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.

Cebu prepares contingency plan against impact of US-Iran war

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Bariuatro directed all Capitol offices to implement fuel-saving measures, including reducing unnecessary travel, to ensure responsible consumption and contingency preparedness in anticipation of a possible fuel crisis.

Baricutro issued Executive Order-15 on March 2, after she convened an emergency meeting to discuss precautionary measures amid the looming conflict between the United States and Iran and its possible impact on global fuel supply and prices.

She also ordered all departments to submit their respective fuel conservation plans as part of a coordinated provincial response.  However, EO-15 provides exemptions for emergency and essential services, including ambulances, disaster response operations, and emergency social services, to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical assistance to the public.

The Provincial government is also prepared with its contingency support mechanisms for possible returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who may be affected by the escalating situation abroad, ensuring assistance systems are ready should repatriation become necessary.

Baricuatro said, Cebu Province is in constant communication and coordination with the Department of National Defense (DOJ), the Department of Foreign Affairs DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other national agencies to ensure timely information sharing, preparedness, and appropriate response measures.

“Early and timely preparation, prudent resource management, and coordinated action are crucial efforts to protect Cebuanos from possible economic and humanitarian impacts,” Baricuatro said. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

 

 

Cebu CEO survey 2026 reveals biz optimism in revenue growth amid challenges

CEBU CITY – A Cebu CEO Survey 2026, conducted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in partnership with PwC Philippines revealed confidence and optimism among businessmen here for an upbeat revenue growth but expressed mixed sentiments in ease and cost of doing business.

Survey results said, a remarkable 84 percent of Cebu CEOs are confident about their companies' revenue growth over the next 12 months, with optimism rising to 87 percent for a three-year outlook. This positive sentiment underscores a robust commitment to overcoming the previous year's challenges and fostering regional prosperity.

The Cebu’s business community is entering 2026 with a renewed sense of optimism and resilience. Following a year marked by significant calamities, business leaders are prioritizing recovery, expansion, and long-term sustainable growth.

“Our business leaders want a stronger and more resilient Cebu to emerge from a calamitous year. We aim to drive growth that redounds to our fellow Sugbuanons and the rest of Central Visayas. This is the business community doing its part to uplift our province and our region,” CCCI president Jay Yuvallos said.

Yuvallos noted that the business community’s optimism is largely shaped by a collective commitment to drive recovery, following the spate of disasters that battered Cebu province last year.  The latest Cebu CEO Survey reports an upbeat outlook amid subdued global confidence.

Roderick Danao, Chairman and Senior Partner at Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines, also highlighted that Cebu's resilient business community is leveraging its strengths, such as its prominent position in tourism, infrastructure, and the growing IT and business process management (BPM) sectors.

This, combined with a strong commitment to rebuilding public trust, further fuels the region's optimism for the year ahead. “Cebu CEOs uphold a buoyant outlook as the wider Visayas pursues tourism recovery, accelerates infrastructure, and deepens its niche in the IT and BPM sectors,” Danao noted.

The survey also reports mixed sentiments in the ease and cost of doing business, with Cebu top executives particularly expressing moderate satisfaction at 34 percent in securing business permits and 33 percent in vehicle registration.

Cebu CEOs, however, believe there is room for improvement in several key areas. They specifically hope to see more transparent decision‑making processes for transactions and requests, more professional conduct in dealings with government representatives, and more reasonable and streamlined documentary requirements.

When assessing government agency performance, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) emerged with the highest satisfaction rating of 50 percent, followed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at 39 percent, and the Social Security System (SSS) at 36 percent.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) were highlighted as agencies in need of substantial improvement to ease the overall business experience in Cebu.

The survey finds that 96 percent of Cebu CEOs are implementing sustainable practices, most of which target resource efficiency and cost savings, such as reduced energy use at 80 percent; recycling and reusing materials, 76 percent and improved waste collection systems, 51 percent.

Despite the widespread adoption of sustainability measures, only 52 percent measure their financial impact. For those who do, 95 percent use cost reduction or savings as the primary metric.  Financial constraints remain the top barrier to sustainability, with upfront investments and high transition costs delaying its integration in business strategy.

CCCI Treasurer and Trustee Aldie Garcia, also Vice Chairman and Assurance Managing Partner at PwC Philippines, emphasized that Cebu’s optimism is rooted in its collective ambition to move forward and adapt. He stressed that enhancing public-private partnerships is crucial for accelerating shared progress.

“For Cebu to be truly competitive, government institutions must be strengthened so that they can transform regulations and policy directions from barriers into enablers. Cebu has a community of business leaders committed to rise and embrace change. As businesses scale innovation and invest in the future, stronger government institutions will help drive sustainable growth for the region,” Garcia said.

The survey findings reflect Cebu's readiness to adapt, innovate, and invest in sustainable growth, with business leaders at the forefront of this effort.  As the province seeks to recover from its recent setbacks, the Cebu business community is poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of the Visayas, focusing on long-term sustainability, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.

The Cebu CEO Survey 2026 was conducted between January 10 and February 11, 2026 to gathering insights from 107 business leaders, majority of respondents were CEOs and Presidents, with other positions like Chairpersons, Managing Partners, and Directors rounding out the pool.

The survey captures perspectives across various sectors, with the largest proportion of respondents representing medium-sized businesses (assets between PHP 15,000,001 and PHP 100,000,000) at 39 percent. Industry representation includes infrastructure, real estate, wholesale distribution, and technology, each contributing about 10 percent of the responses. (Photos: CCCI)

 

 

Cebu Capitol lights up purple to join campaign of rare disease awareness

 
CEBU CITY – The Cebu Provincial Capitol lit up purple at 7:00 p.m. on February 28 to join with the global Light Up for Rare Disease Day campaign held annually on the last day of February. The purple illumination stands as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity with Filipino families living with rare conditions, many of whom face delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and lack of public awareness.

By taking part in this symbolic lighting and global movement, for the first time in history, Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro signifies her commitment to strengthen campaign for rare disease awareness and inclusive healthcare to enhance support systems for marginalized sectors, particularly individuals and families affected by rare diseases.

 “Participating in initiatives such as “Light Up for Rare” is crucial in ensuring that patients with rare conditions receive proper recognition, support, and equitable attention similar to other medical conditions,” said Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, Capitol Piso Public Health Consultant.

According to Catalan, these conditions are called rare diseases because only a small number of individuals share the same diagnosis, however there is something Capitol can do, early detection is key to preventing the condition from worsening.

Catalan cited some statistics in the Philippines, adding that a disease is classified as rare if it affects no more than one in every 20,000 individuals.  Globally, more than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide and approximately 80 percent of these conditions are genetic in origin, while 75 percent affect children.

On average, patients wait up to eight years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Despite the significant number of people affected, only a small fraction of rare diseases currently has approved treatments.

 “This initiative goes beyond simply lighting the Capitol in purple. Governor Pam wants to actively engage with rare disease groups so the Province can better understand the kind of assistance they need from the Cebu Provincial Government,” Dr. Catalan added.

The country also observes National Rare Disease Week every last week of February pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1989. The Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines, with the Universal Health Care Act and the Newborn Screening Act, provide legal and structural support for early detection, improved access to healthcare services, and recognition of persons with rare diseases as persons with disabilities.

Catalan said that under Governor Baricuatro’s leadership, the Province of Cebu continues to strengthen its healthcare system through expanded services, policy alignment with national mandates, and multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that no Cebuano is left behind. (Photos: Capitol PIO/Marielle Camacho)

PBBM inspects the newly upgraded VDRC, inaugurates shelter for the homeless in Cebu

MANDAUE CITY -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited and inspected the newly upgraded Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, Cebu, February 26, declaring that the facility enables the national government to directly provide food packs and other aid and strengthen disaster response and preparedness across the Visayas and Mindanao.

“Ito ang unang panahon na ang national government ay nagbibigay nitong klaseng food pack. Noong nakaraan, eh kung saan-saan na lang kumukuha ‘yung mga biktima. Pero ngayon, nakakapag-provide na ang national government. Kaya maganda itong naging facility natin,” President Marcos said following his inspection of the state-of-the-art facility.

Marcos said that the VDRC is equipped with five new Mechanized Production System (MPS) lines designed and built specifically for the Philippines, costing some P117M for the upgrade that can now produce up to 30,000 family food packs (FFPs) per eight-hour shift, tripling its previous capacity.

The VDRC currently has four million food packs in storage, ready for distribution, but will continue producing until the facility reaches over 5 million FFPs.  Should there be unused FFPs, President Marcos assured that food packs nearing expiration are being distributed for free to those in need as part of the government’s aid system.

The new system not only accelerates production but also uses machine-operated vacuum sealing to prolong the shelf life of food packs, making them infestation-free and ready for long-term storage and prepositioning in disaster-prone regions.  The facility is serving several fire emergencies and other ongoing disaster response efforts, including areas affected by volcanic activity.

The Visayas hub complements services provided by the Luzon Disaster Resource Center in Pasay City. While a temporary hub operates in Mindanao, President Marcos announced plans to construct a permanent Mindanao Disaster Resource Center in Butuan City.

VDRC also supports programs such as Emergency Cash Transfer and Cash-for-Work, providing assistance to individuals earning below the minimum wage.   Funded through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, the upgraded MPS was completed in July 2025.

 

PBBM inaugurates Pag-abot Processing Center in Liloan

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive social protection, PBBM also led the inauguration and launching of the Pag-abot Processing Center (PPC) in Barangay Tayud, Liloan, Cebu, February 26 after his inspection of the VDRC in Mandaue City.

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.  It also supports the implementation of the Pag-Abot Program under Executive Order No. 52.

“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.

PBBM toured the PPC and also inspected the 2^nd floor facilities, including the child-minding and multi-purpose areas, the lactation room, the house parents’ room, the male, female, and family sleeping quarters, and the communal bathrooms.

PBBM said his administration is fully committed to assist people living on the streets by providing health services, livelihood assistance, psychosocial support, food, clothing, temporary housing, and other interventions to improve their lives.

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.

The DSWD, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs), is reaching out to families in street situations to ensure their inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other social protection initiatives, under the Pag-Abot Program launched in 2023 and later institutionalized in 2024.

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.

At the same event, PBBM with DSWD officials Gatchalian and Innovations Group Undersecretary Edu Punay, Pag-Abot Program Deputy Manager Marilyn Moral, Congressman Duke Frasco, and Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco. met the Walang Gutom Program 34 beneficiaries during their orientation on Nutrition Education Sessions (NES) at the PPC. (Photos: DSWD7)

 

 

MCIA wins for the 2nd time the 2025 ASQ Best Airport Award

LAPULAPU CITY—The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been recognized for the 2^nd time the 2025 ASQ Best Airport Award in Asia-Pacific for the 5-15 Million Passengers Category for outstanding customer experience.

“This ASQ Customer Experience Award is especially meaningful because it reflects the genuine voice of our passengers — the very people we serve every day.  We are not just a point of transit, but a gateway designed to make travel efficient, comfortable, and well-connected for all our passengers. This recognition from our passengers affirms the dedication of our entire airport community in delivering Cebuano warmth and world-class hospitality,” said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC).

The ASQ Awards underscore MCIA’s continuous drive to position Cebu as a highly competitive and traveler-centered hub for regional travel, a key factor in achieving its vision to become the main tourism and transfer hub in the Philippines, Titonis added.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) CEO and general manager Julius Neri, Jr., emphasized the strategic significance of the award, saying that winning the prestigious global accolade reflects the strong collaboration between the government and the private sector partners.

“By continuously elevating our operational standards and setting new benchmarks for efficiency, we are proving our readiness to handle the growing demand for Cebu as a global destination. We are committed to making MCIA the ultimate gateway to the Philippines,” Neri said.

The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program is the only global benchmarking initiative that measures passenger satisfaction while travelers are at the airport, ensuring responses reflect real-time, authentic experiences.

This year, nearly 707,000 passengers were surveyed worldwide, and MCIA emerged as one of the 88 airports globally awarded for departure excellence.

According to Titonis, central to this global recognition is MCIA’s steadfast commitment to stakeholder partnership, working closely with MCIAA and other key government stakeholders allowed MCIA to foster a highly collaborative operational environment.  

This strong synergy is essential in continuously meeting the rigorous ASQ parameters, ensuring that every touchpoint is optimized to deliver a smooth, efficient, and world-class passenger journey, he noted.

“This ASQ Customer Experience Award from ACI demonstrates the trust travelers place in MCIA and reinforces its position as a top airport in the region for customer experience excellence.  It reflects your team’s commitment to improving every step of the passenger journey,” said Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World.

The 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards Ceremony officially takes place at the ACI World Airport Experience Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, scheduled from August 31 to September 4, 2026.

MCIA has become a benchmark for world-class service, distinguished by the seamless transfer system through Ceb Connects and the Ceb+ integrated air-to-sea travel network. As the first airport in the Philippines to utilize parallel runways, MCIA leads the nation in operational efficiency.

Its commitment to excellence is validated by global accolades, including being named Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 mppa) at the 2024 ASQ Awards, Platinum Green Airport status, Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation, and Airport of the Year in Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025.

Guided by a long-term masterplan, MCIA is committed to delivering a safe, sustainable, and globally competitive experience that supports trade and national development. (Photos: MCIA)