CCCI, biz leaders meet new Port of Cebu Customs Chief to boost trade efficiency

CEBU CITY — The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) held a courtesy meeting with newly appointed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie  De Guzman on August 10 at the Don Ramon Aboitiz Boardroom, Cebu Chamber Centre.

The gathering brought together leaders from various Cebu chambers of commerce, representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), industry associations, and key players in the trade and logistics sectors.

The discussion focused on establishing collaborative solutions to longstanding operational bottlenecks at the port.   During the dialogue, business stakeholders raised critical operational concerns impacting local commerce, including; shipment processing and delays; valuation and classification and communication channels.

Business leaders discussed with De Guzman how to address system-related bottlenecks that impede the timely movement of cargo, how to establish clear and consistent customs processes for imported goods, and strengthening direct dialogue between the BOC and the business sector to resolve issues promptly.

Atty. De Guzman reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining an open line of communication with private sector partners while executing the Bureau's core mandate. She underscored that ongoing cooperation between Customs and trade stakeholders is vital to facilitating smooth business operations while achieving necessary revenue collection targets.

For their part, local business leaders reiterated their support for institutional reforms and initiatives aimed at solidifying Cebu’s position as a primary trade and logistics hub in the region. Both parties agreed that sustained dialogue will be essential to improving overall supply chain efficiency across the Port of Cebu. (Photos: CCCI)

Cebu Marathon 2027 relaunches with new team, registration opens August 15

CEBU CITY-- Run Cebu, experience Sinulog, as Cebu Marathon 2027 unveiled major upgrades, relaunched with new team and race set as organizers push a destination race vision, in a media launching event on August 12 at SM Seaside City Cebu.

Organizers led by DJT Events managing director, Danika Johanna Tan announced a major overhaul for Cebu Marathon 2027, set for January 10, 2027 as part of the Sinulog season, with a new management team, stronger safety measures, bigger cash prizes, and a route designed to showcase the city to local and international runners.

The Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) is now co-organizing the event, with Cebu-based professional events firm DJT Events taking the lead in planning, logistics, and race-week operations. The Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC), founders of the marathon remain as consultants.

CCSC Chair Dr. Rhoel Dejano emphasized that the priority behind this new structure is runner satisfaction and accountability.  "We want the Cebu Marathon to become more than just a race. We want it to be an experience that brings people together and gives runners another reason to come to Cebu," Dejano stated. "Our priority is our runners—to make sure they look forward to a race that is safe, well-organized, and enjoyable from start to finish."

He recognized CERC for founding the race and building it into what it is today.  “We recognize the Cebu Executive Runners Club, or CERC, for founding the Marathon and helping build it into the event we know today. Moving forward, CERC takes on a consultative role, sharing its experience and knowledge,” he added.

Dejano said DJT Events, though a fresh name to many runners, has over a decade of experience handling large-scale events including the World Surfing League in Siargao and the Philippine Kiteboarding Championships in Bantayan.

Managing Director Danica Joanna of DJT Events, who is herself a five-time participant of the marathon reassured runners that the team is prioritizing operational excellence, addressing past runner feedback, and establishing higher standards across logistics, medical stations, and race-day support.

Key upgrades for the upcoming race

Tan guaranteed that every finisher across all categories—5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K will receive a finisher medal, with production scheduled early to avoid logistics delays. Hydration stations will be stocked every 1.5 kilometers, supplemented by standby and mobile ambulances, generators for unlit street sections, and clear traffic management.

Sinulog atmosphere with local cheer squads, live entertainment, and sponsor activations to line the course to bring the energy of the Sinulog festival to the runners.  Official dedicated pacers and age groups will assist 21K and 42K runners, alongside new age-bracket awards (40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+).

To ensure smooth course flow, field sizes will be capped across categories, including a limit of 3,000 runners for the full marathon, 5,000 for the 21K, and 1,000 for the 5K.

The 2027 edition features an AIMS-Certified 42K course taking runners across iconic local landmarks, including the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the Cebu Tunnel, and key heritage sites.

Competitive athletes compete for a cash prize pool exceeding ₱600,000. The Male and Female Open Champions in the 42K division will each take home ₱70,000.

New partners were also unveiled at the launching event, including the title sponsor and presenter-- Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI); Race Partners including Pocari Sweat, Immuni, Hello Glow, Omega Pain Killer; hotels like Nustar and others, vehicle partner is OMODA & JAECOO — one eligible participant can win a brand-new Jaecoo J5 Super Hybrid SUV via raffle.

Organizers are banking on the Sinulog timing to attract runners from across the Philippines and abroad.  “Imagine welcoming runners from different parts of the Philippines and around the world during one of the most exciting times to be in our city, which is the Sinulog season. They come here to run, but they also get to experience Cebu, our people, our culture, our energy, and most especially our hospitality,” Dejano said.

Beyond promoting sports tourism, part of the event proceeds will benefit the Cebu City Sports Commission and the Sinulog Foundation, Inc., supporting grassroots youth sports development and cultural heritage programs in Cebu.

REGISTRATION opens on August 15, 2026 and for updates, like and open Cebu Marathon official Facebook page-- https://www.facebook.com/CebuMarathonOfficial.

BDO marks 50 years of empowering Filipino dreams with nationwide raffle

CEBU CITY — BDO Unibank celebrates its 50th anniversary with the launching of its 50th Anniversary Raffle, giving over 250 customers nationwide the chance to win major rewards, including eco-friendly hybrid vehicles and premium shopping passes.

For five decades, BDO Unibank has stood as a silent partner in the milestones of millions of Filipinos. From a young worker depositing their first paycheck to an entrepreneur expanding an enterprise, or a family securing their first home, the country’s banking giant has woven itself into the financial tapestry of generations.

Since its inception, BDO’s hallmark commitment has been simple: finding ways to bring Filipinos closer to their financial aspirations.

As banking has transformed over the past 50 years, shifting from manual, in-branch transactions to instant mobile banking, the needs of depositors have evolved as well. Where previous generations prioritized traditional savings and pensions, today's account holders are navigating side hustles, emergency funds, travel goals, and investment portfolios.

Through every shift in the economic landscape, BDO has continued to modernize its products and digital platforms to match the fast-paced lifestyle of contemporary account holders while maintaining accessible physical branches nationwide.

How the Golden Thanksgiving Raffle Works

Running from August to December 2026, the anniversary promo offers monthly draws leading up to a Grand Draw in January 2027.  Monthly Draws from August & September, 50 winners each month will receive ₱5,000 SM Gift Passes with draw dates on September 14 and October 14, this year.

Mid-Promo draws, October and November, each month will award one brand-new Toyota Ativ Hybrid Car alongside 50 ₱5,000 SM Gift Passes with draw dates on November 14 and December 14, 2026.

Grand draw on January 14, 2027 is open to all qualified entries from August through December, featuring three Toyota Ativ Hybrid Cars and 50 ₱5,000 SM Gift Passes.

Participation is streamlined for both new and existing clients across BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank. Open or Top-Up, new clients can open a qualified account, while existing depositors can boost their savings balance to earn raffle entries.

Keep the required balance for BDO Unibank or BDO Network Bank during the promo period.  Register online, complete a one-time registration at bdo.com.ph/forms/50th-anniversary-raffle-registration.

As BDO looks ahead to its next 50 years, the bank remains focused on innovating its products and services to ensure that no matter how Filipino financial goals change over time, the promise to "find ways" remains unchanged. (Photos: MBCNewman/BDO FB posts)

Two Cebu media groups team up with ICanServe for breast cancer awareness

CEBU CITY -- Two media groups in Cebu--the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) and RMA Digital News inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with ICanServe Foundation, August 11 to intensify breast cancer awareness and early detection campaign across Cebu for the Pink October 2026.

Under the partnership, CONPC and RMA News will provide full media and digital coverage for ICanServe’s Pink October activities in Cebu from screening drives to community talks. For ICanServe, reaching more women with the right information is key.

“Early detection can make a life-changing difference for women and their families. At ICanServe Foundation, we believe that every woman deserves access to the right information, timely screening, and a support system that empowers her to take charge of her health,” said Ron Bernabe, ICanServe information officer.

Media partnerships are critical to go beyond the communities the foundation can reach directly. By working together, breast cancer early detection awareness would encourage women to prioritize breast health, and inspire more people to take action, because when communities are informed and empowered, they create a stronger chance of saving lives,” Bernabe added.

“Through our partnership with the ICanServe Foundation, we are committed to using our platforms and reach to amplify important health messages, encourage early detection, and empower more Filipinos to take proactive steps toward their well-being.  This is more than a media partnership; it is our commitment to use our voice to make a meaningful difference in the community,” said the founder of CONPC and RMA News, Robby Alugar.

According to the Department of Health (DOH}, most common cancer among Filipino women is breast cancer that made up 17.5 percent of all new cancer cases in 2024 and around 33,000 Filipino women were newly diagnosed in 2022 and 33,079 cases in 2024.

About 60 Filipinas per 100,000 women are diagnosed each year, higher than the Southeast Asia average of 42.  The Philippines has 19.3 percent mortality rate vs Asia’s 11.9 percent and global at 13.6 percent.

DOH data added that only one percent of Filipino women get screened, that’s ∼540,000 out of 54 million women; 65 percent of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages at Stage III & IV, in some studies it’s 53 percent, only 55 percent for Stage 3 and 15 percent for Stage 4 have a five-year survival rate with 9,000 women die annually from breast cancer and one in 13 Filipino women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime, data revealed.

Stigma and key issues in the Philippines

The report also said that a major factor for low screening is “fear of finding out one has cancer”. Many women only go for checkups “when they are already suffering and it is too late.”

Lack of funds, especially for the poor, and few government hospitals offering free screening, it is not subsidized and awareness is not widespread. PhilHealth only recently expanded Z Benefit from ₱100,000 to up to ₱1.4 million to cover cancer Stages 0-4.

Screening rates in PH are among the lowest in the world vs 20 percent in Malaysia/Thailand and 50 percent in high-income countries.  Not enough mammogram machines in many areas and not many organized national screening programs, the data revealed.

While not always stated directly in data, health advocates report some social/cultural stigma patterns in the Philippines which include fear of mastectomy and “loss of femininity” leads some women to delay exams.

“Hiya” and privacy-- breast exams are seen as taboo. Some women avoid clinical breast exams, with misconceptions and belief that breast cancer means death sentence, or that lumps always mean cancer. There are myths that breastfeeding/pregnancy guarantees protection

Fatalism or the “Bahala na” attitude and going to albularyo/herbal remedies first rather than early screening and detection.  Experts cite that delayed childbearing, fewer children, urban living, obesity, high-fat diet, oral contraceptives, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle are some of the risk factors.

Groups like ICanServe Foundation believe that early detection saves lives. But with 65 percent diagnosed late and only one percent screened, the gap is in awareness plus access to mammograms and breast ultrasound facilities in public hospital.

“People don’t have to die from a disease that’s so curable,” said Bernabe and other advocates.

Lite Ferries drops its biggest ship yet, a floating bridge between Luzon and Boracay

BORACAY— What started as a Visayas shipping line is now setting national standards. On August 7, 2026, Lite Ferries--“Ang Barkong Bol-anon" inaugurates M/V Lite Ferry Twenty in Caticlan, its largest and newest Ro-Ro vessel yet, a brand-new, China-built Ro-Ro that MARINA just gave "Pioneering Status" for its upgraded service on the busy Batangas–Caticlan corridor.

This isn’t just a new ship. It’s a 90-meter, 3,923-ton floating highway built to move people, trucks, and tourism faster between Luzon and Western Visayas. That means more goods from Batangas markets to Aklan. More balikbayans to Boracay. More jobs moved by sea.

 

With MARINA’s "Pioneering Status" for the Batangas–Caticlan route, the ship can carry 578 passengers, 30 ten-wheeler trucks, and 4 cars per trip. Think: less waiting, more cargo, more tourists straight to Boracay’s doorstep.

 

"We’re bridging islands and connecting lives," Lite Ferries said. And with this vessel, they mean it literally.  Built to RINA-Italy standards and completed Jan 2026 in China, the ferry boasts wider halls, better safety, and tourist-class comfort that beats MARINA minimums.

 

For Lite Ferries, this is milestone #36. The company now serves 36 destinations across 17 provinces and with Lite Ferry Twenty, they’re proving Visayas-born operators can build world-class ships too.

 

Sailing starts on August 7, 2026 from Caticlan Port.  To Batangas on Mon/Wed/Fri at 6PM and on Sundays at 9AM. To Caticlan on Tue/Thu/Sat at 6PM and on Sundays at 12 midnight.

 

The 11:00 AM blessing on August 7 is led by local officials including Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores and Cong. Florencio Miraflores, with officials from MARINA, PCG, and PPA.

"Bridging Islands, Connecting Lives" just got a bigger bridge, said Lite Ferries.​Lite Ferries drops its biggest ship yet, a floating bridge between Luzon and Boracay

Cebu champions inclusive disaster resilience for PWDs

LAPU-LAPU CITY — The Cebu Provincial Government gathered local government leaders, national agencies, and disability advocacy groups at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, July 31, for the Cebu Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) Summit, to bridge the critical gaps that the most vulnerable often face the highest risks in times of crises.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro emphasized that true disaster resilience requires comprehensive inclusion.  "This reflects our belief that disaster preparedness must include everyone, especially persons with disabilities, who deserve equal protection, participation, and opportunities to lead," Baricuatro stated.

Organized in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, the landmark event aimed to transform how local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) offices approach emergency planning—shifting PWDs from being passive recipients of aid to active leaders in disaster strategy.

Disasters do not affect everyone equally. Globally and locally, PWDs encounter unique, life-threatening hurdles when emergencies strike: From inaccessible evacuation centers and un-adapted early warning systems to physical barriers during emergency evacuations, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) frequently encounter disproportionate challenges during natural disasters.

Traditional sirens or voice announcements often fail to reach those with hearing impairments, while visual alerts may not aid those with visual disabilities. Standard transport vehicles and evacuation routes rarely accommodate wheelchairs or specialized mobility equipment.

Many temporary shelters lack accessible restrooms, ramps, and dedicated medical support for specialized needs. Without PWD representation in policy design, emergency protocols often overlook crucial necessities like medical devices, service animals, and specialized communication methods.

Addressing these issues directly, the summit focused on embedding disability-inclusive policies into municipal disaster management frameworks, ensuring PWDs are directly involved across all phases: planning, preparedness, response, and recovery.

"Disaster resilience is a continuing responsibility that calls on all of us to remain prepared, work together, and ensure that our people, especially the most vulnerable, are protected," Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King Chan highlighted the urgency of keeping vulnerable populations front and center in emergency policy decisions.  Chan thanked the provincial government for prioritizing the initiative.

The summit saw strong participation from local leadership and key government agencies, demonstrating a united front toward building more resilient, inclusive communities. Notable officials in attendance included Shalaine Lucero, Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Manuel Santiago, Mayor of Pilar; Nelin Belciña-Tambis, Mayor of Dalaguete; and Verna Magallon, Vice Mayor of Alegria.

By aligning local policies with disability-inclusive standards, the summit marks a decisive step toward ensuring that when the next disaster hits, Cebu's emergency response leaves no one behind. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

Empowering Visayas entrepreneurs with the economic might of PH franchising

CEBU CITY -- As the Philippine economy continues its steady upward trajectory, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) has brought its flagship regional roadshow, the Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo, to SM Seaside City Cebu, running from July 31 to August 1 at the Mountain Wing Atrium with over 60 exhibitors, industry experts, and hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Designed as a one-stop hub for business ownership, the free-admission expo featured emerging and established brands, allied suppliers, and hands-on educational seminars covering investment fundamentals, profit scaling, and brand expansion.

"Franchising remains one of the most accessible and proven pathways to business ownership, and through Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo, we hope to open more doors for Filipinos who dream of building their own enterprise,” said Steve Benitez, President, Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

The Cebu expo provides a direct platform for attendees to connect with franchisors and explore legitimate, turn-key investment options. Key highlights of the event included a comprehensive brand showcase with more than 60 exhibitors representing food and beverage, non-food retail, and essential service categories.

5 Ways to Grow Your Profit, a practical session led by Coach Camille Conanan of ActionCOACH Philippines on proven strategies to scale existing operations. How to Invest in the Right Franchise, a strategic seminar by Noemi Ruiz of Francorp Philippines guiding prospective franchisees through financial evaluation and brand selection.

How to Franchise Your Business, a targeted forum held at Summit Galleria Cebu tailored for homegrown Visayas brands seeking national and international expansion.

The Philippine franchising industry statistics

The Visayas expo arrives at a high point for the Philippine franchise industry, which has established itself as an economic heavyweight both regionally and globally.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the International Trade Administration, the Philippines is the 7th largest franchise market in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. Over 1,800 brands operate across the archipelago, with an impressive 90 percent originating from local Filipino entrepreneurs.

Food and beverage concepts continue to lead the domestic market—accounting for roughly 46 to 80 percent of total industry revenues—followed by services at 34 percent and retail at 20 percent, the report said.  Small-format formats, such as food carts, kiosks, and compact retail pods, have fueled rapid growth in provincial hubs outside Metro Manila, lowering initial capital barriers for first-time business owners.

The sustained rise of franchising in the country is backed by an expanding middle class with growing purchasing power; a strong BPO workforce generating high disposable income and  the rising consumer demand in regional economic hubs like Metro Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo.

Global context: A $900B+ worldwide market

On the international stage, franchising continues to showcase remarkable resilience, transitioning from post-pandemic recovery into steady, tech-driven expansion, bared Chris Lim, CFE, PFA Director for International Relations.

The global franchise ecosystem generates hundreds of billions of dollars in economic output annually, with the International Franchise Association (IFA) projecting global output to surpass $920 billion.

Globally, franchise systems are heavily adopting Agentic AI and automated operations for labor scheduling, inventory control, and localized marketing. Additionally, consumer preferences are shifting toward experiential dining, wellness concepts, and eco-friendly/sustainable brand operations, Lim added.

Cross-border franchising and with International franchisors increasingly view Southeast Asia, and the Philippines in particular, as a primary growth engine due to strong brand recognition, high literacy rates, and social-media-savvy populations, Lim noted.

Benetiz said that events like the Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo emphasized the crucial role regional centers play in sustaining economic growth. By providing aspiring entrepreneurs in Cebu and neighboring provinces with accessible tools, verified franchisor networks, and expert guidance, the Philippine Franchise Association continues to solidify the country’s standing as Asia’s capital of franchising. (Photos: MBCNewman)