Sotto, Lacson, Pacquiao, Villar join 'One Cebu' heritage campaign caravan in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Four of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates, Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Camille Villar joined the second leg of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s “One Cebu suroy-suroy” heritage and political campaign caravan on April 12-13, bringing national leaders directly to the people in the country’s most vote-rich province.

This was the second time Alyansa candidates have joined Governor Garcia’s “suroy-suroy,” following the March 27–29 leg in southern Cebu. The unique campaign format—part heritage tour, part grassroots consultation—allows for direct, informal conversations with local leaders and citizens.

The four senatorial candidates are among those endorsed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and joined Garcia’s One Cebu Party in visiting over a dozen cities and towns, consistent with Alyansa’s commitment to community-based leadership and rural development.

Cebu is a formidable electoral force with over 3.4 million registered voters and Alyansa candidates’ presence in Cebu reflects its intensified efforts to solidify its Visayas base ahead of the May midterm elections.

Sotto, who has principally authored 259 laws, highlighted key legislation he championed for local development, including the calamity fund, family courts, the creation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Mental Health Act, and the “Doktor Para sa Bayan” law.

Sotto vowed to push for the institutionalization of the 14th month pay and the criminalization of fake news.  “If we institutionalize the 14th month pay, it can be given during June when parents pay tuition. I will file this again in the Senate. But I can’t do this alone. That’s why I ask for the support of Cebu—Ako Bisaya,” Sotto said.

Lacson, meanwhile, heaped praise on Governor Garcia, calling her one of the most admired and influential leaders in the Visayas. A former senator and longtime fiscal watchdog, Lacson committed to augmenting the budget of the Department of Tourism (DOT) if re-elected, in support of Cebu’s booming tourism sector.

“I am a great fan of Governor Gwen Garcia—not only because of her strong leadership but for bringing Cebu to where it is now. Your gross domestic product in 2023 hit P411 billion, up by six percent. That alone deserves congratulations,” Lacson said.

He said that if given the chance to return to the Senate, he’ll push for institutional amendments to strengthen the budget of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Cebu deserves continued support for tourism and development.

Pacquiao, a former senator and globally renowned boxing champion, brought his message of hope and service to Cebu, as he emphasized his fight against poverty and corruption.

Deputy Speaker Villar reaffirmed her commitment to public service, focusing on support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), job creation, and affordable housing.  “Nais ko pong ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulan ng aking pamilya—ang pagtulong sa mga OFWs, ang pagbigay ng mas maraming trabaho at sapat na kita at siyempre, ang ating mura at libreng pabahay para sa lahat,” she said.

 

The Alyansa ticket also includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, and ACT-CIS Representative and former DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

PhilHealth Statement on the 18% coverage

PhilHealth continues to be committed in its mandate to deliver Universal Health Care (UHC) for every Filipino. The latest Philippine National Health Account (2023) reports that 44.4% of the country’s Current Health Expenditure (CHE) was paid through out-of-pocket (OOP) means.

Meanwhile, the government — which not only includes PhilHealth services but as well as other health financing government initiatives such as the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) — contributes 42.6%. Although this is an aggregated figure, we are cognizant of PhilHealth’s significant role in alleviating the still-heavy financial burdens that Filipinos face when accessing health services.

Hence, we have set out to reduce the OOP expenditure to around 25-35% over the next three (3) years, which would entail a series of regular reviews and refinement of our processes. For PhilHealth alone, this translates to an increase of the current CHE share to around 25-35% by 2028 — which necessitates focusing our benefit releases to prioritize high burden, and high cost diseases that commonly affect Filipinos, as evidenced by data.

This calls for alignment with our healthcare providers — professionals and institutions alike — to ensure preparedness for the implementation of benefits, allowing our members to promptly access care and financial risk protection. Benefits have been and will be expanded, but we need the health care supply-side to match these efforts.

Gayunpaman, nililinaw natin na ang kontribusyon ng PhilHealth sa CHE (o gastos pangkalusugan ng bansa) ay iba pa sa support value o halagang sinasagot ng PhilHealth sa bawat pagpapaospital o pagpapatingin ng ating mga myembro. Halimbawa, isa sa ating adhikain ay, sa susunod na tatlong taon, ang lahat ng maa-admit sa wards — publiko man o pribado — ay wala na dapat dagdag na babayaran sapagkat sakop na ito ng PhilHealth (100% support value). 

Ngunit, sa mas malawak na pambansang pananaw, maaaring ang 25-35% na gastos na manggagaling pa rin sa bulsa ng mga mamamayan ay napupunta sa iba pang serbisyong pangkalusugan gaya ng upgraded rooms at provider preference. Sa ating target na pagtaas ng kontribusyon ng PhilHealth sa CHE, atin nang labis na mapabababa ang panganib ng kahirapang dala ng gastos sa pagpapagamot para sa maraming pamilyang Pilipino.

However, reducing the OOP expenditure requires concerted, multisectoral efforts in strengthening the health system’s financing strategies. Kaya naman, patuloy rin po tayong nakikipag-tulungan sa iba’t ibang ahensya kabilang na ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (DOH), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Local Government Units (LGUs), at iba pa.

Only through synchronized efforts among government agencies could we successfully achieve health financial risk protection for every Filipino. Kaisa po kami ni Sen. Pia Cayetano sa hangaring bawasan ang gastusing pangmedikal na kailangan pang ilabas ng mga Pilipino mula sa kanilang bulsa. 

Kaya naman, kami ay direktang nakikipag-ugnayan sa opisina ng mahal na Senadora upang mas lalo pang paigtingin ang aming serbisyo. Makakaasa po kayong patuloy na naglilingkod ang PhilHealth upang sama-sama nating maiangat ang antas ng kalusugan sa isang Bagong Pilipinas.

A masterplan to make MCIA a world-class aviation, tourism and transfer hub for PH

LAPULAPU CITY—The Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) and Ricondo & Associates are now working on a comprehensive masterplan making Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) a world-class aviation, tourism and transfer hub for the Philippines.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ricondo in elevating MCIA’s standards and planning for the future of our facilities and infrastructure. Our focus remains on being the main tourism and transfer gateway in the country by delivering an exceptional passenger experience, embracing sustainable practices, and ensuring operational excellence,” Athanasios Titonis, CEO of ACAC said, in his opening statement at the MOA signing in April this year.

The Master Plan is scheduled for completion by July 2025, marking a major milestone in MCIA’s evolution. This initiative is a crucial step toward fulfilling MCIA’s vision of becoming the Philippines’ primary tourism and transfer gateway, enhancing its role in international and domestic air travel, Titonis said.

The MCIA Masterplan is designed to anticipate and accommodate future air traffic growth by implementing a phased development strategy, allowing for a proactive approach to capacity expansion, ensuring that the airport evolves in line with increasing passenger demand, he added.

“We are delighted to support the ACAC team as they chart the path forward for Mactan Cebu International Airport. ACAC has a compelling vision for the airport, focused on delivering excellent service, facilitating growth in the local economy, and serving as a transfer hub for the wider region.  We look forward to helping shape the masterplan to realize the vision and position the airport and region for long-term sustainable growth,” Hendrik Orsinger, Director at Ricondo & Associates said during the MOA signing event.

This initiative follows the recent achievement of receiving the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport in the 5 to 15 MPPA category in Asia-Pacific, a testament to MCIA’s commitment to world-class service. “Together with Ricondo, we are confident that this Master Plan will set a clear and ambitious roadmap for MCIA’s future,” Titonis stated.

With Cebu’s growing prominence as a strategic gateway for tourism and commerce, this initiative seeks to expand airport capacity, optimize operations, and integrate cutting-edge technology to provide an unparalleled passenger experience while boosting connectivity across the region.

The master plan is a vision for innovation, sustainability

Julius Neri, Jr., General Manager and Chief Executive office of Mactan Cebu Airport Authority (MCIAA) said that as the second busiest airport in the Philippines, MCIA continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s aviation industry.  

“With this comprehensive Master Plan, ACAC and Ricondo are setting new benchmarks in airport development, paving the way for MCIA to become a global leader in air travel,” Neri added.

According to Neri, this transformation aligns with MCIA’s strategic project, “Cebu Connects,” launched in June 2024 that aims to position Cebu as a premier transit hub for global travelers. The Cebu Connect project strengthens the airport’s connectivity with major international destinations and reinforces its reputation as the preferred gateway for tourists and business travelers visiting the Philippines.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the plan places a strong emphasis on innovation, technology, and sustainability. MCIA aims to leverage state-of-the-art digital solutions, automation, and eco-friendly initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, streamline passenger movement, and reduce its carbon footprint.

As sustainability becomes a key priority for the aviation industry, MCIA is committed to adopting green airport initiatives, including energy-efficient infrastructure, eco-friendly design elements, and waste reduction programs. These measures align with global efforts to create more sustainable air travel experiences.

Enhancements to support facilities, security systems, and airport operations are also included, reinforcing MCIA’s competitive position in global aviation. (Photos: MCIA/Google Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All systems go for safety, security preps for Hoy Week, summer vacation 2025 in CV

CEBU CITY – All systems go for an inter-agency collaboration and preparations for the safety and security of commuters for the “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa & Summer Vacation 2025 in Central Visayas, according to the representatives from the regional offices of the Land Transportation Office (LTO7), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB7), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG7) and the Philippine National Police (PNP7).

“During the Lenten Season, we have already issued special permits for buses to operate on certain routes, which impacts passengers. There were already 83 passes authorized for movements of routes. This applies to the entire region, affecting seven provinces, including support for medical and special permits until further notice,” LTFRB-7 information officer, Eugenio Ibo, Jr. bared during the Kapihas sa PIA forum today, April 10 at the PIA7 office.

Ibo added that LTFRB7 personnel were tasked with conducting random inspections at terminals to ensure the legitimacy of units and vehicles, including checking for a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC). Designated personnel, possibly health inspectors as part of the inspection process.

Lt/JG Abel Jan Lomboy, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) director, Command Center in Central Vsayas said that PCG is on high alert from April 13 to May 20, 2010, anticipating an influx of sea passenger vessels. Proactive measures include activating the "Malasakit Desk" for issue handling and deploying the Quick Response Team (QRT) with medical and Special Operation groups for emergencies. 

“We are also conducting canine inspections for inbound and outbound passenger vessels to ensure safety. Pre-departure inspections check for overloaded vessels and up-to-date certificates, ensuring compliance and safety. These measures are in place to safeguard against potential issues during the alert period,” Ibo said.

Road safety enforcement and summer security plans

The LTO-7 on the other hand discussed enforcement of land transportation laws under RA# 341, focusing on public and private road safety from April 13 to April 20. Key points included designating law enforcement at terminals and seaports in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor to ensure compliance, LTO7 assistant regional director, Engr. Arturo Apolinar bared.

Apolinar mentioned eight terminals in Cebu, four in Bohol, and various seaports across the provinces that are subject to safety and security inspections throughout the Lenten period placing emphasis on random drug tests for drivers to prevent intoxication and maintain road safety, especially during the long weekend.

Police Col. Arvie aserre Paraon-Bueno, Police Regional Office (PRO7) spokesperson shared that the entire police force in Central Visayas has already a security plan for the summer of 2025, particularly from April 1 to May 31.

“The impact of COVID-19 and holidays is a must-need for increased security measures, with the PNP being a key agency involved. The plan includes regular patrols and mobile patrols at outposts to ensure security, focusing on areas of convergence such as places of worship, commercial areas, and transportation hubs. The deployment strategy is tailored to different regions in Visayas,” Bueno stated. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Kiko eyes laws to address crisis in education sector, jumpstart food revolution in PH

CEBU CITY – Senatorial reelection candidate, Kiko Pangilinan eyes legislative measures to address crisis in the education sector and to jumpstart food revolution to end hunger in the Philippines.

“My legislative proposals revolve around bills to address the crisis in the education sector, which is largely affected by poverty and its consequences, including hunger and malnutrition. The proposals suggest implementing a free meal program in schools, which has been shown to reduce dropout rates by up to 30% and improve learning quality,” Pangilinan told Cebu media and content creators in a breakfast press conference, April 10 in Cebu City.

Pangilinan bared that the program aims to be decentralized, sourcing half of the food from local farmers and fishermen, thereby supporting local agriculture and food security while also providing additional income for farmers.

The initiative will incorporate the Sagip Saka Act, a law that exempts farmers from public bidding for government purchases, to facilitate direct purchases and support farmers' market access. The program will also extend to various public institutions, benefiting a wide range of communities, Pangilinan said.

Once elected to the Senate, Pangilinan said he will immediately hit the ground running by pushing for the passage of his priority measures, including the Batas sa Murang Pagkain Act, the Food Sovereignty and Farmers' Protection Act, the Expanded Feeding Program for Public Schools Act, and the Urban and Community Farming Act.

Education sector crisis and poverty impact

Pangilinan highlighted the crisis in the education sector, emphasizing the significant impact of poverty on families and mentioned that poverty leads to hunger and malnutrition, which negatively affects educational outcomes.

“Data shows that schools with free meal programs have up to 30% fewer dropouts compared to schools without such programs. Free meal programs lead to double-digit improvements in the quality of learning,” Pangilinan stated.

He outlined five new feeding programs to be streamlined and organized under a national policy, that aims to improve the welfare and education of children, reducing dropout rates significantly.  Half of the food needed for the meal program should come from local farmers and fishermen, promoting decentralization and quality.

“The program addresses both educational challenges and the income of farmers, contributing to food security,” Pangilinan added.

Incorporation of Sagip Saka Act and decentralization

There is a need to incorporate the Sagip Saka Act, a government law that exempts farmers from public bidding for certain programs to facilitate direct purchases from farmers, benefiting them financially and ensuring quality, Pangilinan explained that the program will also include direct purchases for calamity relief, hospitals, jails, army camps, PNP stations, and college cafeterias.

The emphasis of decentralization is to support local farmers and ensure the program's sustainability, benefitting farmers by providing additional workers and purchases of fertilizers and feeds. The program also alleviates pressure on farmers by ensuring consistent demand for their produce, Pangilinan added.

“The decentralized approach will help in accessing the market by farmers, making them the single biggest buyers of food and will also support microfinance initiatives to help farmers expand their operations and improve their income,” Pangilinan concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Cebu 4th district board member candidate pushes for inclusive growth in Cebu

CEBU CITY— A Cebu 4th district candidate for Board Member, Jenny Zata Armamento is batting for inclusive growth for the Province of Cebu with women’s welfare, healthcare access, tourism and livelihood as her agenda platform.

Armamento hails from the island of Maricaban, Santa Fe, Cebu where the waves tell stories of resilience and hope. For the first time, the 4th District of Cebu has a Board Member representative who hails from Santa Fe, a testament to the changing tides of leadership and representation.

Born into the lineage of the Batiancilas on her mother’s side and the Zatas on her father’s, BM Jenny grew up with the values of hard work, perseverance, and service deeply ingrained in her. She later married into the Armamento family, further strengthening her roots in the island community.

With an academic record marked by excellence, BM Jenny graduated Cum Laude from the University of San Carlos – Main Campus with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She then built a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, serving as a manager in a five-star hotel before venturing into business.

Today, she is a successful entrepreneur, owning and managing a hotel and restaurant business that contributes to the local economy.   BM Jenny’s transition from business to public service was driven by her deep-seated passion for community welfare.

Recognizing the challenges faced by her fellow islanders, she took on the role of First Councilor of Maricaban, Santa Fe, where she worked tirelessly to bridge the gaps in essential services and economic opportunities.

Her leadership and commitment have now led her to a greater platform as the first-ever Board Member from Santa Fe, representing the 4th District of Cebu.

                 BM Jenny’s campaign Platform, a promise of inclusive growth

Armamento’s leadership is centered on three key advocacies: Pro-Women’s Welfare (Kababayhan) where she advocates for women’s empowerment, ensuring that women have access to opportunities, resources, and protection from violence and discrimination.

Healthcare Access (Kahimsug) where she prioritizes improved healthcare services, striving for better medical facilities and programs that cater to the needs of her constituents, especially in remote island communities.

Tourism and Livelihood (Kabuhayan).  Understanding the potential of Santa Fe’s rich natural beauty, Armamento promotes sustainable tourism while creating livelihood programs that uplift local entrepreneurs and workers.

Her leadership is founded on the belief that true progress should reach every corner of the community.  As she steps into her new role as Board Member, she carries with her a promise: to be a voice for the people of Santa Fe and the entire 4th District. (Photos: BM Jenny's FB/Google Images)

 

 

PBP, a party list organization bats for rural/barangay development

CEBU CITY – The Partido sa Bagong Pilipino (PBP), a party list organization bats for rural/barangay development through strategic legislation that prioritizes water resource management, affordable and accessible healthcare, Power and solar lights initiatives and roads/access to development.

Former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Atty. Goyo Larrazabal, and Beaver Lopez, Vice President and Board of Adviser of Rockwell Land are the standard bearers of the PBP Party List organization who presented their grassroots advocacy to media, content creators and bloggers in a greet and meet cum press conference on March 31 at Bayfront Hotel, NRA, Cebu City.

“Our legislative agenda is a vision for community impact and collaboration to make a positive difference in the lives of the people in the rural communities with the goal of improving the lives of Filipinos by 2028.  The success of the PBP rural development programs depend on the support and participation of all sectors,” Goyo Larrazabal said.

With the party slogan “Barangay ang Panalo,” PBP underscored its commitment to uplifting marginalized communities, particularly in coastal and rural communities, Larrazabal bared that clean water, healthcare, roads and access, including internet connectivity and electricity are basic needs but are wanting in the rural and barangay areas.

"I think the areas that we've been able to visit and talk to, relationships have already been established. That's why when we tell them that we're here to help, when we win, you win, who wins, the community wins. Because it's not just the LGUs, but the party list that came here will also help. I think that's a welcome to any of the LGUs and for us to be able to come in,” Beaver Lopez stated.

PBP advocacy and legislative agenda 

On the election process ad voters’ education:  According to Larrazabal that working with the Commission elections is important and stresses that public officials and candidates must ask questions about the details of the elections to clarify misconception about the machine not being connected to the web before the printing of the first few copies of Election Result Summaries (ERS).

Voters’ education road shows are equally important and the need for continuous questioning and verification of information provided by the Commission to ensure accuracy and readiness for election day.

“May I remind everyone that election day is May 12 and that final testing period takes place on May 2 to May 7.   People must be vigilant during the election day and the final testing period; for the deployment of electric paraphernalia and the printing of them.  There is a need for continuous questioning and verification of information to ensure transparency and readiness for the election,” Larrazabal stated.

Clean Water: A Fundamental Right: Addressing the persistent water crisis, PBP is pushing for the establishment of a Department of Water Resources to oversee policy implementation and institutional reforms. The party also proposes legislative measures to encourage barangay-level rainwater harvesting and stronger partnerships with NGOs to provide potable water.

Healthcare: Accessible and Preventive Solutions: Recognizing the lack of medical professionals in many barangays, PBP is pushing for the enhancement of the Department of Health’s “Doctors to the Barrio” program. Proposed legislation includes the expansion of DOH’s medical scholarship programs and ensuring at least one doctor per town, with a focus on highland and coastal areas. “We propose a bill to digitize the healthcare system in the Philippines in support of the universal healthcare," Larrazabal explained.

Roads and Access: Strengthening Barangay Connectivity: PBP aims to enhance infrastructure by ensuring better road networks to connect barangays, facilitating easier access to goods, services, and opportunities. Digital connectivity is also a priority to bridge the gap in technological access, to usher in and help assist the LGUs to strengthen the development of the barangays.

Electricity: Sustainable and Renewable Energy Solutions: PBP advocates for a mix of traditional and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to ensure stable power supply in barangays. The Power, Stable Power, and Solar Lights program will provide short-term solutions, including solar lights for barangay halls and other public spaces, while working on long-term renewable energy adoption.

PBP party list seeks to improve on the delivery of basic government services to the barangay communities as these are the people who occupy the bulk of the Filipino society, those who need more government support and commitment to live better lives. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Lite Ferries inaugurates new boat for Dumaguete-Dipolog/Dapitan-Oslob, Cebu route

Lite Ferries inaugurates new boat for Dumaguete-Dipolog/Dapitan-Oslob, Cebu route

DIPOLOG CITY— Lite Shipping Corporation, operating under the brand name Lite Ferries, “Ang Barkong Bol-anon” launched and inaugurated its newly acquired vessel, the MV Lite Ferry 12 on April 5 at the Dipolog City Port for the pioneering status in the routes of Oslob, Cebu – Dumaguete City – Dapitan/Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte and vice versa. 

“Our family considers this vessel a blessing from God and a gift from the Almighty.  It is seen as a means to connect islands,” Lite Shipping Corporation owner, Lucio Lim said in his opening message at the launching event.

Lim acknowledged the Uy family for their long-term efforts in developing the Dipolog City Port project, which dates back to the father of the current mayor.   The vessel, deployed despite COVID-19 challenges, required significant logistical adjustments.  The vessel, with a shallow draft, needed additional modifications to fit the port’s infrastructure. 

“Currently, it is the only operating vessel between Zamboanga del Norte and other areas, benefiting car and truck drivers. There is hope for introducing a second vessel if the market situation warrants it,” Lim added. 

Lite Shipping Corporation is continually expanding and bringing in World Class brand new ships to its  fleet.  M/V Lite Ferry Twelve was built in China and completed in December 2024. This 72 meter long coast wise Ro-Ro ferry has a depth of 4.50 meters, breadth of 16.80 meters and a GRT of 3,390 tons, Lim bared. 

MV LiTE Ferry Twelve can accommodate 500 passengers in various accommodation and 20 ten-wheeler trucks plus 10 cars. It is classed by RINA of Italy and it has standard and tourist class accommodations with above MARINA standards on passage ways and bed bunks accommodation. 

M/V Lite Ferry Twelve will now serve the route with the following daily ferry service schedules:

 Cebu, Oslo  to Dumaguete City leaves at 10PM daily; Dumaguete City to Dipolog, at 1:00AM on M/WF/Sunday while Dumaguete City to Dapitan leaves at 1:00AM  on T/TH/Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Dipolog City to Dumaguete City leaves at 1:00PM on M/W/F/Sunday; Dapitan to Dumaguete City, at 1:00PM on T/TH/Saturday; and Dumaguete City to Oslob, Cebu leaves at 8:00PM daily. 

Farina Cunanan, regional director, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-Region 9 celebrates the inauguration of Life Ferry 12, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and economic growth. 

“The ferry is seen as a symbol of progress and efficiency, serving the Zamboanga  Peninsula and connecting regions 9, 7, and 10.  The government and private sector collaboration is  crucial for maximizing maritime resources and creating a prosperous future, Cunanan said. 

Cunanan said local governments and officials already express their support and anticipate economic benefits, including increased local income and improved infrastructure. The ferry is also seen as a strategic investment for the region’s economic growth and connectivity with Malaysia, she added. 

Lite Ferries operates one of the youngest fleets in the country, with almost half of the fleet acquired brand new and 25% of the fleet below 20 years old upon acquisition. “This was the result of the company re-fleeting program the past 10 years,” Lim said. 

Lite Ferries operates in 32 destinations in 16 provinces under the brand name, Lite Ferries. It has been bridging the provinces of Sorsogon, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte. (Photos: MBCNewman)