DENR7, BFP7 ink partnership for forest fire protection in Central Visayas

 CEBU CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region VII signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen forest fire prevention, emergency response, suppression operations, capacity development, and environmental protection throughout Central Visayas.

DENR7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac and BFP7 Regional Director FCSUPT Fred Trajeras Jr., represented by BFP Assistant Regional Director for Operations FSSUPT Rogelio Bongabong Jr. signed the partnership at the opening of the Training on Forest Fire Management, Prevention, and Suppression on June 17, 2026, at SOI Suites, Talibon, Bohol.

“Climate change continues to heighten the frequency and intensity of forest and grassfires and this collaboration marks a proactive and strategic step toward safeguarding the region's forests, watersheds, biodiversity, and communities that rely on these critical ecosystems for their survival and well-being,” said Salac at the signing ceremony.

Salac said that the memorandum of understanding is more than a formal agreement, it represents a shared pledge of action, partnership, and resilience. It brings together environmental stewards and fire responders under a common mission—to prevent disasters before they occur, protect lives and natural resources, and ensure that future generations inherit healthy and thriving forests.

With the partnership, DENR7 and BFP7 believed that protecting forests is not solely an environmental responsibility but a collective commitment to securing communities, sustaining livelihoods, and building a climate-resilient future for all.

DENR-Bohol Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Forester Wilson Henson, Bohol Provincial Fire Marshal FSUPT Raul Bustaliño, and Vincent Pairault, Civil Protection Regional Attaché of the Embassy of France, were present to witness the signing of a multi-sectoral cooperation in addressing emerging environmental and disaster-related challenges. (Photos: DENR7)

 

 

CPA opens its Child Dev’t Center for its employees with children

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) opened the very first Child Development Center (CDC) for its employees and their children on June 15 at the CPA compound, the very first CDC established by a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) in Central Visayas.

“This initiative is not only about providing accessible childcare services for our employees. It is also our humble contribution to addressing the broader challenges in early childhood care and development in our country. We are grateful for the guidance, technical assistance and unwavering support of our partners from the Cebu City Government and the ECCD Council, whose collaboration has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality,” CPA general manager Francisco Comendador III said at the event.

Commendador shared that the CPA Child Development Center aims to promote the health, safety and holistic development of young children while helping ease the responsibilities of working parents. This is CPA’s commitment to support its employees with children under five years old by providing a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment within the workplace.

“This is the first of its kind in Cebu and should inspire other government institutions to establish similar facilities for their employees and their children. I commend the CPA for pioneering the initiative,” Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said, in his inspirational message.

Archival commended the CPA, a model worth emulating by government institutions, seeking to strengthen early childhood development programs while enhancing employee productivity and well-being.

Commendador expressed his appreciation to the Cebu City Government, the ECCD Council and all partner agencies for their guidance, technical assistance and unwavering support in making the project a reality.  He also thanked the Cebu Port Commission for its trust, support and approval of the program, emphasizing its significance for the welfare of CPA employees and their children.

Officers and representatives of the CPA Multipurpose Cooperative (CPAMC) donated Emergency Go Kits for all children enrolled in the program and it also sponsored uniforms and school bags for both the learners and teachers.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Cebu City Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) focal persons Martha Ricablanca and An-an Abordo; ECCD Council representative Newelle Magas and Cebu Port Commissioners Alan Alfon, Atty. Joselito Pedaria, Atty. Leo Canares and Joy Roble graced the launching event. (Photos: CPA)

 

 

 

PART 3: The Future of Metro Cebu Transport.

CEBU CITY -- Metro Cebu is steadily evolving into a more connected, more resilient urban region—where mobility is no longer defined by roads alone, but by an integrated network of transport systems working together.

Across various stages of planning, feasibility studies, and early development, a clear direction is taking shape: a fully interconnected transport future designed to ease congestion, improve accessibility, and support the region’s continued growth.

At the heart of this vision is a more balanced movement system that extends beyond traditional highways. In the southern corridor, areas such as Naga, Cebu, Philippines, Minglanilla, Cebu, Philippines, and Talisay, Cebu, Philippines are seen as key points in an emerging coastal and mobility network that aims to decongest major arterial roads while opening alternative travel routes.

Within the urban core, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines continues to serve as the central hub, where future transport systems—ranging from road upgrades to potential rail and cable-based mobility—are expected to converge. Nearby, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines strengthens its role as a critical link between northern and southern Metro Cebu, where daily commuter flow is heaviest.

Further north, growth corridors extend toward Liloan, Cebu, Philippines and Danao City, Cebu, Philippines, areas increasingly recognized for their potential in supporting expanded transport connectivity and decentralizing movement patterns away from the urban core.

To bridge current gaps in mobility, interim solutions such as ferry services are also being explored. These water-based links are envisioned to connect key coastal points across Metro Cebu, offering alternative routes between southern and northern municipalities while helping reduce pressure on existing road networks.

In the long-term vision, Metro Cebu is moving toward a truly multi-modal system—where roads, rail systems, cable transport, and maritime networks operate as one integrated framework. This future envisions not just faster travel, but smarter connections across cities and municipalities.

From coastal highways to urban rail concepts and ferry linkages, the direction is clear: a Metro Cebu that moves as one—connected, accessible, and ready for the future it is rapidly stepping into. (Photos: Google Images)

Part 2: The Future of Metro Cebu Transport

CEBU CITY – As Metro Cebu continues to expand into a dense, fast-moving urban center, the conversation on transportation is shifting beyond traditional roads and highways. Planners and stakeholders are now exploring innovative mobility concepts that aim to make cross-city travel not only faster and more efficient, but also more inclusive of geography, heritage, and future growth patterns.  

These emerging ideas reflect a simple but urgent reality: the way people move today will define how livable the city becomes tomorrow.

The Monorail Concept: Among the proposals being studied is a monorail system—an elevated rail network designed to connect key urban areas across lateral routes in Metro Cebu. Unlike ground-level highways that often face right-of-way constraints and heavy congestion, a monorail offers a vertically integrated solution that moves above the traffic.

The concept is envisioned to complement future rail systems, including north-to-south corridors, while serving as an efficient cross-city connector. By distributing passenger flow across multiple transport layers, the monorail could help reduce pressure on existing road networks and create a more balanced mobility ecosystem.  

More than just infrastructure, it represents a shift in thinking—from expanding roads outward to building transportation upward.

Cable Car Systems: In areas where road widening is no longer feasible or where terrain poses natural barriers, a cable car system is being considered as an alternative mode of transport. This concept is particularly relevant in highly congested districts or elevated communities where conventional transit solutions are difficult to implement.

Cable cars offer a unique advantage: they bypass ground-level congestion entirely. Suspended above the city, they provide continuous movement across short to medium distances, potentially linking residential zones, commercial hubs, and transport terminals.  

Beyond efficiency, this system introduces a new visual identity for urban mobility—one that is compact, clean, and adaptive to Cebu’s varied landscape.

Kalesa Mobility: While modern systems take shape, planners are also looking back to move forward. In historic districts such as Colon Street, the idea of integrating kalesa mobility—traditional horse-drawn carriages—into designated heritage zones is being explored.

This approach is not about nostalgia alone. It is about reimagining urban spaces where culture and mobility coexist. By limiting vehicular traffic and prioritizing pedestrian-friendly streets, kalesas could serve both as a cultural experience for tourists and a symbolic return to slower, more human-centered urban movement.  

In doing so, heritage zones become more than preserved streets—they become living, moving cultural corridors.

Together, these concepts reflect a broader vision for Metro Cebu: a transport system that is no longer dependent on a single mode, but instead built on layers of mobility—modern, flexible, and culturally grounded.

From elevated rails to aerial transit and heritage street systems, the city’s future is being shaped by one guiding idea: movement should serve people, place, and identity all at once.

As studies continue, these proposals signal a shift in urban thinking—where mobility is not just about getting from point A to B, but about how a city chooses to grow, remember, and connect. (Photos: Google Images)

Baricuatro allots P110M Kawasan Falls rehab, welcomes Balamban ecozone expansion

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro personally turned over the P110M check to Badian Mayor Jerome Christian Librando over the weekend, June 14 as part of the Cebu Provincial Government’s commitment for the rehabilitation and restoration of Kawasan Falls in Badian, an urgent need to revitalize one the most popular natural tourism attractions in Cebu.

“The rehabilitation project goes beyond tourism development. The protection of Kawasan Falls is closely linked to the welfare of local communities whose livelihoods depend on the destination. Thousands of tourism workers, local guides, transport operators, small business owners, and their families benefit from the steady flow of visitors to the area,” Baricuatro said.

Baricuatro, joined Badian mayor Librando in an inspection at the site to asses the extent of the rehabilitation work needed at the Kawasan Falls.  The rehabilitation seeks to ensure that the destination can continue to welcome visitors while preserving its natural beauty and ecological value.

 

The funds support is intended for the critical interventions at restoring the environmental integrity of Kawasan Falls, improving safety measures, and strengthening the site's resilience against future challenges, Baricuatro added.

Kawasan Falls is one of Cebu’s premier tourist destinations and it plays a critical role in the local economy of Badian and neighboring towns. The rehabilitation is expected to ensure jobs generation, strengthen sustainable tourism, and promote responsible environmental stewardship, Baricuatro noted.

“We want to ensure that Kawasan Falls is a safe and sustainable destination for future generations,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the 64.7 hectares expansion of the West Cebu Industrial Park–Special Economic Zone (WCIP-SEZ) in Balamban, Cebu augurs well for the province’s economic growth, boosting investments, jobs and business.

“The expanded ecozone would accommodate more locators and generate greater economic activity and of course, it will generate more revenue. If we can accommodate more locators, then so much the better," Baricuatro said at her regular press briefing on June 10 at the Capitol.

Baricuatro welcomes and supports these kinds of developments, provided they are sustainable and do not come at the expense of the environment.  The additional land would help address the growing space requirements of both current and prospective investors.

The expansion of the WCIP-SEZ was formalized through Proclamation No. 1288 signed on June 3, 2026, upon the recommendation of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The additional area consists of two parcels of land in Barangay Buanoy, Balamban.

Baricuatro noted that with the inclusion of the new properties, the existing 540-hectare Cebu Special Economic Zone within the West Cebu Industrial Park now expands to more than 600 hectares.  The ecozone is home to Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc., and a host of other industries. (Photos: Capitol PIO & Google Images)

 

Senator Chiz suggests to explore non-tax revenue options to help support national priorities

CEBU CITY -- Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero suggests that national government should consider non‑tax revenue options, including the bidding out of exploration and production agreements over the country’s indigenous coal resources to help generate additional funds while supporting ongoing fiscal and development priorities.

Escudero made this statement as economic managers continue to study ways to strengthen revenue generation to sustain social protection programs, energy transition efforts, and long‑term fiscal stability.

Currently, several tax proposals remain under review as part of the government’s broader fiscal strategy. Among the measures being examined are adjustments to excise taxes on sweetened beverages and certain food products, the Motor Vehicle Road User’s Tax (MVRUT), and the proposed excise tax on single-use plastics (SUPs).

Escudero has consistently maintained that new taxes should be a last resort, emphasizing the importance of efficient revenue collection and the full utilization of existing non‑tax opportunities.

“In lieu of new taxes, the government should maximize the resources it already owns. Bidding out exploration and sharing agreements over our indigenous coal reserves is a practical way to raise revenues without imposing additional burdens on the public,” he said.

Escudero noted that the Philippines has long‑identified coal‑bearing areas in Cagayan, Isabela, and parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani, which can be offered to the private sector through transparent and competitive bidding, since these areas remain underdeveloped despite their potential to contribute to national revenues.

He explained that properly structured agreements can provide substantial upfront payments and steady annual income for the government through work program commitments and the state’s share from future production.

Escudero said his own economic estimates show the scale of the opportunity. “If done correctly and competitively, these agreements can yield up to one trillion pesos upfront, and around seventy to one hundred billion pesos every year in non‑tax revenues,” he pointed out.

He added that tapping indigenous energy resources can complement the country’s long‑term energy and development goals, and hopes that government continues to explore non‑tax options alongside existing revenue measures to help support national priorities while being mindful of the public’s capacity to absorb new taxes.

PART 1 : The Future of Metro Cebu Transport

CEBU CITY— Metro Cebu is no longer just growing—it is expanding at a pace that is steadily reshaping how people live, work, and move across the region.

Every day, thousands of commuters travel across cities from north to south and back again: from residential communities to business districts, from schools to industrial zones, and from coastal towns to inland centers of activity. This constant flow of movement reflects a thriving metropolitan economy—but it also highlights a mounting challenge that residents experience daily: worsening traffic congestion, limited transport options, and longer travel times that affect productivity and quality of life.

As urban development continues to spread outward, the pressure on Metro Cebu’s transport network becomes even more evident. Key roads are carrying volumes far beyond their intended capacity, while public transport systems struggle to fully meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. In many areas, mobility is no longer just about convenience—it has become a critical factor that shapes access to opportunities, services, and economic participation.

Recognizing this, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 is looking beyond traditional infrastructure solutions. Instead of focusing solely on adding or widening roads, the agency is exploring long-term transport concepts that aim to reimagine how movement happens across the entire metropolitan area.

These emerging strategies emphasize connectivity over isolated projects. The focus is on strengthening north-to-south corridors while also developing lateral mobility solutions that link cities and municipalities more efficiently. By improving how different transport systems and routes connect with one another, the goal is to create a more seamless travel experience across Metro Cebu.

This approach reflects a shift in thinking—from simply building infrastructure to building an integrated transport network. One that supports not just current demand, but anticipates future growth, population expansion, and the continued rise of urban activity across the region.

Ultimately, the vision is clear: to create a Metro Cebu that moves better together. A region where mobility is more efficient, travel is more predictable, and development is supported by a transport system designed not just for today—but for the future of a rapidly growing metropolitan center.