Garcia announces to continue as governor despite suspension, sends clarificatory query to DILG

CEBU CITY --   Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in a press conference at the Capitol on April 30, announced to continue to serve as Cebu’s governor despite the Ombudsman’s issuance of a 6-month preventive suspension order and, with her panel of legal counsel led by Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda, Jr, she sent a clarificatory query to Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding the legality of suspending a public official during an election period.

“In the light of the Ombudsman’s issuance of a 6-month preventive suspension order against me, it is important to maintain order and resoluteness during the election period, despite the suspension order. The decision to stay in office is driven by the need to portray a picture of firmness and order for the province of Cebu due to the ongoing campaign season and the importance of continuing to serve the constituents of Cebu,” Garcia said, in her opening statement.

Garcia also discussed upcoming events, including a rice selling initiative with the Secretary of Agriculture and support for farmers, emphasizing that these activities are conducted without candidate involvement and reiterated her commitment to maintaining order and resoluteness during the election period.

Garcia’s panel of legal counsel is led by Atty. RoryJon Sepulveda, the Legal Consultant of the province with Atty. Ben Canrido, Jr. and Atty Alex Avisado with his legal team.

 Atty. Alex Avisado argued that Governor Gwen Garcia is not defying an Ombudsman order but is instead exercising her legal rights under the Local Government Code and COMELEC resolution citing Sections 60, 2c, and 15, which prohibit preventive suspension within 90 days of an election and require prior authority for suspensions.

Avisado also cited Section 16, which mandates a request for authority before suspending a public official. The team advised the governor to continue her duties pending clarification from the DILG Secretary asserting that her actions align with legal guidelines and do not constitute defiance.

A glimpse of Garcia’s letter of query to secretary Remulla

“On 23 April 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman issued an Order placing me under preventive suspension in connection with the above-captioned case. While I have yet to receive a copy of the Complaint and respond to the charges against me, it is my respectful position that its implementation is strictly prohibited at this time as it is violative of Section 62 (c) of the Local Government Code that no preventive suspension order shall be imposed within ninety (90) days before the election,” Garcia wrote.

Any suspension of local elective official without prior approval of the Commission on Elections shall constitute an election offense under Section 261 (x), Article XXII of the Omnibus Election Code.  Garcia also cited Section 15, Rule V of Comelec Resolution No. 11059 explicitly requires prior written approval of the Comelec for the implementation of any suspension order against local elective officials.

Garcia’s legal team highlighted the clarity of the local government code and the COMELEC resolution and stressed the importance of waiting for instructions and guidance from the DILG before taking any further action. 

The Team advised governor Garcia to stay in office and not abandon her duties, as she is within her rights to continue serving. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

19 artists unveil "Essence of Oneness" at Kyureto Art Gallery at SM J Mall

MANDAUE CITY -- Kyureto Art Gallery unveiled its "Essence of Oneness" the newest collection of 19 artists celebrating together and embracing collective creativity on April 28 at SM J Mall, following the successful launch of the gallery on March 15 this year.

Kyureto Art Gallery continues to elevate the Cebuano art scene by showcasing fresh perspectives and bringing in new collections of artists featuring the works of Lida Maria Aguilar, Enzo Benedicto, Ariel Caratao, Wenceslao Cuevas, Jr., Michael Dondoyano, Reynan Dingal, Jun Impas, Zapphire Benedikt Jayme, Kim Hee Jung, Miriam Kim, Tatz Lee, Jogen Mil, Celso Pepito, Fe Pepito, Ruel Rosello, Antonio Vidal, Marlowe Villagonzalo, Choi Vina, and Marlon Ylanan.

As creative individuals, they bring distinct perspectives and artistic expressions to the table, embracing their uniqueness while striving for a common goal.  These artists have chosen to respect and appreciate each other’s individuality rather than suppressing their own voices, they’ve harnessed their distinctiveness to create something greater than the sum of its parts— “Essence of Oneness.”

The exhibit is a powerful reminder that diversity can unite, proving that even the most distinct artistic voices can harmonize to create something new and to reinforce Kyureto Art Gallery’s mission to be a platform for evolving artistic dialogue and innovation.

Throughout the opening, guests were treated to a diverse and colorful array of artworks that showcased the artists’ distinctive styles yet reflected a shared commitment to unity and artistic collaboration. This exhibition is a celebration of the beauty that emerges when unique perspectives and talents converge.

"Essence of Oneness" is now open to the public and will continue to run at the Kyureto Art Gallery (2nd level, across SM Appliance Center), offering visitors the opportunity to experience this fresh celebration of creativity and connection.   For inquiries and updates, check out SM J Mall on Facebook. (Photos: SM JMall/Rosemarie Rodriguez)

 

 

Ping Lacson to look into seafarers' concerns in a “Konsultahang Bayan” campaign in Cebu

CEBU CITY - Independent senatorial candidate Ping Lacson listened to the challenges and issues faced by the country’s seafarers in a “Konsultahang Bayan” type of campaign in Cebu on April 28 at the City Sports Club with more than 200 aspiring seafarers and Cebu’s leading maritime industry stakeholders, the United Harbor Pilots Assn. of the Philippines in coordination with Metro Cebu Harbor Pilots Company Incorporated.

The “Konsultahang Bayan” type of campaign is Lacson’s way of gathering specific sector’s concerns such as the maritime industry and the seafarers’ education challenges in the Philippines as his priority legislation to push should he earn a seat in the Senate in May.

"We must look into their plight and see if there is a solution based on legislation that will allow seafarers' parents to afford their training. God willing, if I return to the Senate, I will push for legislation in that direction," Lacson said in an interview with media after the consultation.

He pointed out that that while seafarers remitted some $6.94 billion in 2024 alone, education for those who want to become seafarers have become prohibitive. Their contribution to the Philippine economy cannot be discounted. "So we must help them because their tuition and training fees have become so prohibitive," Lacson added.

The aspiring senatorial candidate noted that demand for seafarers continues to grow, and students have many opportunities to be employed as seafarers. But in the Visayas and Mindanao, the number of students may be declining due to the high costs.

Lacson said that in some cases, parents are using their savings and retirement funds for their children to take maritime courses. Only the rich parents can send their children to maritime school.

Maritime education challenges

Maritime Council of Leaders Adviser, Chief mate Mizrainne Garcia highlighted the challenges faced by shipping companies, crew, and manning agencies in Cebu, with many graduates needing to travel to Manila for job opportunities.

“The high cost of tuition fees and the lack of sufficient maritime schools in the Visayas and Mindanao regions are contributing to the prohibitive costs of maritime education in these regions. A proposed solution is the establishment of a halfway house for students from these regions to stay while studying maritime courses in Manila, which could be subsidized by the government,” Garcia said.

The panel of speakers-- Maritime Council of Leaders Adviser, Chief mate Mizrainne Garcia; President/Chief Pilot Metro Cebu Harbor Pilots, Capt. Frederick Quiñones; United Harbor Pilot of the Philippines President, Capt. Arnold Labadan; President of Interisland Shipping, Lucio Lim and Association of International Shipping lines Ports operations Committee Chairman, Rene Ledesma acknowledged the need for more local maritime education options to support the industry's workforce development.

The panelists suggested action Items include--the establishment of a "halfway house" or subsidized accommodation for students from the Visayas and Mindanao regions to stay while studying maritime courses in Manila or elsewhere; increase the number of maritime schools in the Visayas and Mindanao regions and Subsidize the tuition fees for maritime courses to make them more affordable.

“We have lots and lots of work to do. When I am elected to the Senate, I assure you this will be one of my priority measures,” Lacson said.

He added that he would study possible solutions to issues raised by the stakeholders at the forum cum consultation including setting up government-subsidized halfway houses for student seafarers from the Visayas and Mindanao, as there are not enough maritime schools there.

The panelists discussion revolved around the importance of maritime education and the challenges faced by maritime students in the Philippines, noting the high cost of maritime courses and the need for government support to make them accessible to students from poor backgrounds.

Capt. Frederick Quiñones emphasized the significant economic impact of Filipino seafarers, noting that 80% of Philippine trade is seaborne and that seafarers contribute $8-9 billion annually to the economy.

Lucio Lim and Rene Ledesma represent a shipping group that supports maritime education and employs a high percentage of graduates, despite the industry's challenges. They underscored the need for government policies to support maritime education and the development of future seafarers. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Global Pacific powers Cebu’s culinary industry, showcases world-class brands at WOFEX Cebu 2025

CEBU CITY—Global Pacific, a trusted food service supplier to the hospitality and restaurant industry in the Philippines has continuously powered Cebu’s culinary industry and it showcased its world-class portfolio of food service brands drawing in restaurateurs, café owners, bakers, chefs, and food entrepreneurs to its booths during the April 24 to April 26 World Food Expo (WOFEX)-Cebu 2025 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

A coffee entrepreneur here noted that Global Pacific’s strong showing at WOFEX Cebu aligned perfectly with Cebu’s current economic landscape.  Cebu’s food service growth is being fueled by more than just tourism, it includes urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping the dining scene.

“Cebu is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It had over 3 million tourists last year—and because of this, the market here is rapidly expanding.  Restaurants, cafés, resorts, and bakeries are multiplying. On top of that, the growing IT-BPM sector means more people are dining out regularly,” Louren Chua-Sy, Brand Manager of Global Pacific’s Flagship Brands said, in an exclusive interview with Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC).

Chua-Sy went on that the dining industry in Cebu is thriving and a lot of entrepreneurs want to get into the game.  Many restaurants are looking to expand into multiple branches or new concepts.  “This is where Global Pacific comes in.  We carry an extensive range of products that cater to hotels, cafés, and bakeshops and we have a team of chefs to help restaurants and cafes with their menus,” she added.

Among the world-trusted brands carried by Global Pacific at the WOFEX Cebu 2025 included Arla, BRAVO, Bakerdream, Beryl’s, DLA, Conaprole, Castelvetere, Prochiz, Devondale, Armando, Sunshine Dairy, Dionysus, Aviko, Bunge, Andros, Banquet D'or, OraSi, Prairie Farms, Master Martini, Flechard, Yamamori, Mlekpol, Easy, and SUNNY FARMS.

According to Chua-Sy that these diverse lineups of world-class brands reinforced Global Pacific’s reputation for helping food businesses access performance-driven ingredients.  It also proudly showcased its flagship brands geared towards supporting food startups and scaling businesses. 

“Bravo brands are developed specifically for bakeries and coffee shops. This high-performing dairy brand has become a favorite for quality and consistency, while Sunny Farms products cater to hotels, restaurants, and resorts.  Sunny Farms impressed attendees with its versatile canned and frozen products,” Chua-Sy bared.

There is a growing trend for coffee shops that offer interesting experiences, from beautifully designed interiors to interesting locations. The pastry offerings in Cebu are also getting more exciting, Louren noted.

Charo del Mar, National Trade Marketing Manager of Global Pacific has also noted Cebu’s culinary powerhouse in the Visayas and its energy is electric.  “We’re here not just to sell, but to support businesses as they grow, because their success is our success too.   We want to partner with Cebuano entrepreneurs as they enter the food service industry and also support those ready to expand,” she added.

Del Mar called on entrepreneurs and startups to join its team in its series of expo and workshops and follow Global Pacific Facebook and Instagram page or visit www.globalpacific.com.ph to stay updated on its upcoming events.

For more information, visit www.globalpacific.com.ph or follow Global Pacific on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. (Photos: WOFEX-FB/CONPC/Robby Alugar)

 

 

 

 

 

2,800 individuals join the “Angels Walk for Autism” in Cebu, spotlights talents of youth on the spectrum

CEBU CITY –The “Angels Walk for Autism” in Cebu organized by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP)-Cebu Chapter on April 27 at the SM Seaside City Cebu spotlighted the culture, arts initiative and the creative abilities of youth on the spectrum showcasing the success of its flagship program dubbed as ‘ASP ARTismo’ and to call to action in building an Autism-OK Cebu with the theme, “COLORS.” 

“ASP ARTismo” shows the culture and arts initiative and the creative abilities of youth on the spectrum, transforming art into a powerful tool for self-expression and promoting artistic careers. Talented musicians with autism entertained the audience with a mini concert performed by the Spectrum Band, a group of self-taught young individuals with autism who are musically gifted in singing, drums, guitar, piano and some flair for theatre.

“Today’s Angels Walk for Autism is a celebration of leadership, talents and creativity of individuals on the spectrum.  We are shining a spotlight on their unique abilities and the significant contributions they make our society. We walk and walk together toward a more inclusive and sustainable future for all,” ASP-Cebu Chapter President, Rosa Edna Hubahib said in her opening message at the event.

Hubahib said that ASP-Angels Walk celebrates the success of the Autism Society Philippines flagship programs like ‘ARTismo’ which provides individuals on the spectrum with a platform to showcase their artistic talents through art as a form of self-expression.  

The Walk and the celebration centered around the shared vision of amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities to create an inclusive and sustainable future for them. The event brought to the fore the artistry, talents, and achievements of individuals on the autism spectrum, Hubahib added.

Hubahib also bared that the ASP Autism Works is another ASP program that empowers individuals on the autism spectrum through sustainable economic opportunities, including employment, entrepreneurship, and freelance work. “We also want to highlight the employability of these talented youth on the spectrum,” she added.

Cebu continues to unite for autism

The ASP Angels Walk for Autism has grown significantly since its inception in 2000, with over 27 cities participating in previous years. The people of Cebu have come together for a local ASP Angels Walk for Autism for the last 10 years.

In 2024, more than 27,000 attendees joined simultaneous walks across major cities, including Pasay, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Lucena. This annual event raises awareness and fosters a sense of community, advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons on the autism spectrum in all aspects of society.

The Cebu leg of this nationwide movement brought some 2,800 people this year, composed of children, parents, academe, government and non-government institutions joining the walk from the Mountain Wing Atrium through key areas of the mall and concluded at the Cube Wing where the program followed and the event is in partnership with SM Cares.

Included in the program was a ceremonial turnover of nine wheelchairs from the Department of Health (DOH) and ASP-Cebu to SM Seaside City Cebu, in recognition of the mall's longstanding support and commitment to promoting autism awareness, inclusion, and empowerment.

“We at SM Prime are deeply honored to be part of this movement.  It’s truly inspiring to see so many people come together for such a meaningful cause,” SM Prime Holdings. Inc. Executive Chairman Committee, Hans Sy said in a virtual message.

As a trusted partner of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), SM Supermalls continues to pave the way for inclusive mall experiences.  The Angels Walk for Autism is one of several key initiatives under SM Cares’ Program.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has grown to an astonishing 13,000 members across 103 chapters in the country. The ASP Angels Walk for Autism is a powerful platform for the celebration of Filipinos on the autism spectrum and the call for acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation — impactful action beyond awareness.

“ASP wants to establish institutional mechanisms to support neurodiversity in persons and their families. Let’s continue to celebrate an incredible potential within the Autism spectrum. Together, let's walk and paint the world with the colors of inclusion,” Hubahib concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)