Operation Smile Philippines establishes Cebu as its primary hub for Asia

 CEBU CITY— Operation Smile Philippines, in a major push to eliminate the surgical backlog for children born with cleft lips and palates in the Visayas, has formally established Cebu City as its primary hub for Asia and its largest global Center of Excellence, paired with the announcement of a massive multi-pronged fundraising campaign, aims to secure critical resources to sustain the center's holistic, year-round medical services.

Located on the 7th floor of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), the Cebu Comprehensive Cleft Care Center of Excellence (CCE) spans an impressive 1,700 square meters, making it the world’s largest facility dedicated strictly to holistic cleft care. The state-of-the-art hub features 14 consultation rooms funded by Security Bank, which are projected to benefit more than 10,000 patients over the next five years.

"Operation Smile started in Naga City, Philippines, and has since expanded to over 60 countries," said Emiliano Romano, Regional Director for Asia. "Cebu is unique because the facility is fully owned by Operation Smile, serving not just as the Asia hub, but as a crucial global engine that contributes to the 400,000 free surgeries delivered worldwide."

Nationwide, the foundation has transformed more than 40,000 lives over the last four decades. Locally, the Cebu center has already completed over 1,000 surgeries and served more than 2,000 patients. The expansion comes at a critical time, as experts estimate a daunting backlog of roughly 45,000 untreated cleft patients across the Visayas region alone.

The milestone follows a grueling year for the center, which faced severe operational disruptions due to devastating regional typhoons, and extensive facility renovations.

Despite these setbacks, the foundation’s reach is expanding rapidly, thanks to a landmark institutional partnership. The Governor of Cebu recently signed a memorandum of agreement ensuring that every single child born with a cleft condition in the province is automatically registered with Operation Smile at birth. This allows the center to contact parents immediately, removing delays and delivering prompt, life-changing care.

To ensure families can access these free services without financial strain, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) has stepped in to provide Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), covering crucial external costs like fare, food, laboratory fees, and medicines.

Ramping up fundraising: Gala Night and Pickleball Tournament

To maintain the center's comprehensive care—which includes free surgeries, dental care, speech therapy, nutrition guidance, and mental health counseling—Operation Smile requires an average annual operating budget of P50 million. The center treats about 2,000 patients a year, with its holistic care packages ultimately impacting up to 4,000 children across various medical specialties.

To meet these demands, organizers have announced two major upcoming fundraising events in Cebu: The 3rd Annual Charity Gala Night--After being abruptly halted by an earthquake last year, the highly anticipated Charity Gala Night is returning to Cebu. Organizers aim to match last year’s impressive fundraising total of P50 to P60 million.

The evening will host prominent influencers, live entertainment, and an auction featuring valuable paintings and premium items.  Donors can sponsor an individual child's care for P40,000; purchase a corporate table; or secure a spot on the gala's dedicated "Partner Recognition Wall."

Another fund-raising campaign is the Inaugural Wiggle Lab Pickleball Tournament--Capitalizing on the explosive growth of the sport, Operation Smile is partnering with local organization Wiggle Lab to host a dynamic, two-day pickleball tournament targeting 360 athletes.

The event aims to generate at least one million pesos strictly through registrations and corporate sponsorships. Day 1 is dedicated to corporate and interclub brackets. Companies have already integrated pickleball into their wellness programs, and organizers are urging local HR departments to utilize their wellness budgets to field teams for the cause.  Day 2 is opened up to families, friends, and amateur pairings to foster community spirit.

"This tournament represents the perfect intersection of health, sports, and community service," noted Coach Arnell, a court consultant for Wiggle Lab. "It’s an incredible team-building opportunity for local companies to give back to a deeply worthy cause."

How to find help or donate

In the Philippines, an estimated one out of every 500 children is born with a cleft lip or palate, many of whom lack immediate access to safe surgical care. Families seeking free cleft care or individuals looking to support the foundation's mission are encouraged to sign up or get in touch: Website: operationsmile.org.ph. Social Media: "Operation Smile Philippines" on Facebook and call the Hotline: (0999) 936 5334.

Once registered, regional coordinators manage patient logistics, and the foundation will even fly eligible patients directly to their dedicated centers for treatment at zero cost to the family. (Photos: MBCNewman)

183 sea turtle hatchlings make their way to sea in Panglao

PANGLAO, Bohol — A total of 183 Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings safely made their way to the sea on July 3, 2026, following the successful emergence from the second protected nest at Hennan Premier Coast in Tawala, Panglao.

“Every hatchling that reaches the sea represents hope for the future of our marine ecosystems. This milestone reflects what can be achieved through vigilance, science-based conservation, and the strong partnership among government agencies, the private sector, and local stakeholders. Protecting marine turtle nesting sites today helps ensure that future generations will continue to witness these remarkable species in our coastal waters,” said Bohol OIC PENRO, Wilson Henson.

The nest, laid on May 13, 2026, contained 198 eggs and after an incubation period of 51 days, the hatchlings began emerging at 5:34 p.m. and were safely released into the sea from 5:58 p.m. to 6:34 p.m. through the coordinated efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Hennan Premier Coast, Henson bared.

The nesting site remains under protection and close monitoring, with 15 eggs yet to hatch.  DENR personnel continue safeguarding the nest until the hatching period concludes, after which a nest excavation was conducted to determine the final hatching success and evaluate the remaining eggs in accordance with established marine turtle conservation protocols.

Henson bared that the successful emergence highlighted the importance of sustained conservation efforts and community partnerships in protecting the province’s rich marine biodiversity, while DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac emphasized that the successful hatching demonstrated the impact of collaborative environmental stewardship.

“The successful emergence of these 183 sea turtle hatchlings is a clear reminder that conservation efforts truly bear fruit when carried out with commitment, science, and strong partnerships.  Every protected nest and every hatchling that safely reaches the sea is a meaningful step toward securing the future of our marine biodiversity. This achievement reflects what government agencies, the private sector, and local communities can accomplish when we work together in protecting our shared natural heritage,” said Salac.

DENR-7 said Panglao Island has become an active nesting corridor for green sea turtles and calls the Tawala to Libaong coastline an active sea turtle nesting habitat and known nesting corridor.   

Repeated nesting is seen as a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem.  Green Sea Turtles are among the marine species protected under Philippine environmental laws and international conservation agreements. Their continued survival depends on the protection of nesting beaches, responsible coastal management, and active public participation in biodiversity conservation.

It can be recalled that on June 15, 2026, 79 baby green sea turtles were released into Panglao Sea at Alona Beach.  The hatchlings came from the 227+ eggs first documented on April 25 in front of Henann Resort.  Because the nest was in a high-tide zone, eggs were relocated to a safer area to protect them from waves and rising sea levels.

On May 13 2026, another green sea turtle nested along Alona shoreline and on May 29, 2026, the 4th recorded nesting event this year on Alona Beach.  Protection measures included the cordoning off of the nest sites for 45-70 days incubation; reduced artificial lighting + disturbance-free zones and bamboo barriers installed around nests.

According to the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), 41 marine turtles stranding have been recorded from 2019 to 2023, averaging eight turtles stranding per year.  From January to September 2024, seven marine turtles stranding were also recorded.

Bohol governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado reaffirmed commitment to make Bohol a safe haven for green sea turtles, while resorts in the area and other stakeholders in the community help monitor and protect the turtle nests.

“The increasing nesting activity shows conservation efforts are working and reflects the health of coastal ecosystems here in Panglao, Bohol,” Aumentado said. (Photos: DENR-7)

 

PBBM names Philip Lo Presidential Assistant for the Visayas

CEBU CITY -- President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. appointed Philip Lo as Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, taking over a key post that coordinates national government programs in the region.

Marcos administered Lo's oath of office at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, July 8. Lo thanked the President for the appointment and vowed to serve as a link between the Office of the President and the people of the Visayas.

"I sincerely thank the President for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas. I will serve as a bridge between the people of the Visayas and the Office of the President," Lo said.

He said he would work closely with national government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to help bring government programs and services to communities across the Visayas.

"One of my goals is to make government more accessible, responsive, and effective for every Visayan," he said.

The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) coordinates the implementation of national government programs and projects in the region. Lo is expected to work with government agencies and local officials to help advance the administration's development priorities.

His appointment comes as the Marcos administration continues to pursue projects aimed at improving public services, infrastructure, investment, and economic growth across the Visayas.

CPA outlines northern Cebu Port rehab plans

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) led by General Manager Francisco Comendador III, formally updated the Cebu Provincial Board during its 17th Regular Session on June 15, regarding critical rehabilitation strategies for northern ports severely damaged by a recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

The briefing addressed immediate infrastructure restoration and opened conversations on restructuring revenue-sharing frameworks with local government units (LGUs). The CPA has designated targeted funding to reconstruct infrastructure across three heavily affected ports facilities—Port of Hagnaya, Port of Kawit and Port of Bogo.

Comendador explained that the full-scale rehabilitation has not yet started as these three affected ports are currently undergoing Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment (EGGA) studies.

He emphasized that these assessments are necessary to ensure that all rehabilitation works are safe, appropriate and sustainable in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

While we are equally eager to complete the rehabilitation of these ports, we must ensure that every intervention we undertake prioritizes the safety of port users and surrounding communities,” Comendador said.

He assured the Provincial Board that the planned repair and rehabilitation works form part of CPA’s broader strategy to restore and strengthen port infrastructure in Cebu Province.

To address concerns regarding the possible relocation of some port facilities, the session highlighted pivotal operational and financial themes as the province moves from emergency response into long-term infrastructure stabilization.

Safety and Sustainability First: Comendador emphasized that rushing into construction without data would jeopardize public safety. The ongoing EGGA studies are being fast-tracked in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to ensure all structural interventions are resilient against future seismic activity.

LGU Joint-Investment and Revenue Sharing: In a notable policy shift, the CPA expressed openness to reassessing existing financial arrangements. LGUs willing to co-invest capital into developing and modernizing local port facilities may be eligible for new revenue-sharing models.

Regulatory Alignment: Any updated financial agreements will remain subject to existing maritime policies, requiring formal approval from the Cebu Port Commission (CPC) and close coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). (Photos: Cebu Port Authority)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ateneo Cebu hosts free MBA trial class in Cebu on July 11

CEBU CITY -- The Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business (AGSB) invites Cebuano professionals, executives, and aspiring business leaders to experience its distinct approach to leadership development at the upcoming AGSB MBA Trial Class on July 11 from 8am to 2 pm at the AGSB Cebu Campus, Cebu Holdings Center.

Carrying the theme "Leading Through Chaos: With and For Others," the event aims to demonstrate how an AGSB MBA equips professionals with the strategic vision, ethical judgment, and resilience needed to navigate today's volatile business environment.

The program features a curated lineup designed to give participants a firsthand look at the AGSB experience. This free MBA Trial Class will be led by Prof. Dennis Ryan Cruz, MBA, First Vice President and Center Head at Metrobank, and Director of Student Formation at AGSB. He will facilitate an immersive workshop on leading through complexity, uncertainty, and disruption.

The event will also feature alumni who will share how their AGSB MBA experience helped accelerate their careers and transform their leadership practices. A question-and-answer session will follow, allowing participants to engage directly with faculty members and alumni.

This event offers a unique opportunity to experience how an MBA grounded in Ignatian values prepares professionals for executive leadership and effective decision-making in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Registration is free, but slots are limited. Interested participants may secure their seats by scanning the QR code on the official event flyer or by registering online at https://bit.ly/AGSBCebuTrialClass2026.

For inquiries, contact the AGSB Cebu Campus at 0919 078 8566 or email [cebu.gsb@ateneo.edu] (mailto:cebu.gsb@ateneo.edu). AGSB Cebu Trial Class Registration Form bit.ly

Cebu's Biggest Shows Are Coming: SM Seaside Cebu Arena Opens a New Era of Entertainment

CEBU CITY— SM Cebu continues to redefine how Cebuanos shop, dine, celebrate, and experience world-class entertainment with its three most-loved destinations—SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Cebu, and SM J Mall. 

SM has become where communities gather, families create memories, and unforgettable moments come to life. Now, the excitement reaches new heights as Cebu counts down to the opening of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the region's next iconic destination for live entertainment.

The excitement is already building with a stellar lineup of performances set to inaugurate this new era and maxed out the experience. Fans can look forward to BINI's "Signals World Tour 2026" on July 11, followed by IV of Spades' "Andalucia Tour 2026" on July 18. Music lovers can also experience TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan's "In Between" concert on September 5, the uplifting Hillsong Worship Nights Asia Tour on September 18, and LANY's "Beautiful Mind World Tour" with two highly anticipated shows on November 6 and 12. These marquee performances affirm Cebu's growing stature as a premier destination for world-class concerts and live entertainment, with the SM Seaside Cebu Arena poised to become its biggest stage yet.

With an exciting lineup of world-class concerts, live entertainment, major sporting events, and international productions set to take center stage, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena is poised to become the region's newest entertainment destination. Every event promises not only unforgettable experiences for audiences but also a reason for visitors from across the country to make Cebu their next destination. Conveniently located across SM Seaside City Cebu and connected by a bridgeway, the arena allows guests to extend every show into a complete lifestyle experience with shopping, dining, and leisure all in one destination. 

“For years, SM has helped shape the country's live entertainment landscape by playing host to world-class events and bringing them closer to Filipinos. With SM Seaside Cebu Arena, we are extending that commitment to Cebu—creating a new beacon for live entertainment and sports events, bringing more international concerts, premier sporting events, and the best customer experience for fans that will inspire communities and place Cebu as the next global entertainment destination,” said Arnel Gonzales, Vice President and General Manager, SM Seaside Cebu Arena. 

Beyond the excitement of the performances, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena is expected to deliver a significant economic boost to Cebu. The influx of concertgoers and event attendees will drive tourism, increase hotel occupancy, boost local businesses across restaurants, retail, and transport services, and create new employment opportunities for local communities 

As more world-class events choose Cebu, the arena further strengthens the city's position as a premier destination for entertainment, business, and tourism, while reinforcing SM Supermalls' commitment to SM for Cebu by creating opportunities that benefit both local businesses and the economy. (Photos: SM)

Gov't, PLDT launch 4 new 'dialect-sensitive' Unified 911 command centers in Luzon, Visayas

CEBU CITY— Filipinos in distress will now be answered in their own language when they call 911, just as 

the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) with PLDT, PLDT Enterprise, and ePLDT, launched four new Unified 911 Satellite Command Centers in Batac, Ilocos Norte; Cauayan, Isabela; Leganes, Iloilo; and Tacloban, Leyte  in June this year— bringing dialect-sensitive emergency response to 20 more provinces across Northern Luzon and the Visayas.

The expansion follows last year’s launch of the National Command Center in Manila and the Regional Command Center in Cebu. Operators can now respond in Hiligaynon, Waray, Ilocano, and other local languages to cut delays in emergencies

"The answer will be in your language,” the DILG said.  The key upgrade—SCC operators are fluent in at least ten languages, including English, Tagalog, and their respective local languages.

"When you dial 911 in Iloilo, the answer will be in Hiligaynon. If you are in Tacloban, the answer is Waray; in Ilocos, Ilocano," said Philippine National Police Chief Melencio Nartatez Jr., who represented Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla at the flagship ceremony in Leganes, Iloilo. 

"That is how advanced our response is, faster, understood, and felt by every Filipino who calls in distress,”

he added. 

Officials said the dialect-sensitive system removes the need to route regional calls to Manila, reducing delays and miscommunication caused by translation errors. Callers can now speak naturally and get responders dispatched faster and more accurately.

Tech-powered and centralized

launched in September 2025, the Unified 911 system integrates police, fire, medical, and rescue services into one technology-enabled platform linking national agencies with local government units (LGUs).

The SCCs are hosted on ePLDT’s Pilipinas Cloud and feature 

multiple reporting channels including live video streaming

GPS-based location tracking of callers and responders

Geo-fencing for faster, more coordinated dispatch

Centralized data reporting

"The launch of the dialect-sensitive Unified 911 satellite command centers is a critical step toward more responsive, inclusive, and resilient emergency services," said PLDT Enterprise Head and ePLDT Chairman Blums Pineda. 

"We believe that technology, combined with local language and local knowledge, can further empower our responders to act faster and serve our communities better,” he added. 

Wider coverage coming

The four new SCCs in Batac, Cauayan, Leganes, and Tacloban cover the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas regions. They joined the Leganes launch virtually to present their capabilities.

PNP Chief Nartatez also announced that two more SCCs are set to be launched soon in Cagayan de Oro and Maguindanao.

Also present at the Iloilo launch were Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, Leganes Mayor Vicente Jaen II, New Lucena Mayor Carl Vincent Mondejar, BFP OIC Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, and NGA CEO Ishka Villacisneros.

PLDT said its support for Unified 911 is part of broader efforts to modernize emergency response and build disaster-resilient communities through robust digital infrastructure.

For emergencies, the public is reminded to just dial ‘911’.