Cebu Sun.Star

LISTED company Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) on Monday, July 3, 2023, denied that it bought a majority stake in the low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines and that developments such as this will be properly disclosed first by them through official channels.

“We would like to clarify and state that this information is not true and accurate. At this time, we are actively verifying the sources that led to the publication of this article and have requested that the article be taken down,” AEV said in a statement.

The Philippine Star on Monday reported that the Aboitiz Group controls AA Com Travel Philippines Inc., the firm that bought a 60 percent stake in AirAsia Philippines in June, according to multiple sources.

The report added that an industry source said the Aboitiz Group made the buyout in support of its proposal to rehabilitate and upgrade the airports in Albay and Bohol.

AirAsia Philippines in a separate statement denied the report.

“It has come to our attention that a leading news organization published an article today stating AirAsia Philippines is now majority owned by the Aboitiz Group. We hope to clarify that this statement is not true and accurate,” the AirAsia said.

But the Malaysia headquartered firm said Capital A companies, including AirAsia, are “fostering strong relationships with the Aboitiz Group and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.”

“We remain committed to engaging in fruitful discussions with various stakeholders who share our vision of democratizing air travel in the Association of Southeast Nations,” the airline said.

Capital A Capital A Berhad of Malaysia is formerly AirAsia Group. (KOC)

THE municipality of Bantayan on Bantayan Island in northern Cebu warned its residents not to consume the puffer fish during its peak breeding season in July and August to prevent food poisoning.

According to Allan Poquita, regional director the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), eating puffer fish is dangerous especially when it is prepared by a non-expert.

"Wala na siya'y hazard but ang hazard ana kung kaunon na nimo ang puffer fish kay poisonous na siya tungod sa iyang toxic bag," Poquita said on Monday, July 3.

(When not swallowed, puffer fish is not dangerous; the danger comes from its toxic bag).

A puffer fish has a toxic bag that can poison if consumed, according to Poquita.

Among its likely victims are children, the elderly and those with illness.

"Matangtang na siya kung expert ka pero dili gyud mi mo-recommend ana kay makahilo man gyud na ilabi na nga inig prepare ana matuslokan na iyang toxic bag mosagol sa meat mao na'y maka disgrasya," Poquita said.

(It can be removed if you're an expert, but we don't advise it because it's really poisonous, especially when its toxic bag is cut during preparation and mixes with the meat, leading to an accident).

If somebody really wanted to taste the puffer fish stew, Poquita recommended them to let a professional prepare it.

According to the Bantayan local government, most of the fish vendors will show their customers how to prepare puffer fish.

Some people particularly like the puffer fish stew when it is made with libas, a type of tree whose somewhat sour leaves are used to season meat, fish, and vegetables. (ANV, TPT)

By Senator Francis N. Tolentino

OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) now have brighter hopes of participating in the 2025 midterm elections as Comelec approved last May the conduct of internet voting. OFW voter turnout in the last May 2022 elections was only at 38 percent, which when translated to numbers is only around 626,000 out of the 1.6 million registered OFWs. As voting is both a right and an obligation, the choice of our OFWs should thus form part of the Filipinos' collective decision come May 2025.

We understand the challenges of our OFWs in exercising their rights to suffrage while working in a foreign land. The consulates are sometimes really distant from the migrant workers’ place of work or residence. Not so many OFWs get lucky to be allowed by their employers to leave work in order to cast their votes. For our seafarers who stay at sea for prolonged periods of time, it has always been difficult to find the opportunity to come to polling places to vote. Online voting will surely address most, if not all, of these concerns. Increased participation of OFWs in the May 2025 polls will mean their amplified voice, their more active involvement in the selection of leaders upon whom the Filipino nation will rely for positive direction and national growth.

The Commission on Elections affirmed that new legislation is no longer required to implement internet voting as this is well within the purview and power of the Comelec to explore varying methods of automated polls to ensure that all votes are tallied and results are truly reflective of the people’s choice.

While electronic voting requires highly sophisticated cyber defense technology and such other means to safeguard our OFWs’ votes, the establishment of this system is necessary to guarantee that our modern-day heroes -- our bagong bayani -- are able to choose leaders who will not only ensure their safety and welfare abroad, but will likewise work for reforms so that they will no longer have to leave home to build a brighter future for their families.

POLICE detained a 54-year-old man and his alleged mistress after they were discovered checking into a lodging house in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City, southern Cebu, past 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 1.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mark Gifter Sucalit, chief of the Carcar City Police Station, Roel (real name withheld), 54, was detained when his wife Ester, also 54, filed a complaint.

Ester allegedly witnessed Roel and a 51-year-old woman only known as Mila check into the lodging house.

Ester claimed that she monitored her husband after she became suspicious of him.

She said that when Roel left their house around 1 p.m. on Saturday, she and her child boarded a motorcycle and followed him until they arrived at the said lodging house, where Roel and Mila checked in.

She immediately reported the incident to the police, who then carried out the operation that resulted in Roel's arrest at past 3 p.m.

It was learned during police investigation that Roel and Mila are old friends.

The two are being held at the Carcar Police Station detention cell, while they await the filing of concubinage charges against them. (BBT, TPT)

STOP the attacks. Defend defenders. Free all political prisoners. Junk the Anti-Terror Law. Resume the peace talks. Defend Central Visayas.

These were the call of lawyer Mel Domini Ebo, secretary general of National Union of People's Lawyers Cebu Chapter, as he highlighted the looming situation of human rights under the Marcos administration during the Stop the Attacks Movement for Peace (Stamp) forum titled "A Year of Anguish, a Year of Defiance: The Quest for Peace Continues" on Friday, June 30, 2023, in Cebu City.

Ebo said the current human rights situation in Central Visayas opposes the law that calls for promotion and defense of human rights.

"Even in the existence of these domestic mechanisms, even with the existence of realities under the law, that are aimed to promote and protect human rights, we will see that the current situation in the Philippines and specifically in the Central Visayas is on the contrary," he said.

He said human rights violations such as extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, illegal arrests, torture, threats, harassment, and red-tagging continue to exist under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He also pointed out that despite living in an increasingly hostile environment, all human rights defenders and civil groups are tirelessly working to document and expose human rights violations to create a society wherein human rights are respected and protected.

"The fascists are working twice as hard to repress and silence the voices of the people. Apan sa tinuod lang, dili nila mapriso ug mapatay ang atong mao nga prinsipyo," he said.

Ibon Foundation Executive Editor and Head of Research Rosario Bella Guzman discussed various economic problems that worsen and hinder development, such as job crisis, severe inequality, and poverty.

She said the economy had regressed backwards, the job crisis had intensified, and poverty and inequality had become severe under the Marcos regime.

"Philippines has the biggest economic collapse in Asean, second in East, South, and Southeast Asia," she said.

Guzman added that the only way to address these mounting peace issues is to handle the different rooms of conflict.

She urged the advocates to step up their defiance and stand for peace, whatever the circumstances are.

Jerry Imbong, from the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform-Visayas, talked about the history, disruptions, and prospects of the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace process.

He said that complex situations must be addressed at the national level so that the roots of the armed conflict, including poverty, lawlessness, inaccessibility to social services, and equitable distribution of resources, can be discussed through principled dialogue.

Stamp is a broad alliance of different individuals in Central Visayas who are concerned with defending human life, human dignity, and human rights. (Camille Erika Butas, GK Marie Dejacto and Miguel Angelu Lumen, CNU interns)

A BARANGAY tanod of Inoburan, Naga City, southern Cebu was shot dead past 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 2.

Staff Sergeant Ariel Yap identified the victim as Catalino Paunil, 62.

According to the police investigation, the victim reprimanded the motorcycle-for-hire (habal-habal) drivers for indiscriminate parking at the corner of Cansimondo of the said barangay around 7 a.m. on Sunday.

Later that night, when the victim was watching his cousin play a checker game, locally known as dama, two men on motorcycles arrived.

The backrider got down and poured water on the victim before shooting him.

Paunil sustained multiple gunshot wounds which led to his death.

"It seems like a counterspell (sumpa), sir, because the gunman splashed water on the victim before shooting him several times," said Yap.

The Naga City police are currently focusing on two angles: personal grudge and work-related.

Yap said that he had previously investigated the victim for theft but the result was negative. (BBT, TPT)

THE training of 24 policemen in Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) to be based in Talisay City is expected to begin next week.

According to Police Lieutenant Randy Caballes, chief of Talisay City Police Station, the 24 policemen will be trained by Swat members from Camp Crame.

The two-month training will include firearms proficiency, responding to high risk situations, hostage taking, and robbery incidents.

"These Swat personnel are our elite personnel teams that will respond when there are alarms that require the assistance of our police," said Caballes.

The Talisay City Government has allocated P3 million for the training and equipment.

Caballes noted that in addition to the P3 million, the city administration will contribute additional funds for the trainees' needs once they begin working as elite personnel.

Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas also stated that the city should be able to employ elite staff due to its growing number of merchants.

If the peaceful environment is maintained, a city will grow and numerous enterprises will move in, according to Gullas.

The mayor’s only request to Caballes is that this first batch of trainees will remain in place for five to seven years before being transferred to another location in order for the government to recover their costs. (BBT/TPT)

ARTHALAND and Rural Rising, a renowned social enterprise dedicated to empowering farmers, promoting fair trade and supporting communities in need, have announced a collaborative effort to address two pressing community issues: improving access to fresh and nutritious food and supporting local farmers.

The initiative, called Healthy Hauls, will distribute healthy food packages directly to the communities that need it the most, while simultaneously boosting the livelihoods of local farmers.

By connecting Rural Rising’s network of farmers with beneficiaries like homes for the aged, children’s shelters, orphanages, and public schools, Arthaland and Rural Rising aim to make a substantial impact on the lives of countless individuals.

The Healthy Hauls event was held at Cebu Exchange along Salinas Drive in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City on June 26, 2023.

The following institutions were invited to be recipients of fresh, locally sourced produce: homes for the aged: Gasa sa Gugma and St. Josephine Vannini Home of the Aged;

children’s shelter: Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart;

orphanages: Children’s Shelter of Cebu and SOS Children’s Village Cebu; and public schools: Guadalupe Elementary School, Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School and Abellana National School.

Arthaland and Rural Rising said they are committed to continuing this initiative and making a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

THE construction of the new 10-story Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) has been ongoing for nearly a decade now, and a local legislator said that its “undue retarded” development has been caused by a “disease called politics.”

Opposition City Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos described the still-incomplete hospital as “a pathetic symbol of our City’s current state.”

De los Santos told SunStar Cebu in a text message on Sunday, July 2, 2023, that the current state of CCMC is caused by “personal political interests” that are “put ahead of the public interest,” but she did not elaborate.

Tuesday, July 4, marks the eighth year since the construction of the new CCMC began. The government-run hospital’s very first contractor is still reviewing the structural design to facilitate the completion of the three remaining floors.

The City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Michael Rama, held a groundbreaking ceremony to pave the way for the construction of the new CCMC on July 14, 2014.

The construction began on July 4, 2015, during Rama’s second term as mayor. The hospital is being built to replace the old CCMC building, which was damaged by the 2013 Central Visayas earthquake.

Since 2015, the City has spent almost P2 billion on the construction of the hospital — P566.085 million for Phase 1, P36.33 million for Phase 1.1, P299 million for Phase 2, P99.72 million for Phase 3, and P907.99 million for Phase 4.

The contract with M.E. Sicat Construction Inc., which was working on the seventh to 10th floors, was terminated in November 2022.

Still under review

City Administrator Collin Rosell said in an interview on Sunday, July 2, that C.E. Padilla Construction Inc., the contractor who undertook the first and second phases of the construction, is currently reviewing the structural aspect of the hospital. Some repair work is ongoing, including the correction of surface defects like honeycombs and bug holes.

Rosell said C.E. Padilla started its repair works and review in April.

On April 24, the City disclosed that some defects were found from the fourth floor to the sixth floor of the CCMC building during an investigation conducted by an independent body led by consultant Pericles Dakay, chief executive officer of Dakay Construction and Development Corp. (DCDC).

However, the lower floors were not included in the investigation as they are already occupied.

The investigating body made the following recommendations:

Provide epoxy-bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer wrap or strip for the columns that were found to be inadequate.

Correct surface defects, including honeycombs, bug holes, and shrinkage cracks.

Repair concrete surfaces that are peeled or have hollow defects to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the structure, as well as the static component of the structure.

No details on deadline

Rosell was unable to provide specific details on the timeline or deadline given to C.E. Padilla for its review of the structural aspect.

Once C.E. Padilla completes its task, the independent investigating body and the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) will assess its work, according to Rosell.

Other contractors involved in the CCMC construction include Charlz Construction for Phase 1.1, C.E. Padilla for Phase 2, C.B. Garay Philwide Builders for Phase 3, and M.E. Sicat Construction Inc. for Phase 4.

Rosell said the other contractors will also be engaged to carry out the necessary repairs under their respective contracts.

Upon completion of the retrofitting and repair works, the construction of the remaining floors will commence immediately, and timelines have already been set for each floor.

Some floors are targeted to be completed by November and December of this year, while another floor is targeted for completion in February, according to Rosell.

Rosell had said in previous interviews that the City would pay the contractors if there were any unpaid balances, emphasizing that the City always pays before projects start.

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Saturday, July 1, 2023, that it is conducting an “exhaustive” probe on the alleged use of non-original footage in its “Love The Philippines” campaign video.

In a statement, the DOT said the video presentation was prepared by DDB Philippines as one of the many other forthcoming components of the new tourism campaign.

“The DOT is currently conducting an exhaustive investigation to determine the veracity of, and to gather the full faculty of facts on these allegations,” it said.

“During the various meetings and consultations held relative to the tourism brand enhancement, the DOT, for its part, repeatedly sought confirmation from DDB on the originality and ownership of all materials contained in the AVPs (audiovisual presentations) and key visuals presented to the Department. In all these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the DOT that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order,” it added.

On Sunday, July 2, DDB Philippines issued an apology over the use of stock footage, acknowledging it as a failure in oversight on its part and describing it as an isolated incident.

The DOT assured that no public funds were used for the production of the audiovisual presentation as it was released on the account of the DDB and that the DOT holds the responsibility of promoting the country to the highest standard.

“Therefore, it will not hesitate to exact accountability and take the necessary action to protect the interest of the country even as it continues to exhaust all efforts to develop and promote the Philippine tourism industry,” it said.

Taken down

The video presentation has already been taken down from YouTube as well as from DOT’s official Facebook page.

In a Facebook post, blogger Sass Rogando Sasot said the tourism video contained stock video clips from Storyblocks, a subscription-based stock footage service, that were not shot in the Philippines.

Sasot noted Saturday that at least five scenes in the “Love The Philippines” tourism campaign video were identified as “stock footage” taken from different locations, including Indonesia (rice terraces), Thailand (a silhouette shot of a fisherman throwing a net), Switzerland (an airport runway), the United Arab Emirates (sand dunes), and an unspecified location outside the country showing jumping dolphins.

Sasot followed up hours later that a footage of a sunrise over a sea of clouds that was believed to have been shot in Sri Lanka was also used in the tourism campaign video.

On Thursday, June 29, Secretary Frasco revealed that the agency spent P49 million on the “Love the Philippines” campaign and slogan.

“The process of procurement was done and initiated, and the total cost of the entire study, coming up with the logo and everything and the components of this branding campaign, totaled to P49 million,” Frasco said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Apology

DBB Philippines in a statement on Sunday apologized for the use of non-original and stock footage.

The advertising agency explained that the AVP uploaded by the DOT on social media was intended to be a mood video to excite internal stakeholders about the campaign.

“While the use of stock footage in mood videos is standard practice in the industry, the use of foreign stock footage was an unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part. Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed,” said DBB Philippines.

They also confirmed that the AVP produced was made at their own expense, and no public funds were released, or would be released, to fund the video.

Further advertising contents and materials for the “Love The Philippines” campaign have yet to be produced, according to the firm. (TPM, KJF)

A MANDAUE City official will file a case against a social media user for allegedly discriminating against LGBTQ+ pride flags that were on display in the city as part of the Pride Month celebration.

City Treasurer Regal Oliva said on Friday, June 30, 2023, that they are preparing to file a complaint against Roch Dungog, who posted on June 15 a photo of the pride flags with the caption “Ga bayot2 nmn lge nig Flag ang Mandaue (Why Mandaue’s flag is so gay)?”

The post went viral and was shared by numerous LGBTQ+ communities.

Mandaue City has the Anti-Discriminatory Ordinance for People of Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression, which carries penal provision against people who discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender identities.

The ordinance, which was passed in 2016, prohibits anyone “to discriminate any person and/or group of people on the basis of sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.”

Oliva, a lawyer, said he had reached out to Dungog on Facebook Messenger to demand an apology, but Dungog had not opened the message.

Oliva said they have obtained screenshots and are coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation 7 to confirm the veracity of the post by verifying the IP address.

The city treasurer said the word “bayot-bayot” used in the post was more of a degrading remark than just a question, as it seemed to presuppose something negative.

SunStar Cebu reached out to Dungog through Messenger. He said his post was not intended to be offensive or meant to offend anyone, adding that it was unfortunate that there are people who choose to spread hate.

Reglyn Bihag, president of the LGBTQ Federation of Mandaue City, expressed disappointment upon reading the social media post and seeing the photo. Bihag questioned why Mandaue was being singled out, as the city has celebrated pride month for years except during the pandemic.

The viral photo has already been deleted.

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded more P65 million ($1.16 million) in grants to support energy security and conservation in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela on June 16, 2023.

The grants were given by USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer as part of his visit to the Philippines from June 15 to 18.

USAID’s Filipino partners Tri-Sky Inc. and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation are the recipients.

Provided under USAID’s P1.6 billion ($34 million) Energy Secure Philippines program, the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and nano generators, in the provinces.

With greater energy access, remote communities in Cagayan and Isabela can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. The communities surrounding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants, according to USAID.

“USAID understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education, and transport, among other services,” Schiffer said.

“We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country,” he added.

In partnership with the Mabuwaya Foundation and the Agta Indigenous Peoples community at Sitio Golden Valley in Barangay San Mariano, Schiffer also launched the “From Ridge to River” project. Through this project, USAID will work with local communities, partners and government officials to conserve forests in the northern Sierra Madre.

“This launch is an important step toward preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region, and we are proud to be part of it,” said Schiffer.

During his time in the Philippines, Schiffer also spoke at the Asian Development Bank’s annual Asia Clean Energy Forum in Manila and visited a USAID-supported drug rehabilitation program in Mandaluyong City.

He also traveled to Palawan, where he toured the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, visited a waste collection and sorting site, sat with civil society organizations to discuss concerns over illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and visited the BRP Teresa Magbanua to learn about the Philippine Coast Guard’s protection of marine resources in Philippine waters.

Health inequalities are not removed simply because the resources are free and access is open to all, with preference for the marginalized.

In a paper published on Sept. 17, 2020 in the “Journal of Economics and Science,” authors Salaheddine El Omari and Mahmoud Karasneh found evidence that contradicts “standard economic theory predict(ing) that people use care services more frequently and regularly when they are free.”

Access to free medical assistance is still challenged by many factors, pointed out the authors of the paper, “Social health insurance in the Philippines: Do the poor really benefit?”.

In the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey Report, lack of financial resources and remoteness of location constrain people’s access to facilities and their services.

The authors note that the average travel time is greater for those in rural indigent communities to access healthcare facilities (38 minutes), compared to the 28 minutes average travel time for residents in urban poor communities to reach a healthcare facility.

A person needing medical assistance will even walk to seek this. Yet, when gender is considered, the challenge of walking or commuting to a health facility is compounded by other factors, such as child-minding responsibilities.

Who will take care of her children when a mother needs medical help? In rural communities, neighbors or nearby relations may be relied on.

Yet, as the youth and able-bodied leave for the cities, the elderly left at home may not be physically able to look after someone else’s children.

Many women are forced to bring their children with them, rather than risk leaving them home where an accident may occur.

In the study by El Omari and Karasneh, women respondents surfaced cultural factors that continue to limit women’s physical and social mobility.

These women respondents cited as obstacles their need to secure permission to go for treatment; the need for money to use during a trip for transport, food, and other needs, especially when children accompany them; and their need for a companion due to their desire not to go alone.

For Lapu-Lapu City resident Leny and her sister Daya, two unsuccessful trips to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) satellite office in Cebu City have made them leery of making another attempt to get financial aid that would have covered injections Leny needed regularly as an out-patient requiring twice a week maintenance hemodialysis treatments.

After securing medical abstracts and other documentary requirements at the hospital she received dialysis treatments and the Lapu-Lapu City Government, the sisters went on two separate occasions to the OVP to apply for medical assistance.

They failed to get the guarantee letters because each time, OVP security and administrative personnel told them they lacked a required document.

Both women are in their 60s-70s. Directly after her three-hour dialysis session, Leny needs her sister to assist her to commute for hours from Lapu-Lapu City to Escario St., where the OVP satellite office is located. They commuted to the Lapu-Lapu City Government, accredited pharmacies for the signing of their forms, and back to the satellite office, only to be told at the end of each day that they lacked another requirement.

No strangers to waiting patiently for medical aid from various government offices, Leny and Daya say that what discourages them from making a third attempt to seek OVP medical assistance is anxiety over the wasted unexpected out-of-the-pocket expenses, considerable for the elderly unemployed women, one being on dialysis.

Should something happen to my sister (if we make another attempt), will the government just look at her and say, we cannot help you because you lack another requirement, reflected Daya.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) expresses its profound gratitude for the overwhelming response of the Filipino people in support of the enhanced tourism campaign, Love the Philippines. Truly, there is so much more to love about our country than what we have so far articulated to the world. The public’s adoption and localization of the Love the Philippines tagline and logo to their own experiences, destinations, and offerings reflect our collective love of country and pride of place as Filipinos.

As one of the many other forthcoming components of the launch of the enhanced tourism campaign, the DOT’s contracted agency, DDB Philippines, prepared and published an audio visual presentation (AVP) which has recently been the subject of scrutiny on the alleged use of non-original shots in certain parts of the AVP. The DOT is currently conducting an exhaustive investigation to determine the veracity of, and to gather the full faculty of facts on, these allegations.

During the various meetings and consultations held relative to the tourism brand enhancement, the DOT, for its part, repeatedly sought confirmation from DDB on the originality and ownership of all materials contained in the AVPs and key visuals presented to the Department. In ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the DOT that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order.

While no public funds have been paid for the AVP in question as this particular component of the launch was released on the account of DDB, the DOT holds the responsibility of promoting the country to the highest standard. Therefore, it will not hesitate to exact accountability and take the necessary action to protect the interest of the country even as it continues to exhaust all efforts to develop and promote the Philippine tourism industry.

DDB Philippines profusely apologizes to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, the Department of Tourism and the Filipino people for the apparent use of non-original/stock footage in the audio visual presentation (AVP) shown in the launch event of the Love the Philippines campaign. As DOT’s agency on record for the launch of this campaign, we take full responsibility over the matter.

The AVP in question, uploaded by the agency on social media, was intended to be a mood video to excite internal stakeholders about the campaign.

It is important to note that the AVP was produced by DDB Philippines at its own expense, and no public funds were released or would be released, to fund the video. This was a DDB initiative to help pitch the slogan.

While the use of stock footage in mood videos is standard practice in the industry, the use of foreign stock footage was an unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part. Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed. The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate and contradictory to DOT’s objectives.

This is an isolated incident and the AVP has already been taken down as of this time.

The succeeding ad materials have yet to be produced for this campaign.

We are fully cooperating with and assure our full compliance towards DOT’s investigation of this matter.

We sincerely hope this will not diminish the genuine love and appreciation the stakeholders and the public have been showing for the Love the Philippines campaign.

The power of redirection is a wondrous thing. It may be frightening to have a dream upended in the blink of an eye and realize you’re made for something else but for Gabriel Angelo C. Avellanosa — nicknamed Billy — his shift towards a different path brought him closer to his true calling.

Billy was born and raised in Cebu City. He graduated from Velez College and became a licensed occupational therapist before fully starting his journey as an aviator in 2018.

In his foundational years, Billy had always been inclined to aviation — his interest started early as a child. He came from a family that worked in the same industry, so he was exposed to its inner workings.

He reminisced, “I can still recall the first time I ever sat in a cockpit. It was a magical thing seeing the sunset up close. My passion has been sparked by that core memory ever since.”

The 27-year-old pilot shared how much he admired seeing the magnificent views of the skies while watching different planes take off.

“My biggest inspirations are my grandfather and father. My grandfather was part of the Philippine Air Force Class of ‘64 and was a retired A340 captain. My father, on the other hand, is an A350 captain. Watching them achieve so many things during their respective careers prodded me to follow in their footsteps. I wanted to be like them.”

Billy shared that his grandfather used to tell him, “Don’t fall into the glamour of being a pilot. You have to work for it with the right attitude and discipline because it is not easy.”

To this day, he still lives by those words. Even in times of struggle, he perseveres.

Billy started his basic flight training at Airworks Aviation Academy in Mactan. After a year of intensive training, he was able to immediately acquire his Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating. Billy was among the first back of Airworks students selected for the First Officer Trainee program, in partnership with Cebu Pacific.

Founded in 1993, Airworks Aviation has become one of the top flying schools in the country, producing pilots from over 30 different countries with its large fleet of training planes. In its 30th year, it continues to serve with dedication and purpose in producing proficient and world-class airline pilots. It partnered with Cebu Pacific to provide a defined and fast-track pathway for future pilot graduates to have an opportunity to join one of the leading airlines in the Philippines.

Billy personally has Airworks Aviation to thank for the smooth trajectory of his career as a pilot. He attests that the quality education Airworks Aviation provided throughout his trainee years was fundamental to his success now.

“Airworks Aviation’s skilled and nurturing instructors aided me in developing the right attitude and discipline needed to successfully pursue my career,” shared Billy.

He expounded on how strategic the location of the school is; thus, providing the ideal space for pilots-in-training. It helps students develop a sense of how hectic ground and air traffic operations are -- it is a way to fully immerse trainees in the real workings of aviation. To top it all off, Airworks has a direct relationship with Cebu Pacific.

Billy shared, “All these factors have made Airworks Aviation a truly unique and excellent training ground for future pilots and aviators.”

Fast forward to today, Billy is an Airbus 320 first officer in Cebu Pacific and he aspires to be captain one day. Billy remarked how he still has a lot to learn about the industry and that he will take it one day at a time.

Though it can be said the path of pursuing your dreams is daunting, it also opens doors to new possibilities that align more closely with our authentic selves. Ultimately, it is in believing that one is only made for a singular path that we limit ourselves and what we can do. Gabriel Avellanosa’s story is proof that when the chance for change appears, one must take it, no matter how terrifying it is.

Cebu’s nightlife scene has just gotten more exciting with the launch of Apex Super Club on June 16, 2023 at City Time Square, Mandaue City.

Apex Super Club starts the party with its branded weekend nights: Rewind Thursdays, All of The Lights Fridays, Electric Jungle Saturdays and Pride Ball Sundays.

The club creates an electric nightlife experience with its state-of-the-art visuals, sounds and effects. With 50 tables and a 900-person capacity, the club offers a full-service experience with a fully equipped kitchen and VIP sections in the Sky Lounge. It also has a modular setup, allowing the space to be customized for any type of party or event.

More than just a venue, Apex Super Club aims to be a hub for events, stories, and experiences of Cebu. Guests can expect a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere where people can come together and create lasting memories.

Apex Super Club is located in City Time Square, Mandaue City, Cebu. Entry is open to those aged 18 and above with a regular fee of P100. Operating from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. every Thursday to Sunday, this dynamic venue promises an unforgettable “APEXperience” that will bring you to the peak of your party experience.

TO HELP kids stay busy and to help prepare the local schools for the Department of Education step-ladder competition, Moalboal will launch the 1st Mayor Inocentes Cabaron Summer Academic and Sports Enhancement Program on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

The free program will include clinics in basketball, volleyball, arnis, swimming, table tennis, tennis, badminton, sepak takraw and chess. Aside from sports events, the program will also have a capability-building seminar for school-based coaches and a campus journalism seminar.

There will also be free painting and music lessons.

“We want to discover new talents and to equip our teachers with the necessary tools for the next school year,” said Mayor Cabaron, a sports enthusiast who regularly plays tennis.

The basketball clinic will be a three-phase affair with separate seminars for barangay-based referees and coaches as well as for the 15-Under and 21-Under squads.

The participants of the basketball clinic will be tapped for the scheduled inter-barangay tournament later this year.

On the other hand, the capability-building seminar will be led by Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu athletic director Jon Ralph Inot and DepEd Cebu City sports supervisor Francis Ramirez. / ML

Nestled in the heart of Central Visayas lies a hidden gem awaiting discovery: Siquijor.

Known as the “Island of Fire,” this enchanting destination offers a delightful fusion of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and a captivating mystique. For Cebuanos seeking an extraordinary getaway, Siquijor provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Surrender to untouched beauty

Prepare to have your senses dazzled as you step foot on the untouched paradise of Siquijor. This undiscovered treasure is a masterful tapestry of pristine beaches, lush tropical woods and breathtaking waterfalls.

Dive into the inviting turquoise waters of Salagdoong Beach, where a thrilling cliff-jumping experience awaits. Indulge in a tranquil escape at Cambugahay Falls, immersing yourself in the cool, rejuvenating waters. Mount Bandilaan offers panoramic vistas of emerald hills and azure seas.

Immerse in cultural heritage

Step beyond the realm of natural beauty and be enveloped by Siquijor’s rich cultural heritage. Engage with the locals and venture into the realm of traditional healing. Immerse yourself in the fervor and magic of Siquijor’s vibrant fiestas, where fire dances mesmerize spectators. Unravel the secrets of the past and unlock the hidden meanings behind age-old rituals.

Plunge into island-hopping, snorkeling paradise

Delve into the island-hopping wonders of Siquijor, where sun-kissed beaches, azure waters and abundant marine life create a dazzling symphony of colors and sensations. Plunge into crystal-clear waters, witness vibrant coral formations and snorkel amid playful fish. Siquijor also offers a haven for diving enthusiasts, where vibrant coral gardens and curious sea turtles await.

Embrace tranquility

Siquijor’s spiritual retreats and serene ambiance offer a profound opportunity for Cebuanos to escape the noise of the world and embark on a transformative journey. Engage in meditation centers and yoga retreats, allowing your body to flow in harmony with nature’s rhythm. Find solace on Siquijor’s pristine beaches, offering a space for introspection and reflection.

Embark on a culinary journey

Siquijor beckons Cebuanos with a promise of culinary delights that mirror the island’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Engage with the locals, savor the freshest seafood, and sample traditional Filipino dishes with a unique Siquijor twist. The warmth and passion of the people add an extra level of enjoyment to the gastronomic experience.

Siquijor beckons Cebuanos to escape the routine, venture into the unknown and discover the magic within its shores. Whether seeking tranquil beaches or thrilling adventures, Siquijor offers an unforgettable experience. Allow its pristine natural beauty, entrancing appeal and gracious welcome to alter your perspective forever.

ONCE upon a time, in a magical realm where the sky met the sea, lived a wondrous creature: The winged whale. These magnificent whales had wings that sparkled in the sun and colors that dazzled the eyes. They resided high up in the sky, on mystical islands that floated among the clouds, and they were filled with happiness and joy.

The sky islands were a sight to behold. They were made of puffy white clouds and were surrounded by an aura of shimmering light. The islands were connected to each other by rainbow bridges, and each island had its own unique landscape. Some were covered in lush green forests, while others had towering mountains or cascading waterfalls.

For years, the winged whales flew and frolicked among the clouds, reveling in their freedom, and exploring the vast expanse of their sky homes. They flew through rainbows, played hide-and-seek in the clouds, and basked in the warm glow of the sun.

One day, as they soared over the deep blue sea, they felt an irresistible tug, a temptation they couldn’t ignore. The ocean was a vast expanse of shimmering blue water, stretching as far as the eye could see. The sun sparkled on the surface of the water, casting a warm glow that beckoned the winged whales down.

As they descended, the winged whales were amazed by what they saw. The underwater world was a kaleidoscope of colors, full of vibrant corals, schools of fish and strange creatures they had never seen before. The winged whales were entranced by the beauty of the ocean’s depths, with its swaying seaweed, glowing creatures, and hidden caves.

For a time, the winged whales were happy in the sea, enjoying the new sensations and experiences it offered. But soon, they began to feel a longing for their old home in the sky. They missed the freedom of flying and the beauty of their sky island.

And so, the winged whales leaped out of the water, flapping their wings and tried to return to the sky. But their wings were heavy and cumbersome, no longer able to lift them high into the sky like they used to.

Even though they could not fly like they once did, the winged whales still remembered their sky island, and they longed to return. And that is why, to this day, when you see a whale jump out of the water, it is said that they are reaching for the sky, remembering the temptation of the ocean and the home they left behind in the clouds.