippine National Police) chief Fidel V. Ramos during the Salubong.

In the reenactment, Dantes, together with the “military”, would march from the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish (Capitol Parish) three blocks away to the Capitol grounds.

On the other hand, Senator Aquino and 3,000 University of Cebu, Cebu Normal University, and Cebu Technological University students would act as “civilians” and start their march from the vicinity of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 office also to the Capitol grounds, where the two groups would meet and give each other flowers and miniatures of Philippine flags.

After the celebration, the president would then visit Bantayan town, one of the worst hit areas of super typhoon Yolanda, before going to Palo, Leyte.

Capitol department heads and working committees are convening today for a coordination meeting.

Davide, who just arrived from Japan, inspected the preparations at the Capitol yesterday, would lead the meeting.

Also, Provincial Chief of Security Loy Madrigal disclosed that access to the Capitol building is controlled starting today, while parking at the Capitol grounds tomorrow would no longer be allowed.

He, however, said those people in the guest list can gain access to the parking area.

He added that the Civil Security Unit would be working with military personnel and Presidential Security (PSG) Group in securing Capitol premises and controlling crowd.

Also, Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) appealed for respect and cooperation, acknowledging the possibility of protesters coming to the event.

EDSA anniversary rites to be held in Cebu

• Source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/23/14/edsa-anniversary-rites-be-held-cebu
• Sunday, February 23, 2014 5:56 pm

With a report from Carine Asutilla (ABS-CBN News Cebu, ABS-CBNnews.com)

MANILA -- This year's anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution will be held in Cebu, which, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, was an important opposition stronghold during the tumultuous martial law period.

Coloma added that the traditional "Salubungan," a reenactment of the meeting of the military and civilians on the historic EDSA highway, which was an important turning point during the People Power revolt, will also be held in Cebu.

This comes after President Benigno Aquino III decided to visit the country's disaster-hit provinces as part of the annual commemorations of the 1986 uprising that led to the downfall of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Prior to the celebration in Cebu, Aquino will visit Cateel in Davao Oriental, one of the places severely affected by Typhoon Pablo in 2011. Coloma said the President will check on the rehabilitation process in the area, as well as the condition of the newly-built communities.

Aquino will also visit Loon in Bohol to check on the condition of the residents four months after the deadly earthquake hit the province.

After the commemoration of the People Power revolution, Aquino will head to Bantayan Island, one of the places in Cebu that was severely damaged by Typhoon Yolanda.

From Bantayan, the President will go to Guiuan, Eastern Samar and Tanauan, Leyte. He will also check on the projects of the Department of Health in Tacloban before going back to Manila.

On Monday, a wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, to be led by former President Fidel V. Ramos, one of the heroes of the EDSA Revolution. He will be joined by EDSA People Power Commission vice chairman Jose "Titoy" Pardo.

The event will officially open the celebration of the 28th anniversary of the EDSA revolt.

Cebu is ready

Some 3,000 students from the University of Cebu, Cebu Normal University and Cebu Technological University will join the reenactment for "Salubungan" on February 25 in Cebu. The students will represent the civilians who marched and met with the Philippine military.

Provincial Capitol's spokesperson, Ethel Natera said the students will be led by Senator Bam Aquino and will march from Osmeña Boulevard to Cebu Capitol grounds.

Meanwhile, 800 members of the Central Command will march along with YesPinoy Foundation chairman and actor, Dingdong Dantes, from the Capitol parish to the Capitol grounds.

The symbolic giving of flowers and flaglets by the civilians to the members of the Military will be done in front of the Capitol.

Natera said the event will start promptly at 8 a.m. as the President needs to leave early. Aquino is expected to be in Bantayan Island at 10 a.m. before leaving for Palo, Leyte.

Undersecretary Jose Mari Oquiñena of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said they are already in the polishing stage in their preparations, although the concerned offices will still have to meet on Monday for a final briefing.

Cebu Province registers higher income last year

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/02/22/1293187/cebu-province-registers-higher-income-last-year
• Saturday, February 22, 2014 12:00 am

By Liv G. Campo (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The province earned P391 million in 2013, almost P60 million higher than what it logged two years ago, according to a report released by the Capitol’s website www.cebu.gov.ph.

Acting provincial treasurer Emmanuel Guial said in the same report that last year’s local income is higher than 2012’s P335 million.

Guial said the total figure includes earnings from local taxes, operating and miscellaneous revenues and from Capitol’s economic enterprise.

Including its Internal Revenue Allotment, Capitol’s income reached P2.2 billion, excluding the P71.9 million special education fund and the P97.1 million trust fund.

Guial attributed last year’s increase of local revenues to the additional income generated from Larsian, a barbecue center near Fuente Osmeña, which expanded last year. He said Larsian’s total revenue in 2013 alone was pegged at P6.1 million.

The provincial officer also said the mining operations (sand and gravel and quarry activities) also contributed to this increase. He said the strict monitoring of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Civil Security Unit of the Provincial Revenue Code have helped in this development.

Even district hospitals have also given considerable revenues to Cebu’s coffers, he said.

Last year, district hospitals generated P145.5 million for the province, up from P92 million registered for 2012.

Cebu annual economic briefing, investment forum set this month

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/21/1292848/cebu-annual-economic-briefing-investment-forum-set-month
• Friday, February 21, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Business Club (CBC) will be hosting its 4th Cebu Annual Economic Briefing and Investment Forum this coming February 28 at the City Sports Club Cebu.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director-general and socioeconomic planning secretary Arseño Balisacan will be the forum’s lead speaker. He will give a briefing on the performance of the economy and its future outlook.

Despite the series of natural disasters that hit the country in the latter part of the year, the economy expanded by 7.2 percent, improving from the 6.8 percent achieved in 2012.

The forum will try to make participants understand what made possible this creditable performance of the country, and where we stand now with respect to our neighbors in the ASEAN and the rest of East Asia.

According to CBC president Dondi Joseph, the forum will also answer questions on what sectors contributed most to growth, are these sources of growth desirable when viewed for their sustainability and capacity to achieve inclusive growth, what challenges still remains and how are we to confront these pressing challenges.

“In the first three years of the present administration, what lessons have we learned in our national development effort? What are the salient features of the updated Philippine Development Plan and how do we measure the success of its implementation? More importantly, what are we to do with our high unemployment and poverty rates that prevail across the different sectors of the economy and areas of the country,” Joseph said.

More inputs on the subject will also be given by Dr. Karl Chua, World Bank Senior Country Economist to the Philippines, together with the reactions from responsible officials of the local business groups here in Cebu. Capping this event is a presentation on the performance of the Philippine Stock Market and its Outlook to be given by Mr. Leonardo Arguelles, Jr., President and CEO of Unicapital Securities, Inc.

In its fourth year now, this event is organized by Cebu Business Club with Cebu Holdings, Inc. and Unicapital Securities, Inc. in cooperation with the Cebu and Mandaue Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Bosconian International Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Economics of the University of San Carlos. Interested participants from business, government, academe and other groups are welcome.

Cebu Capitol presses release of P26.844B needed for rehab of typhoon-hit north Cebu

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=618161
• Thursday, February 20, 2014

By Eddie O. Barrita [(PNA), CTB/EB/]

CEBU CITY, Feb. 20 (PNA) -- The Cebu Provincial Government is still following up the P26.844 billion fund it needed for the rehabilitation and reconstruction program in super typhoon Yolanda-hit areas in northern Cebu, an official said.

Capitol Consultant Baltazar Tribunalo Jr., head of the Task Force Paglig-on, said they have requested for funding from the National Government through the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR).

Earlier, mayors of affected areas said they still have not received any financial assistance more than three months after Yolanda hit the northern towns of Cebu on November 8.

PARR officials who attended the meeting with the mayors Monday asked the local chief executives to give an updated damage assessment so they can present the document to the department concerned for the release of funds.

Tribunalo said they also keep on asking the regional offices of national government offices for the assistance.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) 7 plans to give P5,000 worth of construction materials per household in typhoon-affected areas.

For the long-term plan, the NHA will fund the resettlement sites for families living in the danger zones.

Tribunalo said 13 out of the 16 local government units affected by the typhoon in northern Cebu have submitted their updated damage report to the task force.

Tribunalo said Task Force Paglig-on will forward the assessment to PARR for the budget from the National Government.

Tribunalo also asked affected LGUs to be more patient.

Province dads eye new Capitol seal

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/02/19/1292079/province-dads-eye-new-capitol-seal
• Wednesday, February 19, 2014 12:00 am

By Liv G. Campo, JRS (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial government may have a new logo one day. This after the Provincial Board on Monday approved a resolution allowing the Capitol to change its current official seal.

According to the newly-approved resolution sponsored by PB member Thadeo Ouano, there is a need to update Cebu's official seal as the current one no longer depicts the true face of the province.

"The present seal of the province actually illustrates/focuses more on the Spanish colonialism that reflects the history and culture of the Filipinos," read the resolution.

"Due to the present situations and the demand of time, it manifests a need to amend, improve or update the official seal of the provincial government that would exactly depicts/symbolizes the real history and culture of Cebu and the Cebuanos," it further read.

It was also agreed that the Capitol could hold a logo-making contest to be participated in by local artists.

Ouano said that the new logo will be used as official identification of the province's official communications, documents and transactions.

Policemen to ride buses to keep an eye on drivers

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/02/18/1291722/policemen-ride-buses-keep-eye-drivers
• Tuesday, February 18, 2014 12:00 am

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

CEBU, Philippines - Uniformed policemen would start riding buses plying provincial routes to prevent crime and to keep an eye on reckless drivers by next month.

Supt. Ricky Delelis, Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Provincial Operations and Plans Division chief, said they would launch in March their “Cops on Board” program, to ensure public safety and to improve police visibility.

The policemen’s presence would also serve to remind the drivers to observe traffic rules while behind the wheel.

“May mga drayber kasi na kaskasero at pwede silang sitahin ng kapulisan natin at kung hindi pwede nang arestohin (There are reckless drivers; so the police could call either their attention or even arrest them),” Delelis said.

He said that initial stage of the program would just have policemen in uniform randomly boarding any bus from any area in the province.

“Kahit saan sila pwedeng sumakay kahit saan din sila pwedeng bumaba at kahit anong bus ‘yung sasakyan nila (The policemen would take a ride from anywhere, disembark in any place, and ride any bus they choose),” Delelis told The FREEMAN.

Each of the police stations under CPPO is required to provide the headquarters four personnel, who would initially work in 12-hour shifts for the program pending an updated study on the province’s crime clock.

In a press conference yesterday morning, all 20 bus operators in attendance agreed on the plan since it would benefit the public.

The CPPO is also planning to later on train policemen as deputized personnel of the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“As of now we are still preparing the documents for our final consultative meeting this week or next week kasi (because) we need the PNP and our law-enforcers to work on this,” Delelis said.

Interviewed separately, LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said he supports the PNP’s plan.

“We support it because it is a very good plan and we can deputize them,” Cuizon said.

Cebuano athletes rule PRISAA Regional Meet

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-sports/2014/02/17/1291354/cebuano-athletes-rule-prisaa-regional-meet
• Monday, February 17, 2014 12:00 am

By Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Host team Cebu ended their campaign in an impressive fashion as they successfully defended their overall crown in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Regional Meet which formally came to a close in different venues in the city, yesterday.

The tandem of Edmar Bonono of University of Southern Philippines Foundation and Mark Anthony Fernandez of University of the Visayas won the deciding match in the men’s volleyball against Bohol, 2-0.

Over in the football field, Cebuano booters pulled of a 10-1 annihilation of Bohol. Agapito Baclaan scored four goals, while Ricko de Guzman and Marjun Capul had two each as Neil Ryan Bono, Sean Carlos Broce, Lorenzo Magbanua, and Lester Agravante contributed a goal each.

Cebuano karatekas also grabbed 10 golds and two bronzes. Ann Marie Riarte and Vince Harvey Cabrera shine in the kata competition, while Gwen Jade Ponteros dominated the 50 kg. class.

The rest of the gold medalists for Cebu in karate are Lynie Narbonda, Kelvin Suan(60 kgs), Marjorie Villareal(61 kgs), Mary Mathilde Auza(+68) and Antonio Bacud in the +75 kgs.

Siblings Prince Joey and Joery Ann Lee sealed Cebu’s bid with a 1-2 finish in the 5,000m run. Prince Joey won the men's division with 16:33:20 clocking over Bohol's Jiven Pojas while Joery (26:77:66) settled for silver after being beaten by Bohol's Teodelyn Calabroso (22:54:79).

University of San Carlos’ Ingrid Gerodias puts the icing in the cake for Cebu as she bested seven other beauties in the regional selection to represent the region in the National finals set in Tagum, Davao on April.

Cebu guv eyes PPP for P56-B trans-axial highway

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=616606
• Sunday, February 16, 2014

By Eddie O. Barrita [(PNA), CTB/EB/]

CEBU CITY, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he is eyeing a public-private partnership to fund the P56-billion trans-axial highway project on a build-operate-transfer scheme.

The 300-kilometer highway will traverse the entire length of Cebu Island from Daanbantayan town in the north to Santander town in the south, cutting travel time from north to south to only two hours.

Engr. Edgar Sibonga, head of the technical working committee (TWC) on the trans-axial highway project, said it has numerous components, such as reclamation areas, economic zones and seaports, among others.

Davide will leave for Japan next week to promote the project.

He has been invited by the Saitama Prefecture.

Sibonga said trans-axial highway project TWC includes representatives from Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Assessor (PA) and Provincial Legal Office (PLO), and five from the private sector.

The Cebu Trans-axial Highway project was first conceptuialized by the late Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez.

His daughter, Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero, who was elected as member of the Cebu Provincial Board, said the highway will pass through a 220-kilometer length an existing highway.

Only the 80-kilometer stretch is yet to be opened, she said.

She said the trans-axial highway will also link the seven-kilometer seaports, the Talisay-Minglanilla-Naga 550-hectare reclamation and four economic zones in Cebu’s fourth, fifth, third and second districts.

The project will also develop water resources and wind and solar power farms.

Sibonga said Davide has tasked the TWC to prepare a detailed program of work, lay down the activities for acquisition of road-right-of-way and update the project estimates since figures were gathered in 2008 yet.

Some P10 million was earmarked for the project under the provincial government’s P407 million annual investments plan this year.

Netherlands officials want stronger ties with Cebu

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/02/15/netherlands-officials-want-stronger-ties-cebu-328463
• Saturday, February 15, 2014

By Rebelander S. Basilan

OFFICIALS from the Netherlands visited Cebu last Thursday to learn about efforts to stamp out human trafficking in the island and to establish ties with local authorities.

The Dutch delegation, led by Herman Bolhaar, chair of the Netherlands’ Task Force on Human Trafficking, went to Barangay Ibabao, Cordova town where raids against cybersex hubs have been conducted for the past few years.

Town officials led by Mayor Adelino Sitoy briefed the group about the measures taken by the town to address cyberp*rnography, including the policy requiring money transfer services.

Bolhaar, in a press conference at the Marco Polo Hotel, stressed the importance of cooperation among countries to stop human trafficking, a multi-billion dollar industry.

“We need partnership throughout the world,” he said, adding that exchange of information among countries is necessary in investigating international trafficking crimes.

The Dutch delegation, guided by the Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (Iacat), also met with officials of the Mactan Cebu Airport Task Force against Trafficking and the Bureau of Immigration.

Chief State Counsel Ricardo Paras III, officer-in-charge of Iacat, said the Philippines has an international obligation to criminalize human trafficking as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime.

In 2003, the country passed Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Last Wednesday, Paras said, the Iacat also met with a Japanese delegation interestedin learning from the Philippines’s experience in combatting trafficking.

Paras said the Iacat is considering creating a core group composed of representatives from different embassies that will meet regularly, to establish better coordination.

Corinne Dettmeijer-Vermeulen, national rapporteur on trafficking in human beings and sexual violence against children in Netherlands, lauded the efforts taken by Cordova officials to fight cyberp*rnography.

“We were impressed,” she said, adding she was struck by the policy requiring money transfer services in the town to report suspicious transactions and submit a monthly report of their transactions.

Operators of cyberp*rn dens in Cordova, mostly parents, compel minors to pose naked before webcam for the viewing of pedophiles, mostly foreigners.

Vermeulen said the Netherlands and the Philippines should work together, having mutual interests in stopping human trafficking.

Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane, in a separate interview, lamented that labeling Cordova as “cybersex capital” is inaccurate, with only two cases of anti-child cyberp*rnography in the town filed in court so far.

On the prosecution of trafficking suspects, Gubalane said there are strong evidence against the suspects in cases pending in court.

At least 18 persons have been convicted of human trafficking in Cebu since 2003.

The latest conviction involved a 41-year-old woman who allegedly attempted to bring three minors to Bulacan Province for prostitution.

Regional Trial Court Branch 27 Judge Toribio Quiwag sentenced Rebecca Estrada to life imprisonment and to pay a fine of P3 million.

Her conviction came less than two months after two women were also sentenced to life imprisonment in a court in Cebu City for their alleged involvement in human trafficking.

Developer to launch more commercial development projects in Cebu, Luzon

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/14/1290259/developer-launch-more-commercial-development-projects-cebu-luzon
• Friday, February 14, 2014 12:00 am

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Inspired with the success of the Pueblo Verde in Mactan, the “community center” concept of the flagship commercial development of property developer AboitizLand, Inc. will soon be replicated in Cebu and in Luzon.

AboitizLand Inc. commercial business unit manager Clifford Academia told the reporters that the company intends to launch more commercial retail projects which will complement the residential and industrial developments of AboitizLand.

“We want our commercial developments attached with our industrial or residential projects. We want them to be integrated,” he said.

Pueblo Verde is five-hectare commercial village located along Maximo Patalinghug Avenue, within the Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ 2) in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. It features a variety of banking, shopping, dining, retail and other service options.

AboitizLand then established the Persimmon Plus in support of its mid-rise condominium project, the Persimmon Studios, in Mabolo.

Academia said that they are currently laying out the plan for the commercial development for its Pristina North residential project in Talamban, Cebu City.

He further revealed that they are eyeing to expand in a potential commercial property that they recently acquired in LiMA Technology Center, an industrial park of the LiMA Land Inc. located in Batangas City that is currently operational.

He added that they shall also venture to further commercial estates in partnership with their big brother and big sister companies engaged into residential and industrial developments.

“It will be the same concept of Pueblo Verde and Persimmon Plus. We see the relevance of the community center to the day-to-day activities of the public,” he said.

AboitizLand is also working out on their expansion plans for the residential projects in Luzon to take place within this year.

To date, Pueblo Verde is already 98-percent occupied with over 100 merchants housed in the commercial hub. Academia announced that the remaining two percent is currently open for lease, adding that they are looking at fast food chains as potential merchants.

He further shared that SM Hypermarket will soon rise at Pueblo Verde, covering 2 000 square meters of the property.

It will be constructed starting next month and is expected to be completed in the later part of this year.

He said that the entry of national players to Pueblo Verde is an indicator of good business environment that the commercial hub is giving to its locators.

“It is fast becoming a lifestyle to the public and a good investment for our merchants. It was an evolution from a community center to a lifestyle destination with a shopping component,” he said.

Academia cited that the average foot traffic recorded last year at Pueblo Verde reached up to 15,000 per day. This is reportedly a 20-percent increase to the foot traffic recorded in 2012.

He said that aside from the local and foreign tourists who come to The Outlets, the residents in the city and employees in the economic zone that could reach up to 30 000 workers from close to 50 companies contribute to such positive figures.

It was last December that AboitizLand opened the region’s first factory outlet shopping destination, The Outlets, occupying a one-hectare property at Pueblo Verde.

It is a stand-alone mall that is conceptualized to allow manufacturers to offer their products directly to the consumers at discounted prices.

Currently, the newly-opened shopping destination houses top global brands such as Oakley, Nike, Levi’s, Converse, Adidas, and The Peso Store and national food and recreational chains such as Calda Pizza, Bo’s Coffee, 7 Eleven and Wat Ever Family KTV, 14 more outlets will be opened by the first quarter of this year.

The company shall also allot another two-hectare area for the expansion of the Outlets that will soon house an additional of 20 stores carrying international fashion brands.

Academia said that construction will start in the second quarter of this year and is targeted to be completed by yearend.

DOST taps Korean firm for making hospital beds

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/02/13/1289816/dost-taps-korean-firm-making-hospital-beds
• Thursday, February 13, 2014 12:00 am

By Jessa J. Agua /ATO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - A technology that will make the country capable of producing quality hospital beds, eyed for eventual exportation.

This is the aim of the latest project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Central Visayas, through the Philippine Medical Support Research Development (PMSRD), that tapped the Korean hospital bed production technology of Taedong Prime.

“The intention is to transfer technology to develop hospital bed production. The goal is to come up with 100 percent localization of raw materials. This way, we can have quality hospital bed at a much lower price,” DOST-7 OIC regional director Edilberto Paradela said.

Paradela added that a 40-day training for 40 local technicians will start later this month.

“Training was supposed to start first week of November. We have already conducted initial background but due to natural calamities, it was postponed,” he said.

The memorandum of agreement signed in November specified that the first batch of trainees will be compensated with P300 per day.

Further, trainees also signed retainers’ contracts bounding them to stay and work in the Philippines for a certain period before allowing them to work abroad.

The program has five stages of implementation, namely; welding and assembly, electronic powder coating, press/bending/cutting offset machine, plastic molding and plastic products, R&D and Design Center.

Paradela’s predecessor, the late regional director Rene Burt Llanto arranged for this project when he proposed it before a national meeting with the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Philippine Council for Health Research of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCHRD).

Metro Cebu development study starts

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/02/12/1289435/metro-cebu-development-study-starts
• Wednesday, February 12, 2014 12:00 am

By Gregg M. Rubio. FPL (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) has started its study on the Metro Cebu Sustainable Urban Development Roadmap last Friday and is expected to finish it middle of next month.

A total of 6,527 sample households were selected randomly in all barangays in the study areas, which cover the cities of Cebu, Danao, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Naga, and Carcar, and the towns of Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Cordova, Minglanilla, and San Fernando.

In partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the study team has engaged a local survey company, Breta Consulting Corporation, to execute the Household Interview Survey.

The JICA Study Team and Breta Consulting Corporation introduced yesterday the Roadmap Study before the media.

The objective of the survey is to gather basic data that will help in formulating comprehensive urban development plans for Metro Cebu.

The survey covers the socio-economic characteristics of the household, personal trip behavior, and opinions on existing living conditions and public services.

Using pencil and paper household interview survey, the methodology also involves direct interview to the respective household heads and household members.

The 48 enumerators will also distribute a four-page leaflet about Mega Cebu Vision 2050 to the interviewed households.

They will also explain the Mega Cebu Vision as well to the respondents, in a more understandable and conversational manner.

The MCDCB and JICA have formulated a long-term development vision called Mega Cebu Vision 2050 for the sustainable urban development of Metro Cebu.

The survey being conducted forms part of the roadmap study.

The roadmap components include competitiveness enhancement; urban structure and land use; urban transport and highway network; water supply and disposal management; solid waste management; smart SRP development; and metropolitan administration.

Other surveys to be conducted are public transport users' survey and screen line survey.

The study team assured that the identities of respondents will remain confidential while the collected data will be statistically processed, and will not be used for any other purpose.

To hire 600-900 workers: Aussie insurance firm opens Cebu office

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/11/1289043/hire-600-900-workers-aussie-insurance-firm-opens-cebu-office
• Tuesday, February 11, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - One of the world’s top insurance company QBE Insurance joins Cebu’s flourishing business process outsourcing industry, hiring an initial headcount of 600 to 900 people in the next 18 months.

With headquarters in Australia, QBE has chosen the Philippines as its offshore support office, taking care of their company's backoffice operations since its entry in the Philippines in Manila three years ago.

Yesterday, QBE Group head for operational transformation Mike Emmett together with the company's executives in the Philippine operation were in Cebu to formalize its deal with Skyrise Realty & Development Corporation to occupy majority of the floors on the newly completed 12-floor building Skyrise Alpha at the Cebu Business Park.

In an interview with Emmett, he said that the Cebu office will take care of the group's critical backoffice jobs such as human resource, claims and other insurance related processes, as well as act as its disaster recovery site.

In Manila, QBE employs a total of 1,100 people. The Manila and Cebu offices will be handling the backoffice jobs for the company’s global operations. QBE operates in 50 countries employing over 18 thousand worldwide.

QBE only maintains offshore shared-service operation site in the Philippines to handle its back-office transactions, indicating the company's strong confidence of Filipinos' skills and talents, that could well provide support service in finance, human resource works and services.

At present, QBE is partnering with John Clements Solutions company for its hiring activity in Cebu, which has an office located at i2 building at the Cebu IT Park.

Depending on its global partners’ growth requirement, Emmett said the Cebu office may decide to expand its headcount number after 18 months, the 600 to 900 people "is just an initial" target as the company will start its operations here.

QBE Insurance Group Limited is an Australian based general insurance provider, providing insurance services mainly to the Asia Pacific region, but also America, Canada, and Europe (QBE European Operations). It has offices in 52 countries. Although the company is widely diversified, it is weighted towards property, motor vehicle and marine insurance.

QBE has market capitalization of A$18.6 billion, and represents 2.22 percent of the ASX 200 index [citation needed]. The company reported a 2009 profit of $1.970 billion.

As of August 2012, QBE is ranked 18th among the world's general insurers.

QBE was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1973 from the merger of three companies whose names represent the letters of the combined company, Queensland Insurance, Bankers' and Traders' Insurance Company, and Equitable Life and General Insurance Co.

Staffing services provider sees rising demand in Cebu

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/10/1288719/staffing-services-provider-sees-rising-demand-cebu
• Monday, February 10, 2014 12:00 am

By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Seeing the growing market in Cebu for human capital, John Clements Consultants, Inc. (JCCI) recently opened its second office at Cebu IT Park to cater to more clients who are based in the province.

JCCI is a pioneer and innovator in the staffing services in the Philippines among major multinational companies and large-scale local firms for more than three decades.

The Manila-based company has been present in Cebu for six years already. Before, they usually process the requirements of the clients in Manila until they decided to put up an office in Cebu in 2006.

JCCI vice president and managing director Grace Sorongon said they observed that the Cebu business community is continuously growing for the past two to three years, thus feeling the need to expand its presence in the area.

“We decided that it is about time,” she said.

Before, JCCI only offers recruitment services in Cebu that vary in direct recruiting and managed recruiting exclusive to one client.

Sorongon shared that with the opening of its second office, JCCI shall also aggressively introduce more products and services of the company in Cebu all within this year.

These include leadership development programs in partnership with Harvard Business Publishing, customized learning programs, executive coaching, 360-degree feedback assessment services and other trainings.

They will also conduct recruitment operations and job fairs in Cebu and in the Visayas.

“We envision Cebu will become just like Manila where all of the products of the company will be marketed here. More products, more services, more clients,” she said.

In Cebu, JCCI attends to the recruitment of supervisory and mid-management positions since local companies can usually manage those from the entry level.

Sorongon shared how the company’s professional staffers go all over the country and find those worthy of the positions, adding that they do not have much struggle in sourcing employees nationwide.

“We look for the best,” she continued.

She also reminded Cebu-based companies who are typically investment-conscious that the recruitment process is a capital-intensive asset if one chooses to operate expansively.

Although she declined to disclose the exact amount of the investment for the second office, she said that the company poured a “big investment” for such expansion.

She said that the new office will handle only one client for now.

The two existing hubs of the company in Cebu will also house the increasing number of JCCI clients across all industries such as business process management, construction, manufacturing and telecommunications.

Sorongon further revealed that they are eyeing to expand in Iloilo and Davao hopefully next year.

JCCI has six offices in Manila.

It was founded in 1974 by the late Leocadio Dominguez, a Harvard graduate and an accomplished corporate executive, and John Clements, a well-known psychology consultant in Australia.

It specializes on management consultancy, recruitment and placement, psychological assessment, service contracting management, outsourcing, and staff augmentation to both domestic and foreign markets.

Farmers training program launched in Borbon

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/09/1288408/farmers-training-program-launched-borbon
• Sunday, February 9, 2014 12:00 am

By Kerwin Macopia (Contributor, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The “Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers Training Program” was launched recently by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD) and SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) in the municipality of Borbon, Cebu.

As one of the towns affected by super typhoon Yolanda, 158 residents of Borbon composed of 58 Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program beneficiaries and 100 members from the farmers’ association were identified as beneficiaries of the said training program.

“We would like to hit the target quota that you would learn many things and eventually you would apply what you have learned because we want that you will have food on your table and you can still sell your products to others,” SMFI Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Cristie Angeles told the beneficiaries during the project launching in Sitio Candinayla, Brgy. Poblacion, Borbon.

“When you are ready, we will help you sell your produce through market linkages,” Angeles added.

The beneficiaries will undergo a 3-month training program and will meet in a weekly basis.

Harbest Agribusiness Corporation (HAC) will discuss various modules on farming while DSWD through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) will teach participants on proper business management.Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

HAC President Arsenio Barcelona said they will teach farmers new technology on application of fertilizers, soil amendments and the removal of parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots through pruning.

“We will teach them both technical and hands-on training to ensure they will cultivate highly valued crops,” Barcelona underscored.

Marilou Monera, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, is grateful for being included in the program.

“As a farmer, I would also like to learn new ways in order to be successful in our farming,” Monera explained.

Marilou’s husband works as a farmer and she sells “majablanca” to augment family income.

She added that they have a small lot near their house that they can plant vegetables with.

At the culmination of the program, a harvest festival will be conducted to showcase their fresh produce.

Key tourism players conduct strategic planning workshop

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/08/1287953/key-tourism-players-conduct-strategic-planning-workshop
• Saturday, February 8, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - Key tourism players in Cebu and Bohol recently convened in a two-day workshop at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, to craft sustainable strategies and action plans for 2014.

Initiated by the German government-funded Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) program, the workshop made emphasis on making changes in framework conditions in Cebu and Bohol considering the calamities that hit the area in the latter part of 2013.

Also included in the planning session were learning and retooling sessions with inputs coming from different resource persons, one of whom is Thomas Finkel, representing COMO, a leading consultancy firm in Germany.

Also during the workshop, tourism stakeholders from Cebu and Bohol shared their respective green practices to their peers to encourage others to follow suit.

These practices include changing light bulbs to LED lights, retrofitting existing buildings to optimize natural lighting and natural ventilation, recycling waste water through reed bed system and linking with local suppliers of organic products.

These practices not only allowed them to contribute to conserving the environment, reducing impact of human activities to the environment, reducing green house gas emissions and promoting sustainable production and consumption but also helped lower the cost of operations.

As a result of the sensitization activities via fora, exhibits, testimonials, audio visuals and printed materials, the enterprises in the tourism sectors of Bohol and Cebu initiated steps towards greening.

On the other hand, drivers from the transport sector went into training on fuel efficient driving. Resorts worked with service providers to conduct energy audit and consult on green designs, toxic waste collector and treater as well as suppliers of equipment to reduce electricity and water costs were introduced to the enterprises.

Service providers worked together to come up with green service packages affordable and accessible to MSMEs.

The ProGED Project is a development cooperation project jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ and Department of Trade and Industry and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs by adopting environment friendly and climate smart strategies.

It will run for three years, from January 2013 to December 2015 and will be piloted in the tourism value chain in two provinces, Bohol and Cebu, with an aim to upscale outside the pilot areas from the second year on wards.

Developer to invest P1.1B for resort and spa expansion

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/07/1287610/developer-invest-p1.1b-resort-and-spa-expansion
• Friday, February 7, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - The good prospects in Cebu’s tourism industry has prompted the developer of Crimson Resort & Spa on Mactan Island, to invest P1.1 billion for expansion that will be completed before the end of 2017.

The newest resort facility in Mactan, developed by Filinvest Land Inc., (FLI) will add about 60 to 100 more rooms, to add up to its existing 209 rooms and villas.

In an interview with James M. Montenegro, the area general manager for Crimson and Quest Hotel in Cebu, said that aside from adding more rooms, the resort will also build more function facilities, and restaurants, among others.

The four-year-old posh resort is now utilizing about 60 percent of the total 6.9 hectare inside the integrated property developed by FLI, including the exclusive sea-side subdivision called “Seascapes.”

Montenegro said the expansion plan will start towards the end of this month, and is targeted to be completed in the next three years.

“Demand for Cebu is generally good,” he said adding that despite the two disasters that happened last year, both Filinvest hotel properties, Crimson and Quest registered encouraging average occupancy rates in 2013.

Aside from its expansion in the Mactan property, the company is also set to open up another Crimson Resort in Boracay.

Although, he admitted that the hotel properties have lost some businesses, due to cancellation of bookings and events after the October 15, 2013 earthquake, and the super typhoon Yolanda in November, the fairly good performance in the first two quarters last year was able to pull up the year-end performance for both hotels.

Montenegro, who also manages the company’s three-star hotel located adjacent to Cebu Business Park, said that for Quest alone, the business hotel posted an average occupancy rate of 70 percent in 2013, while Crimson ended the year with 75 percent average occupancy rate.

“We’ve lost a lot of businesses after the two disasters, but we are fortunate to gain good buffer until October. But, we immediately gained back in the first two months this year,” Montenegro said.

Both hotels lost about 10 percent to 15 percent businesses immediately after the two disasters, however, he said both properties ended the year with encouraging performance, while hotels in Cebu also got good businesses after the typhoon as it became the hub for international relief operations coming from all over the world.

This year, Montenegro said the two hotel properties of the Gotianun-owned real estate development company, FLI are doing “quite well” in the last few months.

Domestic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) is starting to move up, and has become the one of the main growth drivers for Crimson, and Quest hotels.

While Cebu has already gained the world’s spotlight in terms of tourism and investment charms, Montenegro hopes that the province will be able to get more of the growing international MICE events, as well as the regional MICE bookings in the short term.

For Crimson, and Quest, he said efforts are being mobilized now to activate and expand its international network to sell Cebu to the global market. The company is planning to open up a marketing office in China.

DSWD launches system imposing "transparency"

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2014/02/06/1287217/dswd-launches-system-imposing-transparency
• Thursday, February 6, 2014 12:00 am

By Jessa J. Agua/ATO (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - An integrated data management system was recently launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help track government infrastructure projects in the country.

The Project Information Management System (PIMS) enables the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) to upload, access, and analyze vital information in their system.

"Aside from data storage, the system can also be used for map production, geo-tagging application, and spatial analysis. It also has web and Short Message Service (SMS) applications, so it will be easier and much faster way for our project staff, especially the ones assigned in the field, to relay needed information," DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations Nemia Antipala explained.

Kalahi-CIDSS, identifies the primary needs and implement projects of the poorest communities in the country and comes up with ways to respond to their problems through projects like school buildings, day care centers, and livelihood trainings, among others.

One feature of the database system is the "geo-tagging", which may be used to track the progress and status of even small infrastructure projects in areas of concern.

The DSWD stressed that through this, "transparency" from the government would be practiced.

Kalahi-CIDSS utilizes community-driven development (CDD) strategies to develop the capacities of residents and local government units of the poorest municipalities in the country so they will be able to lift their communities from poverty.

After 10 years of CDD implementation, Kalahi-CIDSS is now preparing to scale up its operations into the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP), which will cover more poor municipalities all over the country this year.

In the Central Visayas, the NCDDP will cover 104 municipalities with poverty incidence rates greater than 26.5 percent based on the 2009 small areas estimates (SAE) data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Exporters see good relations with new Cebu Customs chief

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/05/1286911/exporters-see-good-relations-new-cebu-customs-chief
• Wednesday, February 5, 2014 12:00 am

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - With a Cebuano now at the helm of the Bureau of Customs Cebu port district, exporters are confident to iron out issues with the BOC at the same time sustain a smooth coordination with the agency on export and import transactions.

Stakeholders of the Cebu export sector are now planning to meet with newly appointed BOC Cebu port district collector Roberto Almadin to discuss a handful of concerns, said PhilExport-Cebu executive director Fred Escalona.

Escalona said that their concerns include the timely release and facilitation of cargoes and the provision of more x-ray machines, among others.

"Hopefully we will have the same working relationship with his predecessor Ronnie Silvestre," Escalona said adding that with the military background of Almadin, the private sector is expecting a more disciplined operations in the bureau.

Escalona hopes that being a Cebuano, Almadin will be able to help the "struggling" export sector by making government documentary requirements in the bureau business-friendly and time conscious.

In a separate interview with Almadin, he said that exporters are welcome to have a dialogue with him, anytime.

Aside from PhilExport, Almadin also mentioned his willingness to set up a regular meeting with other major business organizations in Cebu, like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

"I want to be an active partner of the business community in Cebu," said Almadin. He added that a regular dialogue with the business community will be initiated to nurture a good working relationship with the Cebu business sector.

Moreover, Almadin said that BOC is also doing its part in preparing for the anticipated challenges in the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015, saying the office is now developing a new system to make it more efficient, as well as curb bureaucracy and corruption within the bureau.

The Cebuano Customs chief said that the establishment of value reference information system is seen to improve the collection revenue of the bureau as well as monitor illegal transactions.

Last year, the BOC- Cebu posted a 76 percent increase in collection. Board (NSCB).

P6-B Norkis Cyberpark to boost economic growth, employment in Central Visayas

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=612576
• Tuesday, February 4, 2014

(PNA), LAP/EB/

CEBU CITY, Feb. 4 (PNA) -- The P6-billion Norkis Cyberpark in Mandaue City, which will have at least four buildings for information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), will boost economic growth and employment in Central Visayas, officials said.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7 Assistant Director Efren Carreon said they have a target growth rate of seven to eight percent for 2014 and with IT-BPM is a key employment factor.

The Norkis Cyberpark was conceptualized by Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr., chairman of the Norkis Group of Companies. It will be located in a 2.8-hectare lot on A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City.

The four buildings for IT-BPM will have total floor space of 114,000 square meters.

The first building will have six storeys; the second, eight; the third, 10 storeys; and the fourth, 12 storeys.

The rest of the 2.8 hectares will be for the park and parking lots.

Earlier, Quisumbing said that while all his companies have employed a total of more than 6,000 people, he will be happier to see 30,000 people employed in his new venture.

The four buildings will be constructed by Makati-based DEI Properties Inc. chaired by Engineer Danilo E. Ignacio.

Ignacio said the first building will be completed and made operational by September 2014.

“We have started the marketing of the project and we found out the significant demand for Norkis Cyberpark,” Ignacio said.

Director Asteria Caberte of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 said that if Norkis Cyberpark will employ 30,000 BPM workers, that means a lot of disposable income that will immediately circulate in the economy.

“I commend Dr. Quisumbing for initiating this project which will surely be a big impact to the economy of Central Visayas, particularly Cebu,” Caberte said.

Developers set sights on Mandaue City

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=612283
• Monday, February 3, 2014

(PNA), JBP/EB

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, Feb. 3 (PNA) -- Property developers are starting to set their sights on Mandaue City after the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) board removed an incentive for developers building information technology (IT) parks in Cebu City.

Danilo Ignacio, chairman of DEI Properties, said Mandaue is an ideal location for IT parks because of its proximity to Cebu City and the international airport.

Ignacio’s company will manage the P6-billion Norkis Cyberpark by the Norkis Group of Companies which is going to rise along A. S. Fortuna St. in Mandaue City.

Ignacio said he also felt the support of the local government in constructing the first phase of the project, saying the city is investor-friendly.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said there are more areas for development in the city, citing their 14-hectare share of the reclamation near Cansaga Bay and another reclamation project in the works.

Cortes said he believes these parts will change the landscape of the city.

Aside from the Norkis Cyberpark, the Aboitiz and Ayala groups have announced a partnership to develop a property in Subangdaku, also in Mandaue City.

Cortes has repeatedly noted that people need to pass Mandaue to go in and out of Cebu City, which makes it a viable location for investment.

He credits the business sector for Mandaue City’s progress, saying they have allowed the city to operate on a P1.8-billion budget, a leap from the P680-million annual budget he worked with when he first assumed office in 2007.

“We owe it all to the business sector. Because they have been paying their taxes religiously, we can improve our services. There is synergy in Mandaue,” he said.

DSWD-7 conducts one-stop shop information service caravan

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/cebu-business/2014/02/02/1285743/dswd-7-conducts-one-stop-shop-information-service-caravan
• Sunday, February 2, 2014 12:00 am

By Kerwin Macopia (Contributor, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines - In time for its 63rd anniversary, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a two-day one-stop shop information service caravan for its 912 employees.

“This is the first of its kind that we have conducted in the history of DSWD wherein we invited various government agencies to give briefing about their services,” said DSWD-7 Human Resource Officer Jaybee Binghay.

“We have invited representatives from PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, SSS and GSIS to present updates regarding their services and to answer different queries from our employees,” Binghay added.

For this year, DSWD will enroll its 757 contract of service employees to become member of the said pension and insurance funds.

“We will have a mandatory deduction from their salary so that we could enroll them and eventually enjoy different benefits like health, housing and even pension,” she emphasized.

Aside from the information caravan, DSWD also facilitated an Annual Physical Examination to its employees.

Cebu gov. set to visit manufacturing center in Japan on Feb. 17

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=611840
• Saturday, February 1, 2014

(PNA), SCS/EB

CEBU CITY, Feb. 1 (PNA) -- Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III is set to visit Saitama Prefectural Government in Japan on Feb. 17 to observe how the manufacturing industry in the prefecture works.

Davide will stay there for six days or until Feb. 22.

Davide said Saitama Gov. Kiyoshi Ueda invited him following a partnership between Saitama and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in Cebu City for a series of trainings and capability building on manufacturing and human resource development.

Davide, who spoke at the formal kick-off of the Saitama-Cebu Comprehensive Human Resource Project Friday, said the invitation is a great opportunity to understand the project collaboration better and explore other areas of mutual cooperation between the two provinces.

Davide has assured that the provincial government will support opportunities for young people to learn and share the Japanese corporate culture through the Monozukuri philosophy, the basis of Japan's strength in manufacturing.

Monozukuri provides an idea of the spirit to make good products and the ability to improve production systems and processes continually.

Davide said the expected outcomes of the project are consistent with one of his priority development initiatives of enhancing the knowledge base of students and providing support to local universities.

He also envisioned the project as a platform for new frontiers of partnership between and among the respective local governments and constituents.

Under the program, about 200 students will be selected for a one-year internship in Japan.

The trainings will focus on Japanese manufacturing philosophy, environmental management and company management.

The project has formally started and is expected to continue in succeeding years.

This initiative is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Saitama Prefectural Government.