Aboitiz InfraCapital leads tourism dialog on how to navigate current industry challenges

LAPULAPU CITY -- Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), the operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) convened tourism stakeholders and hotel executives in Cebu to a strategic tourism dialog on how to proactively address the potential impacts of the ongoing Middle East crisis.

“The aviation and tourism sectors are deeply intertwined. When global headwinds like surging jet fuel costs put pressure on our airline partners, our industry inevitably feels the impact.  By aligning closely with our hotel partners, developing agile passenger scenarios, we are leveraging the same proactive management model that has driven success across our other gateways. True resilience is built through transparent collaboration and continuous investment in the facilities that matter most to our passengers,” said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Operating Airports, in his opening message.

The strategic meeting focused on safeguarding Cebu’s tourism through collaboration, scenario planning, and leveraging new market opportunities amidst the on-going crisis. Several hotel general managers and industry leaders such as bai Hotel, Shangri-la Mactan Cebu, Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Mercure Mactan Cebu, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Nustar Resort and Casino, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan and other industry partners attended the dialog to help address the pressing reality of rising global jet fuel prices.

The dialog centered on how the industry can prepare and work together to manage external pressures like how jet fuel can trigger an increase in fares and can impact passenger traffic and demand.  ACAC shared that if the current global situation persists, travel demand is expected to be challenged from early June onwards.

The ACAC team said that the dialog wanted to ensure that every strategic improvement at the airport level resonates across the entire tourism value chain, creating a unified voice for regional growth and resilience.

Looking forward, MCIA is also strategically eyeing the expansion of new, untapped frontiers, with active discussions underway to bridge direct connectivity of other new emerging markets to Cebu. MCIA reaffirms its commitment to being more than just an airport facility, but a vital economic engine and a dedicated partner to the entire Cebuano tourism ecosystem.

Aboitiz InfraCapital said that the same dialogue setup are organized in the coming weeks at the Laguindingan International Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and Bohol-Panglao International Airport in Panglao, Bohol, to ensure industry readiness and cooperation to address any industry challenges in the future. (Photos: MCIA/Google Images)

DSWD-7 disburses over P74.2M in cash assistance to 14K tricycle drivers in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office 7 had disbursed a total of ₱74,290,000 in cash assistance under its Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) program for the 14,858 tricycle drivers across Central Visayas distributed during the National Simultaneous Payout as of April 2026.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Operations Paul Ledesma and Field Office 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero engaged with the recipients at the event, with beneficiaries coming from the 10 cities in Cebu and Bohol, with each qualified tricycle driver receiving ₱5,000 in financial aid with the local government units facilitating the payout operations.

Dominador Alforque, a beneficiary from Cebu City shared his experience upon receiving the money.  “Dako kaayo ning gamit jud namo tungod sa sige’g saka sa gasolina ron. Ang proseso, wala ray lima ka minuto—approved dayon!” (This is a big help for us due to the non-stop increase in gasoline prices.  The process only took five minutes, approval is immediate.)

Amadeo Pilos, a beneficiary from Tagbilaran City, Bohol agreed on the fast and immediate processing of the documents from verification to approval only took minutes and the DSWD staff were very accommodating.

“Our mission is clear: to ensure that timely assistance reaches our tricycle drivers who are most affected by the rising fuel costs. With the guidance of our Secretary, DSWD-7 successfully carried out the payout through the collective effort of the agency and the LGUs.  Moreover, this initiative would not have been as successful without the trust and cooperation of our beneficiaries,” Lucero said, adding that a special payout will be conducted for beneficiaries who were unable to claim their cash assistance during the initial rollout, with the schedule to be announced soon.

The Central Visayas beneficiaries included those from Tagbilaran City with 2,755 tricycle drivers; Bogo City with 1,649; Danao City with 377; Mandaue City with 1,548; Cebu City with 591:  Lapu-Lapu City with 3,487; Talisay City with 1,749; City of Naga with 148; Carcar City with 1,102; and Toledo City with 1,452 beneficiaries.

Lucero said that the cash assistance aims to help ease the financial burden of tricycle drivers affected by the continuous increase in fuel prices amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. To ensure a fast and orderly distribution of assistance, DSWD-7 deployed personnel across the 10 local government units (LGUs) to facilitate the payout operations.

The agency also worked closely with partner LGUs in providing venues, medical stations, verification teams, and security personnel to ensure a safe, organized, and convenient payout process for beneficiaries. Through active coordination with LGUs and partner agencies, no untoward incidents were reported during the payouts.

Real-Time monitoring and transparency enhanced the smoother flow of the payout operations, which system allowed the agency to efficiently track disbursements, avoid duplication, and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. The same system will be used by the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) team to ensure accurate, fast, and reliable data in future payouts, Lucero said highlighting the strong collaboration among stakeholders. (Photos: DSWD7-FB Posts)

 

 

The Cebu Metropolitan-Catholic Mass Media Awards is on, submit entries now

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Metropolitan --Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) is on and is calling for entries of media outputs published, displayed, or aired between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2026.  All entries must be submitted online on or before 30 June 2026, with the awarding ceremonies to happen on October4, 2026.

The Cebu Metropolitan --Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) is a biennial initiative, marking its 2nd Edition in honoring exemplary works of media practitioners and organizations within the ecclesiastical province of Cebu.

The province encompasses the Archdiocese of Cebu and its suffragan dioceses including Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran, and Talibon. To nominate, visit thearchdioceseofcebu.com/cmcmma.  

Here are the various categories for the entries for the CMMA.

TELEVISION Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-TV with categories including TV News Program, Entertainment (Variety) Program, TV Talk Show, TV Magazine Show, TV Game Show, TV Special Events/Feature and TV Plugs/PSA.

RADIO (AM and FM) Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-Radio with categories including AM - Radio News Program, FM - Radio News Program, AM - Radio Public Affairs Program, FM - Radio Public Affairs Program, AM - Radio Drama, FM - Radio Drama, AM, Radio Development Communication Program (Advocacy), FM - Radio Development Communication Program (Advocacy), AM - Radio Educational Program, FM - Radio Educational Program, AM - Radio Commentary Program, FM - Radio Commentary Program, AM - Radio Talk Show, FM - Radio Talk Show, AM - Radio PSA/Plugs and FM - Radio PSA/Plugs.

PRINT / ONLINE MEDIA – ENGLISH & CEBUANO Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-Print-Online-Media, with categories including Editorial Writing (Institutional Award) – English,  Editorial Writing (Institutional Award) – Cebuano,  News Writing (Institutional Award) – English,  News Writing (Institutional Award) – Cebuano,  Feature Writing (Individual Award) – English,  Feature Writing (Individual Award) – Cebuano,  Editorial Cartooning (Individual Award) – English,  Editorial Cartooning (Individual Award) – Cebuano,  Column Writing (Individual Award) - Opinion – English,  Column Writing (Individual Award) - Opinion – Cebuano,  Column Writing (Individual Award) - Faith – English,  Column Writing (Individual Award) - Faith – Cebuano,  Special Reporting/Investigative Reporting (Individual/Group Award) - One-Part – English,  Special Reporting/Investigative Reporting (Individual/Group Award) - One-Part – Cebuano,  Special Reporting/Investigative Reporting (Individual/Group Award) - Series – English, Special Reporting/Investigative Reporting (Individual/Group Award) - Series – Cebuano, and Photojournalism (Individual Award)

DIGITAL MEDIA - Facebook Page Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-DigitalMedia with categories including Best Parish Facebook Page, Best Shrine Facebook Page, Best Catholic School Facebook Page, Best Catholic Organization Facebook Page, and Best Diocesan Commission Facebook Page.

ADVERTISING Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-Advertising with categories including Print Advertising, Billboard Advertising, Radio Advertising and TV Advertising.

PUBLICATION Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-Publication with categories including Newsletters (Parish), Souvenir Programs (Parish), Book (Parish), Book (Diocesan), Book (Catholic Organization) and Book (Catholic School).

 Video of the Year Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-VideoCategory.  

Event Coverage of the Year Link: https://bit.ly/CM-CMMA2026-Event.

DSWD7, DOLE7 unite to strengthen efforts against child labor in Cebu

MALABUYOC, Cebu-- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Regional Field Office 7 and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) joined hands to strengthen efforts against child labor through an Information and Service Caravan on the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program in Malabuyoc town in Cebu, through DSWD’s Strategic Helpdesk for Information, Education, Livelihood, and Other Developmental (SHIELD) project.

The SHIELD project is a community-based initiative aimed at eliminating child labor, particularly its worst forms.  Its objectives include withdrawing children from child labor and provide holistic interventions; strengthen anti-child labor efforts at the local level and establish helpdesks and a local registry on child labor for referral and convergence of support services.

According to SHIELD Program Focal Person Glenda Riel, over 197 child laborers and 120 parents, who are also beneficiaries of DOLE’s TUPAD program, attended the activity at the Malabuyoc, covered court last March, this year.  The DSWD and DOLE joint event aimed to remove children from child labor, prevent new cases, and provide targeted support to affected families through localized, multi-agency services.

The event also raised awareness on child labor laws, promoted education, and offered livelihood assistance, supporting the vision of a child-labor-free Philippines. They also received free meals from food carts, groceries and other essential items.

The activity in Malabuyoc included a tree planting and the signing of a Pledge of Commitment, followed by orientations on Republic Act No. 9231, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, and on available programs and services addressing child labor.

SHIELD program is implemented in 16 regions in the country and data showed that over 12,000 child laborers assisted from 2021 to 2024 with 3,887 minors reintegrated into their families and communities.

Child labor is a significant issue in Central Visayas, SHIELD program bared that there were 7,892 child laborers that were profiled in Central Visayas in 2025, exceeding the target of 7,560 and most of these children are from Negros Oriental, Cebu Province, Siquijor, and the Tri-City Field Office.

The agriculture sector has the highest number of child laborers, with 85,570 recorded in the DSWD Listahanan database.

 In Region 7 alone, over 12,000 child laborers have been assisted by the DSWD from 2021 to 2024 through the SHIELD Against Child Labor Program with 3,887 minors have already been reintegrated with their families and communities, while 400 child laborers received various assistance, including educational support, since 2021.

The Regional Council for the Welfare of Children–7 (RCWC-7), and member agencies of the Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL)in Central Visayas, including the Department of Justice Action Center–Region VII (DOJAC-7), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-7), and the Department of Agriculture–Central Visayas (DA-7) were one in support to the local SHIELD caravan in Malabuyoc town.

 

 

Over 200 teachers to join Project 12 Summit 2026 in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Over 200 teachers from 58 pilot schools in Cebu Province, Silang, Cavite and Negros Oriental, including 43 public schools --37 elementary schools and 6 national high schools in Dumanjug, Cebu are expected to participate in the “Project 12-Summit 2026” on April 10-11, 2026 at the USJ-R Quadricentennial Bldg., Colon St., Cebu City organized by the US-based The Human Project Foundation, with the theme, “Developing A Resilient Generation.”

Joshua and Carol Pilapil, the tandem couple at the helm of The Human Project Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to developing emotionally resilient and well-rounded individuals, told Manila Standard that one of the key advocacies of the Foundation is Project 12.

“This is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to integrate EQ development as a core subject from Kinder to Grade 12 in both public and private schools, anchored on Daniel Goleman's five components of Emotional Intelligence (EQ),” bared Joshua Pilapil, a US-based Clinical Psychologist, at a media conference with the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC).

Pilapil said that at the heart of Project 12 is a firm belief that education must focus not only on the mind (IQ) but also on the heart (EQ).  “If we are to raise whole persons-individuals who are not only intellectually capable but emotionally intelligent and socially responsible, we already equip every learner with self-awareness and self-regulation techniques, motivation, empathy, and strong social skills from an early age,” he added.

Carol Pilapil shared that Project 12 was officially launched in School Year 2024-2025. To date, the Foundation had implemented the Project across 58 pilot schools in Cebu Province, Silang, Cavite and Negros Oriental, including 43 public schools, with 37 elementary schools and six national high schools in Dumanjug, Cebu. 

“We have trained over 1,600 teachers serving over 36,000 students from these pilot schools, with more trainings already scheduled for other LGUs in Cebu Province, Negros Island, Davao City and Malaybalay, Bukidnon in Mindanao,” Carol said.

The rollout has been warmly received, and they are greatly encouraged by the enthusiastic response of both educators and communities. Their feedback affirms that emotional intelligence is not only needed—it is urgently essential, she noted.

Project 12 Summit 2026

Joshua and Carol saw the positive outcomes of their trainings and they have seen in students reveal a deeper truth: emotional intelligence or EQ is a lifelong skill - essential not only in the classroom, but in every environment, including the workplace.

Project 12 Summit 2026 is a gathering of these trained individuals and leaders to share their learnings and best practices as they navigate in their fields, be it in the academe, local governance, medical and healthcare systems and even in daily life interactions.

“In response to this growing need, we have opened the training component of Project 12 to companies seeking to invest in the EQ development of their employees. This expansion enables us to help build resilient, people-centered organizations that value empathy, self-awareness, and meaningful human connection,” Joshua and Carol shared.

It is noteworthy to share, Carol bared that they have also trained doctors and other professionals, equipping them to cope more effectively with the high-pressure demands of their fields, and by embedding emotional intelligence into both learning and leadership.

Carol added that The Human Project Foundation wants to enhance emotional intelligence (EI) through education and aims to integrate EI into the education system from kindergarten to 12th grade. This initiative is anchored on a research by Daniel Goleman and UNESCO's 2004 vision highlighting EI's significance.

Goleman’s research proved that 80% of success predictors are EI or EQ, not IQ. A meta-analysis of 500 studies in 24 countries showed improved societal outcomes. The Castle framework, adapted for education, includes self-awareness, self-regulation, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.

The goal is to reduce issues like pregnancy, suicide, and behavioral problems by 2030, through the development and implementation of modules on emotional intelligence and healthy coping skills for students from kindergarten to 12th grade, to help them become more self-aware, regulate their emotions, and make better choices in life,” Joshua and Carol shared.

“Through Project 12 Summit 2026, The Human Project Foundation will be able to measure and analyze the impact of the emotional intelligence program on academic performance and behavioral issues of the participating students, and use the data to advocate for the adoption of the program in more schools across the Philippines,” Carol added.

 

 

Silliman launches Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Program

DUMAGUETE CITY – Silliman University, through the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences (IRS) announces the initial offering of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSOT) program, targeted for Academic Year 2026–2027 for the University’s continued commitment to excellence in health sciences education.

Building on its strong foundation as one of the country’s top-performing Physical Therapy institutions, the IRS expands its academic portfolio to include Occupational Therapy—another vital discipline in rehabilitation and holistic patient care.

This initiative responds to the growing healthcare needs of communities both locally and globally. Occupational Therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession that focuses on enabling individuals to participate in meaningful daily activities or “occupations” despite physical, developmental, or psychosocial challenges.

Through evidence-based interventions, occupational therapists play a crucial role in promoting independence, improving quality of life, and supporting individuals across the lifespan—from children with developmental delays to adults recovering from injury, and older persons managing age-related conditions.

The introduction of the BSOT program comes at a time when the demand for rehabilitation professionals continues to rise, both in the Philippines and abroad. By offering this program, Silliman University seeks to contribute to the development of highly competent, compassionate, and globally competitive occupational therapists.

The opening of the BSOT program is a natural progression of the vision of the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences. Its aim is to produce professionals who are not only clinically competent but also grounded in service, leadership, and innovation in rehabilitation.

The program is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation, hands-on clinical training, and exposure to diverse practice settings, including hospitals, community-based rehabilitation programs, schools, and emerging fields such as ergonomics and assistive technology.

The IRS also envisions opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and international engagement as part of the BSOT experience. As Silliman University continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy marks another milestone in its pursuit of transformative education and service to society

For inquiries about the BSOT program, stay tuned for the application process at the Silliman University website: su.edu.ph (Photos: Silliman/Google Images)

Silliman Fine Arts opens summer workshops for children, aspiring artists

DUMAGUETE CITY – Silliman University-Fine Arts Department of the College of Performing and Visual Arts offers a series of summer workshops in April and May 2026, providing opportunities for children, students, and aspiring artists to develop their creative skills across various disciplines.

Among the offerings is the Arts and Crafts for Children workshop, designed for participants aged 6 to 12 years old. The program runs in two batches-- April 6 to10 and May 4 to 8, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The workshop aims to nurture creativity and self-expression through guided art activities suited for young learners.

For those interested in painting, the department will conduct an Intensive Acrylic Painting workshop for participants aged 12 years old and above that are scheduled in two batches—April 13 to 17 and May 11 to 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. 

The program covers color theory, painting techniques, and studio practices. Participants will produce their own works, which will be exhibited at the Romeo Art Gallery. The workshop fee is PHP 6,000, exclusive of materials.

The department will also offer a Basic and Advanced Photography Workshop for individuals who wish to explore and refine their visual storytelling skills. The Basic Photography workshop will be held on April 6–10, 2026, followed by the Advanced Photography workshop on April 13–17, 2026. Both sessions will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

In addition, a Clay Sculpture Workshop will also be conducted on April 13–17, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of hand-building and clay sculpting, outputs from the workshop will also be exhibited at the Romeo Art Gallery. The workshop fee is PHP 7,000, exclusive of materials.

All workshops will be held at the Fine Arts Department of Silliman University in Dumaguete City. Early registration is highly encouraged as slots are limited. For inquiries and registration, interested participants may email finearts@su.edu.ph. (Photos: SU-Office of Media & Public Affairs)