Fly via MCIA, the connectivity hub of leading airlines in PH

LAPU-LAPU CTY—Fly via Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the connectivity hub of leading airlines in the country that continues to reinforce its role as the Philippines’ key transfer hub, connecting travelers efficiently to top destinations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“MCIA is fast becoming the Philippines’ most efficient and accessible transfer hub. Through our growing network and strong airline partnerships, we are making it easier for travelers to connect across the archipelago—while delivering a seamless, world-class airport experience that reflects the best of Filipino hospitality,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael Aboitiz.

With its growing network, increased flight frequencies and key airline partnerships, Cebu is becoming the go-to transfer point for travelers looking to reach top destinations efficiently.  MCIA serves as a strategic point for domestic travel with some exclusive routes and making it easier than ever for passengers to reach the Philippines’ most popular cities and island destinations.

Leading airlines strengthen Cebu hub operations

AirAsia Philippines’s Cebu hub operates in full swing with MCIA connecting Cebuanos to more destinations than ever before, both domestic and international.  Passengers can now fly directly from Cebu to Davao, Iloilo, and Caticlan with increased frequency and convenient schedules that make point-to-point travel faster and simpler.

Earlier morning flights from Cebu to Iloilo, between 6:30 AM and 7:55 AM, provide flexibility for business and leisure travelers alike. Afternoon departures to Caticlan, operating from 4:05 PM to 5:20 PM, offer seamless access to Boracay. In addition, AirAsia has increased its Cebu–Davao–Cebu route to 18 weekly flights, strengthening connectivity between Visayas and Mindanao.

Cebu Pacific also establishes Cebu as a central gateway to the Philippines’ most sought-after island destinations.  Direct flights from Cebu now include El Nido, Siargao, and Coron, alongside over 24 other domestic locations.

To meet peak summer travel demand, Cebu Pacific is adding 33 weekly flights from MCIA starting March 29, increasing access to Bacolod City, Boracay (via Caticlan), Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Clark, Dumaguete City, Iloilo, Tacloban City, and El Nido.

By mid-June, weekly frequencies will reach up to 23 flights to Butuan City and 17 to Bacolod City. With 31 direct routes from Cebu and a domestic network spanning 35 destinations, MCIA offers travelers more options and convenience than ever.

A seamless hub for domestic, growing international travels

MCIA’s domestic network is complemented by its growing international connectivity, providing access to regional and global destinations.   The arrival of Philippine Airlines’ newest fleet, the Airbus A350-1000 at MCIA last March 12, is also highly significant. 

This aircraft is first of its kind in Asia and is among the world’s most advanced long-range wide-body aircraft, known for its fuel efficiency, quieter engines, and enhanced passenger comfort--perfect for long haul flights.

Passengers enjoy more direct routes, shorter travel times, and seamless transfers—positioning Cebu not just as a destination, but as a gateway linking people to the Philippines’ top cities and islands.  By flying via Cebu, passengers can reach the country’s best destinations efficiently, whether exploring Visayas cities, Mindanao hubs, or world-renowned islands.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), and Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) are operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) that makes travel smoother, faster and more connected. (Photos: MCIA/Google Images)

Rising digital scam in tourism, alarmed hotel/resort owners in Cebu

CEBU CITY – The increasing cases of tourists online booking scam has raised alarming concerns among the owners of hotels and resorts in Cebu with nearly 200 online booking scams reported, totaling more than P1.229M amount scammed in 2025, as the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region VII reported at the launching of the Cebu and Bohol “Turista Iwas Scam” campaign, March 24 at Parklane International Hotel in Cebu City, in collaboration with the Hotel and Resorts Association in Cebu (HRRAC), PNP-Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit (RACU-7) and other tourism stakeholders in Central Visayas.

“For the past two days alone, more than 200,000 local and some foreign tourists that arrived in Bantayan Island resorts that don’t have bookings, not listed, because they went to the wrong or fake Facebook accounts.  Some are crying and they really felt bad that they were scammed which broke my heart,” Nelson Yuvallos, president, One Island Tourism Association in Bantayan Island and owner of Anika Island Resort in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island shared his experience at the Turista Iwas Scam launching event.

Yuvallos said that digital scam threat in tourism is really alarming and he raised an emotional appeal to the government and urged Congress to enact a law to stop Facebook scams; strengthen laws to counter online tourism scams and rapid takedown technology as essential part of effective law enforcement.

DOT-7 OIC-regional director, Gelena Asis-Dimpas said that the Turista Iwas Scam campaign aims to combat online fraud in tourism, which has led to financial losses and operational disruptions.

“The initiative aims to raise public awareness, promote verified booking platforms, and strengthen consumer confidence in accredited establishments. Key strategies include technological prevention, secure online payment channels, multi-sectoral coordination, education, and enforcement,” Dimpas added.

The program emphasizes collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, the private sector, and media partners to safeguard the tourism industry's integrity in Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu and Bohol, she said.

In his opening message, PBGen Redrico Maranan of the Philippine National Police (PNP) suggested action items such as to equip local and international tourists with practical knowledge and tools to recognize red flags, avoid prominent schemes and confidently navigate their travel plans.   Create a culture of vigilance where scams have no place to try through continued partnership between the community and the PNP.

Maranan, (whose message was read by PCol. Enrico Figueroa, Chief, Regl Staff-PRO7) bared that the PNP has also received numerous complaints about scams on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.  He said that in response, the PNP, in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 7, launched a campaign focused on prevention, awareness, and public empowerment.

A proposed law in Congress to address digital scam threat in the tourism industry

One important take away at the launching was the presentation of a draft law proposal by Atty. Cenelyn Manguilimotan Dalnay, Tourism Chair, European Chamber of Commerce (ECCP), HRRAC BOT and Commissioner, Cebu City Tourism Commission (CCTC) called the “Hotel & Resort Online Booking Anti-Scam Act” to be filed with Congress to address gaps in consumer protection, regulation, oversight, & dispute resolution for online transactions in the tourism industry.

According to Atty. Dalnay, she reviewed The Internet Transaction Act of 2023 and the Anti-Phishing Act of 2024 and noted gaps in consumer protection and the need for a dedicated e-Commerce Bureau under the DTI.

“The proposed measures include a mandatory official channels registry, rapid takedown mechanisms, payment protection measures, and evidence preservation. The goal is to complement existing laws like Internet Transaction Act and the Anti-Phishing Act to enhance enforcement, and establish an inter-agency task force to address digital scams affecting tourism and hospitality,” Dalnay shared.

She added that the proposed Hotel and Resort Online Booking Anti-Scam Act with Congress addresses gaps in consumer protection, regulation, oversight, and dispute resolution for online transactions in the tourism industry.

Establish a mandatory official channels registry for hotels, resorts, and tourism-facing establishments under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and create a rapid takedown and preservation mechanism where hotels, resorts, and victims can submit verified complaints of fraud to online platforms, which must take down the fraudulent content within 24-48 hours and preserve the evidence during the appeal process

Require payment providers, digital wallets, and payment service providers to implement fraud detection measures, provide a standardized victim reporting lane, and enable rapid escalation process for suspended accounts.  Mandate platforms and payment service providers to preserve relevant records for a minimum retention period and comply with subpoenas issued by competent authorities during fraud investigations.

Include administrative penalties for non-compliance with verification, takedown, and evidence preservation requirements by platforms and payment service providers, and establish an inter-agency task force between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to coordinate the implementation of the proposed act and provide standardized advisories to the public on booking scams.

Yuvallos and Atty. Dalnay emphasized the importance of the proposed law and the need for Congress to act quickly, as they highlighted the role of the European Chamber of Commerce in drafting a position paper to push the proposed law in Congress.

Yuvallos told Manila Standard that the proposed law has already been given to some Cebu Congressmen. “We are appealing to the Senators, Congressmen and the President to act immediately to help the tourism industry in the country.” (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

REDAS training to strengthen Cebu’s LGUs in disaster risk assessment capabilities

 CEBU CITY – The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Region VII conducted the 5-day training on the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) for the second batch of Cebu’s local government units (LGUs) on March 23-27 in Cebu City following the successful first batch training on March 9-13 this year.

DOST-7 regional director, Tristan Abando told this writer that the REDAS training is part of DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities program that aims to further strengthen the capabilities of all LGUs in disaster risk assessment and planning through the use of science-based tools.

“It is important to equip the local government units with science-based tools.  To build disaster-resilient communities starts with informed decision-making and the effective use of technologies like REDAS. Through lectures, hands-on exercises, and field activities, participants gained practical knowledge in hazard simulation, exposure database development, and impact assessment,” Abando said.

REDAS, a software developed by DOST-PHIVOLCS, generates hazard maps and estimates the potential impacts of hazards such as earthquakes, floods, severe wind, tsunami, and landslides. It is crucial for the LGUs to know how to use this tool, Abando added.

Meanwhile, DOST-7, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the municipality of Alcantara, Cebu also convened on March 24 to initiate the Smart and Sustainable Alcantara Roadmap. 

The partnership builds on the strong foundation already established through the Alcantara “Communities with Access to Relevant and Equitable Primary Healthcare Services” (CARES) initiative which has spent the past year building local capacity and developing robust community health data.

Abando said that by harmonizing these existing efforts with DOST’s “SMART and Sustainable Cities and Communities” framework, the town aims to transition toward data-driven, tech-enabled governance.  “Based on the groundwork already completed, the roadmap identifies two critical starting points for the municipality-- Water Quality Testing Facility and Food and Nutrition Interventions.”

Alcantara town wants to establish a localized facility to ensure consistent access to safe, potable water, and deploy scientific solutions and DOST-developed technologies to combat malnutrition and bolster local food security. 

"We are taking the groundwork from Alcantara CARES and supercharging it with scientific interventions, such as knowledge in hazard simulation, exposure database development, and impact assessment,” the partners stated. (Photos: DOST-7)

 

 

 

EABC-PH chair urges Philippines to step up integration into regional economy

 CEBU CITY — East Asia Business Council (EABC) Philippines Chair Jay Yuvallos urged the country’s business sector to accelerate their integration into the regional economy as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) reshapes trade and supply chains across East Asia.

Yuvallos, speaking at a forum organized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), March 18 at Shangrila-The Fort said, the Philippines risks missing opportunities in the world’s largest trading bloc if it continues to approach regional integration with fragmented agenda and short-term thinking.

“This year, our focus at the East Asia Business Council Philippines is reinforcing trust, integration, and sustainability in the East Asian economic architecture.  The Philippines must view regional integration as a long-term national strategy that connects businesses to the wider East Asian economy,” Yuvallos said.

RCEP, which entered into force in 2022, brings together 15 Asia-Pacific economies and represents roughly 30 percent of global GDP, covering a market of around 2.3 billion people. The agreement is widely considered the world’s largest trading bloc and is expected to deepen regional economic integration through trade facilitation, investment flows, and supply chain connectivity.

Among the council’s key initiatives are RCEP awareness programs and business clinics, regional support units for enterprises navigating regional markets, value-chain mapping to accelerate MSME participation in RCEP, digital trade and payment platforms, and a circular economy toolkit aimed at promoting sustainable production systems.  “These initiatives are small steps, but when coordinated, they can create meaningful impact,” Yuvallos added.

Yuvallos pointed to Cebu as a practical example of how regional competitiveness can begin to take shape through ecosystem development and its economic corridors showing how different sectors can work together to build regional competitiveness.

Central Cebu serves as a hub for trade, services, and manufacturing, while other areas support industries such as shipbuilding, logistics, agro-industry, and tourism. The Cebu Investment Center further positions the province as a gateway for investment and business engagement across Asia, Yuvallos said drawing from his experience as Immediate Past President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

“Cebu’s progress reveals the challenges facing the broader Philippine economy. We must overcome our biggest challenge: fragmentation.  Fragmented agenda, silos, and turf wars slow progress. The enemy is us.  Are we prepared to compete and participate in ASEAN, East Asia, and the wider RCEP economic block?” Yuvallos asked, adding that the need for stronger coordination is particularly urgent as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026.

He noted that neighboring economies such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are aggressively positioning themselves within regional value chains, highlighting the urgency for the Philippines to strengthen its own economic strategy.

The country’s ASEAN chairmanship, he added, presents an opportunity to advance practical regional priorities that can open new opportunities for Filipino industries. The Philippines can push initiatives that create real opportunities for MSMEs, creative industries, and future-facing sectors such as semiconductors and critical minerals, he said.

Yuvallos also highlighted the importance of engaging young Filipinos aged 17 to 22, noting that this cohort will be entering leadership roles by 2036.  Drawing from his conversations with them, he said their responses reflected a sense of uncertainty but underscored the importance of accountability, transparency, and active participation in driving change.

“We must do something for our youth and the future.  Their insights remind us that the future belongs to the prepared, united, and empowered,” Yuvallos emphasized a long-term national vision anchored on the next generation. (Photos: CCCI)

 

 

After-Death care, a nagging problem yet a growing industry in Cebu, PH

CEBU CITY – After-death care continues to be a nagging problem in urban cities, like Cebu with high costs associated with funeral services and scarcity of public burial sites, remain a challenge for many families yet, the after-death care industry is growing, driven by increasing demand for funeral and cremation services not only in Cebu but in many urban places in the Philippines.

According to this industry stakeholders, in a sales pitch in Cebu on March 17 at the True Vine Garden Columbary in Cebu, that the Philippines funeral home and funeral service market trend is expected to grow, with a forecasted revenue of P44.75 billion in 2026, up from P27 billion in 2025.   Cremation services are gaining popularity, especially in urban areas like Cebu, due to limited land availability and lower costs.

Traditional wake and burial services remain prevalent, influenced by cultural and religious preferences, however, high costs remain a challenge for the middle-income and low-income families living in the urban centers.

Key players in the after-death care industry like True Vine Garden Columbary (TVGC) in Cebu, Haven of Peace Memorial Garden (HOP) and Cosmopolitan Climbs Life Plan Inc. (CCLPI) and St. Peter’s Memorial Plans have partnered to offer integrated memorial services and pre-need plans in Cebu, while the government has enacted the Free Funeral Services Act (RA 12309), providing free funeral services to indigent families.

The growing awareness of pre-need planning and memorial services with government initiatives and partnerships between funeral service providers aim to improve accessibility and affordability presents opportunities for industry growth, the industry players said.

After-death care industry's impact at the local scene

According to Allan Ballesteros, Business Development Director of True Vine Garden Columbary in Cebu, a new concept in memorial spaces is taking root in the heart of Cebu as True Vine Garden Columbary continues to gain strong market traction, offering families a serene garden setting to honor and remember their departed loved ones.

“Cebu City is rapidly urbanizing, and the reality is that available space for traditional burials is becoming increasingly scarce.  At the same time, cremation rates are steadily rising. True Vine Garden Columbary offers families a dignified and accessible alternative — a peaceful garden space where they can continue to visit, remember, and celebrate the lives of their loved ones,” Ballesteros said in an exclusive interview with this writer.

He noted that the strong sales momentum since the project’s launch in 2023 reflects how the concept resonates with modern families.  The project responds to the growing challenges faced by highly urbanized cities like Cebu, adding that cremation and columbarium have been steadily transforming the traditional image of after-death care by introducing a beautifully landscaped garden sanctuary within the city, a place designed not only for remembrance but also for reflection and celebration of life.

“Since we broke ground in November 2023, the market response has been overwhelming. We are seeing strong demand not only from families in Cebu, but also from investors and buyers abroad who recognize the long-term value of memorial spaces in prime urban locations,” bared Joseph So Jr., Managing Director of True Vine Garden Columbary.

The project represents a shift in how memorial spaces are designed and experienced. Traditionally, memorial spaces can feel cold or somber, it creates a place filled with greenery, light, and thoughtful design — a place that feels peaceful, comforting, and alive, Joseph So added.

True Vine Garden Columbary and all other similar columbaries in Cebu have drawn interest not only from end-users, but also from wholesale investors and overseas buyers, recognizing both the emotional value and long-term investment potential of memorial spaces located within the city.

According to the industry key players, the demand and response from the market to this new shift have been remarkable, they said that columbarium sales continue to attract buyers especially now that most have included pet columbary, which is making brisk sales, reflecting the growing desire among pet owners to give their beloved companions a dignified resting place.

“Remembrance should not only be about grief. It should also be about gratitude, reflection, and honoring the legacy of those who came before us.  Encouraged by the response in Cebu, we are also exploring opportunities to bring the True Vine concept to major cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, where the demand for modern memorial spaces is also growing,” So added. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

Visayan Electric restores electricity for Cebu Ultima Residences after 13 months of impasse'

CEBU CITY – Resident owners of Cebu Ultima Residences gathered for a thanksgiving mass and a fellowship to celebrate the successful reconnection to the power grid of Visayan Electric Company, the restoration of their electricity after 13 months and five days of no power due to a conflict between the developer, Fuente Triangle Development Corp., and issues with power utility Visayan Electric Company (VECO).

“The lights are finally on,” one resident said during the gathering. “And with it comes hope for better days ahead.”

The power outage started due to VECO cutting off electricity to the building because of unpaid bills amounting to millions of pesos.  Over 392 units in San Marino Residences and around 270 units in Corinthians Residences were affected, leaving hundreds of residents without electricity.

Residents claimed they paid their dues to the condominium management, but VECO records showed outstanding balances. The developer denied mismanagement, saying it had advanced payments for utility bills.

The residents finally got power restored on March 14, 2026, after a 13-month wait, following collective efforts and interventions from local government officials. The resolution came after residents coordinated meetings, organized collective actions, and pursued discussions with stakeholders, including the developer, Fuente Triangle Development Corp., and Visayan Electric Company (VECO).

The residents' persistence paid off, and they were able to secure a permanent electrical connection to the power grid. The community came together to celebrate the milestone, marking it as a victory for their determination.

The case involved a conflict between the developer and VECO, which led to the power outage. However, with the help of government officials, regulatory agencies, and community leaders, the issue was eventually resolved.

For more than a year, unit owners endured difficult living conditions due to the absence of a formal power connection. The delay stemmed from an ongoing conflict involving the condominium’s developer, Fuente Triangle Development Corp., and issues surrounding compliance and coordination required for the building’s connection to the power utility.

Because of the impasse, residents were left in limbo. Many relied on temporary power sources, extension connections, or limited generator use to carry out basic daily tasks. Elevators, common areas, and residential units faced operational challenges, making everyday life far from the comfort that homeowners expected when they invested in the property.

What should have been a simple transition into their new homes became a test of patience and perseverance. Despite the challenges, the residents formed a close-knit community united by their shared goal: to secure reliable electricity for their homes.

When the lights finally turned on, it represented more than electricity—it was a victory for the residents’ determination.  The residents expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals, government offices, and organizations that extended support and guidance throughout the long process.

They acknowledged the assistance and intervention of concerned officials and representatives from local government units, regulatory agencies, and community leaders who helped facilitate dialogue and find solutions that eventually led to the building’s successful connection to the power grid.

Residents said the outcome would not have been possible without the patience, cooperation, and goodwill of those who believed in their cause and worked with them toward a fair resolution.

Ultima Residences unit owners extends their deepest and enduring gratitude to the following: Atty. Aristotle Batuhan; Engr. Marcelo Canitan Jr, and Engr. Roger Montebon of MARR Engineering; Engr. Richard Alfafara, Engr. Patrick Salomon and Engr. Mark Anthony Kindica of VECO; Majot Rodolfo Macelo and Major June Calle of Probe Security Agency; Mr. Ed Juarez of Spectrum; Ms. Remedios K. Esparcia of MCRI; Architect Florante S. Catalan of OBO; Atty. Lourdes Dingle Barcenas, Mr. Ian Victor Thom, Raymond Lange Henke, Thierry Robert Cazayous, and Amy Barcenas Boutvine – Unit Owners. (Photos: Cebu Ultima Residences)