Laguindingan, Bohol airports welcome 1M+ domestic travelers 1st quarter of 2026

CEBU CITY –Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) welcomed more than one million domestic passengers during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting their growing importance as regional gateways in the country.

"Domestic travel continues to be a strong driver of growth for Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports, as well as in the communities where we are located. The sustained demand we are seeing at both Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao International Airports reflects the enduring value of regional connectivity and the growing confidence of travelers exploring opportunities, destinations, and experiences across the country,” said Aboitiz InfraCapital Vice President and Head of Airports Business Rafael Aboitiz.

Latest data showed that combined domestic passenger traffic at LIA in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and BPIA in Panglao, Bohol reached more than 1.02 million travelers in the first three months of the year.

LIA, the country’s seventh-busiest gateway, recorded strong local numbers during the quarter, serving 616,661 domestic passengers. It highlights the increasing mobility of Northern Mindanao residents and visitors, and reinforces LIA’s role as a key gateway to one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing regions.

Meanwhile, BPIA, the country’s 10th-busiest gateway, continues to serve as a vital connection to Bohol, welcoming over 412,000 domestic passengers during the quarter.

As one of the country's premier tourism destinations and home to the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol remains a major draw for Filipino travelers seeking leisure, cultural, and nature-based experiences, contributing to stable passenger volumes at BPIA.

 In partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol led by Governor Erico Aristotle  Aumentado and the provincial Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), BPIA operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation recently achieved an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Category 9 airport rescue and firefighting rating for BPIA.

This was made possible through the deployment of an additional Structural Fire Truck by the provincial BFP to complement the airport’s existing two units.

First Japan Flight at Bohol-Panglao International Airport

With its upgraded ICAO rating, BPIA has been able to accommodate higher-capacity wide-bodied aircraft since November 2025, further strengthening the airport’s international capabilities.

BPIA also welcomed its first-ever charter flight from Narita, Japan, and is seen to benefit from the Bohol Provincial Government’s plan to join the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Visa-Free Entry Program for Chinese tourists.

“The Bohol-Panglao International Airport is a potential additional gateway which can attract more international tourists and foreign investors. That is why it is a great opportunity if we can avail of this visa-free program for Chinese tourists. This way, job opportunities will increase for our job seekers and it will boost our tourism sector,” Aumentado said in his Facebook post.

As travel patterns continue to evolve, AIC Airports remain focused on enhancing passenger experience through phased improvements and reconfigurations, strengthening operational excellence, and supporting airline and tourism partners in expanding connectivity across key regional destinations through relentless route development synergies.

At present, direct domestic connectivity to key destinations are available for LIA (Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo) as well as for BPIA (Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and El Nido).

Through its airport portfolio, AIC continues to advance its commitment to building world-class gateways that connect people, enable economic progress, and contribute to the long-term growth of its host regions.

Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) operates the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport in Bohol.(Photos: Google Images)

 

 

Silliman opens 64th cultural season with Manila Symphony Orchestra Concert Series

DUMAGUETE CITY -- The Silliman University Culture and Arts Council (SU CAC) opens its 64th Cultural Season with Resonance: 100 Years of Music, a concert series featuring the Manila Symphony Orchestra on June 25 to 27, 2026 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.

Billed as “A Night of OPM, Classics, and Movie Magic,” the performances celebrate a century of music through a repertoire that brings together beloved Filipino compositions, orchestral classics, and iconic film scores.

The concert series forms part of SUCAC’s continuing commitment to promote arts appreciation and cultural engagement within the Silliman community and the wider public.

The June 25 performance will open with a regular show at 7:00 p.m., followed by a gala performance on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. A matinee show is scheduled on June 27 at 2:00 p.m., with another gala performance at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket prices range from PHP500 for General Admission to PHP2,500 for Diamond seats, with additional categories for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum seating.

Now on its 64th Cultural Season, SUCAC continues to bring nationally acclaimed artists and cultural institutions to Silliman University, strengthening the university’s long-standing tradition of fostering excellence in the arts and enriching the cultural life of the community. (Photos: SU-CAC)

Balletcenter Cebu celebrates 75 years of dance

CEBU CITY — Balletcenter Cebu, one of the Philippines' longest-running dance institutions, is celebrating 75 years of dance with a grand anniversary production, “Spectacular: 75 years of Dance” on June 27-28 at CenterStage, SM Seaside City Cebu.

"This anniversary is not only a celebration of 75 years of dance, but also a celebration of the resilience, dedication, and community spirit that have sustained Balletcenter through generations. We are honored to share this milestone with everyone who has been part of our journey." said Ana Michelle Kesner, Executive Director of Balletcenter Cebu.

Founded in 1951, Balletcenter Cebu has nurtured generations of dancers and artists for 75 years, becoming a cornerstone of dance education and the performing arts in Cebu. Over the decades, thousands of students have trained under its programs, many of whom have gone on to become professional dancers, teachers, choreographers, and arts leaders.

Under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed directors Gregory Aaron and Nicolas Pacaña, with Ballet Master Mhynard Etis, Balletcenter Spectacular: 75 Years of Dance will bring together 268 dancers across four performances, making it one of the largest productions in the institution's history.

The anniversary production will feature current students, company dancers, teachers, alumni, and Balletcenter families, celebrating the people and generations that have shaped the institution's enduring legacy.

The milestone celebration comes as Balletcenter continues its rebuilding efforts following the 2024 fire that destroyed its studio. Despite the challenges, the support of students, parents, alumni, teachers, sponsors, and friends enabled the institution to continue its programs and move forward with renewed purpose.

As Balletcenter Cebu enters its next chapter, it remains committed to nurturing future generations of artists while continuing to enrich Cebu's cultural landscape through dance and the performing arts.

Balletcenter Spectacular: 75 Years of Dance will be presented on June 27–28, 2026 at CenterStage, SM Seaside City Cebu, with tickets at P500, P750 and P1,000. Follow them at its Facebook page for ticket reservations. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMC’s Better Rivers PH expands to Cebu, launches Butuanon River cleanup

MANDAUE CITY – San Miguel Corporation (SMC) expanded its “Better Rivers PH initiative to Cebu as it launched the cleanup work on the Butuanon River on June 18 at the San Miguel Eco Park/Eco Learning Center in Barangay Umapad in Mandaue City, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Mandaue City government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other local partners in support to the government’s Oplan Kontra Baha program. 

The initiative aims to increase water holding capacity and mitigate flooding, with plans to study and clean other rivers in provinces where SMC operates, at no government costs. The Buatuanon River cleanup is SMC’s initiative to support Mandaue City’s own flood mitigation program.

“San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has been actively involved in river cleanup and dredging since 2020, covering over 190 kilometers of rivers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, removing 90 million cubic meters of silt. They are now expanding to Cebu, starting with the Butuanon River, which was heavily impacted by Typhoon Tino.  Mandaue City is the first city in the Visayas where SMC implements such river cleanup,” Jimmy Lu, SMB Dredging Head shared with media at the site event.

Lu said, that SMC has deployed six excavators and modular barges to facilitate the cleanup, targeting a four-kilometer stretch from the river’s mouth, which is heavily silted and wastes that restrict the outflow to the Mactan Channel.  The cleanup is targeted until April 2027.

“This initiative also reminds us that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, government cannot do it alone. It takes committed partners like SMC, our national government, our barangays and every Mandauehanon to make a lasting difference,” said Mandaue City Mayor, Thadeo Jonkie Ouano.

                           Scope of the Butuanon River cleanup initiative

The area covered is some four km stretch of the Butuanon River from the river mouth upstream, from the mouth toward Mactan Channel up to around M.C. Briones St corner U.N. Avenue in Brgy Ibabao Estancia.

This stretch has been filled with years of silt and waste buildup narrowed and shallowed the river, reducing water flow to Mactan Channel. The river mouth is currently partially blocked, restricting outflow.

 Butuanon River overflowed during Typhoon Tino in November 2025, causing severe flooding in Mandaue City.  DPWH and local engineers identified heavy siltation at the river mouth as a major factor that worsened flooding.

“Mandaue has long been home to San Miguel and to generations of our employees, and we are glad to support the government in this effort to help reduce flooding and protect communities, we knew we had the ability to help,” said SMC Chairman, Ramon Ang, in his Facebook post.

According to Lu that SMC’s approach mirrors what they did in Luzon: restore river depth, widen/ deepen channels, remove hidden buildup so rivers can carry large volumes during rainfall.  For Cebu, SMC committed to help rehabilitate eight waterways across Cebu City, Mandaue, Talisay, Liloan, Consolacion under Oplan Kontra Baha.  Butuanon River is the first SMC project launched in Cebu under the Better Rivers PH.

Better Rivers PH started in 2020 and as of June 2026, SMC has removed 9.2 million metric tons of debris from 190+ km of river channels across Luzon - Pasig, Tullahan, Pampanga, Meycauayan rivers. SMC does regular maintenance to keep waterways functional, Lu added.

Related efforts to cleanup Butuanon River

 Mandaue City Government is also doing its own flood work and through its City administrator, Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on, Jr. coordinates with the SMC for this CSR arrangement to cleanup Butuanon River.

“The goal is to continue cleaning, desilting, and dredging to improve water flow and drainage capacity to lessen flood risk in nearby communities during heavy rains,” Malig-on said.

Some P100M has been allocated for flood control in Sitio Talong, Brgy Paknaan - dike/riprap where river overflows, and another P4.07M to fence 3-meter river easement along Butuanon for safety and legal compliance.

Beyond borders 4.0 is a joint plan between Cebu and Mandaue City that includes Butuanon River dredging, gabion dams upstream, early warning systems and trash traps.  City officials said the dredging project could take around one year to complete once fully implemented and equipment mobilization was targeted for June 2026.

“Flood control cannot be solved by dredging alone. It requires continuous maintenance, proper waste disposal, better drainage, and cooperation of every Mandauehanon,” noted Mayor Ouano during the launching event.

 

 

 

 

Part 4: The Future of Metro Cebu Transport. Strengthening the coastal road network

CEBU CITY -- Metro Cebu continues to expand outward with its main north–south highway corridors becoming increasingly intense, with daily congestion along the routes and a transport system that is struggling to keep pace with rapid urban growth.

Urban planners are looking at a response beyond traditional road widening and toward a more strategic approach--to develop a continuous coastal and lateral road network that redistributes traffic and opens new mobility pathways across the metro.

At the center of this vision is the creation of alternative coastal corridors that run parallel to existing major highways, particularly the heavily used Natalio Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City and southern access routes through Talisay City, Minglanilla, and Naga City, Cebu.

One of the key proposed developments is the Talisay–Minglanilla–Naga Coastal Road (MINA Coastal Road), envisioned as a relief route that can absorb traffic spillover and provide a faster, more direct alternative for southern Cebu-bound vehicles.

This would significantly ease congestion along Natalio Bacalso Avenue, a critical artery that currently carries both local and inter-city traffic.  Further strengthening the southern corridor is the planned Cebu City South Boulevard Extension, designed to extend coastal connectivity from Talisay City directly into Cebu City.

This extension aims to form a continuous urban coastal stretch that links seamlessly with the South Road Properties (SRP), improving access to major economic and residential developments. Integrated within this network is the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) interface area and the broader SRP corridor, positioning the south of Cebu as a more connected and accessible urban zone.

On the urban coastal core, the Mambaling South Boulevard to Cebu City Connector is envisioned to further stitch together critical mobility gaps.  By linking key coastal districts and integrating with existing infrastructure in Cebu City, this connector strengthens east–west and coastal access patterns, helping to distribute traffic more efficiently across the metropolitan grid rather than funneling it into a few overloaded corridors.

Meanwhile, the northern expansion through Mandaue City, Consolacion, Liloan, and up to Danao City envisions a strengthened coastal spine that connects ports, industrial zones, and residential communities.

This Mandaue Coastal Link and Northern Expansion is designed to balance development growth between the north and south, ensuring that mobility improvements are not concentrated in one area but distributed across the entire metro.

Together, these interconnected projects form a long-term vision of a continuous coastal backbone for Metro Cebu—one that reduces dependence on a single highway system, improves travel time reliability, and supports more balanced urban development.

Rather than simply adding roads, the strategy reimagines how movement flows across the region, creating a more resilient and interconnected metropolitan transport network. (Photos: Google Images)

Cebu City enhances ECCD teaching method the Montessori way

 CEBU CITY –More than 260 Day Care teachers and supervisors in Cebu City learned new ways to enhance teaching methods for early childhood education at the public schools by adopting the Montessori way and principles of child-centered and experiential learning approaches.

The Cebu City Government and the Cebu Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) inked a memorandum of partnership this year, for Cebu City’s first Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Basic Montessori Training program, organized through the collaborative efforts of the Cebu City Local School Board, the Department of Social Welfare Services – Cebu City, and CPMS.

The program aims to strengthen and enhance early childhood education through sustained professional development, anchored on the Montessori principles of child-centered education, transforming not just classrooms, but also the educators who shape young learners during their most formative years.

“This is the first ever Montessori training conducted for ECCD teachers, this professional development program for the ECCD teachers started way back 2008 but the training did not continue due to changes in city leadership.  Under the current leadership, the 10-day training is revived,” Young said, in a side interview at the culmination and recognition day on June 13 at City Hall.

Cebu City Mayor, Nestor Archival, in his inspirational message, reminded the teachers that learning does not end with the completion of training.  “As teachers, you need to continue to improve in what you’re doing.  You need to continue to evolve and find ways to improve how you teach.”

Archival encouraged the teachers to embrace innovation, stay organized, and continually seek better ways to serve children.  His message resonated with the objectives of the Montessori program, which seeks not only to improve teaching methods but also to foster a culture of lifelong learning among educators.

ECCD basic Montessori training program overview

Marivic Bathan, Founder and President of CPMS described the collaboration with the Cebu City government as a rare alignment between education advocates and local government leadership, particularly in prioritizing early childhood development.

Bathan shared that the initiative is an intensive 10-day training program conducted in two batches, carefully designed to match varying levels of experience among participants. The first batch consisted of 60 cluster heads, supervisors, and teachers who had previously attended three to four Montessori trainings.

They completed a 10-day Montessori Mentorship Training Program from May 18 to 30, focusing on advanced application, mentoring skills, and deepening Montessori practice in public early childhood centers.

The second batch of 203 ECCD teachers with little or no prior Montessori exposure, underwent a Basic Montessori Training Program from June 1 to 13, introducing foundational principles, classroom application, and child-centered methodologies

“This is very historic, we cannot readily find people in government who are so aligned with family and children. It is very fortunate for us that the city leadership understands that the window of opportunity to develop children is really during the first six years of life,” Bathan said.

She described the program as a model of public-private partnership, where government provides institutional reach and resources, while the private sector contributes expertise and specialized training. Bathan noted that the collaboration, which started in 2008, has now evolved into a structured mentorship and training system with post-evaluation components, and plans for continuity.

“This is how public-private partnerships should work, each brings something essential, and together we ensure that investment in education truly benefits children,” Bathan said.

Beyond methodology, CPMS emphasized the importance of preparing the “whole teacher.” The training integrated Montessori theory and practice with workshops on play therapy, non-violent communication, mental well-being, healthy living, environmental awareness, and organic gardening.

Teachers were also guided through experiential learning approaches when they created instructional materials that can be used in actual classrooms, Bathan added that the focus is really preparing the adult, emphasizing the Montessori triad of the child, the prepared environment, and the prepared adult.

“The program was designed not only to enhance skills but also to promote personal renewal and emotional resilience among educators.  We wanted transformation to start from within the teachers themselves,” Bathan said.

                                 Training Impact and future plan

Both the City government and CPMS highlight the importance of investing in training and materials for Montessori education, noting that the initiative began in 2018 and will continue until 2026, to empower and elevate the quality of ECCD teachers in Cebu City through the Montessori approach.

The mentorship program involves 10 days of training, culminating in a final session, and aims to transform teachers into leaders and mentors, preparing the adults to teach children effectively. The training will benefit all 263 ECCD teachers in Cebu City, with 60 of them receiving additional training and mentorship that continues for the next few months this year.

“Equipped with new skills and a deeper understanding of child development, the teachers are expected to help shape a stronger foundation for the city's future generations,” Archival said. (Photos: MBCNewman)