Nearly 1000 participants join the 1st Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Nearly 1,000 participants composed of teachers, advocates, educators, government officials, schools, parents, and students joined the first “Best Buddies Friendship Walk” on March 29 around Robinsons Galleria in Cebu to build a community that supports, advocates for the rights individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and help them find their place in society.

Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS), in collaboration with Best Buddies Philippines, marked a major step forward for inclusivity by hosting the Friendship Walk in Cebu with the theme, "Steps of Hope, Strides of Friendship" to promote a more inclusive society.

“The goal is to make sure that everybody finds their place and that everybody's included, and that everybody is able to live with dignity.  Hopefully, every year, we hope to have everybody's Philippine friendship walk all over the country, bringing awareness, building community and inspiring people of all ages, abilities, walks of life, to make sure they provide a space for people with intellectual difficulties,” Best Buddies-Philippines Executive Director, Michelle Ressa-Aventajado told this writer at the opening of the event.

Aventajado bared that the Children's Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) in Mandaue City is leading the inclusive efforts in Central Visayas by mounting this first Friendship Walk event, celebrating 20 years of service and dedication to families, children, and students of all abilities.

This signature event emphasizes the commitment to supporting the children, young adults and family members of individuals with disabilities to be included in all facets of society, such as education, employment, and social activities, Aventajado said.

“As we embark on today's Friendship Walk, let's walk with purpose. Let's walk with the belief that every step we take is a step toward a future where everyone—regardless of ability—has a rightful place in our schools, workplaces, and society.  Let's take this energy beyond today. Let's continue the conversations, the collaborations, and the friendships that will turn this movement into a way of life,” CPMS president, Marivic Bathan said, in her opening message at the event.

Bathan said that at the heart of today's event is the belief that learners—ALL learners—deserve not just education, but also opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute to society. When people create inclusive environments, they do more than just provide access, they empower young people with confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging.

“Together, we are building a future that is more inclusive, more compassionate, and more dynamic. A future where every learner is empowered to thrive.  We give them the tools to become dynamic citizens who can advocate for themselves and for others,” Bathan added.

 

The event concluded with an inspiring word from Mary Sue Cervantes Bathan, a 23-year-old with cerebral palsy and a member of the pioneering batch of Best Buddies Cebu. Having recently passed the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LPT), she shared her journey of overcoming self-doubt in traditional schools, where she often felt like she didn’t belong.  Returning to CPMS as a teacher now helped her embrace inclusivity and develop self-confidence.

“There’s no such thing as disability, only different abilities.  If you take one step for someone with a disability, you inspire them to be proud of who they are. Step up,” Mary Sue said. (Photos: CPMS/CONPC/MBCNewman)

Honda Cars Cebu “Active Reception”, the next level mobility serving VisMin

CEBU CITY – The “Active Reception” at ACMobility- Honda Cars Cebu is described as the next level mobility serving Visayas and Mindanao branches that aims to streamline reception procedures and promote one-to-one accommodation to customers all throughout their service experience including after-sales services.

“To satisfy customers, Active Reception’s key point is to minimize reception traffic and immediately attend to customers. We give our customers a positive and lasting impression!” Bryan Enerio, ACMobility Honda Cars and VisMin branch manager told this writer.

Enerio said that Active Reception can transform an ordinary service initiation into an exceptional one to ensure that customers feel valued, heard, and well taken care of throughout the entire service experience.

According to him, Honda Cars ACMobility branches across Visayas and Mindanao can accommodate an average of 105 repairs per day; from period maintenance, general repairs, and body repair and paint.  

Honda Cars services drive sustainability in automotive solutions and champion customer satisfaction starting at the Active Reception. This signature Honda Cars services and reception procedures haven’t changed yet and has always been there for 30 years now, Enerio added.

“As Honda customers continue to grow, the need for After-sales Service remains and becomes complex from just repairing vehicles to serving and providing positive lasting impression to customers,” he said.

ACMobility-Honda Cars Cebu After-sales services and PMS program

ACMobility-Honda Cars Cebu provides a range of after-sales services and a comprehensive periodic maintenance service program to ensure that every Honda vehicle stays in tip-top condition and these procedures and schedules are part of the “Active Reception” concerns. 

According to Enerio, the after-sales program includes regular checks and replacements of parts and lubricants based on a schedule. It also includes periodic maintenance, body and paint services, and recalls, with a focus on customer satisfaction and quality 

Enerio shared that the blitz 60 minutes PM service allows for quicker and more convenient periodic maintenance. Parts and lubricants for replacement include Engine oil, oil filter, drain plug washer, aircon filter (dust & pollen), air cleaner element. 

Honda Cars Cebu also offers body and paint services to restore your vehicle's appearance after an accident or damage. It uses a Body and Paint Estimation Tool to ensure accurate and efficient repairs, using water-based paint across most dealerships, which is safer for the vehicle and the environment.

The company conducts voluntary safety recalls too for certain models to address potential issues examples include recalls for airbags, electric power steering, fuel pumps, and hood strikers.  Affected customers can avail of free replacement or reinforcement services at authorized Honda dealerships.

 Latest offering is a mobile app called Honda Connect that allows owners to access vehicle information, control certain vehicle functions remotely, and receive notifications.  Features include remote air-conditioning control, door lock/unlock, emergency calls, location search, and notifications. Enerio shared.

“Honda Cars is committed to provide excellent after-sales customer care through its dealerships and service centers to ensure customer satisfaction through quality service and efficient processes and procedures,” Enerio said.

Other services include its Spare Parts and Accessories Online Store. Honda genuine parts and accessories may now be ordered directly from preferred Honda Cars dealerships nationwide via this online store. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Meet the new Honda HR-V electric hybrid, exclusively available in Cebu

CEBU CITY -- ACMobility-Honda Cars Cebu unveiled and launched the new HR-V e:HEV hybrid vehicle at its showroom at A. Soriano Ave., NRA, Cebu City on March 28 offering a P75K promo discount to new buyers and to its social media partners/members of the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC).

“Meet the new hybrid vehicle now available exclusively in Cebu.  The HR-V e:HEV has unique features that offers a new level of performance and efficiency, with the hybrid artist engines for efficiency and a balance of class and beauty,” ACMobility Honda Cars Cebu & VisMin branch manager, Bryan Enerio said, as the Honda team unveiled the new car.

Honda Cars described the HR-V hybrid as the next-level mobility solution with the tagline, “There’s More To Life” and “There’s More To Power” with this responsive, self-charging engine that adopts to every drive.

Whether cruising through town or hitting high speeds, it delivers an exhilaration surge of power when you need it. Its Honda SENSING, Honda’s advanced driver-assist system makes the New Honda HR-V one of the safest cars on the road.

There’s more to style with its RS design leather seats with red stitching, (only with the HR-V RS e:HEV vehicle) and genuine accessories. The new HR-V has six variant colors –Ignite Red Metallic, Sand Khaki Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Premium Opal White Silver Pearl.

The new HR-V is priced at around P1.7M and ACMobility exclusives include a P75K promo discount and free ACMobility Ceramic Tint worth P30K. Painting and installation costs are not included and may vary per dealership.

It’s a front wheel drive, programmed fuel injection and electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT.)  Gear type is rack and pinion with electric power steering.  The steering wheel controls include information display, voice assistant button and lane keep assist controls.

The headlights are full LED and the interior has an audio system that is 8” touchscreen display audio, wireless Apple carplay and wireless android auto Bluetooth, hands free telephone, audio streaming and USP-input. With 8 speakers (4+4 Tweeters) with USB charging ports Type C.

“We invite everyone to come and visit our Honda Cars Cebu showroom at A.Soriano Ave., NRA and test-drive the new HR-V hybrid. We are open daily Mondays to Sundays at 7am to 7pm.,” Enerio concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

27th French Film Festival goes to Cebu with feminist theme

CEBU CITY – The 27^th French Film Festival opened at SM Cebu cinemas from March 28-30 with feminist theme offering a selection of films that focus on women and girls in their different roles they play in society, as a student, an athlete, a friend, a lover, in line with the celebration of March as “Women’s Month.”

“Gender equality is a core value of the French Republic. This is the first time that the French Film Festival is held in Cebu and we decided to make it feminist, the perfect time to advocate in favor of women's rights. This is part of our feminist French diplomacy,” Counsellor for Cultural Cooperation at the Embassy of France, Mathilde Séjourné said at the opening of the film festival at SM Cinema 2, SM City Cebu, March 28.

Séjourné said that they were very happy to make this festival feminist because it's an occasion to show movies of female French, French female movie directors, but also to show movies who give an insightful portrait of women.

Through the years, the festival has offered audiences a taste of French culture, glimpse of Paris and the countryside, as well as a feel of French society through romance, comedy, drama, action and this is the firs edition of the feminist French film festival, Séjourné added.

“We are honored to celebrate the opening of the 27th French Film Festival in Cebu. This year's edition is particularly meaningful as it shines a spotlight on feminist cinema, featuring insightful and compelling narratives about women.  At SM, we believe in the power of cinema to inspire, educate, and bridge cultures,” SM Supermalls Regional Public Relations Head for VisMin, Rj Leduna, in his welcome remarks said.

As the leading cinema destination in the country, SM takes pride in bringing films from around the world to Filipino audiences-whether it's showcasing the artistry of French filmmaking, the dynamism of Asian cinema, or the films of Hollywood.  “We are especially proud to support films that champion women's voices and stories, reinforcing our commitment to gender equality and empowerment through the arts,” Leduna added.

“The festival aims to display the power of French culture through cinema and arts.  The French Embassy at a special film festival in Cebu, along with trusted partners, aims to showcase female-directed French movies, emphasizing the potential of younger female directors,” Gauthier Carol, Exec. Director, Alliance Française de Cebu said.

                         

The Film Festival in Cebu selected five films: Fragile (Hard Shell Soft Shell), A Tale of Love and Desire, Spring Blossom, The Rapture, and Marinette.   The festival is organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines in cooperation with the Alliance Française de Cebu, the SM Supermalls, and with the support of the Arts Council of Cebu and MLhuillier. (Photos: MBCNewman)

26 public schools in Cebu City are now Wi-Fi powered

CEBU CITY – Twenty-six public Elementary Schools in Cebu City are now Wi-Fi powered with the launch of the Public Wi-Fi Program in partnership with the local government of Cebu City and PLDT-Enterprise starting at Lahug Elementary School in February this year, and continue to connect the other public schools within two years.

"My dream is to connect the whole of Cebu City, because today, connectivity is at the heart of how we do almost everything. It is then our LGU's goal to turn this dream into reality," Cebu City Mayor Atty. Raymond Alvin Garcia said, at the official launch in Lahug ES.

Garcia said the initiative marks the beginning of the City’s digital transformation of its educational landscape, hoping to eventually connect all the public schools in the City.  This program is backed by City Ordinance No. 2617 which mandates public Wi-Fi in private and public institutions and represents the next phase in a long-standing collaboration between PLDT and the Cebu City LGU.

"PLDT Enterprise is honored to be a part of Cebu City's Public Wi-Fi program, which is a transformative step towards inclusive and technology-driven education. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensure that no learner is left behind by providing equitable access to digital resources for students and educators," Assistant Vice President and Head of Customer Relationship Management at PLDT Enterprise, Kent dela Calzada bared.

Dela Calsada said the PLDT, through its PLDT Enterprise has connected 80 of Cebu City's barangays with PLDT fiber. This venture supports the national government’s broader digitalization agenda for the Philippines, reinforcing efforts to build a digitally connected nation.

Through this partnership, Cebu City and PLDT Enterprise reaffirm their commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable digital transformation in education to bridge the digital divide and empowering students and educators with technology for learning, research, and innovation.  For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. (Photos: PLDT-Enterprise/FB)

 

 

Silliman, GCash broaden partnership to plant 1M mangroves end of 2029

DUMAGUETE CITY—Silliman University through its Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) and GCash through its GForest feature have broadened their partnership and commitment to protect communities and mitigate the effects of climate change by planting 1,000,000 mangroves and beach trees across critical areas in South Negros by the end of 2029.

The SU-GCash Reforestation in South Negros Project began in 2023 initially set to wrap up in 2028 with the planting of 500,000 mangroves and now the partnership aims to plant an additional 500,000 mangroves and beach trees across South Negros, including parts of Negros Occidental.

“We are planting the seeds for a better tomorrow. These mangroves are the guardians of the coast. Each one cultivated is a step forward in protecting our ecosystems and communities, helping combat rising temperatures brought about by climate change, shielding our coastal communities from the impacts of extreme weather, and supporting our rich biodiversity,” Project Coordinator and Professor Emeritus of the IEMS, Dr. Hilconida Calumpong said.

Calumpong shared that in 2023, the SU-GCash South Negros Project pledged to cultivate 500,000 trees in Negros Oriental by 2028.  As of January 2025, SU, local communities and GForest’s Green Heroes, the platform’s active users, have already planted 192,130 mangrove and beach forest seedlings, highlighting 22 native plant species.

Fifteen of these are mangroves and seven are beach forest species. The organizations have also collaborated with 16 People’s Organizations (POs) whose members earned additional income by planting and maintaining seedlings, plants, and trees with the project areas, Calumpong added.

“Through this program, we at GCash only hope to continue making Filipinos’ everyday lives better by leveraging tech for good. We are grateful to SU and the Negros POs, without whom this partnership would not be possible. We look forward to achieving more together, growing GForest together and making a real lasting impact for both the environment and the people of Negros,” GCash Head for Sustainability, CJ Alegre said.

With the support from GForest users, continued assistance by local government units (LGUs), and the growing number of POs joining the cause, SU and GCash renewed their partnership and commitment to sustainability and formally launched the second phase of the SU-GCash Reforestation in South Negros Project.

After careful assessment and mapping by SU, 100 hectares in Hinoba-an, Cauayan, and Sipalay City, specifically in ten barangays, have already been identified as planting sites for the 500,000 trees covering the next phase, Calumpong said.

The partnership inspires collaboration using tech for good

According to Calumpong, Silliman University lends its expertise in the environmental sciences to identify the most vulnerable areas requiring mangrove reforestation under the not-for-profit initiative. It also provides guidance on how to engage the coastal communities as the project’s environmental stewards.

GCash on the other hand, helps mobilize these environmental projects by providing and leveraging tech for good. Through GForest, GCash’s in-app platform, users are given a free, easy, and convenient way to help the environment and local communities.

App users can convert energy points earned from digital transactions such as paying bills, sending money, or buying load to plant trees virtually, which enables planting partners such as SU to cultivate corresponding real trees.

The project’s backbone is its science-backed strategy that guarantees it pursues mindful mangrove reforestation, where all environmental conservation activities begin by selecting diverse areas requiring rehabilitation and reforestation. What follows is identifying the mangrove species appropriate for cultivation, including endemic and endangered species.

Also crucial to the project’s success is the focused attention on empowering coastal communities. In addition to reaping the immediate benefits of mangrove reforestation initiatives, members of these communities feel encouraged by a renewed sense of responsibility to protect the future generations of Negrenses.

The SU-GCash Reforestation in South Negros Project demonstrates the power of multi-stakeholder engagement in environmental conservation, with Silliman University, GCash, and local coastal communities working together at the frontlines to help cultivate a more resilient Negros island. (Photos: Silliman/IEMS-FB)

 

 

Over 115K 4Ps beneficiaries in CV are now self-sufficient, to graduate from the program

LAPULAPU CITY – Some 115,729 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) household beneficiaries in Central Visayas that have achieved self-sufficiency will soon graduate from the program, based on the latest Social Welfare Development Indicator (SWDI) conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region.

“I congratulate each one of you because you complied with what you have sworn to do, which started on the day you enrolled in the program. You gave your time, effort, sacrifice, and dedication for you to comply with all the program conditions, and now you will graduate from the program,” DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said, in her opening message during the Saulog 4Ps ceremonial graduation on March 17 in Lapu-Lapu City.

The graduates have already attained significant change in their life status and reached the self-sufficiency level.  Self-sufficient households meant the beneficiaries should have enough income by the time they graduate from the program; can cope with their daily needs; and have achieved SWDI levels 1 & 2 for survival and subsistence respectively, Lucero explained.

Cebu province, including the highly urbanized cities of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City counted 79,205 4Ps households, while Bohol province has 36,524 4Ps households that graduated from the program, the SWDI report said.

Lucero added that the SWDI determines and monitors the progress of the 4Ps households’ well-being and facilitate case management for a sustainable transition out of poverty.  To celebrate the significant changes and achievements of the 4Ps graduates, the DSWD-Field Office 7 with the different local government units started conducting the “Saulog 4Ps” ceremonial graduation in March 2025.

Lucero lauded the perseverance and determination of the 4Ps partner-beneficiaries who graduated from college and are now employed in different private companies, national government agencies (NGAs), and local government units (LGUs).

Some are already working as barangay officials and barangay workers, overseas Filipino workers, teachers, police officers, seafarers, and BPO workers, and some are in the service sector. Others engaged in livelihood activities such as raising livestock, vending food, providing personal care services, farming, and fishing, Lucero shared.

 “I encouraged all of you to continue to persevere and work hard and do not forget the lessons that you have learned through the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) because it can be used in achieving your dreams,” she added.

Bernita Tubio, a 4Ps graduate from Dauis, Bohol, in her testimony said that she’s a proud mother of three children who are already college graduates and two of them are now seafarers.  Since January 2025, Bernita worked as a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) in her community.

“I still have four other children who are determined to finish their studies. I am thankful to the government through the 4Ps because it helped me send my children to school.”

According to Lucero, the Saulog 4Ps ceremonial graduation is also a convergence of support and commitment to continue with the various programs and interventions of government agencies, local and national, and the civil society organizations to sustain the level of well-being after they exit from the program. (Photos: DSWD7)