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Cebu Sun.Star
Donaire Jr. vs. Santiago WBC bantamweight fight moved to July 29
THE world championship fight between Filipino star Nonito Donaire Jr. and Alexandro Santiago has been pushed back to July 29, 2023 (US time) in the undercard of the world title unification bout between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Donaire Jr. and Santiago were supposed to fight today, July 16 (PH time), for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight title at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
Donaire Jr. wants a second reign as WBC bantamweight champion and break his own record as the oldest bantamweight champion at 40 years old.
Donaire Jr. won the WBC bantamweight strap after dethroning Nordine Oubaali by a fourth round knockout in 2021 in Carson, California, becoming the oldest bantamweight champion in boxing history at 38. He had a successful title defense against fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo, who he knocked out in four rounds, later that year also in Carson.
Donaire Jr. then fought a world title unification against Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue and lost the fight by a second round stoppage last year in Japan.
The WBC bantamweight belt was up for grabs after Inoue decided to vacate all four belts to move up in weight.
Donaire Jr. earned an immediate shot at the belt because he’s the No. 1 ranked bantamweight by the WBC.
Donaire Jr. trained in Cebu for his upcoming fight, setting up camp at the Omega Boxing Gym.
The 27-year-old Santiago is rated No. 4 by the WBC. He’s on a three-bout winning streak, which includes wins over former world title challengers David Carmona and Antonio Nieves.
Santiago lost to the likes of Gary Antonio Russell, one-time world title challenger Hector Flores and unheralded Johnny Michel Garcia.
Donaire Jr., a four-division world champion, is 42-7 with 28 knockouts, while Santiago is 27-3-5 with 14 knockouts. (EKA)
Donaire Jr. and Santiago were supposed to fight today, July 16 (PH time), for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight title at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
Donaire Jr. wants a second reign as WBC bantamweight champion and break his own record as the oldest bantamweight champion at 40 years old.
Donaire Jr. won the WBC bantamweight strap after dethroning Nordine Oubaali by a fourth round knockout in 2021 in Carson, California, becoming the oldest bantamweight champion in boxing history at 38. He had a successful title defense against fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo, who he knocked out in four rounds, later that year also in Carson.
Donaire Jr. then fought a world title unification against Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue and lost the fight by a second round stoppage last year in Japan.
The WBC bantamweight belt was up for grabs after Inoue decided to vacate all four belts to move up in weight.
Donaire Jr. earned an immediate shot at the belt because he’s the No. 1 ranked bantamweight by the WBC.
Donaire Jr. trained in Cebu for his upcoming fight, setting up camp at the Omega Boxing Gym.
The 27-year-old Santiago is rated No. 4 by the WBC. He’s on a three-bout winning streak, which includes wins over former world title challengers David Carmona and Antonio Nieves.
Santiago lost to the likes of Gary Antonio Russell, one-time world title challenger Hector Flores and unheralded Johnny Michel Garcia.
Donaire Jr., a four-division world champion, is 42-7 with 28 knockouts, while Santiago is 27-3-5 with 14 knockouts. (EKA)
Categories: Philippines News
Moalboal sports grassroots program to develop next star
In search of the country’s next sports star, the small southern Cebu town of Moalboal launched its first ever sports grassroots program, the 1st Mayor Inocentes Cabaron Academic and Sports Enhancement Program, on July 14, 2023.
Mayor Inocentes Cabaron initiated this grassroots program to fully develop the untapped talent of Moalboal’s young athletes from the town’s 15 barangays.
“We have seen that this will do good to the youth. Train them early so that we can see which ones have potential. So that we can support them to fully develop their potential. Aside from that, in the higher level, there has been a lot of competition between different towns. It’s to train them really early so they can give pride to our town,” said Cabaron.
Some of the sports that have been offered are basketball, volleyball, tennis, arnis, sepak takraw, badminton and table tennis.
Cabaron said this is the first time that Moalboal will have a grassroots program and that previously it only had sporting events.
“We didn’t have these previously, that kids are being trained through a sports program. Grassroots training is new here in Moalboal,” he said.
Just in basketball alone, around 450 players have already signed up for the grassroots program.
The basketball and volleyball sports will have a culminating activity near the end of the year with a Christmas Cup and an Inter-Barangay League. Moalboal will also host a duathlon event in December.
Moalboal has a solid volleyball team and is currently deep in preparation for the Governor’s Cup. It’s women’s volleyball won Cluster 3 in the Governor’s Cup in 2019, right before sports was held to a standstill because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the town known for its white sand beaches, Cabaron also plans to develop beach volleyball and hold a tournament soon.
“Moalboal is suited for beach volleyball because we have great beaches. It’s just the adjustment of the players from the hard court to the sand. I want to hold a tournament here just like the Nestea,” said Cabaron. (EKA)
Mayor Inocentes Cabaron initiated this grassroots program to fully develop the untapped talent of Moalboal’s young athletes from the town’s 15 barangays.
“We have seen that this will do good to the youth. Train them early so that we can see which ones have potential. So that we can support them to fully develop their potential. Aside from that, in the higher level, there has been a lot of competition between different towns. It’s to train them really early so they can give pride to our town,” said Cabaron.
Some of the sports that have been offered are basketball, volleyball, tennis, arnis, sepak takraw, badminton and table tennis.
Cabaron said this is the first time that Moalboal will have a grassroots program and that previously it only had sporting events.
“We didn’t have these previously, that kids are being trained through a sports program. Grassroots training is new here in Moalboal,” he said.
Just in basketball alone, around 450 players have already signed up for the grassroots program.
The basketball and volleyball sports will have a culminating activity near the end of the year with a Christmas Cup and an Inter-Barangay League. Moalboal will also host a duathlon event in December.
Moalboal has a solid volleyball team and is currently deep in preparation for the Governor’s Cup. It’s women’s volleyball won Cluster 3 in the Governor’s Cup in 2019, right before sports was held to a standstill because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the town known for its white sand beaches, Cabaron also plans to develop beach volleyball and hold a tournament soon.
“Moalboal is suited for beach volleyball because we have great beaches. It’s just the adjustment of the players from the hard court to the sand. I want to hold a tournament here just like the Nestea,” said Cabaron. (EKA)
Categories: Philippines News
EXPLAINER: Where Jun Pe, 2 other MCWD ex-directors got it right: LWUA must OK mayor’s action. And got it wrong: Mayor had no right to fire them. Will they appeal RTC ruling?
WHAT JUST HAPPENED. In a decision promulgated June 30, 2023 and released Tuesday, July 11, Cebu Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Anacleto G. Debalucos dismissed a complaint of three former Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) directors against then mayor Edgardo Labella who removed them before the end of their fixed term.
For “lack of merit,” said the ruling on the civil case filed on November 11, 2019 by Augustus Pe Jr., Ralph Sevilla, and Cecilia Adlawan. The respondents were Labella and Jeci Lapus, acting administrator of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the then interim MCWD directors, and the water district. The complainants wanted to nullify their termination and the designation of their replacements.
The complaint had no merit, the RTC)ruled. Then mayor Labella had the power to dismiss the directors. The power to appoint “carries with it the power to remove or discipline," said Judge Debalucos, citing the Supreme Court case of Napay vs. Daraga, Albay vice mayor (2019) and Aguirre Jr. vs. de Castro (1999).
Will the complainants appeal the ruling? Jun Pe told me Saturday, July 15, that was “for the lawyers (Sevilla and Adlawan) to decide.”
BOOST TO RAMA CLAIM. The ruling matters. It has come, relevant and interesting, amid the controversy rocking MCWD, which was set off by Mayor Michael Rama’s initial order to evict current chairman, Jose Daluz III, and two other directors -- Jodelyn May Seno and Miguel Pato -- and their defiance of the mayor’s order.
If the RTC ruling against Jun Pe and company was used to guide Mayor Rama in his recent action -- which was to recommend their termination to the Ombudsman and LWUA -- Rama could’ve dismissed outright Daluz and company, without going through the “recommendation” route. As Labella did in the Jun Pe case, Rama could’ve just sent the dismissal to LWUA for review.
The Jun Pe et al case is also a boost, at least until struck down by a superior court, to Mayor Rama’s contention that he has the right not just to appoint MCWD directors but also to discipline them, along with the Ombudsman and the Civil Service.
PE ET AL DIDN’T GET THESE RIGHT. Complainants in RTC lawsuit got it wrong on these major legal points:
[1] POWER TO FIRE. Whether the city mayor has the right to dismiss Jun Pe and the two other directors:
No, Pe et al said, mayor Labella had only the power to appoint. Yes, the court said, the mayor has both the power to appoint and the power to dismiss. Not by express provision of law -- because the law “does not expressly provide as to who has the power or authority to remove or discipline them” -- but by the “doctrine of implication,” the RTC ruling said, “absent any contrary statutory provision, the power to appoint carries with it the power to remove or discipline.”
Does the power to remove or discipline a director belong to the MCWD board of directors (BOD)? Yes, said the complainants. No, said the RTC. No provision under Presidential Decree (PD) 198 or the Local Water Utilities Act gives that power. Besides, that power in the board’s hands “may dangerously result in mutual protection among the BOD members themselves.”
[2] MCWD’S AUTONOMY. Whether mayor Labella violated “independence and autonomy” of MCWD under a presidential decree (#198) and DILG’s memo-circular (#2019-03 of January 10, 2019). which in effect say that water districts, including MCWD, “are not under the jurisdiction or control of any political subdivision in order to maintain their autonomy”:
Labella violated it, said Pe et al. No, ruled the court, the mayor’s disciplining the directors doesn’t affect the intent of autonomy; the provision merely aims “to prevent the LGU from meddling in purely internal affairs, management or operation of the district.” Otherwise, the mayor wouldn’t have given the right to appoint directors, or the law would’ve “expressly provided that the power to discipline a BOD member is vested in a particular office or agency.”
Besides, the complainants mainly relied on this part of Section 1 of PD 198, namely: “once formed, a district is subject to the provisions of (PD 198) and not under the jurisdiction of any political subdivision.” That was already amended, the RTC said, by PD 1479 that deleted it.
[3] DUE PROCESS: LABELLA DIDN’T GIVE; LWUA DID. The RTC ruling said mayor Labella didn’t bother to give due process when he removed the three directors in his October 15, 2019 notice. They weren’t given the opportunity to present their side.
The court didn’t agree with Labella’s argument that they weren’t entitled to notice and hearing prior to removal because “they could seek reconsideration or appeal their removal to LWUA.” Labella was “mistaken,” said the court, and the termination was illegal because of lack of due process.
But the initially illegal removal by Labella was “legitimized” by LWUA, the court said, when LWUA gave the directors “opportunity to explain their side” and “refute the accusations against them.”
“No basis to award damages,” the court said.
The complainants were accurate in their claim of absence of due process but that ended up a dud, they were proven wrong. when the RTC considered the due process at the LWUA level as sufficient.
CLEAR: LWUA REVIEWS, OK’S REMOVAL. What both sides of the controversy appear to get right is that the MCWD directors have fixed terms and “can be removed or disciplined only for cause and subject to review and approval of the LWUA.”
No shot fired at that claim. Both mayor Labella then and mayor Rama now would accept that law process. Except that Labella believed the mayor himself could remove the directors, subject only to review and approval by LWUA. While Rama merely recommended their dismissal to LWUA after his initial, “un-legalistic” attempt to evict was defied by Daluz.
HOW CONFUSION MAY END. The confusion is apparently caused by, as the court noted, the absence of a provision in the law that expressly designates the office or agency that is vested the power to remove or discipline directors of water districts. . The provision on who appoints is clear enough, particularly made so by the Supreme Court ruling that it’s the Cebu City mayor who does. The same law though is silent as to who can dismiss a BOD member.
The court in the June Pe case has embraced the rule that the appointing power is also the terminating power but that’s good only until (a) the SC will reject the ruling or (b) Congress -- seeing the mess the PDs, a martial law creation, has caused -- will make the law specific.
For “lack of merit,” said the ruling on the civil case filed on November 11, 2019 by Augustus Pe Jr., Ralph Sevilla, and Cecilia Adlawan. The respondents were Labella and Jeci Lapus, acting administrator of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the then interim MCWD directors, and the water district. The complainants wanted to nullify their termination and the designation of their replacements.
The complaint had no merit, the RTC)ruled. Then mayor Labella had the power to dismiss the directors. The power to appoint “carries with it the power to remove or discipline," said Judge Debalucos, citing the Supreme Court case of Napay vs. Daraga, Albay vice mayor (2019) and Aguirre Jr. vs. de Castro (1999).
Will the complainants appeal the ruling? Jun Pe told me Saturday, July 15, that was “for the lawyers (Sevilla and Adlawan) to decide.”
BOOST TO RAMA CLAIM. The ruling matters. It has come, relevant and interesting, amid the controversy rocking MCWD, which was set off by Mayor Michael Rama’s initial order to evict current chairman, Jose Daluz III, and two other directors -- Jodelyn May Seno and Miguel Pato -- and their defiance of the mayor’s order.
If the RTC ruling against Jun Pe and company was used to guide Mayor Rama in his recent action -- which was to recommend their termination to the Ombudsman and LWUA -- Rama could’ve dismissed outright Daluz and company, without going through the “recommendation” route. As Labella did in the Jun Pe case, Rama could’ve just sent the dismissal to LWUA for review.
The Jun Pe et al case is also a boost, at least until struck down by a superior court, to Mayor Rama’s contention that he has the right not just to appoint MCWD directors but also to discipline them, along with the Ombudsman and the Civil Service.
PE ET AL DIDN’T GET THESE RIGHT. Complainants in RTC lawsuit got it wrong on these major legal points:
[1] POWER TO FIRE. Whether the city mayor has the right to dismiss Jun Pe and the two other directors:
No, Pe et al said, mayor Labella had only the power to appoint. Yes, the court said, the mayor has both the power to appoint and the power to dismiss. Not by express provision of law -- because the law “does not expressly provide as to who has the power or authority to remove or discipline them” -- but by the “doctrine of implication,” the RTC ruling said, “absent any contrary statutory provision, the power to appoint carries with it the power to remove or discipline.”
Does the power to remove or discipline a director belong to the MCWD board of directors (BOD)? Yes, said the complainants. No, said the RTC. No provision under Presidential Decree (PD) 198 or the Local Water Utilities Act gives that power. Besides, that power in the board’s hands “may dangerously result in mutual protection among the BOD members themselves.”
[2] MCWD’S AUTONOMY. Whether mayor Labella violated “independence and autonomy” of MCWD under a presidential decree (#198) and DILG’s memo-circular (#2019-03 of January 10, 2019). which in effect say that water districts, including MCWD, “are not under the jurisdiction or control of any political subdivision in order to maintain their autonomy”:
Labella violated it, said Pe et al. No, ruled the court, the mayor’s disciplining the directors doesn’t affect the intent of autonomy; the provision merely aims “to prevent the LGU from meddling in purely internal affairs, management or operation of the district.” Otherwise, the mayor wouldn’t have given the right to appoint directors, or the law would’ve “expressly provided that the power to discipline a BOD member is vested in a particular office or agency.”
Besides, the complainants mainly relied on this part of Section 1 of PD 198, namely: “once formed, a district is subject to the provisions of (PD 198) and not under the jurisdiction of any political subdivision.” That was already amended, the RTC said, by PD 1479 that deleted it.
[3] DUE PROCESS: LABELLA DIDN’T GIVE; LWUA DID. The RTC ruling said mayor Labella didn’t bother to give due process when he removed the three directors in his October 15, 2019 notice. They weren’t given the opportunity to present their side.
The court didn’t agree with Labella’s argument that they weren’t entitled to notice and hearing prior to removal because “they could seek reconsideration or appeal their removal to LWUA.” Labella was “mistaken,” said the court, and the termination was illegal because of lack of due process.
But the initially illegal removal by Labella was “legitimized” by LWUA, the court said, when LWUA gave the directors “opportunity to explain their side” and “refute the accusations against them.”
“No basis to award damages,” the court said.
The complainants were accurate in their claim of absence of due process but that ended up a dud, they were proven wrong. when the RTC considered the due process at the LWUA level as sufficient.
CLEAR: LWUA REVIEWS, OK’S REMOVAL. What both sides of the controversy appear to get right is that the MCWD directors have fixed terms and “can be removed or disciplined only for cause and subject to review and approval of the LWUA.”
No shot fired at that claim. Both mayor Labella then and mayor Rama now would accept that law process. Except that Labella believed the mayor himself could remove the directors, subject only to review and approval by LWUA. While Rama merely recommended their dismissal to LWUA after his initial, “un-legalistic” attempt to evict was defied by Daluz.
HOW CONFUSION MAY END. The confusion is apparently caused by, as the court noted, the absence of a provision in the law that expressly designates the office or agency that is vested the power to remove or discipline directors of water districts. . The provision on who appoints is clear enough, particularly made so by the Supreme Court ruling that it’s the Cebu City mayor who does. The same law though is silent as to who can dismiss a BOD member.
The court in the June Pe case has embraced the rule that the appointing power is also the terminating power but that’s good only until (a) the SC will reject the ruling or (b) Congress -- seeing the mess the PDs, a martial law creation, has caused -- will make the law specific.
Categories: Philippines News
Hundreds of Oponganons get free services from BBM caravan
HUNDREDS of Oponganons received free services during the launching of the Bayan Babangon Muli (BBM) Caravan of Government Services at the Lapu-Lapu City Sports Complex on Saturday, July 15, 2023.
The activity was graced by Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Secretary Terrence Calatrava and Assistant Secretary Antonio Veloso Jr.
Veloso said in a media interview that they are planning to bring the services to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental for the caravan's next stop.
Among the services offered were free haircut, dental services, medical check up, free legal advice, a feeding program for children, distribution of five kilograms of rice, and the distribution of bags to 200 grade school pupils.
The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), the Philippine Army Task Group Cebu, Tingog Partylist, and other private businesses provided assistance for the activities. (HIC)
The activity was graced by Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Secretary Terrence Calatrava and Assistant Secretary Antonio Veloso Jr.
Veloso said in a media interview that they are planning to bring the services to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental for the caravan's next stop.
Among the services offered were free haircut, dental services, medical check up, free legal advice, a feeding program for children, distribution of five kilograms of rice, and the distribution of bags to 200 grade school pupils.
The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), the Philippine Army Task Group Cebu, Tingog Partylist, and other private businesses provided assistance for the activities. (HIC)
Categories: Philippines News
Over P21 million shabu seized in Bohol
MORE than three kilos of suspected shabu worth over P21 million were recovered by the police during a buy-bust operation in Dauis town, Bohol at 1:08 a.m. on Friday, July 14.
The suspect was identified as Sherwin Trabero Aranas alias Winwin, 33, a high-value individual from Purok 5, Barangay Mariveles of the said municipality.
Seized from him were three bundles of alleged shabu totaling 3.225 kilos and valued at P21,930,000.
The Dauis policemen monitored Aranas for two months prior to the raid after they received information about the suspect’s involvement in illegal drug activity.
Aranas will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (AYB, TPT)
Categories: Philippines News
One perishes, 2 survive while swimming in Naga City
ONE of the three teenagers perished while swimming in the seas off Barangay Inoburan, Naga City last Friday, July 14, 2023.
Police Lieutenant Colonel William Homoc, chief of the Naga City Police Station, identified the deceased as 16-year-old Ken Seguisabal Umbay, of Purok Santan, Barangay Lanas, Naga City.
His elder brother, Louie Seguisabal Umbay, and Leah Montevirgen, both 18 years old, were rescued.
The victims and their friends had gone swimming in the area to celebrate something, according to the police investigation.
However, a large wave struck them all of a sudden, dragging them into the deeper part of the sea.
Louie was the first to be saved by their swimming-savvy companions.
After gaining consciousness, Louie returned to the water to save his girlfriend, who survived.
But his younger brother was discovered already dead after a few hours.
Ken was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Annalyn Lapitan, a resident who witnessed the tragedy, claimed that one of the fishermen had warned the party not to bathe there because of a steep slope where the water abruptly goes shallow but they disregarded his advice. (BBT, TPT)
Police Lieutenant Colonel William Homoc, chief of the Naga City Police Station, identified the deceased as 16-year-old Ken Seguisabal Umbay, of Purok Santan, Barangay Lanas, Naga City.
His elder brother, Louie Seguisabal Umbay, and Leah Montevirgen, both 18 years old, were rescued.
The victims and their friends had gone swimming in the area to celebrate something, according to the police investigation.
However, a large wave struck them all of a sudden, dragging them into the deeper part of the sea.
Louie was the first to be saved by their swimming-savvy companions.
After gaining consciousness, Louie returned to the water to save his girlfriend, who survived.
But his younger brother was discovered already dead after a few hours.
Ken was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Annalyn Lapitan, a resident who witnessed the tragedy, claimed that one of the fishermen had warned the party not to bathe there because of a steep slope where the water abruptly goes shallow but they disregarded his advice. (BBT, TPT)
Categories: Philippines News
Medium-rise buildings eyed in Cebu Chinese Cemetery transformation into park
SOME 215 families or 853 individuals currently residing in the 3.6-hectare Cebu Chinese Cemetery along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, which the Cebu City Government plans to transform into a heritage park, may not need to be relocated outside the compound, according to Anthony Librando of the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).
This is due to the commitment made by the Asociacion Benevola de Cebu Inc. to donate a plot of land measuring over 2,400 square meters within the property.
The City intends to construct two medium-rise buildings (MRB) in this area, which will be able to accommodate all the families.
There is currently no specific timeline for the start of the project. However, once it begins, the four-story MRBs will be the first structures to be built, according to the DWUP.
The units in the MRB will not be provided free of charge, as each family will be required to make a payment. Each unit will be relatively affordable, as the MRB falls under the balanced housing development program under Republic Act (RA) 10884 of 2016 as confirmed by Librando.
Under balanced housing development, owners and/or developers of proposed subdivision and condominium projects are required to develop an area for socialized housing equivalent to at least 15 percent of the total subdivision area or total subdivision project cost and at least five percent of the condominium area or project cost.
Socialized housing refers to housing programs and projects for the underprivileged and homeless citizens, including sites and services development, long-term financing and liberalized terms on interest payments, according to RA 10884.
Poor state
City Councilor Jerry Guardo told SunStar Cebu on Friday, July 14, 2023 that Mayor Michael Rama had intervened because of the poor state of the cemetery.
“It looks like an abandoned cemetery. There is no clear maintenance and management,” Rama said, according to Guardo.
Guardo also said turning it into a heritage park would make it a new tourist attraction, which the mayor looks forward to actualizing.
Benefit
Dean Decal, memorial division administrator of the Asociacion Benevola de Cebu Inc. (ABCI), informed SunStar Cebu on Friday that the Cebu Chinese Cemetery was still under the Asociacion’s ownership.
Decal explained that the Asociacion supported the City’s proposal to turn the cemetery into a heritage park because they would benefit from the project by removing the informal settlers who have been living there for a long time.
“Kami malipay mi kon matangtang na sila diha,” he said. (We will be happy if they will be removed from the area).
DWUP reported that many of these families had been residing there for about 10 years or more already, some for 20 years.
Not final
Decal said the City’s plan to construct four-story medium-rise buildings in the vicinity of the cemetery where they planned to transfer the informal settlers is not final yet and subject to change.
He explained that they need to consult first the owners of some mausoleums that would be affected if they are willing to relocate their relatives’ remains or not.
He said the City intended to build the mid-rise structures close to where many Barangay Carreta residents live so that they will be recognized as part of the barangay once it is completed.
He also said they have not yet determined the budget for the rehabilitation, as well as the contractor and start date of the construction.
Librando added that another reason for the plan not being final was that Jerone Castillo, head of the Cebu City Legal Office, proposed to let the Asociacion donate 5,000 hectares instead of 2,400 hectares.
Librando explained that the donation plan still lacks the deed of donation and other legal documents.
Counting remains
Meanwhile, Decal said they already employed geodetic engineers to measure the entire area and count the remaining human remains buried in the Chinese Cemetery, so they could know the exact numbers.
Decal explained that they would identify the owners of the human remains after counting them precisely. He said graves without any remains left would be demolished.
He said they will preserve most of the graves with remains left, especially the old ones that have historical significance, which will be the main attractions in the area.
The Asociacion established the Cebu Chinese Cemetery in 1909. It became the final resting place of prominent Chinese-Cebuano personalities including Asociacion co-founder Don Benito Tan Unchuan; trader Don Manuel Gotianuy, father of University of Cebu (UC) owner Augusto Go; and Doña Modesto Singson Sy Gaisano.
Robbers
In 2017, members of the Chinese-Filipino community in Cebu sought the help of the Cebu City Government for the restoration of the cemetery and the eviction of the more than 200 families living there after incidents of grave robbing.
UC’s Go said the cemetery had been abandoned and was now being occupied by informal settlers. Even those who were buried at the cemetery had been transferred to other cemeteries by their relatives, Go said.
Who are the settlers?
Last October, Carreta Barangay Captain Marciano Ando told SunStar Cebu that many of the settlers in the cemetery used to live in the North Reclamation Area until their houses were demolished in 2018, and that former Carreta barangay captain Eduardo Lauron had allowed them to stay in the cemetery temporarily.
However, during a visit to the cemetery in 2017, SunStar Cebu learned that other families had been living there for more than 40 years already.
It all started with the caretakers originally hired by the Chinese-Cebuano families to guard their mausoleums, whose children later continued to make the cemetery their home.
Their presence was not felt then because every Nov. 1 and 2, during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the illegal settlers vacated the mausoleums they were living in to make way for visitors who wanted to pray for their loved ones and bring flowers or food. / WITH CTL
This is due to the commitment made by the Asociacion Benevola de Cebu Inc. to donate a plot of land measuring over 2,400 square meters within the property.
The City intends to construct two medium-rise buildings (MRB) in this area, which will be able to accommodate all the families.
There is currently no specific timeline for the start of the project. However, once it begins, the four-story MRBs will be the first structures to be built, according to the DWUP.
The units in the MRB will not be provided free of charge, as each family will be required to make a payment. Each unit will be relatively affordable, as the MRB falls under the balanced housing development program under Republic Act (RA) 10884 of 2016 as confirmed by Librando.
Under balanced housing development, owners and/or developers of proposed subdivision and condominium projects are required to develop an area for socialized housing equivalent to at least 15 percent of the total subdivision area or total subdivision project cost and at least five percent of the condominium area or project cost.
Socialized housing refers to housing programs and projects for the underprivileged and homeless citizens, including sites and services development, long-term financing and liberalized terms on interest payments, according to RA 10884.
Poor state
City Councilor Jerry Guardo told SunStar Cebu on Friday, July 14, 2023 that Mayor Michael Rama had intervened because of the poor state of the cemetery.
“It looks like an abandoned cemetery. There is no clear maintenance and management,” Rama said, according to Guardo.
Guardo also said turning it into a heritage park would make it a new tourist attraction, which the mayor looks forward to actualizing.
Benefit
Dean Decal, memorial division administrator of the Asociacion Benevola de Cebu Inc. (ABCI), informed SunStar Cebu on Friday that the Cebu Chinese Cemetery was still under the Asociacion’s ownership.
Decal explained that the Asociacion supported the City’s proposal to turn the cemetery into a heritage park because they would benefit from the project by removing the informal settlers who have been living there for a long time.
“Kami malipay mi kon matangtang na sila diha,” he said. (We will be happy if they will be removed from the area).
DWUP reported that many of these families had been residing there for about 10 years or more already, some for 20 years.
Not final
Decal said the City’s plan to construct four-story medium-rise buildings in the vicinity of the cemetery where they planned to transfer the informal settlers is not final yet and subject to change.
He explained that they need to consult first the owners of some mausoleums that would be affected if they are willing to relocate their relatives’ remains or not.
He said the City intended to build the mid-rise structures close to where many Barangay Carreta residents live so that they will be recognized as part of the barangay once it is completed.
He also said they have not yet determined the budget for the rehabilitation, as well as the contractor and start date of the construction.
Librando added that another reason for the plan not being final was that Jerone Castillo, head of the Cebu City Legal Office, proposed to let the Asociacion donate 5,000 hectares instead of 2,400 hectares.
Librando explained that the donation plan still lacks the deed of donation and other legal documents.
Counting remains
Meanwhile, Decal said they already employed geodetic engineers to measure the entire area and count the remaining human remains buried in the Chinese Cemetery, so they could know the exact numbers.
Decal explained that they would identify the owners of the human remains after counting them precisely. He said graves without any remains left would be demolished.
He said they will preserve most of the graves with remains left, especially the old ones that have historical significance, which will be the main attractions in the area.
The Asociacion established the Cebu Chinese Cemetery in 1909. It became the final resting place of prominent Chinese-Cebuano personalities including Asociacion co-founder Don Benito Tan Unchuan; trader Don Manuel Gotianuy, father of University of Cebu (UC) owner Augusto Go; and Doña Modesto Singson Sy Gaisano.
Robbers
In 2017, members of the Chinese-Filipino community in Cebu sought the help of the Cebu City Government for the restoration of the cemetery and the eviction of the more than 200 families living there after incidents of grave robbing.
UC’s Go said the cemetery had been abandoned and was now being occupied by informal settlers. Even those who were buried at the cemetery had been transferred to other cemeteries by their relatives, Go said.
Who are the settlers?
Last October, Carreta Barangay Captain Marciano Ando told SunStar Cebu that many of the settlers in the cemetery used to live in the North Reclamation Area until their houses were demolished in 2018, and that former Carreta barangay captain Eduardo Lauron had allowed them to stay in the cemetery temporarily.
However, during a visit to the cemetery in 2017, SunStar Cebu learned that other families had been living there for more than 40 years already.
It all started with the caretakers originally hired by the Chinese-Cebuano families to guard their mausoleums, whose children later continued to make the cemetery their home.
Their presence was not felt then because every Nov. 1 and 2, during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the illegal settlers vacated the mausoleums they were living in to make way for visitors who wanted to pray for their loved ones and bring flowers or food. / WITH CTL
Categories: Philippines News
Mandaue eyes austerity measures after drop in share of national taxes
SOME projects may have to be sacrificed after Mandaue City saw a drop in its National Tax Allotment (NTA) in the first six months of 2023, with the fall expected to continue in 2024.
The City is working to boost local revenues, though, to try to plug the revenue shortfall.
Lawyer Regal Oliva, head of the Mandaue City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), said Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the City received an NTA (formerly Internal Revenue Allotment) of only P559.61 million in the first half of this year.
With this, they project to receive only around P1.12 billion in NTA for the whole of 2023, which would be a P200 million decrease from the NTA of P1.31 billion that the city received in 2022.
Oliva said the Covid-19 pandemic, which heavily impacted businesses from 2020 to 2021, could have contributed to the decrease in NTA.
The IRA is the annual share of local government units (LGUs) of the national internal revenue taxes collected. It is computed at 40 percent of the actual collections of national internal revenue taxes during the third fiscal year preceding the current year, as certified by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
But starting in the Fiscal Year 2022 General Appropriations Act, the term “Internal Revenue Allotment” was replaced with “National Tax Allotment” consistent with the 2018 Supreme Court decision, made final and executory in 2019, on the Mandanas-Garcia case that widened the base from which the LGUs’ shares in national taxes is computed to include the taxes collected by the Bureau of Customs and other agencies certified by the Bureau of the Treasury.
Belt tightening
Oliva said they will be tightening their belts next year because they expect the figures to decrease further since these will be based on the 2021 tax collection.
“We are still doing our budget hearing beginning next month. We expect that departments will propose their own austerity measures,” said Oliva.
“2021 collection was very low. Nonetheless, our collection from local sources, especially in the business tax aspect, is very successful and we are almost at target even in July. Gamay na lang kay tag kuwang (We are only a little short). We are very optimistic that in the third and fourth quarter we can already get our target in business taxes,” she added.
Oliva said one of the biggest impacts of the city having a low NTA is the possibility that there are programs and projects that will have to be sacrificed.
Real property taxes
For real property taxes, they are still giving notices and demand letters to delinquent real property taxpayers.
Real property tax (RPT) is the tax government collects from owners of properties like land, buildings and machinery to fund various community projects.
In August, the CTO employees will undergo training for judicial and administrative collection of real property taxes.
An auction of the properties of delinquent taxpayers may happen at the end of the year.
Auction
Oliva said the condition for the auction is that real taxpayers, under the three-notice rule, should have received the first to third demand letters issued by the City Treasurer’s Office.
“We have to comply with the three-notice rule. So the first demand, second demand and the third demand should be received by the taxpayer. Failure of receipt, that cannot be, will not be a candidate for auction,” Oliva said.
The real property taxes they estimate for collection is about P600 million for the whole 2023.
According to ndvlaw.com, if RPT is not paid, the local government unit concerned may avail of the remedies by administrative action through levy on real property or by judicial action. Hence, if one has been delinquent, the city or municipality may auction off one’s property.
Regarding the proceedings for auction, Oliva said they already issued warrants of levy on the first week of April. Those candidates for the warrant of levy can be auctioned off likely after August.
Oliva said some delinquent taxpayers had not paid their RPT since 2021.
Oliva said if they have an auction, taxpayers will see the danger of losing their properties. Thus, it will promote the payment of real property taxes on the delinquent properties.
Tax mapping
Oliva said they have been very active when it comes to tax mapping.
But they don’t have operations in December because they don’t want their employees to be given money or Christmas gifts as bribes by delinquent taxpayers, and in January, because this is real property tax month when they are very busy.
Oliva said they have three teams for tax mapping operations to determine the businesses in the city and their compliance with tax payment requirements.
This year, Mandaue has collected millions in real property taxes, of which P180 million alone was collected as a result of its tax mapping operations, Oliva said.
The City is working to boost local revenues, though, to try to plug the revenue shortfall.
Lawyer Regal Oliva, head of the Mandaue City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), said Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the City received an NTA (formerly Internal Revenue Allotment) of only P559.61 million in the first half of this year.
With this, they project to receive only around P1.12 billion in NTA for the whole of 2023, which would be a P200 million decrease from the NTA of P1.31 billion that the city received in 2022.
Oliva said the Covid-19 pandemic, which heavily impacted businesses from 2020 to 2021, could have contributed to the decrease in NTA.
The IRA is the annual share of local government units (LGUs) of the national internal revenue taxes collected. It is computed at 40 percent of the actual collections of national internal revenue taxes during the third fiscal year preceding the current year, as certified by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
But starting in the Fiscal Year 2022 General Appropriations Act, the term “Internal Revenue Allotment” was replaced with “National Tax Allotment” consistent with the 2018 Supreme Court decision, made final and executory in 2019, on the Mandanas-Garcia case that widened the base from which the LGUs’ shares in national taxes is computed to include the taxes collected by the Bureau of Customs and other agencies certified by the Bureau of the Treasury.
Belt tightening
Oliva said they will be tightening their belts next year because they expect the figures to decrease further since these will be based on the 2021 tax collection.
“We are still doing our budget hearing beginning next month. We expect that departments will propose their own austerity measures,” said Oliva.
“2021 collection was very low. Nonetheless, our collection from local sources, especially in the business tax aspect, is very successful and we are almost at target even in July. Gamay na lang kay tag kuwang (We are only a little short). We are very optimistic that in the third and fourth quarter we can already get our target in business taxes,” she added.
Oliva said one of the biggest impacts of the city having a low NTA is the possibility that there are programs and projects that will have to be sacrificed.
Real property taxes
For real property taxes, they are still giving notices and demand letters to delinquent real property taxpayers.
Real property tax (RPT) is the tax government collects from owners of properties like land, buildings and machinery to fund various community projects.
In August, the CTO employees will undergo training for judicial and administrative collection of real property taxes.
An auction of the properties of delinquent taxpayers may happen at the end of the year.
Auction
Oliva said the condition for the auction is that real taxpayers, under the three-notice rule, should have received the first to third demand letters issued by the City Treasurer’s Office.
“We have to comply with the three-notice rule. So the first demand, second demand and the third demand should be received by the taxpayer. Failure of receipt, that cannot be, will not be a candidate for auction,” Oliva said.
The real property taxes they estimate for collection is about P600 million for the whole 2023.
According to ndvlaw.com, if RPT is not paid, the local government unit concerned may avail of the remedies by administrative action through levy on real property or by judicial action. Hence, if one has been delinquent, the city or municipality may auction off one’s property.
Regarding the proceedings for auction, Oliva said they already issued warrants of levy on the first week of April. Those candidates for the warrant of levy can be auctioned off likely after August.
Oliva said some delinquent taxpayers had not paid their RPT since 2021.
Oliva said if they have an auction, taxpayers will see the danger of losing their properties. Thus, it will promote the payment of real property taxes on the delinquent properties.
Tax mapping
Oliva said they have been very active when it comes to tax mapping.
But they don’t have operations in December because they don’t want their employees to be given money or Christmas gifts as bribes by delinquent taxpayers, and in January, because this is real property tax month when they are very busy.
Oliva said they have three teams for tax mapping operations to determine the businesses in the city and their compliance with tax payment requirements.
This year, Mandaue has collected millions in real property taxes, of which P180 million alone was collected as a result of its tax mapping operations, Oliva said.
Categories: Philippines News
More married women in Central Visayas use modern family planning methods
THE percentage of married women in Central Visayas utilizing modern family planning methods has increased from 29 percent in 1993 to 45 percent in 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
The PSA reported that these figures are based on the results of the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development or USAID.
The NDHS offers insights into various aspects of family planning, violence against women, fertility rates, women’s empowerment, and healthcare access in Central Visayas. The survey results were presented to local media during an event at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites in Cebu City on Thursday.
According to Maria Lourdes Garillos, fertility and family planning population program officer, the significant increase in the use of modern family planning methods among married women in Central Visayas is a reflection of the growing adoption of modern contraceptive methods in the region.
Modern methods
Modern methods include female sterilization, male sterilization, pills, IUDs (intrauterine devices), injectables, condoms, mucus/billings/ovulation methods, standard days method, and lactational amenorrhea method.
Traditional methods include the calendar method, rhythm or periodic abstinence, and withdrawal method.
The survey also emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to promote family planning education and services to sexually active unmarried women, as their contraceptive usage remains significantly lower compared to married women.
Garillos stressed the importance of reaching out to this population and addressing any barriers they may face in accessing and utilizing contraception.
She further noted that the unmet need for family planning in Central Visayas has decreased from 22 percent in 1993 to 13 percent in 2022, indicating improved access to contraception.
These findings underscore the ongoing importance of enhancing family planning services and information, she added.
Domestic violence
As for domestic violence against women, the cases remain a concerning issue in Central Visayas, according to Leslie Marie Zuasula, senior statistical specialist of PSA-Women’s Empowerment and Domestic Violence.
According to the survey, 19 percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence from their current or most recent husband or intimate partner.
Fourteen percent of women in the same age group have experienced some form of violence within the past 12 months.
Healthcare services
The survey also examined various aspects of women’s empowerment, such as earnings, decision-making, and negotiation of sexual relations.
The PSA stated that policymakers can utilize this information to develop comprehensive programs promoting gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights.
The survey also revealed the challenges faced by women aged 15-49 when accessing healthcare services.
Understanding these difficulties is crucial for developing strategies to improve healthcare access for women and ensure timely medical attention, the PSA said.
The survey’s findings will serve as a valuable foundation for policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to design programs that address women’s specific needs and enhance their overall well-being in Central Visayas, according to the PSA. (NWSSU INTERN IAN CHRISTOPHER OSTULANO)
The PSA reported that these figures are based on the results of the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development or USAID.
The NDHS offers insights into various aspects of family planning, violence against women, fertility rates, women’s empowerment, and healthcare access in Central Visayas. The survey results were presented to local media during an event at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites in Cebu City on Thursday.
According to Maria Lourdes Garillos, fertility and family planning population program officer, the significant increase in the use of modern family planning methods among married women in Central Visayas is a reflection of the growing adoption of modern contraceptive methods in the region.
Modern methods
Modern methods include female sterilization, male sterilization, pills, IUDs (intrauterine devices), injectables, condoms, mucus/billings/ovulation methods, standard days method, and lactational amenorrhea method.
Traditional methods include the calendar method, rhythm or periodic abstinence, and withdrawal method.
The survey also emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to promote family planning education and services to sexually active unmarried women, as their contraceptive usage remains significantly lower compared to married women.
Garillos stressed the importance of reaching out to this population and addressing any barriers they may face in accessing and utilizing contraception.
She further noted that the unmet need for family planning in Central Visayas has decreased from 22 percent in 1993 to 13 percent in 2022, indicating improved access to contraception.
These findings underscore the ongoing importance of enhancing family planning services and information, she added.
Domestic violence
As for domestic violence against women, the cases remain a concerning issue in Central Visayas, according to Leslie Marie Zuasula, senior statistical specialist of PSA-Women’s Empowerment and Domestic Violence.
According to the survey, 19 percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence from their current or most recent husband or intimate partner.
Fourteen percent of women in the same age group have experienced some form of violence within the past 12 months.
Healthcare services
The survey also examined various aspects of women’s empowerment, such as earnings, decision-making, and negotiation of sexual relations.
The PSA stated that policymakers can utilize this information to develop comprehensive programs promoting gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights.
The survey also revealed the challenges faced by women aged 15-49 when accessing healthcare services.
Understanding these difficulties is crucial for developing strategies to improve healthcare access for women and ensure timely medical attention, the PSA said.
The survey’s findings will serve as a valuable foundation for policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to design programs that address women’s specific needs and enhance their overall well-being in Central Visayas, according to the PSA. (NWSSU INTERN IAN CHRISTOPHER OSTULANO)
Categories: Philippines News
Buhisan landslide displaces 4 families
AT LEAST four families or 17 individuals were evacuated from Sitio Langub, Barangay Buhisan, Cebu City due to a landslide caused by a downpour on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Harold Alcontin, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the landslide occurred at around 6 a.m. No one was hurt during the incident.
Alcontin said two houses were damaged because of cracks.
The foundation of the houses also collapsed.
The affected families were evacuated to the barangay hall and were provided food and non-food items by the Department of Social Welfare Services.
Alcontin said residents nearby were advised to be vigilant because the incident might happen again anytime.
“The area is still unstable because we keep on experiencing rains. As of now, we have not allowed anyone to go back there,” Alcontin said in Cebuano.
Officials and first responders of Barangay Buhisan are still monitoring the area, especially with the current weather conditions.
Buhisan has been identified as a landslide-prone area.
Gremar Barete, barangay captain of Buhisan, said over 1,000 families are residing along the danger zone.
“Barangay Buhisan is located beside a creek. That’s really a danger zone which is why we have mitigation measures, such as flood control,” Barete said in Cebuano.
He added that the barangay is still awaiting the establishment of a medium-rise building where affected residents can be relocated.
A flood-control project in the barangay is still ongoing, Alcontin said. (CNU INTERN CAMILLE ERIKA BUTAS)
Harold Alcontin, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the landslide occurred at around 6 a.m. No one was hurt during the incident.
Alcontin said two houses were damaged because of cracks.
The foundation of the houses also collapsed.
The affected families were evacuated to the barangay hall and were provided food and non-food items by the Department of Social Welfare Services.
Alcontin said residents nearby were advised to be vigilant because the incident might happen again anytime.
“The area is still unstable because we keep on experiencing rains. As of now, we have not allowed anyone to go back there,” Alcontin said in Cebuano.
Officials and first responders of Barangay Buhisan are still monitoring the area, especially with the current weather conditions.
Buhisan has been identified as a landslide-prone area.
Gremar Barete, barangay captain of Buhisan, said over 1,000 families are residing along the danger zone.
“Barangay Buhisan is located beside a creek. That’s really a danger zone which is why we have mitigation measures, such as flood control,” Barete said in Cebuano.
He added that the barangay is still awaiting the establishment of a medium-rise building where affected residents can be relocated.
A flood-control project in the barangay is still ongoing, Alcontin said. (CNU INTERN CAMILLE ERIKA BUTAS)
Categories: Philippines News
P14.9M road benefits farmers, students
FARMERS and suppliers from Barangay Cabadiangan, Liloan in northern Cebu can now experience faster and safer travel after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) built a P14.9 million farm-to-market road in the area.
The newly concreted 824-meter-long road gives farmers more convenient access to transport their fresh produce to market centers in Liloan and Consolacion, as well as major cities like Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, the DPWH said in a statement last week.
The department cited barangay resident Ma. Sandra Dellera as saying the road has not only sped up residents’ delivery of various products to buyers but also provided the barangay’s students with a safer and easier route to school.
The road was built by the DPWH Cebu 5th District Engineering Office.
The newly concreted 824-meter-long road gives farmers more convenient access to transport their fresh produce to market centers in Liloan and Consolacion, as well as major cities like Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, the DPWH said in a statement last week.
The department cited barangay resident Ma. Sandra Dellera as saying the road has not only sped up residents’ delivery of various products to buyers but also provided the barangay’s students with a safer and easier route to school.
The road was built by the DPWH Cebu 5th District Engineering Office.
Categories: Philippines News
More rains expected during the weekend
CENTRAL and Eastern Visayas may experience cloudy skies, light to moderate with at times heavy rains, and thunderstorms due to the enhanced southwest monsoon, the weather bureau said on Friday, July 14, 2023.
Alfredo Quiblat Jr., director of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Visayas, said bad weather condition will prevail in the two regions until Saturday, July 15, 2023.
He said light to moderate and at times occasional heavy rainshowers are expected over Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Leyte and Samar with lightning and strong winds, and with a rainfall amount of between 5.5 to 7.5 millimeters within one to two hours.
Quiblat said there will be rough seas due to moderate to strong winds from the enhanced southwest monsoon. This, he said, may be risky for small boats and beachgoers.
He said the impacts associated with these hazards include flash floods and landslides.
Pagasa 7 has been monitoring Tropical Depression Dodong, which made landfall at 3 a.m. Friday over Dinapigue in Isabela province in northern Luzon. As of 10 a.m. Friday, the center of Dodong was located in the vicinity of Alacapan, Cagayan.
Quiblat said Dodong is expected to move away from northern Luzon Friday afternoon or evening and head toward the West Philippine Sea, where it may strengthen into a tropical storm before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
Impacts
As of Friday morning, at least 12 areas in Luzon have been placed until Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 due to Tropical Depression Dodong.
TCWS No. 1 was hoisted over Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, San Manuel, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Bolinao, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Agno, Binmaley, Dagupan City, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Anda).
Pagasa said 50 to 100 millimeters of rain are expected Friday until Saturday morning, July 15 in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra Benguet, Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan.
“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days,” it said.
It also said the enhanced southwest monsoon may bring gusty conditions over Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and other areas of Central Luzon Friday, while it will be experienced on Saturday in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Zambales, Bataan, and Aurora. (AML, LMY)
Alfredo Quiblat Jr., director of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Visayas, said bad weather condition will prevail in the two regions until Saturday, July 15, 2023.
He said light to moderate and at times occasional heavy rainshowers are expected over Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Leyte and Samar with lightning and strong winds, and with a rainfall amount of between 5.5 to 7.5 millimeters within one to two hours.
Quiblat said there will be rough seas due to moderate to strong winds from the enhanced southwest monsoon. This, he said, may be risky for small boats and beachgoers.
He said the impacts associated with these hazards include flash floods and landslides.
Pagasa 7 has been monitoring Tropical Depression Dodong, which made landfall at 3 a.m. Friday over Dinapigue in Isabela province in northern Luzon. As of 10 a.m. Friday, the center of Dodong was located in the vicinity of Alacapan, Cagayan.
Quiblat said Dodong is expected to move away from northern Luzon Friday afternoon or evening and head toward the West Philippine Sea, where it may strengthen into a tropical storm before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
Impacts
As of Friday morning, at least 12 areas in Luzon have been placed until Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 due to Tropical Depression Dodong.
TCWS No. 1 was hoisted over Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, San Manuel, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Bolinao, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Agno, Binmaley, Dagupan City, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Anda).
Pagasa said 50 to 100 millimeters of rain are expected Friday until Saturday morning, July 15 in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra Benguet, Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan.
“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days,” it said.
It also said the enhanced southwest monsoon may bring gusty conditions over Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and other areas of Central Luzon Friday, while it will be experienced on Saturday in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Zambales, Bataan, and Aurora. (AML, LMY)
Categories: Philippines News
Tell it to SunStar: Lauding MTRCB
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) was circumspect, judicious, and prudent in its contextual review of the “Barbie” film.
The power to ban any movie should be wielded sparingly and as a last resort among the many powers and tools at the disposal of the MTRCB.”
As a legislator looking at this matter using a policy lens, I can see the MTRCB wielded its authority responsibly.
I also take this opportunity to invite the MTRCB and the local movie and television industry to recommend to Congress amendments to the MTRCB charter or have a new law entirely that will address the regulatory issues affecting their sector.
The legislative proposals could be in the form of a codified omnibus law or a package of laws touching on the many facets of movie and television production, marketing, working conditions, and financing.
They may recommend more developmental roles for MTRCB and perhaps less regulation. I do see the movie and television sectors as over-regulated — a situation that hinders its growth and evolution. I would like to see the establishment of a grant-giving government agency for television and cyberspace.
“The movie sector already has the Film Development Council of the Philippines. There should be a television and cyberspace sector counterpart.”
I also believe local governments and the Department of Tourism should be empowered to attract film producers to choose the Philippines as their site for location shoots, enticing them with production grants, Filipino hospitality, and red tape-free regulations. The Philippines should become more competitive in these aspects compared to other countries.
The power to ban any movie should be wielded sparingly and as a last resort among the many powers and tools at the disposal of the MTRCB.”
As a legislator looking at this matter using a policy lens, I can see the MTRCB wielded its authority responsibly.
I also take this opportunity to invite the MTRCB and the local movie and television industry to recommend to Congress amendments to the MTRCB charter or have a new law entirely that will address the regulatory issues affecting their sector.
The legislative proposals could be in the form of a codified omnibus law or a package of laws touching on the many facets of movie and television production, marketing, working conditions, and financing.
They may recommend more developmental roles for MTRCB and perhaps less regulation. I do see the movie and television sectors as over-regulated — a situation that hinders its growth and evolution. I would like to see the establishment of a grant-giving government agency for television and cyberspace.
“The movie sector already has the Film Development Council of the Philippines. There should be a television and cyberspace sector counterpart.”
I also believe local governments and the Department of Tourism should be empowered to attract film producers to choose the Philippines as their site for location shoots, enticing them with production grants, Filipino hospitality, and red tape-free regulations. The Philippines should become more competitive in these aspects compared to other countries.
Categories: Philippines News
Briones: ‘Ama Namin’ controversy
A person I do not even know asked me on a Facebook thread what was wrong with me. All because I posted that I didn’t find drag artist Pura Luka Vega’s performance of “Ama Namin” blasphemous.
In fairness to the person, her comment was not as vitriolic as the others. Still, I understand where they are coming from. They believe religion is sacrosanct.
The Senate has also jumped on the bandwagon with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri calling on authorities “to look into the matter” and saying that Vega “could be charged under Article 201, or the Revised Penal Code, which punishes offending a race or religion ‘in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows.’”
But here’s the thing.
They’re not offended by the homelessness, the hunger, the widening economic inequality and I could go on with the list of social ills in the country. Or if they are, they’re not as vocal about it on social media.
The Roman Catholic Church, or should I say, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is not helping either. Instead of preaching tolerance and forgiveness, it is fanning the flames of hate.
Monsignor Raul Go, a canon lawyer, had plenty to say about Vega’s performance, calling it “disgusting and offensive.”
“I am personally offended by the disrespect,” he said. “If they do not mean disrespect by doing this, I cannot imagine how disrespect looks like.”
Hmm. I wonder what his thoughts are on the more than 200 cases of sexual improprieties of Filipino priests and bishops that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) admitted and reported back in 2002?
I read an article written by Father Shay Cullen that came out on Union of Catholic Asian News in December 2021 in which he said “clerical child abuse has become a crisis for the Church as an institution.”
So where’s the outrage against these morally depraved men of the cloth?
Father Cullen cited the arrest of Father Kenneth Hendricks in the Diocese of Naval in Biliran Province in December 2018 for allegedly sexually abusing dozens of boys.
According to Father Cullen, the alleged abuses were known in Naval but “no one would take action, talk to the victims or try to stop the abuse for years.”
Lo and behold, the CBCP, which had jurisdiction over him, “kept its distance from the issue.”
I hate to put the Church on the spot, especially since I know many priests and I only have the utmost respect for them but I can’t say the same for some of their fellow priests whose outright hypocrisy boggles the mind.
I’m sorry for digressing.
But I just wanted to point out to the faithful that they should be outraged at far more serious matters than a drag performer professing his faith in a manner he thought was appropriate.
Still, they are entitled to their opinion as am I, and I have no problem respecting their opinion as long as they respect mine.
So, to the person who asked me what was wrong with me, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
In fairness to the person, her comment was not as vitriolic as the others. Still, I understand where they are coming from. They believe religion is sacrosanct.
The Senate has also jumped on the bandwagon with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri calling on authorities “to look into the matter” and saying that Vega “could be charged under Article 201, or the Revised Penal Code, which punishes offending a race or religion ‘in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows.’”
But here’s the thing.
They’re not offended by the homelessness, the hunger, the widening economic inequality and I could go on with the list of social ills in the country. Or if they are, they’re not as vocal about it on social media.
The Roman Catholic Church, or should I say, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is not helping either. Instead of preaching tolerance and forgiveness, it is fanning the flames of hate.
Monsignor Raul Go, a canon lawyer, had plenty to say about Vega’s performance, calling it “disgusting and offensive.”
“I am personally offended by the disrespect,” he said. “If they do not mean disrespect by doing this, I cannot imagine how disrespect looks like.”
Hmm. I wonder what his thoughts are on the more than 200 cases of sexual improprieties of Filipino priests and bishops that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) admitted and reported back in 2002?
I read an article written by Father Shay Cullen that came out on Union of Catholic Asian News in December 2021 in which he said “clerical child abuse has become a crisis for the Church as an institution.”
So where’s the outrage against these morally depraved men of the cloth?
Father Cullen cited the arrest of Father Kenneth Hendricks in the Diocese of Naval in Biliran Province in December 2018 for allegedly sexually abusing dozens of boys.
According to Father Cullen, the alleged abuses were known in Naval but “no one would take action, talk to the victims or try to stop the abuse for years.”
Lo and behold, the CBCP, which had jurisdiction over him, “kept its distance from the issue.”
I hate to put the Church on the spot, especially since I know many priests and I only have the utmost respect for them but I can’t say the same for some of their fellow priests whose outright hypocrisy boggles the mind.
I’m sorry for digressing.
But I just wanted to point out to the faithful that they should be outraged at far more serious matters than a drag performer professing his faith in a manner he thought was appropriate.
Still, they are entitled to their opinion as am I, and I have no problem respecting their opinion as long as they respect mine.
So, to the person who asked me what was wrong with me, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Categories: Philippines News
Creating holistic passenger experiences
More than just going to the airport, what could be something better than merely just travelling or getting to your next flight?
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) recently launched “Rooted,” an exciting series of in-terminal activities highlighting Cebu’s art, history, culture, and heritage. This campaign offers passengers and airport users a creative and immersive experience that is firmly steeped in local identity, delivering a one-of-a-kind journey through the diverse and lively Filipino culture.
MCIA has announced its first-ever airport art exhibit, “Mga Pamalandong sa Kagawasan” (Stories of Independence), a contribution to the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, which opened June 9, 2023. This engaging show features a selection of paintings by Cebuano painters from the renowned artist group known as the Friday Group Sessionistas (FGS).
Each work of art explores the concept of freedom while expressing the various components of primal human needs using a variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, ink and others.
“I hope they will patronize Cebu arts, not only for us, Friday Group Sessionistas, but for all other artists,” said Ana Maria Lubanga, coordinator of Friday Group Sessionistas.
Edilyth Maribojoc, MCIA’s corporate affairs and branding manager, believes that collaborating with different departments in their sector especially in the operation and commercial team makes the entire concept of holding such events more effective.
“On a daily basis, we want to ensure that there’s more to the airport experience of each of our passengers. Together with the different departments of the organization, we create different events here at the airport,” Maribojoc said.
“Under commercials, we work with them as to where exactly we put the exhibit. So that in correlation with the operations, we don’t block the circulation of the passengers. We also have connections with other exhibitors. We just link those interests, and work with them overtime,” said Ma. Christina G. Angan, deputy chief commercial officer.
Looking ahead, MCIA is delighted to announce a series of forthcoming “Rooted” events, which will feature a varied range of performances, exhibits, installations and other displays of local talent and culture.
MCIA looks forward to collaborating with Cebu’s many artistic and cultural organizations. These projects will continue to emphasize Cebu’s distinct personality and colorful traditions.
“As we all know, MCIA is one of the icons of Cebu. It’s time to bring the root of Cebuano culture here in Cebu. What better way to showcase the culture of Cebu being an icon of Cebu also, is to bring the different talents, the culture,” Maribojoc said.
MCIA began its weekly Glee Hour performances in May 2023. Local artists serenade travellers in both Terminals 1 and 2 every Wednesday to Saturday, creating a pleasant ambiance packed with music and fun.
Passengers and guests are encouraged to check back for updates on forthcoming “Rooted” events. Visit the official website and social media outlets of Mactan-Cebu International Airport for additional information and to remain updated.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) recently launched “Rooted,” an exciting series of in-terminal activities highlighting Cebu’s art, history, culture, and heritage. This campaign offers passengers and airport users a creative and immersive experience that is firmly steeped in local identity, delivering a one-of-a-kind journey through the diverse and lively Filipino culture.
MCIA has announced its first-ever airport art exhibit, “Mga Pamalandong sa Kagawasan” (Stories of Independence), a contribution to the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, which opened June 9, 2023. This engaging show features a selection of paintings by Cebuano painters from the renowned artist group known as the Friday Group Sessionistas (FGS).
Each work of art explores the concept of freedom while expressing the various components of primal human needs using a variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, ink and others.
“I hope they will patronize Cebu arts, not only for us, Friday Group Sessionistas, but for all other artists,” said Ana Maria Lubanga, coordinator of Friday Group Sessionistas.
Edilyth Maribojoc, MCIA’s corporate affairs and branding manager, believes that collaborating with different departments in their sector especially in the operation and commercial team makes the entire concept of holding such events more effective.
“On a daily basis, we want to ensure that there’s more to the airport experience of each of our passengers. Together with the different departments of the organization, we create different events here at the airport,” Maribojoc said.
“Under commercials, we work with them as to where exactly we put the exhibit. So that in correlation with the operations, we don’t block the circulation of the passengers. We also have connections with other exhibitors. We just link those interests, and work with them overtime,” said Ma. Christina G. Angan, deputy chief commercial officer.
Looking ahead, MCIA is delighted to announce a series of forthcoming “Rooted” events, which will feature a varied range of performances, exhibits, installations and other displays of local talent and culture.
MCIA looks forward to collaborating with Cebu’s many artistic and cultural organizations. These projects will continue to emphasize Cebu’s distinct personality and colorful traditions.
“As we all know, MCIA is one of the icons of Cebu. It’s time to bring the root of Cebuano culture here in Cebu. What better way to showcase the culture of Cebu being an icon of Cebu also, is to bring the different talents, the culture,” Maribojoc said.
MCIA began its weekly Glee Hour performances in May 2023. Local artists serenade travellers in both Terminals 1 and 2 every Wednesday to Saturday, creating a pleasant ambiance packed with music and fun.
Passengers and guests are encouraged to check back for updates on forthcoming “Rooted” events. Visit the official website and social media outlets of Mactan-Cebu International Airport for additional information and to remain updated.
Categories: Philippines News
A pleasant Hong Kong summer
Content creators representing Metro Cebu met up at 4 a.m. at the beautiful Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. An early day, memorably marked by a downpour; a kind airport staff gently mopped rainwater by the entrance while greeting me “good morning.”
The pleasant vibe continued onboard Cebu Pacific flight 5J 240—I recognized one of my friends as part of the flight crew. A few hot coffees and a couple of hours later, we landed in Hong Kong where Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) Joy Mirasol and our amazing tour guide, Martin Cheng, welcomed us.
Quick tip: Upon arrival, tourists can claim “Hello Hong Kong Goodies” from the HKTB counters which includes a voucher for welcome drinks and shopping discounts (up to HKD$100 worth).
We were off to see tourist spots like the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping. The trip was made even more exciting as we boarded crystal cable cars!
We enjoyed our iced coffees and window shopping at the nearby Citygate Outlets. Afterward, we checked out the views from Victoria Harbour and the popular seagulls of Harbour City mall—where we had casual afternoon tea thanks to Tea Moment.
Hong Kong is such a fantastic blend of the East and West. The art displays at Harbour City, and a trip to M+ Museum—a global museum of visual culture—reminded me. I spent time immersing myself in the exhibit of Angela Su, who told the story of one “Lauren O” and her “instrumental role in the 1960s anti-war movement in the United States.”
Next stop was K11 Musea, a luxurious shopping mall but also another superb art destination. Another wonder greeted me from almost 400 meters above sea level. At the Sky100 Observation Deck, I saw a concrete jungle, guarded by the Lion Rock (a mountain resembling a crouching lion).
Finally, one must stop by Disneyland. “Momentous,” the all-new nighttime spectacular that blends the punch of fireworks and precision of projection mapping, makes for a powerful closer. I slept wonderfully at the stylish Eaton Hotel Hong Kong with a smile on my face, escaping the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars unscathed.
Of course, we had more than coffee and tea. I write this missing the international fare our hosts handpicked. Faves include the duck breast eggette, foie gras on toast, almond soup with glutinous rice dumplings, and that gigantic turkey leg I try not to miss at theme parks.
It was nice spending summer with you, Hong Kong.
The pleasant vibe continued onboard Cebu Pacific flight 5J 240—I recognized one of my friends as part of the flight crew. A few hot coffees and a couple of hours later, we landed in Hong Kong where Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) Joy Mirasol and our amazing tour guide, Martin Cheng, welcomed us.
Quick tip: Upon arrival, tourists can claim “Hello Hong Kong Goodies” from the HKTB counters which includes a voucher for welcome drinks and shopping discounts (up to HKD$100 worth).
We were off to see tourist spots like the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping. The trip was made even more exciting as we boarded crystal cable cars!
We enjoyed our iced coffees and window shopping at the nearby Citygate Outlets. Afterward, we checked out the views from Victoria Harbour and the popular seagulls of Harbour City mall—where we had casual afternoon tea thanks to Tea Moment.
Hong Kong is such a fantastic blend of the East and West. The art displays at Harbour City, and a trip to M+ Museum—a global museum of visual culture—reminded me. I spent time immersing myself in the exhibit of Angela Su, who told the story of one “Lauren O” and her “instrumental role in the 1960s anti-war movement in the United States.”
Next stop was K11 Musea, a luxurious shopping mall but also another superb art destination. Another wonder greeted me from almost 400 meters above sea level. At the Sky100 Observation Deck, I saw a concrete jungle, guarded by the Lion Rock (a mountain resembling a crouching lion).
Finally, one must stop by Disneyland. “Momentous,” the all-new nighttime spectacular that blends the punch of fireworks and precision of projection mapping, makes for a powerful closer. I slept wonderfully at the stylish Eaton Hotel Hong Kong with a smile on my face, escaping the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars unscathed.
Of course, we had more than coffee and tea. I write this missing the international fare our hosts handpicked. Faves include the duck breast eggette, foie gras on toast, almond soup with glutinous rice dumplings, and that gigantic turkey leg I try not to miss at theme parks.
It was nice spending summer with you, Hong Kong.
Categories: Philippines News
Results: CEL pre-season MLBB Week 2
The results are out for the second week of the Cesafi Esports League (CEL) Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) pre-season tournament.
The University of the Philippines-Cebu (UP-C), University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), University of Cebu (UC), University of San Carlos (USC), University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), University of the Visayas (UV), University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM), and Cebu Eastern College (CEC) competed in the second week of the CEL MLBB pre-season tournament on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Week two of the tournament was full of dominant wins, close matches, and highlight-worthy plays from the competing teams. USPF draws first blood in the first match of week two after sweeping UP-C in a best-of-two series. John Clifford “DuGo” A. Chan was the match MVP.
The CEL Season 1 finalist, USC, made their CEL pre-season debut in week two; USC went undefeated against UC and CIT-U but lost a game against CEC. Charles “CHARLES” Alejo led the charge for USC against UC and CIT-U and was awarded the MVP in both matches.
USJ-R was triumphant in their series against UP-C, defeating UP-C with a score of 2-0. Joseph “WANJI” B. Burgos earned the MVP of the match.
Last season’s champion went undefeated against UV. Juden “KUROKY” A. Baguio, the gold laner of UCLM, surprised everyone by using Freya in the gold lane—his performance earned him the MVP of the match.
After losing in Game 1, CEC upsets USC with a win in Game 2 to close out the series with a tie (1-1).
Week 2 ended with a game between CIT-U and CEC, with CIT-U winning the series (2-0). Arneri “future” Espinosa earned the MVP of the match. Unfortunately, UV, UC, and UP-C didn’t win a single game in week two. The CEL MLBB pre-season will continue on July 22, and will be aired live on the CEL Facebook page.
The University of the Philippines-Cebu (UP-C), University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), University of Cebu (UC), University of San Carlos (USC), University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), University of the Visayas (UV), University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM), and Cebu Eastern College (CEC) competed in the second week of the CEL MLBB pre-season tournament on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Week two of the tournament was full of dominant wins, close matches, and highlight-worthy plays from the competing teams. USPF draws first blood in the first match of week two after sweeping UP-C in a best-of-two series. John Clifford “DuGo” A. Chan was the match MVP.
The CEL Season 1 finalist, USC, made their CEL pre-season debut in week two; USC went undefeated against UC and CIT-U but lost a game against CEC. Charles “CHARLES” Alejo led the charge for USC against UC and CIT-U and was awarded the MVP in both matches.
USJ-R was triumphant in their series against UP-C, defeating UP-C with a score of 2-0. Joseph “WANJI” B. Burgos earned the MVP of the match.
Last season’s champion went undefeated against UV. Juden “KUROKY” A. Baguio, the gold laner of UCLM, surprised everyone by using Freya in the gold lane—his performance earned him the MVP of the match.
After losing in Game 1, CEC upsets USC with a win in Game 2 to close out the series with a tie (1-1).
Week 2 ended with a game between CIT-U and CEC, with CIT-U winning the series (2-0). Arneri “future” Espinosa earned the MVP of the match. Unfortunately, UV, UC, and UP-C didn’t win a single game in week two. The CEL MLBB pre-season will continue on July 22, and will be aired live on the CEL Facebook page.
Categories: Philippines News
Sotto makes NBA Summer League debut
AFTER sitting out the Orlando Magic’s first three games in the NBA Summer League, Filipino center Kai Sotto finally hit the court on Thursday (Friday, July 14, 2023 PH time) against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 21-year-old rookie entered the game off the bench at the beginning of the second quarter. Just seconds into his first appearance, he was called for a 3-second defensive violation. Despite this, Sotto showcased his skills throughout the game.
The first half concluded with the Magic trailing 45-19. However, the Magic displayed improved performance in the second half, although they lost the game 88-71. The game marked the Magic’s fourth consecutive loss in the NBA Summer League.
In his debut, Sotto recorded six points on 3-for-7 shooting, along with four rebounds, three blocks, and a turnover in a total of 13 minutes and 23 seconds of play.
The Magic will have one last pre-season match against the Boston Celtics on Saturday
The 21-year-old rookie entered the game off the bench at the beginning of the second quarter. Just seconds into his first appearance, he was called for a 3-second defensive violation. Despite this, Sotto showcased his skills throughout the game.
The first half concluded with the Magic trailing 45-19. However, the Magic displayed improved performance in the second half, although they lost the game 88-71. The game marked the Magic’s fourth consecutive loss in the NBA Summer League.
In his debut, Sotto recorded six points on 3-for-7 shooting, along with four rebounds, three blocks, and a turnover in a total of 13 minutes and 23 seconds of play.
The Magic will have one last pre-season match against the Boston Celtics on Saturday
Categories: Philippines News
Aboitizpower unit APX ties up with UGEP for solar projects
ABOITIZPOWER Corp. has confirmed that its subsidiary has partnered with Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc. (Ugep) to pursue solar rooftop projects.
The company’s unit, AboitizPower Distributed Renewables Inc. or APX, has entered into a joint venture agreement with Ugep.
On its website, Ugep said it provides renewable energy and energy efficiency technology solutions to various industries.
It is focused on the development, engineering, procurement and construction of renewable energy projects.
It has committed to developing about 500 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale and 100-MW commercial-scale renewable energy by 2030.
“We will make the required disclosures to the public as and when there are material concrete developments to the Company’s projects,” AboitizPower told the stock exchange. (CSL)
The company’s unit, AboitizPower Distributed Renewables Inc. or APX, has entered into a joint venture agreement with Ugep.
On its website, Ugep said it provides renewable energy and energy efficiency technology solutions to various industries.
It is focused on the development, engineering, procurement and construction of renewable energy projects.
It has committed to developing about 500 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale and 100-MW commercial-scale renewable energy by 2030.
“We will make the required disclosures to the public as and when there are material concrete developments to the Company’s projects,” AboitizPower told the stock exchange. (CSL)
Categories: Philippines News
Fruitas eyes 50 more stores in 2023
FRUITAS Holdings Inc. on Friday confirmed its intent to introduce more brands and open at least 50 more stores this year.
In a stock exchange disclosure, the company said the new store openings include but are not limited to Ling Nam Noodle Factory and Wanton Parlor, De Original Jamaican Pattie and Juice Bar, Fruitas fresh from Babot’s Farm, and Balai Pandesal in 2023.
The firm also confirmed that it is eyeing at least a 30 percent revenue growth this year.
Fruitas operates a number of stores in Cebu, including Buko Loco, House of Fruitas, and Soy & Bean. (CSL)
In a stock exchange disclosure, the company said the new store openings include but are not limited to Ling Nam Noodle Factory and Wanton Parlor, De Original Jamaican Pattie and Juice Bar, Fruitas fresh from Babot’s Farm, and Balai Pandesal in 2023.
The firm also confirmed that it is eyeing at least a 30 percent revenue growth this year.
Fruitas operates a number of stores in Cebu, including Buko Loco, House of Fruitas, and Soy & Bean. (CSL)
Categories: Philippines News
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