Cebu Sun.Star

Thirty-two student-athletes from the University of Tennessee (UT) in the United States participated in sports games with members of Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. with the former making a visit to Cebu Doctors’ University located in North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Cebu on July 11, 2023.

The student-athletes are part of the university’s academic-based program dubbed VOLeaders Academy, which aims to “cultivate student-athlete leaders through sports to create positive social change.”

The student-athletes visited Cebu Doctors’ University in Mandaue City, and learned about wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball from the members of Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (Pads)—a local, independent non-government organization, “working to enable the PWD (persons with disabilities) community to grow and develop as independent, integrated, fully human and empowered citizens in society,” according to its official profile.

“Our experience here is very unique because we are able to visit three places—Manila, Coron, and now here in Cebu. It’s so interesting to meet people of different ages, and we’ve also been able to teach what we know,” said Griffin Hadley, a member of the UT men’s swimming team.

“But I tell you, they taught us a lot about native Filipino games,” Hadley said.

The UT student-athletes play several sports which include soccer, volleyball, golf, softball, tennis, basketball, track and field, baseball, football, rowing, swimming and diving.

Eye-opening activities

Marshall Steward, UT senior associate athletics director and associate provost of the university, shared that the activities were eye-openers for them, adding that the experience made them connect with each other through sports.

During their visit in the country, the delegation toured the Philippine Sports Commission in Manila, learned about arnis—the national martial art of the Philippines, and toured different universities. In Cebu City, they had a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia.

The 10-day trip is part of the program’s International Service Immersion Experience.

John Paul Maunes, chief executive officer and founder of Pads, marked the significance of this event, which represented “a culmination of efforts,” and is a “testament to the transformative potential housed by every athlete.”

Maunes added in his Facebook post:

“We are so thrilled to receive the adaptive sports equipment donated by the University of Tennessee VOLeaders Academy for goalball, blind soccer, blind basketball, running and OCR to promote the development of blind and deaf sports here in Cebu.” (HIC)

THE Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) is grooming Moalboal town in southern Cebu to become one of the major tourism investment destinations in the country.

Lawyer Karen Mae Sarinas-Baydo, Tieza assistant chief operations officer for tourism enterprise zone, made this announcement during the first-ever VisMin Tourism Congress 2023 held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu, Cebu City on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Baydo said Moalboal is part of their list of prime Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) and Tieza is on track on collaborating with the private sector to implement its masterplan for development to the town with the support of the local government unit (LGU).

“Cebu is a popular diving spot, especially in Moalboal and we have more or less 11 hectares that is open for diving community or integrated resort that can be developed,” Baydo said in her speech.

As part of its masterplan, Tieza wanted to fortify the diving community of Moalboal through the development of on integrated tourism complex.

This tourism complex will be the first in southern Cebu and will also be geared primarily toward fulfilling the requirements of professional and leisure diving, and other coastal tourist activities.

This also includes hotel or accommodation facilities, retails outlets, leasable commercial and office spaces, dive schools. (EHP)

THE Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) held Thursday, July 13, 2023, the 2023 Health Promotion Summit, which gathered health speakers and a number of participants at Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City.

With the theme “Strengthening Health System: Addressing Infodemic and Unifying Health Promotion Actions towards Universal Health Care in Central Visayas,” the event was initiated by the DOH Center for Health Development Central Visayas to strengthen capacities of the country’s health care system.

The Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act 11223) mandates that the Health Promotion Bureau must ensure appropriate and strategic work on developing and implementing healthy public policy, reorienting health systems to prioritize health promotion and prevention, and increasing health literacy.

Welcomed by the DOH Central Visayas for Health Development Regional Director Jaime Bernadas, the event had a series of keynote speakers and participants who talked about important issues and emerging health-related problems in the society.

In his opening remarks, Bernadas mentioned the unprecedented challenges that tested the resilience of the health care system.

“In recent times, we have witnessed the unprecedented challenges that have tested the resilience of our system,” he said.

He said the global Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for transformative measures and to ensure the provision of quality health care services to all.

He also stressed the significance of creating strong, long-lasting healthcare systems that can quickly adapt to changing conditions and successfully meet the requirements of the public.

Bernadas believes that collaboration and partnership are key factors to achieve a quality health care system.

“Collaboration and partnership are integral to achieving our goals. By forging strong partnerships and fostering cooperation among various stakeholders. We can leverage collective expertise and resources to build a resilient health care system,” he said.

Bernadas said the goal of the event is to ensure that “no one is left behind” in the pursuit of universal health care.

“We are confident that discussions and deliberations during this gathering will contribute significantly to shaping the future of our health system,” he said. (Claudine Flores, CNU intern)

REPAIR of a septic tank on Plaridel Extension in Cebu City continued Thursday, July 13, 2023, almost a week after vendors at Carbon Market’s interim building complained about stench leaking from the tank.

The area in the market that has been affected by the foul odor since Saturday, July 8, 202, is called the United Vendors Organization of Carbon Market (UVOC), wherein several concerned market dwellers had to put towels under their face masks.

On Thursday, July 13, plumbers were seen in the area trying to solve the problem.

The vendors said immediate action is needed, as the area is no longer safe for their health and livelihood.

“Among problema kay among health ba pati among customers, kay sige mi og hingos diri sa baho. What about sa among madamtan kung magkinaunsa? Kay baho man gyud kaayo,” said a UVOC vendor.

(We are worried about our health and that of our customers, as we keep on inhaling the foul smell. The smell is severe.)

Carbon Market Cebu assured that it will release an audio-visual presentation in its official Facebook page that will address queries on what really transpired. (Denise Mae Codis and Miguel Angelu Lumen, CNU Interns)

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia requested the assistance of contractors and sand quarry permit holders in desilting the Buswang River in Barangay Cambang-ug, Toledo City to prevent it from spilling during heavy rains.

During this week's meeting with quarry permit holders and contractors, Garcia mentioned encroachment issues with those who were awarded industrial sand and gravel permits by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB 7)

The Cebu Provincial Information Office reported via Sugbo News that since Odette hit Cebu in December 2021, permit holders Lida Ruelo, Gimar Besaes, and Earl Daniel Dumadag had ceased mining sand and gravel in the river.

Garcia noted that even though the start of El Niño has been announced in the country, the rains are still occurring.

The governor asked the stakeholders to cooperate with the government after the desilting operations.

Desilting is a process of removing silt and sand from the river that causes the river to overflow especially when it rains heavily.

If the problem isn't fixed, the flood risk for the homes near the river may increase.

As a result, some private individuals have pledged to assist RCV Construction in completing the desilting activities.(ANV, TPT)

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia appealed for cooperation and support to further promote Cebu's tourism to the rest of the nation and the world.

This was her statement to the delegates of the first-ever VisMin Tourism Congress 2023, which was held on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

Garcia underlined the need for unity and cooperation to fully realize the region's tourism potential, not just for Cebu but also for the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao.

According to Garcia, giving such a phenomenon structure is crucial so that “we can take stock of what we already know, our prior knowledge, our expectations for the future, and even our speculations about what might happen next. In doing so, we will be able to give the post-pandemic tourism industry the guidance it needs to increase both domestic and international tourism.”

In order to create sustainable tourism practices, promote cultural heritage, and improve the overall visitor experience, the governor invited tourism stakeholders to actively participate in determining the direction of the VisMin tourism industry.

Delegates to the VisMin Tourism Congress included representatives from the hotel, resort, and restaurant industry, airlines, and other tourism-related businesses.

The VisMin Hotel & Food Service Suppliers Show, VisMin Tourism Congress, VisMin Travel Sale, and VisMin Printing, Packaging & Plastics Show, are the four events that make up the Visayas and Mindanao Business and Tourism Sector Conference.

The invited speakers and specialists tackled on the latest business trends and development in the country's tourist industry, focusing on what the Visayas and Mindanao regions have in store.

The VisMin Tourism Congress strives to strengthen relationships and cooperation among stakeholders in addition to promoting sustainable tourism.

It provides tourism officials, governmental organizations, and regional communities a platform to collaborate on sustainable tourist development.

This entails exchanging best practices, discussing challenges, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.

The event includes speeches and presentations by well-known experts in the industry, offering participants valuable insights and motivation. (NWSSU Intern Juralyn Beso Baldomaro)

A 72-YEAR-OLD man graduated senior high school on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Daantabogon National High School, breaking stereotypes that age matters in education.

Carlos Saladaga, known as Tatay Carlos or “ALO,” took up General Academic Strand (GAS) under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) along with 44 others.

He is from Muabog, Tabogon, Cebu, father of one child and a grandfather of six.

Saladaga said that he received criticisms due to his age. But he did not let those words affect him because between them, he is the one who wants to achieve, firm in pursuing his studies despite having financial difficulties.

Inspirations

According to Saladaga, he was the only one among his friends who did not go to school.

"Sa una man gud, aduna ko'y mga barkada tapos sa among barkada ako ray wala ka eswela (I have peers before, and among them, I was the only one who didn't go to school)," he said.

"Og usa sad naka realize ko nga sa akong pag panarbaho mas nindot og nakuy ineskwelahan (One thing I also realized while working is that it would have been better if I had access to education)," he added.

Lymar Cueva, Saladaga’s former ALS teacher in junior high school, said Tatay Carlos is a hardworking learner.

"Usa siya ka kugihan nga learner ma’am. Eager gyud siya always nga makakat-on ug mapun-an ang iya mga nakat-onan. Active gyud siya always sa amoang mga class activities. Ug naa siyay gikalibugan sa among discussions, dili gyud na siya magpanuko og pangutana nako," he said.

(He is a hardworking learner, always eager to learn and expand his knowledge. He is always active during our class activities, and if he has any confusion about our discussions, he never hesitates to ask me.)

Cueva also highlighted an experience with Saladaga when he asked Tatay Carlos why he goes to school despite his age.

He said Saladaga replied that he wanted to be a good example, showing them that education is for everyone, regardless of age.

"Gusto nako nga makita sa mga kabatan-onan karon nga dili ulahi ang tanan sa pagskwela. Niskwela man gani ko nga tigulang na, sila pa kaha nga mga bata pa, ug pwede pa gyud nila magamit ang ilang gi-eskwelahan para sa ilang mga umaabot nga ugma," said Saladaga.

(I want the youth to see that it is never too late to educate ourselves. I even went to school even if I am old. The teens are even more capable because they are still young and can still work. Also they can use whatever they learned at school for their future.)

Future plans

Saladaga aspires to become an agriculturist.

"Gusto ko nga makatabang sa mga heroes of the land sama kanako mahiligon kaayo sa pananom ug organic ang mga pamaagi," Saladaga said.

(I want to help the heroes of the land who like me love organic farming.)

He also said that while studying as a senior high school student, he was also planting crops.

Now that he finished senior high school, he wants to immediately proceed to college. But he noted that it will still depend on their financial capacity.

Saladaga’s advice to those who stopped and did not return to school: "Kon unsa may goal nila sa ilang kinabuhi ipapadayon nila ang pagtu-on. Pag antusan gyud."

(Whatever goal they have in life, they should continue to study. They have to endure it.) (GK Marie Dejacto, CNU Intern)

PUBLIC school teachers are still doubling their efforts to meet the learning needs of students.

In an interview on Thursday, July 13, 2023, Marie Anthonette Rama, a teacher from City Central Elementary School, said they have been facing several struggles, as students nowadays lack interest in their studies.

"We do what is asked pero ang mga bata ug parents wala pa gyud sila na ready, nag adjust pa sila. They don't take school seriously unlike before," she said.

(We do what is asked, but the students and parents are not yet ready. They are still adjusting. They don't take school seriously unlike before.)

Rama said this problem has caused an increase in rate of absenteeism, which hampers students’ learning.

"Taas kaayo among absenteeism rate. They don't take school seriously anymore compared to previous, before sa pandemic nga ang bata mahadlok gyud moabsent," she said.

(Our absenteeism rate has increased. They don't take school seriously anymore compared to the pre-pandemic period when students are scared to get absences.)

Lack of school facilities, equipment

Rama also said that lack of school facilities and equipment remains to be a pressing problem in their school.

She said teachers have inadequate teaching and learning materials that would effectively engage students to learn.

She said the shortage of chairs and comfort rooms have been an issue, as it creates an environment that is not conducive for learning.

Charmaine Centino, a high school teacher from Cawayan, Dalaguete, Cebu, shared the same sentiments, saying some students also have poor academic performance, such as getting difficulties on reading.

Government support

Jesselby Lopez, an elementary teacher, said it is important to provide more seminars to support teachers in their teaching experience and disciplining the behavior of students, especially after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"I think sa support in terms sa mga seminars nga magamit sa mga teachers sa field especially nga mga bata karon kay two years sila ba nga naa sa pandemic, lahi man jud ilang behavior na," she said.

(I think it would be the support in terms of providing seminars that can be utilized by teachers on the field of teaching, especially that students experienced two years of pandemic. Their behaviors have changed.)

Lopez also said that they have taking enough time to teach students and develop their learning competencies and performance at school.

She hoped that the government will address the problems on classroom shortage and lack of teaching and learning materials in order to provide a good learning environment for students. (Camille Erika Butas, CNU Intern)

THE Philippine Plastics Industry Association Inc. (PPAI) is working on the transition toward producing single-used plastic through organic materials to ensure faster plastic decomposition.

"I hope everyone will realize that banning or stopping plastic [production] will never solve the problem; it will just worsen," PPAI president Aaron Lao told delegates of the first-ever VisMin Tourism Congress & Travel Sale, which runs from July 13 to 15 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotels & Casinos.

In his speech, Lao highlighted the continuing issues and challenges of plastic waste disposal in the Philippines.

"When I started at the Philippine Plastics Industry Association last 2003, plastic has already been a topic. Now it's been 20 years and the plastic packaging is still going strong," he said.

The Philippines is known to be one of the largest contributors of plastic waste worldwide, with 60 percent of the country only having large landfills without proper waste disposal, he added.

Fortunately, with several of the country's technological advancements in the plastics industry, Lao said that innovation paved the way to provide solutions on how to dispose plastic waste without compromising the environment.

"University of San Carlos has been prototyping on a bio-plastic made from shrimp shells and mango kernels... this can be the future of single-used plastics," he said.

Alongside Thursday event are The VisMin Printing, Packaging & Plastics Show and VisMin Hotel & Food Service Supplier Show 2023.

The VisMin Printing, Packaging & Plastics Show is back to sustain the ever-growing Visayas and Mindanao technological communities creating innovative solutions, highlighting the main environmental issue being waste management and disposal.

This year's event showcases new trends, technologies, products, and services, as it urged hotels and local businesses to properly dispose their plastic wastes. (Chrys Chelsea Bernales, UP Intern)

A NEW multipurpose building and a skate park are seen to rise soon in South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.

Cebu City Councilor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros proposed the project during the City Council regular session on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, saying it can be constructed on an empty one-hectare property in SRP.

He said the project would benefit young people and provide a location for sporting activities and other community meetings.

“However, we must recognize that there are still gaps in our infrastructure, particularly when it comes to recreational facilities that cater to the needs and interests of our youth,” he said.

He added that Senator Pia Cayetano is open to allocating funds if the City can offer an ideal location for the project.

“Two weeks ago, during the pre-qualifying nato nga kita Cebu City ang mo host sa Palarong Pambansa. Didto si Senator Pia and nakita niya ang situation, ang mga butang nga pwede niya ma tabang (Senator Pia was there and she saw what she can help),” Hontiveros said.

Meanwhile, the youngest son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vincent “Vinny” Marcos, who is a skateboard enthusiast, said during a meeting with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama last March that he would also look for a financial support for the project.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera said the blueprints had already been sent to the planning departments so they could be included in the project.

Hontiveros will leave Cebu together with Rama Thursday, July 13, to meet Cayetano and talk about budget and fund allocation. (Angel Leduna, CNU intern)

A 32-year-old farmer was arrested by the police in Dalaguete town, southern Cebu for two counts of statutory rape filed by his 14-year-old niece.

Dalaguete Police Chief Major Clemente Ceralde and his men served the arrest warrant against the suspect, Rene (real name withheld), who hails from the municipality’s mountain barangay.

The warrant was issued by Judge May Faith Lledo Trumata-Rebotiaco of the Regional Trial Court branch 94 based in Argao town.

No bail has been recommended by the court for Rene’s temporary liberty.

Rene told SunStar Cebu that he began abusing his niece last year when she was 13 years old and continued to do so until she got pregnant and gave birth to a child, who is now four months old.

Rene said that he and the victim would sleep next to each other at his aunt's house during the night.

“Diha mi sa balay sa akong iyaan sir unya usa rami ug pamuyo hangtod nga sa among sige ug tapad ug tulog nadala nadugay,” matod ni Rene.

(We lived together at my aunt's house, sir, we were sharing a bed for numerous nights up to the moment (our emotions overcame us)).

The suspect reasoned out that what happened to them could not be considered rape because they both wanted it.

He added that the minor would even cry if she could not sleep next to him. (BBT, TPT)

THE income of Oslob town has gradually increased due to the continuous influx of tourists and visitors to the area.

According to the recent Annual Audit Report of the Commission on Audit (COA), the local government has registered P35.3 million in tourism revenue since 2022, following the nation's three-year battle against the Covid-19 outbreak.

This is more than the P3.4 million in tourism-related profits that were generated in 2021, when there were travel restrictions that prevented most people from visiting the area.

The fourth-class municipality's total revenue last year was P265,249,031.3.

The Internal Allotment Revenue (IRA) or its share from the national government, which totaled P149 million, is one of the key contributors.

The well-known whale shark viewing in Barangay Tan-awan had the highest income in the town's tourism industry last year with P31,028,100, an increase from P2,278,210 in 2021.

Sumilon Island came in second with P3,081,870, Tumalog Falls came in third with P1,170,769.50, and Monkey Viewing came in fourth with P67,089.

Even though the municipality's tourism sector has begun to rebound, its income is still smaller than it was prior to the epidemic.

In 2019, whale shark watching activities brought in P120 million for the local government. (ANV, TPT)

THE Globe Group extended vital telecom support to the Provincial Government of Cebu’s quarterly service caravan that unfolded from mid-May to early June this year. This initiative presented a broad array of government offerings closer to the residents of cities and municipalities across Cebu’s ten districts.

Globe provided robust fiber and wireless connectivity solutions for the operations of the Caravan of Provincial Government Services, including the demands of live streaming in select areas. This contribution ensured seamless delivery of digital services, particularly in areas with limited accessibility.

In addition, the Group dispatched a dedicated team to manage SIM registration for individuals yet to meet this obligatory regulation. The team helped the public, particularly the elderly and individuals using basic or keypad phones, in ensuring their SIM cards are registered and kept active.

Globe’s support spanned from the first day of the caravan, providing aid in Barili, Medellin, Bantayan Island, Dalaguete, Alegria, Catmon, Consolacion, Pilar, and Tudela in Camotes Island, and Carcar City.

"Globe is dedicated to creating a positive societal impact by harnessing the power of technology to unite, empower, and advance communities. This partnership with the Provincial Government of Cebu is a testament to that," said Patrick Gloria, Globe Group Vice President for External Affairs. "We are proud to be part of this initiative that brings government services closer to the people, helping bridge digital gaps, and fostering stronger communities."

Mayor Avis G. Monleon of Catmon town also expressed gratitude towards the effort and encouraged residents to register their SIMs, saying “Register now and do not wait until the deadline of July 25, 2023. Thank you, Globe, for your support! I hope everyone here today will benefit from the Government Services led by our beloved Governor Gwen Garcia.”

The caravan facilitated residents with various transactions in one location, including medical and legal consultations, veterinary assistance, and comprehensive social welfare and agricultural assistance. It also served as a one-stop hub for major government services such as PhilHealth, Land Transportation Office, Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, and Pag-IBIG Fund.

The support provided to the Cebu Provincial Government is part of the Globe Group's broader mission to promote digital literacy and inclusivity, and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Globe is looking forward to further collaborations in support of the community and enhancing access to digital services.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

IN LIGHT of its remarkable contributions to revitalizing fishing communities of Cebu province following Typhoon Odette, the Aboitiz Foundation's "Project Banca" was awarded Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience at the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) CSR Guild Awards last July 6, 2023.

Together with its Cebu-based Aboitiz business units, the Aboitiz Group successfully aided in the recovery of fishing communities and families affected by the calamity. Project Banca helped restore livelihoods by providing fisherfolk with the necessary equipment to resume fishing activities.

"We are humbled and honored to receive the Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience award for 'Project Banca.' Being able to uplift and have a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the calamities is already an achievement for us, but this recognition will further fuel our determination to continue supporting communities in their journey towards recovery and resilience," said Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan.

Coinciding with the launch of "Project Banca" on April 4, 2022 was the transfer of brand new bancas to beneficiaries in Talisay City, Toledo City, and Liloan Municipality, in Cebu.

The event represented the collaborative efforts of the Aboitiz Foundation, the local government, and the resilient communities aiming to empower fishing communities and revive the local economy.

The boats donated help fishermen catch fish more efficiently and safely.

In just two months, the beneficiaries caught 645 kilograms of fish, which they sold for a total of P129,000. With their fishing activities back on track, the lives of 75 fisherfolk and their families significantly improved.

“Project Banca” is an integral component of the Aboitiz Group's #RebuildCebu Campaign, which aims to assist in the rehabilitation of areas severely affected by Typhoon Odette in Cebu province.

The recognition of the Aboitiz Foundation's "Project Banca" as the Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience underscores the Aboitiz Group's strong commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.

As the Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it is powered by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial spirit, and through initiatives like Project Banca, it actively fosters and encourages that entrepreneurial spirit among fellow Filipinos, even in the face of setbacks and natural disasters.

By providing support, resources, and resilience training, Aboitiz empowers entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and create opportunities for themselves and their communities. (PR)

THE members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cebu City Field Unit seized several weapons and ammunition when they conducted a raid on a gun manufacturer’s home in Purok 3, Barangay Bunga, Toledo City, midwest Cebu.

The operation was headed by CIDG Cebu City Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Randy Korret last July 7 at 5:55 a.m. that resulted in the arrest of Marjon Medalle Empis, 33, a resident of the said place.

The CIDG men were armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Ruben Altubar of Regional Trial Court Branch 29 in Toledo City.

At least six firearms, including a .45 Colt pistol with seven rounds, a .45 Tactical STI handgun with six rounds, three .22 rifles, and a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver and different types of ammunition, were confiscated by the authorities.

The police also found a pack of suspected shabu weighing two grams with a standard drug price of P13,000 and drug paraphernalia.

In light of the upcoming Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections in October, Korret claimed that the CIDG head office has stepped up its efforts to seize unlicensed guns.

Police Brigadier General Romeo Caramat, the director of the CIDG, stated that they will continue to pursue and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.

"The CIDG reaffirms to the public that it will continue to be persistent in enforcing the law against anyone who violates it and ensure that they will face the consequences of their crimes behind bars in adherence to the CPNP PGen Benjamin C Acorda Jr’s aggressive police operations under his 5-focused agenda,” Caramat said.(AYB, TPT)

THE Cebu City Government is already about 80 percent complete with its Spaghetti Wires Eradication Project, which started in 2019.

The program aims to provide maintenance to different areas in the city with spaghetti wires, or low hanging and overhead wires. These are wires that are tangled in a complicated web that takes a long time to comb through and arrange.

Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo said in a phone interview that they have continued their operations against spaghetti wires and have been responding to requests from different barangays in the city.

He said they started the operations in Colon and Osmeña Blvd. area, and they are now moving to midtown and uptown Cebu City.

Guardo said that on average, they recover 50 kilos of dead wire from Monday to Friday.

He said their team is composed of personnel from different telecommunication companies and they do the operation every day. Areas where they operate depend on their schedule, but they respond to requests immediately.

He said the project has been ongoing as they see it as part of the telco’s routine and maintenance job work, and as part of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s program to eradicate spaghetti wires.

Guardo said the project is necessary as it helps make the city clean, especially now that the Rama administration is pushing for a Singapore-like city.

The councilor added that once all the spaghetti wires are eradicated, they are looking at putting them underground.

He said the City already received an unsolicited proposal on underground cabling, and once it is approved, the contractor can start the installation of the overhead wires.

Underground installation, he added, is necessary so as not to see a repeat of what happened during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, when Cebu City was devastated, with electric poles toppled by the storm. (Kyle Andrei D. Acuña, NWSSU Intern)

A 59-YEAR-OLD man was stabbed by his nephew due to a land dispute.

The incident took place at 2:30 pm. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Barangay Tañañas, San Fernando town, southern Cebu.

Police identified the victim as Jacinto Paradero Taping and the suspect as Danilo Taping Cajes, a 44-year-old farmer.

Taping was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a stab wound in the chest, while Cajes was arrested by the police in a follow-up operation.

Police Major Mark Anthony Villanueva, chief of the San Fernando Police Station, told SunStar Cebu that the nephew was drunk before the crime.

Villanueva pointed out that while the two were arguing over a lot issue, Cajes pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed his uncle. (GPL, TPT)

A 44-year-old man who was accused of beating his wife was arrested in the hospital around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, in Naga City, southern Cebu.

Th suspect was identified as Anselmo Huylar Ong, a resident of the city’s Barangay Langtad.

Ong was detained as a result of the court’s issuance of a warrant dated August 31, 2022 for his arrest for violating Sections 5(a) and (b) of Republic Act 9262, also known as the Violence Against Women's and Children Act.

Lieutenant Colonel William Homoc, the chief of the Naga City Police, served the warrant to the hospital where the suspect was being treated in Barangay South Poblacion, Naga City.

Ong acknowledged that his case began when he attacked his wife last year. (BBT, TPT)

A 22-year-old passenger electric bike (e-bike) driver was arrested during a buy-bust operation carried out by the operatives of Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Cebu Police Provincial Office past 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in Sitio Gabon, Barangay Lawaan 2, Talisay City.

The operation was directed by PIU head Police Major Antonio Ananayo Jr. that resulted in the arrest of Marlon Alcano Dizon, a resident of Sitio Lawis, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City.

Seized from Dizon were suspected shabu weighing about 110 grams with a standard drug price of more than P700,000.

Ananayo said that before the raid, they monitored Dizon for two weeks after receiving information from other detainees that Dizon was the source of their drug supply.

Dizon said he worked as a passenger e-bike driver and sidelined as a construction worker during an interview, but made no additional comments.

He will be charged with violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, or Republic Act 9165. (BBT, TPT)

A 12-year-old boy who was driving a car to buy water was instead brought to the police precinct after he accidentally hit another vehicle ahead of him.

The incident occurred in Uldog Street, Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City on Wednesday afternoon, July 12.

The boy, whose name is withheld, said his parents instructed him to drive the car to buy water but he instead got into an accident, according to City of Talisay-Traffic Operation Development Authority (CT-TODA) head Jonathan Tumulak.

Since the offender is a minor, the CT-TODA has worked with the parents to resolve the situation. (BBT, TPT)