LTO renews deputization of CCLEX patrol crews

CEBU CITY— The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has renewed the deputization of Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) patrol crews to continue its commitment to safer roads.

The 15 traffic officers completed LTO’s two-day reorientation workshop for the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations inside the 8.9-kilometer expressway on February 15-16, 2024.

LTO Director for Law Enforcement Service Francis Ray Almora, who came to Cebu to turn over the deputation order, said he hoped motorists will be more disciplined on the road. He also said that LTO and the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) will continue to be partners on road safety. 

LTO 7 Assistant Regional Director Arturo Roque Apolinar, reminded CCLEX traffic officers to be always firm in their decisions, especially when apprehending erring drivers and motorists inside the expressway. But Apolinar added that they should always practice humility when approaching them.

CCLEC Assistant Vice President for Legal Services Atty. Rosemarie Versoza thanked LTO for always being a partner to CCLEC since it started CCLEX’s operations in 2022.

Versoza encouraged the patrol crew members to never waver in their passion and dedication in ensuring the safety of motorists on the expressway.

“CCLEX is already a very nice infrastructure but it’s people like you, who are on the frontlines, who will make it even more great,” she added. (Photos: CCLEX/Max Limpag)

Aventus Medical Care provides efficient healthcare services

​CEBU CITY— Aventus Medical Care Inc. is the foremost Corporate Health Care Service Provider in the Philippines today. It is committed to give efficient and enhanced healthcare services for its clients, with the goal of creating a healthy corporate work environment.

Founded in 2009, Aventus provides a whole line of healthcare services including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, OB-Gynecology, Surgery, General Practitioner, Radio/Sonology and more.

In Cebu City, Aventus Clinics are located at Unit 302 & 309, Level 3, 2029 Robinsons Cybergate Don G. Garcia and J. Llorente St., Capitol Site with contact nos. (032) 238-3922/ (032) 238-7672/ (032) 236-9028, and at Unit 203 2/F TGU Tower, Phase 1 Asiatown I.T. Park, Barangay Apas with contact nos. (032) 268-8902/ (032) 268-9236.

Aventus Bacolod City clinic is located at RL Jocson Bldg. 21st St. B.S. Aquino Drive, Barangay 5, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental with contact nos. (034) 213-0766 / (034) 213-0762/ (034) 704-9247.

Aventus is a brand partner of Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC). Photo shows CONPC founder Robby Mongaya Alugar shakes hands with Maureen Mauricio-Licyayo, DIPHM, DPCHA, CHA Regional Manager-Marketing of Aventus Medical Care. (Photos: MBCNewman) 

Canadian-based BPO opens at IT Park-Cebu

CEBU CITY – ContactPoint360 Philippines, a Canadian-based business process outsourcing (BPO) center launched and opened its site at the 10^th-11^th floors, Skyrise 4B, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City on February 22 with the ribbon cutting done at its Recruitment Hub, located at the Ground Floor of the same building.

“We choose Cebu as our first home and we want to explore Cebu since this is our largest investment in the Philippines, we want to grow here. CP360-Cebu has more than 800 employees and we want to increase it to 1,800 in the next few months, right now the focus is Cebu and trying to grow that in different sectors,” CP360 founder Asad Mirza, in his opening statement said.

ContactPoint360 has 5,000+ employees and it is present in Toronto, Canada; Montreal, Canada; Bogotá 1, Colombia; Bogotá 2, Colombia; Medellín, Colombia; Athens, Greece; Cebu, Philippines; Bengaluru, India; Monterrey, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica & Texas, USA, Mizra added.

Mirza bared that CP360 partners with the world's most innovative and Fortune 500 companies giving its clients efficient solutions, blending human insight with the transformative power of empathy and advanced technology.

He said its CP360 brand ambassadors build customer loyalty with genuine empathy, deep product knowledge, impeccable communication skills, and advanced technology.  It is a strong proponent of data analytics, providing its clients with insights and analysis designed to drive efficiencies and to perfect the customer journey with them.

“Our contact centers are equipped with advanced technology, robust infrastructure, well trained people and a great work culture, in key cities across the world. We have very low attrition rates and high QA scores among our well-trained, empathetic professionals who will be your brand advocates,” the founder shared during the press conference.

ContactPoint360 has 10 Customer Support Outsourcing Contact Centers Across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia; 15 CX Management, Customer Support Outsourcing & Advanced Contact Center Solutions.

It has 40 Combined Fortune 500 consulting experience into Customer Support Outsourcing; 80+ Combined Senior BPM, Customer Support Outsourcing, CX Solutions, and Management Experience and 100 In-house development team with expertise across various platforms and technologies.

According to its website information, every day, CP360 unites people across the world through its omnichannel communications systems and bespoke approach and believes that delivering constant customer experience excellence requires unceasing innovation and a steadfast commitment to being the best.

ContactPoint360 strives to hire and train the best CX ambassadors and match them with the best possible technology, it said. (Photos: ContactPoint360/FB/MBCNewman)

 

 

Converge paints PH purple with boosted fiber internet plan

CEBU CITY—Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (Converge) painted the Philippines purple with its boosted fiber internet, FiberX plans by as much as 600 Mbps for free for its existing customers, in a simulcast purple lighting ceremony on February 22 from its Manila headquarters as well as key areas across the country including Plaza Anghel in Angeles City, Fort San Pedro in Cebu City, and Damosa IT Park in Davao City.

“As more customers turn to our solutions for their internet needs, we stay rooted to our commitment towards exceptional service as shown by our wins in the Ookla Speedtest Awards. This speed upgrade is our way to say we are in full #BoostMode in ensuring our customers can enjoy a much better online experience with us as their connectivity partner,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy said in his opening message during the event.

According to Converge, in celebration of its successive wins, “Paint the Nation Purple” gathered its subscribers, brand ambassadors and media guests symbolizing its commitment to connect and brighten the lives of Filipinos nationwide.

Converge was recently crowned as the fastest and most awarded internet service provider in the Philippines, enabling this speed boost in gratitude to its over 2 million customers.  Consistent with its vision to empower Filipinos and businesses, the free upgrade of its affordable and unlimited bandwidth FiberX plans introduces boosted packages for a faster and superior digital experience. 

Uy said that its clean sweep of *Ookla® **Speedtest Awards™ in February, leading Philippine fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. proves yet again its fiber technology is second to none as it boosts its FiberX plans.

Converge flagship FiberX plans

“Converge has always been about amazing customer experience and our awards prove that. The annual speed increase that we gift to our more than 2 million subscribers is just one of our pledges to our customers.  This speed boost underscores Converge’s commitment to bridging the gap with the best in the world in terms of connectivity, affordability, and experience,” Converge EVP & Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin Azada said.

Converge revealed that its flagship FiberX 1500 plan now has 300 Mbps, an upgrade from 200 Mbps. Converge previously upgraded the plan in June 2022 from 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps, and again in November 2022 from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps.

Other plans with speed increases include FiberX Plan 2000, FiberX Plan 2500 and FiberX Plan 3500, which now have speeds of 500 Mbps, 700 Mbps, and 1 Gbps respectively. Subscribers on work-from-home or learn-from-home arrangements using the award-winning Converge Time of Day plans also received speed boost of up to 1 Gbps which will enable them to get double their subscribed bandwidth from 7:00 a.m. to 6:59 p.m. for the Day Plan, and from 7:00 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. for the Night Plan.

Gaming-focused GameChanger subscribers also get a major speed boost of at least 500 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, allowing for an ultra-high-speed, high prioritization, low latency, and low jitter gaming experience.

The nationwide and automatic speed increase special offer will be effective February 22 until March 31, 2024. All existing residential subscribers with subscription plans ranging from FiberX Plan 1500 to 7000 are eligible for the speed boost.  No additional eligibility criteria, cost, or sign-up is required. 

Converge is considered as the youngest and most robust end to end fiber network in the Philippines and has been narrowing the digital divide and advancing digital democracy as the world undergoes rapid digitalization.

The company's mission is to extend connectivity to the farthest and least developed areas of the Philippines to empower all Filipinos and businesses, Uy concluded. (Photos: Converge/Mark Rabadon/MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. provides P70M logistic support for Mindanao’s disaster response

 MANILA – The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing nearly Php70 million ($1.25 million) in humanitarian aid to respond to the needs of communities affected by severe flooding and landslides in Mindanao.

This new funding will provide emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation, and essential hygiene items to support disaster-affected communities in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao City in Mindanao. 

“We are proud to partner with the Philippine government to support the immediate needs of Mindanaoans in the areas hardest hit by the flooding and landslides. This support will help ensure that food and other life-saving supplies reach communities most in need,” USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn said.   

USAID will partner with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger to ensure this life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable groups, including single-parent households, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, low-income families, and indigenous peoples. 

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, the III MEF commanding general said that support to its Allies and partners, and their people in a time of need, is a non-negotiable and working in direct coordination with USAID and the Government of the Philippines.  Working, we stand ready to support those who need urgent assistance.”

In addition, and at the request of the Philippine government, the U.S. Department of Defense, through the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), provided two C-130s to assist the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippines Office of Civil Defense, and USAID in delivering 15,000 DSWD food packs to affected families.

USAID also partnered with the Philippines Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide emergency shelter for more than 5,000 affected persons.  USAID also supported the World Food Programme to transport DSWD food packs to 65,000 families in Mindanao.

The United States government issued a “Declaration of Humanitarian Need” on February 8 that will facilitate support for the Philippine government’s response efforts in Mindanao.

Between January 28 and February 2, extensive rainfall in Mindanao caused significant flooding and landslides, impacting nearly 1.2 million people.  An estimated 795,000 people were displaced with more than 97,600 people sheltering in 380 evacuation centers across Mindanao.

USAID works year-round to help communities in the Philippines prepare for and be more resilient to natural disasters.  The United States will continue to partner with the Philippine government to respond to natural disasters and support the people of the Philippines in their recovery efforts. (Photos: US Embassy in PH/FB/Google Images)

  

‘Pagtinabangay’ a fund-raising art exhibit at SM City, Feb. 17 to March 2

CEBU CITY – ‘Pagtinabangay’: A Fund-Raising Exhibit opened on February 17 with 60 art masterpieces from 33 of Cebu’s renowned artists now on exhibit at the North Wing, SM City Cebu until March 2, 2024.

According to artist Celso Pepito that the purpose of the fundraising is to help in the construction of St. Michael the Archangel Parish located in Lambusan, San Remegio, Cebu with its Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Erik Toquero Orio.

"Get ready to immerse yourself where creativity meets generosity. Don’t miss out to be a part of this wonderful cause organized by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, in cooperation with SM City Cebu,” Fr. Erik Toquero Orio said in his opening remarks as he thanked the artists for helping his administration raise funds for the ongoing construction of the church.

Participating Artists include: Jonathan Abellana, Lida Maria Aguilar, Julito Angana, Brylle Aranco, Mae Barte, Ryan Barral, Enzo Benedicto, Benny Earvin Benlot, Adonis Bilocura, Leodito Bongo IlI, Cesar Castillo, Georgina Castilo, Methuzael Carredo, Adeste Deguilmo, Ramon de Dios, Reynan Dingal, Jess Dinglasa, John Dinglasa, Michael Anjelo Dondoyano, Roel Fisalbon, Luther Galicano, Zapphire Benedikt Jayme, Jun Impas, Celso Pepito, Fe Pepito, Lucilo Sagayno, Bryan Ulgasan, Antonio Vidal Marlowe Villagonzalo, Angelico Villanueva, Marlone Ylanan and Sonia Yrastorza.

What makes this event even more special is that it features the incredible masterpieces created by Cebu's renowned artists, Fr. Orio added that if you're an art enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of artistic expression, this is an event you wouldn't want to miss.

It's heartwarming to see how art can bring people together for a greater purpose. Experience ‘Pagtinabangay’ at the SM North Wing, filled with creativity, inspiration, and the joy of giving back. Let's come together as a community and make a difference, Fr. Orio said.

The opening ceremony was graced by Bishop Ruben Labajo with St. Michael the Archangel Parish priest Fr. Erik Toquero Orio, Congresswoman Cutie Del Mar, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Vice President Marissa Fernan and Ms. Teresin Mendezona. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

22 local biz chambers in Visayas oppose Senate Bill-2534

CEBU CITY – The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Visayas composed of 22 local business chambers under the PCCI Western Visayas, PCCI Central Visayas and PCCI Eastern Visayas strongly opposed to the proposed call for a legislated and across the board wage hike under "Senate Bill No. 2534 or P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2023.”

The PCCI-Visayas opposition to Senate Bill 2534 is contained in a position paper and appeal signed on February 16, 2024 by the 22 local chambers of commerce and industry in the entire Visayas region.

Led by its Area Vice-President for PCCI Visayas, Melanie Ng, the PCCI believed that the proposed legislated increase infringes the mandated role of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) to determine minimum wage increases.

The Chamber described it as excessive, oppressive, and confiscatory and it will "do more harm than good" to the informal workers - from farmers to vendors to gig workers, and micro and small-sized enterprises that make up 95 percent of all enterprises in the country, the position paper read.

The PCCI is adopting a more comprehensive approach in addressing economic inequality instead of focusing solely on wage increases.  “While we recognize the importance of ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their labor; however, we also put into consideration the challenges that businesses face in the economic environment,” it said.

PCCI appeals for considerations, win-win solutions

PCCI’s appeal raised some considerations including its call for the government to prioritize expanding economic activities and attracting investments to complement labor and local productivity via innovative investment promotion strategies and efforts to enhance the ease of doing business nationwide.

“By attracting both foreign and local direct investments, we can generate more job opportunities and stimulate economic growth that is inclusive,” the position paper said.

PCCI also urged government to be more proactive in addressing inflationary pressures, particularly the prices of basic goods and services, high utility costs especially power and water, fuel prices, and the importation of goods.

It is also crucial to boost the agricultural value chain and develop new agri-aqua technologies to improve productivity and reduce dependency on imports and the government can enact safety nets to protect labor from exploitation and ensure fair wages, the petition went on.

The PCCI suggested that instead of an across-the-board wage hike, an industry-driven wage hike is more realistic.  The government should consider creating a regional industry wage board that will consider the economic situation of each company, large, medium or small, and the wherewithal and resources in line with respective performance or support a Collective Bargaining Agreement type of solution per sector.

According to the PCCI-Visayas, this appeal is made with utmost intention towards a balanced approach that considers the needs of both workers and businesses to maintain a healthy and sustainable economy not just in Visayas but of the country. (Photos: PCCI-Visayas FB)