PPP breaks gound for MRF Tràining center, inaugurates waste management facility

LAPULAPU CITY-- Vic Metal Fabrication and Environmental Services Inc. in partnership with the local government unit of Lapulapu City held the groundbreaking ceremony of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Training Center and also inaugurated the Cebu Waste Management Facility on July 28 at its 8,647-sqm property in Lapulapu City.

DILG secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. In a video message said, this facility will significantly reduce waste disposed in landfills which has become a major urban development issue in Cebu The integrated waste management solution can help address the challenges in waste management that the province is facing. “I hope these kinds of initiatives, private and public sector partnership, will be enhanced and that similar environment related projects will also be emulated by other local government units in the future,” Abalos added.

Vic Metal completed the first  second phases of the project that involved the construction of the Water Laboratory for Wastewater Analysis and Treatment as well as the MRF and Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facility for the recovery, segregation, treatment and disposal of different wastes.

Victoriano Ocon, President & CEO of Vic Metal Fabrication and Environmental Services, Inc. said, the company is committed to actively ensure the management of wastes from proper segregation, recycling and composting reduction of wastes disposed in landfills as well as treatment of wastewater, and manage other wastes generated by the different sectors of society.

Ocon bared that the design implementation ensures proper segregation, recycling, and composting of solid waste and wastewater treatment through different technologies.

Both facilities are expected to reduce residual wastes disposed of in Cebu landfills to around 50 tons per month, Ocon added that the project will also diminish the mishandling of waste and other waste-related environmental issues, and the hazards posed by illegal dumpsites and mismanaged landfills in the province.
According to him, the last phase of the project involves the development of a training center, the first in the province to highlight education and training on proper solid and liquid waste management.  It also includes the building of a park for recreation and the promotion of environmental awareness.

Ocon explained that while the project is a private sector initiative, Vic Metal Fabrication works with the public sector to ensure that municipal solid wastes are collected, transported, treated, and disposed of properly.

Cebu province has a population of over 5 million as of 2019 and the projected daily waste generation for Cebu  by 2025 is about 1.2M tons which go directly to landfills if proper waste management is not implemented.

The groundbreaking and inauguration events were led by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan and Vic Metal President/CEO Victoriano Ocon. They were joined by representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Inc., MatLuster Corp., and PT. Indopower International. (Photos: PRWorks/Mafe Barcelo)

DOH7 assures public it has intensified monitoring monkeyfox

CEBU CITY-- The Department of Health (DOH7)-Central Visayas reassured the public that DOH  has already activated and intensified  its surveillance activity for monkeypox as early as May and had already sent out samples of probable cases that turned out to be negative.

We remind the public that the prevention against covid-19 also work for preventing the spread of monkeypox. since monkeypox is transmitted via close contact with the skin lesion and fluid from the vesicles, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places and regular handwashing are effective. Staying at home when sick is also advised especially if coming from travel from countries with confirmed cases of monkeypox and seek medical consult as soon as possible. The heads of the health facilities have been advised and are ready to accept possible monkeypox cases for isolation and treatment.

Further, get the appropriate information from reliable sources for your guidance.

Imee files bill upgrading disaster response to resiliency

CEBU CITY -- Senator Imee Marcos recommended an upgrade of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to the National Resilience and Disaster Management Authority (NRDMA) under Senate Bill 1125 that she filed in October 2019 and refiled it in July after the start of the 19th Congress as Senate Bill 186 with enhanced powers and more significant budget under the Office of the President.

Marcos said, it is high time to move forward from chaotic disaster response to year-round resiliency. Her proposal was taken up during Thursday’s public meeting presided by her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with national and local officials in Abra.

“The required presence of the President, DSWD Secretary, NDRRMC, AFP, DPWH, and PHIVOLCS in disaster zones simply to coordinate adequate assistance and repairs underlines the urgency of empowering the NDRRMC,” Senator Marcos said.

She explained that the NDRRMC can be upgraded from its present status as a council to an authority or administration, instead of being converted into a full-scale department requiring a large budget just for the salaries of the typical five undersecretaries and countless assistant secretaries.

The upgraded agency will exercise command and control over concerned departments, agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide immediate response in times of disaster, armed conflict, and other man-made hazards.

Marcos noted that the delay in mobilizing resources during times of disaster was due to the current practice of having to go through different government agencies, various chains of command in the PNP and branches of the AFP, often even requiring the President to personally mobilize frontline departments.

Senator Marcos cited the evolution of the Department of Budget and Management which started out as a mere Office, until it was elevated afterwards to a Commission during the term of her father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Only many years later, when its workload necessitated its enlargement and its personnel had received extensive training, did it finally become the department it is today. (Photos: Google Images)

More Korean flights resume at MCIA, domestic routes now at 70 percent back

MACTAN, Cebu –- More Korean air carriers resumed direct flights to Korea from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) while the percentage of domestic flights at MCIA has already returned to 70 percent and international traffic which has ramped up since May is expected to achieve its pre-pandemic levels by end of the second quarter of 2023.

Louie Ferrer, President of GMR-MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) said, the return of direct flights to Korea and other international flights is a positive signal for the recovery of the travel and aviation sector.

“Korea comprised our main international traffic pre- pandemic, followed by other ASEAN countries. We are very glad to welcome them back to Cebu and to assist the ongoing tourism build-up in the region,” Ferrer added.

Tourism stakeholders in Cebu were very optimistic for the recovery this year as the Philippines welcomed back fully vaccinated foreign travelers in February and Cebu was recently named as one of the Best Islands in the World by international magazine Travel + Leisure.

MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius Neri, Jr. said as more air carriers resume flights direct to South Korea, it is a significant milestone for rebuilding the travel industry in the island of Cebu.  “We are pleased to welcome them back and we look forward to continuing our shared success.”

Regular international flights return to MCIA.  Daily flights to Incheon are operated by Korean Air, Jin Air, T’way and Jeju Air while flights to Busan are operated by Jin Air and Air Busan.

Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific Air also started flights from Cebu to Incheon.  South Korea is the first international destination that the airline is restarting from its Cebu hub. Other international destinations added were Singapore via Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Cebu Pacific; Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific; Daegu via T’Way. EVA Air has also revived their commercial flights to Taipei.

Domestic routes get a boost as the country starts economic recovery.  As part of the continuous ramp up of domestic flights, Philippine Airlines is now operating daily flights to Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Siargao.

AirAsia, on the other hand, added four daily flights to Manila and flights to Caticlan. Cebu Pacific also operates daily flights to Manila, Camiguin, Davao, Dumaguete, Busuanga, and Butuan.

Flights to Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Clark, General Santos, Caticlan, Iloilo, Ozamis, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Siargao, and Zamboanga also increased. (Photos: Google Images)

 

 

Sunberry Homes offers affordable homes, expands in Mactan

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

MACTAN ISLAND— The Sunberry Homes Inc., an economical housing developer here is expanding its reach in Mactan Island formally launching and blessing its second housing project in Sugtungan on July 27 in a 3.4-hectare gated community with 481 sustainable and affordable housing units for low-income earners.

Sunberry Homes features a two-story townhouse with basic amenities such as a multipurpose hall or clubhouse, a basketball court, children's playground, barbecue park, swimming pool, and chapel.

Environmental and 24/7 security features also help ensure a good neighborhood for its residents. All units are already painted and finished to convenience and the subdivision is accessible to schools, resorts, malls, and markets.

It is just three minutes from the Gaisano Grand Mall Basak and the Basak Market, and five minutes from Mactan Doctors' Hospital and Gaisano Saver's Mart. It is also near Plantation Bay, schools, commercial centers, and more.

The multi-awarded developer continues to pursue its mission to serve Filipino families looking for economic housing in Cebu and meet the growing demand of the market.  "We are committed to sharing what we have to offer in areas where economic housing is still needed," Sunberry Homes Inc. President and CEO Beverly Dayanan said during the launching.

Sunberry Homes Inc., is an affiliate of Contempo Property Holdings Inc., that pursues its commitment to providing affordable and secure housing for Filipino families through reliable suppliers, quality-assured materials, and unique features that go beyond a common home.

For more details, contact 231-0005 or log on to www.sunberryhomes.ph. You may also like their Facebook page, Sunberry Homes. (Photos: Sunberry/Lilu Alino)

Cebu-based ship builder signs contract to build 5 luxury yachts for Jeju Sea World

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY— SEALS Boatyard Inc., a Cebu-based marine vessel building company under the SEALS Group of Companies signed a contract Wednesday, July 27 with Jeju Sea World from Jeju Island South Korea to build five luxury 14-meter Catamaran yachts with a delivery scheduled for 2023.

Engr. Doyle Figueras, CEO of SEALS Boatyard Inc. described this event a milestone for Cebu’s shipping industry and the Philippines, showcasing the Filipino’s craftsmanship in building luxurious boats and yachts.  The 14m yacht will be brought to Korea, bringing this product to the Southeast Asian region.

“We are not only bringing our product out of the country but also to introduce that we Cebuanos can produce world class yachts.  Cebuanos are quite known as crafters such as guitars and furniture and now we include the craftmanship of Cebuano builders to Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and other countries in SEA, we can bring our world class yacht to the world,” Figueras said.

Figueras said catamaran is a Tamil word that means twin hull boat or Yacht. Seals Boatyard will build five of these yachts with two cabins on a 250-350 horsepower vessel to be delivered via Subic to Taiwan to South Korea. The outfitting and interiors of these yachts will be done by a group also from Cebu.

The engineering department of Seals does the ship management from design to building the luxurious yacht for Jeju Sea World with its CEO Hong Chol, a personal client of Seals Boatyard four years back.  To build one Catamaran yacht with 30 passengers can cost P20-25 million and takes six to seven months to build it, Figueras bared.

According to Engr. Tony Dupal-ag of SEALS Boatyard Inc., South Korea is becoming a recognized developing destination in the yacht charter world with the growing number of tourists who visits South Korea. In Jeju Island alone, the demand for marina tourism is rapidly increasing to which the country is also expanding its marinas to cope with growing market.

Upon knowing and learning about the growing tourism market, Jeju Sea World sees the opportunity for a promising maritime industry market that led them to expand and to build yachts.

“The scenic route with the rising sun that blazes on the far-off horizon dyes the sea red and fascinates viewers with breathtaking view of natural wonder has attracted both tourists and residents at Jeju Island.  With the growth of the maritime industry that looks promising made us feel excited about it to expand our operations and to have yachts built.”, the CEO of Jeju Sea World Hong Chol said.

Meet the builders of this 14m luxury Catamaran yacht

SEALS Boatyard Inc., is a Philippines MARINA Class C accredited marine vessel builder under the umbrella of the SEALS Group of Companies. It is a local boat builder with shipyard situated in Luyang, Carmen, Cebu that can design and build your dream marine vessel using state-of-the-art technology.

According to Dupal-ag, the contract signing on July 27 in Cebu, Philippines marks another major step towards achieving set goals for Jeju Sea World. It also underlines the yacht owner’s appreciation and trust on the Naval Architects and Marine Engineers of SEALS Boatyard Inc. for its expertise and product quality.

Dupal-ag said that a 14m Catamaran yacht is the first luxury yacht built by SEALS Boatyard for a 14m international standard Catamaran for a five units’ series of vessels for Jeju Sea World. The Boatyard has already delivered two Waterbus with a 60-pax passenger ferry capacity for Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) and 10 more are on the drawing board for this year for their fleet requirements.

SEALS Boatyard Inc. has also completed and delivered the first Topline Seabus of a 150-passenger ferry that will be servicing the Mactan Channel commuters of Cebu and Mactan Island, with three units for construction this year and another six units in 2023.

Being able to build and produce passenger ferry boats and motor boats for business owners and locals of the Philippines and to be recognized is already an achievement for SEALS Boatyard Inc. that is proudly locally designed and made in Cebu, Philippines, Dupal-ag added.

Figueras on the other hand said they are happy and excited about this project with Jeju Sea World on building a 14-meter Catamaran Yacht for an international standard yacht. 

“We are thrilled to represent the Philippines in the international maritime industry as a reliable marine vessel builder and we would be proud to say that it will be Filipino made with international standards quality vessel,” he added.

He noted that the opportunity is not solely for the company’s advantage but to the Filipinos especially to the locals of Cebu, because with their series of scheduled marine vessels to build, they are providing work opportunity moreover, be able to create opportunities for careers in the maritime boat building industry.

SEALS Boatyard Inc. aspires to be the leading and sought-after marine vessel builder in the Philippines providing the locals and international market of quality global standard products with exemplary services, Figueras concluded. (photos: mbcnewman/Google Images)

RAFI-SEED Grants Expo showcases top performing public schools in Cebu

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI)-Seal of Excellence in Education Development (SEED) hosted the RAFI SEED Grants Expo on July 22, gathering top performing public schools in Cebu to share best practices in school improvement and learning delivery.

RAFI, in a press release said that the awardees of the 2019 SEED Awards were awarded in May 2021 after which they started implementing projects and improvements in their respective schools.

All recognized schools have fully utilized the grants awarded by RAFI-SEED, making way for opportunities of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and cross-learning. The Expo, organized by

RAFI’s Education Development Unit (RAFI-EDU) brought together these 2019 SEED awardees to showcase their respective accomplishments and projects.

"We look forward to listening to the accomplishments and stories of our awardees. We first recognized and awarded them in 2021 for their outstanding accomplishments and local initiatives in making learning more accessible, engaging, and innovative for their learners and their school communities,” Sheerene Abrea, Officer-in-Charge of the RAFI-EDU said.

Abrea said, with the grants they received from RAFI had taken their schools and the work they do a notch higher because the SEED Awards is an assessment and awards program that recognizes outstanding public elementary and secondary schools in Cebu using an evidence-based scorecard.

The SEED Awards program aims to increase the number of high performing schools by engaging, mobilizing, and capacitating school communities at the same time promote best practices by featuring local initiatives that further education development.

According to Abrea, the Education Development Unit of RAFI aims to improve the wellbeing of learners on the margins to prepare them for a changing world through enabling communities of learning by leveraging resources to bridge education gaps.

 Meet the RAFI SEED Grant top performing awardees

Among the presenters of the Expo are Pit-os Elementary School from Carcar City which bagged the highest award in the SEED 2019 Awards elementary category and Compostela National High School from the Municipality of Compostela, Cebu likewise received the top honors during the SEED 2019 Awards for the secondary category.

Pit-os Elementary School received a grant worth P1.5M and has use it to implement the Surfeit Understanding on Good and Appropriate Nutrition on Graders (SUG-ANG) Project with the goal of maintaining 0% of undernourished and malnourished pupils for School Year 2021-2022.

The Compostela National High School on the other hand also received P1.5M and used it to implement the Resources and Instruction Sustaining Education (RAISE) project with the goal of decreasing the number of non-readers from 112 to 80 students by 2022.

The complete list of SEED 2019 awardees included from the Elementary Category, 1st Place, Pit-os Elementary School, Carcar City with its Surfeit Understanding on Good and Appropriate Nutrition to Graders (SUG-ANG) and Uplifting and Nurturing Individuals through Technological Empowerment and Development (UNITED) Projects with a Grant of P1,500,000.

The 2nd Place went to Bogo Central School 2, Bogo City with the Improvement of Digital-Learning Facilities and Services Project with a grant of P1,000,000 while the 3rd Place went to Sinsin Elementary School, Cebu City with its Tinun-an Agakon sa Matematika ug Basa Alang sa YAno ug Yabong nga Oras sa pag-alima Nindot ug tiunay nga Gasa (TAMBAYAYONG) program with a Grant of P500,000.

The 4th Place went to Carmen Elementary School, Toledo City with its Dare to Dear project with a grant of P200,000 while the 5th Place went to Cordova Central School, Municipality of Cordova with its Creative Articulation and Reading Enhancement (CARE) Center project with a grant of P200,000.

For the Secondary Category, 1st Place went to Compostela National High School, Municipality of Compostela with the Resources and Instruction Sustaining Education (RAISE) project with a grant of P1,500,000.

The 2nd Place: Don Andres Soriano National High School, Toledo City Project: Research Study Center Grant: Php. 1,000,000 while 3rd Place: Liburon National High School, Naga City with Project 5 Ps (Pang-eskwelang Pasilidad Panindutun, Parents-Involvement Palig-unon) with a grant of P500,000.

The 4th Place went to Uling National High School, Naga City with its Reading Enthusiasts towards Achieving Dreams (READ) project with a grant of P200,000 and the 5th Place went to Binabag National High School, Bogo City with its Digitalized Classroom Instruction project with a grant of P200,000.

 SEED Awards, a briefer

In 2021, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. through its Education Development Unit (RAFI EDU) awarded ten top performing public schools in Cebu through its Seal of Excellence in Education Development (SEED) Awards.

This annual assessment and awards program is part of RAFI EDU's commitment to support and aid school communities to provide better learning experience to its students.  Through this, RAFI EDU has recognized and awarded grants for public schools to open opportunities to implement projects and activities to address the gaps or needs identified in the assessment.

The SEED Program is open to all public elementary and secondary schools of Cebu (excluding special schools). Each school will undergo an assessment according to the rubric designed by educators, following the DepEd standards on each specified KRA.

At the end of the stringent processing and assessment, a total of P6,800,000.00 worth of grant lines is given to the Top 5 schools in both elementary and secondary categories.  

Finalists of the program are given P200,000.00; third place receives P500,000.00; second place is granted P1,000,000.00 and the first place will receive P1.500.000.00. (Photos: Facebook/Google Images)