Cebu Sun.Star

RUNNING enthusiasts are in for a huge treat as exciting prizes await them in the upcoming 32nd Lite Ferries Anniversary Run, scheduled on July 30 at the Cebu Business Park.

The event, which will feature five categories, will be even more special as participants will have a chance to win a brand-new NMAX motorcycle.

The footrace will include the following categories: three kilometers, five kilometers, ten kilometers, sixteen kilometers, and twenty-four kilometers.

Each category's registration fees, which include race bibs and shirts, are set at a very affordable rate.

The registration fee for the 3km race is P550, for the 5K race is P700, for the 10K race is P800, for the 16K race is P900, and for the 24K race is P1,100.

Special discounts will be available for students and senior citizens.

Finishers in the 10km, 16km, and 24km categories will also receive a specially-designed finisher's medal.

Those interested in joining the race may register at any Lite Shipping branch. Look for Debbie Canama or Roger Bernasor at (032) 255 1721, local 426 & 327, or visit Fizeek Fitness and Yoga Center located near Tejero Elementary School along M.J. Cuenco Avenue in Cebu City.

The Lite Shipping 32nd Anniversary Run would like to express gratitude to all the sponsors: Danilo Lines Inc., Sunline Shipping Corp., Lirio Shipping Lines, Cebu Lite Trading Inc., Lite Properties Corporation, IPI, Nature's Spring, Pepsi, McOQ's Cafe, Fizeek Fitness, RC Goldline, ECYY, Fitbar, Queen V, Mr. Potato, Mr. Taho, MACES Trading, MoGu MoGu, Casa Corella, and J&J Technology Solutions. Media partners include The Freeman, Sun Star Cebu, CDN Digital, and Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC), with the special participation of Wowie De Guzman and his team. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

AT LEAST 17 road development projects are in the pipeline to tackle the escalating issues of traffic congestion and flooding in Lapu-Lapu City, with Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan also looking at the road improvements to make the city more conducive to tourism, ultimately boosting the city’s economic growth.

Big-ticket items like the Lapu-Lapu skyway, a new city hall and a reclamation project that are expected to begin construction this year are also seen to boost economic activity.

During his fourth State of the City Address (Soca) on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, counting the first three in his first term that began in 2019, Chan said these are among the high-profile projects that his administration will prioritize this year.

Eleven of the road projects the City wishes to pursue are intended to alleviate traffic issues, while the remaining six are intended to solve the flooding issues.

“To support our tourism campaign, we have to invest on infrastructure. We need to improve our facilities and provide more amenities to make our city even more appealing and tourist-friendly,” said Chan.

He said the city saw a 1,142 percent growth in tourist arrivals from 5,727 tourists in 2021 to 71,177 tourist visits in 2022.

Chan revealed they already welcomed 3.9 million tourist arrivals in the first five months of this year.

Road projects

Chan said there are road projects that will receive funding from other government offices.

This includes the plan to construct a box culvert-type drainage system, which will be sponsored by the office of Rep. Cindi King-Chan and a skywalk that will be funded by Tingog Partylist.

The 17 road development projects are the following:

To address the traffic problem:

• Open a new road in Pakpakan going to Collinwood, a one-way road accessible going to Agus, Marigondon and Subabasbas.

• Widen the George Tampus Road from five meters to 10 meters.

• Open a new road connecting George Tampus Road to Timpolok-Calolo, Barangay Babag.

• Open a new road connecting George Tampus Road to Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

• Open a new road in Tacan, Babag going to Basak-Subabasbas.

• Construct a diversion road from Barangay Calawisan to Barangay Babag.

• Widen the Barangay Punta Engaño Road.

• Construct a skywalk in front of Gaisano Grand Plaza, Basak.

• Construct a skywalk at the junction of Humay-Humay and M. Patalinjug Avenue.

• Construct a skywalk in front of Gate 5, Barangay Ibo.

• Construct a skywalk in front of the Cebu Light Industrial Park

To address the flooding problem:

• Construct a box culvert-type drainage system along George Tampus Road that will lead to an outfall with flood gate.

• Improve roads with drainage facilities at Agaton Soronio to SubaMasulog-SubaPanas and Subabasbas Road.

• Improve roads with drainage facilities at Soong Road, Bankal and Mactan, Lapu-Lapu.

• Improve roads with drainage facilities in Barangay Agus and Pajac.

• Improve the road with drainage facilities at Timpolok Road, Barangay Gun-ob.

• Improve the road with drainage facilities at A. Tumulak Road, Barangay Gun-ob.

Skyway

Chan said work on the first skyway in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, known as the Lapu-Lapu Expressway (LLEX), will begin in September.

LLEX, which will connect the CCLEX to the airport, will generate income for the city.

Since it will be a public-private partnership project, it will cost the city nothing, he said.

The skyway is expected to reduce traffic and shorten the 35-minute trip from Cebu City to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to just 12 minutes.

“I am proud to announce that construction will commence by September of this year,” Chan said.

Big-ticket projects

Major projects were laid out in his speech, including the construction of socialized housing in a 25-hectare lot in Barangay Canjulao that aims to give decent shelter to informal settlers.

“Our intention is to steer our informal settlers from danger, so we will provide them a decent place to live that they can have the opportunity to own,” Chan said.

He will also prioritize the construction of a boardwalk along the coastal road connecting the first, second and fourth bridges, which will include commercial establishments and amenities.

He will also look into building a multipurpose building adjacent to the Hoops Dome that will feature an indoor skatepark, and badminton and arnis courts.

A new Lapu-Lapu City Hall building projected to be worth P800 million and a 400-hectare island-type reclamation project are all expected to happen this year.

However, Chan did not say when these projects would be completed.

Social programs

Aside from providing cash assistance to senior citizens and persons with disability, Chan also plans to provide subsidy to solo parents who are registered voters in the city.

“For single parents who are registered voters in Lapu-Lapu City, each of them will receive P3,000, which is equivalent to P12,000 per year,” he said.

Chan also said that a proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, which will benefit the LGBTQ+ community, is already pending in the council.

“The draft of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance is now in the council, and I am hopeful that regardless of gender preference, in the Chan administration, we will all be equal,” Chan said.

Water supply

Chan said he will also prioritize providing stable water supply to meet the demands of the city and its constituents.

“I have been courting private proponents to explore viable options to produce enough potable, reliable and sustainable water supply,” he added.

Recently, the city received an additional 5,000 cubic meters of water supply daily from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

He also said MCWD has commissioned two wells, one in Barangay Bankal and the other in Barangay Agus, that can accommodate new service connections to around 1,000 households, which is expected to serve around 4,000 individuals.

He revealed that a P100 million transmission and distribution project of MCWD is already in the works, while the construction of the pipeline project along Barangay Agus to Barangay Mactan, and a pipeline expansion along the General Aviation Road to Barangay Bankal has already begun.

Meanwhile, the bidding for the pipeline for Basak, Marigondon and P. Rodriguez Street is still underway.

He said the pipeline projects are being done to prepare for the additional 25,000 cubic meters of water supply that will be distributed to the households in the city.

A desalination plant in Barangay Canjulao will be opened in the future as well.

“We have begun to reap the fruits of our efforts, but we will not stop here,” the Lapu-Lapu City mayor said.

Free school supplies

Another priority of the Chan Administration is accessible education to everyone, so he has allotted a budget for free school supplies for the students of Olango Island.

This program is for all students in Olango, from kindergarten to senior high school. It was also planned that next year, students from the mainland would also be given the supplies.

The government also allocated P19.2 million in tablets for elementary and secondary school learners, and a separate P15 million for the Alternative Learning System training centers.

AT LEAST 17 road development projects are in the pipeline to tackle the escalating issues of traffic congestion and flooding in Lapu-Lapu City, with Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan also looking at the road improvements to make the city more conducive to tourism, ultimately boosting the city’s economic growth.

Big-ticket items like the Lapu-Lapu skyway, a new city hall and a reclamation project that are expected to begin construction this year are also seen to boost economic activity.

During his fourth State of the City Address (Soca) on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, counting the first three in his first term that began in 2019, Chan said these are among the high-profile projects that his administration will prioritize this year.

Eleven of the road projects the City wishes to pursue are intended to alleviate traffic issues, while the remaining six are intended to solve the flooding issues.

“To support our tourism campaign, we have to invest on infrastructure. We need to improve our facilities and provide more amenities to make our city even more appealing and tourist-friendly,” said Chan.

He said the city saw a 1,142 percent growth in tourist arrivals from 5,727 tourists in 2021 to 71,177 tourist visits in 2022.

Chan revealed they already welcomed 3.9 million tourist arrivals in the first five months of this year.

Road projects

Chan said there are road projects that will receive funding from other government offices.

This includes the plan to construct a box culvert-type drainage system, which will be sponsored by the office of Rep. Cindi King-Chan and a skywalk that will be funded by Tingog Partylist.

The 17 road development projects are the following:

To address the traffic problem:

• Open a new road in Pakpakan going to Collinwood, a one-way road accessible going to Agus, Marigondon and Subabasbas.

• Widen the George Tampus Road from five meters to 10 meters.

• Open a new road connecting George Tampus Road to Timpolok-Calolo, Barangay Babag.

• Open a new road connecting George Tampus Road to Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

• Open a new road in Tacan, Babag going to Basak-Subabasbas.

• Construct a diversion road from Barangay Calawisan to Barangay Babag.

• Widen the Barangay Punta Engaño Road.

• Construct a skywalk in front of Gaisano Grand Plaza, Basak.

• Construct a skywalk at the junction of Humay-Humay and M. Patalinjug Avenue.

• Construct a skywalk in front of Gate 5, Barangay Ibo.

• Construct a skywalk in front of the Cebu Light Industrial Park

To address the flooding problem:

• Construct a box culvert-type drainage system along George Tampus Road that will lead to an outfall with flood gate.

• Improve roads with drainage facilities at Agaton Soronio to SubaMasulog-SubaPanas and Subabasbas Road.

• Improve roads with drainage facilities at Soong Road, Bankal and Mactan, Lapu-Lapu.

• Improve roads with drainage facilities in Barangay Agus and Pajac.

• Improve the road with drainage facilities at Timpolok Road, Barangay Gun-ob.

• Improve the road with drainage facilities at A. Tumulak Road, Barangay Gun-ob.

Skyway

Chan said work on the first skyway in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, known as the Lapu-Lapu Expressway (LLEX), will begin in September.

LLEX, which will connect the CCLEX to the airport, will generate income for the city.

Since it will be a public-private partnership project, it will cost the city nothing, he said.

The skyway is expected to reduce traffic and shorten the 35-minute trip from Cebu City to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to just 12 minutes.

“I am proud to announce that construction will commence by September of this year,” Chan said.

Big-ticket projects

Major projects were laid out in his speech, including the construction of socialized housing in a 25-hectare lot in Barangay Canjulao that aims to give decent shelter to informal settlers.

“Our intention is to steer our informal settlers from danger, so we will provide them a decent place to live that they can have the opportunity to own,” Chan said.

He will also prioritize the construction of a boardwalk along the coastal road connecting the first, second and fourth bridges, which will include commercial establishments and amenities.

He will also look into building a multipurpose building adjacent to the Hoops Dome that will feature an indoor skatepark, and badminton and arnis courts.

A new Lapu-Lapu City Hall building projected to be worth P800 million and a 400-hectare island-type reclamation project are all expected to happen this year.

However, Chan did not say when these projects would be completed.

Social programs

Aside from providing cash assistance to senior citizens and persons with disability, Chan also plans to provide subsidy to solo parents who are registered voters in the city.

“For single parents who are registered voters in Lapu-Lapu City, each of them will receive P3,000, which is equivalent to P12,000 per year,” he said.

Chan also said that a proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, which will benefit the LGBTQ+ community, is already pending in the council.

“The draft of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance is now in the council, and I am hopeful that regardless of gender preference, in the Chan administration, we will all be equal,” Chan said.

Water supply

Chan said he will also prioritize providing stable water supply to meet the demands of the city and its constituents.

“I have been courting private proponents to explore viable options to produce enough potable, reliable and sustainable water supply,” he added.

Recently, the city received an additional 5,000 cubic meters of water supply daily from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

He also said MCWD has commissioned two wells, one in Barangay Bankal and the other in Barangay Agus, that can accommodate new service connections to around 1,000 households, which is expected to serve around 4,000 individuals.

He revealed that a P100 million transmission and distribution project of MCWD is already in the works, while the construction of the pipeline project along Barangay Agus to Barangay Mactan, and a pipeline expansion along the General Aviation Road to Barangay Bankal has already begun.

Meanwhile, the bidding for the pipeline for Basak, Marigondon and P. Rodriguez Street is still underway.

He said the pipeline projects are being done to prepare for the additional 25,000 cubic meters of water supply that will be distributed to the households in the city.

A desalination plant in Barangay Canjulao will be opened in the future as well.

“We have begun to reap the fruits of our efforts, but we will not stop here,” the Lapu-Lapu City mayor said.

Free school supplies

Another priority of the Chan Administration is accessible education to everyone, so he has allotted a budget for free school supplies for the students of Olango Island.

This program is for all students in Olango, from kindergarten to senior high school. It was also planned that next year, students from the mainland would also be given the supplies.

The government also allocated P19.2 million in tablets for elementary and secondary school learners, and a separate P15 million for the Alternative Learning System training centers.

THE Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA 7) has allocated P293 million to address the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon, of which over P255 million will be spent to optimize the production of crops, livestock and fisheries in the non-threatened areas and to save vulnerable areas through water management and other related interventions.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) is preparing a budget of P80 million to prepare for El Niño.

On July 4, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon in the country, adding that it may persist until the first quarter of 2024.

El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring dry spells and droughts.

In a document sent to SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, July 4, the Office of the Regional Executive Director of DA 7 unveiled four strategies to address the effects of this weather phenomenon.

These are (1) massive information dissemination across different locations in the region, P21 million; (2) maximizing and optimizing the production in non-threatened areas, P170 million; (3) saving vulnerable areas through appropriate water management and other related interventions, P97 million; and (4) rehabilitation of vulnerable areas that can no longer be saved, P3.6 million.

Program management will cost P1.6 million.

The DA 7 “El Niño Action Plan” has a proposed budget of P293 million, where P279 million is funded through the General Appropriation Acts of 2023 while the remaining P14 million has yet to be funded.

Central Visayas is one of 16 regions in the country that will be vulnerable to El Niño, according to Pagasa’s six-month rainfall forecast data issued on March 22, 2023.

Strategies

As part of its master plan to combat El Niño, the DA 7 will reactivate the El Niño Disaster Task Force while being stringent in monitoring and getting updates on local field conditions based on the weather forecast and outlook and checking of dams’ water levels.

Informative campaign materials will also be distributed while the DA 7 will also engage in bufferstocking of agricultural inputs.

To maximize production in non-vulnerable areas, the DA 7 has allocated close to P170 million to supply agricultural inputs to farmers such as seeds and planting materials, fertilizers and soil ameliorants.

There will also be provision of irrigation network services, mulching film/plastic mulch, establishment of pasture development, and provision of drugs, biologics and feeds.

The DA 7 has a budget of P97 million to implement water management and other related interventions aimed at restoring or saving the productivity of vulnerable areas.

Interventions include the provision of water-related facilities and equipment such as open source pumps, small-scale irrigation projects, diversion dams, small water impounding projects, pump irrigation system open source, small farm reservoirs, solar powered irrigation system/pumps, spring development, production facility management, HDPE Pipes, water plastic drums and ram pumps to the farmers across Central Visayas.

These are to ensure that there will be sufficient supply of water and that water will be managed efficiently.

The DA 7 will also provide fuel subsidy or fuel discount vouchers, while also supplying agricultural facilities and equipment to affected farmers during the expected drought seasons.

Master plan

On April 12, 2023, the DA central office rolled out the 2023 El Niño Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, setting in motion the strategies that aim to lessen the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on the agriculture and fishery industries and restore productivity in affected areas.

The department plans to put emphasis on water-related infrastructure to address the impending long dry spell.

DA encourages the use of the alternate wetting and drying or AWD method, where farmers can reduce the use of water from irrigation systems without sacrificing the crop yield through the application of irrigation water a few days after the impounded water has been used up.

Cloud seeding operations will be conducted to induce more rainfall during dry seasons.

Cebu City

In Cebu City, there is currently no exact release date for its P80 million budget.

But on Wednesday, July 5, Cebu City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon said: “We expect that we can get the budget by this month and we can proceed with the procurement by late this month.”

Baclayon said farmers will be supplied with seeds that are early maturing and that can withstand the high temperatures due to El Niño. Farmers are not encouraged to open more areas but to open enough that can be sustained. The requested budget of P80 million will be used to provide farmers with the additional resources to respond to El Niño.

Baclayon said the CAD has made local farmers aware of the incoming El Niño so they could also provide insights to supplement the CAD’s plans.

Another strategy is identifying water sources that could be used to sustain farming areas and which areas need to be sustained and focused on.

Pagasa said the El Niño is currently still weak but with “signs of strengthening in the coming months.”

Baclayon is positive that the city is prepared for the El Niño phenomenon because of the earlier steps it has already taken and been slowly implementing.

DESPITE the approved decrease in franchise fees for the renewal of driving permits for tricycle drivers in Mandaue City, some drivers are also hoping their pending penalties will be waived upon renewal.

Benerando Irmac, a 52-year-old tricycle driver with 23 years of experience, said that removing the pending penalties would be beneficial for him. Since he only rents his tricycle unit, he has to pay a daily rental fee of P150.

Irmac said he began accumulating traffic penalties in 2005 when he was still a truck driver, and the total amount is estimated to be around P12,000.

He added that despite starting work at 3 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m., he only earns around P500 to P700 daily, which is insufficient to meet his family’s needs.

Fifty-year-old tricycle driver Dodong (not his real name, as he requested anonymity) has been driving for 20 years. He also has pending penalties amounting to roughly P5,000. He said he only earns around P500 to P800 per day, not enough to support his family.

Another tricycle driver Pabling Daip, 56, said the reduced renewal fee comes at a good time as he will renew his permit on July 21. This reduction will help him save money, especially considering the increasing price of gasoline. He said he has been driving for 23 years already.

Irmac, Daip and Dodong are among 2,500 tricycle drivers plying the barangay roads as they are banned from transporting passengers along national highways.

Dealing with penalties

Hyl Retuya, chief of the legal office of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team), said on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, that the resolution of pending penalties for drivers is being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Retuya said the issue with some drivers is that they have significant violations that need to be paid before they can renew or obtain a franchise.

“The franchise can be obtained in two ways: first, there should be no pending violation, and second, if there is any, they need to pay in full to receive Team’s clearance,” Retuya said mostly in Cebuano.

“If their penalties are significant, they can approach the Team office, as there are ways to obtain a team clearance or provisional team clearance,” he added.

A provisional Team clearance allows for a certain period during which drivers can fully settle their penalties. However, Retuya emphasized that this provision is applied on a case-by-case basis.

On Monday, July 3, John Eddu Ibañez, head of Mandaue City Legal Office, announced that they are now accepting tricycle drivers who wish to renew their franchise.

The amended City Ordinance 13-2014-904 has reduced the fees, including the franchise renewal fee, from P1,500 to only P1,000.

The franchise is good for three years.

ECONOMIC relief, improved working conditions and benefits for habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire) and delivery riders were sought during the Riders Summit held at Cebu City Hall on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

The summit aimed to launch the Riders’ Charter of Rights and bring together riders from various groups to support it.

Around 60 riders from different organizations, including Grab, Foodpanda, Angkas, Maxim, Lalamove, Joyride, and local rider clubs, attended the event.

City Councilor Rey Gealon presented proposed ordinances during the summit, which aimed to establish riders’ hubs in establishments as shelters for riders.

Two ordinances were introduced to grant amnesty to traffic violators and amend certain provisions in the tax ordinance, exempting delivery riders from annual fixed tax payments and assigning liability to digital platform companies.

One of the proposed ordinances set for final reading is the one that creates the Cebu City Motorcycle Riders’ Welfare Office. This measure aims to assist motorcycle riders in obtaining the necessary documents to operate legally.

Geoffrey Labudahon, national coordinator of United Delivery Riders of the Philippines, presented the proposed Riders’ Charter of Rights, which included provisions such as the right to just compensation, social protection, representation, freedom from discrimination and abuse, safe working conditions, self-organization, continuing education, and grievance mechanisms.

Labudahon said the charter has been submitted to the Senate and Congress, and a position paper has been submitted. His group is waiting for updates.

Riders expressed concerns about the decrease in booking rates and fare rates since after the pandemic, which has affected their daily income.

They had a minimum rate of P55, allowing them to earn between P1,000 and P2,000 daily; however, rates have now dropped to a range of P20 to P40, resulting in lower earnings.

Abraham Montecalvo Jr., a Foodpanda rider, said the summit was important as it aimed to address their concerns and improve their working conditions. (RJM WITH CNU INTERNS CAMILLE BUTAS AND GK MARIE DEJACTO)

WITH a radiant bronze medal around her neck, Lyra Coronel-Malaki, an eighth-grade student-athlete, etched her name into the hallowed halls of Cebu City National Science High School. She became the second student to bag a medal in badminton at the Cebu City Olympics (CCO) last March 2023.

In the arena of regulation and effort, victory is hard-fought. And in this arena, Malaki, an honor student, faced fierce rivals.

Showcasing her agility in three intense matches, Malaki secured victory in two. As SciHi’s representative, nerves danced within her, but she soared above and claimed her place on the podium.

Years of training paved her path to glory. From local meets to district and unit competitions, she honed her skills. And it was these very skills that carried her to the CCO.

The bronze medal, a symbol of her relentless dedication, now shines bright. It marks a historic milestone for SciHi, a testament to Malaki’s talent and perseverance.

Last 2019, Alyssa Gwyn Arellano, once a student-athlete of the school, bagged the first-ever medal of SciHi when she triumph during the year’s CCO Badminton Competition, also bagging the bronze.

Supported by teammates, a personal coach, and her older brother Arturo, an accomplished Grade 12 student-athlete himself, Malaki embarked on this journey.

Reflecting on her experiences, Malaki shared, “In the early games, victory came easily. But the semifinals brought nerve-racking challenges against a skilled varsity player.”

“After winning bronze, I felt an indescribable pride. Overcoming challenges, I now strive for even greater heights,” she added. Though an eighth grader, her potential shines brilliantly.

Truly, Malaki has carved an unforgettable chapter in SciHi’s history. Her remarkable triumph will be remembered for generations to come. (ALYSSA MONIQUE TOLENTINO, CEBU CITY NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT)

AFTER a hiatus of a few years, the San Remigio Properties Invitational Basketball Tournament makes a return on July 7-9, 2023, at the Lux Oriens Gym inside the Sacred Heart School (SHS)-Ateneo de Cebu campus in Mandaue City.

Competing in the tournament are the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, as well as perennial Cesafi contenders University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters and the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers.

Adding spice to the event is the presence of the National Yi-Lan Senior High School basketball squad, which flew to Cebu from Taiwan.

The tournament, which is being spearheaded by businessman and sportsman Mark Anthony Ynoc, will see the teams play a single round-robin, with the top two advancing to the winner-take-all finals. The competition tips off on Friday, July 7, with UC battling National Yilan School at 1:30 p.m. followed by a tiff between Ateneo de Cebu and UV at 3 p.m.

The Cesafi teams are also using this tournament to gauge their readiness for the Cesafi high school basketball wars, which is set to kick off in August. (JNP)

FORMER ONE Championship fighter Roel “Akiyama” Rosauro is back in the limelight as he sees action in a four-man MMA tournament in Centurion FC (CFV 13) Rex Orientem at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Parañaque City on July 21, 2023.

Rosauro, a native of Camotes, is facing Brazilian veteran Eduardo Souza in the semifinals.

“I’m very excited for this because this is the first to try in this type of fight,” Rosauro, who fights out of Survival MMA Fitness Hub, told SunStar Cebu. “I’ve seen his fights. He just recently won his fight in CFC last March.”

The 37-year-old Souza fought last March 15 in a CFC show in Dubai. He beat fellow Brazilian Alexandre Ribeiro by unanimous decision.

Rosauro last fought in pro MMA in 2021. He lost to American James Yang in the second round.

The 35-year-Rosauro fought four fights in ONE Championship from 2018 to 2021. He went 1-3, in which his only win was a unanimous decision over Yohan Mulia Legowo.

“In his last fight, he was striking. But he’s a Brazilian so I’m expecting that he’s very good in grappling. I will pick my strikes wisely,” said Rosauro, who’s known for his striking prowess.

Rosauro is 5-4 with three wins by stoppage, while Souza is 16-5-1 with six wins by knockout and also six by submission.

The other fight in the four-man tournament is between Pinoy Red Romero and Bolivian Leonardo Rodriguez.

Romero, the former URCC featherweight champion, is looking to end a losing streak. He last fought on April 21 and lost to John Brewin by a third-round Von Flue choke in Indonesia.

Rodriguez won his last five contests and is coming off a first-round knockout of Rodrigo Almeida last year in Brazil.

Romero is 12-11 with six wins by knockout and four by submission, while Rodriguez is 6-1 with six stoppages.

The winner of the two bouts will face each other on the same night for the tournament title. (EKA)

From “It’s More fun in the Philippines” to “Love the Philippines.” The government’s slogan promoting the country’s tourism industry changes every new administration. The rebranding simply depends on taste and style of the current leadership.

But the latest “Love the Philippines” slogan has received flak from netizens and legislators when it was discovered that the advertising firm Doyle, Dane and Bernbach Philippines (DDB) that was contracted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to come up with campaign videos used non-original materials in its audio-visual presentation (AVP).

Rep. Joey Salceda was disappointed after watching the promotional video wherein Mayon Volcano was not even included. “No love for Albay, no love for Bicol. Thank you na lang. Albay tourism will thrive without you, LOVE ALBAY!” Salceda wrote, obviously upset. (Manila Bulletin)

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro believes the “Love the Philippines” slogan was copied from the “Love Cyprus” slogan launched by the country’s Deputy Ministry of Tourism in 2021. “It is unacceptable for the Marcos government to resort to plagiarizing campaign slogans from other countries,” he said. (The Freeman)

To soften the criticism and impact against the department after non-original materials were shown, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco ordered the termination of the contract of DDB after the latter publicly apologized and admitted that non-original materials were used in the AVP.

According to the fact-checking platform of Agence France Presse, parts of the almost two-minute video for the “Love the Philippines” campaign prepared by DDB showed places in Brazil, Indonesia, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, and that these were grabbed from stock image and footage websites.

Because of this issue against the DOT, Cebu’s local officials signed a manifesto of support for Secretary Frasco.

Part of the manifesto states: “We, the Congressmen, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, and Councilors under the banner of a united and indivisible One Cebu Island, declare our full and unwavering support to the Department of Tourism (DOT) led by our very own, a Cebuana, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.” They suspect sabotage against Secretary Frasco.

With due respect, the manifesto of support is unnecessary since the DOT and its officials, particularly the secretary, are faultless since the DDB already and publicly admitted its mistakes. The DDB deserves rebuke more than the termination of its contract with DOT.

I could only speculate that DDB must have run out of better ideas on how to best promote our tourism industry. They are simply lazy that they merely grabbed stock images of other countries instead of showing the beautiful and breathtaking places and scenery in our country like the Mayon Volcano.

The slogan “Love the Philippines” is, however, designed and aimed at inviting foreign tourists to visit and love our country and not meant for us, the locals or domestic tourists. So, how can we ask foreign tourists to love our country if we cannot show them that we love our country first and foremost? Look at our surroundings, trash is everywhere.

The rebranding of the tourism slogan brings me to the dream of Mayor Mike Rama of a Singapore-like Cebu City. While it is not essentially wrong to copy the best practices of developed countries like Singapore, it would have been better if the Cebu City Government came up with its own program like “love our city, keep it clean” since cleanliness is one of the biggest issues the city is currently facing instead of listening to the mayor’s rhetoric.

China is reckless and irresponsible. Her continued attempts to illegally occupy our territories only demonstrate her complete disrespect of international law.

This is why it is crucial that the Philippine government raise the West Philippine Sea issue to the United Nations General Assembly. I hope that the Senate can tackle my resolution regarding this as soon as session resumes, as we need the support of the wider international community to stop China’s unbridled aggression.

If the Chinese authoritarian regime truly wants to be the regional leader, she should act responsibly by de-escalating tensions in the region, instead of fanning the flames by engaging in these rash actions outside her territorial sea.

While pursuing political and diplomatic means to resolve this dispute, our defense establishment should simultaneously come up with alternate means to resupply our troops in Ayungin Shoal in order to secure them from harassment and interdiction by the Chinese.

Government should expend all possible resources to defend our sovereignty and keep our people safe.

What makes a tourism campaign go wrong?

A sane person with an objective viewpoint would say that the campaign is deemed unsuccessful only if it does not achieve the objective for which it was launched.

Under that framework, it is too early to judge whether the “Love the Philippines” campaign is successful or not. However, Every Juan (with apologies to Cebu Pacific) prodded on by a mischievous media, became overnight branding experts and jumped on the campaign’s use of stock footage and declared it as a total fiasco. To put things in their proper context, consider the following points.

• The “Love the Philippines” campaign is just a marketing tool designed to entice more tourists to visit the country. Ultimate expected outcomes include increased tourist arrivals and tourist receipts. Critics who harp on the harm of including stock footage depicting scenes from other countries can be likened to those raising an alarm on the icing melting on a cake because of a wrong ingredient, without focusing on how the actual cake is just delectable. Any defect in the icing can always be easily remedied just as the “offending” stock footage can be replaced. Have the few seconds showing the stock footage rendered the campaign useless and beyond repair? Nobody really knows for sure, not even the horde of current critics. Let the DOT (Department of Tourism) come out with a new and improved version and survey the intended audience to solicit their comments. To continue with the cake analogy, let the campaign run for an extended period and see if it has helped in improving tourism figures. The proof of the cake is in the eating. In the meantime, treating the campaign as stillborn is counterproductive to say the least.

•Ever since I can remember, the DOT operated as if their main reason for being is tourism marketing and promotion. (Maybe it is). Coming out with the catchiest slogan seemed to occupy much of the waking time of new DOT administrations. Indeed, while it is important to project the right brand and image for the Philippines to the world, it is equally important, if not vital, to provide adequate tourism infrastructure to give comfort and convenience to tourists. Studies by experts have long identified our country’s shortcomings in this space: among others, lack of modern access (either by land or sea) to our tourist destinations, absence of reliable and inexpensive internet connections, limited availability of health facilities outside the urban areas, dearth of tourist information sources including simple directional signage. We have not really addressed the infrastructure issue in a purposeful and consistent manner and as a result, sadly lag behind our Asean neighbors in this aspect. Perhaps, the “Love the Philippines” decriers can redirect their vociferous protestations to the tourism infrastructure concern and be more useful, instead of fixating on misplaced footage.

A 33-YEAR-OLD vendor was shot in Sitio Lower Yati, Barangay Quiot, Cebu City, and the suspect has already been identified.

The victim, Jeferson Fernandez Lausa, who hails from Sitio Liberty of the said barangay, identified alias Negro as the culprit.

According to Police Major Angelito Valleser, the chief of Labangon Police Station, that at 12:55 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, while the victim was seated by the side of the road, the suspect suddenly showed up and opened fire.

According to reports, the victim and Alias Negro got into a fight before the shooting, which the police believed to be the reason.

A manhunt operation against the suspect is now ongoing. (AYB, TPT)

Very recently, the world celebrated Mother’s Day, a day set aside to honor the best and most rewarding profession, in my humble opinion.

Locally, Qube Gallery presented 40 noted and budding artists with the theme “Mother and Child.” Qube Gallery co-director and show curator Pia Marie Mercado—not yet a mother herself—has this to say:

“My interpretation of the theme is rooted in my role as mentor to these artists; watching them grow has been incredibly fulfilling. They have brought their own experiences, emotions and creative impulses to bear on the theme, resulting in a fascinating and thought-provoking artwork collection.”

Indeed, a generous gathering of the art-conscious in the community proved this belief, and enthusiastically immersed themselves in the varied collection on opening day.

The contemporary artists did not disappoint. The diverse and non-traditional canvases were not the usual Mother-and-Child interpretations, but rather a wider range of art, from abstract, figurative, pop, surrealism, impressionism, sculpture, to even photography!

Viewers of this exclusive exhibition will also discover that this is an avenue for these artists to showcase their individual styles while beautifully and expressively capturing the theme.

In conclusion, Pia expressed:

”I cannot emphasize how proud I am to have established rapport with these artists for this show. As we all know, the theme of “Mother and Child” is universally relatable, so it did not take long for them to commit to be part of it. Working with 40 of them as the show’s curator, I have learned that while we strive to run a smooth show, by sticking to deadlines and managing logistics, we are actually dealing with 40 distinct souls, personalities and stories.”

“Artists are not, after all, mere art producing-factories, but souls who need understanding and compassion. The role of a curator goes beyond conception, selection and the hanging of works, realizing that they too, have their own current projects. Some discussions centered on their struggles, both as an artist, and as a human being. There is always a human factor involved.”

“This exhibition, like most, is not meant to be a one-way street. There are mutual learnings—artists from the audience, and vice-versa. Curator from the artists, and again, vice-versa. The cycle is endless, and if you agree, even the slightest, then the show has achieved its purpose.

“This is not about me nor the artists, but all of us. We contribute to the art world in our own capacities. Thank you for being with us on this incredible journey.”

Thank you too, Pia, for this incredible job!

Amid the popular craze surrounding Japanese delicacies, Korean Samgyupsal and New York City’s buffalo chicken wings in Cebu City, what’s been flying under the radar in the town’s food scene is Spanish cuisine.

In the same way at Ipar’s Restaurante Y Bar de Tapas, this authentic Spanish restaurant offers a straightforward experience that lets the flavors do the talking. Since its establishment in 2009, Ipar’s restaurant has elevated diners with its authentic and mouth watering dishes, leaving a lasting impression that speaks volumes.

“To those who traveled to Spain and dined in here, we are proud to say that this restaurant is very comparable and a lot of our patrons here are Spanish tourists and been around to Cebu, chosen few Spanish restaurants, and when they come here to Ipar’s, they could say that Ipar’s is really authentic as though they’re eating in a Spanish restaurant around Spain,” said Chef Ipar.

Chef Ipar Miranda’s worldly wisdom and training under acclaimed chefs has birthed menus steeped in the essence of Spanish gastronomy. With genuine reverence for traditions, quality ingredients, and treasured recipes, Miranda joyfully shares the taste of Spain to Cebuanos.

“When I opened the restaurant in 2009, my main goal in mind was to bring what I learned from Spain to Cebu,” said Chef Ipar.

Numerous Spanish restaurants emerged before Ipar’s restaurant, but many adapted their flavors to cater to the Cebuano palate. However, in the midst of this culinary evolution, Ipar’s restaurant stood firm, upholding its identity as an authentic Spanish restaurant.

“Basically what we serve here is what we find in any ordinary bars or restaurants all over Spain,” said Chef Ipar.

At Ipar’s restaurant, one can skip the trip to Spain and dive into its extensive menu filled with irresistible flavors. From mouthwatering tapas like Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish Chorizo, Tortilla de Patata, to lip-smacking paellas including Paella Negra and Paella de Gambas, Ipar’s got its customers covered with nothing short of authentic Spanish goodness.

Chef Ipar’s commitment to Spanish authenticity comes naturally, as he hails from a Spanish background. Growing up immersed in the flavors of Spanish cooking, his passion led him to pursue culinary studies, specializing in Spanish cuisine.

With his family’s history of running a famous Spanish restaurant in Cebu City, Chef Ipar’s dreams of becoming a Spanish cuisine specialist were not far-fetched at all. Today, his expertise and heritage shine through in every dish at Ipar’s restaurant, delivering a taste of Spain for 14 years.

“I moved to Spain to learn proper Spanish cuisine because back in the day my folks used to run a Spanish restaurant in Mango Avenue called (10;24) which not many people or younger generation probably heard of but maybe their folks or grandparents would remember it because it was also quite known,” said Chef Ipar.

“I moved to Spain in 2001. I was there for a couple of years and I went to school in Cuenca and learned the basics there of Spanish cuisine and then after my two years there, I moved to the northern part in Zarautz.”

When the pandemic struck, Chef Ipar found solace in the restaurant’s beloved chorizos, which became its saving grace. These flavorful Chorizos, cherished by many, became a lifeline as they supplied them to numerous restaurants across Cebu. The recipe for its chorizo is a cherished homegrown gem, passed down from Chef Ipar’s Spanish household, where he enjoyed it growing up.

Chef Ipar’s restaurant adheres to traditional cooking methods and uses essential Spanish ingredients like Spanish oil, saffron and Spanish paprika. These components are the cornerstone of their commitment to providing an unmistakably Spanish dining experience.

For the younger crowd seeking a taste of Spanish flair, Ipar’s restaurant offers a dedicated bar that caters to their cravings. One popular choice is the Calimocho, a refreshing drink made with equal parts Coca-Cola and red wine. Whether one is looking to socialize or enjoy a good meal, this beverage adds an extra touch of enjoyment to their Spanish dining experience.

As one steps into Ipar’s restaurant, one is instantly embraced by the spirit of España. The patterned ceiling and cool portraits of bullfighting transport diners to the heart of Spanish culture. Every inch of the place exudes Spanish flair, from the flamenco designs to the charming old archives that add an intimate and casual touch to the dining experience.

At Ipar’s, it’s a journey into the soul of Spain, where every moment feels like a delightful escape. Ipar’s offerings are available on popular food platforms like FoodPanda, Grab, and LaLaMove. While walk-ins are welcome, making a reservation is a bonus for those seeking a seamless dining experience.

Operating from Tuesday to Sunday, Ipar’s Restaurante Y Bar de Tapas serves lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m.

A FORMER drug surrenderer who was thought to have been "salvaged" and dumped in a desolate area was found dead at 6:10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Barangay Jomgao, Argao town, southern Cebu.

The victim, Jairo Camarillo, 22, from Barangay Lamacan, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

The victim was found by one Jemuel Duran, who was tending his cow.

Police Major Ivy Bartolome, chief of the Argao Police Station, told SunStar Cebu that they are looking into all possible angles of the murder, illegal substances.

They will also check if the victim has returned to using illegal drugs or engaged in the drug sales.

Bartolome said the relatives of the victim also suspected that he had resorted to his old vice.

Police investigation is ongoing to find out the real motive of the crime.

"Gi-salvage gyud ni siya, gidala sa mga responsabli diri kay awaaw kaayo," said Bartolome.

(He was really salvaged and brought by those responsible here because it is very desolate).

Police recovered from the crime scene five empty shells of 9mm and caliber .45.

The victim reportedly asked permission from his parents to go out with his friends on Tuesday evening but did not return since then.(GPL, TPT)

A HEALTH official urged the public to practice proper hygiene to avoid acquiring sore eyes.

Cebu City Health Office head Daisy Villa said sore eyes, scientifically known as conjunctivitis, is "highly contagious." It is caused by viral infection and allergies.

Villa said some of the measures the public may do to prevent themselves from acquiring sore eyes include washing and keeping their hands clean, avoid touching the eyes after touching random objects, and wearing of sunglasses.

For those who are infected, Villa advised them to stay at home to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.

She said household items like door knobs and utensils should be regularly cleaned to prevent contamination, and people should avoid rubbing the infected eye.

Villa also advised to use antibiotic eye drops to soothe irritation and prevent further inflammation. (Ian Christopher Ostulano, NWSSU Intern)

A HEALTH official warned the public to be cautious as several diseases may spread during hot season, including chicken pox, rashes, and hand-foot-and-mouth diseases.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) officially declared the start of El Niño on July 4, 2023.

Cebu City Health Office head Daisy Villa, in an interview with SunStar on Wednesday, July 5, said diseases such as conjuctivitis, hand-footh-and-mouth disease, chicken pox, rashes, and dermatitis are rampant during hot season.

Villa said such diseases occur due to skin dryness.

The dermatitis, though, according to Villa, may occur not only during hot season.

According to the Department of Health, several things that the public may do to prevent acquiring such diseases include keeping and trimming the fingernails short, minimizing scratching to prevent the virus from spreading and to prevent getting skin infection, and washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. (Juralyn B. Baldomaro, NWSSU Intern)

SEVERAL sidewalk vendors looked for ways to continue selling their products despite the heat of the sun, including staying hydrated and choosing an area where there are trees.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the start of the El Niño phenomenon in the country, which may emerge in the coming season from June to August with an 80 percent probability and may persist until the first quarter of 2024.

Maria Linda Manatad, who displays her products along Osmeña Blvd. in Cebu City, said she and other vendors prefer to stay in their huge umbrellas to avoid the intense temperature. She makes sure to bring enough water to keep herself hydrated.

Manatad sells food like crackers and biscuits every day, even on weekends.

Junesa Yata, another sidewalk vendor along Osmeña Blvd., said the heat makes her livelihood challenging, but she continued to do so to earn a living, since she has children who are studying.

"Init kaayo, labi na og udto, mga 10 (a.m.) to 3 (p.m.)... kay og dili pud mi maninda, wa man pud mi kan-on, mao baya among panginabuhian," said Yata.

(It's very hot, especially at noon, around 10 (a.m.) to 3 (p.m.)... If we don't sell, we have nothing to eat because that's our livelihood.)

For another sidewalk vendor, Julieta Pono, she prefers hot season because they can still sell, unlike rainy days.

She said they continue to display their goods even in the hot weather because it is still an opportunity to attract customers.

For Arnold Alquiza Dela Peña, who sells different drinks, he sees the hot season as an advantage for him, adding there is a high demand of cold drinks and water when it is hot. (Kyle Andrei Acuña, NWSSU Intern)

THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) once again called on the people to return the money that they got from the viaduct of South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City after it fell from the backpack of a money remittance firm’s collector.

The collector, only identified as Tony, was bringing about P4 million on a motorcycle when his backpack's zipper broke, causing it to open, letting the money bills fly out into the air past 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4.

Tony was supposed to deliver the money from a money remittance firm in SRP mall to their office in Mandaue City.

Only around P700,000 was left in his bag.

As of Tuesday afternoon, at least P1.3 million was recovered by Tony.

Later in the evening, another P44,850 in cash was turned over to the police.

The good-natured Cebuanos were once again urged by CCPO Chief Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog to prevail on honesty and return the money they got because it was not theirs.

“Naa may nawong nga makita nato kay naa may video nga gi upload. Kung kinsa man to sila, kung ugaling isa sa inyu, wala mo mag boluntaryo nga i-uli ninyu ang maong kwarta nga inyung napunit, palihog na lang pud para maka tabang mo sa kadtong nawad-an sa kwarta kay dili baya to niya personal nga kwarta,” said Dalogdog.

(Because a video was published, we can see the faces that were there. Whoever they are, if you did not voluntarily return the money you took, please do it right away to assist the guy who lost the money as it was not his own money.)

Dalogdog ordered Mambaling Police Chief Major Jonathan Bethoven Taneo to identify those in the video if they have already returned the money.

The police will be forced to file a theft case against them if they continue to refuse to cooperate despite repeated requests, according to Dalogdog.

The police also coordinated with the Land Transportation Office for the filing of charges against the owners of the vehicles seen in the video who took the money.

“Kung dili ninyu na siya i-uli, sigurado nga kamo ma filan og kaso kung mapamatod-an nga kadtong naa sa video nga among nakita kamo gyud to ang apil sa namunit,” Dalogdog said.

(If you don't return it, you will definitely be charged if it can be proven that you are among those who took the money.)

An investigation is still ongoing at the Mambaling Police Station to find out the exact amount of money brought by the collector. (AYB/TPT)