CCLEX rolls out new toll rates effective July 1

CEBU CITY – The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) rolls out new toll rates effective July 1, 2025 as approved by the Local Toll Regulatory Council (LTRC), a council created by the local governments of Cebu City and Municipality of Cordova through an ordinance to implement and set toll rates for the expressway.

Effective July 1, 2025, toll increase in phases with a provisional discounted rate are to be implemented while the LTRC-approved amount will be implemented at a later date.

The implementation of the adjusted rates is part of CCLEX’s staggered toll adjustments every two years that was provided for under the Concession Agreement entered and signed into by the Cebu City Government, Cordova Municipal Government, and Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) for the implementation of the CCLEX project.

LTRC’s newly approved toll matrix for CCLEX are as follows:  P68 for Class 1M vehicles or motorcycles with engine displacements 110cc to 399 cc.; P107 for Class 1 vehicles (motorcycles 400cc and up; and vehicles with 2 or 3 axles with a height of up to 7 feet such as cars, jeeps, pick-ups, and small vans; P214 for Class 2 vehicles (or those with 2 or 3 axles and a height of more than 7 feet such as light trucks, buses, and high-roof vans; and P321 for Class 3 vehicles (or rigid trucks with 3 or more axles and a height of more than 7 feet such as heavy and multi-axles trucks, and trailers (articulated).

To make the transition easier for motorists, the discounted rate that will be implemented by CCLEC management, effective July 1, are as follows: P65 for Class 1M vehicles; P100 for Class 1 vehicles; P200 for Class 2 vehicles; and P300 for Class 3 vehicles.

“We are grateful to our valued motorists for their patronage since we started operating, and who continue to make CCLEX their preferred route. We understand that any toll changes can raise concerns, and we assure you that we are steadfast in our commitment to continuously enhance our services to provide you safe, seamless, and reliable travel experience,” CCLEC President and General Manager Allan Alfon said, in an official statement released to media.

 

Alfon said that since its opening in April 2022, CCLEX has significantly improved the travel experience of millions of its road users by hugely cutting the travel time between Cebu City to Mactan Island by 20 to 75 percent, compared to 82 to 85 minutes prior to CCLEX, per study made by the Center for Social Research and Education of the University of San Carlos.

CCLEX has also helped spur the revival of tourism and the economy after the pandemic. Land resources in Cordova have also become more accessible and attractive as its proximity to Cebu City has made it a potential investment area for businesses, Alfon added.

To further provide better expressway experience and greater mobility to Cebu road users, CCLEC embarks on expansion projects to connect CCLEX to downtown Cebu City and the Mactan Cebu International Airport, Alfon bared.

CCLEX, which connects mainland Cebu through Cebu City’s South Road Properties to the Mactan Island through Barangay Pilipog in the Municipality of Cordova, is operated by CCLEC, a subsidiary company of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), and a member of the MVP Group of Companies. (Photos: CCLEX-FB/Google Images)

Balletcenter Cebu returns to stage, marks rebuilding milestone after 2024 Studio fire

CEBU CITY – Balletcenter Cebu returns to the stage with its upcoming production, “Balletcenter Spectacular: Best of the Movies,” on June 28 and 29 at the SM Seaside City Cebu CenterStage, to mark its studio reconstruction after the devastating fire in May 2024 that destroyed decades’ worth of costumes, sets, and history.

 

“The show is a celebration of our students’ dedication and a love letter to film and dance and more than that, it’s a symbol of how the arts can recover, rebuild, and continue to inspire,” Ana Michelle Kesner, Executive Director of Balletcenter Cebu said during the press conference on June 25 at the Brique Restaurant, Ayala Mall.

Kesner told the media that the production marks a pivotal moment in the Balletcenter’s journey, that despite the tragedy, the school has continued to train dancers across Cebu and is now moving forward with renewed hope and resilience.

“All proceeds of the show are for the rebuilding of the Balletcenter Studio and for its community outreach training and scholarship programs, and other production and costumes costs,” Kesner added.

Kesner and her team invite everyone to watch the show with tickets priced at P1,000; P750 and P500 that are available online at its Facebook page: @balletcenterofcebu and on Instagram: @balletcentercebu or call Ana Michelle Kesner, executive director at 0976-0021326 for details and bookings.

Ballet Master- Mhynard Etis, fondly called Sir M, shared that the “Balletcenter Spectacular: Best of the Movies” production features reimagined ballet interpretations of some 40 beloved movie soundtracks and cinematic moments, showcasing over 250 young dancers, including scholarship recipients and advanced students. The production runs for two hours each on June 28 and 29.

Get to know Balletcenter Cebu

Balletcenter Center is Cebu’s longest-running classical ballet school, founded in 1951 with a legacy that traces back to the pioneering vision of Madame Fe Sala Villarica, renowned for producing world-class dancers and fostering a deep appreciation for classical dance.

At the heart of Balletcenter’s excellence are its esteemed Co-Artistic Directors: Nicolas Pacaña and Gregory Aaron.  Pacaña, a Garbo sa Sugbu and Sugbuhanong Bahandi Awardee, trained at Balletcenter before launching an international career as a Principal Dancer with the Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Honolulu City Ballet.

Aaron on the other hand, brings with him a wealth of global experience, having danced with The Hartford Ballet, toured with Rudolf Nureyev and The Boston Ballet, and starred as the Nutcracker Prince in James Canfield’s The Nutcracker with Pacific Ballet Theatre.

Kesner bared that these two ballet legends led Balletcenter Cebu for nearly two decades, establishing it as a hub for international training, performances, and festivals.  Together, they shaped Balletcenter Cebu into more than just a school-- it is a home where passion meets discipline, and where Cebu’s next generation of dancers are trained by true legends, and a cornerstone of Cebu’s cultural heritage. (Photos: MBCNewman/ Balletcenter FB)

 

Habitat for Humanity hosts Youth Assembly in Cebu

CEBU CITY—Habitat for Humanity kicked off its Youth Assembly in Cebu, June 24-26 to empower young leaders to craft, create and pitch sustainable, community-driven solutions to housing challenges and issues across Asia-Pacific through the Habitat Youth Solutions grant.

From 88 applications across 12 countries, 40 youth-led solutions have been shortlisted to join the 2025 Habitat Youth Assembly happening at Seda Hotel, Ayala Mall, where these 40 young leaders vie and pitch their projects for the grant.

Habitat for Humanity selects up to 10 youth solutions during the assembly here to receive US$4,000 in grants that promote a more innovative, inclusive, and collaborative housing ecosystem for sustainable and resilient communities.

The 3-day Youth Assembly brings in experts from various sectors that collaborate with Habitat for Humanity to solve global housing challenges, for the youth leaders to learn broader impacts of housing, urban development, understanding the housing market, building and advocating for housing, among other topics.

According to Habitat for Humanity (HH), the Youth Assembly 2025 in the Philippines provides these 40 young leaders from 12 countries the opportunity to learn with experts about housing, climate change, inclusion, among others; network with the 2023 Habitat Youth Solutions winners; and ideate with peers from across the region and explore opportunities for fundraising.

This micro-grant, Habitat for Humanity said, only support solutions that are developed and managed by the youth for the benefit of the community where they operate. The youth solutions must be scalable and replicable in Habitat-supported communities.

Youths from Nepal and Fiji pitch housing solutions using bamboo and training communities in disaster prone areas in Nepal and Fiji to use bamboo for housing needs.  Another youth from India, Chatt Shakti talks about her women-powered initiative to address the rising heat in rural India by applying solar reflective paint on rooftops.

These are just some of the youth solutions being presented at the Youth Assembly 2025 with their respective photo gallery exhibited at the lobby of the venue for the judges and the assembly to view from June 24-26, 2025. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Impact of AI revolution on job creation, agriculture, healthcare & citizen engagement

CEBU CITY – The transition from the industrial revolution to the digital revolution has always emphasized the human aspect of digital technology, but in the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders discussion, centered on the digital revolution, emphasizing AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity as key components and identified key technology tipping points for 2020 that included the rise of internet-connected clothing and devices, with AI also handling pharmacy tasks.

“AI will also join corporate boards, potentially overriding human decisions and AI's rapid evolution, citing historical milestones; and Pharmacy as a course will disappear as prescriptions will be handled by AI machines, and AI will be present on corporate boards,” Jonathan De Luzuriaga, president and CEO of Spring Valley Tech Corp. and president of Philippine Software Industry Association, presented this at the Technology and Innovation Forum on June 20 hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

Luzuriaga added that today, there are continuing debates on AI's impact on job creation and loss with a call for upskilling.  Practical AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, and citizen engagement are also being discussed, including talent gaps in the Philippines and how can the country prepare for the digital future.

Luzuriaga highlighted the shift towards thinking of all companies as tech companies with a focus on changing organizational structures, products, and customer approaches.  Business today must consider some action items to take such as encourage them to take courses on AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

“Also explore the use of AI in the company's operations, such as using drones and AI-powered analytics to improve processes and collaborate with local authorities to develop and implement AI-powered solutions for citizen engagement and emergency response,” Luzuriaga bared.

The rapid evolution of AI and its potential to outperform human leaders, Luzuriaga said that the AI arms race is compared to the nuclear arms race, emphasizing the need for serious consideration of AI's impact.

“The potential for AI to be used for good or evil is real and we call for AI to be used for societal benefit. The dual impact of AI on job loss and creation is similar to the Industrial Revolution, hence the importance of upskilling and AI awareness with references to online courses and personal experiences,” he added.

There is also a growing shift in focus with Investors' growing interest in AI and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) with AI becoming a key factor in investment decisions. In terms of AI application in agriculture and healthcare, Luzuriaga gave examples of AI's applications in agriculture, such as using drones to sort cardamom leaves for pricing.

Luzuriaga also talked about AI’s role in healthcare with examples like Cardiobot's ECG analysis and Citizen Engagement solutions in smart cities. He mentioned the development of a social command center in Clark Global City which tracks and monitors individuals for security purposes.

“The potential for AI to have a profound impact on humanity, surpassing fire, electricity, and the internet, is a glaring reality,” Luzuriaga stated. (Photos: CCCI/MBCNewman)

Technology and innovation next level for biz productivity, efficiency

 
CEBU CITY – Technology and innovation, especially on the adaptation and focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business systems and operations seem to be the next level to achieve the highest efficiency and productivity in the ever-changing landscape in business today.

This insight summed up the various discussion topics at the “Technology and Innovation Forum” hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce (CCCI) on June 20, at the Marcopolo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City as part of the Cebu Business Months (CBM) 2025 activities from June to August, this year with “Padayon Cebu” as a continuing tagline since 2024.

“The Technology and Innovation Forum focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI). We aim to catalyze digital transformation and collaborative innovation by bringing together a diverse mix of industry experts, tech leaders, innovators, and enabler to explore cutting-edge AI technologies, co-develop solutions, and tackle real-world challenges through a full day of learning and problem-solving centered on AI's transformative power,” CCCI president, Jay Yuvallos said in his opening message.

Yuvallos said, CCCI must lead, true to its LEAD A MUST Agenda, an acronym representing the Chamber’s leadership goals, including lifting up business and investments in Cebu. The event is framed as a movement to shape the future of Cebu and position it as a leader in ASEAN's technology and innovation.

AI adoption is already creeping in Southeast Asia creating huge potential impact on the economy and society.  It is now a must for the Philippines and other Asian countries to embrace AI to boost GDP by 18% and transform lives of 700 million people in ASEAN, Yuvallos added.

Anton Mari Perdices, CBM 2025 Overall Chair emphasized the importance of adapting to technological advancements, particularly AI, in the business sector.  There is that need for active participation in the technological revolution and to engage proactively rather than passively.

“It is important to adapt to technological advancements, particularly AI, reflecting the era of rapid technological change and its impact on business and the potential of AI in transforming decision-making processes and creating new digital markets. However, be reminded of the crucial element of being humans in business, cautioning against a complete takeover by AI,” Perdices said.

Brian Yap, CBM 2025 Digital Transformation Chair, bared that Cebu has a potential to become Southeast Asia's most dynamic technology ecosystem, but only if the business sector acts collectively, strategically and individually. Cebu has the talent, the infrastructures, the cultural advantage, the entrepreneurial spirit. What it needs is coordination, knowledge, sharing and collaborative actions.

“We are excited about the potential for Cebu to become Southeast Asia's most dynamic technology ecosystem. We believe that collective, strategic, and individual actions are necessary to achieve this potential,” Yap said.

Yap viewed the Technology and Innovation Forum as a pivotal moment for initiating this coordinated effort towards a dynamic technology ecosystem that will shape the region's economic future—the next level for business productivity and efficiency. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

DOT-12 brings “Treasures of SOX” to Cebu

CEBU CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 12 brought to Cebu, “Treasures of Sox” at the Ayala Mall Activity Center, June 20-22 that featured presentations from various stakeholders in Region 12, highlighting its tourism, agricultural products and cultural heritage and artisans for economic potentials for investors from the Central Visayas region.

“The Treasures of SOX, is an annual Travel and Trade Expo organized by the Department of Tourism 12 in partnership with several National Government Agencies and Local Government Units in the region. It aims to promote local products and entrepreneurship among farmers, highlighting historical connections and tourism offerings, including Mount Apo and Lake Sebu and all other tourism destinations in the Socsargen region,” DOT-12 regional director, Nelia Arina said at the press conference on June 20 at the opening event.

Arina shared the Socsargen region’s significant coffee production and quality, regions tourist destinations like General Santos and Mount Apo; the seven waterfalls, Lake Sebu; including its culture and heritage, its food and its indigenous artisan and craftsmanship.

Arina introduced the region’s diversity, its market-driven agriculture, including fruits and vegetables, she said that there is need to invite buyers, investors to check out “The Treasures of SOX” at the DOT-12 social media pages.

Department of Agriculture (DA)-Region 12 regional executive director, Roberto Perales noted importance of promoting local products and the role of entrepreneurship in the region. He mentioned the series of talks were included in the 3-day trade expo with entrepreneurship topics in course offerings to encourage farmers; and talks about the processing of agricultural products and the need for small farmers to add value to their crops.

Kayaman ni Juan Proprietor, John Michael Uy shared the region’s cultural artisans, promoting the region’s local Tinalak, a famous weaving product of the region handcrafted by its local indigenous artisans.

Argie Ryan Asaria, Provincial Tourism Officer – PLGU South Cotabato mentioned the cultural and ethnic diversity within the Socsargen region, referred to as the "tri people," and views Cebu as a strategic hub due to its international airport and central location in the Visayas region.

“There is an ongoing conversation for the ‘Treasures of SOX’ to come back to Cebu for a trade and cultural event that would include surgeons and performers. The group is particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of performing in Cebu and interacting with the local community,” Asaria said.

They anticipate positive response from tour operators and partners in Cebu, which they see as a promising indicator for future success. The group also received positive feedback from educational institutions like, ESL regarding their presence in Cebu, signaling a good start for their endeavors, Asaria noted.

Arina mentioned the economic benefits of the collaboration, including travel and tourism growth. She added that the campaign is one of many contributing to the rise in tourist arrivals and credits the group for assisting the community, expanding services to include a ’Pasalubon’ center at the airport at the pre-departure area.

“The organization has quietly gained recognition, with a presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and is now exploring other platforms like YouTube.For those interested to visit Socsargen region and explore “The Treasures of SOX”, check out our Facebook and social media pages,” Arina added.(Photos: MBCNewman)