Cebu Sun.Star

Today is a sad day in the history of our country, as the State through the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) will be engaging, unjustifiably, in an economic activity (risky investing) which is best left to the private sector.

This is madness for the following reasons, among others:

(1) The Maharlika Fund concept was developed on the fly. If it were an airplane, then it was built while flying it. Thus, the law has inherent contradictions because it was rushed. Nobody knows what creature we have created. It could turn out to be a monster, as it has been designed to be a super-GOCC (government-owned and –controlled corporation).

(2) The Philippines has no surplus either from the budget or from trade. We have not hit any jackpot windfall profit like a cash flow from a new discovery of oil or gas reserves. In short, we have no underlying asset to continuously back up and fund this MIF to ensure its long-term existence.

(3) The funds to be initially used are already existing funds under the care of conservatively run government banks. We are disturbing the status quo because the Government wants to take more risks with the money and gamble it, under their mantra of “more risks, more returns.”

Because of the unclear origin of the seed idea of this particular MIF, the speed at which the law was enacted which involved unconstitutional shortcuts, and the inherent contradictions and clear confusion in the law itself, the MIF will definitely be questioned before the Supreme Court (SC), basically under the following grounds:

1. Defective Presidential Certification

a. No public emergency or calamity being addressed

b. Hence, no three readings on three separate days

2. No showing of Economic Viability

3. Undue Delegation of Legislative Power

a. Surrender of the Budget Process by Congress

b. Leaving to the IRR (implementing rules and regulations) the determination of many important matters

4. Violation of Substantive Due Process

a. Insists on being a Sovereign Wealth Fund when it is not

b. Inherent contradictions and confusion

5. Violation of BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) Independence

6. The Bill signed by the President was not the version passed by Congress (this we will call the “altered bill doctrine”)

The MIF is a bad idea, a bad decision, a bad act.

Without the required surplus, in the face of our current P14.1 trillion outstanding debt, the signing into law of the MIF Act could significantly exacerbate our national debt.

Hindi pa ba tayo napapagod sa kakaisip ng mga paraan kung papaano pa natin papalakihin ang utang natin (Aren’t we tired of thinking of ways to increase our debt)?

A recent survey revealed that 80 percent of Filipinos admit to having little to no knowledge about the proposed measure. Moreover, when asked about the potential benefits from the newly established Maharlika fund, over half (51 percent) anticipate little to no advantage from it.

In light of these findings, a more considerate and beneficial course of action for the Filipino people would have been for the President to veto this measure. This would have paved the way for a more meaningful and comprehensive discussion about the MIF among our people and not just among legislators.

Hence, to put a stop to this madness, the Maharlika Investment Fund Act must be challenged before the SC. Let us remind the powers that be that “MIF” can also mean “Madness Isn’t Forever.”

THE countdown for Cebu Marathon 2024 started Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as representatives from the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) unveiled the many firsts’ athletes and participants will experience on January 14, 2024.

John Owen Zaldarriaga Pages, CERC representative and Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC) chairman, announced during the launching Wednesday, July 19, the new race distances and surprises they have prepared exclusively for the runners participating in Cebu Marathon 2024.

“Let’s start with our distances, we are making it different. We are going to have four distances starting, of course, with 42K and instead with the 21K, since it’s 2024, we are going to have a 24K,” said Pages.

He added that to pose an extra challenge to the runners, the events’ organizers have changed the usual 10K and 5K to 12K and 6K, accordingly, to complete the new four offered race distances.

Among the many firsts, Pages also mentioned their partnership with Salt Plus Fin, a local sportswear brand in Cebu, where all registered participants will receive jerseys.

Also, finishers of the 42K and 24K races will get a towel and medal at the finish line, a similar gesture to Ironman events where towels are handed out after the race.

Registration and rates

Online registration will start on July 22, 2023 at their official website: cebumarathon.com.ph.

Meyrick Jacalan, a CERC representative, said an early bird rate will be granted until September 30, 2023. It will be open to all race distances.

Jacalan added that the early bird rates will start at P1,999 for 42K, P1,799 for 24K, and P799 for both 12K and 6K.

On October 1, regular charges will start at P2,499 for 42K, P2,299 for 24K, and P999 for both 12K and 6K.

Special freebies will also be given to runners, such as medals, towels, and t-shirts, while the first 1,024 registrants of the 42K and 24K category will be given free premium visors.

Routes

Familiar but this time a brand-new series of routes will serve the marathoners, said Pages.

For the 42K distance, runners will be treated to a combination of iconic spots in Cebu, from Plaza Independencia, Colon Streets, Magellan's Cross, Fuente Osmeña, the Capitol and Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

The CERC board also decided to unfold the routes as early as possible to give a head start for attendees to train in advance.

They will start the marathon at 12:24 a.m. to avoid the traffic congestion and to allow marathoners to begin their race in comfortable weather.

The organizers chose to launch the event six months prior to allow the participants to have a longer time to prepare themselves for the competition.

‘Easy in mind, hard in reality’

Jesse Taborada, president of CERC, said many marathoners underestimate the demand of joining a marathon -- it costs long training, discipline, and diet check.

“If you cut corners, you may have problems and difficulties along the way, not to mention the accidents that can come along the way,” said Taborada.

Kats Cajucom of AIA Vitality, a major partner of the Cebu Marathon organizer, also shared her advice to the participants with regards to an athlete's food intake.

“It takes longer to prepare and it really requires discipline to run a marathon, not only physically but mentally and even the food that you eat,” said Cajucom.

“I think in the training you really learn how to be disciplined,” she added.

In the same way they are preparing for the event, she urged the participants to have month-long preparation to at least train their body to become accustomed to longer distances. (Denise Mae Codis and Claudine Flores, CNU interns)

THE police are investigating if personal grudge or illegal drugs may have been involved in the killing of a man and his son in Sitio Bokyol, Barangay Poblacion 3, Carcar City, southern Cebu on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

The victims were identified as Junie Barcenilla and his son Randel, both residents of Barangay Sacsac, Aloguinsan town, midwest Cebu.

They were returning home on a motorcycle after delivering their supply of eggplants to the Carcar City Public Market, when the two gunmen riding in tandem shot them repeatedly, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Gifter Sucalit, the head of the Carcar City Police Station.

They each bore eight gunshot wounds.

The authorities recovered several bullet casings of an unknown caliber from the crime scene.

The empty bullet shells will be subjected to a ballistic examination.

Junie was arrested last year for illegal drugs but was later released, thus the police are now looking into his involvement in illegal drug activity.

Sucalit revealed that because Junie was growing vegetables to sell in the Carcar market, they were unable to monitor him if he resumed using illegal drugs.

The CCTV cameras in the area are now being checked by the police to provide leads in the investigation.

Sucalit called on those who witnessed the crime to come to their office.(AYB, TPT)

MOTORCYCLES traversing the South Coastal Road will have a designated lane -- outermost right lane -- at the South Road Properties (SRP) beginning July 19, 2023, as mandated by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).

A document forwarded to SunStar Cebu by CCTO legal officer Kent Frasco Jongoy showed that the Cebu City Traffic Management Committee (TMC-Com) has approved the TMC Resolution 0–005-2022, which establishes the motorcycle lane pilot testing areas at the SRP and N. Bacalso Avenue for one month upon the completion of the installation of signages in the areas.

Majority of the committee members also approved to move forward with establishing motorcycle lanes in all outer rightmost lanes from SRP Talisay City border until S. Osmeña Boulevard in the North Reclamation Area of Cebu City-Mandaue City.

The mandate was made under the grounds of safety for the motorcycle riders and to minimize road accidents that involve motorcycles in the South Coastal Road.

Early this year, several motorcycle accidents were recorded, resulting in serious injury and even death.

On April 28, 2023, a motorcycle rider died on the spot after he was pinned down by a tanker truck while traveling at the viaduct of the SRP.

To avoid these unfortunate accidents in the future, the CCTO saw the motorcycle lane as the immediate solution, saying it prevents the “weaving in and out of lanes” of vehicles on the road, which is the common reason for road mishaps.

In the pilot implementation of the mandate, the CCTO Education Sector conducted an information drive to the motorists traversing the coastal road to heightened awareness on Wednesday, July 19. (Erica Abella, CNU intern)

THE police will file a lawsuit against the man who went wild inside the chapel in Barangay Luz, Cebu City, while a wake was being held.

Bryan Tarucan, 41, a construction worker who lives in the area but is a native of Borbon town, northern Cebu, showed up at the wake held for a 62-year-old woman inside a chapel in Sitio San Roque, Barangay Luz, on Monday night, July 17, 2023 and broke the coffin’s glass and assaulted the dead.

His older brother, Rex, said the suspect was not in the right state of mind as he was intoxicated.

The deceased’s relatives retaliated by mauling Tarucan, whose face was swollen with bruises and cuts.

According to Police Major Eraño Regidor, chief of the Mabolo Police Station, they will file a case of malicious mischief against the suspect.

Rex revealed that his younger brother apologized for what he did.

When his younger brother gets out, Rex said they will bring him to Borbon to do farming there.

"Daku kaayo ang iyang pagbasol sir, nagpatabang siya kay kung makagawas siya mag bag-o na daw siya sa iyang kinabuhi, mouli na lang daw siya sa Borbon adto na lang daw siya manimuyo didto," according to Rex.

(He is really sorry, sir, he is asking for help because if he gets out (of prison), he plans to reform his life and return to Borbon and settle there).

In a media interview, Bryan admitted his crime.

Additionally, he admitted that he was taking liquor and illegal drugs at the time he tried to get custody of his oldest child.

"Ako unta kuhaon ang akong anak ang kamagwangan nako, nasuko ang mga igsuon sa akong asawa unya gitabangan ko nila mao to nidagan ko mao ning bogbog ni ang akung nawong maong didto ko napunta. Motug-an gyud ko sir sa tinuod wala gyud ko mag lipud-lipud. Naa ang Ginoo dili ko mamakak sir naka-droga ko ato," according to Bryan.

(I was about to take my oldest child, but my wife’s brothers attacked me, so I fled and ended up there (in the chapel). Sir, I'm being honest. God knows I’m not lying, sir; I was just drugged up).

Bryan was captured on camera punching the deceased person's coffin as it lay inside the chapel of Sitio San Roque on Cabantan Street.

The video quickly went viral on social media.

The defendant admitted that while he was unable to remember what he had done, he could remember being pulled by the barangay tanods and being mauled by the people around him.

The suspect, who sustained bruises in his face, is willing to make amends with the deceased's family.(AYB, TPT)

THE extension granted to register SIM cards will already expire on July 25, 2023.

Cellphone owners are advised by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to register their SIM cards.

According to the most recent NTC data, 103,670,164 people, or 61.70 percent, have registered their SIM cards as of July 17, 2023.

The NTC revealed that 7,359,116 of them have signed up with Dito Telecommunications, 47,267,960 have signed up with Globe, and 49,043,068 have signed up with Smart.

According to the data of NTC in December 2022, there are a total of 168,016,400 subscribers.

Those who have not registered may follow the said procedures:

First, check the SIM registration website of the service provider such as Globe, Smart and Dito.

Second, provide your 10-digit mobile number and click the “Register” button.

You will receive a text message containing a One Time Pin (OTP), which you must immediately input on the registration website.

Once your OTP has been validated, you can proceed with the registration.

Among its requests are complete name, birthday, gender, address, and nationality.

To validate your information, a selfie and ID are also required.

You can take a photo and submit government-issued IDs such as passport, national ID and SSS ID, among others.

Once done, you can click the "Submit" button to complete the process.

After the process, a reference number will appear on your screen confirming that your SIM card has been registered. (ANV, TPT)

THE cost of damage to properties caused by fires in Central Visayas from January to June 2023 has increased by 624 percent from the same period last year, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported.

Supt. Joel R. Abarquez, head of the BFP 7’s operations division, said the region logged P4.7 billion in properties either destroyed or damaged due to fires in the first six months of the year, compared to P649 million from January to June 2022.

“There really is a prominent rise in the numbers compared to last year,” he told SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, July 19, adding that contributing the highest in the figures was the fire that engulfed a condominium building early this year.

Last April 14, a fire hit a 37-story building under construction at the Grand Residences condominium development on Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, causing P3.9 billion in damage after the flames raged for nine hours.

Fire incidents

Abarquez also noted that the region saw a 20.9 percent increase in fire incidents in the first six months of 2023 (964) from the same period last year (797).

Of the 964 fire incidents, 302 incidents happened in structural fires in residential areas, while 444 were structural fires in non-residential areas, meaning establishments other than residential spaces.

The BFP 7 also recorded 157 non-structural miscellaneous fire incidents, such as fires in open spaces, garbage piles and lamp posts, while 61 were transport or vehicular fires, which include aircraft and seacraft.

During the same period last year, Central Visayas had 283 fire incidents in residential areas and 430 in non-residential areas, while 33 were miscellaneous fires and 51 were transport fires.

Last March, the BFP 7 said that 974 fire incidents were reported in the region for the whole of 2022, a 7.5 percent increase from the reported 906 incidents in 2021.

Vigilance

Although Fire Prevention Month, observed every March, is over, Abarquez urged the public to continue being vigilant about following fire safety precautions.

He said fire prevention practices must be observed all year round.

Less restrictions

The fire official also noted that the opening up of borders and lifting of quarantine restrictions also contributed to the rise in the recorded fire incidents.

He said while there are more activities, events and gatherings being held, people tend to leave their homes unchecked if wires are unplugged from the socket.

Abarquez said electrical ignition remains the top cause of fire incidents in Central Visayas. It is the process of starting or initiating a fire or combustion through the use of electricity. It can occur when an electrical circuit malfunctions, causing sparks, overheating, or short circuits that ignite flammable materials, leading to a fire.

“People should always check every electrical outlet in their house before leaving. They should not be complacent about it,” he said.

Abarquez also said many people are still practicing the octopus wiring or the jam-packing of wires on an outlet.

He highly discouraged practicing this since it can overheat receptacles and cords, which can result in fire.

A FIRE bureau official said that the cost of damage resulting from fire incidents that occurred in the Central Visayas from January to June 2023 has increased by 624 percent as compared to the same period last year.

Superintendent Joel Abarquez, head of the regional operations division of the Bureau of Fire of Protection in Central Visayas (BFP 7), said that the region logged P4.7 billion worth of damaged properties due to fire on the first six months of 2023, compared to the P649 million that was recorded for the first semester in 2022.

"There really is a prominent rise in the numbers compared to last year," told SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, adding that contributing the highest in the figures was the fire that engulfed a condominium building few months back.

Last April 14, a fire started inside a 37-story condominium complex of the Grand Residences that was under construction along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.

The fire lasted for nine hours and caused around P3.9 billion in damages.

Abarquez further pointed out that the number of fire events in the area during the aforementioned years increased by 28.7 percent.

He claimed that whereas BFP 7 had 964 fire incidences in the same period of this year, Central Visayas recorded 797 fire events in the first half of the year.

Abarquez noted that the region also logged a 28.7 percent increase in the number of fire incidents from January to June this year.

He said that the BFP 7 had recorded 797 fire incidents in the first six months of 2022, while 964 fire incidents in the same period of 2023.(KJF, BBT)

A WOMAN who was doused with a hot water by her live-in partner last Saturday, July 15, 2023, suffered first-degree burns to her face and body.

Because she could never forgive her live-in partner Eleazar Amandoron, Fely Cabusas vowed that she would file a lawsuit against him.

Amandoron acknowledged his error and explained that he had already lost tolerance due to Cabusas’ frequent teasing of him in front of her friends.

He claimed that they often argued with the victim regarding their past.

He asserted that there were instances when they were unable to come to an agreement because his live-in partner insisted on making all the decisions.

Cabusas also criticized Amandoron for his appearance, including his genitalia, he continued.

The suspect acknowledged that on Saturday evening, July 15, 2023, after catching Cabusas exchanging chat messages with her alleged boyfriend, who is in jail, he lost control and dumped hot water on her, who had just been freed from custody under the terms of her probation.

According to Amandoron, the victim also accused him of hiding her personal care items.

Amandoron claimed that Cabusas told him to leave their house in the midst of their disagreement and threatened to leave on her own if he didn't.

The perpetrator said that while he was looking for the victim's cosmetics, he came upon a thermo jug, picked it up, and then poured its contents all over the victim.

"Sa kalagot nako dala sa selos kay daghang siyag lalaki! Dunay mihunghong naku gisugo ko sa Yawa nga bubua’g ininit tubig" Amandoron said.

(My envy over her many men caused me to become enraged, and a devil whispered to me to pour hot water).

The couple has four children.

Amandoron claimed he had no regret about his actions.(BBT, TPT)

A 272-KILOMETER solar-powered suspended transportation system that offers car-like convenience may soon be traversing Danao City in northern Cebu, decongesting road traffic and creating nearly 2,000 job opportunities as well.

This, after the City Government of Danao and Transit X LLC inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for what the City called the Philippines’ first “revolutionary and futuristic” solar-powered podway mass transport network on Monday, July 17, 2023.

This signals the continuation of the collaboration between the City Government and Transit X LLC for the development of a revolutionary high-capacity solar-powered 24/7 automated podway mass transport network in Danao City that the private firm said will not require government funding.

Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano led the signing of the MOU with Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, Danao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC) Officer-In-Charge Ramon “Red” Durano VI, Transit X chief executive officer Dorothy Pinyoloya and, via virtual means, Transit X founder and chief operating officer Michael David Stanley.

Podway

During the Danao City Investment Forum 2023 last July 8, the suspended transport system proposal of Transit X was revealed as one of the pipeline projects of the city.

It is seen to improve mass transportation while maintaining a sustainable environment.

Pinyoloya said in the investment forum that Transit X has an initial investment of US$759 million in Danao City for the construction of a manufacturing plant and installation of the podway in the city.

She added that aside from changing the transportation aspect in the city, the project will provide employment opportunities for around 1,700 residents through its manufacturing plant.

The City Government of Danao is estimated to make around $705 million in “revenue,” which Pinyoloya said may be used for other programs and projects of the city.

The project will be under a public-private partnership (PPP) between the City Government of Danao and Transit X.

As to why they decided to invest in Danao City, Pinyoloya said in the forum that the city’s goal of sustainability aligned with theirs.

“We have seen major cities, but it [Danao City] has stood out from among all the other cities. And then their public-private partnership that was signed has solidified our collaboration endeavors that we know that the government will support us because we can’t do this alone and we have to work in collaboration with the government,” she added.

Transit X had a pilot demonstration and rollout of its podway in October 2018. The first podway was installed at Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA in October 2021 and will be ready for operation later this year.

Proposal

Under its proposal located in its official website, Transit X proposed to fund, build and operate a podway that will be a safe, fast and sustainable transportation system in the City of Danao.

It will be constructed along the roads and highways without interfering with traffic, and it will be resilient to natural disasters.

A 272-kilometer network with almost 4,000 pods and 2,700 stops will be constructed in the city.

It will have a speed of 72 kilometer per hour (kph) for metro podways and more than 200 kph for high-speed podways.

THE three illegal and abandoned structures that intruded on the easement zones of Kawasan Falls in Barangay Matutinao, Badian town, Cebu have been removed, but it’s still unclear when the popular falls that used to attract 700 tourists daily could reopen.

Jesus Allan Carpio, president of the Association of Badian Canyoneering (ABC), told SunStar Cebu Monday, July 17, 2023 that the demolition works--conducted with the help of the association’s tour guides--concluded in the second week of July, and that there has been interest in Kawasan Falls’ reopening as Badian’s town fiesta is taking place later this month.

“With the help of the Provincial Government, we were able to do the demolition of the structures. The tourist guides did it themselves,” he said.

The ABC group is the unified association of the former two associations of private tour operations in Kawasan Falls, which are the Association of Badian Canyoneering Operators Inc. (ABCAO) and Association of Kawasan Canyoneering Operators in Badian Inc. (AKCOB). There are at least 43 private tour operators there.

Carpio said the demolition was completed in about 17 working days.

The demolition started shortly after Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia visited the tourism site last June 21 to meet with the involved stakeholders, including the officials from the local government unit of Badian, private tour operators, tour guides and other officials from government agencies.

The governor then suggested employing the tour guides to work for the Capitol’s “pakyaw system,” where they are paid to tear down unpermitted buildings that obstruct access to Kawasan Falls and its riverbanks.

Garcia issued Executive Order 14 last June 2 ordering the temporary closure and suspension of canyoneering activities in Badian in southwestern Cebu after discovering debris and damaged structures abandoned more than a year after super typhoon Odette (Rai) struck Cebu in December 2021, “hazardous metallic spikes,” and structures illegally built within Kawasan’s easement zones, among others.

Under Article 51, Chapter 4 of Presidential Decree 1067, it is prohibited to construct infrastructure near banks of rivers and streams in the country.

“The banks of rivers and streams and the shores of the seas and lakes throughout their entire length and within a zone of three meters in urban areas, 20 meters in agricultural areas and 40 meters in forest areas, along their margins, are subject to the easement of public use in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage. No person shall be allowed to stay in this zone longer than what is necessary for recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing or salvage or to build structures of any kind,” the decree reads.

Temporary work

Carpio said that while the operations in Kawasan Falls were temporarily halted, which meant no income for those working in the canyoneering operations, the demolition works served as the temporary work for the tour guides.

The 908 tour guides working at the famed tourist site were grouped to form batches with 45 to 50 tour guides per group, he said.

Carpio said the skilled tour guides were assigned to join the manpower in dismantling the three illegal and abandoned structures there, including the two-story structure illegally built in the easement zone near level one of Kawasan Falls.

Other guides were assigned to transport the debris or remnants of the illegal structures from Kawasan falls and its riverbank.

Excited

Carpio revealed that they are excited for Kawasan Falls to reopen for canyoneering activities since Kawasan has been a sought-after destination for both domestic and international travelers visiting Cebu.

“Kawasan is none like others. We really understand why guests would still inquire from us from time to time if Kawasan has reopened already,” he said, adding that Badian’s town fiesta called Banig Festival, slated on July 25 or on the feast day of St. James the Greater, is approaching.

Carpio said they are currently waiting for instructions from the Capitol, particularly for the governor to revisit them, so further steps can be put into action for the rehabilitation of Kawasan Falls.

In a brief interview last July 10 during the inauguration and opening of the first Tourist Rest Area of the Department of Tourism in Medellin town in northern Cebu, Garcia told reporters that she would soon revisit Barangay Matutinao in Badian to check on the progress of the rehabilitation of Kawasan Falls. However, she did not specify when she would visit.

The municipality of Badian is located 113 kilometers southwest of Cebu City.

The town is bordered to the north by the town of Moalboal, to the west by the protected seascape of Tañon Strait, to the east by the town of Dalaguete, and to the south by the town of Alegria.

The closure of Kawasan Falls is costing the town P1.1 million in lost income daily, as canyoneering at the falls attracted 700 tourists on weekdays, and up to 900 tourists on weekends, before the June 2 closure ordered by the governor.

THE Cebu Provincial Government will facilitate the application of housing loans for the informal settler families that are occupying Capitol-owned lots in barangays Apas and Kalunasan.

It will do so by providing the Capitol Social Hall as the venue for the application so that the families won’t have to line up at the branches of the Pag-Ibig Fund.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia made the assurance during a meeting with the residents of Sitio CRCI in Barangay Apas and Kalunasan in Cebu City on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Capitol Social Hall.

It was agreed upon that 114 CRCI families will be relocated to another lot in Barangay Kalunasan owned by Cebu Province, while around 300 families also residing in the said lot will be given the chance to own the lot.

CRCI is located beside the National Food Authority regional headquarters along Gov. Mariano Cuenco Avenue along Cebu IT Park.

The Cebu Provincial Government will be selling these lots to the residents through Pag-Ibig Fund’s socialized housing loan program with affordable and flexible financing terms.

Garcia told the residents to meet again on July 31, 2023, and prepare all necessary documents and valid IDs for the housing loan applications.

Non-members of Pag-Ibig will be registered to the system in order for them to qualify for the loan on that day.

Market value

In the same meeting, Pag-Ibig Visayas chief Paul Talacay said they will prioritize the loan applications of CRCI and Kalunasan residents after they have conducted a re-appraisal process to determine the fair market value of the lot.

Pag-Ibig will also profile the applicants of the housing loan to identify their gross monthly income that will determine the loanable amount and the number of years to pay the interest.

Cebu Provincial Legal Officer Donato Villa will also extend legal assistance to the residents, particularly family members that will share ownership of the lots.

THE village chief of Parian in Cebu City has assured the public that barangay officials have implemented strategies to mitigate the challenges posed by persistent flooding, particularly along Bonifacio Street.

Parian Barangay Captain Lucita Lazarte said dredging of the river and clearing of clogged drainage in the area is ongoing.

“We have been working on it,” Lazarte said in Cebuano, but she acknowledged that Bonifacio Street is prone to flooding because it is located in an area that acts like a “catch basin” for water and waste from higher ground.

She said they have been seeking a long-term solution to address the problem.

Lazarte also shared that three weeks ago, Mayor Michael Rama gathered officials from Barangays Parian, T. Padilla, Tejero and Tinago to find a solution to flooding. Representatives from the Cebu City Department of Public Services (DPS) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), among others, were present during the meeting.

“We have documentation to prove that dredging was done on Bonifacio Street,” she said.

Lazarte said they have documentation to prove that they regularly conduct dredging operations along Bonifacio Street, and the most recent dredging was carried out last Saturday, July 15.

However, Lazarte admitted that their flood mitigation efforts do not guarantee the complete prevention of flooding in the area.

She said they clean the biofence installed in the Parian creek every day as it traps garbage on a daily basis.

The biofence traps plastic, logs, clothes, and other debris. The barangay also holds a weekly clean-up activity.

Lazarte said educating people about proper waste disposal is important to address the issue.

“I hope people will be taught not to throw garbage in canals and rivers,” she said.

Apart from Bonifacio Street, Sikatuna and Ibarra Streets also experience flooding, especially during heavy rains.

According to Lazarte, one factor contributing to the flooding problem in the village is the accumulation of mud after a rainfall. (CNU INTERNS CLAUDINE FLORES AND ERICA ABELLA)

THE Labangon Police Station 10 will conduct an investigation into the brutal killing of a 19-year-old girl who was bound with a packaging tape, wrapped in a blanket and then put in a cardboard box.

Police Major Angelito Valleser, chief of Labangon Police Station, identified the fatality as Rhea Mae Batoy Tocmo, 19, a native of Jasaan town in Misamis Oriental, but was temporarily residing in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City.

Tocmo was found dead and wrapped inside a cardboard box left on the roadside in Sitio Mohon, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Valleser rejected claims that the victim was tied with a wire but with a tire interior.

According to the examination by the personnel of the Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO), they did not see evidence of torture such as bruises.

“Ang estorya sa SOCO ninglugdang man gud to nga dugo, ang kadtong mga nakita nga bun-og inagian daw to sa binanganan sa lawas gani katong ingon nga tattoo dili to tattoo agi pud to sa binanganan, ang katong mga lagom tungod sa kahugot sa paghikot,” Valleser explained.

(According to SOCO the blood appears, the bruises found were tie marks. the bruises on her body that appeared to be tattoo-like were actually tie marks, and the swelled flesh was caused by how tightly the knot was tied).

Valleser said the victim had just arrived in Cebu last June 11 to find a job.

The police are trying to identify the persons who were with the victim before she passed away.(BBT, TPT)

CEBU-BASED social enterprise Spring Rain Global (SRG) encouraged investors and philanthropists to serve communities in need as it enters its 15th year of assisting philanthropic development offices in the Philippines and across the globe

In a press conference held at Golden Prince Hotel on Monday, July 17, 2023, Dr

Glenda Antonio, founder, president and chief executive officer of SRG, said that for a decade and a half, the organization has successfully advocated 150 philanthropic development offices in Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and some cities in the Philippines

Some of SRGs major hubs are located in Singapore for Asia-Pacific and the United States in the west

“In the birth of our 15th year milestone, about two years ago, we are proud to share that we have a patented framework called the Spring Rain Global 6-Pillar Capacitation Model,” Antonio said

“These include leadership and governance, program development and management, philanthropy development, financial planning, database management, and ecosystem building,” she added

The patented model aims to mentor other development organizations that will “hone them in sustainable ways in raising funds and networks through conferences, workshops, and training,” according to Antonio

The organization will also hold events relating to sports and music that intend to determine and guide its partner organizations on the latest trends in philanthropy and attract funders and donors

“For the championship, [the prize is] P1 million

This is not a simple tournament

This is a philanthropy tournament

We are giving this kind of price precisely because we wanted to help not only the players but the advocacy that they are representing,” said Fr

Victor Gonzaga, SRG chairman of the Advisory Board

SRG will also extend its network by launching a foundation that will provide positive relations to social development organizations in their capacity-building needs, which are often overlooked by other large organizations

Meanwhile, a three-day conference headed by SRG will happen on July 24-26 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino with the theme, “Unity and Solidarity: Nurturing Towards a Stronger Ecosystem of Good

” It will feature various international speakers globally

Different sectoral groups are also expected to join the three-day-event that is going to be first hosted in the Philippines

Interested attendees may register through SRG’s official Facebook page (CNU INTERNS DENISE MAE CODIS AND KIMBERLY GOC-ONG)

CEBU City joined the National Nutrition Council (NNC) 7 in launching the annual Nutrition Month with a series of activities

This month-long celebration, which carries the theme “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All,” celebrates NNC’s 49th year in advocating for health and wellness

Among the activities lined up for the celebration is a Nutrition Caravan, said Nutrition Officer 3 Norre Jean Delos Santos

The caravan will take place in different barangays in Cebu, aiming to reach out to families in need of proper food and diet

Along with this, there are outreach programs for citizens

Breastfeeding programs have also been initiated to educate mothers about what they should do and eat during the first 1,000 days of their babies, as mandated by Republic Act 11148, which covers nutritionally at-risk mothers and babies up to two years old

Dietary supplementation feeding programs have also been carried out for pregnant women to learn which foods will make them and their babies strong and healthy, added Delos Santos

Volunteers are also recruited through the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program, which caters to over 200 students to assist NNC 7, under the Department of Health, in monitoring children’s health and nutrition

The BNS Program includes teaching volunteers basic health tasks such as caring for the malnourished, mobilizing the community, and providing other forms of assistance

NNC 7 has requested local government units to help fulfill its programs throughout Cebu

Efforts and interventions must continue even after the month of July to continuously support those in need and improve the region’s nutritional status, according to Delos Santos

Cebu City’s celebration of Nutrition Month was launched on July 4 at Plaza Sugbo, featuring affordable healthy foods from local markets through cooking contests and food fairs (UP CEBU INTERN CHRYS CHELSEA BERNALLES)

uly is a month bursting with nutrition-themed festivities, particularly for school children. It’s during this time that the “Nutrition Month” celebration takes center stage, reminding children about the vital Go, Glow, Grow campaign.

However, for adults who have moved past their school days, the chance to partake in this celebration may seem out of reach. Thankfully, Jo Sebastian utilizes diverse social media platforms to ensure that grown-ups are not left behind and sprinkles her wisdom as a game-changing dietitian to adults.

If one has seen those trendy diets and super strict meal plans flooding the social media, one will likely realize that these often lead to false hopes and unrealistic expectations. They might seem enticing but it’s a cruel trick on their followers, leading them down a rabbit hole of disappointment because of the lack of long-term results.

This makes Jo Sebastian a breath of fresh air in the world of nutrition for adults. Unlike those rigid diet plans, Jo puts the emphasis on something much more important: building a healthy relationship with food.

Meet Jo, the registered nutritionist-dietitian extraordinaire. Armed with a BS Community Nutrition degree from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, she’s also a fitness enthusiast and a true believer in the power of food freedom. One will find her actively sharing valuable nutrition nuggets on social media, helping adults navigate the sometimes confusing world of health and wellness.

Rather than discouraging indulgence in these cravings, Jo ingeniously reimagines a balanced diet where one can savor fast food without a twinge of guilt. Through her content, Jo introduces to viewers a healthier and happier relationship with food. It’s time to make peace with one’s plates and savor every delicious moment proving that these guilty pleasures can still be a part of a well-rounded lifestyle.

How Jo eats chicken inasal:

In this video, she presents a well-favorite dish among Filipinos consisting of protein-rich pecho, nourishing carbohydrates sourced from rice, and a serving of hot soup. But to further enrich the nutritional profile, she incorporates fiber-laden boiled broccoli and finishes it up with a dash of chicken oil. She then munches on her food like a normal person and reminds viewers of her powerful slogan: “We’re all about adding, not restricting.”

How Jo eats instant noodles:

Jo Sebastian elucidates the nutritional components of the noodles and accompanying sauce, highlighting their carbohydrate and fat content to the viewers. To incorporate dietary fiber, she includes finely chopped cabbage and carrots. Additionally, she suggests adding an egg for an extra protein boost. Concluding her video, she delivers a poignant reminder to her viewers: “You always deserve to eat.”

How Jo eats pizza:

In this content, Jo talks about the convenience and accessibility of pizzas while noting that they can also offer a reasonably balanced option. She highlights the dough as the carbohydrate source in pizza, along with the cheese providing protein and fat. To enhance the nutritional value, Jo suggests loading up the slice with additional toppings such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pineapples. Alternatively, she mentions that adding a side salad can provide an extra protein boost, although it is not mandatory.

“One thing I noticed whenever I have pizza is that it takes a lot of pizza for me to feel satisfied so I like to load it up with extra fiber and protein to feel more satisfied. But what is most important is to focus on mindful eating, really take time to enjoy every bite so that you can feel comfortably satisfied,” said Jo.

“Why do we say add, do not restrict? When you focus on restriction, you focus on the things that you are not supposed to eat so now you’re just thinking about it and you’re stressing about it and you feel bad if ever you want it but when you focus on what to add, you are given a direction, a goal, and it makes you feel so much more accomplished when you’re doing something rather than holding yourself back,” said Jo.

With an impressive following of 2.2 million likes on TikTok, an educational Instagram platform, and a popular Spotify podcast titled “The Donut Box Podcast,” Jo has expanded her reach to connect with viewers on various platforms. Her content now revolves around addressing facts and debunking misconceptions about diets. Jo emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive relationship with one’s body and focusing on making adjustments or additions rather than restrictive measures. She feels bad when encountering fear-based approaches to diets, where certain foods are demonized or labeled as inherently good or bad.

“Stop labeling food as good or bad, clean or junk, let’s just call food, food. You can try out more nutrient dense or less nutrient dense but let’s stop putting negative labels around food because there is no good or bad food,” said Jo.

While it’s true that not all foods have the same nutritional value, it’s important to avoid attaching negative labels to food. Placing judgment on certain foods can lead to a negative internalization and unhealthy relationship with food.

“Just because you eat a cookie you feel like the worst person in the world and it’s ruined your diet and you fall into the shame spiral. Attaching moral value to food and judging yourself for your food choices is not going to help you. It would actually make it harder for you to make healthy habits and changes. So instead focus on seeing food as food with everything having something to offer and you choosing which gives you the most satisfaction for the moment,” explained Jo.

“Remember it takes time to get out of the cycle but you can do this,” added Jo.

“Come Theresians and acclaim, St. Theresa’s glorious name...” It is Homecoming Day next Saturday, July 29, at the STC campus. Taking charge of the festivities are the Silver Jubilarians this year with a core group headed by Janice Y. Perez. Overall coordinator is Marianne Avenido Neri, president of St. Theresa’s Alumnae Association. School reunions always take us down memory lane. It’s a time for happy reconnections and fond recollections. Come one, come all!

Meanwhile, there’s a musical happening at Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa tomorrow at 7 p.m. entitled “Faith and Music, Marvelous Gifts.” On centerstage will be the Cebu Normal University Chorale, tenor Dave Clark Sibonga and soprano Giannine Tan who is in town from London where she is taking further music studies.

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Cebu’s first ever Curry Club was launched at Radisson Blu with general manager Marko Janssen, executive chef Nick van Riemsdijk and Indian chef Jyoti Singh on the frontline. The club is a take off from the one founded in the United Kingdom in the 1970s where British professionals and businessmen gathered to enjoy exotic Indian food. Radisson Blu has taken the initiative of organizing the Curry Club because it is proud of its authentic and award-winning Indian food.

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Ulli’s Streets of Asia has opened a branch at the base of the lighthouse at the seaside Il Corso Lifemalls. With its floor to ceiling windows, the restaurant has a 180-degree view of the big, blue yonder. Street food favorites from different Asian countries make up the menu; Definitely something to taste and enjoy. As for drinks there are thirst-quenching choices of fresh fruit juices as well as coffee and tea. The place is ideal for intimate lunches and dinners and other small gatherings, so says Julia Absin, the granddaughter of resto founder Julita Urbina.

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The newest dining destination in Banawa is Ayame Japanese Restaurant at the Arcenas Arcade. Inaugurated two weeks ago, it is the third and most spacious Ayame in the city. The resto offers traditional Japanese fare with an added contemporary touch. Lady-at-the-helm Ingrid Espina Gamboa happily shares that their kitchen staff has mastered the art of Japanese food preparation and cooking, thanks to the training they got from an expert Japanese chef from Tokyo.

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Over at the picturesque mountain terrain of Aloguinsan, a farm resort has opened its doors — La Joya Farm Resort and Spa. Breathtaking views, peace and quiet, and its charming cottages are the main come-ons. However, for those who seek action, there’s the dragon fruit plantation to explore, an inviting swimming pool to enjoy, an animal farm to visit, and billiard games to amuse. On top of the resort operations is Corito Escario Yu assisted by her loving family.

SM INVESTMENTS Corp. (SM Investments) recently received three major wins at the 13th Asian Excellence Award of Corporate Governance Asia.

The Hong Kong-based magazine conferred SM Investments with multiple awards including Asia’s Best Corporate Social Responsibility, Best Corporate Communication, and Best Investor Relations Company.

This year’s awards add to SM’s longstanding history of winning in the categories of Asia’s Best Corporate Social Responsibility, Best Corporate Communications, and Best Investor Relations Company.

With these wins, SM notched its sixth, seventh, and 12th times coming on top in these categories, respectively. (PR)

FILINVEST Innovation Park-New Clark City (FIP-NCC) has announced the arrival of its inaugural locator, electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer StBattalion, which is keen on taking advantage of the park’s strategic location and growth prospects.

In the contract-signing ceremony Monday, July 17, 2023, at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, the Australia- based StBattalion formalized with FCGC Corp. (a wholly owned subsidiary of full-range property developer Filinvest Land Inc.) its five-year renewable lease of two ready-built factory unit, each measuring 2,500 square meters in gross leasable area.

The FIP-NCC sits inside New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac — a 9,450-hectare greenfield development inside the Clark Special Economic Zone positioned to be an inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and smart city. (PR)