Philippines News

MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged to participate in a digital export hub program to help them grow their brands and overcome barriers to their journey to become global players.

“With a growing global demand for Filipino products, it’s time to seize the opportunity and unlock the full potential of our local businesses,” said technology solution ECFulfill.

ECFulfill is introducing the MSME Digital Export Hub-Global Program designed to address the challenges faced by these businesses in maximizing the growing demand.

These are the limited direct access to the export market, inconsistent sales demand and channels, and limited resources for sales and marketing.

In response to these challenges, the MSME Digital Export Hub provides a comprehensive solution through two powerful phases – the Bridge and Expand phases.

The Bridge Phase (Incubation) consists of branding, or developing a strong brand identity and market positioning; digital export, unlocking the potential of online platforms for international trade; and market testing, or testing market viability and refine strategies.

“We believe that building a strong brand is essential for long-term success. Our platform offers tools and guidance to help businesses define their brand and stand out in the market,” ECFulfill said.

ECFulfill said its platform connects businesses with potential buyers through social media and content creation. It also provides automated marketing solutions and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features that streamline sales and marketing efforts.

On the other hand, under the Expand Phase (Acceleration), the Asian Institute of Management-Dado Banatao Incubator provides startup training, while brands are registered at Amazon Store with one-year subscription.

“Brand registration is the key to export success!” it added. / PHILEXPORT

It rained money bills that day at the south coastal road of Cebu so they thought the heavens must have answered their prayers and dropped onto them almost P4 million.

The saying “Finders keepers, losers weepers” is not a rule, just a children’s rhyme without any ethical reality for both children and adults, including the finders of the money last Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the Cebu South Coastal Road at the South Road Properties. The reality is if it’s not yours, you return it; if you don’t, you can be cited for theft which can send you to prison for up to 12 years.

Those on the northbound lane of the coastal road at the time the money bills flew out of the busted knapsack of a money collector knew the money they picked up wasn’t theirs. Some of them probably refuse to know or understand that there are consequences to appropriating the bills for themselves.

They must have thought it was their good fortune to be on that portion of the road at the right time, but they were wrong. Court rulings have cited finders of lost items for theft and those who were given the money or profited from it were likewise charged with fencing.

If a finder thinks the money is answered prayer as he has been imploring the saints in heaven for help for his sick father, he could end up endangering himself and his father. That’s a possibility, although finding the finder and building evidence will require much sleuthing.

The finder who turns over the money to local authorities or the collector cannot be held guilty of theft because there is no intent to gain or appropriate the money for himself. But a finder who keeps the money is guilty of theft.

The update from the incident said only about P2 million or half of the money was returned by the finders or gathered by the collector after rushing after the money and asking others to help.

The police have called on other finders to return the rest to the collector or surrender them to authorities. Mambaling police officers said Wednesday, July 5, they have collected video from security cameras at the south coastal road and from witnesses. Police are trying to identify the finders to ask them to return the money. If they refuse, they could face criminal charges. Reports said three finders have returned P30,000 to the police as of last Wednesday.

The saying “Finders keepers, losers weepers” is described as an idiom used by children to mean you can keep what you find and do not need to give it back to the person who has lost it. That idiom has been found to not have ethical merit or any legal basis.

Finders of the money cannot invoke it.

As a career-obsessed woman, my dating life has always been an afterthought for me.

However, my looming 28th birthday, bringing me a year closer to 30 has caused me to panic a little at the state of my lovelessness.

After ending a nearly five-month relationship with a man I thought I was in love with, I found myself loveless again.

The recent heartbreak and the longing to be with a partner have pushed me to do the unthinkable ... join dating apps.

This column is neither an advertisement nor a criticism of Bumble, but that app is great entertainment for single people and a huge frustration for those seeking long-term relationships.

So 27-year-old me went on a dating spree over the past month, meeting a total of five men, three on physical dates and two virtually.

One thing I have to say, those dates were not what I expected them to be.

To be clear I dated men in their 30s, ages ranging from 31 to 37 years old.

I was very surprised by the dynamics of this dating spree and by the end of the experiment, I was left surprised.

My first date was with a man who immediately told me I was already his girlfriend. His overconfidence struck me as quite arrogant, but I enjoyed talking to him.

What I didn’t expect was his insistence on being intimate immediately. While I sure did lead him on, too (because it was a date, duh), I was not prepared for the level of aggressiveness he showed.

I left that date feeling both bewildered and honestly flattered but also flustered.

I should have known it was going to be the theme of my entire experience.

Date after date, I enjoyed intriguing and intellectually stimulating conversations with men only to find myself in the trap of love bombing as these men tried to be intimate with me.

And while I do not fear intimacy, I am also wary of who I am intimate with, as should every woman.

Pushing them away at the end of every date was a chore and by the fourth man I dated, I became a rigid pole.

I can’t help but remember the last man I loved, the slow burn, and how he made me slowly fall in love with him.

Maybe men from dating apps are simply a different animal altogether, men on the hunt, eager to have their fill.

But, I am not someone’s meal.

Women are gardens that need to be tended to bear fruit. I realized that I am seeking emotional intimacy more than anything else.

I am seeking a man who would tend to my heart with hard work and patience, and growing love as we learn from each other.

I know this romance I seek is unrealistic. And I perhaps, will have to tend my own gardens, too.

However, I still harbor a little hope, that the next man who enters my life would be a gardener instead of a hunter.

Still, at the end of the experiment, I found a man who likes to garden.

He thinks I’m a doll because I’m short and stout and like to wear dresses. His tall and lean figure towers over me.

I don’t know how good he will be, or how long he will stay, but my flowers are blooming at a happy rate.

I am, after all, going to be loved at 28.

An expansive range of stakeholders from the Central Visayas business community, represented by established business membership organizations namely, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Visayas Region VII Central Visayas, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Cebu Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce . (CFCCC), Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce (MFCCC), Subdivision and Housing Developers Association-Central Visayas (SHDA-CV), Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu Chapter (PRA-Cebu Chapter), Cebu Contractors Association Inc. (CCA) and the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRACC), together with the other business membership organizations (BMO) in Central Visayas, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and PCCI-Panglao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, by mutual agreement and sincerity wholeheartedly support the Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco and its “Love the Philippines” campaign.

The Central Visayas region has long been recognized as one of the prime tourist destinations in the country. From the bustling streets of metropolitan Cebu to the breathtaking landscapes and seascapes of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, our region offers an expansive range of experiences that enthrall both local and international visitors. Our islands boast a rich tapestry of natural wonders, historical sites, and diverse traditions and culture that continue to captivate both local and international visitors.

We commend the DOT’s proactive approach in its refreshing movement to attract both domestic and international tourists and the steadfast commitment of Secretary Frasco. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Department and its campaign have played a pivotal role in driving the revival of the tourism industry in the country. The “Love the Philippines” campaign serves as one testament to the DOT’s commitment to showcase the natural and cultural wonders that abound in our region.

The recent incident by the ad agency regarding the promotional video is a serious challenge which we firmly believe will be resolved soonest, most especially because of the high professionalism and good governance that Secretary Frasco has shown since her stint as local chief executive. These issues, though serious, should not overshadow the positive impact and potential of the campaign itself. We recognize the great importance of the tourism industry and its relative value chains in the global economy. We believe in the immense potential of the campaign to promote tourism and investments, drive economic growth, and create diverse sustainable livelihood opportunities for our communities.

By focusing on the many positive aspects of our country and collaborating on impactful initiatives, we can help rebuild public confidence and revive our tourism industry in deeper collaboration with local, domestic and international stakeholders. We are supportive of Secretary Frasco and the DOT in pursuing a more collaborative approach to address concerns and improve the outcomes of the campaign. As marketing efforts align with our shared goals of promoting the Philippines as a premier destination and showcasing the unique experiences our country has to offer, we have become more vigilant in creating this added value to the industry and safeguarding the campaign from future anomalies.

We extend an invitation to other stakeholders to join us in supporting the DOT Secretary and the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our partnerships, leverage our collective expertise, and demonstrate our resilience in the face of challenges. Through collaboration and good governance, we can help overcome obstacles, promote smart tourism practices, and shape a brighter future for the tourism industry and its related value chains in the Philippines.

RENOWNED Cebuano sports organizer and former Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director, Ricky Ballesteros, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023. He was 57.

According to an official from the Cebu City Government, Ballesteros suffered a cardiac arrest while riding an elevator at a mall in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Ballesteros, a political science graduate from the University of the Visayas, was manager of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) from 2001 to 2019. In 2002, Ballesteros also assumed the role of executive director of the SFI.

Sinulog Festival

Ballesteros' contributions and leadership elevated the Sinulog Festival to become one of the largest and most prominent in the Philippines and Asia.

In a 2016 interview with SunStar Cebu, Ballesteros emphasized the importance of evaluating each Sinulog event and striving for improvements annually.

Under his guidance, various contests were introduced to enrich the Sinulog celebration, including the festival queen contest, street dancing category, free interpretation category, Sinulog-based category, best participating float contest, and competitions such as the Sinulog photo contest, Sinulog Idol, Sinulog dance crew contest, DJ-mixing competition, music video contest, Sinulog documentary and short film festival, as well as the higante and puppeteer contests.

Throughout his tenure, Ballesteros embraced the consistent theme of "one beat, one dance, one vision" for the Sinulog Festival.

His 18-year stint as manager was marred by the theft of P1.7 million in SFI and CCSC funds from a vault in the sports center's office on January 16, 2012, a day after the Sinulog Grand Parade. The crime remains unsolved.

He held the position for 15 years until his resignation in 2018, following allegations by then Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña of mishandling of SFI funds, which Ballesteros denied.

Ballesteros cited personal reasons for his resignation from the SFI, saying he was not getting any younger.

Other endeavors

Following his resignation, Ballesteros served as the president of the Korea Philippines Festival Cultural Exchange Association.

He brought the Sinulog to other countries, including South Korea, where the Sinulog won multiple times, most notably at the Daegu Powerful Festival.

Ballesteros was also known as a race organizer. (JGS, CTL, FVQ)

Authorities have arrested a claimant of a seized shipment containing P3.16 million worth of illegal narcotics in Makati City, according to a statement released by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last Friday.

I’ve been told I have exacting standards. That’s highly debatable.

I admit to getting immensely annoyed when people cannot effectively communicate or comprehend simple instructions. The other thing that vexes me is the almost complete extinction of this thing called “common sense.”

Growing up, my father used to tell me that common sense is not really as common as we think it is. I’m not sure why. But my father was right. Still is.

What I do know is that the idiocy index has been rising faster than the heat index in the last few decades. It’s not just the depletion of the ozone layer that is real.

I hate hearing excuses about how and why something has not been done or has not been done right. If you can’t do it right the first time, just do it again and do it right the second time around. The best apology is still changed behavior.

I don’t understand why some people need to be told twice before their body can be set into motion to perform a task. I also don’t understand why I need to get my heart rate up before people can put in their best efforts to get something done or done right.

I don’t know if it’s the cell sites and/or gadgets frying our brains but many people are afflicted with severe inattention these days.

How can anyone be 20-something and not be able to remember so many things? If you’re 50-something, I can understand the brain fog.

How can anyone be young and tired all the time? Unless you have a medical condition, I suspect some shady reasons.

My mother used to tell me, “It’s easy to tell the hard workers from the lazy ones. The hard workers are always looking for something to do. The lazy ones sit and wait to be told what to do.”

My mother was right. Still is.

Despite all the caffeine imbibed, what is this permanent state of sluggishness that invades so many bodies? Lyme disease, laziness or high blood glucose levels, perhaps?

With all the pastries and sugar-laden beverages people take these days, is it any wonder why so many are so tired all the time?

I’m not a slave driver. Though, I do send emails and messages at three or four in the morning. But I don’t really expect a reply at that time.

I don’t expect others to work harder than me. But I do expect them to do their job well and to give every task their full attention and their best efforts.

I know working smart not working hard is the new mantra. But when it comes to honing skills, there are no shortcuts. You really have to work harder to be better. And that’s how you get smarter.

You set the bar high to improve and grow because when you set the bar low, you stagnate and regress through time.

You never leave anything to chance. You never fall victim to overconfidence and complacence.

I’ve been told I have exacting standards. I don’t believe so. I think some people just don’t have any standards.

I am writing to express my full support for the “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign. As the Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, I have closely followed the commendable efforts put forth by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in promoting the Philippines as a must-visit destination.

Since my tour of duty here in Cebu, Philippines, I was able to visit various cities and provinces in the Visayas region, to name a few cities—Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Maasin, Borongan, and of course, Cebu, the most beautiful island—I have seen the stunning and diverse attractions the region has to offer. The initiative of personally engaging with local communities, collaborating with Japanese tourism stakeholders, and documenting my experiences (through my Letters from Cebu) have been crucial in building a positive and lasting impression among Japanese tourists who are seeking memorable travel experiences to the Philippines.

Furthermore, I believe that the “Love the Philippines” campaign holds tremendous potential for attracting an increasing number of Japanese visitors. Japan has been a key market with a significant interest in exploring international destinations: and the campaign can serve as a catalyst to tap further into the Japanese market and elevate the Philippines as a preferred destination for the Japanese.

In conclusion, I am determined to align my endeavors with the objectives of the “Love the Philippines” campaign and will continue to collaborate with and support the tourism sector. I am committed to raise awareness of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm Filipino hospitality.

Did you know you can be blind despite being able to see? Sometimes, there are things directly in front of someone, yet can’t be seen. This is because when someone chooses not to understand perspectives, one blinds oneself to what’s around oneself. While drowning in the concepts and ideas one forms numbs us from pains others give, it may also block the good as well. With this in mind, One must ask oneself as well, does living numb suit the life one wants to live?

Though being blind and numb are different things, in the context of accepting positivity, both can’t receive it. I believe both were caused by “wounds” that were inflicted by someone they cared about. These often go unnoticed, which is why Heaven Luck is utilized to locate these. Heaven Luck is a factor of Human success capable of finding out about anyone’s past. With its help, anyone is able to heal from anything and everything.

With all the benefit of Heaven Luck on our side, things should be easy going now, right? Well, knowledge of our wounds will only get someone so far. Finding out what to do with them should be next. That’s why Heaven Luck must always be paired with our Man Luck, another factor that deals with our hard work and preparation. “To heal” has many definitions, so finding out what it means to you and how to get there is an important part of our own journey to self-betterment.

With knowledge and hard work on our side, one is surely to become better with time and consistency; however, one last factor has to be considered, our Earth Luck. Our Earth Luck refers to the energy of where one stays and how it influences and affects us. In other words, it is our environment. No matter the determination one has, Earth Luck is capable of dragging us back. With an environment that’s supportive and positive, anyone can achieve their goals.

“In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed man is king” is a phrase I’m sure you have heard before. When one is lost, one tends to confide in those who one thinks can see. While it is good to be helped by people with similar experiences, their company can lead us to rely on them and push us to be more numb and blind. Though learning to see and feel again means one can be hurt, I believe it is worth it so one can love again. Once one has chosen to see and feel again, with the right people, one will be met with love as just because one was numb to it, the love never left.

My first memorable encounter with the subject of this feature was not in person.

In 2017, when our beloved Ricardo Cardinal Vidal passed away, his wake at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral became some sort of pilgrimage site for Cebuanos and out of town visitors. The Knights of Columbus would be guarding the area surrounding his coffin in shifts and beside it, a portrait of the Cardinal in his red robe held its own in its place of honor. It was so realistically captured that it seemed that he was seated comfortably, welcoming us to his wake, ever so composed, with the slight hint of a smile and that stare I know so well.

What an amazing piece of work it was from the one and only Jun Impas.

Six years later, and now with the privilege of calling this talented man a friend, we were invited to the launching of his book aptly titled “Pangandoy: The Art of Jun Impas.”

Published by Bamboo Village Publishing in consultation with Ambassador Jose Maria Cariño and co-authored by Jay Nathan Jore, Alyssa Selanova and Sayoka Takemura, this 234-page coffee table book is a feast for the eyes and a joyful peek into how this little boy who grew up by the sea in Dinagat Island became such a celebrated artist.

Background

Florentino Impas Jr. was born in Danao City as the sixth of 10 children in a fisherman’s household. His childhood days were spent in Surigao del Norte where the family had relocated and his experience with hardship at an early age instilled values of industry, diligence and perseverance in him. He would be burning firewood for blocks of charcoal, help his grandparents make and sell local delicacies, while studying at night to complete elementary school.

The young Jun Impas realized early on that he had a penchant for drawing, copying photos from whatever sources that captured his interest. His classmates soon noticed that his work was a notch above the rest and started to pay him for help in their projects. An early pencil drawing of Fernando Poe Jr. copied from a movie was a turning point for him because it made him realize just how much potential he had for this art form.

His older brother, Dodong Impas, was already a noted sign maker in Surigao City at this time and from him, Jun learned the basics of sign art and lettering and the business side of this craft. In time, The Impas Brothers Sign Art became famous all throughout Surigao, especially when it came to making realistic billboards for moviehouses.

Passion

After seven years and many life-changing events, Jun decided it was time to return to his birthplace, Cebu. It was 1992 when he found work as an in-house artist in the Cebu Art Shop and started to meet other artists like Pepe Villadolid and Celso Pepito. Realizing what great potential this young lad had, Celso introduced him to a wider circle of Cebuano artists, enthusiasts, patrons and passionate collectors and it was through these connections that he was finally able to join his first exhibition in Cebu.

His first sale was a still life of flowers with a price of P5,000. In 1993, Jun opened his own studio named Prints and Brushes which would feature him painting live, thereby catching the attention of the public. After befriending renowned sculptor Ed Castrillo and taking his advice to heart, it took Jun five years to finally mount his first one-man show also titled “Pangandoy” in Montebello Villa Hotel which ended with a high note as he sold almost all of 20 of his exhibited works.

The great admiration for Fernando Amorsolo’s talent in portraiture led him to make his wife the subject of his very first piece, as a tribute to her patience and support over the years. When it was put on exhibit, renowned businessman Luis King, fell in love with his work and commissioned him to make almost 30 portraits of the first to third generation of his family.

It was during one of the King family gatherings that Cardinal Vidal became so impressed with his work, that as a result, the family gifted him with a Jun Impas portrait on the occasion of the Cardinal’s 75th birthday.

This painting is the one I am describing at the beginning of this article.

Mission

And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, portraits by Jun Impas encompass a diverse mix of personalities from high society, businessmen, politicians, religious leaders, art lovers from all over the country, not just Cebu. He has painted presidents, cardinals and even Pope Francis himself as photographed by Msgr. Jan Limchua. His recent 10 piece series, called Panagtagbo, chronicles the arrival of Christianity to our shores and was made for the 500 Years of Christianity Celebration. It starts with the depiction of a meeting aboard Magellan’s ship, then to the meeting of Magellan and Rajah Humabon, Magellan meeting Humabon’s chiefs, the baptism of Humabon, the gifting of the Sto. Niño to Queen Juana, the First Miracle, a Babaylon Ritual, the victory at Mactan and finally, the poisoning of the Spaniards. It was sold as a set, because the artist would not have it any other way as he wanted the “whole story” to be in just one place.

Jun Impas is a man on a mission. Still in his prime, his best work is yet to come, such exciting times ahead for this humble man with an immense God-given talent.

@KAREN: As a successful banker, I’ve been dating a freelance architect for over a year. However, I’ve noticed that he lacks a clear future plan. Despite being in his 40s, he’s still renting an unkempt room. While his carefree personality initially attracted me, it has become irritating, leading to frequent arguments. He complains about my organized and rigid nature, which clashes with his laid-back attitude. Considering my age and fatigue with starting over, I’m uncertain if I should continue the relationship solely because of my want to finally start a family.

DJ: The fact that it’s a relationship between two individuals, it’s impossible to do everything in exactly the same way. Variations are fun and exciting. You experience something new. But as the initial high of romantic love wanes, compromise is a permanent fixture. Remember, you both had a life even before you met. It’s just that you may be feeling that the differences are eating your faith in your connection.

How willing and able are you both to adjust or give things up for the sake of a better relationship? Working through this process doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a poor match. It’s a collaboration. If done right, the process of negotiation can only make the two of you resilient and flexible. Unfortunately, the way you tackle the differences may be the one that’s making your love lives worse. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer whether your differences are too much or workable. But how ready are you in honoring one another while at the same time, being open to each other’s influence. Are you inclusive in your attitudes and behaviors? Are you still curious to know more about each other? Remember why it was fun in the beginning. Respect must be there. At the end of the day, you can’t force change.

Are the differences too different or are they workable? When two people are misaligned on something they both consider to be fundamental, the likelihood to try to constantly prove themselves right increases. Given the differences you mentioned, your case is not even about being right or wrong. There are people who thrive at living in the now. I’m sure you’ve heard about certain teachings on mindfulness and living in the present. There’s also nothing wrong about being structured. I was in two highly successful events a few days ago. I admire the dynamics of a couple who both share the passion for excellence and innovation. Can you still do things that you value the most? Trying to shine on a project, a sales pitch or do exceedingly well at a business review for example. Is he part of the solution why you’re bringing your best self at work and in life in general? Being different is a thrill. Though when the variances have something to do with one’s core, these things are difficult to change. Heads up. They make people who they are.

How well are you at communicating? Can you discuss expectations in ways that you can support one another so that the compromise doesn’t feel like a personal attack? Do you listen? You can’t make him your clone. You also won’t be happy over time being someone else just to be in a relationship. Is it possible to create a win-win situation? Talk things through. Something’s got to give to create harmony. You’re both gaining something you want. If you’re asking him to improve on something, be ready to make some changes for yourself too. Making a change doesn’t seem as daunting if no one feels like he or she is losing out.

Starting a family is not a glue to mend what’s broken. Think how your differences can eventually translate to parenting approaches. I suggest you continue to take a step back before moving forward. See more objectively if the differences are complementary rather than being too divergent. The strongest relationships are the ones in which both people can be themselves, working together as partners so they both can bring out the best in each other.

Research group IBON Foundation has thumbed down the labor market gains being touted by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

The Philippine Coast Guard clarified that while Beijing's behavior in the West Philippine Sea continues to be "concerning," positive changes have been noted in recent months — which they claim to be a result of Manila's transparency about the Asian giant's actions.

Kabataan party-list welcomes YouTube's move to terminate Sonshine Media Network International News's online channel, this while urging all digital TV services and social media platforms to follow suit due to its honorary chairperson Apollo Quiboloy's "sex trafficking" charges.

Bishop Pablo David of the Diocese of Kalookan on Saturday was reelected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Overall turnover, however, has more than halved since last year, statistics show

The United States has increased imports of goods from Russia despite its numerous economic sanctions on the country, data published by the US Census Bureau revealed on Thursday.

In May, the volume of products imported from the sanc

The overall turnover, however, has more than halved since last year, statistics show

The United States has increased imports of goods from Russia despite its numerous economic sanctions on the country, data published by the US Census Bureau revealed on Thursday.

In May, the volume of products imported from the

The country’s unemployment rate dipped in May to its second lowest level since April 2005, while the quality of jobs improved, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised on June 8 the status of Mayon Volcano in Albay to Alert Level 3 after it showed an “increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption.”

A BRIDGE connecting Barangays Poblacion 2 and Poblacion 3 in Carcar City, southern Cebu has been named after the late Peary Aleonar, who had written opinion columns and served as judge in the Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Carcar City officials and family members of Aleonar led the unveiling of the Judge Peary Aleonar Bridge marker on Friday, July 7, 2023. The activity was one of the highlights of the city’s 16th Charter Day celebration.

Carcar City Mayor Mario Patricio Barcenas, in an interview with the media after the ceremony, said the bridge serves as a tribute to Aleonar’s contributions as an upright judge and opinion writer that brought pride to the city.

Barcenas said this is Carcar City’s third time honoring residents who have shown exceptional talent and brought pride to the city. He also mentioned that Baracca Bridge, the infrastructure’s old name, had been renamed in Aleonar’s honor because of the presence of his kin in the area.

On the same day, city officials also unveiled the city’s Hall of Fame and recognized former mayors and locals who have excelled in the fields of arts, sports and music.

Aleonar’s daughter, Dina Aleonar, said she is proud of her father’s work both as a writer and judge.

Peary Aleonar had served as a former newspaper editor and columnist, RTC judge, lawyer, teacher and engineering graduate.

He showed his artistic talents from a young age, playing the violin and piano and engaging in creative drawing.

Aleonar wrote a column for The Freeman, “The Questionnaire,” in the 1970s, featuring sentences that all ended with question marks, addressing community problems and giving readers a voice.

In addition to being a prominent figure in the media, he had also served as an engineering college dean and was a member of the Board of the Cebu City Integrated Bar of the Philippines. In 1983, he was appointed as an RTC judge. (CNU interns Angel Leduna and Camille Erica Butas)