Accor, Cebu Yacht Club ink agreement for ibis Styles Hotel devt in Mactan

LAPULAPU CITY -- Cebu Yacht Club Development Corporation and global hospitality group Accor inked a hotel management agreement for Accor to operate the future ibis Styles hotel brand as part of the site’s wider redevelopment vision and a key milestone in the transformation of Mactan’s waterfront.

Both parties signed the agreement at ibis Styles Manila Araneta Center on 24 February 2026, and represents the first implemented component of the site’s broader redevelopment program, with the planned hotel featuring 150 rooms.  It will rise within a mixed-use building that also integrates office and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant hub for visitors and local enterprises alike.

Representing the project partners during the ceremony were Kash Salvador for Accor; Sherwin John Uy for Primeworld Land Holdings Inc., Engr. Joseph Pepito representing St. Joseph Optimum Ventures Inc. and Ramon Carlo Yap for Priland Development Corporation, for the Consortium.

Shared Vision for a Revitalized Waterfront

Project stakeholders expressed strong optimism about the partnership and its role in reshaping the property into a renewed destination.  Kash Salvador noted that the collaboration signals confidence in the market and in the long-term potential of the location.

“We are pleased to partner with Cebu Yacht Club Development Corporation in bringing ibis Styles to this landmark site. This project aligns with our strategy to expand in dynamic destinations while offering design-forward hospitality experiences that resonate with modern travelers,” Salvador shared.

Sherwin John Uy emphasized the consortium’s commitment to creating a development that blends local relevance with international standards.  “This hotel is an important first step in unlocking the full potential of the property. Our goal is to reintroduce the Cebu Yacht Club as a vibrant, accessible destination—one that serves both the community and visitors, while honoring its legacy.”

Ramon Carlo Yap highlighted the broader economic and urban impact of the initiative.  They see this as more than a hotel project. It is a catalyst for renewed business activity, new investments, and meaningful placemaking that will contribute to the continued growth of Mactan as a gateway for tourism and commerce, he added.

 “Through thoughtful design and engineering, we aim to transform the site into a modern, resilient development that supports marina life, hospitality, and commercial uses in a cohesive environment,” Engr. Joseph Pepito underscored the technical and planning approach behind the redevelopment.

The introduction of ibis Styles is envisioned to immediately activate the property by providing internationally branded accommodations at one of the most accessible gateways to Cebu. Located on Mactan Island, the site sits just minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, as well as key maritime entry points, positioning it as an ideal address for business travelers, yacht owners, and tourists seeking seamless connectivity, the developers shared.

Driving economic, tourism growth in Mactan

With proximity to major ports, commercial districts, medical institutions, and the island’s established resort corridor, the hotel is expected to serve as a convenient base for both corporate and leisure markets while reinforcing Mactan’s role as a critical link between Cebu’s economic and tourism ecosystems.

Cebu Yacht Club Development Corporation is a newly organized consortium established specifically to undertake the property’s redevelopment. The alliance combines the national-scale development experience of Primeworld Land Holdings Inc., the strong Cebu market presence of Priland Development Corporation, and the engineering and project execution expertise of St. Joseph Optimum Ventures Inc.

The mixed-use structure, including the ibis Styles hotel, is being designed by WT Architects, whose work will guide the site’s architectural character toward a contemporary waterfront expression that complements its marina setting while supporting modern hospitality and commercial functions.

Long recognized as a landmark for the sailing community, Cebu Yacht Club has served as a traditional marina and social hub but has faced aging infrastructure and underutilized spaces in recent years. The redevelopment seeks to unlock its full potential through modern design, upgraded facilities, and diversified uses that extend beyond marina functions.

The planned transformation will introduce hospitality, workplace environments, retail, dining, and public-oriented spaces—revitalizing the area into a destination that supports tourism growth while energizing local commerce.

By anchoring the redevelopment with an internationally recognized hotel brand, the project establishes an early catalyst for renewed activity in the area. The initiative is expected to stimulate investment, generate employment, and elevate the overall visitor experience, contributing to the continued evolution of Mactan as both a business and leisure destination. (Photos: Abby Caruana)

 

DSWD-7 continues to conduct rounds of reach-out activities in Metro Cebu

CEBU CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7-Central Visayas continues to conduct rounds of reach-out activities across Metro Cebu to reach children, individuals, and families living in street situations through the Pag-abot Program.

With the establishment of the Pag-abot Processing Center (PCC), these reach-out operations have intensified, with support from partner stakeholders, including the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices and Anti-Mendicancy Offices of the highly urbanized cities.

DSWD-7 regional director, Shalaine Lucero said these street dwellers reached by DSWD are profiled and, with their consent, brought to the PCC where they are provided with appropriate care and interventions to prepare them for reintegration into their hometowns and communities.

The goal is to help them rebuild their lives and become productive members of society, Lucero said. The Pag-abot Program is one of DSWD’s flagship initiatives that aims to provide a better future for children, individuals, and families living on the streets through comprehensive social protection packages and interventions.

 

    PBBM inaugurated DSWD’s 3^rd Pag-Abot Processing Center in Liloan

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive social protection, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. inaugurated the Pag-abot Processing Center (PPC) in Barangay Tayud, Liloan, Cebu, February 26 during his visit in Cebu of the same date.

This is the third PPC in Central Visayas that provides comprehensive social protection services for children, individuals, and families in street situations while awaiting reintegration.  “The facility will cater to the three major cities in Cebu—Cebu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City to ensure the welfare of Families and Individuals in Street Situations (FISS),” DSWD secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian emphasized that the agency will link beneficiaries to long-term support programs, including economic assistance, livelihood opportunities, educational support, and other social protection services, to prevent FISS from returning to street situations.

Gatchalan shared that in Cebu, there are more than 600 homeless individuals have been recorded by the DSWD which is implementing the Pag-Abot Program to help families and individuals in street situations.  The program provides health services, food, clothing, psychosocial and livelihood support, temporary housing, and family reintegration to help beneficiaries move toward stable and dignified lives.

DSWD secretary Gatchalian briefed President Marcos as they toured the Pag-Abot Processing Center, visiting the clinic, processing area for beneficiary assessment, profiling, biometrics, and clothing distribution, storage, and laundry area, kitchen and dining hall, administrative office, senior citizens’ room, isolation room, and prayer and activity areas.

The Center is equipped with clinics, regular rooms, rooms with individual toilets and baths, a communal comfort room with five toilets and four showers, an administrative office, an activity area, a prayer room, a kitchen and dining area, a conference room, a profiling area, a baggage counter, a stockroom, and a laundry area with clotheslines.

The PPC facility can accommodate over 120 beneficiaries and it provides temporary shelter for about one month as part of a structured reintegration process aimed at restoring stability and creating opportunities.

The DSWD Field Office VII continues to conduct proactive reach-out operations for individuals and families in street situations across the Cities of Cebu, Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Naga, Talisay and Toledo — strengthening the government’s whole-of-nation approach to uplift lives and build safer, more inclusive communities. (Photos: DSWD7)

 

 

Cebu City, DOT to push for Muslim-Friendly, Halal tourism initiatives

CEBU CITY – Cebu City and the Department of Tourism (DOT) want to push for more Muslim-Friendly tourism programs in Cebu City, in a courtesy visit of DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar and DOT-7 OIC Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas at City Hall on March 4 with Mayor Nestor Archival welcoming the idea of a Muslim friendly Cebu City.

The discussion explored ways to encourage accommodation establishments to adopt Muslim-friendly standards and to promote more halal-certified restaurants across the city, Abubakar said this initiative seeks to ensure that Muslim travelers feel welcome in Cebu City.

“We want our Muslim tourists/travelers to feel very welcome here and that they have access to services and facilities that respect their cultural and religious practices, positioning Cebu City as a more inclusive and welcoming destination,” Abubakar added.

Mayor Archival on the other hand shared his plans to establish a Muslim Section at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), a proposal that USEC Abubakar fully support.  They also discussed the development of specialized tour packages tailored for Muslim tourists to further enhance visitor experience and accessibility.

“We welcomed USEC. Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to discuss ways forward in advancing Muslim-friendly and Halal tourism initiatives in Cebu City. Our discussion also touched on strengthening programs that support the Muslim Filipino community, including identifying Muslim communities and mosques in the city, as well as exploring the possibility of establishing a Muslim section in hospitals to better address their cultural and religious needs,” Archival said in his Facebook post.

USEC Abubakar assured Mayor Archival that the DOT reaffirmed its support to these initiatives and assist the Cebu City Government in implementing programs and standards that will advance Muslim-Friendly Tourism in the city. (Photos: Cebu City PIO)

 

 

Connectbase, Converge expand connectivity ecosystem in Southeast Asia

CEBU CITY – Connectbase, the Operating System for Connected Commerce announced a strategic collaboration with Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (Converge) on March 3, expanding the Connectbase ecosystem in Southeast Asia and strengthening global access to one of the region’s fastest-growing digital markets.

Through the collaboration, Converge joins the Connectbase platform, making its fiber and subsea infrastructure digitally accessible to carriers and enterprises worldwide through automated, API-driven connectivity commerce.

The collaboration extends Connectbase’s global reach into the Philippines while opening Converge’s high-performance pure-fiber network to a broader international buyer community. Global carriers and enterprises can now instantly discover serviceability, pricing, and availability across millions of Philippine locations—replacing historically manual, email-driven sourcing processes with real-time automation.  

“As AI workloads, cloud regionalization, and cross-border enterprise operations accelerate across Southeast Asia, access to automated, location-precise connectivity has become critical infrastructure, not a procurement convenience. Converge has built a world-class fiber network, and Connectbase provides the digital transmission that makes it globally consumable, putting millions of Philippine locations instantly on the screens of the world’s largest network buyers,” said Ben Edmond, CEO of Connectbase.

Converge operates one of the youngest and most advanced end-to-end pure-fiber networks in the Philippines, spanning more than 896,000 kilometers, covering nearly 60% of the Philippine households. The company has also invested in major trans-Pacific subsea cable systems, directly connecting the Philippines to the United States, Singapore, and HongKong, strengthening regional and global connectivity resilience, said Dennis Anthony H. Uy, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge.

“This joint effort represents a major milestone in making the Philippines fully accessible to the global connectivity economy. By joining the Connectbase ecosystem, we are enabling carriers and enterprises worldwide to engage with our network in seconds rather than days, while supporting the continued growth of Southeast Asia’s digital economy, Uy said.

By onboarding to the Connectbase Seller Cloud, Converge transitions from manual quoting to automated responses, enabling rapid participation in global RFPs, greater visibility with international buyers, and reduced order fallout through precise, location-level serviceability data. Buyers gain access not only to high-quality fiber, but also to resilient, low-latency routes critical for cloud, enterprise, and BPO traffic.

“Buyers sourcing connectivity in the Philippines can now reduce sourcing cycles from weeks to minutes, while sellers gain immediate visibility into global demand without incremental sales overhead. This collaboration reinforces Connectbase’s role as the platform enabling global connectivity commerce, connecting buyers to trusted infrastructure in every major region,” Edmond added. (Photos: Google Images)

 

 

 

CCCI’s dual education, training program produces 14 seafood production workers

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recognized the successful completion of 14 seafood production workers under its Dual Education and Training (DET) program during CCCI’s General Members' Meeting (GMM) on February 27 at the Oakridge Pavilion in Mandaue City, to meet the growing demand for skilled labor in Cebu’s seafood production industry.

These 14 graduates have now earned certification as Certified Seafood Production Workers: a crucial step in addressing the skills gap within the region’s workforce. Through CCCI’s DET program, these graduates help to close the gap by ensuring that they not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the practical experience that employers require, said CCCI president Jay Yuvallos.

This milestone marked the conclusion of the recently finished FISH Visayas Project Phase 2, which was implemented under CCCI’s Assessment, Certification, and Accreditation Services (ACAS). The graduates completed 240 hours of intensive classroom learning, followed by 912 hours of hands-on, in-company experience, Yuvallos shared.

Yuvallos bared that the DET Program and the graduates’ certification aligned with the workforce training with the demands of the seafood production sector. In today’s competitive job market, industries like seafood production are facing challenges in finding workers with the precise skills required to succeed.

CCCI recognizes its partner companies: Siargao Bounty Seafoods Corporation, Central Seafoods Inc., HJR International, and Phil Union Frozen Foods Inc.-for their invaluable role in shaping the future of Cebu’s seafood industry.  These companies have not only contributed to the program’s success but also demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the local workforce.

CCCI also thanked its partner academic institutions-- Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology and CITE Institute of Technology by providing top-quality education and training, ensuring that the program’s curriculum aligns with the needs of both the students and the industry.

“Through programs like DET, CCCI continues to champion workforce development and we remain committed to fostering collaboration between the academic sector and industries to provide sustainable solutions to skills mismatches in the labor market,” Yuvallos concluded. (Photos: CCCI)

Taiheyo Cement’s Plastic Buster program expands to all San Fernando, Cebu schools

 CEBU CITY -- Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) Plastic Buster Program that started among its employees has expanded to all public schools in San Fernando town in Cebu Province, following the recent signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) at the company’s administration conference room.

Dwight Avila, TCPI manager for environment and safety said the initiative now covers 15 schools across DepEd’s Districts 1 and 2, marking a significant step in deepening environmental awareness among the youth and strengthen community-based solid waste management, anchoring hopes in the youth to carry on the efforts to keep their environment clean and healthy.

The partnership highlighted the growing collaboration among the education sector, government agencies, and private industry in promoting sustainability at the grassroots level.  “The expansion of the Plastic Buster Program reflects our belief that environmental responsibility must start early,” Avila said.

Avila shared by involving schools and students, the team is planting the seeds of discipline and environmental consciousness that can extend from the classroom to households and the wider community.  Under the program, students and schools are encouraged to practice proper waste segregation, particularly the collection of non-rigid plastic wastes. These plastics are then utilized as alternative fuel in TCPI’s cement production process, helping reduce waste sent to landfills while supporting more sustainable industrial practices.

John Roy Kyamko, chief of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Section of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB-7) is hopeful the expansion results in positive changes in the community. 

“We give our best efforts in dealing (with) garbage in the manner (that) we can manage. However, it is heartbreaking to see that most garbage only ends up in landfills,” Marlowe Revolteado, principal of San Fernando Montessori Science Elementary School said.

Revolteado noted that TCPI’s program is attuned to DepEd’s advocacy on environmental protection and conservation.  With the program, the educators’ passion to help save the environment has been reignited.  “We are driven to lead our learners to take part in this undertaking knowing that they deserve a clean, safe and sustainable environment,” he said.

Students as agents of environmental change

The latest expansion builds on the program’s steady growth since its launch in June 2024 within TCPI premises.  Initially participated in by employees and personnel of suppliers and allied companies, the Plastic Buster Program began as a weekly initiative encouraging workers to bring clean and dry plastic waste from home.

In its second phase, TCPI piloted the program in the community through student leaders of South Poblacion National High School - Math & Science School (SPNHS-MSS).  The positive response from the pilot school demonstrated how students can become effective environmental advocates, influencing practices not only in school but also at home.

“Children can be powerful agents of change. When they understand why proper waste management matters, they bring that mindset to their families. That’s how we address the problem at its source,” Avila said.

With the town-wide rollout, TCPI and its partners aim to nurture what Avila described as “green thumbs” among young learners, a mindset that values environmental protection, discipline, and sustainability as everyday habits.  The lead educators have expressed their commitment to promote the program in their respective elementary schools (ES), national high schools (NHS) and technical vocational schools (TVS).

Today, the expansion included the principals of Balud ES principal - Dr. Judy Tapere; Catalina Lapus-Omega NHS - Dr. Lowella C. Capangpangan; Pitalo ES - Isidro M. Catina; Pitalo NHS - Dr. Nanette D. Ymalay; Ricardo Reluya Jr. TVS - Ernesto T. Estrelloso; San Fernando Central - Florinda M. Soronio; San Fernando NHS - Kathleen Marie P. Gencono; San Isidro ES - Alford G. Magdogo with school teacher Liezel Sebial; Sangat ES - Dr. Marissa S. Deipariene; Sangat NHS - Rosemariwen Renes; South Poblacion ES - Evaniza M. Genilla and South Poblacion NHS Math & Science School - Dr. Olga C. Fernandez.

Beyond reducing plastic waste, the Plastic Buster Program supports TCPI’s commitment to its Environmental Management System, certified under ISO 14001 since 2006, and aligns with Republic Act No. 11898, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

Through the expanded partnership, TCPI, schools, and local institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and safer San Fernando, while educating the next generation on practices that will benefit both present and future communities. (Photos: Taiheyo Cement Philippines Inc.)

DICT-NIR provides communications support to OFWs in the Middle East

DUMAGUETE CITY – Department of Information and Communications Technology-Negros Island Region (DICT-NIR) provides communications support services to the families here of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East countries in the wake of the ongoing US-Iran war.

DICT-NIR said it will provide reliable internet connectivity and free use of equipment to communicate with OFW families; 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 such a Viber, Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, and more.  It can assist them in setting up and using these platforms to see and talk to their loved ones.

The DICT-NIR personnel and staff are ready to provide assistance in setting up the different platforms with patience, respect, and understanding, it said and encourage OFW families to visit the nearest DICT-NIR offices to avail of its services.

📍 Digital Transformation Center (DTC) – Dumaguete City, DICT Bldg., cor. Sta. Catalina St. - E. Surban St., Poblacion IV, Dumaguete City; Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

📍 Digital Transformation Center (DTC) – Siquijor, 2nd Floor Business and Convention Center, cor. Mabini-Sta. Fe St., Brgy. Poblacion, Siquijor; Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

📍 DICT Negros Occidental Provincial Office, Aguinaldo St., Brgy. 4, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

“𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞,” DICT-NIR said in its Facebook post.