Crisis breeds success in cebu

CEBU CITY—The global financial crisis has one advantage to Cebu because it has led to a highly successful project that has brought business to the most rural corners of the country, while expanding the production base of the region’s world-class creative industry.

The unique program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas in cooperation with exporter-members of the Cebu Gifts, Toys and Houseware Foundation (Cebu-GTH) is a subcontracting scheme—the Subcontracting Partners for Innovation (SPIN)—under which rural craftsmen supply the needs of the foundation.

It was awarded early this month with the 2009 Presidential Citation for Best Practices after its successful bridging of the rural suppliers with international exporters in Cebu.

The SPIN has spread to nine regions—from all of the Visayas to Central Luzon and the Ilocos to Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga in Mindanao, according to DTI Central Visayas director Asetria Caberte.

In one year, the program that started with P500,000 in seed budget from government has successfully facilitated P67.175 million in orders by Cebu-based exporters to rural suppliers, mostly weavers.

“This project could not have come about if not for the economic crisis,” said Caberte. “As exporters tried to cut their costs, they found subcontracting one viable option. As the industry prepares for the upswing, the exporters now have a larger production base and at the same time had their eyes opened to new creative opportunities.”

In various parts of the country, indigenous tribes are now weaving for the export market through world-class designers from Cebu. In one subcontracting community, former rebels and rebel recruiters are now either trainers or subcontractors.

“We took this as an opportunity to bring business to the countryside especially in conflict areas,” said Caberte.

No other region could better lead the project than Cebu, a hotbed of the creative soul and the country’s biggest and most successful producers and exporters of world-class furniture, fashion accessories, and GTH items.

More than 2,600 people are directly benefiting from the SPIN project after training was brought to 35 rural-based enterprises. The Cebu GTH industry, led by its president Jenifer Cruz, is leading the training of countryside weavers and craftsmen. So far 13 giant Cebu exporters are taking part and more are expected.

“The exporters were surprised at the craftsmanship they see in the rural areas. And the designers, they can create many things out of them,” said Caberte. “A bag made in one community may be made into table mats and ordered by volume.”

Caberte said in one instance, Cebu exporters were brought by DTI to the backwoods of Talaingod town in Davao del Norte to visit a tribe of Manobos, who are expert weavers.

The Manobos are now also among those who supply the needs of the exporters for their unique fabrics, which is blended into various design creations for the export market.

source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/13466-crisis-breeds-success-in-cebu.html

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P250 million allocated for anti-poverty program in Cebu City

Cebu City– In line with the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in this city, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Region 7 office has allocated P250 million for the project’s five-year duration period.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and DSWD’s Margarita Sampang who supervised the implementation of the Program, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (M0A) to formalize the partnership with the City distributing financial assistance amongst identified beneficiaries.

The Program is a poverty-reduction strategy by the Government which includes the provision of conditional cash transfer to extremely poor households identified by the DSWD.

It hopes to break the poverty cycle by addressing hunger, low educational achievement, high maternal and infant mortality rate, high malnutrition rate and child labor among the poor.

The Program also entails the direct provision of cash to family beneficiaries where parents are obliged to send their children to school and visit health centers regularly.

To recall, DSWD 7 has identified 10 most depressed areas in the city, including Barangays Tejero, T. Padilla, Sawang Calero, Duljo-Fatima, Inayawan, Mambaling, Kalunasan, Sudlon I, Sudlon II, and Tagba-o.

These barangays have a total 3,000 identified beneficiaries of 4Ps wherein each family beneficiary will receive cash aid from the DSWD over a five-year period. Under the program, R6,000 is given to each family for health and nutrition expenses every year for six years and P3,000 for each child, up to a maximum of three children per family for educational expenses.

Moreover, each household with three qualified children shall receive a subsidy of P1, 400 per month or P15, 000 annually as long as they comply with the requirements.

Beneficiaries unable to comply with the DSWD-prescribed requirements will be subject for suspension of the cash grants or, worse, expelled from the program.

The program is expected to provide primary education, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and promote gender quality.

To date, some P3.5 million have already been disbursed by DSWD 7. The amount represents the first batch of cash distributed under the program in the city. A total of P46 million has been distributed in the entire region.

source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/211813/p250-million-allocated-antipoverty-program-cebu-city

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Over 100 inmates in Cebu, Bulacan observed for A(H1N1)

MANILA, Philippines - Over 100 inmates in jails in the provinces of Cebu and Bulacan are under observation for A(H1N1) symptoms, a radio report said Monday.

Radio dzBB’s Cebu affiliate reported that at the Mandaue City Jail, 100 inmates have been placed under observation after they showed A(H1N1) symptoms since last week.

The symptoms prompted the Bureau of Jail Management in Central Visayas to shorten time for jail visits.

As of Monday morning, the report said “only" 67 of the 100 suspected cases had flu-like symptoms.

Meanwhile, 10 inmates at the Bulacan Provincial Jail were quarantined Sunday after showing A(H1N1) symptoms.

Radio dzBB reported that the 10 inmates were placed in a holding area separate from other inmates’ cells.

Provincial administrator Pearly Mendoza said the inmates appeared to recover fast after they were given medication.

Mendoza said changes in the weather and lack of space may have helped the spread of the flu symptoms.

But the incident also prompted jail officials to conduct thermal scanning of visitors before they can enter the jail compound.

Jail officials also reminded the inmates to observe personal hygiene.

As of July 9, 2009, the Health department has recorded 2,688 cases with 95 percent recovery rate at 2,543. Four swine-flu related deaths have so far been reported.

As of July 6, the World Health Organization recorded 94,512 confirmed cases worldwide with 429 deaths. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/167775/Over-100-inmates-in-Cebu-Bulacan-observed-for-A(H1N1)

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Cebu retailers bullish on last quarter, 2010; spending will not equal 2007 level

CEBU CITY — Retailers are looking forward to the last quarter when consumers shop for the holidays, and to 2010 when election spending is projected to fuel consumption and drive up retail sales.

They don’t, however, expect to duplicate the double-digit growth rate achieved in 2007, an election year, because of the continuing global financial crisis.

"It’s still going to be challenging. To go back to double-digit growth as in 2007, an election year, will be extremely difficult because of the external environment now," said Bernie H. Liu, chief executive officer of Golden ABC, Inc. and director of the Philippine Retailers Association Cebu chapter, at the sidelines of the third Cebu Regional Retail Conference yesterday.

Mr. Liu said it could take another year or two for the global and the local economy to fully recover from the crisis.


"Nobody really knows when the economy would recover. Even (US President Barack) Obama can’t say when. But the environment in Cebu is not as depressing," he added.

Cebu’s retail industry is not as badly affected by the crisis as the other sectors and is projected to continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace than in 2007, because of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, the overseas Filipino workers and their families, and the tourists.

Focused markets

"These are our focused markets that are stable. We’re still very positive. Maybe, it won’t be the same kind of growth, but we expect some growth nonetheless," said Marissa N. Fernan, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. vice-president for marketing in Visayas and Mindanao, in a separate interview.

She said food continues to be the top seller, followed by apparel and electronic gadgets.

There is, however, a shift in consumer preference — from high-end to more affordable products.

Mr. Liu said some retailers cope with this "obvious and daring" shift in consumer behavior by repositioning their product mix.

For Golden ABC, Mr. Liu said they have come up with non-apparel products such as fashion accessories that cost less than P200. Golden ABC makes Penshoppe, Oxygen, Memo and ForMe apparel and accessories.

"Our accessories are growing by 300% while growth in apparel is a little lower," he said during a panel discussion.

Advertising

Despite the shift in consumer preference, Ms. Fernan said there has been no let-up in advertising efforts.

"Our budget (for advertising) is bigger. It’s times like this that more than ever, we need to boost promotions," she added.

Pinky Yee, managing director of Goldilocks, said retailers can’t afford to lose presence in the market. The last thing to go in times of crisis should be advertising, she added.

"We just have to be creative in reaching out to our customers. Have a strategic partner and work together," she said.

Ms. Yee also noted the need to maintain product quality despite being squeezed by the high cost of raw materials, ensure product availability and stay attuned to customers’ needs.

Source: BusinessWorld


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Cebu Pacific overtakes PAL in global ranking

MANILA - Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific said Wednesday it has overtaken older local carrier Philippine Airlines in terms of number of weekly flights as of June. The Gokongwei-led budget carrier cited data from global flight information and data solutions company Official Airline Guide (OAG).

In a statement, Cebu Pacific said it now ranks 65th among world airlines--7 notches higher than PAL's 72nd rank this month.

Cebu Pacific has 1,655 weekly flights as of June this year, higher than PAL's 1,566.

"This new leadership milestone was a result of the airline's sustained focus on offering the newest planes and the lowest possible fares to its passengers," Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog said.

Delta Airlines ranked first with 26,898 weekly flights, followed by American Airlines (24,893) and United Airlines (23,996). Among Asian airlines, China Southern Airlines had the highest ranking (11th) with 9,440 weekly flights.

At present, Cebu Pacific said it is now Asia's third largest budget airline, serving 32 domestic destinations and flying to 14 cities in the region. Iyog said the airline's reach will be expanded further with the delivery of 15 new Airbus A320 over the next three years.

By 2013, Iyog said Cebu Pacific should have a total of 27 Airbus aircraft and 10 turbo-prop ATRs, the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. On top of these, she said the Gokongwei-led airline is considering to buy five more planes.

"We are about 40 percent cheaper on average than the other airlines. So with low fares, new planes, and the convenience we offer by flying from four hubs--which allowed direct flights within regions anddid away with flying via Manila--we are in effect are offering what the people want and need," she said.

Cebu Pacific uses its four hubs (Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao) to fly 1,401 times weekly within the Philippines and 264 times weekly in Asia.

"We will continue to seek ways to expand and make more people fly. We have a great busines model that has shown domestic growth despite the present global downturn. We are confident that our march to further growth will continue," she said.

Cebu Pacific ferried 6.7 million passengers last year, and is expecting to carry close to 9 million this year. From 2010 onwards, the airline is looking at higher passenger traffic with the arrival of new aircraft and the growing list of destinations.

Source: ABS-CBN News

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Dancing Inmate's Michael Jackson tribute

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Cebu dancing inmates to perform 'Thriller' tribute for Jackson

MANILA, Philippines - On Saturday afternoon, more than 1,400 orange-clad Cebu inmates who gained worldwide attention for their rollicking “Thriller" performance on YouTube will pay their last respects to the late King of Pop.

“Everyone’s sad," Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), told GMANews.TV in a phone interview.

“Malaki talaga si Michael Jackson sa programa namin. [Michael Jackson really played a big part in our program]," Garcia said.

Ever since the "dancing inmates" were reported by international news organizations, Garcia said inquisitive tourists have been drawn to the CPDRC. The image of Philippine convicts has never been the same since.

“Kung ‘di dahil sa kantang ‘Thriller’ ‘di magkakaroon ng global recognition ang mga inmates ng Cebu [If it weren’t for ‘Thriller’ the Cebu inmates wouldn’t have global recognition]."

If it weren’t for ‘Thriller’ the Cebu inmates wouldn’t have global recognition
– Byron Garcia, CPDRC
The CPDRC inmates perform every last Saturday of the month to almost 600 visitors for free. On June 27, they will stage a repeat of the Thriller dance routine that made them famous as a tribute to Jackson, who died of a heart attack Thursday in Los Angeles.

The moonwalking pop star drove the growth of music videos, vaulting cable channel MTV into the mainstream after the network’s launch in 1981. His 1982 hit "Thriller" spawned a John Landis-directed music video that MTV played every hour.

Fast-forward 25 years later and Garcia, who noticed that the inmates were bored with the usual morning exercise, sought the help of choreographer Vince Rosales and adapted Jackson’s iconic moves into a four-minute routine.

Crisanto “Dodong" Niere, the Cebu inmate who impersonates Jackson in the routine, said he was saddened by his idol’s sudden death.

"He is sad his idol died," an official from the CPDRC who spoke with Dodong told GMANews.TV. [See: Cebu inmate impersonator sad over Jackson’s death]

The video has since generated more than 23 million views after it was posted in 2007 and has even been hailed by TIME Magazine as one of the best viral videos of that year.

Garcia said the inmates’ popularity might gain another momentum as shocked fans continue to look online for anything that would remind them of Jackson.

The YouTube video that made Cebu inmates a household name has become a virtual epitaph for Jackson, where fans post their condolences. But Jackson’s fans logging on to watch the dancing inmates appeared overwhelmed with joy, at least for a while, after watching the 4-minute video.

“Stunning," Vidya said before posting “R.I.P to the King."

Source: GMA News

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Cebu Pacific launches one way ‘Go Lite’ fare for its Cebu hub services

Value-airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) is offering a PHP286 one way ‘Go Lite’ fare for its Cebu hub flights to boost local tourism and trade amid the present economic slowdown.

The seat sale include flights from Manila to Cebu and Cebu to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumagete, Iloilo, Roxas, Siargao, and Zamboanga.

The promotional sale is for travel from 15-Jul-2009 to 31-Aug-2009. Sale is from 24-Jun to 26-Jun.

‘Go Lite’ fares are for passengers traveling with no check-in baggage. Passengers with check-in bags have to add P200 to the fare.

CEB vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said, “Our seat sale supports the government’s efforts to stimulate economic activity by promoting tourism which in turn supports the various local industries that depend on tourism growth. Cebu Pacific’s trademark low fares will allow both foreign and local tourists access to the many destinations our country has to offer.”

Source: Peanuts.aero

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Cebu tourism up 8.5% despite global crisis

Cebu posted an 8.51 percent growth in tourist arrivals despite the drop in key foreign markets at the onset of the global economic crisis last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said Cebu drew close to 650,000 tourists out of the 3.13 million tourists that visited the country last year.

He said most of them were traditional visitors like Koreans, Japanese and Americans.

European tourists topped the country's arrivals with Russian tourists comprising 34 percent of the market followed by France with 19 percent and Great Britian with 10 percent.

“DOT’s efforts to diversify and offer new tourist products like adventure, diving and bird watching provided the impetus to stimulate increase in awareness of the country’s tourism potentials,” Alburo told local media at last week's Tourism Congress.

However, Alburo said the global crisis caused a significant drop in foreign tourist arrivals with Korean tourists declining by four percent and Japanese tourists by seven percent.

The number of Chinese tourists likewise dropped at 4.5 percent.

“Either people were losing jobs or people were not sure about their disposable income. In times like this, people tend to travel less far, less long and less expensive. They are staying in their home countries as domestic tourists,” he said.

Alburo said the DOT has shifted marketing efforts towards attracting more domestic tourists through events like the Philippine International Travel Fair (PITF) on June 25 to 27 at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

The PITF is expected to gather 100 buyers worldwide to meet Philippine sellers of tourism packages, products and services.

Another event, the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Mart on July 10 at Edsa Shangri-La Manila will set up foreign buyers with Philippine suppliers, Alburo said.

“Cautious but optimistic is the attitude of tourism players who believe that people will always travel for pleasure. The key word now is value in terms of what you get, for what you pay and your experience,” said Alburo.

While the H1N1 virus scare will affect tourism performance this year, Alburo said it is important that government is shown doing its best to contain the outbreak.

“What we are after now is image. Wearing masks affect the images because people will immediately react that the disease is not contained. This perception may lead to cancellation (of bookings and other travel plans),” he said.

Source: Cris Evert Lato Cebu Daily News

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Flourishing Real Estate Investment Opportunity in Cebu

Escalating number of tourists in Cebu paved way for an increase in foreign investment that flourished the real estate industry in the city.

Cebu has been considered as one historic city over the decades. The place holds the first traces of Christianity brought by the Spaniards and served as the capital for the early commercial trade. The rich natural resources that includes pristine forests and stunning white sand beaches has been effective in attracting tourists and potential investors making Philippine investment property prosper in the place.

Modern facilities have replaced the old and dilapidated buildings that quickly created an image of a convenient modern city. Foreign investment has driven the economy’s success paving way for real estate opportunities. Specialists from DSR Asset Management Ltd have been assisting investors as to what potential properties yield high returns on investment.

Property investment in Cebu such as the City Loft and Ramos Tower has brought the modern and luxurious dwelling style in order to address the increasing demands for quality condo hotel properties. Foreign ownership of condominium units and houses are permitted but the land remains leased for up to 50 years and must be renewed for another 25 years.

Buying a condominium unit can become a turnkey investment as well as hassle free and simple once an overseas property specialist is consulted. Aside from enjoying the modern facilities, proximity to schools and other establishments can also be benefited. Owning a property has never been this convenient.

Source: PR Log

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Cebu mayors vow to close all open dumps in 30 days

CEBU CITY — Expect the shutdown of all existing open trash dumps in the province within the next 30 days as the provincial government and 47 municipal mayors have committed to hasten efforts to comply with Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

In lieu of the open dumps, the provincial government and the mayors agreed to jointly work for the establishment of a materials recovery facility (MRF) in every barangay as an initial measure of compliance.

Assistant Secretary Gerardo Calderon of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cited Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and all the 47 town mayors for their commitment and support to the Zero Basura Caravan, which enjoins provinces, cities and municipalities to actively take part in the national government’s campaign to close all existing open dumps.

Local officials here also agreed to adopt measures for proper and safe closure as prescribed by the DENR and the National Solid Waste Management Commission of which Calderon is the executive director.

The Zero Basura Caravan is a joint nationwide project of the DENR, the NSWMC and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.

In a statement, LMP national president Ramon Guico Jr. said the caravan has covered more than half its target.

“We have in fact already covered all regions in Luzon and almost done with the Visayas,” he said.

Looking at the critical role of the local government units in the garbage problem, proper waste management implementation and the climate change dilemma, the DENR, the Department of Health and the LMP are drawing together local chief executives from all over the country to comply with RA 9003 through a program dubbed as the “Interconnectivity Caravan: Strengthening and Empowering LMP Provincial Chapters”.

Highlighting the Zero Basura Caravan in LMP gatherings emphasize the significance and timeliness of the solid waste management campaign with the strategy on the 3-strike policy and the Zero Basura Program.

The caravan is also seen as a venue in strengthening the LGU-DENR partnership in sustaining the gains and addressing the challenges of the local government on solid waste management.

Source: Manila Bulletin

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PLDT SME Nation, Smart whip up Cebu Storm launch

Packaging entrepreneurial necessities with mobility, PLDT SME Nation and Smart Corporate Business group launched the BlackBerry Storm in Cebu recently to provide entrepreneurs mobile ICT solutions.

As the need to become more mobile arises, the BlackBerry Storm unit, which comes for free under the Smart Plan 3500, affords entrepreneurs the competitive edge of being productive even out of the office.

PLDT SME Nation Marketing Head Amil Azurin said amid an economic crisis, small and medium enterprises have always been optimistic and continue to “persevere” and are determined to see growth.

“SMEs are starting to invest in technology to support their expansion plans. They turn technology into profit which in turn reduces their cost and increase market reach and efficiency.”

The SME sector employs 70 per cent of the labor force and contributes 32 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product. “The business sector, especially the younger generation, are more wiling to incorporate technology in their business since they understand the cost-efficiency it can generate,” said PLDT SME Nation Vice President and head Kat Luna-Abelarde. Smart Corporate Business Group Marketing Head Chet Alviz attests that, the BlackBerry’s new model will help its users get connected anytime and anywhere, and will fit the needs of today’s entrepreneurs.

The BlackBerry Storm integrates PLDT SME Nation business solutions like the PLDT Watcher, where live video feed from the IP camera device can be directly viewed from the phone.

Aside from being a mobile email device, the BlackBerry Storm also packs in a global positioning system, multimedia functions, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and mobile streaming, to name a few. For more info on what PLDT SME Nation can offer your business, visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.

Source: Manila Bulletin

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Cebu university suspends classes due to H1N1

3 students with flu, Visayas count at 21

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Three students from the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue campus (UC-LM) were confirmed to have the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, forcing the suspension of classes there until June 28, according to regional advisories from the Department of Health (DoH).

This brought to 21 the total number of A(H1N1) patients in the Visayas – 12 in Central Visayas, six in Western Visayas, and three in Eastern Visayas, the DoH said.

The UC-LM also quarantined for 10 days 600 marine and nautical students who lived in the same dormitory with the three others who had the disease.

Another new case, a 20-year-old American from San Diego, California, tested positive for A(H1N1) after arrival in Bacolod City on June 9.

Bacolod City health officials are tracing the American patient’s contacts.

In Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Treñas placed himself under a week-long quarantine to avoid the possibility of spreading the A(H1N1) virus, after arriving from the United States last Thursday.

Reached by phone at his house in Mandurriao District, Treñas said he was heeding the advice of the DoH to avoid crowds and refrain from being in close with other persons during the quarantine period.

Source: Phil. Daily Inquirer

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Cebu energy project signs P16-B loan package

CEBU Energy Development Corp. (CEDC), the power arm of the Metrobank Group, said on Friday it completed the financing package for its P22-billion clean-coal power plant in Toledo, Cebu, in a bid to alleviate the power situation in the Visayas.

CEDC is a joint venture among Global Business Power Corp. of the Metrobank Group, Aboitiz Power Corp. Vivant Corp., and Formosa Heavy Industries (FHI) of Taiwan.

In a statement, CEDC said 11 banks and insurance companies pledged to lend CEDC P16 billion over 12 years in the deal arranged by investment bank First Metro Investment Corp. last week.

CEDC said the loan is already considered the largest peso-denominated project financing in the Philippines to date.

CEDC’s power project gives a much-needed shot in the arm to Trade Secretary Peter Favila’s economic-stimulus initiative that calls for the private sector to contribute P100 billion.

“The new power plant is also CEDC’s response to President Arroyo’s calls for the expansion of power-generation capacity, particularly in Cebu and the Visayas,” said Jesus Alcordo, CEDC president.

He added the plant will have a generating capacity of 246 megawatts.

CEDC claims that construction of the plant is well on its way, and is some 50-percent complete into the first of three power-generation units.

The unit is scheduled to be energized by the first quarter of 2010, with full commercial operation of the plant expected in the third quarter of 2010—the time that the power situation in Cebu and the Visayas moves from critical to actual shortage.

The new coal plant will be using the latest in clean-coal technology and is being built by FHI of Taiwan. FHI itself has a portfolio of modern, efficient and clean coal-fired power plants in Taiwan, the United States, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The clean-coal plant is envisioned to help solve the worsening power situation in the Visayas in general, and Cebu in particular. The Visayas and Cebu have been facing dwindling power reserves and insufficient peak capacity as early as 2008.

The plant is anticipated to supply the Balamban EnerZone, where Tsuneishi’s shipbuilding plant is being expanded, requiring not only more power but also reliable and quality energy.

Carmen Copper, which is now fully operational in the old Atlas Mining site, will also be a major beneficiary and is projected to create a tremendous multiplier effect as an economic-stimulus project.

Source: Paul Anthony A. Isla Business Mirror


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Kapamilya and Kapuso in Cebu

Two prime media partners join the CCCI events in the spirit of tourism. On June 17, GMA-7 and SM sponsored the launching of People at the SM Cinema 1, with Kapuso artist, former StarStruck and Binibining Pilipinas 2009 finalist, Rich Asuncion, as guest celebrity.

The prelude to the yearlong series of Success Stories (from July 2009-May 2010 hosted by 12 schools) featured successful entrepreneur Bunny Pages and performing artist Eva Santos (June 17); the June episode of People introduced a masahista/manicurista for 36 years, Estela Basata (June 17) and Joel Pulvera, resort owner from Camotes (June 19). Tomorrow, June 20, at the Ayala Center, the Cebu Business Month Musicfest will be hosted by ABS-CBN and Ayala, featuring a lot of Kapamilya celebrities headed by Anna Fegi. The event enhances Cebu as the Entertainment Hub. So, Kapamilya and Kapuso, be with us and enjoy the fun!

From food, sports to entertainment

The pre-CBM tourism survey revealed that the “explorable” areas for creative packages were food, sports/adventure, education, heritage/festivals and film/TV entertainment. Respondents believed that Cebu could enhance these areas to enrich domestic tourism.

Yesterday, the Tourism Congress focused on Cebu’s homegrown resources and people and invited local and national-based panelists and discussants to share their insights. Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the exponent of countryside tourism, gave the inspirational message. Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo, DoT7 director Patria Aurora Roa and board member Agnes Magpale acted as panel and workshop resource persons.

Culinary guru Jessica Avila, Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu’s Marco Protacio as resource persons, with discussants Roy Abraham (Marriot) and Dr. Nestor Alonzo (Freeman) engaged in an interactive workshop in Food Tourism, moderated by Aissa de la Cruz.. They discerned how hotels, resorts, restaurants and small players could develop creative food tourism packages. Invited guest Jay Gamboa (executive chef for Cirkulo and Milky Way and director for education of Les Toques Blanches Philippines) shared his insights in international culinary tests where the Philippines won accolades during the morning panel discussion.

The Workshop on Sports/Adventure Tourism will see varied activities which invite a growing number of tourists. Marget Villarica (Destination Specialists) and Fr. Tito Soquino, OSA, provide the framework on their ecology-based projects in the morning session to prepare workshop resource persons Martin Naussbaumer (Sea Explorers), Paulo Garcia (Airsoft) and Glenn Soco; discussants Fr. Charlito Orobia, OAR, (Sea Knights-Stewards), Golly Talens (Hilton), Angelita Panaguiton (Plantation Bay), Jenny Franco (Travelvision) and Hember Mendoza (Waterfront Casino Mactan).

Meanwhile, educator Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD (USC), talks about some concerns about the sustainability of some tourism programs; resource persons Dr. Candelario Aytona and Dr. Tina Barba of Commission on Higher Education 7; and Rosanna Urdaneta, Tesda; with discussants Dean Edgar, Detoya, (University of San Jose Recoletos), Dr. Efren Valiente (Benedicto College), Dr. Alicia Cabatingan (University of Southern Philippines), Apolonio Dedamo (University of San Carlos) and Prof. Ernesto Golosino (Holy Name University-Bohol) discuss how to match skills of human resources with the needs of the industry.

Natural and Historical Landmarks/Festivals. Resource persons DoT 7 director Patria Aurora Roa; Magpale and Mayen Tan with discussants Alice Queblatin, Cecille Saa and Val Sandiego look into creative perks featuring landmarks and festivals with moderator Vince Escario. In the morning, Ivan Man Dy shares his experiences in the Old Manila Walk.

Film/TV/entertainment and performing arts. Discussants Roger Serna and Dr. Teodie Dumam-ag of Sun Star Entertainment and USJR Masscom respectively; Nathalie Tomada (Freeman) and Jose Gatino Nacario (Academe) engage in a lilting review of the local talents of Cebu, moderated by Jane Abella of ABS-CBN. In the morning, Matt Lubetich of Big Foot analyzes Cebu’s resources for film/entertainment. An added feature are the insights of Rosvi Gaetos to show how M.I.C.E. helps domestic tourism.

Drivers of tourism

Pioneers in tourism entrepreneurship and leadership; dynamic achievers in the travel industry; and success in the practice of the tourism profession, not to mention their support of the CCCI tourism events for more than a decade, will all take the center stage.

The Grand Kasangga sa Tourism tribute will be accorded to DoT 7 director Dawnie Roa and Magpale. The posthumous award goes to practitioner, the late Marilou Pintor, who, as Margaret Ang said, “worked hard to push the first Cebu-Hong Kong Cathay Pacific direct flight, when she was working in this airline!”

Special citations will be conferred on Tourism Department, CHED and Marisa Fernan as enduring partners of CCCI tourism events.

Source: Mila C. Espina Manila Standard


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