Sunlight Air opens direct Cebu to tourist sites routes

 CEBU CITY-- Boutique airline Sunlight Air has officially launched on April 3 direct flights from Cebu to some of the top vacation spots in the country, perfect for those looking to explore more of the Philippines and #LoveLocal this summer.

Booking a direct flight out from Cebu has never been more convenient. Here are some destinations you can fly to directly from Cebu that are perfect for the upcoming summer season. For those itching to explore more of the country’s breathtaking tropical havens, Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Iloilo.

Fly direct from Cebu to Iloilo starting July 2, 2024.  One can indulge in many activities when visiting Iloilo, however, an activity you definitely can’t miss when in the province is exploring the grand Islas de Gigantes.

The Islas de Gigantes is an island chain in Iloilo that features several must-see spots for those looking to enjoy both active fun and moments of relaxation. For those who want to take things slow and chill by the beachside, make a stopover at Bantigue Island, Antonia Beach, or Tinagong Dagat, all of which are lauded for their gorgeous white sand and delicious seafood.

Speaking of food, Iloilo is also well-known for its iconic cuisine. Go on a food crawl in some of the province’s most beloved food stops, including Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant and Netong’s La Paz Batchoy, among others. Ilonggos often boast of their native chicken and seafood dishes, so tasting them at these restaurants is a must for anyone going to Iloilo for the first time.

Fly direct from Cebu to Caticlan starting April 30, 2024.  Soar through the skies of Caticlan.  When thinking about Caticlan, one is naturally drawn to the sandy white beaches of Boracay. However, there’s more to the island than what meets the eye.

Get a bird’s eye view by taking to the skies and embarking on a helicopter tour. This brief tour will offer you a new perspective of the iconic island, showcasing its natural beauty you don’t often get to see when on the beach.

Packages can range from 10-20-minute flights, but the memories of the panoramic horizon and deep green islands are bound to stay in your heart forever. Additionally, you can whip through the sky by taking a parasailing tour. Grab a buddy or your partner to try this new and adventurous experience.

The adrenaline will take you higher and higher than ever before, as you fly hundreds of feet above the water. For just 15 minutes, you’ll feel like the sky's the limit and never want to go down.

Fly direct from Cebu to Busuanga starting April 1, 2024.  Traverse the unknown in Busuanga.  In Busuanga, the municipality of Coron is a popular spot for serene out-of-town vacationing, especially for those residing in the city.

To get the most out of your trip, book a stay at the Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort, filled with exquisitely designed villas, relaxing spas, and more. The resort is sure to make you feel a sense of tranquility and peace, with its gorgeous aesthetics and nature-centric environment.

While in Coron, you can also throw caution to the wind and try your hand at wreck diving at the different sites all over the island. Since wreck diving can be quite risky, proper training and certification is required. These are typically provided as a diving package, with your own diving instructor-slash-guide.

Finding the remains of twelve sunken Japanese war-ships from World War II may sound daunting, but why not take the plunge and traverse Coron’s historical waters?

Fly direct from Cebu to Siargao starting April 1, 2024.  Become a jungle junkie in Siargao Aside from the abundance of surfing spots in Siargao, one enchanting place that’s essential for every traveler to visit is the Maasin Enchanted River.

The river is known for an iconic bent coconut tree with a rope attached to it—that yes, is meant for swinging, surrounded by an abundance of coconut trees. Channel your inner Tarzan and catapult yourself into the river for that adrenaline rush. With the area being surrounded by bushels of trees, there’s a reason the place has the word “Enchanted” in its name.

If you’re looking for something more on the adventurous side, explore the Tayangban Cave Pools, located in the heart of the Siargao. The extreme nature of this spot requires visitors to enter the dark cave already chest-deep in water, with bats potentially flying around inside. Though a bit frightening, the rewards pay off, as the cave's exit will lead you to a brilliant emerald-green rock pool surrounded by trees.

With all these exciting things to do just a few hours away from Cebu, you’re sure to have a jam-packed and adventure-filled summer. Looking to explore other destinations in the Philippines? Sunlight Air also offers direct routes from Cebu to Manila, and Cagayan de Oro starting July 2.

Plan your next vacation and #ExperienceSunlight with Sunlight Air today. Learn more about Sunlight Air’s other destinations and services or book your next flight through https://www.sunlightair.ph/

Sunlight Air is a domestic boutique airline in the Philippines, dedicated to delivering exceptional service and seamless travel experiences. From its primary bases in Clark and Cebu, the airline flies to select island destinations such as Coron (Busuanga), San Vicente, Siargao, and Manila allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the diverse beauty of the Philippine islands.

It proudly operates a fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft, renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and comfort. With its high level of safety and operational excellence, passengers are ensured of an experience that is comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free.

From booking to arrival, it prioritizes customer satisfaction by providing personalized attention and top-notch assistance throughout their entire travel experience.

 

Bangkok Summit tags PLDT-Smart on ‘whole-of-nation’ online child safety approach

CEBU CITY— The Summit Project SCROL (Safety for Children and their Rights OnLine) organized by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) in Bangkok, Thailand on March 12-15 this year, recognized PLDT-Smart for its ‘whole-of-nation’ online child safety approach as one of the best practices of collaboration with the private sector to end Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE).

Project SCROL initiative was launched in 2023 with PLDT-Smart as the exclusive telco partners of TdH NL in Asia and Bidlisiw Foundation Inc.-Philippines.  The project aims to protect all children, regardless of their gender, class, religion, ethnicity and abilities, from OCSE and ensure that they are in a safe family and community environment.

Invited as Philippine partner representatives, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Head Stephanie Orlino, and PLDT and Smart Visayas Relations Head Marylou Gocotano shared the PLDT Group’s child protection policy in one of the summit’s learning exchange sessions.

"We are proud of the achievements brought by the partnership between TdH NL and PLDT-Smart in the Philippines.  The best practices of collaboration with the private sector to end Online Child Sexual Exploitation presented during the event are a true inspiration for our implementing teams across Cambodia, Nepal and Kenya,” Programme Manager OCSE of TdH NL, Zoe de Melo said.

The inaugural SCROL Summit focused on mid-term evaluation of the three-year program that’s also implemented in Cambodia, Nepal, and Kenya. Gathering key representatives from these areas, the conference facilitated discussions on the different interventions to safeguard children’s rights in the digital environment.

PLDT and Smart’s presentation highlighted private sector engagement in preventing and responding to Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE), and employing innovative and purpose-built systems to identify illicit child content and block their location from being accessed by customers.

Efforts to raise awareness on online child safeguarding and basic cybersecurity practices were also discussed before TdH NL country representatives.

In the first two months of 2024, PLDT and Smart’s Child Protection Platform has prevented at least a quarter of a million attempts to open online OCSE materials. Since it went online, the system has blacklisted nearly a million URLs and contents linked to child abuse.

“We are honored to share PLDT and Smart’s experience and best practices in protecting children’s rights online at this summit.  Our multi-pronged approach goes beyond technology to include community engagements like Project SCROL with TdH NL and Bidlisiw Foundation in Cebu,” Orlino said.

PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to create a safe digital environment for children and their collaboration with like-minded organizations underscore the Group’s long-term commitment to help the country attain UNSDG No. 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies including the end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. (Photos: PLDT/Smart/Google Images)

Filinvest’s P16B Ciudad project, a game changer for Cebu’s economic growth

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Provincial government turned over 1.2-hectare property to Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), a homegrown developer through a build-transfer-operate (BTO) engagement for the P16-Billion development of Ciudad project that is a game changer for Cebu’s economic growth and development.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and CEO, formally kicked off the project in simple ceremonies onsite March 22 in Apas, northeast of Cebu IT Park and along Gov. Cuenco Ave., marking the new chapter in their long-standing partnership.

Garcia bared that the P16 billion project has the prior approval of the Cebu Provincial Economic Enterprise Council that studied the unsolicited proposal to construct high-end residential and commercial towers on the Ciudad property.

The Governor commented on Filinvest to endure the challenging negotiations with provincial officials that led to the signing of an updated agreement in January this year, reflecting significant changes in the property market since the deal was made in 2006.

This is Filinvest Land’s second public-private partnership (PPP) with the Province of Cebu after Filinvest Cyberzone located on the opposite southwestern side of Cebu IT Park along W. Geonzon St. and Salinas Drive.

"This upgraded agreement is more than just a business transaction. It signifies FLI's unwavering dedication to Cebu, where we accredit our pedigree of success.  The company’s founders Andrew and Mercedita Gotianun established their roots in Cebu where we are committed to being a long-term partner in Cebu's growth, not just by developing world-class properties,” Las Marias said, in his message.

Las Marias added that the 1.2-hectare Ciudad parcel is a prime example of FLI's placemaking expertise to create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation and collaboration, creating spaces that empower businesses and communities to thrive. 

The modern office spaces will cater to Cebu's robust BPO sector and traditional businesses, while the business hotel will provide excellent accommodation for visiting professionals from all over the world.

                 Benefits of the Ciudad property development

“This project will be a catalyst for economic activity, generating jobs and attracting new investments to the province,” Las Marias pointed out.

Under the amended agreement, Filinvest will rent the whole property from P35.55 per sqm/month that was set in 2006 to P65, roughly P780,000 per month with a five percent   escalation starting from the 6th year after turnover.

According to Filinvest’s press statement, the province is primed to receive a two percent share of gross sales from project developments, or a minimum of P200,000 per month, whichever is higher.

“This updated agreement ensures Cebu receives a fair share of the economic benefits generated from Ciudad.  The increased lease rate and sales percentage share will provide the province with much needed resources to further invest in infrastructure and social programs for our people. This is a significant step towards progress, and we are glad to have chosen our long-time partner and proudly one of Cebu’s own, Filinvest Land, to be at its forefront,” Garcia noted.

Darwin John Moises, vice president of the Cebu IT & Business Process Management Organization (CIB.O) echoed the positive outlook for the project.  The construction of this modern office space is a major development for Cebu's BPO industry.

“It will provide much-needed space for existing companies to expand and will attract new players to the trailblazing region. This project aligns perfectly with CIB.O's vision of Cebu becoming a global leader in the BPM sector and we are thrilled to see Filinvest Land contributing to this advocacy," Moises said.

Since its first residential subdivision in Cebu in the 1960s, the Filinvest Group has expanded its development footprint in the province to include residential condominiums, office hubs, hospitality, and leisure developments.  City di Mare, a master-planned township at South Road Properties is home to the Sinulog Festival that seals its stature as Cebu City’s preferred lifestyle events destination. (Photos: Filinvest-FB/Google Images)

 

 

CitySavings receives PEACE award from Metrobank Foundation

CEBU CITY -- City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift subsidiary of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) was one of the recipients of the 4th Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) Award for Partners in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) for its efforts in elevating communities and advocating for relevant education-focused programs.

"We are delighted to accept this award for all CitySavings Bankers. Our vision aligns with the Metrobank Foundation's goal of enhancing the quality of education. We will continue collaborating with the NTMCC and DepEd for many more years," CitySavings Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Paula Katerina Joson said, in accepting the award during the event on February 29.

According to CitySavings, since 2015, CitySavings has been active in the annual National Teachers' Month (NTM) celebration from September to October to honor Filipino educators.  The bank was acknowledged for its extensive initiatives during the NTM celebrations.

As a member of the NTM Coordinating Council (NTMCC), which MBFI co-chairs, CitySavings collaborates with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other public and private organizations to engage with stakeholders in the national and local NTM celebrations led by DepEd.

CitySavings has also intensified its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, focusing on practical wealth management, mental health and well-being, and breast cancer awareness for teachers. CitySavings has taken steps to support the delivery of quality basic education through various learning and teaching-related initiatives in line with the government agency's MATATAG agenda.

In celebration of Metrobank’s 45^th anniversary, MBFI recognized 30 PEACE awardees from national government agencies, non-government and socio-civic organizations, international organizations, academe, business, and media partners.

“We encourage you to continue with us in this noble call to nation-building, leveraging our modest resources, and amplifying your work as our partners to be there for the disadvantaged and the marginalized. Let us not get tired of doing what is right,” Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña, in a press statement, addressed and thanked its partners. (Photos: CitySavings/FB/Google Images)

DOE, DOST push for RE research, dev’t and innovations

MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 4 to collaborate in the advancement of renewable energy (RE) research, development and innovations towards the transition to clean energy.

"By joining forces with the DOST, we aim to leverage our collective strengths and resources to drive innovation and overcome technical, economic, and policy challenges to facilitate the widespread adoption of RE technologies," DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said.

Lotilla noted that R&D may aid policymakers with scientific and technical insights in analyzing policy frameworks and market mechanisms to support the deployment of RE.   The agreement also facilitates the application of research findings and innovations, promoting the commercialization of RE technologies and the growth of the local green economy.

The DOE and DOST invite stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to join hands in supporting this partnership to enhance the development and greater RE utilization, Lotilla added.

 

(The MOA was signed by Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.)

The DOE-DOST partnership utilizes the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF) mandated under Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act 2008.  In 2022, the DOE issued Department Circular No. DC2022-06-0018, which provides the guidelines for managing the RETF to facilitate the program's full implementation.

The RETF is exclusively used, among others, to finance R&D, demonstration, and promotion of RE systems both for power and non-power applications by qualified R&D institutions engaged in RE studies or undertaken jointly through public-private sector partnerships, including a fellowship for energy studies.

Under the MOA, the DOE and DOST, through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), will collaborate on research projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency, affordability and scalability of RE technologies, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, ocean, geothermal energy and other emerging technologies. (Photos: DOE-FB/Google Images) 

READ: Senator Imee Marcos Statement on protecting, defending every Filipino from danger, attack and war

“There is no shame in pursuing peace. Whatever action that may put any Filipino in danger is a gross irresponsibility and must be avoided at all costs.  Emotion rather than reason has prevailed in our maritime conflict with China and is leading us down a dangerous path that will cost us more than just Filipino pride.”

Our country's defense posture is far from self-reliant and the urge to retaliate soonest is about to pay the price of foreign interference.  Section 7 of the newly signed Executive Order 57 welcomes many a Trojan horse of foreign interference through "donations, contributions, grants, bequests or gifts from domestic and foreign sources" that the National Maritime Center has been authorized to accept.

Such largesse has been the fuel to never-ending conflict, as we still see in Ukraine and Gaza. To prevent yet another regional conflict, what we need instead are solutions for peace from those who claim to be our genuine allies.

Even declarations of support lack credibility where a rules-based international order is loudly invoked amid the mute refusal to ratify the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

Hindi ako papayag na malagay sa panganib ang buhay ng kahit isang Pilipino. Subalit malinaw rin sa akin na hindi natin dapat isinusuko ang ating mga karapatan sa West Philippine Sea.

Maging matatag tayo sa gitna ng hamon na ito, ngunit dapat manaig ang kalmadong pag-iisip, mahinahong pananalita, at kalkuladong mga desisyon.

Nagsisimula ito sa maayos na pakikipag-usap sa China at iba pang mga bansang claimant din ng mga isla at iba pang features sa West Philippine Sea.

Mahalagang parte rin nito na himukin ang ating mga mamamayan na tahakin ang landas ng kapayapaan at pagkakaintindihan, dahil hindi tayo dadalhin nito sa kapahamakan.

Huwag tayong padalos-dalos, huwag tayong basag-ulo upang ating mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng ating mamamayan.

FAPSA gathers small, medium-sized schools to converge in Cebu

CEBU CITY— The Federation of Associations of Private School Administrators (FAPSA) gathers small- and medium-sized private schools in the Philippines to a 2-day National Annual Convergence on April 4-5 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Salinas Drive, Cebu City with the theme “Strengthening the Synergistic Partnerships Among Small and Medium-Sized (SMS) Private Schools.”

Dr. Reynaldo Chua Jr., FAPSA president, underscores the importance of small and medium-sized private schools coming together to convey their concerns to the government in a unified manner.   While there are several organizations for schools, FAPSA focuses on the concerns of small and medium-sized schools, and other stakeholders, Dr. Chua explained.

Amid the educational challenges faced in the Philippines, small- and medium-sized private schools hold a crucial position in offering quality education at reasonable tuition fees. Nevertheless, these schools must present a cohesive stance when addressing their concerns to the government, Chua added.

FAPSA marks its 26th anniversary during the convention and will feature updates on education, sharing of best practices, and adoption of technology in the academe.

Marivic Bathan, president of Children’s Paradise Montessori School and FAPSA Regional President for Region VII, said the organization chose Cebu as the venue for the event to encourage more institutions to join FAPSA.

Bathan explained that having more small and medium-sized private schools is more sustainable because the teachers can focus more on the students in each class which is smaller in number compared to bigger schools. She also urged school administrators to join the organization because of the benefits they would enjoy.

While it was originally established as an organization of administrators of small and medium-sized private schools, FAPSA has transitioned to become an educational community organization that now includes teachers, non-teaching personnel, parents, and students of private schools, colleges, and universities.

The organization aims to bring to the government's attention the concerns and issues of the educators and administrators of small and medium-sized private schools as well as those of other stakeholders. 

Among its objectives are cooperating with the government in providing solutions to problems that affect the academic standards in worldwide ranking, and placing the Philippines back in the global educational landscape.

Dr. Chua explained that FAPSA has been providing inputs to the Department of Education (DepEd) and bringing the concerns of members to the attention of the government.  The organization submits position papers to explain the different issues affecting the operation of the small and medium-sized private schools as well as the other stakeholders, he added.

The organization also consults members on issues before coming up with a position paper that would be representative of all its members.   One of the concerns supported by FAPSA is the provision of subsidies for learners from kindergarten up to Grade 10. 

Because of the government subsidy provided to senior high school students who study in private schools, many of them prefer going to private schools, Dr. Chua said.  However, the private schools found that these students who come from public schools have to be taught basic education, especially Mathematics and English.

FAPSA had lobbied for the inclusion of learners from kindergarten to Grade 10 in the granting of subsidies to correct this situation.  He then urged administrators of small and medium-sized schools, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, to become FAPSA members so their voices can also be included when the organization lobbies for some issues and concerns.

“Our ultimate goal is to make the education system in the Philippines better and of quality so that we will not be left behind our neighboring countries,” Dr. Chua stressed.

Chua added that FAPSA also has programs that would help the members including sharing of best practices, providing advice for problems encountered, and other programs such as FAPSA scholarships.

Schedule of events at the convention

On the morning of April 4, the plenary speakers include Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Gina O. Gonong, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Francis Cesar “Panchet” Bringas, and Rep. Roman T. Romulo, chairperson of Basic Education and Culture of the House of Representatives.

Asec Bringas will discuss the topic “The Significance of the Complementarity Between DepEd and Small and Medium-Sized Private Schools” while Dr. Gonong will explain “The Impact of the MATATAG Curriculum in Educational Development Among Private Schools and Rep. Romulo will give an update on the Consolidated House Bills Relevant to the Small and Medium-Sized Private Schools (E-GASTPE, School Calendar, and Multiple Pathways, etc.).  

There will be three breakout sessions in the afternoon for School Owners and Administrators, Teachers, Parents, and Students.  On the breakout session for school owners and administrators, Leck Seng Lee, vice president for partnership of Sing-Ed Global House in Singapore will discuss a School Excellence Mode.

The session for teachers will be facilitated by Fr. Loreto Jaque, first Biodanza Practitioner in the Philippines, Licensed Laughter Yoga Facilitator, and Certified Play and Expressive Arts Therapist. Fr. Jaque will focus on the “Re-Ensouling Education: Bringing Back the Soul in the Classroom.

The session for parents will have Coach Mark Saballa, co-founder of Coaching Space and Inclusion Specialist and Consultant, as the facilitator on the topic Bridging the Gap: Reaching Out to the New Generation of Learners.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAF)-Center For Leaders will facilitate the breakout session for students, the Kabataan, Makialam!: Empowering Youth To Conquer Today’s Realities For Future Triumphs.

The representatives of each group will present the output of the breakout sessions. The first day will end with a fellowship night where there will be special presentations from different groups. The next day, Lee will discuss the topic “Using AI Technology to Enhance Students’ Performance.

There will be panel discussions on three topics: Lessons for Navigating Leadership Voyage to the Future, Developing Human Capital in the Digital Economy, and Wisdom as Capital in Creating Prosperous Communities.

Rhodora Angela Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee, will speak on Strengthening Partnerships Among Small and Medium-Sized Private Schools Towards Effective Advocacy for the Sector.

There will be special messages from Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, Secretary of Education, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the House of Representatives Basic Education, Arts, and Culture Committee.

The two-day event will end with an oath-taking and “Haligi Ng Karunungan Recognition” for school owners and administrators, teaching and non-teaching personnel, parents, students, and other school stakeholders. (Photos: FAPSA/Robby Alugar)