Cebu Sun.Star

THE revenues of Oslob town in southern Cebu are rebounding due to the return of tourists and visitors to the area following the easing of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic restrictions, although these have yet to return to the pre-pandemic 2019’s P303.8 million.

According to the 2022 Annual Audit Report of the Commission on Audit (COA), the local government unit (LGU) registered a 68 percent jump in total revenue to P229.9 million in 2022 from P136.8 million in 2021, with tourism revenue accounting for P35.3 million, or 15 percent, of the fourth-class municipality’s 2022 revenues.

However, the bad news is that state auditors have flagged several projects and transactions initiated by the Municipal Government, including those relating to cash advances, the hiring of a job order worker, and the delayed release of real property tax shares to the barangays.

Tourism

In terms of tourism revenue last year, Oslob’s P35.3 million was 10 times more than the P3.4 million it generated in 2021, when travel restrictions prevented most people from visiting the area.

The well-known whale shark viewing in Barangay Tan-awan accounted for the bulk of the tourism revenues at P31.03 million, an increase from P2.79 million in 2021.

Sumilon Island came in second with P3.08 million (up from P415,774 the year prior); followed by Luka/Tumalog Falls, P1.17 million (up from P156,309); and Monkey Viewing, P67,089 (from zero).

Even though the municipality’s tourism sector has begun to rebound, its income is still less than a fifth of what it was prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2019, tourism revenue was P190.2 million, with whale shark watching activities bringing in P182.7 million to the local government.

Total revenue

As for the town’s P229.9 million in total revenue last year, this was driven in large part by the 36 percent leap in its share of national taxes (National Tax Allotment, formerly Internal Revenue Allotment) to P165.6 million from P121.4 million; the 34 percent jump in its tax revenue to P9.8 million from P7.3 million; and the skyrocketing of shares, grants and donations to P12.2 million from a mere P84,280.26 the year prior.

Less P138.4 million in operating expenses, plus adjustments, this resulted in the town’s surplus hitting P78.97 million in 2022, which is 11 times more than its surplus of P7.17 million in 2021.

COA’s observation

State auditors, however, flagged several transactions initiated by the Municipal Government.

One of these is its failure to release the barangay share from its real property tax (RPT) collections totaling P1.009 million for 2021 on a quarterly basis, contrary to Section 271 of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which provides for the barangay’s share to be released within five days after the end of each quarter.

Such failure deprived the barangays of the immediate use of the funds for their priority projects, COA said, noting that the RPT shares of the barangays were released more than a year after its receipt by the municipality.

Mayor Ronald Guaren agreed to the recommendation of COA to require the municipal accountant and treasurer to release the RPT share to barangays on a quarterly basis.

Double compensation

The state auditors also flagged the hiring and payment of salaries amounting to P60,000 to the LGU’s public information officer (PIO) through job order (JO), since the said PIO is an incumbent Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson of Barangay Lagunde, who is also receiving compensation in the barangay, resulting in double compensation, which COA said is illegal.

COA discovered that the PIO is receiving compensation of P500 per day from the municipal government, while also receiving a monthly honorarium of P6,831 from the barangay.

COA said this is a violation of Sections 94 and 95 of RA 7160.

Section 94 states that no elective or appointive local official shall be eligible for appointment or designation in any capacity to any public office or position during his tenure.

“Unless otherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his position, no elective or appointive local official shall hold any other office or employment in the government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or -controlled corporations or their subsidiaries,” a portion of the provision reads.

Section 95 of the same law provides that no elective or appointive local official or employee shall receive additional, double or indirect compensation, unless specifically authorized by law, nor accept without the consent of Congress, any present, emoluments, office, or title of any kind from any foreign government.

But the mayor, in his response, said there is no prohibition on the hiring as job order worker of an elective local official because while the Local Government Code expressly prohibits the hiring of an elective local official in any capacity to any public office or position, a job order worker is not considered a public office or position.

He explained that the Civil Service Law states that job orders do not create an employer-employee relationship and are not considered government service.

The mayor said he hired JO personnel to augment the existing municipal employees to serve the general welfare of the people and that they let hired JO workers choose whether to continue receiving their honorarium or refrain from receiving the same as they are now being hired as job order workers in the Municipality.

But COA stood firm, saying RA 7160 bars elective local officials from holding any other employment in government and receiving additional compensation.

“Thus, the elective local official must choose whether to continue as barangay official or job order of the Municipality,” COA said.

Cash advance

The state auditors also flagged the grant of P1.013 million cash advance to the municipal mayor for purposes other than official travel, who at the same was not bonded at the time of the grant, contravening the policies and guidelines on the grant of cash advances.

With a check dated July 28, 2022, the particulars of the cash advance for operational expenses for the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo comprised P520,000 for meals, P302,000 for talent fee, P134,200 for performer’s allowance, P37,000 for make-up (labor and materials) and P20,000 for audio van.

COA said the mayor was allowed to make a cash advance for the expenditures instead of a permanent appointed official since the check was issued to the former.

COA also later learned that the municipal mayor was not bonded yet until the confirmation date for bonding on Sept. 6, 2022, contrary to the policies and guidelines in granting cash advances.

As of Dec. 31, 2022, a total of P3.902 million was noted by COA for audit suspensions, disallowances and charges of the LGU. (TPT)

THE total fertility rate (FTR) of women in Central Visayas has decreased to 2.0 on average, continuing a decline that has been noted since 1998, and which trend, if not arrested, could result in shortages of workers and consumers needed to propel the economy forward.

The Commission on Population and Development in Central Visayas (Popcom 7), however, welcomed the lower birth rates.

State statisticians said the FTR of 2.0 suggests that women of reproductive age, meaning 15 to 49, in the region would have an average of two children in their lifetime if fertility remained at current levels.

Citing its 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the Philippine Statistics Authority in Central Visayas (PSA 7) said this rate has steadily decreased since the study’s inception in 1993, when the region had received a 4.4 FTR rating, which means a woman would bear four children or more in her lifetime.

The NDHS results in Central Visayas revealed that the FTR was 3.7 in 1998, 3.6 in 2003, 3.3 in 2008, 3.2 in 2013 and 2.7 in 2017.

The PSA released the 2022 NDHS or the results of demographic surveys that center on women and children’s health in the region on Wednesday, July 13, 2023.

The NDHS is released every five years. For the 2022 NDHS, the data were collected from May 2 to June 22 last year.

Detrimental

According to International Strategic Analysis (ISA), a Luxembourg-based international research and consulting firm that provides country intelligence, economic forecasting and international market analysis, the continuous fall of birth rates has detrimental effects on the economy.

It said that it is impossible to emphasize how much of an impact these declining birth rates and shifting population centers are having on the world economy.

It added that one of the biggest issues the world’s economy is facing is the demographic shifts taking place around the world. Among the challenges it poses is the problem of less workers.

According to ISA, working-age populations inevitably decline as birth rates decline. This lessens a country’s economic competitiveness and delays growth in many important industries.

“This leads to labor shortages in countries where the working-age populations are in decline, something that is already evident in major economies such as Japan and Germany,” ISA said in an economic forecast published in September 2019.

ISA also pointed out that it could also lead to fewer consumers. As a result, there are less prospects for internal market expansion, making low-birth-rate nations more vulnerable to external shocks. Over the previous 10 years, this has already been a major factor in the economic challenges in Europe and several regions of Latin America.

Other economic struggles that may be encountered include the aging or older populations, wealthy markets in decline, and also the push for automation in different industries.

Fourth lowest

Engineer Felixberto M. Sato Jr., supervising statistical specialist of PSA 7, discussed in his presentation that the national FTR, or the combined average FTR of the 17 administrative regions in the country, registered at 1.9 on average in 2022.

He said with the 2.0 FTR for 2022, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas tied for fourth place on the list of regions with the lowest FTR.

The region with the lowest FTR is the National Capital Region at 1.2; followed by Calabarzon and Davao Region with 1.8 FTR; and Central Luzon and Ilocos Region with 1.9.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the highest FTR at 3.1.

Birth interval

Sato also revealed that the region has also registered an impressive median birth interval rating, passing the suggested rate by international health experts.

The birth interval, which is measured in months, is the time between the child’s birth and that of the child before it.

The statistician said the median birth interval of women in Central Visayas is 46.4 months, or around three years and eight months, up from the 37.6 months rating in 2017.

The country’s median birth interval rate is 46.5 months.

“The World Health Organization or WHO recommends at least a 33-month interval between two consecutive live births,” he said.

According to the statistics, women in Central Visayas conceive their first child when they are 23 years old on average, compared to 21 years old on average for the national rate.

According to other findings, the average age of women in the region having their first sexual experience is 21, while the average age of women getting married is 23.

Good signs

According to Maria Lourdes Garillos, population program officer for the Commission on Population and Development in Central Visayas (Popcom 7), the continuous decline in the fertility rate in the region is “remarkable,” reflecting the success of the population management-focused programs the commission is bolstering.

This is near the replacement fertility level, which should be at 2.1 or the recommended FTR that is generally acknowledged in most countries.

The replacement fertility level represents the average number of children a woman would need to have for the population to be able to replace itself “from one generation to the next without migration,” Garillos said.

She credited the lower birth rates in the region to the intensive information dissemination to educate more women about family planning.

According to the results, from 37 percent in 2017, around 45 percent of women in Central Visayas used any modern contraceptive methods, which include taking birth control pills, using intrauterine device (IUD), receiving injectables and female sterilization, in 2022.

In the same year, 16 percent of women resorted to using the traditional contraceptive methods including withdrawal, and calendar or rhythm method, up from 15 percent of women using traditional methods in 2017.

According to Garillos, of the over eight million people in Central Visayas, around 2,062,682 women belong to the reproductive age group.

A 4.9 MILLION multipurpose building and a public market in the mountain barangay of Paril, Cebu City have received a notice of illegal construction and work stoppage order from the Office of the Building Official (OBO) on Monday, July 10, 2023, due to lack of permits.

But Paril resident Nike Pelaez told SunStar Cebu on Thursday, July 13, that the construction of both projects was still ongoing despite OBO’s order.

OBO said in its reply to Pelaez on the same day that it had referred the case to the Cebu City Legal Office for proper legal action since the notice was ignored by the parties involved.

The notice and stoppage order came after Pelaez reported in a letter dated June 29, to OBO that Paril Barangay Captain Nerissa Villa Doncillo Calalang had started the construction of two building projects without permits.

Pelaez said the projects were the construction of a public market and a multipurpose building that the barangay planned to convert into a mini hospital. He said someone who had knowledge about the projects informed him about the violations.

Barangay Paril announced on June 22, through its official Facebook page that the ongoing construction of the multipurpose building, convertible to a mini hospital, was nearing completion. The page also states that the project would be finished within four months, adding that the project received funding from the office of Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar.

Pelaez also claimed that Calalang had her own house built, including its fence, without the necessary permits.

After receiving the initial complaint, OBO inspected the site on July 7, and discovered that M.C Buyser Construction and Supply—contractor of the multipurpose building—had operated without the required building permit.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, head of the committee on infrastructure, informed SunStar Cebu in a phone interview on July 13 that the barangay also failed to secure the necessary permits from the city’s infrastructure committee for drainage tapping and building construction, including the Transfer Certificate of Title.

OBO chief Florante Catalan said in a separate phone interivew that the barangay failed to present any building plan to his office before the construction began.

“That’s why we issued a notice of illegal construction because they also don’t have building plans,” Catalan said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

Catalan said OBO’s inspection focuses on the planning aspect, which the barangay did not submit.

“Our inspection mainly relies on the building plans that were submitted. We have architects and engineers who inspect the site. We base our inspection on the plans they submitted,” he said.

He added that the barangay has not commented on the matter thus far.

SunStar Cebu reached out to Calalang on July 13 for comment; however, the official had not replied to the messages as of press time.

No politics involved

Pelaez claimed that his actions were motivated by the common good and not by political interests.

He denied having any political ambitions in the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, despite allegations by some people that his actions were politically motivated.

AN OFFICIAL from the Department of Employment in Central Visayas (Dole 7) has reminded employers to adhere to the policy that they should reserve at least one percent of all positions in their companies for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Dole 7 Director Lilia Estillore said on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, that this should be implemented in all private corporations with at least 100 employees.

Estillore’s statement came after Dole Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma released Labor Advisory No. 15, Series of 2023, on Monday, which aims to streamline the reinforcement of PWD rights in the workplace.

Estillore urged all employers to avoid discrimination against PWDs.

The Dole 7 official said Laguesma’s advisory applies to “job application, hiring, job training, promotion, compensation or discharge of employees, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.”

Estillore said there is a need for employers to provide a barrier-free environment, ensuring access to public and private buildings in compliance with Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, also known as “An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments, and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices.”

“We are also reminding employers that they are duty-bound to facilitate persons with disabilities’ access to express lanes in all commercial and government establishments,” she said.

In an interview with Director Maria Elena Arbon of the Department of Trade and Industry last May 16 regarding PWDs in the workforce, she said employing PWDs is beneficial, but certain factors need to be considered.

She emphasized the importance of job matching to ensure that PWDs are employed in roles that are suitable for their capabilities, taking into consideration their disabilities.

A 23-year-old PWD who works as an Engagement Specialist expressed gratitude that Dole has reinforced the rights of people like him.

Clarck Neil Alcontin from Barangay Guadalupe, Carcar City said that everyone should be given equal opportunities in life, especially when applying for a job, adding that nobody should face discrimination.

“Having a disability does not mean that you are unproductive. Like me, I am visually impaired. I have a high eye grade, and I cannot see clearly. I am grateful that my employer treats everyone equally,” he said.

Alcontin has a visual acuity of 900 in the left eye and 1,100 in the right eye.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, approximately 2.5 percent or 1.9 million out of the 76 million working-age Filipinos in 2022 are PWDs.

The working-age group refers to the population aged 15 to 64 years old. This indicator measures the share of the working-age population in the total population.

TWO private universities in Cebu City will serve as local testing centers (LTC) in the upcoming 2023 Bar Examinations, the Supreme Court (SC) announced on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

In its Bar Bulletin No. 4, the SC confirmed that the University of San Jose-Recoletos and the University of San Carlos will serve as LTCs for Bar takers in the Visayas.

The examinations will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17; Wednesday, Sept. 20; and Sunday, Sept. 24. This is different from the usual four-day examinations.

The Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation in Tacloban City, Leyte, will also serve as an LTC for Bar takers, making it the third in the Visayas.

Meanwhile, six other LTCs are in Metro Manila, three in Luzon, and two in Mindanao.

There are a total of 14 LTCs nationwide.

The LTCs announced by the SC are as follows:

LUZON

• San Beda University-Manila

• University of Santo Tomas

• San Beda College-Alabang

• University of the Philippines Diliman

• Manila Adventist College

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

• University of the Philippines-Bonifacio Global City

• Saint Louis University

• Cagayan State University

• University of Nueva Caceres

VISAYAS

• University of San Jose-Recoletos

• University of San Carlos

• Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation

MINDANAO

• Ateneo de Davao University

• Xavier University

The SC also declared that San Beda College-Alabang will serve as the national headquarters for the 2023 Bar exams, with the SC supervising and directing the simultaneous operations of other local testing facilities.

According to the SC, qualifying applicants may select their preferred site from July 24 to July 25, subject to slot availability.

“Thus, they shall not be barred from selecting the law school where they graduated as their LTC, or an LTC that is located farthest from their present address,” it said.

Each applicant will be assigned a random queuing number, which will define the time slot during which they will be able to choose their chosen testing center.

Applicants may select their LTC of choice through the Bar Registration Information System and Tech Assistance at barista.judiciary.gov.ph.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, chairperson of the 2023 Bar Examinations, said the examinations will cover six core subjects, which will be distributed in three days. Two subjects will be administered per day. (KJF WITH CNU INTERN DENISE MAE CODIS)

THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport has ended the first half of 2023 with 4.68 million local and international passengers flying through the country’s second busiest airport.

In the first semester of 2023, MCIA’s passenger growth more than doubled to 4.68 million, as it rose 129 percent from 2.12 million passengers recorded in the same period last year, official data obtained by SunStar Cebu showed.

From January to June 2023, domestic and foreign passengers who traveled through MCIA reached 3.77 million and 1.09 million, respectively.

This is a major sign that the air travel industry has significantly recovered post-Covid-19 pandemic, as additional new routes are expected to open from Cebu to local and foreign destinations.

Return of China flights

MCIA recently welcomed new flights from Cebu to Narita (Tokyo), Taipei and Hong Kong.

This month, Cebu is expected to see the return of direct flights from Cebu to China, with China Eastern resuming its Cebu-Shanghai route on July 15.

This marks a significant flight resumption launch as it may usher in the return of Chinese tourists to Cebu, who were among the island’s top visitors pre-pandemic.

According to sources at the airport, AirAsia will also likely revive its direct route from Cebu to Shenzhen in southern China this September.

Earlier, Athanasios Titonis, the new chief executive officer of MCIA, said the new routes launched at MCIA not only affirm the airport’s unwavering dedication to offering passengers a wide range of travel options and seamless connectivity but also hold the promise of revitalizing tourism, fostering stronger business relationships and mutually benefiting both destinations.

“With this collaboration, we are poised to create new opportunities and enrich travel experiences of our valued passengers,” he said in an earlier statement, following the launch of AirAsia’s direct flight from Cebu to Tokyo. (CSL)

THE Philippine economic team, headed by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, has kicked off the US-Canada non-deal roadshow (NDR) with a series of meetings with American asset management firms and fixed income investors on July 10, 2023 at the Citi Headquarters in New York City.

Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Eli M. Remolona Jr., National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, and Treasurer of the Philippines Rosalia V. de Leon led in-depth discussions on the country’s priority high-growth sectors, opportunities in renewable energy and green investments, environmental, social and governance issuances, overall growth outlook, and the Maharlika Investment Fund.

Composed of roundtable discussions targeting fixed-income and infrastructure funds, the NDR aims to pique interest among potential investors for the country’s priority sectors, particularly infrastructure and green energy.

The economic managers are scheduled to continue roundtable meetings with investors and will host a larger Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Canada on July 13, 2023 (Eastern Daylight Time).

“The PEB serves as a platform for the economic team to brief international businesses and financial communities on the latest developments in the Philippines’ robust economic performance, investment opportunities, as well as the PBBM administration’s development plan,” the Department of Finance (DOF) said in a statement.

Diokno, Remolona, Balisacan and Pangandaman will each deliver presentations to apprise investors of the country’s economic state.

Afterwards, a panel discussion on the Philippine economic outlook and investment opportunities will be moderated by BSP Managing Director Antonio G. Lambino II and DBM Undersecretary Margaux Marie V. Salcedo.

From the private sector, Rahul Hora (president and chief executive officer of Manulife Philippines), Thi Be Nguyen (executive director of Canada-Asean Business Council), and Benedicto Sison (CEO and country head of Sun Life Philippines) will be sharing their views on the Philippine economic development agenda and investment climate.

The NDR is jointly organized by the BSP-Investor Relations Group, Department of Finance, BofA Securities, Canada-Asean Business Council, Global Affairs Canada, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Philippine Embassy in Canada, Standard Chartered Bank, Sun Life, and UBS. (CSL with PR)

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. has acquired PH1 World Developers Inc. (PH1) from Citicore Holdings Investment Inc. (CHII) for P5.2 billion, marking its foray into the real estate development sector.

The company eyes to diversify beyond its core construction and infrastructure ventures.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, July 13, 2023, Megawide announced its shareholders approved the acquisition of 100 percent of PH1 from CHII during its annual stockholders’ meeting on July 12.

“The move is a natural progression of our construction and engineering unit into higher value-generating businesses and gives more momentum to our forward integration initiatives within the Group,” said Megawide chairman and chief executive officer Edgar Saavedra, noting that progressing into higher value-added businesses has always been part of Megawide’s growth strategy when it started as a construction firm over two decades ago and diversifying into infrastructure development.

Megawide cites its public-private partnership projects such as the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, which “unlocked other revenue streams that generated greater value for the company on top of construction.” (CSL)

SECURITY Bank has successfully issued on Thursday, July 13, 2023, its fixed rate peso corporate business bonds due 2025.

The bank raised P18.5 billion worth of bonds at 6.4250 percent per annum, with a tenor of 1.5 years.

This is the largest issue size of the bank to date.

Due to strong demand for the bonds, the bank exercised its oversubscription option and accepted offers above its minimum P8 billion issue size.

The bonds were listed Thursday at the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. to provide secondary market liquidity to investors who would like to trade the instruments.

Security Bank offered the bonds to diversify its funding sources and support its lending activities. (PR)

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, announced that it has secured three contract projects from the second round of Department of Energy’s (DOE) Green Energy Auction (GEA) 2 program.

These projects are the Alabat Wind Power Project in Quezon Province, Tanay Wind Power Project in Rizal Province, and the Apulid Solar Project in the Province of Tarlac.

Once operational, the GEA 2-winning projects will contribute a significant steady flow of revenues for the company, accelerating the achievement of its goal of 1,096 gigwatt hours of annual generation from renewable power, and boost economic activities of the projects’ host communities and create hundreds of renewable energy jobs.

Under the GEAP, winning bidders will sign a 20-year Renewable Energy Payment Agreement with the National Transmission Company. (CSL)

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Mactan Island, Savoy Hotel Mactan stands tall as a beacon of excellence in the Philippine hospitality industry. This extraordinary success is a testament to the unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership of General Manager Josef Victor Chiongbian and the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Coke Semblante.

The recent International Travel Awards held on June 17, 2023, brought yet another triumph for Savoy Hotel Mactan. The hotel received the award, “Best Airport Hotel 2023,” further adding to its growing list of accolades. This remarkable achievement highlights the hotel’s exceptional service, world-class facilities, and unrivaled guest experiences.

At the helm of Savoy Hotel Mactan’s success is General Manager Chiongbian, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Chiongbian’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have been recognized at the esteemed CMO Asia Awards, where he was honored as one of the best general managers in the Philippines.

“I’ve come to realize that when you consistently perform well and treat others with kindness, you don’t have to seek recognition. Your actions speak for themselves, and people will naturally speak highly of you,” Chiongban shared. “My primary responsibility is to foster the growth of future leaders within our organization. I consistently advise our department heads to prioritize the implementation of a robust succession plan. Additionally, I place great emphasis on the concept of ‘Flexible Hospitality,’ and consistently going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations.”

Complementing Chiongbian’s leadership is the culinary artistry of Executive Chef Semblante. With a rich background that includes training in a Michelin-starred restaurant and extensive experience in the hotel industry. His passion for innovation and his dedication to using locally sourced ingredients have garnered him the title of one of the best chefs in the Philippines. Chef Semblante’s expertly curated menus, which range from exquisite á la carte options to delectable buffet selections, have delighted guests and earned the hotel numerous accolades.

“My main culinary focus is to mentor and nurture young talents, shaping them into exceptional culinary prospects,” Chef Coke shared. “Furthermore, I aspire to elevate the essence of local cuisine while preserving its distinctive identity. To accomplish this, I embark on immersive journeys across the Philippines, immersing myself in genuine experiences that fuel my passion for embracing diverse cultures. This profound appreciation for heritage and traditions resonates deeply within my cooking, allowing me to create dishes that truly reflect the soul of our rich culinary heritage.”

Whether it’s for business or leisure, Savoy Hotel Mactan offers an unparalleled experience, where personalized service, exquisite cuisine, and a warm tropical ambiance come together to create moments that will be cherished forever.

Savoy Hotel Mactan continues to set the bar high, drawing inspiration from the visionary leadership of Chiongbian and the culinary brilliance of Semblante. Savoy Hotel Mactan is truly a gem that beckons travelers from around the world to indulge in an extraordinary experience of luxury, comfort, and gastronomic delight.

After the successful inauguration of its vessel on April 22, 2023, Lite Shipping Corporation - Lite Ferries continues to push the boundaries of innovation by introducing state-of-the-art ships to its fleet with its newest vessel, the M/V Lite Ferry Six.

This newest addition to the fleet was blessed and inaugurated at the Port of Pulangbato, Bogo City, Cebu, on July 8, 2023. Its specifications are similar to the M/V Lite Ferry Seven’s, which was inaugurated three months prior, April 22.

In his speech at the inauguration ceremony, Lucio Enerio-Lim Jr., president and chief executive officer of Lite Ferries, thanked God and everyone who attended the event, and emphasized: “We are just stewards of this boat, with our vision of providing a safe and comfortable transportation for our passengers.”

Lim also acknowledged the presence of various representatives from the Maritime Industry Authority, Cebu Port Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Additionally, this grand launch event was graced by the presence of the Department of Transportation Undersecretary Elmer F. Sarmiento, the principal guest of honor.

Operating as one of the youngest fleets in the country, with a swift service speed of 13 knots, the M/V Lite Ferry Six reduces sea travel time—from 10 hours to seven—in its Bogo City, Cebu, to Matnog, Sorsogon route.

The Bogo to Matnog route departs at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while the Matnog to Bogo route departs 11:59 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The inauguration of the M/V Lite Ferry Six is a major event for Lite Shipping Corporation and for the City of Bogo. The ship is a symbol of the company’s growth and success, and it is expected to boost tourism in the region.

Lite Ferries is now connecting the island of Cebu to the rest of the country. Operating in 32 destinations, Lite Ferries bridges the provinces of Sorsogon, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte.

Uyoan gidunggab sa pag-umangkon tungod sa giingong away sa yuta alas 2:30 sa hapon sa Martes, Hulyo 11, 2023 sa Brgy. Tañañas, lungsod sa San Fernando.

Ang suspek giilang si Danilo Taping Cajes, 44, mag-uuma, kinsa nasikop sa kapulisan samtang ang suspek giilang si Jacinto Paradero Taping, 59, minyo, kinsa nasamdan sa dughan.

Si Police Major Mark Anthony Villanueva, hepe sa San Fernando Police Station nga nahinabi sa Superbalita Cebu, nagkanayon hubog ang pag-umangkon sa wala pa mahitabo ang krimen.

Nagkalalis ang duha sa isyo sa yuta. Ang suspek nagdala og kutsilyo gihansakan ang biktima, kinsa gidali sa pagdala sa tambalanan.

Ang suspek nasikop sa follow operation sa kapulisan. Giandam na sa kapulisan ang tukmang kaso batok sa suspek. (GPL)

Two people were charged for the torture of 100 dogs. They were identified as Lorna Oberes and Edwin Casas.

Meanwhile, two other people were charged for the torture of a dentist inside his clinic. They were not identified. At least not in the news reports on the filing of the case for serious physical injuries.

Why the difference in treatment? None of the dogs died. Neither did the dentist. The couple did not physically harm the dogs; they just did not feed them. In the dentist’s case, the intent to harm was evident.

When a farmer stabbed his father in a southern Cebu town recently, the names of both the assailant and the victim were mentioned in the news reports on the incident.

The police volunteered the identities based on the statement of witnesses.

No such voluntary divulging of information took place in the dentist’s case. The Cebu City Police said nothing more than that they have identified the suspects, have already filed a case against them, and have strong evidence to hold them liable.

Maybe, the police acted with prudence or so thought (that they were acting with prudence) in refusing to give any names. They probably did not want to alert the suspects and drive them into fleeing.

But when you have just committed a crime and read that you have been identified, do you need any further prodding to decide to hide? In fact, isn’t it a natural human reaction for one who has committed a crime—and not any ordinary one—to immediately pack his bags and escape?

Besides, aren’t the police already monitoring the suspects closely to prevent them from fleeing? So why worry about alerting them?

By the way, it is a common practice by the police to arrest their suspect, invoking “hot pursuit” even if so much time has passed since the commission of the offense. I wonder why they have not done the same in this case.

In fairness to the police, they have already filed a case within days from the attack on the dentist. Surely, their complaint must have identified the respondents. Has anyone from the media requested the city prosecutor’s office to be shown a copy of the complaint and the supporting affidavits?

The dentist’s case has drawn immense public curiosity because of the daring and seeming passion that attended the attack. What event or events drove the perpetrators to blind rage?

It will probably be after a long trial that we will know the answer. Let’s make do with the identities of the parties in the meantime.

(Statement issued on July 11, 2023)

Today marks the seventh anniversary of an Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention firmly rejecting the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) expansive South China Sea maritime claims, including any PRC claim to the area determined by the Arbitral Tribunal to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as well as any resources therein. Under the terms of the Convention, this ruling is final and legally binding on the Philippines and the PRC.

The United States reaffirms its July 13, 2020, policy regarding maritime claims in the South China Sea. We continue to urge Beijing to comport its maritime claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention; cease its routine harassment of claimant state vessels lawfully operating in their respective exclusive economic zones; halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources; and end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of states lawfully operating in the region.

We will continue working with allies and partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, one that is at peace and grounded in respect for international law.

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the extremely blasphemous and offensive video that has gone viral showing people in a club making a mockery of the Christian faith and disrespecting The Lord’s Prayer.

In my opinion, this is the height of the misuse and abuse of our freedom of expression that borders on criminal activity. It offends the sensibilities of our Christian brothers and sisters, deeply demeans the faith of millions of Filipinos, and dangerously scales the boundaries of protected speech and expression.

In this case, a criminal charge can be filed under Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, which punishes those who “offend any race or religion in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows in theaters, fairs, or any other place.” We urge the authorities to look into this matter.

Nevertheless, this act merits condemnation not only by Christians but people of all religions whose practice of their faith should not be mocked for private gain or for a few theatrical laughs.

Ang unang reaksyon ko sa video na ito ay matinding pagkadismaya at galit.

For billions of Christians, The Lord’s Prayer is one of our most solemn prayers during the Holy Eucharist, and to take it out of this context of worship, and use it as material for a comedy bar, is highly insensitive.

We are still tracing the venue. We are also studying the possible violations of law that were committed here.

As a devout Catholic, I have been taught to accord respect to all religions in a society that respects ecumenism.

I hope that this behavior will not be repeated in the future. Again, let us respect each other’s beliefs, religious or otherwise, because that is how we build a kinder and gentler society.

Inspired objects meet inspired living at The Residences at Sheraton Mactan Cebu this Saturday, July 15, 2023 in collaboration with Java Pavilion, Cebu-based curator of objets d’art, antiques and luxury home furnishings.

The exhibit will present a diverse range of products including fossilized stone, antique wood, vintage artefacts and modern works of art that will elevate your home style. It will showcase art from sleek minimalist pieces to bold and vibrant creations presented in a variety of styles and techniques that will leave you inspired.

Java Pavilion will showcase curated pieces of centuries old rock fossils known as petrified wood and crystallized volcanic rock, popularly referred to as obsidian. They are the centerpieces of the Exhibit while vintage driftwood, blackened lychee wood and carved teakwood will also be mainstays.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a rare volcanic crystal formed by the solidification of hot molten magma in ancient lakes and cold environments. This precious artefact is valued in human history because of its various uses.

It has been used since the Stone Age as a weapon, a cutting tool and a stone of special properties. In the recent television series, “Game of Thrones,” obsidian was known as Dragonglass and referred to as frozen fire, the only known weakness of the White Walkers.

The Children of the Forest shaped it into daggers and arrowheads.

In some circles, obsidian is believed to have metaphysical properties. Legend has it that the mystic crystal ball used by gypsies to tell one’s fortune was a round obsidian. Obsidian is also known as a Crystal of Protection and Gemstone of Prosperity. It is believed to absorb negativity and purify energy, thus bestowing peace, harmony, balance and prosperity wherever you place it.

Today, black obsidian is used in surgical tools. But the rare blue, green and golden sheen obsidian sculptures are displayed by connoisseurs as objets d’art that bring beauty, joy and love into their homes.

What is petrified wood?

Petrified wood is a rock fossil known to have been formed millions of years ago when a volcanic eruption buried trees under hot volcanic ash. The process prevented decay and oxygenation, thus, killing microorganisms but preserving the biological structure of the trees. Groundwater rich in silica, calcite, pyrite and other minerals seeped in and replaced the organic material. Over time, the minerals solidified into rock while keeping the shape of the tree—forming what is now called petrified wood.

How old is petrified wood from Indonesia?

According to www.naturalhistorycuriosities.com, Indonesian petrified wood originated from the Miocene Period which roughly places it between 20 to 25 million years of age.

Why is petrified wood multi-colored?

Different minerals in petrified wood cause the colors to vary. Here are the colors associated with the minerals:

Black - Carbon

Red/Brown - Iron Oxides

White/Grey - Silicon Dioxide

Pink - Manganese

Blue - Cobalt

Green - Copper

The residences at Sheraton Mactan is located along Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City which is fast becoming known as Cebu’s Billionaires’ Row. Punta Engaño is currently home to five-star hotels and luxury condominiums including The Sheraton, Shangri-La Mactan and Dusit Thani. Also rising in Punta Engaño are two highly respected and well-loved Filipino brands namely, Abaca Resort Mactan by Cebu Landmasters Inc. and Aruga Resort and Residences by Rockwell Land Inc.

THE Chery Tiggo Defenders took the fight out of Gerflor, winning in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18, to bolster its semifinal bid in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Veteran Mylene Paat took over and gave Chery Tiggo the needed spark on offense and the leadership as the Crossovers re-asserted their might and finished off their foes in just one hour and 40 minutes.

Chery Tiggo improved to 2-1, a half-game behind the undefeated Creamline (2-0) in the five-team Pool A play although PLDT is right behind at 1-0.

“I’m very happy with how they played but definitely there’s still a lot of things that we need to improve on,” said Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez. “We need to start faster, so that’s one thing I think that we have to pick up. I also like the fact that everybody was able to step up.”

Paat fired 15 points to lead the Crossovers’ charge with Velez drawing seven-point outputs from Ponggay Gaston, EJ Laure and Cza Carandang. Rookies Imee Hernandez and Eya Laure added six and three markers, respectively.

“It’s not just about points off of spikes. We need to be better with other skills like blocking and serving. This is a huge help for my teammates and I’m happy I performed well,” said Paat, who added four blocks to clinch the game’s top honors. (JNP)

AEG kicked off its title defense with a resounding 67-61 win over Landlite in the Cebu Architects Basketball Club 5th Corporate Cup on July 9, 2023 at the Benedicto College Gym in Cebu City.

Athletic forward Dexsel Caadan shone for AEG with 15 points, five rebounds, and an incredible eight steals.

In other games of the quadruple-header, Diamond Built thrashed Cebu Home Builders, 58-35. Cynizar Esconde led the way for the winning side with 19 points, while Ryan Rizarri added 12 markers.

Modern Windows also eked out a 51-48 win over Boysen. Justin Aspacio scored 13 points to pace Modern Windows, while Ferdinand Tiro pitched in 12 points and five rebounds. Carlos Baltar finished with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Kirby’s outlasted Buildrite in overtime, 60-56. Socrates Nagel sparked Kirby’s to the win with his 11 points and 15 boards. Joseph Gerundio also had a solid outing with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. (JNP)

WORLD-RATED Joey Canoy dropped Clyde Azarcon four times and knocked him out in the fourth round of their scheduled 10-round contest on July 12, 2023 in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

It was a competitive opening round with both fighters trying to find their range. Azarcon, who fights out of the Big Yellow Boxing Gym in Cebu City, landed a solid right straight to the body that caught Canoy’s attention.

The 30-year-old Canoy started to gain momentum in the second round and landed some vicious shots to Azarcon’s head and body.

Azarcon was hurt and dropped to the canvas from an apparent accidental headbutt. The referee, however, called it a knockdown. Azarcon tasted the canvas again, this time, from a well-timed counter right uppercut.

Despite getting knocked down twice already, the 28-year-old Azarcon kept it competitive and traded blows with Canoy in the third.

In the fourth, Canoy connected with a solid right hook to the body that sent Azarcon down on one knee. Azarcon beat the referee’s 10-count and continued with the fight. Canoy sensed that the end was near and unleashed a barrage of punches to Azarcon’s body. Canoy landed a powerful left hook to the side of Azarcon’s body that dropped him for the fourth time. This time, the referee saw enough and stopped the fight.

Canoy continues his ascent in the light flyweight division, in which he’s currently ranked No. 8 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), No. 9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 12 World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the light flyweight division. He could challenge for a world title anytime soon.

Canoy improved to 20-5-2 with 12 knockouts, while Azarcon dropped to 17-8-1 with six knockouts.

Former regional champion Ben Mananquil (19-4-3, 6 KOs) ended his two-bout slump with a third round stoppage of experienced Jenny Boy Boca (14-11, 12 KOs) in the main supporting bout.

In the undercard, French Guillaume Lorenzo (10-5, 6 KOs) outclassed Renan Portes (11-15, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision, Cebu-based Gabriel Santisima (2-0, 1 KO) ends Nathaniel Juan’s (0-5) night in the fourth round and Reymark Gayola (0-0-1) settled to a majority draw with Joy Ebcas (0-0-1). (EKA)