Cebu steps up war on child abuse, adopts revised National Protection Protocol

MANDAUE CITY— In a major push to overhaul and strengthen its child welfare system, the Province of Cebu has officially adopted the National Protection Protocol, the country’s updated rules for handling cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination, in a ceremonial launching and signing on July 17 in Mandaue City.

"With this launch, we reaffirm our commitment that child protection remains our utmost priority," declared Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Frederick Vida. "We make a promise today that through this ceremonial signing, child protection is always at the forefront of our policy-making and service."

Cebu became only the second province in the Philippines, following Cavite, to implement the Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination (CANE+D).

The milestone comes at a critical time when authorities nationwide are battling persistent threats against minors, ranging from domestic physical abuse to the alarmingly rampant growth of online exploitation.

"The revised protocol reinforces our shared commitment to prevent violence, respond effectively to threats, and place child protection at the heart of everything we do.  More importantly, it strengthens coordination among our social workers, law enforcement, health professionals, educators, and prosecutors to ensure a faster, more responsive referral system,” Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro said. 

A growing crisis in numbers

The updated protocol lands against the backdrop of staggering data on child exploitation across the country and the region.  Data from the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) indicates that child rights violations remain stubbornly high, with 18,089 reported cases in 2024 alone—following 18,756 recorded in 2023.

Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) has emerged as a severe frontier. The Department of Justice (DOJ) handled roughly 2.72 million cyber tip-line reports in a single year.

At the local frontline, DSWD Field Office in Central Visayas recorded nearly 300 cases of violence against women and children in 2025, while assisting over 75 child victims of human trafficking and online sexual exploitation in recent years.

DSWD-7 officials noted that perpetrators increasingly view online exploitation as "easy money," commodifying vulnerable minors.

Unifying the frontline duty-bearers

Developed by the DOJ-chaired Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC), the revised CANE+D protocol updates guidelines surrounding Republic Act No. 7610 (the Anti-Child Abuse Law) alongside newer statutory protections.

The revised framework aims to break down bureaucratic silos and establish a seamless, standardized referral system across key duty-bearers--barangay officials, teachers, and community health workers; Social workers, law enforcement agencies, state prosecutors, and local courts.

The Protocol outlines step-by-step procedures covering every stage of a victim's ordeal—from initial identification, reporting, and law enforcement investigation to court proceedings, psychological rehabilitation, and eventual community reintegration.

During the provincial launch in Mandaue City, Governor Pamela Baricuatro joined DOJ Secretary Frederick Vida to sign a memorandum of understanding solidifying Cebu's operational commitment.

Baricuatro highlighted that the streamlined workflow is urgent, noting recent high-profile incidents involving minors—including school shooting incidents in Tacloban City—that have drawn national scrutiny to the country's juvenile justice and child safety mechanisms.

DOJ Undersecretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong, Provincial Board Members Stanley Caminero and Neneth Reluya, alongside municipal mayors, vice mayors, and regional heads of national enforcement agencies, all of whom signed a shared "Wall of Commitment" to enforce child safety protocols across Cebu's cities and municipalities. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

Building biz strongholds for disaster-resilient MSMEs in Cebu

MANDAUE CITY -- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are widely known as the backbone of the Philippine economy, but in a nation heavily exposed to natural disasters and climate shocks, surviving the storm requires far more than grit—it takes strategic preparedness.

To tackle this challenge head-on, key government agencies, business leaders, financial institutions, and development partners gathered at bai Hotel Cebu on July 23 for the National Forum on Strengthening MSME Disaster Resilience 2026, with the theme “Negosyong Matatag: Building Resilient MSMEs for a Sustainable Future.”

The national convergence held special significance as it marked the 10th anniversary of the MSME Resilience Core Group (RCG) that was formed in 2016 through a coalition among the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), PHILEXPORT, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

The MSME RCG has spent the last decade shifting the business mindset from post-disaster recovery to proactive risk management.  Over the past ten years, the coalition has localized its National Roadmap for Strengthening MSME Disaster Resilience across all 18 regions.

Key accomplishments showcased during the forum included; the Digital and Mapping Innovation: Geotagging over 300,000 MSMEs via GeoRiskPH, alongside tech solutions like Katatagan in a Box, the Payong App, and HazardHunterPH.

Capacity Building, delivering 61 resilience trainings in 2025 alone to over 3,000 MSMEs, helping hundreds develop tailored Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) through the Microenterprise Resilience Program (MERP).

To lock in this progress for the decade ahead, representatives from the ten core member organizations participated in a ceremonial renewal of the MSME RCG Partnership Agreement, recommitting to policy support, digital innovation, and community-level training.

The forum highlighted the multi-sectoral nature of economic preparedness, bringing together key insights through two high-level panel discussions and an interactive World Café session including Disaster Preparedness  and Climate Adaptation with panelists including Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Bryan Ybañez representing the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VII, emphasized that business continuity must be integrated into everyday operations long before disaster strikes.

Financing resilience with financial experts highlighting the urgent need for accessible recovery funding, disaster insurance, and sustainability-linked investments to enable green transitions and faster post-disruption recovery.

Key leaders, including PCCI Vice President for MSMEs Melanie Ng and representatives from Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s office (PDRRMO), reiterated that building resilience is vital to sustaining local economic stability.

A centerpiece of the 10th-anniversary forum was the presentation of the inaugural "Negosyong Matatag: MSME Disaster Resilience Awards." Culminating a nationwide search that evaluated 112 nominees since October 2025, the awards honored enterprises that successfully embedded disaster preparedness into their organizational DNA.

National Awardees received a plaque + ₱50,000 Cash Incentive; Micro Enterprise Category--Domz Buko Pie.  Small Enterprise Category-- Intal Garments OPC and Medium Enterprise Category went to Tropical Palm Herb Manufacturing.

Special Citations received a plaque + ₱15,000 Cash Incentive.  Business Longevity (Parangal sa Matatag at Nagpapatuloy na Negosyo) went to Tinapayan Festival.  Levelled-Up Business (Parangal sa Negosyong Nagpamalas ng Malaking Paglago) went to Socio-Economic Development Program Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and Extraordinary Feats in Disaster Resilience (Parangal sa Pambihirang Kakayahang Bumangon at Magpatuloy) went to The VIP Hotel.

Timed alongside National Disaster Resilience Month and MSME Development Week, the forum reaffirmed the country's whole-of-society approach toward safeguarding local livelihoods.

As the MSME Resilience Core Group enters its second decade, upcoming tools like the Early Warning System Simulation Handbook aim to ensure that even the smallest Filipino enterprise can withstand both environmental and economic shocks. (Photos: DOST7/DTI7)

 

Franchise Negosyo Roadshow kicks off at SM Seaside City Cebu

CEBU CITY —The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) launches a nationwide Franchise Negosyo Roadshow, bringing its flagship regional event back to Cebu City--the Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo 2026 from July 31 to August 1, 2026 at the Mountain Wing Atrium at SM Seaside City Cebu.

Unleash the inner boss as aspiring entrepreneurs and savvy investors across the Visayas are in for a game-changing weekend with the 2-day showcase entry is completely free and open to the public.

This is a One-Stop Shop for Business Opportunities, whether one is looking to leave the corporate grind, diversify an existing portfolio, or jumpstart an entrepreneurial journey, the expo brings legitimate, proven business concepts right to your doorstep.

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

The event features over 60 participating exhibitors, spanning a broad spectrum of industries—from popular food concepts and retail brands to essential services. Allied industry suppliers will also be on-site, offering complete setup solutions so attendees can walk away ready to launch.

Level Up with expert-led seminars

Beyond exploring top franchise brands, visitors can take advantage of practical educational sessions designed for every stage of business growth, Benetiz said.

5 Ways to Grow Your Profit, on July 31-- a practical, free session featuring Coach Camille Conanan, Business Coach at ActionCOACH Philippines. Attendees will discover actionable strategies to boost revenues, strengthen operations, and scale sustainably.  

How to Invest in the Right Franchise on July 31 – Aug 1--led by Noemi Ruiz, Operations Consultant at Francorp Philippines. This free seminar, paired with direct investment presentations, guides future franchisees in choosing the right brand and avoiding common pitfalls.  

How to Franchise Your Business on August 1, tailored for established homegrown business owners ready to replicate their success. This paid, deep-dive masterclass will take place at the nearby Summit Galleria Cebu.  

Skip the long registration queues at the venue by securing your pass online. Explore Brands. Browse participating exhibitors through the Digital Directory.  Register now via the PFA Event Page. (Photos: Google Images/FB Posts)

15 Bohol LGUs unite as guardians of the Loboc River Watershed

BOHOL--For generations, the emerald waters of the Loboc River have served as the pulsing lifeblood of Bohol. Flowing through dense tropical forests, rolling agricultural lands, and vibrant eco-tourism corridors, the river is far more than a scenic attraction—it is the lifeline that sustains the island's water supply, feeds its crops, and fuels the livelihoods of thousands.

Yet, nature does not recognize political boundaries. A mudslide on an upstream hillside in Sierra Bullones or soil erosion in Bilar can ripple miles downstream, muddying the famous turquoise waters in Loboc town, threatening agriculture, and heightening severe flood risks.

Recognizing that no single community could protect the ecosystem alone, leaders from across the province gathered on July 16 at the Panda Tea Garden Suites for a landmark event—the meeting of the 15 mindsets.

In a room filled with community leaders, environmental experts, and government officials, 15 distinct local government units (LGUs), spanning from inland hills to coastal river mouths, came together with a single, shared purpose.

The participating municipalities included Alburquerque, Balilihan, Batuan, Bilar, Carmen, Catigbian, Dimiao, Garcia-Hernandez, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Sagbayan, Sevilla, Sierra Bullones, and Sikatuna, with Forester Wilson Henson, Chairperson of the Council and PENR Officer of Bohol presiding over this inaugural organizational gathering of the Loboc River Watershed Management Council (LRWMC).

"The Loboc River Watershed must be managed as one interconnected ecosystem," Henson emphasized, pointing out that upstream human activity directly dictates the health, safety, and prosperity of downstream communities.

The council members confronted pressing climate challenges head-on, from soil erosion and riverbed sedimentation to increasingly unpredictable flood patterns that threaten local communities and tourism operations alike.

To turn shared commitment into actionable protection, the council outlined critical first steps by firstly, formalizing governance through the review of a proposed Executive Order to institutionalize the LRWMC and drafting a comprehensive Manual of Operations.

Second, is to assess risks by analyzing the Climate Change and Disaster Risk (CCDR) assessment report focusing on the Loboc River Tourism System.

Third, targeted Action (2026–2027 Roadmap) by rolling out full Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessments (CVRA) across the entire watershed while institutionalizing regular council sessions to maintain momentum.

By uniting 15 municipalities alongside national agencies and regional partners, the formation of the LRWMC marks a turning point for Bohol, by harmonizing policies, protecting biodiversity, and guarding against climate vulnerabilities.

This unified coalition aims to ensure that the iconic Loboc River remains clean, resilient, and vibrant for generations to come. (Photos: Google Images/FB posts)

 

Environmental Feature:Caritas sounds alarm as 70% of corals die in Bais Bay following wastewater spill last year

CEBU CITY -- Caritas Philippines and the Diocese of San Carlos have issued an urgent moral and environmental appeal on July 17, following catastrophic scientific reports showing that nearly seven out of every ten surveyed corals in Bais Bay have died after a massive wastewater spill in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) on October 26 last year.

In a formal statement titled "A Cry from Tañon Strait: An Urgent Call to Protect Our Common Home," Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, D.D., President of Caritas Philippines and Bishop of San Carlos, described the underwater devastation as not merely an environmental statistic, but a "profound moral concern."  

The crisis stems from ongoing industrial wastewater contamination in Bais Bay—a critical habitat within the Tañon Strait, the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. Recent surveys conducted by marine scientists from Silliman University revealed that nearly 69% of the surveyed coral reefs in the bay have died as a result of oxygen depletion and algal blooms caused by toxic wastewater.  

"Coral reefs are among God’s most beautiful and life-giving creations. They nourish fisheries, protect our coastlines, sustain countless marine species, and provide livelihood for thousands of coastal families," Bishop Alminaza stated. "When they die, creation itself cries out, and so do the poor whose lives depend upon healthy seas."  

The church leader expressed deep gratitude to the scientists, marine researchers, fishers, and local advocates monitoring the situation, commending their courage in speaking the truth and emphasizing that sound science is an essential partner in responsible ecological stewardship.  

Call for Government Enforcement and 'Polluter Pays' Principle

Addressing regulatory authorities and local leaders, Caritas Philippines urged government agencies to act with immediate urgency, full transparency, and strict accountability.  

Bishop Alminaza called for comprehensive legal and regulatory intervention to halt ongoing pollution, enforce environmental laws, and mandate habitat restoration under the legal doctrine of the "polluter pays" principle.  

He also directed an appeal to commercial entities and industrial operators situated near fragile ecosystems:   "Economic activity can never be separated from moral responsibility. Genuine development must always respect the integrity of creation and the dignity of the communities whose lives depend upon it."  

Highlighting the ecological significance of the region, the statement emphasized that the Tañon Strait is a vital marine sanctuary shared between the islands of Negros and Cebu, holding rich biodiversity meant for present and future generations.  

Citing Pope Francis's landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, Bishop Alminaza reminded the public that "everything is connected"—linking the survival of marine ecosystems directly to the welfare of coastal families and national food security.  

"The true measure of our progress is not how much wealth we extract from creation, but how faithfully we safeguard the gift that God has entrusted to us. Future generations will judge us not by our intentions, but by the seas, forests, and communities we leave behind,” the statement concluded.

Key findings on pollution in the TSPS

Based on reports and field assessments from Silliman University Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) and the SU Angelo King Center for Research & Environmental Management, here are the key findings on pollution in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS):

On October 26, 2025, the Universal Robina Corp. (URC) Bais Distillery wastewater lagoon collapsed and some 255,000 cubic meters of untreated molasses ethanol wastewater "spent wash/vinasse" spilled into Bais Bay, Tañon Strait, reportedly killing 12 tons of fish estimated dead. Fish pen and seaweed farm damage reported in Manjuyod.

On Oct 31 to Nov 2, 2025, Silliman University (SU), with DENR-Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), local Bantay Dagat. conducted an inter-agency on-site survey plus drone-based GIS mapping, water sampling and biological assessments.

The team found the “spent wash plume” affected between 4,494 and 6,000 hectares of marine and coastal waters of TSPS. Oxygen depletion confirmed in Bais Bay waters. The SU team warned untreated molasses wastewater is “highly polluting and capable of rapidly depleting dissolved oxygen, water discoloration and algal blooms.

Fish pen/seaweed farm operators in Manjuyod reported losses of PHP 1,000 to PHP 1.8 million per operator.  The SU team noted risks to coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and the food chain. The strait has 18,000 hectares of coral reef, 5,000 hectares of mangroves, and 14 species of whales and dolphins.

Silliman University called for urgent repair of the lagoon, transparent water quality monitoring, strict compliance with pollution standards, and “full accountability and comprehensive restoration”. They continue to support DENR-NIR with water quality/biological assessments and rehabilitation plans.

Other Pollution Concerns in TSPS reported by Silliman-linked studies include microplastics.  A PIDS study cited in relation to TSPS, found “relatively high microplastic occurrence” — 0 to 1.5 items per liter in Tañon Strait water. Sources likely from single-use plastics and packaging.

Reports noted weak regulation of industries in protected seascapes. TSPS is a multiple-use area for fishing and tourism; it has 18,000 hectares of coral reef; 5,000 hectares of mangroves and 14 whale/dolphin species. Spill threatens spawning/nursery grounds.

SU team recommendations

The SU team released these recommendations in their official statement and technical advisories to DENR-Negros Island Region (NIR) which included the immediate and urgent repair of URC lagoon to prevent further discharge.

Water quality monitoring must be transparent and continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen, pH, BOD, and other parameters in Bais Bay and downstream areas.  Proper disposal of dead fish to prevent secondary pollution.

For accountability and compliance, the team called URC to be fully accountable, with strict enforcement of pollution standards under the Clean Water Act and TSPS management plan, using SU survey data to guide restoration strategies for TSPS, the country’s largest marine protected area.

Silliman University team continues to support DENR-NIR through technical advisories for science-based rehabilitation and long-term management for affected coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and fisheries, and livelihood support and assistance to affected fishers and seaweed farmers in Manjuyod and Bais.

The inter-agency team is in solidarity with the Silliman assessment team for the continued water quality and biological assessments. SU said this assessment is critical because vinasse "mixes with water and settles in sediment" making it harder to contain than oil.

The damage can be long-term because it affects the base of the food chain in a protected seascape. SU is still doing follow-up assessments as of latest reports.

 

Rama slams “illegal shortcut” as Cebu City’s open dumpsite continues to operate despite CDO

CEBU CITY — Cebu City 2nd District Congressman Eduardo “Edu” Rama slammed “illegal shortcut” as Cebu City’s SRP open dumpsite continues to operate 40 days after the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), saying the temporary site is undermining efforts to build a legal and sustainable waste management system.

Rama, in his Facebook post, called for the closure to force sustainable waste solution, cites health and environmental risks to coastal communities and he criticized what he called the justification that keeping the illegal dumpsite open is “necessary to prevent Cebu City’s garbage situation from getting worse.”

“Let’s stop acknowledging a false dilemma — that we either keep this illegal dumpsite at SRP open, or the waste management problem gets worse — propagated by those whose responsibility is to provide legal, sustainable alternatives but have instead opted for an illegal shortcut,” Rama said.

He argued that the city’s Local Chief Executive cannot use the lack of proper infrastructure as leverage to justify breaking environmental laws.

“Worse, tolerating this illegal dumpsite while waiting for a ‘sustainable replacement’ removes the urgency to fix it. Historically, as long as authorities have a place to illegally dump trash—even if they call it temporary—the development of permanent, legal facilities gets endlessly delayed,” he added.

According to Rama, closing the site will “force the hand of policymakers to finally execute the sustainable alternatives they have been promising.”  Rama listed four severe, compounding costs of keeping the open dump in a prime coastal area—marine pollution, air pollution, economic impact and public health.

“Unchecked leachate leaking directly into the Mactan Channel causes marine pollution affecting the food we eat and the immediate marine habitat. Methane emissions and air quality degradation, affecting the very air we breathe; devaluation of a multi-billion-peso commercial district with an illegal garbage mountain and Pests and diseases and the health risk that it poses to the people living along the coastline of Cogon Pardo, Inayawan, Mambaling, and residents of San Remo and Amalfi.”

Status of Cebu City’s waste management program

Cebu City has been grappling with garbage disposal problems since the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill was ordered closed in 2016. Since then, the city has relied on a mix of temporary measures.

Transfer stations and hauling of waste to landfills in Consolacion, Minglanilla, and other towns; material Recovery Facilities (MRF) in barangays, with mixed compliance, and plans for a new sanitary landfill at SRP and waste-to-energy facilities, which have faced delays in funding, bidding, and permitting.

The SRP dumpsite beside Pond A emerged as an interim disposal area. However, environmental groups and now Congressman Rama say its continued operation violates the DENR CDO and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The city government has previously argued that without the SRP site, garbage collection would back up and streets would pile up with waste while long-term facilities are built.

Rama rejected that reasoning.  “Yes, we need sustainable waste management infrastructure. But we cannot give authorities a free pass to actively break environmental laws and lie to the public about it in the meantime. True sustainability starts with transparency, not illegal open dumping.”

As of posting, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office has yet to issue a formal response to the latest expose.  Environmental advocates are urging DENR-7 to enforce the CDO and for the city to fast-track the procurement and construction of a compliant sanitary landfill and waste processing facilities.

For coastal communities in Pardo, Mambaling, and Inayawan, the issue is immediate.  Fisherfolk and residents have long complained of foul odor, flies, and runoff during rains.

 “Closing the illegal site will instead force the hand of policymakers to finally execute the sustainable alternatives they have been promising, and this is the right direction to take.” Rama ended his post with a call for accountability. (Photos: Google Images/FB Posts)

 

 

Baricuatro brings healthcare, infra upgrades, and typhoon relief to Camotes Islands

CAMOTES ISLANDS, Cebu — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro led a series of major initiatives across the Camotes Islands on Monday, July 20, delivering millions in financial aid, launching critical infrastructure projects, and providing relief to typhoon-affected families in San Francisco, Tudela, and Poro.

In San Francisco town, Baricuatro spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for an ₱8.48-million Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital. The project aims to ensure proper wastewater treatment in compliance with public health and environmental standards.

The governor highlighted the ongoing healthcare reforms overseen by Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, which have brought upgraded medical equipment, cleaner facilities, and more medical personnel to provincial hospitals.

During a flag-raising ceremony at the San Francisco Municipal Hall, Baricuatro handed over ₱10 million in checks to Mayor Alfredo Arquillano for local road concreting projects, along with 1,000 solar power units for the LGU.  Additional funds totaling ₱450,000 were distributed to Barangays Himensulan, San Isidro, and Cabonga-an for barangay equipment, social-cultural activities, and local procurement.

Concluding her island visit, Baricuatro distributed ₱2.68 million in emergency financial assistance to 268 families impacted by Typhoon Tino in Tudela and Poro towns.  Each beneficiary family received ₱10,000 in cash and 10 kilograms of rice to support house rebuilding and livelihood recovery.

Additionally, the Provincial Veterinary Office delivered essential veterinary supplies, including antibiotics and vitamins, to local governments to support livestock raisers recovering from the disaster.

Mayor Greman Solante of Tudela, Mayor Edgar Rama of Poro, Provincial Administrator Ace Durano, and 5th District Board Members Andre Red Duterte and Mike Villamor joined the governor across the various events, reaffirming the province's commitment to supporting the island municipalities' continuous growth and disaster recovery. (Photos: Capitol PIO)