Cebu Sun.Star

SEVERAL infrastructure projects are set to be constructed in Danao City, northern Cebu following the desire of some businessmen to invest in the city.

The Danao City Highland Leisure District, the reconstruction of the city's public market, the construction of a parking building, the upgrading of the transportation sector by private company TransportX, the establishment of a sports complex, and the phase 2 construction of a bulk water project are among the projects that are anticipated, according to Ramon Gorre, officer-in-charge of the city's Planning and Development Office, who made the announcement during the recent Investment Forum.

The highland leisure district will include restaurants, coffee shops, high-rise office buildings, condominium units and road networks. It will be set up in a 200-hectare area.

There will also be two 18-hole golf courses near the leisure district.

The projects also involve the renovation of the Danao City Public Market, the building of the Guinsay Satellite Market, and a parking structure that can accommodate 350 cars and 300 motorbikes.

The parking building is anticipated to generate an income of P25 million annually.

The city administration will also partner with TransitX for the establishment of solar-powered flying pods.

It also plans to undertake Phase 2 of the Bulk Water Project and build a sports center in Barangay Maslog with an Olympic-sized swimming pool that can accommodate sporting occasions like the CVIRAA (Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association) meet and Palarong Pambansa.

The P30 million bulk water project consists of a water treatment facility in Barangay Guinacot that would provide water to the homes via underground pipelines, as well as a water dam with a capacity of 25,000 cubic meters of surface water.

A large mall, a car showroom, a food manufacturing facility, a hospital, residential units, and a waste-to-energy facility are all anticipated to emerge in the city.

Mayor Thomas “Mix” Durano said the city is open and ready to embrace the people who want to invest their money and start businesses there to advance the city's growth. (ANV, TPT)

SOME local government units (LGUs) in Cebu have started using their own promotional videos to advertise their delicacies and travel destinations under the Department of Tourism's (DOT) "Love the Philippines" slogan.

On Monday, July 10, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia advised all mayors in the province to utilize the slogan to draw more tourists to their places.

The motto has so far been used on the social media pages of Toledo City and the municipalities of Badian, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Minglanilla, and Tuburan, and it has drawn varied reactions from netizens, including the department’s controversial promotional video.

Last Monday, mayors, congressmen, board members and other officials in Cebu attended the launching of a Tourist Rest Area in Medellin town, northern Cebu, where they showed their support to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.(ANV, TPT)

THE deadline for the quarterly payment of business taxes and fees in Cebu City is on July 20, 2023.

This was announced by the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) and the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) recently.

Business owners and taxpayers are urged to meet the deadline to avoid fines.

Those who fail to settle their dues on the said date will pay a surcharge of 25 percent and an interest of two percent per month on the unpaid amount.

The satellite offices of the CTO and BPLO, which are situated on the ground floor of Robinson's Galleria in North Reclamation Area will be open on July 15, a Saturday, to receive payments.

For inquiries or assistance, please coordinate with the Cebu City Treasurer's Office or the Business Permit and Licensing Office. (NWSSU Intern Juralyn Beso Baldomaro with TPT)

ALL systems go for the Newtown School of Excellence, Inc. (NSEI) as it welcomes enrollees from Lapu-Lapu City and its surrounding areas this coming school year, 2023 to 2024, which will also mark a return to full face-to-face learning setup after three years of online and hybrid classes due to the pandemic.

NSEI is an educational institution located inside pioneering township developer Megaworld’s 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township. It offers academic programs for Preschool (Nursery and Kindergarten), Elementary (Grades 1 to 6), and Secondary (Grades 7 to 9) levels.

“After three years of holding online and hybrid learning set-ups, we are very excited to welcome new and current students in August as we finally begin holding face-to-face classes following the Department of Education’s guidelines on the resumption of five days of in-person classes. Given this, we continue to implement plans ensuring that everyone’s health and well-being are protected and make our school a safe haven for kids as they learn within our institution,” says Sergio M. Sarza, school principal of NSEI. Holistic education anchored on Christian values and technology NSEI currently has two buildings housing a total of 16 classrooms that can accommodate up to 30 students each. It also hosts a modern library, school clinic, a General Science laboratory, computer laboratory, a Technology and Livelihood Education classroom, playground, and a multipurpose gymnasium.

All these, along with the superior quality education that the school provides to each student, make NSEI an ideal location for families looking for a vibrant learning environment to nurture the full potential of their children.

The school focuses on holistic development with the goal of helping the students develop core values anchored on Christian Living principles. Apart from this, the curricula in different programs offered in the NSEI are also technology-based and geared towards harnessing academic excellence and proficiency among each student.

Families who will be enrolling their children at NSEI this school year can avail special discount rates as follows: 50 percent subsidy on tuition fee for employees of NSEI, for new and existing unit owners of residential projects within The Mactan Newtown, and for employees of business process outsourcing or any office tenants within The Mactan Newtown; and a 20 percent subsidy on tuition fee for children of Megaworld employees, its subsidiaries, and/or affiliates. An institution of choice located within a prime address One of the many important components located inside The Mactan Newtown, NSEI completes this integrated urban township’s live, work, play, and learn experience.

NSEI stands as the best institution of choice for children of the expat community and residents of Lapu-Lapu City, nearby towns and cities, as well as the children of those working in companies and businesses within The Mactan Newtown and the surrounding area.

Being inside The Mactan Newtown, the school will also have access to its own beachfront, allowing the institution to conveniently utilize the beach facilities for school activities.

For more inquiries about the Newtown School of Excellence this coming school year, you may visit https://www.facebook.com/thenewtownschoolofexcellence. You may also call (0917) 606 1377, (032) 238 0039 or (032) 344 1670. You may also email [email protected] or [email protected], or visit the school office located along Newtown Boulevard, The Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

AYALA Center Cebu is hosting a Fashion Sale from July 14 to 16, 2023 and is picking three lucky raffle winners for a shopping spree rebate of up to P20,000.

Take your wardrobe choices and accessories to the next level and feel like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine when you shop at Ayala Center Cebu.

Shoppers eligible for the raffle may drop their coupon entries at the designated box by the Concierge at The Gallery, near the mall’s Torque Lounge.

The raffle draw will be held on July 17 at the Concierge in the presence of a Department of Trade and Industry representative. The winners will be announced on Ayala Center Cebu’s official Facebook account.

For more information on the sale, visit www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu or call the Ayala Center Cebu concierge hotline at 888-3790 loc 3790. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

A Chinese businessman lost his cash and other personal belongings to the four unidentified persons while he was buying goods at the Carbon Public Market in Cebu City.

The incident took place at 9:20 a.m on Monday, July 10, 2023.

According to a police investigation, the victims identified as Jason Montero Co, a 49-year-old Chinese national, and his helpers Virgilio Zanzan Lerin, 46, and Alberto Lerin, 16, both of Loon, Bohol, were loading stocks onto Co's white van (GAT 6858) when the perpetrators appeared and ordered them to get inside the vehicle.

The criminals then commandeered the car to Campo 4 in Talisay City, where they stole P100,000 in cash, a cell phone, and an ATM card from Co.

They also bound the victims' hands and feet with duct tape and had them wear blindfolds before fleeing.

The victims were later discovered by the barangay tanods inside the van.

The attackers, who were described by the victims as having massive build, are still at large.

Police officers from the Talisay and Carbon police stations are searching for CCTV cameras in areas where the victims were abducted and transported. (AYB, TPT)

THE Cebu Provincial Government will work with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to increase the number of Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) throughout the province, as it aims to attract more visitors and promote economic growth.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia made this commitment during the official turnover and inauguration of the TRA in Barangay Poblacion, Medellin town in northern Cebu on Monday, July 10, 2023.

Medellin’s TRA is the first among the 10 TRAs in the country to be completed and inaugurated.

Three other TRAs in the province that broke ground last year have yet to be completed. These are located in Carmen town in northern Cebu, and Carcar City and Moalboal in southern Cebu.

The six other TRAs that are still under construction are in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Baguio City, Palawan, Bohol, Samal Island in Davao Del Norte, and Bukidnon.

A Tourist Rest Area, one of the DOT’s flagship programs under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., encompasses a 300-square-meter zone with a coffee shop, pasalubong center, tourism information area, comfort rooms, and charging stations. Tourists can use the facility for free.

Garcia said the Province will match the number of TRAs that the DOT will construct in the province. The governor is the mother of DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, who recently faced criticism due to the agency’s tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” and the now-deleted tourism audiovisual presentation featuring stock footage of locations outside the country.

The official turnover and inauguration in Medellin were attended by several public officials, demonstrating support for the tourism secretary. A municipality under the fourth congressional district, Medellin is located 119 kilometers north of Cebu City.

Capitol’s TRA

Governor Garcia said that while there will be a total of four TRAs in Cebu Province, the Province will start by constructing only one TRA because the DOT has yet to complete the construction of the other three TRAs.

Garcia said Bogo City, Medellin’s neighbor, will receive the first TRA sponsored by the Capitol.

In an interview, Garcia expressed the possibility of constructing more TRAs than those planned by the DOT, as she intends to supplement the project in cities and municipalities throughout the province.

“If the mayors ask, we just cannot refuse,” she said.

The governor said that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing ceremony with the DOT is scheduled for August. The MOA will outline her plans to replicate the TRA project, adopting the same model and architectural design as the tourism agency.

Garcia added that the DOT will incentivize the best-managed TRA in the future, and the TRAs built by the Capitol can participate in the rewards program.

Boost for Medellin

Medellin Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr. said he is grateful that his town is the recipient of the DOT’s first batch of Tourist Rest Areas.

Mondigo said the facility will significantly boost tourist arrivals in his town, especially since many residents who lost their jobs due to the closure of sugar mills during the Covid-19 pandemic have turned to tourism as a source of income.

Manifesto

Forty-four mayors, 12 district representatives, business leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and other stakeholders signed a manifesto of support for Frasco following the tourism video fiasco.

In her speech, Frasco said she is thankful for the support she received from the Cebuanos during these challenging times.

“My grandfather, former governor Pabling (Pablo) Garcia, always used to say that when the heart is full, the mouth cannot speak. Let me begin by simply saying thank you. Daghan kaayong salamat (Thank you very much),” she said.

Frasco also revealed plans to build an additional 15 TRAs in various locations throughout the country. But she did not give specifics on the plan.

THE recent rains and unpredictable weather have caused delays in the construction of Package 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT).

This is according to CBRT project overseer Roberto “Bo” Varquez, who said that workers typically prepare the site in the morning for concreting at night. However, the rains that have been occurring on several nights have hampered their work.

“The weather is very unpredictable, and it’s a big concern for us,” Varquez said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

He also said his office is monitoring the situation and that the City Government has extended support to the contractor, Hunan Road and Bridge Construction, allowing them to work on weekends.

If the inclement weather persists, Hunan Construction might consider subcontracting work on some areas, but there is no final decision yet, according to Varquez.

The center islands in some portions along Osmena Boulevard from Fuente Osmeña Circle to Abellana National School have already been removed. The two skywalks along the route are also scheduled for removal within this month, Varquez said.

Varquez said the removal of center islands is necessary due to the limited width of the roads, and to ensure smooth bus operations.

The CBRT overseer said they have requested the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that the bus route from Package 1 be extended all the way to the Cebu Business Park, which is part of Package 2, even before the infrastructure for Package 2 is built, to get commuters to be familiar with the route.

Phase 1 of BRT project has a budget of P16.3 billion, and is composed of three packages.

Package 1, awarded to Hunan Construction for P900 million, covers 2.38 kilometers from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).

Package 2 consists of 10.8 kilometers of routes from the Provincial Capitol to Cebu IT Park in Barangay Lahug, and another route from CSBT to the South Road Properties (SRP).

It is composed of two routes: one is from the Provincial Capitol to Cebu IT Park traversing Escario Street, Gorordo Avenue, Archbishop Reyes Avenue and M.J. Cuenco Avenue, while the other is from CSBT to SRP traversing N. Bacalso Avenue.

Package 3 will include 22.1 kilometers of routes from the Cebu I.T. Park to Barangay Talamban and from the SRP to Talisay City.

Varquez asked the public to be patient, saying once Package 1 is ready, people can start to see and appreciate the value of the CBRT.

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged two infrastructure projects in the town of Compostela in northern Cebu, citing issues on non-implementation, unused government funds and insufficient detailed engineering design.

In its 2022 Audit Report, COA revealed that Compostela had not implemented the construction of Community College despite receiving P6 million in funding assistance for it from the Cebu Provincial Government, and that it had also not utilized as of the end of 2022 the P3 million in Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) it received for the building of a multi-purpose hall in Barangay Poblacion.

The COA also cited the insufficient detailed engineering design that caused the delay in the implementation of the construction of Phase 1 of the multi-purpose building.

The state auditor added that the non-implementation and non-utilization of these funds have deprived the constituents of the use and benefit of the projects.

Community College

On Dec. 29, 2020, the Municipality of Compostela received financial assistance from the Province of Cebu for the three-phase construction of a community college. However, as of December 2022, the fund remained unutilized, COA reported.

The state auditor said the project was procured and awarded to a contractor on Feb. 29, 2022, and on March 3, 2022, a notice to proceed was issued by the previous administration of Froilan Quiño to the contractor.

However, suspension orders were issued on March 7 and March 25, 2022, due to the relocation of the site and the election ban, respectively, while orders to resume were then issued on March 11, 2022 and July 1, 2022.

COA also reported that a separate procurement for the backfilling project (the process of filling in the excavated area around a foundation or structure) for the proposed Community College was conducted with the final payment of this recorded in February 2022.

But the agency found out that the contractor for the project had zero accomplishment as it did not resume the construction works for the project.

Multi-purpose building

A Local Government Support Fund amounting to P3 million was awarded to the Compostela local government unit (LGU) on Sept. 30, 2020 for the construction of a multi-purpose hall in Barangay Poblacion. However, it remained unutilized for over two years and was not reverted back to the source agency.

COA said this contradicts the Guidelines on the Release and the Utilization of the LGSF-Other Financial Assistance (FA) to LGUs in the Fiscal Year 2020 General Appropriations Act provided under Department of Budget and Management Legally Binding Contract (LBC) 122 dated Jan. 31, 2020.

According to Item 3.15 of the LBC, if at any point before Dec. 31, 2021, the LGU determines that the funds can no longer be utilized, for example when the program(s) and the project(s) cannot be implemented for any reason or when the same have been funded from other sources, the amount received by the same LGU from the LGSF-FA to LGUs shall be immediately reverted to the National Treasury.

The fund should have been returned to the source agency in compliance with the above-mentioned guidelines on Dec. 31, 2021.

However, COA found out that the former mayor awarded the contract for the construction of Phase 1 of the multi-purpose building only on Feb. 15, 2022, with the notice to proceed awarded on Feb. 21, 2022.

However, the municipal engineer failed to present necessary data on the project and upon deeper inquiry, personnel from the Municipal Engineering Office claimed that the project was 80 to 90 percent finished.

Furthermore, the COA said detailed engineering investigation, survey and design for the project was not sufficiently carried out by the Compostela LGU prior to the implementation of the project as evidenced by the suspension order and variation order issued by the Municipality on July 4, 2022 due to the inadequate backfill materials to stabilize the slab on the ground, contributing to delays in the project.

The election ban had already earlier suspended work on the site from March 25-June 30, 2022. The two suspension orders thus extended the completion date of the project from June 20, 2022 to Nov. 4, 2022.

COA said the Compostela LGU violated Section 17.6 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184 stating that no bidding and contract awards must be given to a contractor unless the “detailed engineering and investigations, surveys and designs” including the right-of-way acquisition for the project has been carried out.

Recommendations

COA recommended that the Compostela LGU examine the extent of the delay and consider imposing liquidated damages or terminating the contract with the contractor for the unimplemented construction of the Community College pursuant to Section 9 of Annex E of the Revised IRR of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003.

Replying to the COA, the Compostela LGU said it is preparing the documents for the termination of the contract for the proposed Community College, citing its infeasibility and its requirement of more funds for completion. The town will also request the realignment of the funds to its other priority projects.

As for the multi-purpose building, the state auditor recommended, and Mayor Felijur Quiño agreed, that the Compostela LGU request for an extension from the source agency for the utilization of the funds and project implementation, or else the funds must be returned to the source agency.

COA also suggested that the municipal planning and development officer and the municipal engineer ensure that projects funded from assistance are timely implemented in accordance with the guidelines.

The Compostela LGU also agreed to the COA’s recommendation to conduct reasonably accurate and sufficient detailed engineering for all its projects henceforth to reduce or eliminate the need for variation orders that delay the completion of projects. (EHP with Claudine Flores, CNU Intern)

THE Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec 7) has delisted over 20,000 voter registrations in the province of Cebu ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30, 2023.

The data provided by Comelec 7 to SunStar Cebu show that as of July 10, 2023, there were 20,633 delisted voters in Cebu.

In a statement last week, the Comelec’s central office said that as of July 7, some 381,906 voter registration records nationwide have been deleted or abated.

A large majority of records delisted are those with identities of two or more voters’ fingerprints based on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (Afis)—244,775.

Coming in second are voters who have already transferred to another city or municipality— 131,574.

Other reasons for deletion include voters found to have double/multiple records at the city/municipal level (3,306); voters who are deceased as reported/confirmed by the local civil registrars (2,075); and voters who failed to vote twice in two succeeding regular elections (176).

Final list

The Comelec aims to release the certified and final computerized voters’ lists for the BSKE by Aug. 1.

In Cebu, majority of the removed registrations were voters who transferred to another city or municipality—9,172 voters.

A total of 6,215 voters with two or more fingerprints detected by the Afis were removed from the list.

A total of 5,231 confirmed deceased voters and 15 voters with multiple or double records in the city or municipality were also delisted.

With these changes, the number of voters for BSKE 2023 in Cebu province reached 3,384,185.

However, the Comelec 7 said these figures may be subject to change due to the ongoing evaluation process. (UP CEBU INTERN CHRYS CHELSEA BERNALES, HDT / SunStar Philippines)

RENOVATIONS of the sports facilities at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

CCSC manager Jovito Taborada said in an interview on Monday, July 10, 2023, that more than 25 workers are working to finish the adjustments being made at the sports complex.

However, the construction timeline may be delayed depending on weather condition, he added.

As of Monday, two major sports installations, a 15-meter and a 25-meter swimming pool, were still under construction.

Taborada said they are working first on the smaller pool. After completing it, they will proceed to work on the bigger or the lap swimming pool, which is the standard size for sporting events such as the Palarong Pambansa.

Pools’ new features

New features of the swimming pools will include a new footer in the center and a pool marking that will be one meter away from the wall to prevent swimmers from getting injured.

Taborada added that once both pools are completed, the oval located in the middle and other additional sports facilities at CCSC will be refurbished next.

The CCSC has been closed since May 18, to give way for renovation and repair works in preparation for Cebu City’s bid to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2024. (CNU INTERN DENISE MAE CODIS)

SM GROUP’S 2GO Travel is bent on helping the country’s domestic tourism recover faster by offering an enhanced and unique onboard experience—cruising on domestic seas.

“Whatever the airline is experiencing (in terms of passenger count), it is the same with shipping. We are also experiencing revenge travel,” said Blessie Cruz, assistant vice president and group head for 2GO’s Marketing, in an interview during the group’s Cebu roadshow on July 6, 2023.

Cruz said while airlines now bombard travelers with a lot of promos to fly, there is still a big market left for sea travel.

“At the end of the day, sea travel is still the most affordable, especially if you are from Manila and you want to go to Mindanao,” she said.

Citing one of their studies, Cruz said there are still a lot of Filipinos who opt for sea travel because aside from affordability, slow travel has become their idea of “me time.”

“Me time is their main agenda. They don’t want to rush,” said Cruz, adding that sea travel is also ideal and economical for big groups. “Sea travel is also for a leisure traveler who is open to ideas and unique experiences.”

Since the resumption of leisure travel, Cruz said 2GO Travel has been enjoying some 20 to 30 percent growth month-on-month, even if April-May school breaks were moved to June-July.

To provide a cruise-like experience on domestic seas, 2GO has put on board SM brands to offer guests a unique shopping experience.

“All of the SM brands are now onboard. We are also showcasing the capability of the vessel to hold various activities on board,” said Cruz.

2GO recently held an invitation-only festival at sea dubbed sail-elebration where content creators traveled for free and enjoyed three days of workshops, masterclasses and a concert onboard while experiencing stunning sea views and onboard amenities such as hotel-like accommodations, sundeck, salon and spa, and a variety of dining options onboard mv 2GO Masagana, one of 2GO’s most modern vessels.

“This is our way for young travelers to experience the best of the Philippine sea,” she said.

2GO Group Inc. is the largest end-to-end transportation, logistics and distribution provider in the country. At its core are six business units, namely 2GO Sea Solutions, 2GO Special Containers and Value-Added Services, 2GO Express, 2GO Forwarding, 2GO Logistics and ScanAsia Overseas.

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. expressed alarm on Monday, July 10, 2023, over the involvement of fugitives in raids conducted in Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) firms.

During a press conference in Camp Crame, Acorda said there is a possibility that these fugitives were using Pogo hubs to avoid arrest.

The PNP is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to address the entry of foreign fugitives into the country, according to Acorda.

The PNP is also strengthening its intelligence operations against these individuals, Acorda said.

Last May, seven foreign fugitives were arrested during a raid in a Pogo hub in Clark, Pampanga.

On June 27, seven fugitives, including four Chinese nationals and three Taiwanese, were apprehended during the execution of a search warrant in Xinchuang Network Technology Inc., a Pogo hub in Las Piñas City.

During the Las Piñas raid, over 1,200 foreigners were rescued.

The fugitives will be deported back to their countries where they are facing charges for committing fraud and engaging in the illegal drug trade, among other charges.

PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) Director Sidney Hernia said they are not discounting the possibility of more foreign fugitives hiding in Pogo hubs. His unit has requested the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to include them in regular inspections of Pogo hubs. Pagcor is also developing a policy to address the matter based on the ACG’s recommendations, he said.

Sen. Win Gatchalian said in a statement that the arrest of fugitives in Xinchuang, an accredited Pogo firm, is further evidence that the Pogo industry is “deeply entrenched in criminal activities” and disregards the rule of law.

“It is clear that even legitimate Pogos are involved in crime... This proves that Pogo industry players are merely using their licenses as a front while perpetrating various crimes in the country,” he said in a mix of Tagalog and English.

He reiterated his call to ban Pogo operations in the country, emphasizing the negative impact they have on the nation’s security and well-being.

“We have already discussed this with the President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.]. He is very concerned about the crimes happening in Pogos. The economic managers also agree that no matter what advantages or promotions we have in the Philippines, if there are crimes like this, we will be ruined immediately, and our efforts for the country will be wasted,” he added. (TPM)

THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) is urging retail players across the Philippines to join the cause in pushing growth and resiliency in retail by encouraging more women to get into business.

This is one of the things that the group hopes to achieve as it holds this year’s national convention, highlighting for one, the power of women.

To inspire more women to get into business and break barriers, PRA president Rosemarie Bosch Ong announced the group picked Ayala Land’s director, Mariana Zobel de Ayala as the headliner of the 29th National Retail Conference Expo (NRCE).

According to Ong, with Ayala’s impressive business acumen and leadership skills, “Ayala will share insights on how women’s representation and voices can bring innovation to the table, enrich the decision-making process, and achieve more inclusive and equitable outcomes in retail.”

She will also discuss the pleasures and pressures of being in the fourth generation of a Philippine business family and the importance of staying relevant.

The NRCE is slated from Aug. 10 to 11, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. This year’s expo is anchored on the theme: “Retail Breakthrough.”

Ong said Ayala is the perfect fit for this year’s groundbreaking event, “as she is a true trailblazer in her own right.”

“We believe that she’s an embodiment of a retail breakthrough as she’s an example of a strong woman leader who is not afraid to make a giant leap, embracing new advancements and discoveries to use it and make the necessary steps to achieve success,” Ong said in a statement.

NRCE 2023 overall chairman and Rustan Commercial Corp. president Donnie Tantoco hopes to inspire and motivate attendees through Mariana’s keynote session on “The Power of Women at the Forefront of Progress” to break down barriers and shatter stereotypes, paving the way for future generations.

Stores run by women

One sector that records the most number of women involved and leading the way is the sari-sari store sector.

A study conducted by Packworks’ intelligence tool, in partnership with Fourth Wall, showed that 75 percent of the thousands of sari-sari stores analyzed are owned by women.

The report also identified that only 20 percent are male-dominated and five percent are unknown. Sari-sari stores are small retail shops commonly found in residential areas across the Philippines, selling a wide range of consumer goods, from food and beverages to household items.

“The high percentage of sari-sari store ownership by women shows that Filipinas virtually control much of the local economy,” said Andres Montiel, Packworks’ head of Data in a statement.

Since about 70 percent of manufactured goods are transacted in sari-sari stores, women’s domination of sari-sari store ownership puts them in a position to make a difference in the country’s economic life, the study said.

Economic sectors, therefore, must open their doors to women, as women’s labor participation in some industries is still low. Institutions must also empower women by boosting skills training initiatives to ensure they can participate fully in the country’s economic growth, the study noted.

For the past 28 years, the NRCE has been the biggest and longest-running retail industry event in the country where top retailers and suppliers converge in one venue.

It provides retailers with fresh insights, new perspectives, as well as actionable strategies from industry leaders to help accelerate the growth of businesses in the country.

FILINVEST REIT Corp. (FILRT) of the Filinvest Group is expanding its leasing portfolio despite headwinds as it looks to add over 12,000 square meters (sq.m) in new leases as well as new co-working spaces designed to meet present customer needs.

Co-working facility operators and new business process management (BPM) tenants—fueled by growth prospects brought about by locating in FILRT’s dependable and sustainable locations—are looking to add about 7,000 sq.m in new leases.

FILRT is also in advanced talks with two major BPM firms looking to expand their current leases with FILRT.

An American professional services firm headquartered in New York with about 100,000 employees globally is about to sign for an additional two floors in one of FILRT’s 16 buildings in Northgate Cyberzone in Alabang.

Another existing tenant, a BPM company headquartered in Europe with over 50,000 employees globally, is expected to follow suit for an additional 2,300 square meters of office space.

This brings FILRT’s expected new leases to 12,400 sq.m. This is on top of the almost 10,300 sq.m. of new leases signed earlier this year. (PR)

THE Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec 7) has delisted over 20,000 voter registrations in the province of Cebu ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30, 2023.

The data provided by Comelec 7 to SunStar Cebu show that as of July 10, 2023, there were 20,633 delisted voters in Cebu.

In a statement last week, the Comelec’s central office said that as of July 7, some 381,906 voter registration records nationwide have been deleted or abated.

A large majority of records delisted are those with identities of two or more voters’ fingerprints based on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (Afis)—244,775.

Coming in second are voters who have already transferred to another city or municipality— 131,574.

Other reasons for deletion include voters found to have double/multiple records at the city/municipal level (3,306); voters who are deceased as reported/confirmed by the local civil registrars (2,075); and voters who failed to vote twice in two succeeding regular elections (176).

Final list

The Comelec aims to release the certified and final computerized voters’ lists for the BSKE by Aug. 1.

In Cebu, majority of the removed registrations were voters who transferred to another city or municipality—9,172 voters.

A total of 6,215 voters with two or more fingerprints detected by the Afis were removed from the list.

A total of 5,231 confirmed deceased voters and 15 voters with multiple or double records in the city or municipality were also delisted.

With these changes, the number of voters for BSKE 2023 in Cebu province reached 3,384,185.

However, the Comelec 7 said these figures may be subject to change due to the ongoing evaluation process. (UP CEBU INTERN CHRYS CHELSEA BERNALES, HDT / SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES)

THE Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) has joined hands with the BDO Capital & Investment Corp. (BDO Capital) in arranging a P5 billion syndicated corporate notes facility with other domestic banks, to support ASA Philippines Foundation Inc.’s (ASA) credit expansion for underserved women.

The state-run bank said the proceeds will be used for ASA’s working capital to reach and empower more women in the country through the provision of accessible financing.

ASA’s five-year corporate notes issuance was classified as the first-ever Gender Bonds in the country, as certified by social bond second-party opinion provider DNV and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The issuance of the first-of-its-kind bonds was launched on July 5, 2023 in Pasig City. Landbank Investment Banking Group and BDO Capital jointly arranged the syndicated transaction, with RCBC Trust and Investment Group serving as the security trustee and notes facility agent.

Other lenders to the transaction include BDO Unibank Inc., Philippine National Bank, Bank of the Philippines Islands and Security Bank. (PR)

D&L ON Monday, July 10, 2023, told the local bourse it had already soft-opened its Batangas plant with several production lines already up and running.

D&L expects full commercial operations in the next couple of months after the final fine-tuning works on the remaining parts of the plant have been completed. D&L’s Batangas plant sits on a 26-hectare property in First Industrial Township - Special Economic Zone in Batangas.

The plant will enable D&L to move a step closer to its customers by providing customized solutions and simplifying its supply chain, which is of high importance given ongoing global logistical challenges.

The new plant will also be instrumental in D&L’s goal of putting the Philippines on the map as a quality manufacturing hub for sustainable, natural and organic products.

The company said it is gearing up towards launching a full range of shelf-ready products for its export customers, made from coconut oil, for personal and baby care, cosmetics and beauty care, household cleaning, health and nutrition, and food and vegetable oils categories that are sustainable, natural and organic. D&L Industries is a Filipino company engaged in product customization and specialization for the food, chemicals, plastics and consumer products ODM industries. (PR)

Nutrition Month Philippines is an annual campaign organized by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and promote healthy eating habits among Filipinos. With the alarming rates of malnutrition and food insecurity in the country, this month-long campaign plays a crucial role in educating individuals and communities about the significance of a well-balanced diet.

The inception of Nutrition Month Philippines can be traced back to June 1974 when Presidential Decree 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, was signed. This marked the establishment of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), which was tasked with overseeing and coordinating the national nutrition program. In the same year, Letter of Instruction 441 directed the Department of Local Interior and Government to address malnutrition in the country.

Since its creation, Nutrition Month has been observed throughout the entire month of July. Each year, the NNC selects a specific theme that reflects the current nutritional challenges faced by the country. This theme serves as the focal point for various activities and initiatives aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and raising awareness about proper nutrition.

The primary objective of Nutrition Month Philippines is to improve the nutritional status of Filipinos and combat malnutrition. The campaign aims to educate individuals about the importance of consuming a well-balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. By raising awareness and providing information on nutrition, the NNC hopes to empower individuals to make informed choices regarding their diet and lifestyle.

Another key objective of Nutrition Month Philippines is to advocate for the enactment of national and local legislation and policies that support an enabling environment for healthy diets. This includes ensuring that healthy foods are affordable and readily available to people of all economic classes. By urging the food industry, including producers, distributors, retailers, and restaurants, to offer healthier food options, the campaign seeks to transform the food landscape and promote healthier choices.

One of the key focuses of Nutrition Month Philippines is to ensure that healthy food is accessible and affordable to all Filipinos. The NNC, along with various stakeholders, works towards implementing measures that make nutritious food options more readily available. One such effort is the advocacy for the enactment of legislation and policies that support affordable and healthy diets.

The campaign also encourages the food industry to offer healthier food options. This includes promoting organic and seasonal products and educating food establishments on how to prepare meals without harmful ingredients. By providing information and support to farmers, manufacturers, distributors and food establishments, the NNC aims to create a food industry that prioritizes healthier choices.

Education and awareness play a vital role in promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition. During Nutrition Month Philippines, various educational activities are organized to increase knowledge and understanding of nutrition among individuals and communities.

Education camps and workshops are conducted to teach people how to read nutrition charts and make informed decisions about their food choices. Schools and workplaces also actively participate in the campaign, organizing events and activities that promote nutrition awareness.

The success of Nutrition Month Philippines relies heavily on collaboration and advocacy from various stakeholders. Government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), educational institutions and community leaders all play a crucial role in spreading awareness and implementing initiatives that promote nutrition.

Local government units are actively involved in the celebration of Nutrition Month, organizing events and activities that engage the community. NGOs and advocacy groups also contribute to the campaign by conducting nutrition programs and initiatives at the grassroots level.

Over the years, Nutrition Month Philippines has made a significant impact on the nutritional landscape of the country. Through its educational campaigns, advocacy efforts and collaborative initiatives, the campaign has raised awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits.

The campaign has led to increased knowledge and understanding of nutrition among Filipinos, empowering individuals to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. It has also spurred the food industry to offer healthier options, making nutritious food more accessible and affordable to a wider population.

Furthermore, Nutrition Month Philippines has played a crucial role in advocating for legislation and policies that support an enabling environment for healthy diets. By pushing for affordable and accessible healthy food options, the campaign seeks to address the issue of food insecurity and improve the overall nutritional status of Filipinos.

As we observe Nutrition Month Philippines, let us all strive to make healthy food choices, support local farmers and food establishments that prioritize nutritious options, and advocate for policies and initiatives that ensure affordable and accessible healthy diets for all Filipinos. Together, we can create a healthier and more nourished nation.

Mountain resorts offer the ultimate opportunity to soak in breathtaking views where the whole world lies below your feet. As Cebu transforms into a buzzing hub of busy souls and industries, finding a secret hideaway becomes crucial for a crowd-free reboot of your mind and body.

Guillen Plantaciones, dubbed “Baguio of Cebu,” is located at Sitio Gabi, Cantipla, Sudlon 2. This mountain retreat will tell the story of a newfound grandeur of Cebu’s hilltops while supporting the neighborhood.

“When my friends asked me to find a wonderful mountain spot, this mountain view is the one I could really say that I fell in love with,” said owner of the mountain farm and resort, Butch Guillen.

According to Butch, although this is a glamping experience combined with nature exploration, he highlighted that the resort provides unmatched opportunities for farming.

Guests have the unique privilege of personally harvesting their own produce and purchasing it at a significantly reduced market price.

In a heartwarming collaboration, this opportunity not only brings delight to the guests but also extends a helping hand to the dedicated farmers in the neighborhood. These passionate individuals are given the chance to nurture and tend to a diverse range of produce, from tomatoes, lettuces to cucumbers, even sweet strawberries and more.

It’s a beautiful synergy where guests and farmers come together, fostering a sense of community centered around the joy of farming.

During its grand opening on July 8, 2023, Butch took the opportunity to honor his loyal and trusted team members, which included farmers, helpers, construction workers, and more. Each of them was granted an elevated position where they could personally attend to the guests with utmost care and devotion.

“When we started conceiving this during the pandemic, our workers up to now are the locals here down to the farmers. We did not hire anyone from the outside but instead we kept the local farmers and provided them jobs to construct roads and gardens until it became a mountain resort farm,” said Butch.

With deep admiration for the locals’ commitment, Butch entrusted them with housekeeping, farming techniques, and pool maintenance. He reassured the guests that if anything went missing, the trustworthy locals would return it intact. A bond of trust and care flourished, which will make Guillen Plantaciones a beloved gem in Cebu.

“That’s the beauty that we also created while beautifying this area. When I bought this property three years ago, this is a barren land with no road access. We developed it and planted 350 pine trees and more bountiful plants,” said Butch.

Butch expressed his desire to promote organic farming and an eco-friendly menu sourced directly from the mountain resort and farm’s garden. This commitment ensures that guests can enjoy fresh, sustainable and chemical-free produce, fostering an environmentally conscious dining experience with his wife’s personal menu.

“We want everything to be fresh. If you look at the menu, we grow our own native chicken, and as much as possible we want this place to be sustainable,” said Butch.

At Guillen Plantaciones, solar power is harnessed for electricity, a vision that Butch and his family had long before the place was developed. The water source is also an underground spring, and the locals are encouraged to construct rainwater catchment systems, promoting sustainable water usage.

Their vision is to elevate hospitality to new heights and leave a lasting impression to the hearts of its visitors.

As the mountain farm and resort continue to grow, the Guillen family aims to support local crafts and traditions by providing training opportunities for locals, particularly women, in various activities.

Being devout Born Again Christians, the family has created a prayer room within the mountain farm and resort. Here, visitors can seek solace, meditate and connect with God amid the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

As the popularity of glamping rises, Guillen Plantaciones stands out by not only supporting the local community but also providing a diverse array of amenities and facilities that offer a truly unique way to explore Cebu.

Guillen Plantaciones offers A-shaped cottages with private toilets and showers. Each cottage features a bonfire area, while the Cliff resorts provide their own private pools. Additional amenities include an infinity pool, “Veranda Resto + Bar” for dining, ATV rides, horseback riding, a Wishing Well, a children’s playground, jogging/walking paths, a 360-degree viewing area, and a “Pick & Pay” section for harvesting vegetables and strawberries.

Future plans for the resort include a clubhouse for large gatherings and events, a wedding garden, zipline and other adventure trails, a firing and archery range, and an organic/hydroponic farm.

If one is looking for a meaningful retreat to fresh mountain air and incredible views, Guillen Plantaciones will make it worthwhile by unearthing the untapped beauty of Cebu’s majestic hilltops like never before.