Cebu City acting mayor Garcia files COC under Kusug-Panaghiusa

CEBU CITY -- Cebu City acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia today filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the city mayoral race under the Kusug-Panaghiusa coalition with running mate Joey Daluz and with a line-up of 16 coalition candidates for councilor that included six incumbents. 

“I come into this mayoral race fully prepared and very motivated to serve in a permanent capacity after serving you as your acting mayor but also your action mayor in the last five months. I strongly believe that my experience as acting mayor has strengthened my character and love for our city ug niandam nako aron mogiya sa Cebu City alang sa usa ka mas hayag nga ugma nga angay gyud niya ug dugay nang gidagmo sa mga Sugboanon,” Garcia told some 3,000 supporters who cheered the candidates under the Kusug-Panaghiusa coalition after they filed their COCs today, October 8 at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Cebu City at 10:45 a.m.

Garcia has been acting chief executive of the city since May following the six-month preventive suspension of Mayor Mike Rama by the Office of the Ombudsman for failing to pay the salaries of four City Hall employees.

He has been praised by his constituents as “action mayor” for his tangible accomplishments in spite of his brief tenure as the father of Cebu City, among them the completion of Guba Community Hospital and the Apas Super Family Health Center which both sat idle and unfinished for many years until he took over and sent the projects back into full motion.

Garcia approved the purchase of police cars—a request that had been pending for years—when he took the helm of Cebu City in a bid to strengthen peace and order.

“I am proud of my accomplishments as acting mayor, but nothing makes me prouder than knowing that I made a difference in our communities just by taking action immediately,” he said.

The 47-year-old Garcia, the youngest candidate in the four-way fight, was Rama’s vice mayor and running mate in 2022.  He rose to the challenge and successfully provided stability to a shaky local government and a polarized community.

Garcia shared that he gained so much invaluable experience that taught him great lessons in good governance, particularly in taking action promptly, whether in responding to individual citizens’ concerns or creating new opportunities that will enhance the quality of life of all residents.

”Daghan pa kaayong angay himuonon nga naghuwat ug inubanan sa pagpaluyo niining parehong makamao nga mga babaye ug lalaki sa akong grupo, kampante ako unsay among dungan nga makab-ot,” he said. (There are still so much things to do and with these good men and women behind me in our group, I am confident we can achieve more.)

Garcia said he is looking forward to putting this political rollercoaster ride behind them and fostering unity into the community through a leadership that is focused on the future.

The full line-up of councilors running under the Kusug-Panaghiusa coalition ticket includes incumbent councilors Jun Alcover, Joel Garganera and Jaypee Labella from the north district and James Cuenco, Rey Gealon, and Renato “Junjun” Osmena from the south. 

They are joined by Glena Bontuyan, Harold Go, Maria Ailien Guardo, RJ Osmena, Winston Pepito also representing the north district and Pie Abella, Opel Abellanosa, Jeson Guardo, Eugene Labella and Dave Tumulak from the south district. (Photos: Garcia camp/Kusug-Panaghiusa)

South Road Properties the next prime investment hub in Cebu City

CEBU CITY—South Road Properties (SRP) governing board is gearing up to transform the 300-hectare reclaimed area along Cebu’s southern coast as the premier investment hub in Cebu City.

“The ambitious vision is to unlock SRP’s full potential through a collaborative approach. Beyond infrastructure development, we want to highlight the importance of partnerships between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations to drive economic growth and establish SRP as a thriving center of commerce and industry,” bared Rey Gealon, Cebu City Councilor and Chair of the SRP governing board during a dialog with the business sector on October 2 at the City Hall.

Gealon said that Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia set this bold vision to market SRP as the next big investment hub for Cebu City, an area where the city's future unfolds. The key to making SRP successful, lies in creating a balanced distribution of businesses. This can only be achieved through collaboration, coordination, and cooperation among various stakeholders, including long-time business players in the region, Gealon added.

One of the major goals of the SRP initiative is inclusivity, particularly in ensuring that SMEs can engage and thrive alongside larger companies. “SRP is not just for big businesses; we need suppliers and we need employment,” Gealon explained 

By creating a space where businesses of all sizes can coexist, SRP aims to drive economic progress from SMEs to large corporations, offering opportunities for everyone in between, according to Gealon that Mayor Garcia's directive is clear-- to address the concerns of locators and businesses that have invested in SRP and to ensure that they can nurture and expand their operations.

Gealon noted that the success at SRP means Cebu’s economic success and the mayor understands that the economic growth and development of SRP is the highest calling of leadership.

Simplified Bureaucracy and a Business-Friendly Environment

Gealon also revealed that the SRP governing board is actively working to streamline the operations within SRP through an ordinance passed by the Cebu City Council that also made SRP a special administrative zone, freeing it from the traditional bureaucratic processes of City Hall.

“Permits and licenses—building permits, business permits, renovation permits—are to be issued by the SRP Governing Board, creating a one-stop-shop system to create a business-friendly environment that encourages growth and investment,” Gealon said.

SRP is envisioned to be a city within a city, where businesses can operate efficiently without the usual administrative hurdles, Gealon shared that the ease of securing permits and licenses make SRP more accessible and attractive to investors, enhancing its competitiveness as an economic zone.

Councilor Gealon acknowledged several ongoing concerns within SRP including issues related to street lighting, flooding, drainage, garbage collection, and traffic management.  The governing board passed a resolution to address the traffic concerns by declaring SRP a “discipline zone.” 

This entails deploying at least 10 traffic enforcers equipped with speed guns along the coastal road to regulate traffic and ensure road safety. Focusing on infrastructure improvements and enforcing discipline, SRP aims to create an orderly environment conducive to business and a pleasant experience for employees, customers, and residents alike.

Meantime, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) supports the SRP Governing Board in promoting investments at the SRP with emphasis on the importance of collaboration and aligning with the vision set by Cebu’s leaders.

CCCI president, Jay Yuvallos bared that the Chamber plans to contribute to SRP’s development through strategic input in planning and by working closely with the SRP board.  The chamber also partners with the city on the establishment of the Cebu Investment Development Concierge Center (CIDCC) and a special fund to create marketing materials to boost SRP’s promotion.

Yuvallos believes that with the right leadership, SRP will reach its full potential and set to become the flagship investment hub for Cebu.  It represents the city’s future where businesses, both large and small can flourish and where economic progress is driven by cooperation among all stakeholders in the City. (Photos: Cebu City Hall)

 

 

 

 

Best Buddy-PH selects a Cebu school as chapter for inclusive elementary

 CEBU CITY – Best Buddy-Philippines and the Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) in Canduman, Mandaue City forged a collaborative partnership to pilot  inclusive elementary education program with other schools in Cebu especially for neuro-diverse children and adults.

“Best Buddies is a global initiative that fosters inclusion and friendship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It is a globally recognized initiative that promotes inclusion for individuals with IDD for over a decade now in the Philippines,” Michele Ressa Aventajado, Executive Director of Best Buddies Philippines has been at the helm of this transformative movement since its inception.

Aventajado said that Best Buddies-PH was founded with a mission to create opportunities for friendship, leadership, and employment. The program has touched the lives of countless individuals by fostering an inclusive community where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued.

Marivic Bathan, CPMS Founder and President, in an interview with the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) bared that this partnership is a collaboration long overdue because Best Buddies programs on inclusivity aligns well with CPMS’ commitment to inclusion since the founding of the school.

“We saw a lot of alignment with CPMS programs especially in inclusion and Best Buddies was looking for partner to pilot its elementary program in Cebu, that was not implemented yet because Best Buddies has not found a suitable partner until we have the chance to meet and discuss the possibilities of piloting elementary inclusive education program in Cebu,” Bathan shared.

Bathan explained that Best Buddies Philippines chose CPMS since it fosters an inclusive environment where students with and without disabilities learn and grow together. The school has been looking for a program that supports not only its current students, and alumni who continue to face challenges as they transition into adulthood.

Through this collaboration, CPMS will now serve as a Best Buddies chapter, spearheading both the elementary program and future initiatives that aim to provide ongoing support for individuals with IDD, she said.

Bathan emphasized the impact of Best Buddies' flagship pre-employment program, which complements CPMS's existing initiatives for young adults. With this partnership, the school hopes to continue promoting inclusion and support for students and their families, paving the way for a more inclusive community in Cebu.

"We further inclusion through three pillars: friendship, leadership, and employment. These pillars serve as the foundation for the program's activities, designed to empower individuals with IDD by connecting them with peers, mentors, and job opportunities," Aventajado explained.

Aventajado said that by partnering with CPMS, Best Buddies Philippines is piloting its elementary school program to create a nurturing space where students with and without disabilities can learn, grow, and thrive together.

Beyond the school partnerships, the program also engages parents, educators, and local businesses to create a broader understanding of inclusion.  Best Buddies Philippines’ aims to uplift individuals with IDD, and educate and involve the larger community through workshops, leadership seminars, and social events like the mini friendship walk.

In addition to the core pillars of friendship and leadership, Best Buddies is actively working on employment programs, ensuring that individuals with IDD are given the chance to contribute to society in meaningful ways.

"We're planting seeds of inclusion and these seeds, nurtured through partnerships with schools, businesses, and families, will help shape a future where individuals with disabilities are seen, heard, and fully embraced as vital members of society, Aventajado said.

Now that CPMS is already Best Buddies chapter in Cebu, Bathan said that plans are afoot to trailblaze the various programs to spread the word about inclusion in education and living, and how this can be done through the collaborative partnerships with the other schools in Cebu.

Best Buddies’ vision is clear, Aventajado said adding that inclusion isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey that requires the collective effort of everyone in the community. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Medical, healthcare services in a mall?

CEBU CITY— Chong Hua Hospitals redefined medical and healthcare services in Cebu and the neighboring Visayas and Mindanao regions with the launching and opening of the Chong Hua Medical Mall, a 12-storey facility along J. Llorente Street, Capitol Site, Cebu City that serves as a one-stop destination, offering a wide range of clinical specialties, including radiology, cardiology, laboratory, and pharmacy services alongside over 300 doctors available from Monday to Saturday.

“Our goal is to provide accessible, convenient and topnotch health care for the people of Cebu, and neighboring islands all under one roof.  We mark the beginning of a new chapter in health care, one that emphasizes convenience, quality care and the wellbeing of every patient,” said Benito Gaisano, Chairman, Association Benevola De Cebu Inc. (ABDCI), in his opening message at the grand launch event on October 1.

Gaisano said that Chong Hua Medical Mall represents a bold new vision for healthcare in the region. It is more than just a facility, it is a gift to the community, a place where they bring together quality medical services, modern technology and commercial service in a patient-centered approach.

According to Dr. Helen Po, President and CEO, Chong Hua Medical Mall that the facility integrates advanced medical services with unmatched convenience, comfort, and an exceptional patient experience. It brings together multiple healthcare services, specialty clinics, diagnostics and patient-focused amenities into one seamless environment. 

“Our strategic direction is clear, we aim to make healthcare more accessible and efficient by integrating these services into a single, easy and navigable space. Patients can consult their doctors, complete diagnostics tests, and receive treatment all in one visit,” she added.

What sets Chong Hua Medical Mall apart from other hospitals in Cebu

Dr. Joanne Cosin, Chief Operating Officer, Chong Hua Medical Mall bared that what sets the facility apart from other hospitals in Cebu, is its focus on convenience and preventive care. It's not just for those who are sick; it also caters to individuals seeking health monitoring and regular check-ups. Patients can easily walk in, even without a prior doctor's appointment, as medical experts are available to attend to their needs.

Cosin added that the medical mall allows those traveling from provinces or nearby islands to complete their healthcare journey within a day-consult with doctors, undergo tests with quick result releases, receive prescriptions, and return home the same day.

This is to be a seamless journey operational excellence at its best for being the best practices of the hospital towards the medical mall where everything from preventive, primaries, specialty, happens in one roof all in one day, hopefully, from diagnostics to consultations, to pharmacy to breakfast, lunch and dinner. “We hope for the patient to have a very seamless experience,” Cosin said.

Chong Hua Medical Mall embodies the trusted Chong Hua plan of medical care, known for its commitment for quality, compassionate service and a tradition of excellence that has been the cornerstone of healthcare in the region.

It is a symbol of Cong Hua’s commitment to raise healthcare standards.  Patients can seamlessly navigate between consultations, diagnostics, and commercial establishments like food outlets, bank, nail salon, and convenience store-all within the same facility.

The "Meds-to-Go" service enhances convenience by enabling patients to call or message the pharmacy, pre-order medications, pay online, and pick them up without delay. Digital integration also plays a significant role, with diagnostic results accessible online.

Patient records are also connected between Chong Hua Medical Mall and Chong Hua Hospitals, supporting advanced treatments, emergency services, and hospital admissions when needed.

Part of a broader healthcare ecosystem linked with Chong Hua Hospitals, the medical mall offers patients smooth inter-referrals among specialists, enhancing multidisciplinary care for complex health needs. This integration ensures comprehensive, coordinated, and efficient healthcare delivery.

Looking ahead

Dr. Cesar Quiza, Medical Director bared that Chong Hua Medical Mall soon to offer an ambulatory surgical clinic for day surgeries and a pharmacy drive-thru, adding another layer of service and convenience for patients.  Currently, the medical mall features a laboratory drive-thru, allowing patients to undergo laboratory tests without leaving their vehicles, further enhancing accessibility and ease of access.

Quiza said that Chong Hua Medical Mall emphasizes comfort and safety with spacious, air-conditioned waiting areas, and a mechanical air ventilation system that delivers clean air.   Accessibility is enhanced by multi-level parking that extends up to the 8th floor, complete with easy floor access, escalators up to the 4th floor, and patient assistants who guide and provide support to every visitor.

Guided by the vision to be the leading provider of quality healthcare in the Visayas and Mindanao, Chong Hua Medical Mall embodies the mission to deliver a patient-centered approach that emphasizes comfort and convenience. (Photos: MBCNewman & Chong Hua Medical Mall)

 

Volunteerism contributes P44.5B in PH’s GDP

CEBU CITY – Volunteerism contributes about 44.5B in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Region VII citing a study in 2009 from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

NEDA-7 and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) mounted the 1^st Central Visayas Volunteerism Exhibit 2024 on September 27 at the Seaview Wing Atrium, SM Seaside, Cebu City with more than 200 participants from some of the local government units (LGUs) here, regional line agencies (RLAs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), civil society organizations, private sector and higher educational institutions.

“The opportunity to be able to volunteer is actually one of the aspirations of the Filipinos as captured in our long-term collective vision for ourselves and for our country - the Ambisyon Natin 2040, of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay” NEDA-7 regional director Jennifer Bretana talked about the value of volunteerism in her opening message during the event.

Bretana mentioned another study from the UN Volunteers in 2019 that governments recognize volunteers for its contribution as critical partners, whose inputs are essential development priorities; as innovators who bring new perspectives and ideas to the table and of their voluntary actions that strengthen the ability to reach the farthest behind first.

PNVSCA executive director, Donald James Gawe, in his keynote address told his audience that Volunteerism brings out the best in humanity by allowing people to offer their time, skills, and resources in the service of others. “Through volunteerism, we nurture the values of compassion, empathy, and civic duty-values that are essential in building a more resilient and inclusive society,” he said.

Gawe commended NEDA-7 for putting up the very first volunteerism exhibit in Central Visayas and also the first in the country.  He said that volunteerism is not just about the act of giving. It is about the sense of ownership, responsibility, and solidarity that binds people together as citizens.

“The path to a better world cannot be built on passive hope alone. Real change requires collective action, and volunteers are at the forefront of this effort. Their work brings hope to life and transforms it into tangible, positive change within communities. Volunteers are the hands that lift, the hearts that care, and the voices that inspire action,” Gawe said.

About 15 partner government agencies, schools and universities, volunteers’ organizations and students were on hand to exhibit their respective products, services and programs for volunteerism where the students and other and walk-in participants inquired on the process of volunteerism.

At the Couch Conversation, foreign and local volunteers from Cebu, Bohol, NegOr and Siquijor shared their experiences and challenges they encounter while doing volunteer work.  They spoke of a common bond and the sense of bayanihan, hospitality and grateful attitude among Filipinos.  

“As we look towards the future, it is imperative that we continue to inspire more citizens and organizations to take an active role in their communities. Volunteerism, in essence, is the very embodiment of bayanihan--the collective effort of Filipinos to help one another in times of need. This spirit of unity and cooperation is what will drive us forward in our pursuit of sustainable development and progress,” Gawe concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

China’s progress boosts confidence of developing countries to modernization

CEBU CITY – The People’s Republic of China, for the past 75 years has found the right path for modernization with its fast-economic development and long-term social stability that boosts the confidence of developing countries to push for modernization.

Consul General Zhang Zhen of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu said in her keynote message at the celebration of the 75^th Founding Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on September 27 at the Grand Ballroom, Marcopolo Plaza Hotel Cebu, with more than 500 guests composed of local government officials, businessmen and different chambers of commerce in Central Visayas and the media in attendance.

“Chinese modernization benefits the world. China is a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a champion of international order. China took the lead in proposing and acting on the five principles of peaceful coexistence,” Consul Zhen said.

 China’s modernization is peaceful and it has never waged war but goes all out to help fellow developing countries, she went on that her country is the largest contributor to UN peacekeepers; the largest contributor to the core budget of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Protocols; the largest contributor to world economic growth; the main trading partner of nearly 200 economies in the world.

Consul Zhen describes China’s modernization as people-centered, green being in harmony with humanity and nature, peaceful as it is the builder of world peace, contributes to global development and champion of international order.

China’s strong economy reflects confidence of the int’l community

According to Consul Zhen, China’s GDP, in the first half of 2024 grew by five percent with the total volume of imports and exports of goods increased by 6.1 percent and the number of new foreign-funded enterprises increased by 14.2 percent year-on-year (YOY).

The Consul bared that in July this year, the Communist Party of China (CPC), in its 3^rd plenary session of its 2oth Central Committee inked more than 300 reform tasks and came up with a new blueprint for more comprehensive reforms to advance the country’s modernization.

“A more open China with high-quality development will bring more development opportunities to all countries in the world, especially neighboring countries. China adheres to the policy of developing friendship and partnership with neighbors, and acts on the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness,” Zhen said in an interview with this writer.

PH-China celebrates nearly 50 years of friendship

In 2025 marks the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines maintaining a forward-looking trend in its bilateral relations that continue to yield many fruits in various fields of cooperation.

History showed that as long both countries honor the original commitment to diplomatic ties, properly manage differences, the road of cooperation will be even broader, benefitting both Chinese and Filipinos.

Cebu City acting mayor, Raymund Alvin Garcia congratulated the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu for its 75^th Founding Anniversary and said that it was a momentous occasion that represents not only the resilience and progress of a great nation but also the enduring friendship that binds both Chinese and Filipinos together.

“The history between Cebu and the Chinese people runs very deeply stretching back to centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards.  Our ancestors traded shared knowledge and forged bonds that laid the foundation for a relationship that transcends borders and cultures,” Garcia said.

He added that as both nations stand together in commemoration of China’s remarkable journey this is also reflection on the deep historical ties that link both communities. It is through these connections that both nations see the potentials or even a stronger collaboration in the future, one rooted to mutual respect, shared aspirations and a vision of prosperity for both our nations.

May this milestone serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength that unity brings. Let’s continue to work together not only as a nation but also as communities Cebu City and China towards deeper understanding, meaningful partnership and a future where both peoples triumph side by side, Garcia added.

Consul Zhen, on the other hand cited that Chinese and the Visayans or ‘Bisaya’ have the same values.  They are kind, open, diligent, intelligent and peace-loving people. Peace and development are their common aspirations. Chinese and Visayans/Bisaya have millennium-old exchanges and profound historical connections, people enjoy and carry on these legacies.

Many Chinese and Filipino-Chinese have been well integrated with the host country and made tremendous contributions to the local economy and society.  PH-China good-neighborliness, enduring friendship and win-win cooperation could bring tangible benefits to both sides.  

“I am looking forward that you all would continue to care and support China-Philippines relations. Let’s make joint efforts to steer clear of disruption, to strengthen communication and mutual understanding, to advance bilateral relations for common prosperity and lasting peace, for a better homeland in Asia!” Consul Zhen concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)