Cebu Sun.Star

THE recently opened port in Liloan town, northern Cebu will soon serve the Liloan-Mactan Island route once the vessel of Topline Seabus that can accommodate 150 passengers is already available.

The three ships operated by Aznar Shipping, Super Shuttle Ferry, and OceanJet have served passengers traveling to Camotes Island since the opening of Pier 88 last May.

The Aznar Shipping will make the first trip, departing from Pier 88 at 5:30 a.m. followed by the OceanJet at 8:30 a.m. and Super Shuttle Ferry at 9:30 a.m.

A staff of Pier 88 said the fare for Aznar Shipping is P360, while P600 and P1,000 for OceanJet’s tourist class and business class accommodation, respectively.

For Super Shuttle Ferry, the fares are P360 for regular economy, and P390 for tourist class.

According to a staff of Pier 88, Aznar Shipping's transport fare costs P360, while that of OceanJet cost P600 and P1,000 for tourist and business class accommodations, respectively.

For the Super Shuttle Ferry, ordinary economy class costs P360, while tourist class costs P390.

The pier is developed by Topline Group of Companies on the 3-hectare property.

However, Pier 88 did not yet disclose the data concerning the total number of passengers and their income since from the start of their operation as they have yet to finalize their records.(CNU Intern Kimberly Goc-ong)

CEBU Business Months is an annual event initiated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) that promotes businesses in the province of Cebu. It explores opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to create connections in the national and global arena.

In its 27th year, CBM 2023 thrives with its theme: "Cebu 'ta bai." The launch took place on Wednesday night, July 5, 2023, at SM Seaside City Cebu. CBM 2023: 'Cebu 'ta Bai' CBM 2023, with the theme "Cebu 'ta bai," highlights Cebu's future through innovation and development, attracting opportunities for the Cebuano people to venture on.

Spearheaded by CBM's chairperson, John Paul Chiongbian, CCCI focused on four sectors: Tourism; Information and Communications Technology; Entrepreneurship; and Creative Entertainment. These four sectors will have initiatives and events for the rest of the year, furthering Cebu's bright future. Telling stories through food, travel, and adventure In 2023, the tourism sector aligned with the National Development Plan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in mapping its activities and events.

Under the leadership of Tourism Chairperson Cathleen "Kate" Anzani, they give importance to food tourism, regenerative tourism, and product development in crafting their calendar to promote Cebu's rich heritage and distinctiveness.

Among the occasions are Cebu Food and Wine Festival, Tourism Congress, Safari Adventure Race, Golf Tournament, and the Cebu Food Congress.

The dates of each event vary, and some require tickets before joining. Forging Cebu's digital uprising Innovation and Technology for All (IT4All) serves this year's CBM 2023 with immersive collaborations with technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, headed by ICT-BPM Chairman Ryan Tan Yu.

The participants will discover, learn, and connect through panel discussions, programs, pitching, and demos.

IT4All 2023 will end through an open space for tech innovators to connect with investors and socialize with fellow participants. Creating conscious and purposeful collaborations Led by Chairperson Anne Gretchen Choa, the entrepreneurship sector's theme is "Creating conscious and purposeful collaborations," that will focus on Micro, Small, & Medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This includes refining the current livestock and agricultural production processes, enhancing food and beverage products, and introducing exciting developments in the industrial sector. Amplifying local artistry The creative entertainment sector, led by the Creative Entertainment Industry Chairman Lawrence Po Panganiban, organized three events that will feature Cebu's local artistry.

See Cebu is a two-day exhibit and conference that spotlight Filipino artists and writers. AnimeCebu will feature Japanese and local artists as keynote speakers. A workshop will take place to close the event. The date for both events is yet to be confirmed. The Cebuano Fortress Inspired by the Cebuano people's attitude, CBM 2023 anchored the theme by showcasing mainly Cebuano talents, skills, and artistry.

"Let us embrace the spirit of 'Cebu 'ta bai' and allow people to come together as a community, supporting one another and lifting each other," Co said.

Co pointed out that CBM 2023 will serve as a premier platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies, encouraging collaboration and driving the adaptation of innovative solutions that will propel us into a future of sustainable growth. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

A mission to keep Toledo City’s ocean clean

OUR oceans have always been a formidable force. To the fishermen, on good days, the ocean feeds their families. To the tourists looking for a reprieve, the oceans are an escape. To the people of Toledo City, Cebu protecting and preserving the marine biodiversity in the coastal areas of the city is not just an afterthought but a must.

In 2022, diving enthusiasts from the local power plant operating in Toledo City, Therma Visayas Incorporated (TVI) under Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) explored the depths of their surrounding waters. To their surprise and dismay, it was not only beautiful corals and marine life that greeted them, but plastic wastes scattered on the seafloor.

An earnest desire to make a difference led to the birth of Scubasurero, an AboitizPower and TVI-led initiative that enjoined local government and people's initiative to do clean-ups not only along the shoreline and surface of the waters but also the submerged coastal areas near the TVI facilities and the Bato Marine Sanctuary. Quite appropriately, the coined word “Scubasurero” is a portmanteau combining the words 'scuba diving' and 'basurero' or garbage collector.

As a Scubasurero and one of the leaders of Bantay Dagat, Eugene pushes to be an agent of change by helping protect the waters of Barangay Bato.

Eugene Matin-aw, a 41-year-old father of four, made it clear: his job as a team leader of the Bantay Dagat seaborne patrol and the Scubasurero program has changed and strengthened his views on protecting the oceans and the marine sanctuary in Barangay Bato.

“Importante ni, kay kung wala ang marine sanctuary, mawad-an isda ang Toledo. Ang atong kadagatan mawala, kay ari mana sila mu-produce ang isda og mga sperm mga semilia, ari sa marine sanctuary, sa corals. Mao na’y makuha pud sa atong mananagat, kay og wala’y sanctuary wala nay isda, wala na’y managat,” Eugene shared.

(This is very important because, without the marine sanctuary, Toledo will lose all its fish. Our marine life will be gone since the fish reproduce in the sanctuary and lay eggs on the corals. That’s the same fish that our fishermen catch. Without the sanctuary, there won’t be any fish, and there will no longer be fishermen [in these areas].)

Being a Scubasurero, Eugene’s daily life is now connected to the oceans. Aside from protecting the marine sanctuary, the program has given him the opportunity to provide for his family. With the honorarium and the fish they often receive, Eugene said that being a Bantay Dagat and Scubasurero gave him the chance to do something for the environment and for his family at the same time.

Eugene (right) leads his Bantay Dagat team in ensuring that the sanctuary is clean and well-protected.

Alwin Canonigo, head of the Bantay Dagat crew, said that in the early days of setting boundaries for the sanctuary, they received some kind of resistance from the people, with most of the complaints concerning no longer being allowed to collect seashells by the seashore. However, the people eventually realized the benefits.

“Ig-kadugay nakasabot sila na nindot kaayo na naay marine sanctuary kay ang isda dili mapuo. Karon bitaw ilang istorya nindot daghan na kaayong isda diri,” Alwin said.

(Eventually, they realized that it's good to have a marine sanctuary because the fish will not disappear completely. Now, they talk about the abundance of fish in the area.)

Noel Cabahug believes that taking care of the environment is necessary for survival. He joined the Scubasurero event in March to help clean up the Marine Sanctuary near TVI.

Meanwhile, for Vice-President and Facility head of TVI Noel Cabahug, diving deep and being part of the instigators of the program has given him a unique perspective on marine environment protection.

“I shared it with my son, na kini, mao ni atong i-maintain... This is ours. Without taking care of our environment, wala na ta. Wala na ta’y isda, wala na’y mahabilin nato nga isda,” Noel said, recalling the day when the coastal clean-up event happened.

(I shared with my son, that this is what we have to maintain... This is ours. Without taking care of our environment, we will also be gone. The fish will be gone, nothing will be left,”)

Therma Visayas Inc. employees along with other volunteers swam the waters of Brgy. Bato to collect trash underwater.

TVI and AboitizPower’s program, along with local government action, is one of the best ways to help preserve the environment in Toledo City, shared Toledo City Agriculture Head Estrella Bargamento.

“With Scubasurero na mutabang, ingon ani mani siya. Ang dili mabuhat sa LGU, mahug sad na mahal-mahal, unya ang uban kay voluntary baya na. Mahug siya og tinabangay nga ang ilang passion mahimo siyang importante og makatabang sa constituents dinhi na ang Bato Marine Sanctuary magpabilin siya nga limpyo,” Estrella said.

(With Scubasurero helping, they get to augment the things that the LGU cannot do with the high costs, especially since most of the divers are volunteers. It ends up being a collaboration, with their passions aligned with helping the constituents in keeping the Bato Marine Sanctuary clean.)

She hopes that neighboring towns and cities, and even the whole country, would adopt similar programs and see its progress in Toledo City.

Marigold Lebumfacil, reputation and stakeholder management specialist of TVI, said that their brainchild project has led to a collection of around 2.09 tons of waste with all of the clean-ups that they have done. She has witnessed how the program has changed the behavior of the local communities, and the ripples the program has created.

“They are already very aware that plastics are very harmful to the oceans. So far, with our monthly coastal cleanups, very active sila in supporting, and they even bring their own brooms, sacks, for the coastal clean-up.” Marigold said.

“It’s not for us, it’s for our future generations. I have kids, personally, it’s good that we started this kind of activity because if we keep doing this, it’s not only us that will benefit from this,” she added.

For the people behind Scubasurero, these are their promises and vision for the future, the marine environment, and the people of Toledo City.

Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) is one of the two coal-fired power plants in the country that houses a Coal Dome facility. It uses a state-of-the-art Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) and the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) to minimize coal dust emissions that can harm the atmosphere.

AN AGENCY under the Department of Agriculture (DA) has proposed to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia the construction of a regional fish port that will be based in the province.

The project was presented to the governor by Philippine Fisheries Development Authority General Manager Glen Pangapalan, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas Director Allan Poquita and DA-Central Visayas Director Angel Enriquez on Thursday, July 6, 2023, reported Sugbo News, the Capitol’s online news portal.

Pangapalan told Garcia that they were lobbying for the approval of the project as one of the priorities of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Eight hectares

Garcia expressed her full support for the project and stressed that it must be built in a place that is accessible to fishing vessels from the neighboring Central Visayas provinces of Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.

The proposed port will have an area of around eight hectares.

SunStar Cebu reached out to Enriquez on Friday, July 7, but she declined to give more information as the project is still in the planning stages.

The Fisheries Situation Report in Central Visayas for the years 2021–2022, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Agency, shows a significant decline in fish production of 45.96 percent, from 146.71 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 79.28 thousand metric tons in 2022.

Municipal fisheries and aquaculture had significant declines, although commercial and inland municipal fisheries saw minor gains. (NWSSU INTERN IAN CHRISTOPHER OSTULANO).(NWSSU Intern Ian Christopher Ostulano)

A REGIONAL fish port will soon rise in Cebu if the project is approved.

The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), proposed the said project to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in a meeting on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at the Capitol, according to Sugbo News.

The meeting was participated by DA 7 Regional Director Angel Enriquez and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 7) director Allan Poquita and lawyer Glen Pangapalan, the PFDA general manager.

Pangapalan told Garcia that they were lobbying for the approval of the project as one of the priorities of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Garcia expressed her full support for the project and stressed that it must be built in a place that is accessible to fishing vessels from the neighboring Central Visayas provinces of Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.

The proposed port will have an area of around eight hectares.

SunStar Cebu tried to reach out to Director Enriquez, but she declined to give more information as the project is still in the planning stages.

The Fisheries Situation Report in Central Visayas for the years 2021–2022, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA), shows a significant decline in production of 45.96 percent, from 146.71 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 79.28 thousand metric tons in 2022.

Municipal fisheries and aquaculture had significant declines, although commercial and inland municipal fisheries saw minor gains.(NWSSU Intern Ian Christopher Ostulano)

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia wants the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD 7) to adopt the Dasig Sugbo card system for the cash distribution for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

Garcia proposed the initiative during a meeting with DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero and Assistant Regional Director Johnny Cantero at the Capitol on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

The 4Ps program provides conditional cash assistance to low-income families for child health, nutrition, and education. Garcia observed, though, that these financial incentives were not used as expected, with some beneficiaries using it to buy alcoholic beverages or involve in gambling activities.

Hence, the governor suggested to DSWD 7 to consider replicating the Cebu Provincial Government’s Dasig Sugbo card system, in which beneficiaries were issued QR-coded cards that can be used to redeem pre-approved items such as home materials and food supplies from the Capitol's partner stores rather than distributing cash.

The Provincial Government first introduced the Dasig Sugbo cards with a worth of P1.8 billion as financial vouchers for the victims of the Super Typhoon Odette to Cebu in December 2021.

Around 400,000 households in Cebu province benefitted from the coupon cards, which they used to buy groceries and home construction materials directly from partnered stores.

Under the system, the Capitol was able to guarantee that the public funds allocated for the program were used only for the stated purpose.

Meanwhile, Lucero said that she was willing to relay the suggestion to their central office, which has the final word in the matter.

SunStar Cebu tried to reach out to Lucero through a text message and phone call for additional information, but she has yet to reply. (Kyle Andrei D. Acuña, NWSSU Intern)

ALPHA Premier Medical Aesthetics, a well-known name in the field of medical aesthetics in Cebu since 2018, has added another feather to its cap with the grand launching of its third branch last Saturday, May 20, 2023.

After the success of its first branch situated south of Cebu in Poblacion, Minglanilla, as well as the second branch in the middle at Crossroads Mall, Banilad, the company reaffirms its commitment to providing the latest and most advanced treatments this time to the people of Lapu-Lapu City.

All branches are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed with experienced and skilled professionals.

“Now this 2023, we are happy to announce the grand launching of our third branch here in Lapu-Lapu City. This is our biggest branch so far and we wanted to make it more of an interactive space to hold lectures, training, and continuous medical education because we want to provide a safe space for our staff, doctors, and nurses that allows further learning experiences.,” Dr. Geona Macrohon-Larino, one of the founder of the company said. Journey Over the years, Alpha Premier Medical Aesthetics has become synonymous with quality, trust, and professionalism.

The journey of Alpha Premier Medical Aesthetics began in 2018 when Macrohon-Larino and her husband, Dr. Charles Larino, founded the company.

With the couple's expertise and passion for aesthetics as the driving forces behind the success of Alpha Premier Medical Aesthetics, the company grew from a small team of professionals and a few services to one of the leading medical aesthetics providers in the province.

“The market for cosmetic enhancements here in Cebu is very underserved...With wellness, self-love, and improvement as the popular trends these days, people are more open to exploring cosmetic enhancement services here in Cebu. However, we as doctors highly advocate getting these enhancements from experienced and licensed professionals,” Macrohon-Larino commented.

Alpha Premier Medical Aesthetics offers a wide range of services and medical treatments to enhance beauty and wellness.

Some of the services offered by the company include both invasive and non-invasive medical procedures, such as Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, body contouring, etc.

“We specially designed this place to have a homey and relaxing feeling for both patients and guests. That goes to say for the privacy of our patients as well. In this new expansion, we have our VIP lounge for important individuals who want a more personal and tailored experience with their treatments,” Macrohon-Larino said.

Experience the difference with Alpha Premier Medical Aesthetics – where beauty and well-being are their top priorities. For inquiries, appointments, or to learn more about their services, Alpha Premier Medical Aesthetics is open every Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

COMING from a line of hoteliers, 26-year-old Aeron Uy has hospitality embedded in his DNA.

For the young Executive Vice President (EVP) of Jpark Island Resort, Uy draws his values of hard work and humility from his foundational years as a part of a family that grew one of Cebu’s most prestigious resorts.

Uy officially joined Jpark’s management in October 2022, the latest of his family line to officially join the hospitality business.

“We’re beyond grateful and blessed to have good partners both foreign and local who were able to guide us in the process of transitioning our family business,” said Uy.

Uy’s family is tight-knit and the generational influence he’s witnessed strengthened his resolve in becoming the leader that he is today.

In spite of the immense influence of his family, Uy also wanted to break out of the given mold.

He simply didn’t want to be known only as a member of his family line, he wanted to be known as his own person.

Uy believes the best kind of leadership, one that he follows loyally, is the kind of leadership that stems from the heart.

“I treat my colleagues inside and outside Jpark as my family. Regardless of your position, you should uphold the same standard of connection to everyone,” he said. Challenges The newly-elected EVP also faced his fair share of challenges in assuming his role as a leader.

“The role is fairly new to me. I was involved solely in finance before but now, I handle marketing as well. I have to oversee operations run smoothly and think of the wider scope of things. I have to make sure both the business and the people behind it, especially the employees are at par beneficially.”

As the EVP, Uy recognized the need for adaptability and agility in addressing the challenges that rise.

The fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry demanded a sense of urgency, quick decision-making and strategic planning.

One of the key challenges Uy faced was the need to stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in an ever-evolving market.

The tourism industry is highly competitive, and Jpark had to continuously innovate and offer unique experiences to attract guests.

Uy embraced the responsibility of spearheading marketing efforts to position Jpark as the premier tourist destination, leveraging his financial acumen and understanding of market dynamics to develop effective strategies.

Despite the challenges, Uy approached his role with unwavering dedication and a genuine desire to make a difference.

By fostering strong connections and building relationships based on trust and respect, Uy aimed to create a harmonious work environment where everyone could thrive.

As he continues to navigate his role as the executive vice president, Uy remains committed to upholding the values instilled in him by his family and leaving his own mark on Jpark Island Resort.

With his vision, determination, and passion for excellence, Uy embarked on a journey to build upon the legacy of his family's successful business while forging his own path as a leader. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Visayas Region clarified that the P1,000 polymer banknotes with fold marks will still be accepted.

This was said by BSP officer Conrado Cabandi Jr. on Friday, July 7, during a discussion on digital financial literacy at the Mandaue Public Market in Barangay Mantuyong.

The BSP only issued 500 million P1,000 polymer bills for test circulation. (HIC)

THE two men who attacked a dentist inside his clinic in Queens Road, Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City have already been identified.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesman for the Police Regional Office (PRO 7), the victim, Dr. Charles Pactol Sia, 41, of Cebu City, has already identified the perpetrators, whose names are withheld pending further investigation.

The Abellana police are now preparing the charges against the criminals,

who hit the doctor’s eyes with a blunt object while he was attending to a patient around 2 p.m. last Wednesday, July 5.

Sia was rushed to a private hospital in Mandaue City after the incident.

He is now in safe condition. (AYB, TPT)

THE Globe Group, the Philippines’ leading digital solutions platform, welcomes President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s Executive Order (EO) No. 32, which streamlines the process of obtaining government permits for the construction of telecommunications infrastructure.

The President’s order is seen to pave the way for greater digital transformation in the country, aligned with the government and private sector’s shared goal of bridging the digital divide by increasing access to digital resources, services, and opportunities.

“We are grateful to President Marcos for issuing this EO, which will allow the telco industry and the adjunct TowerCo industry to further ramp up infrastructure builds that will provide life-enabling connectivity in an equitable way across the country. This will help accelerate the country’s digital transformation and open doors for more opportunities to Filipinos in the areas of education, employment, and innovation,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu.

The EO, issued on July 5, mandates streamlined guidelines in obtaining permits to build ICT infrastructure, eliminating redundant processes. By cutting through red tape, it fosters an environment conducive to rapid digital infrastructure development.

With its substantial network infrastructure investments, Globe is primed to support this digital pivot. The company is committed to delivering a #1stWorldNetwork to Filipinos, aligned with the nation's growing demand for robust, reliable, and inclusive connectivity.

In addition to the EO's immediate benefits, Globe also appreciates the long-term implications of the order. By setting up a one-stop shop for construction permits and implementing a zero backlog policy, the EO encourages transparency and efficiency across all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) involved in the process.

"This EO isn't just about expediting processes. It's about setting the stage for a long-term, sustainable digital transformation in the Philippines. It fosters a more inclusive and competitive business environment, spurring innovation that ultimately benefits Filipinos,” Cu said.

Globe is optimistic about the future and is ready to capitalize on opportunities provided by EO No. 32.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

TELECOM and internet service providers in the country on Thursday, July 6, 2023, lauded the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 32, s. 2023, streamlining the process of obtaining government permits for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure, saying it will speed up the country’s digitalization and encourage transparency and efficiency across government agencies involved in the process.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s order signed on July 5, is seen to pave the way for greater digital transformation in the country, according to Globe Group president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu in a statement.

EO 32 mandates streamlined guidelines in obtaining permits to build information and communications technology infrastructure, eliminating redundant processes.

Red tape

Cu said cutting red tape fosters an environment conducive to rapid digital infrastructure development.

“This will help accelerate the country’s digital transformation and open doors for more opportunities to Filipinos in the areas of education, employment and innovation,” said Cu.

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. president and chief executive officer Alfredo Panlilio stressed the need to address the bottlenecks in the permitting, licensing and authorizations involved in the energization of telecommunications towers in the Philippines, and to improve connectivity in far-flung areas.

He said the EO will allow them to “ensure the highest possible quality of service for all Filipinos, and consequently support the government’s digitalization efforts.”

Empowered

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. founder and chief executive officer Dennis Uy in his Facebook post said the presidential directive is “aligned with the private sector’s push for the creation of policies and programs promoting the development of digital infrastructure and services.”

“We believe EO 32 will empower us in further improving our facilities and allow us to respond to our customers faster,” said Uy.

Cu said the order has long-term implications. He noted that by setting up a one-stop shop for construction permits and implementing a zero backlog policy, the EO encourages transparency and efficiency across all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) involved in the process.

“This EO isn’t just about expediting processes. It’s about setting the stage for a long-term, sustainable digital transformation in the Philippines. It fosters a more inclusive and competitive business environment, spurring innovation that ultimately benefits Filipinos,” Cu said.

Cu, a member of Marcos’ Private Sector Advisory Council, said the industry has renewed its call to the government to institutionalize the joint memorandum circular (JMC) of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta).

The JMC, set to expire in September, calls for the adoption of simplified requirements and procedures that will reduce red tape and expedite business and non-business-related transactions in government.

Cu earlier said the Arta’s efforts to improve and streamline the permitting process paved the way for the completion of close to 4,500 Globe cell sites between 2020 and 2022, twice as fast as network builds from 2017 to 2019 and more efficiently than in previous years.

Cu said the EO will guarantee that LGUs will avoid imposing burdensome permit requirements, which has been the case in the past, and allow the mobile network operators and tower companies to roll out the network more efficiently and deliver connectivity more effectively to the Filipino people.

5G network

Local telco players are currently expanding their 5G footprint across the country.

Globe launched 66 new 5G sites across 74 cities and towns in the Philippines in the first quarter of the year. This brings its 5G outdoor coverage to 97.21 percent in the National Capital Region and 90.28 percent in key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao. This expansion has enabled Globe to log 4.3 million devices on its 5G network in March 2023.

Globe’s 5G is already present in Cebu City, Minglanilla, Talisay, Mandaue, Liloan, Lapu-Lapu (Opon), Cordova and Consolacion.

As for rival Smart, as of end-March 2023, its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G network covers 97 percent of the country’s population.

Smart’s 5G mobile network is now available in 4,400 sites nationwide. In Cebu, Smart’s 5G network is available in almost all cities and towns of the province.

Cutting down permits

EO 32 simplifies guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses and certificates for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure; and erection of poles, installation of aerial and underground cables and facilities, underground fiber ducts, ground terminals and other transmission telecommunications and Internet infrastructure and facilities.

It is aimed at ensuring the continuous development of the country’s digital infrastructure.

According to the EO, “no other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure,” except for the building permit issued by the Office of the Building Official; Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), except when the proposed structure is outside Caap Critical Areas and below 50 meters in height above the elevation of the ground; homeowners associations and other community clearances; clearances from other government agencies, when applicable; and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws.

Zero backlog

The order also directs cities and municipalities to set up a one-stop shop for construction permits, for applicants securing building permits and other related certificates.

It also organizes a Technical Working Group on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure as an oversight body to ensure efficient implementation of the order.

All covered government units are enjoined to implement the zero backlog policy in all applications for permits and clearances covered by EO 32, which also requires them to annually submit their list of pending applications and compliance to the Anti-Red Tape Authority. (SunStar Philippines)

TO REDUCE the backlog of over 600,000 license plates that still need to find their rightful owners in the region, the distribution of license plates will now be handled by the vehicle dealers.

Glen Galario, the newly installed director of the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7), made this announcement during his first press conference on Thursday, July 6, 2023 since assuming his position, during which he also dropped the bomb that 40 percent, or around 400,000 of the estimated one million vehicles in Central Visayas, are unregistered.

Galario also vowed a crackdown on “colorum” public utility vehicle operators and choosy taxi drivers.

“For those who have not received their vehicular plates yet, you can inquire at the dealers since we’ve already assigned them for the distribution of the plates,” Galario said at the press conference held at the LTO 7 office on N. Bacalso Ave., Cebu City.

Of the license plates ready for release, 528,772 are for motorcycles while 71,564 are for motor vehicles.

The LTO 7 said since its implementation of the new approach to distribution using the dealers last Monday, July 3, around 5,000 plates had already been distributed to the vehicle owners.

In contrast, during the individual distribution setup in recent years, when individual vehicle owners went to the LTO distribution center to claim their license plates, only 50 to 100 released plates were made available each day. The distribution center in Cebu was at SM Seaside City Cebu in the South Road Properties in Cebu City.

By September, Galario expects the region’s plate distribution backlogs to have significantly decreased.

Marching order

This comes after Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista met last June 9 in Manila with the three regional directors who had the most license plates pending release.

In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Galario revealed that other LTO regional directors asked to fly to the DOTr central office in Manila were those of the National Capital Region and Eastern Visayas.

Galario said the license plates pending distribution are those accumulated in the past years, without specifying the months or years these license plates were from.

Galario said the agency’s target is to finish releasing all the unreleased license plates this year, as it has become challenging for LTO 7 to distribute the plates, especially with more license plate registrations coming in daily.

“Whatever the reason is, all license plates must be disposed of within the year,” Galario said.

Galario did not give other reasons why the unreleased license plates reached such large number.

However, national news reports trace the start of the problem to a shortage of license plates after the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a notice of disallowance in 2015 against the deal by the Department of Transportation and Communication with the company tasked to supply 15 million pairs of license plates for vehicles and motorcycles from 2013 to 2017, for having been awarded without a specific allocation in the 2014 national budget.

From then on, it became a game of catch-up, with the license plates becoming available only years after vehicles had been purchased from the dealers.

Unregistered vehicles

Galario also bared his plans to ensure “road safety,” reminding motorists driving unregistered vehicles that they will be apprehended and penalized accordingly.

According to LTO 7, 40 percent or around 400,000 of the estimated one million vehicles in the region remain unregistered.

LTO 7 will intensify roadside inspections to verify vehicle registrations and apprehend violators.

“We have to prioritize road safety. This is exactly why we have to make sure that the vehicles being driven in public roads are actually worthy and have passed through proper inspection. We never know what kinds of accidents might happen because a certain vehicle was defective or any other issue it might possess,” Galario said.

Acting Chief Aden Belza of the LTO 7 operations division said they have a designated impounding area for unregistered vehicles, a warning to motorists who believe that there is not enough space to accommodate apprehended vehicles.

The LTO 7 has a three-hectare impounding area in Talisay City. The area was a former Japanese tile factory.

Zero tolerance

Galario also said he would not tolerate anyone breaking traffic or land transportation laws.

Zero tolerance is applied to non-compliant vehicle dealers and even transport operators. Galario said the agency will look into complaints and, if any laws were broken, impose penalties.

He said he will strengthen the campaign against colorum or illegally operating public utility vehicles.

“Our operations division is on top of this campaign as we continue to strictly implement this drive to eliminate any kinds of illegal activities present on our roads, especially the colorums. I have instructed them to do random roadside inspections to catch these culprits,” he said.

He added that LTO 7’s law enforcement team will also implement “Oplan Isnabero,” the crackdown against taxi drivers who refuse to render service to passengers.

LTO 7 apprehended 9,557 individuals in the first six months of this year. Top offenders include people who drive recklessly, those that do not use their seatbelts as directed, and have vehicles with defective parts or accessories.

Plastic license cards

Galario assured motorists who were issued the temporary paper driver’s license that the regular plastic card versions will soon be released. LTO 7 is currently giving priority to the issuance of plastic driver’s license cards for overseas Filipino workers.

“We are still waiting for the arrival of plastic cards. When those arrive, we will start working on our backlogs and print them. Once they’re ready to be claimed, we’ll contact the recipients immediately,” he said.

Free TDC

Galario said LTO 7 will also continue offering the free Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) with the aim of issuing more free certificates to deserving individuals. He said local government units can request his office for a schedule for the TDC lecture to be conducted in their area.

Galario replaced Victor Caindec, who served the LTO 7 for over five years, last June 20. Galario was a politician in Bukidnon before entering the agency. (WITH CTL AND MIGUEL ANGELU LUMEN, CNU INTERN)