PIVAC is now poised for cacao production in Cebu, hopes for DA accreditation soon

CEBU CITY – The Philippine Inno Ventures Agriculture Cooperative (PIVAC) hopes for the Department of Agriculture (DA-7) accreditation soon as it is poised to be the next hub for cacao and other agricultural production in Cebu and in Central Visayas.

“I am challenging the members of the PIVAC to collaborate with the government, specifically with the DA-7 in terms of productivity in cacao and other agri-products in Central Visayas and we will support the cooperative in terms of seedlings, technical and other service,” DA-7 regional executive director, Angel Enriquez posed this challenge during PIVAC’s general assembly, induction and pre-membership education seminar and information series in August held at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites.

Enriquez said that there is already a scheduled deliberation for the accreditation of PIVAC as an agricultural organization and she can’t wait for PIVAC to be partners with DA-7 especially in the production of Cacao and other high-value crops in Central Visayas.

The government has invested a lot in the cacao industry, specifically the production of cacao panting materials.  Other countries in the world are now looking at the Philippines as one of those countries to produce its own cacao planting materials and other products without being dependent from Mindanao, Enriquez noted.

Enriquez said that this is now the time for PIVAC to positioned itself as partners of DA-7 in the massive production and development of the Cacao industry in Cebu to ensure the quality of the products from the seedlings and to the cacao beans.

“When I say plating materials, the quality planting materials that we really need because we wanted to ensure that we would have really good Cacao beans coming from the region, specifically, Cebu which could greatly help our farmers earn more income in the market,” Enriquez added.

Other than technical assistance, Enriquez said that the DA7 can link PIVAC with the major cacao markets in the world, Enriquez bared that Cacao is very much part of DA’s High-Value Crops development program, although DA has support for rice and corn, the high value crops consists of veggies, coffee, cacao and others.

This is one commodity that DA could have a good advantage in the market and it is talking of international markets.  “So, I’m really looking forward that finally your organization will become stronger and you’ll be able to help other farmers to become members of your organization, Enriquez said.

PIVAC’s other activities during its general assembly

Meanwhile, PIVAC’s general assembly in August this year saw the induction of its new board of directors, officers and new members for 2024 with DA-7 RED Angel Enriquez officiating the induction as well as its keynote speaker.

The event also included a seminar and demonstration on the production of organic concoctions and inputs from Reynald Jayjay of PCAF and Bonifacio Javier, independent consultant on the Story of Creation vis-à-vis Agro-Ecology and knowledge on Oriental Herbal Nutrients in nurturing the growth of plants and the ecosystems, the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of man and nature. 

Grace Cenas, PIVAC’s Executive Director gave the overview of the general assembly and discussed the Pre-membership education seminar (PMES) for the new and would-be members and she also hosted the business conference towards the end of the day’s event. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

MCIA’s PWD-friendly amenities earns Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation

CEBU CITY – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) earned a Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) for its PWD-friendly amenities in support of Persons-With-Disabilities (PWD) Travel.

“Travel should be a privilege, not a burden. Which is why we designed PWD-friendly amenities that cater to PWDs and their families,” Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, Chief Executive Officer, Athanasios Titonis said.

Titonis added that one of the pioneering advancements done in the Philippine airport community is the integration of sliding doors in PWD-friendly restrooms, emergency push buttons, and designated seating areas to ensure comfort and convenience for all travelers.

MCIA’s PWD-friendly amenities also include wheelchair assistance, PWD washrooms, ramp passageway and lift, reserved seats, and priority call during boarding in both terminals. The amenities also comply with the Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Bilang 344), adhering to the standards and dimensions for vanities, grab bars, and water closet heights.

“Part of the airport’s commitment to safety is to ensure accessible travel for all. "We do this by complying with global travel standards and getting input from the PWD community before upgrading our facilities. Ricia Montejo, Head of Customer Experience, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation said.

It is a community that collaborates to enhance MCIA’s facilities making them more inclusive for everyone.  MCIA also holds a yearly forum with PWD groups to get insights on how to enhance travel experience for PWD travelers. (Photos: MCIA FB)

 

PAL relaunches Cebu-Osaka comeback flights, December 22

​CEBU CITY—  Philippine Airlines (PAL) relaunches its Cebu-Osaka market with its regular nonstop flights between Mactan-Cebu and Osaka Kansai beginning December 22 to boost tourism growth in both places as well as marking an expansion of the PAL’s network in Japan, the country’s 4th largest source of tourist visitors and home to over 300,000 overseas Filipinos.

“We are delighted to make our comeback in the Cebu-Osaka market, just in time for the Christmas holiday season. Our direct flights from Mactan to Kansai will help us promote the tourism industry and local businesses in Cebu and the Visayas region, and deepen both bilateral relations and cultural ties with our Japanese counterparts,” PAL President & COO Captain Stanley Ng said. 

Ng went on that the Philippine Airlines looks forward to giving travelers from Western Japan the opportunity to experience the outstanding resorts and heritage experiences that Cebu is famous for, or to reunite with loved ones in the Philippines.

Cebu is also a favored choice for both leisure and English as a Second Language (ESL) destination by Japanese travelers.

PAL is deploying a 199-seater Airbus A321 CEO for the Cebu-Osaka service.

The resumption of Cebu-Osaka services complements PAL’s twice daily flights between Manila and Osaka Kansai and daily flights between Cebu and Tokyo Narita. 

Osaka is known for its rich history, culture, food and vibrant shopping districts and is the gateway to the old imperial capital of Kyoto as well as to Nara, Kobe and other popular districts around the Kansai Bay area. Osaka City is also home to the fabled Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori shopping and dining haven, and Universal Studios Japan.

Travelers from Osaka may connect seamlessly in Cebu with PAL’s flights to various domestic points, including Bacolod, Borongan, Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan (Boracay), Clark, Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, Tacloban and Zamboanga.

Altogether, PAL offers the largest network of flights on multiple routes linking the Philippines and Japan, with nonstop services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita.  PAL also offers other international links from Cebu, with daily flights to Seoul (Incheon) and thrice weekly flights to Bangkok.

The three weekly PAL flights provide direct access to Cebu and the central Philippines for tourists and business travelers from the western regions of Japan.   By February 26, 2025, the airline will add an extra weekly frequency to accommodate the growing number of travelers.

FACTS ON THE NEW CEBU-OSAKA SERVICE

Starting December 22, the Cebu-Osaka (Kansai)-Cebu route will operate three times weekly:

• - PR 410 Cebu-Osaka – every Monday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Mactan-Cebu at 11:45 AM, arriving in Osaka Kansai at 05:00 PM
• - PR 409 Osaka-Cebu – every Monday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Osaka Kansai at 06:00 PM, arriving in Mactan-Cebu at 09:40 PM
• 
  

PAL will offer one additional weekly Cebu-Osaka-Cebu service from February 26th, 2025, increasing frequency to four times weekly. Full schedule below:

• - PR 410 Cebu-Osaka – every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Mactan-Cebu at 11:45 AM, arriving in Osaka Kansai at 05:00 PM
• - PR 409 Osaka-Cebu – every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Osaka Kansai at 06:00 PM, arriving in Mactan-Cebu at 09:40 PM
• 
  

For flight reservations and other inquiries, travelers may contact the PAL Hotline at (+632) 8855-8888, visit the PAL mobile app, the PAL website atwww.philippineairlines.com, or reach out to their preferred travel agents. (Photos: PAL)

Golden Prince Hotel’s Q Farm to host farm visit for OFWs, families on Sept. 21

​CEBU CITY— The Golden Prince Hotel & Suites with its president, Benny Que in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Central Visayas will host a farm visit to a group of overseas foreign workers (OFW) and families for the “Biyaheng Agripreneur for OFWs and Families in Cebu” program on September 21, 2024 at Q Farm in Barangay Cambinocot, Cebu City. 

OWWA-7 invites OFWs and their families to join the program by clicking this link https://forms.gle/KM7t21TMMStAEQqa7 to register for free. 

“OWWA-7 chooses Golden Prince’s Q Farm as site visit because of the hotel’s advocacy to champion agri-tourism and food security and sustainability,” Que said. 

OWWAA-7 regional director, Rey Jacalan joins hands with various sectors in Cebu for its ongoing program on agribusiness learning sessions highlighting the importance of investing in the Agriculture sector and to expand their interests on agribusiness and Agro-tourism ventures in Cebu. 

OWWA-7 officials led by director Jacalan and Aaron Que, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites Vice president for business development did an initial ocular inspection and farm visit at Q Farm on September 11 to prepare the site for an interactive learning experience. (Photos: Golden Prince Hotel/Aaron Que)

MCCI hosts logistics conference for a comprehensive understanding of its dynamics

MANDAUE CITY—The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) hosted a Logistics Conference Thursday, September 12 at the Waterworld Hotel in Mandaue City to provide a comprehensive understanding of its dynamics focusing on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that are critical for staying competitive in this industry.

“The logistics conference was crafted after our partnership with the Unified Truckers Assn, and the Chamber of Customs Brokers.  The logistics industry is more of the backbone of our economy and basically the driver of our economic activities, and also much of the biggest contributor of our inflation rate is the congestion or the lack of an efficient logistics system that facilitates trade in the Visayas and the entire country,” MCCI president, Mark Anthony Ynoc said in a side interview with the Cebu media and content creators during the event.

Ynoc said that in recent years, the many changes in policies and labor laws have affected the logistics industry causing significant risks. While some policies have facilitated growth by reducing the trade barriers including the ease of doing business, others have added complexities that cost more. 

The future growth of logistics depends on growth collaboration between industry and government and it is crucial that policy makers recognize the role the logistics industry plays in driving the national and regional economies, Ynoc said.

“This conference offers us the opportunity to exchange ideas how we can overcome the challenges ahead, capitalize emerging opportunities and engage more closely with the policy makers to be sure that the logistics industry continues to be a pillar of economic growth,” Ynoc added.

According to Ynoc, Mandaue City is described as the industrial hub of Southern Philippines with so many factories and manufacturing business corporations and these are the clients of the logistics group.  Although the city is an industrial area, it’s moving faster to become a logistic hub and with ecommerce at the forefront of it all, there is a need to establish this foundation to help this industry.

Challenges, issues that hamper the growth of the logistics industry

The logistics industry of Cebu is actually growing and whatever challenges and issues it is facing much be addressed the soonest, otherwise the industry will be left behind by the other regions and this conference is more of a learning event.

The logistics industry is plague with congestion and traffic of exports and imports due to shortage of manpower, rise and fall of the gasoline prices and other fuel products, the changes in policies, duties, fees and insurance have affected how competitive the industry will remain in the market.

Israel Alin, President of the Visayas Unified Trucker Assn., Inc (VUTAI) said that this conference is very important to them and its stakeholders, especially that the organization represents the Visayas Truckers Assn. whose members are mostly composed of truck haulers, local and international haulers.

“It is very important to us because this is the right place and avenue for us to learn more and to have linkages plus hearing the new policies set by our government related to the logistics sector. It is very important for us to know and be updated at the same time, we can also suggest and ask questions relative the industry,” Alin said in an interview with media/content creators.

Alin bared that the primary concern of the logistics sector, especially in the Visayas region s the lack or shortage of drivers who are equipped and qualified to drive heavy equipment and huge vehicles dahil mas marami kaming trucks versus the availability of matitinong drivers.

“We lack drivers and we have difficulty finding them and to cope with the demand of the industry’s stakeholders. We also have difficulty to hire new drivers because there is no training facility here in the Visayas. There many unserved clients in this industry,” Alin revealed.

Alin said, the organization is currently working with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), TESDA and even the organization is moving to have its own training facility for it to be accredited by TESDA and LTO to ensure and provide better and quality drivers to balance the demands and needs of the industry to provide better and quality drivers.

Alin bared that the main concern of the logistics sector is especially in the Visayas include the shortage of human resource, especially skilled truck drivers; rules and policies from various local government units where some towns have policies that are not applicable in other areas.

LGUS with different policies induce additional expenses from the logistics groups, somehow affecting the pricing of commodities throughout the region and that costs are added to the consumers.

“As the logistics service provider our stakeholders, exporters and importers are dependent on the prevailing prices for example on the freighting and shipping of goods, sometimes, mas mahal ang local freights versus the international freights, which will result in more expensive commodities.  These are some of the pressing issues that must be talked about in the logistics,” Alin said.

Ynoc explained that the conference aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic logistics industry focusing on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that are critical for staying competitive. “We invited experts in various fields to share valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance operational efficiency and provide new perspectives in the logistics industry,” he concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

MCIA vies for World’s Best Airport Staff at Skytrax Awards 2025

LAPULAPU CITY – Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) rallies partners and passengers to support and cast their votes for its bid for the Best Airport Staff in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025 through the 'Abiba Sugbo' Skytrax Launch Event on August 22 at the MCIA.

 

In its Facebook page post, MCIA asks support from passengers and its partners to vote for MCIA in the “Best Airport Staff” category through scanning the QR code to vote or clicking the link: : https://bit.ly/MCIABestAirportStaff.

Skytrax serves as the gold standard for quality in the global airport industry. They assess customer experience and facilities across 570 airports worldwide. Each year, travelers from around the globe participate in the Skytrax global passenger satisfaction survey, casting their votes for the airports that have provided them with the best overall experience, MCIA FB post reads.

“MCIA is driven to create an identity and brand for airport experiences that meet global standards of excellence. Through Skytrax, we aim to continue inspiring Filipino pride in MCIA and rally our stakeholders’ support in earning its place among the world's best airports,” Cosette Canilao, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. President & Chief Executive Officer said.

Recently MCIA Terminal 2 was awarded a Skytrax 4-Star Terminal rating.  This reflects the terminal's high standards in staff efficiency, hospitality, service consistency, and language proficiency, a testament to MCIA’s commitment to delivering top-tier passenger experience, underpinned by exceptional service and product quality.

“The dedication of our airport staff plays a crucial role in our operations. Kudos to the Terminal 2 team for their outstanding performance! We are committed to going the extra mile to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers,” Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation said.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience, MCIA is actively campaigning for the Best Airport Staff award at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025. The 7-month campaign, dubbed 'Abiba Sugbo,' encourages the public to vote for MCIA in the Best Airport Staff category.

“Skytrax is more than just an award-giving body; it’s an internationally respected airport rating system that sets the benchmark for global airport standards. By striving for a Skytrax award, we are positioning MCIA as a world-class transfer gateway in the Philippines,” Aldwin Uy, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of AGMCAC added.

According to Inaki Ponio, Jr., Senior Manager for Airline Marketing and Tourism Development at AGMCAC, the support to international campaigns such as this not only enhance MCIA’s global presence but also potentially increase opportunities for new international routes to and from Cebu.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is the second-largest airport in the Philippines. It serves over 11 million foreign and local passengers yearly, making it the second busiest airline hub in the country

For updates, please follow and like https://www.facebook.com/mactancebuairportofficial and https://www.instagram.com/mactancebuairport/.

Lions Clubs District 301-B2 holds 1st Confab in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Lions Clubs International District 301-B2 kicked off its 1st District Convention in September this year with the gathering of Lions members from various clubs in the Visayas, particularly Lions Clubs from Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Ormoc, and Dumaguete making it a significant celebration of service and community impact.

Lucy Chiong Sy, Lions Clubs District 301-B2 district governor bared that September events include a photo exhibit which opened on September 1 to 6 at the Ayala Central Bloc in Cebu IT Park, Cebu City and on September 7, the photo exhibit moved to NuStar, where the Governor's Ball was held.

Sy said that the opening ceremony and plenary session held at the Sacred Heart Center on September 6 featured Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia as the guest speaker where he recognized the efforts of Lions Clubs International in helping least those in need.

"You have hearts that see. You have hearts that feel the pain of our least fortunate brothers and sisters. When others pay only lip service, you serve,” Garcia said and thanked the Lions Clubs International for showing the way how to serve.

In the morning of September 6, 16 Lions Clubs participated in a bowling tournament at SM City Cebu that set the tone for the camaraderie and fellowship central to the Lions' community spirit. The plenary session’s discussions centered on membership growth, club extension, leadership training goals, and progress reports of the projects.

One of the key goals discussed during the convention was the growth of the Lions community. The organization aims to reach 1.5 million members globally by 2027. This ambitious target underscores the Lions’ belief in the power of collective action and the importance of expanding their reach to serve more communities worldwide.

Lions Clubs International’ core values, projects

Dr. Chiong-Sy said the Lions Clubs International has eight core goal values, including Vision, Diabetes, Environment, Youth, Hunger, and Disaster Relief. These projects reflect the Lions' commitment to addressing some of the most pressing issues in their communities.

Among the projects is the Sight for Kids program that provides free eye examinations and eyeglasses to children in public schools, she added.  Inspired by Helen Keller, who once called the Lions the "Knights of the Blind," the program aims to preserve vision, particularly among underprivileged youth.

The Lions also work closely with sponsors and medical experts to ensure that children with more serious eye conditions receive the necessary care.  The district is also actively involved in diabetes prevention, environmental conservation, and malnutrition eradication. These long-term programs are designed to create sustainable change, particularly in areas hardest hit by poverty and natural disasters.

During calamities, Lions members frequently mobilize to deliver aid and resources to remote, disaster-stricken areas, showcasing their dedication to humanitarian service.  Lions Clubs International is known for its dedication to service, and District 301-B2 is no exception, Dr. Chiong-Sy concluded. (Photos: Lions Clubs Int'l)

 

Green Apple Dental, the benchmark in dentistry technology opens its 4th clinic in Cebu

 CEBU CITY – Green Apple Dental, one of the top leaders and benchmark in the dentistry technology opened its 4^th clinic branch in Cebu on September 8 at Stall M215, Level 2, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City with partners Dr. David Alesna and Dr. Gamaliel Urbi leading the ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies with clinic blessings officiated by Fr. Nonong Belarmino, with friends, families and media/content creators in attendance.

“In 2007, David and I decided to collaborate and be a mover and shaker of the dental industry. There is a need for a change in the way the medical profession is being practiced, particularly oral health. Our frustration is that oral health is the most neglected part of the medical field. For us to be able to make and move more, we need to collaborate and work together thus, Green Apple Dental was born,” Dr. Gamaliel Urbi shared this in his opening message during the event.

Dr. Urbi said that at Green Apple Dental, the patients are its priority, they are the VIPs the moment they enter the clinics to be able to make that significant change that they want to happen in the dental industry.  When people hear the clinic “Green Apple Dental,” it is synonymous with excellence, with basic care and compassion. Green Apple was borne out of this mindset, Urbi added.

“The most important thing is that we are able to deliver on that mission of giving quality dental care.  Our technology is at par and world class, we have the latest technology and topnotch dental equipment in all our clinics to ensure that our patients are not deprived of what is new in the dental industry,” Dr. David Alesna said.

Dr. Alesna bared that Green Apple Dental clinics are equipped with the latest and most advanced technology machine and equipment to best cater to the oral/dental needs of the Filipinos.  Green Apple Dental has four branches nationwide and considered among the top in the industry and proud to say that they are the benchmark in the field of dentistry, Dr. Alesna added.

Dr. Urbi shared the secret of the success of Green Apple Dental.  He cited the 4Cs core values of Green Apple Dental—care, competency, compassion and Christ-centered.

According to him, care for the patients is very important and considered the priority at the Green Apple Dental Clinics while competency is excellence, nothing but the best, not just in the equipment but with the proper skill set, the mastery and the expertise from the dentists and staff, they make sure that competency is there.

“Next is compassion.  In the healthcare industry, there is no healing without compassion. Patients should be able to feel that we empathize with them.  The most important core value in our clinic is that we are Christ-Centered. Jesus Christ is our CEO, he holds us together,” Dr. Urbi summed up these principles that make Green Apple Dental a cut above the rest. (Photos: MBCNewman)