Baricuatro says Capitol ready to implement Metro Cebu Expressway

CEBU -- Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro announced that Capitol is ready to implement the Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE) through a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme during a meeting with MCE stakeholders at the Capitol on October 13, attended by City of Naga Mayor Val Chiong, DENR Assistant Regional Director Eddie Llamedo, MGB Regional Director Al Emil Berador, EMB Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera, and Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano.

“The province will implement that project. There are now interested parties who would want to do joint ventures with the provincial government,” Baricuatro informed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) at the meeting.

The MCE is envisioned as an alternative backbone highway connecting the City of Naga in the south to Danao City in the north, reducing travel time from three hours to just 50 minutes across approximately 56.9 kilometers. Traversing the slopes of Cebu’s mountain range, the expressway is expected to ease traffic congestion in Metro Cebu, particularly in its urban core and central business districts.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano raised the concern of a portion of the expressway in the City of Naga collapsed during a landslide in October 2023, rendering 360 meters of the stretch impassable that impact on Minebea Mitsumi, a manufacturing plant located in the NVIP-Special Economic Zone in Barangay Cantao-an, Naga City.

“This has become a headache for the management since the buses that ferry at least 6,000 employees to and from the plant site had to pass through the collapsed portion,” Durano said the company has been struggling to ferry its 6,000 employees to and from the plant due to the damaged section.

Engr. Nonato Paylado of DPWH-7 assured stakeholders that work on the affected area will begin soon and that access will be restored within six months. “We will try our best to give you a lane that is safe,” Paylado said. (Photos: Capitol PIO/Google Images)

Art exhibit for cancer cause, opens at SM Seaside City Cebu

CEBU CITY – “Colors of Hope, an Exhibit for a Cause” opened at the Upper Ground Floor, Cube Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu from October 10 to 24, in partnership with the Friday Group Sessionistas, a collective of talented local artists, that brings together a meaningful collection of paintings that capture the themes of strength, courage, and hope — inspired by the real-life journeys of individuals facing breast cancer.

More than just a visual showcase, the exhibit serves a deeper purpose: all proceeds to benefit the ICanServe Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness and providing support for survivors across the Philippines.

Visitors are invited to experience the emotional depth and artistic expression of each piece, and to contribute to a cause that touches countless lives. By purchasing an artwork or simply spreading the word, the public can help extend support to women bravely facing the challenges of breast cancer.

Let every brushstroke inspire hope.  Visit the exhibit, appreciate the art, and become part of a meaningful movement for change. (Photos: ICanServeFoundation,Inc.)

 

 

 

PCSA shapes the future of shipping in PH

CEBU—The Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA), a coalition of premier shipping organizations formed in 2018, continues to shape the future of shipping in the Philippines and navigate towards domestic maritime excellence, said its chairman, Lucio Lim, Jr. in his opening message at the PCSA general membership meeting (GMM), October 10 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City.

Lim said bared that the PCSA is the authentic voice of domestic shipping in the country, representing more than 50 members and over 700 vessels, whose mission is to serve the Filipino people, with a focus on innovation and service. “PCSA commits to advancing technology, fostering collaboration within the industry, improving maritime safety, and safeguarding the marine environment,” he added.

Lim said that in the face recent catastrophes, many PCSA members have been at the forefront of extending assistance by shipping emergency supplies and relief goods to impacted regions, pro bono.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCSA committed to a moratorium on raising passenger and cargo rates at the request of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) from 2020 to 2021.

According to Lim, the organization is a key growth driver in the domestic shipping industry as it serves the largest and most extensive network of ship routes, contributing significantly to the Republic's Nautical Highway.  The PCSA has extensively collaborated and engaged in numerous discussions with maritime agencies and stakeholders for its advocacies and legislative contribution.

                                

“Around 20,000 nautical and marine engineering students graduate annually from maritime schools across the country, with only about 25% or 5,000 cadets securing ship boarding training and 65% of the 5,000 cadets do so aboard vessels operated by PCSA members. This substantial contribution supports the professional development of future maritime officers and bolsters the national maritime workforce,” Lim noted.

Lim mentioned that the PCSA’s collaboration with lawmakers to promote the welfare of seafarers and ensure the continuity of services for the benefit of the general public bore fruits with the signing of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers by President Bongbong Marcos, which eventually improve seafarer rights and welfare.

“We were also granted a seat on the Marina Board, where key policies and decisions affecting the industry are deliberated at the highest level, where our advocacies for meaningful changes in maritime policy and amendments to government circulars are being deliberated and attend to, ensuring practical, balanced, and effective regulations,” Lim said. (Photos: PCSA/Abigail Caruana)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ateneo Graduate School of Business Cebu campus reopens

CEBU CITY -- The Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) reopened its Cebu campus today, October 11 at the Cebu Holdings Center, Ayala Business Park, Cebu City with a renewed commitment to forming ethical and effective leaders for the region’s business community.

Louie Montalbo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of Ateneo Graduate School of Business said that the AGSB institution is unique in having satellite campuses outside Metro Manila, distinguishing them from other related universities.  He emphasizes the importance of extending their reach to different parts of the country to fulfill its mission of creating professional and ethical business leaders.

“AGSB’s presence in Cebu is described as strategic and deliberate, recognizing the significance of the city and the region in Asian business development.  The campus in Cebu has been situated in the business park for years, indicating a long-term commitment to the region,” Montalbo added.

Shannen Tan, Campus Director of AGSB Cebu, in her message at the reopening and blessing event today said, AGSB’s educational philosophy centers on application. Students, many of them entrepreneurs and corporate managers, engage in projects and assignments that mirror the challenges they may face in their own organizations.

“We want to develop leaders who are not only good managers but also ethical in their approach.  That’s the heart of our Jesuit education—leadership grounded in values.  Our practice-oriented approach makes learning more relevant compared to traditional, purely research-driven programs,” Tan explained.

Tan said that the AGSB Cebu is backed by the prestige of the Ateneo brand and a strong Jesuit tradition.  AGSB Cebu offers a graduate program that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance—designed for professionals who want to lead with both competence and conscience.

The Cebu campus reopened in 2024 after a pandemic-related closure and now operates under a hybrid model—50 percent onsite and 50 percent online, including asynchronous activities that allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule. The facility includes two classrooms that can each accommodate 30 students and a conference room for smaller group sessions, Tan recalled.

AGSB offers two MBA program tracks: Ateneo-Regis MBA, which can be finished in two to three years depending on the student’s pace, and the MBA Standard, typically completed in three to four years.

Jet Magsaysay, Dean of AGSB said that the school also continues to introduce relevant electives. Data Science has recently joined the lineup, alongside courses in project management, brand strategy, and investment management. These offerings reflect the school’s commitment to preparing graduates for today’s fast-evolving business landscape.

“To keep its curriculum aligned with industry needs, AGSB has anchored the curriculum on three cornerstones: responsible business, digital business, and leadership skills for the 4th Industrial Revolution,” Magsaysay added.

AGSB Cebu also welcomes partnerships with local companies. Firms that enroll at least ten employees can form a cohort, allowing participants to complete the program together. While tuition discounts aren’t offered, cohort members are exempt from annual tuition increases—a benefit that adds long-term value for institutional partners.

Students also gain access to AGSB’s national network, with campuses in Rockwell, Clark, Sta. Rosa, Iloilo, and Cebu. This broad reach fosters connections across industries and regions, often leading to future business collaborations.  With its values-driven mission, practical curriculum, and strong national presence, AGSB Cebu positions itself as a smart choice for professionals ready to lead with purpose in a changing world, Magsaysay said.

Ateneo Graduate School of Business – Cebu is now accepting applications for MBA Regis Term 1 and MBA Standard First Trimester, School Year 2025–2026.  Classes start this September 2025 and deadline of Applications is on August 1, 2025.  For inquiries and application assistance, visit Ateneo GSB Cebu on Facebook or email cebu.gsb@ateneo.edu. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Baricuato desires safer, smarter Cebu

CEBU—Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro desires a “better, safer and smarter Cebu”, beyond resilience and urged local leaders, policymakers, business movers, and development partners to work toward an inclusive and purpose-driven economy, emphasizing unity, foresight, and compassion in rebuilding and advancing the province’s growth.

“Resilience is not enough. It cannot be our fallback every time disaster strikes. True strength demands foresight. It demands action. We must build not just back — but better, safer, and smarter.  While resilience is admirable, it should not be Cebu’s only response to crises,” Baricuatro told the participants at the Cebu Province Economic Forum 3.0 on October10 at the Capitol.

She called on sectors to focus on preparedness and proactive planning to ensure lasting progress, adding that the forum’s goal goes beyond numbers and economic performance. It is about building an economy that uplifts every sector, from farmers and fisherfolk to entrepreneurs, innovators, and the youth who will inherit Cebu’s future.

“Collaboration is important and progress can only be achieved through shared responsibility.  If we want to move Cebu ahead, we must move as one — with a clear vision, shared responsibility, and genuine collaboration. Government cannot do it alone. Neither can business,” she noted.

The Cebu Province Economic Forum 3.0 gathered key government officials, business leaders, and development institutions to discuss strategies for sustainable growth and post-quake recovery, anchored on the province’s vision of a resilient and inclusive economy.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the “Invest Cebu Prosper in Paradise” movement organized the forum with the theme, “Embracing Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges.”  Among the speakers included, Robert Dan Roces, Senior Assistant Vice President and Economist of SM Investments; Dr. Brian To, Senior Fellow at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; and Evelyn Nacario-Castro, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Central Visayas.

CCCI president, Jay Yuvallos thanked the provincial government for supporting such a powerful dialog bringing business leaders, policymakers, and development partners to shape Cebu’s economic future post the 6.9 magnitude earthquake and for championing collaboration and progress through this meaningful partnership with Cebu’s business sector. 

Baricuatro reiterated the importance of working together as one to transform the province into a Cebu that is not only resilient, but ready. Not only competitive, but compassionate. Not only growing, but grounded in integrity and purpose. (Photos: CCCI & Capitol PIO)

 

 

 

 

𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐5

CEBU— Isabela Fernandez of Brazil was crowned as Miss Asia Pacific International 2025, in a lavish show of beauties from 50 countries across the Asia Pacific Region during the Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 pageant at the Cebu Coliseum on October 8, 2025. 

Joining her royal court are; 1st Runner-Up: Anita Rose Gomez (Philippines); 2nd Runner-Up: Bowonrat Maneerat (Thailand); 3rd Runner-Up: Jana Janssens (Belgium) and 4th Runner-Up: Elmira Wildoboer (Netherlands), 

Miss Asia Pacific International officials led by Atty. Eva Psychee Patalingjud-Lim and Jacqueline Tan-Sainz and the Province of Cebu with governor Pamela Baricuatro signed the partnership early September to host and undertake the Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 pageant in Cebu, Philippines.

“I feel very wonderful with the partnership to hold the pageant in Cebu with the goal of bringing peace and inclusivity, and the partnership’s tourism and economic potentials,”Atty. Eva Psychee Patalingjud-Lim, president of Miss Asia Pacific International said. 

This is a transition from moving the coordination line from Manila to Cebu to enhance fostering 

peace and cultural exchange among candidates worldwide, with 50 candidates from all over the world to experience the beauty and cultural heritage of Cebu,” Patalingjud-Lim said.

Cebu Provincial governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the partnership to host the pageant here to showcase Asian culture and tourism on the international stage and thanked the organizers and partners of Miss Asia Pacific International for its trust and support for Cebu.

“The partnership’s goal of showing the world, affirms and supports opportunities, investments and global exposures for the Province and the benefits and impact of this partnership on the region,” Baricuatro said.

Jacqueline Tan-Sainz, Executive Director of Miss Asia Pacific International shared that this prestigious event celebrates beauty, diversity and empowerment, bringing together around 50 delegates from across the globe to Cebu.

Tan-Sainz and Patalingjud-Lim shared that the pageant emphasizes celebrating individuality and promoting harmony in diversity, focusing on culture, race, belief, and opinion as its theme. 

The mission of Miss Asia Pacific International is to inspire women to embrace their uniqueness and appreciate others’, fostering confidence and positive change, the officials added.

The Miss Asia Pacific International was founded in 1965 as Miss Asia. The pageant evolved incorporating participants from broader regions and renaming it to Miss Asia Pacific International in 2005. (Photos: CONPC/Ian Javier)

Cebu post-quake assessment on health, population and damage

CEBU – A progress report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office VII relative to the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on September 30, placed the total number of affected barangays at 254 with 193,137 affected families and about 679,884 persons displaced, as of October 9, 2025.

“We have already given more than P152,771,631 total cost of DSWD assistance to the above-mentioned areas and population.  There are 685 families, 2,906 persons currently staying inside our eight open evacuation centers while there are 1,112 families and 5,685 persons who are displaced and currently seeking temporary shelter with their friends or relatives,” DSWD-7 regional director, Shalane Lucero said.

Damage houses are placed at 5,205 that are totally damaged and there are 70,221 partially damaged homes, Lucero added that DSWD-7 available relief resources, as of October 9, 2025 is more than P52,087,313. She said that DSWD Field Office 7 remains committed to working closely with both government and non-government partners to ensure that all affected residents receive equitable and timely assistance.

                           Cebu Province post-quake report on health

Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro through Dr. Nikki Catalan, the Capitol’s Public Health Consultant reported that all 16 Capitol-run hospitals confirmed to be operational, despite the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on September 30 and the delivery of medical services under the Province of Cebu remains uninterrupted.

Dr. Catalan bared that the province’s four provincial hospitals and 12 district hospitals continue to serve patients, with electricity and water supply already stabilized in quake-affected facilities. Medicine and medical equipment have also been restored to normal levels.

The Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH) in Bogo City incurred damage, particularly in the building housing the operating, emergency, and delivery rooms. To ensure safety, makeshift tents have been set up outside the hospital to temporarily accommodate patients who remain anxious about staying indoors due to aftershocks and trauma.

At the Juan B. Dosado Memorial Hospital in Sogod, a three-story building has been declared off-limits pending safety assessment, while the Daanbantayan District Hospital requires repairs in its emergency room and outpatient department.

The Bantayan District Hospital also reported damage in its delivery room and new building, Dr. Catalan noted. Patients from ground zero that needed specialized care have been transferred to other public and private hospitals for continued treatment. Among them, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center received 89 patients, CPH Danao accepted 51, CPH Balamban admitted 22, and UCMed took in 37.

Most of the cases involved fractures, traumatic injuries, and lacerations, Dr. Catalan said. Notably, eight free orthopedic operations were performed at CPH Balamban through the Philippine Orthopedic Association.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) committed to repair the structural damage at CPH Bogo, while psychologist groups have been conducting debriefing sessions for both patients and medical front liners affected by the quake in Bogo City. (Photos: FB grabs from DSWD7/Capitol PIO)