Persons with Disabilities scuba dive, help clean oceans in Cebu

LAPULAPU CITY – Some 15 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who are members of the Philippine Accessible Disability Service (PADS) Dragon Boat Racing Team, joined this year’s Dive and Clean-Up Club (DCC) “NO BARRIER 4” event, a discovery scuba and clean-up dive for PWDs held on January 24 at Scotty’s Action Sports Network in Shangri-la Mactan, Cebu.

There were 60 participants at the NO BARRIER 4 event composed of partners, sponsors and volunteers, including PWDs that assembled as early as 7:00 AM on January 24 to scuba dive and help clean the oceans around the Mactan Seas.  Some 30 licensed divers from DCC came together to facilitate the skills training in the water for the Discover Scuba Dive (DSD) program, to assist the training and to document the NO BARRIER 4 event.

Ludy Vilma Demecillo, who founded the Dive and Clean-up Clu in 2025, has partnered with PADS founder John Paul Maunes since 2022 for the discovery scuba dive for the PWDs.  DCC advocates for cleaner seas and assists groups in scuba diving training with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) which is responsible of sending the e-learning to the participants consisting of dive scenarios for them to work through and some medical questionnaire to fill out.

“We have been doing the NO BARRIER discovery dive for PWDs since 2023 and for several years, and over time more than 100 PADS members with disabilities have gained the confidence to participate in this activity,” said Jp Ecarma Maunes, Founder of PADS.

Maunes shared that PADS is involved in this project as a statement as much as an activity. Through adaptive scuba diving and the dive and clean initiative, the group challenges the long-standing belief that underwater activities are only for able-bodied individuals.

 PADS group creates opportunities for persons with disabilities to safely experience scuba diving, take active roles underwater, and be seen—not as limitations—but as capable divers and contributors. “Our involvement is about changing perceptions and proving that disability does not mean inability,” Maunes stated.

He explained that each dive includes adaptive divers alongside trained buddies and volunteers, working as one team.  Every new participant represents a breakthrough—not just in skill, but in mindset—because choosing to dive is already an act of courage in a world that often tells people with disabilities what they cannot do.

The NO BARRIER adaptive scuba diving event for the PADS members is deeply transformative. “Underwater, gravity disappears, and so do many of the barriers they face on land. It gives persons with disabilities a rare sense of freedom, independence, and control over their own bodies. Emotionally, it builds confidence and pride—because they are doing something society often says is impossible,” Maunes noted.

The dive and cleaning up the oceans go even further, Maunes added that it shows that his members are not just participating in sports, but giving back and protecting the environment.  “It breaks stereotypes in a powerful way that people with disabilities are not objects of care, but agents of change.”

Maunes said that PADS’ vision is always to challenge norms, break barriers, and prove that in adaptive sports, especially in scuba diving, anything is possible when people are given access, trust, and opportunity. “Breaking barriers, one dive at a time, for a better tomorrow!” Maunes concluded. (Photos: DCC/Ludy Demecillo/PADS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPINION: Why PH commutes stay unreliable

CEBU CITY -- A better commute is possible, but it requires structural choices but traffic congestion in the Philippines is no longer the core problem facing urban mobility. The deeper challenge is uncertainty. Commuters are unable to predict travel time, booking availability, or daily transport costs, turning mobility into a structural constraint on economic activity in the country’s largest cities.

Data from traffic studies and urban transport agencies show how this uncertainty has become embedded in the country’s mobility system, with measurable economic costs and growing pressure on cities beyond Metro Manila.

According to the TomTom Traffic Index, cities in the Philippines rank among the most time-consuming for daily travel in Asia. In Metro Manila, estimates widely cited from JICA-related analyses put the economic cost of congestion at about PHP 3.5 billion per day, a figure expected to rise if current trends continue.

At this level, unreliable mobility affects more than individual convenience. It disrupts work schedules, increases operating costs for businesses, and limits access to employment and services. The burden falls disproportionately on urban workers who depend on predictable travel times to sustain income and productivity.

As urban density increases, these effects compound. What begins as a traffic delay translates into lost economic output, weaker labor mobility, and declining service efficiency across cities.

Structural gaps, not demand, drive system-wide unreliability

The persistence of uncertainty reflects structural imbalance rather than excess demand alone.

Data from the Asian Transport Observatory indicate that the Philippines has around 1.4 kilometers of BRT and metro per one million urban residents, compared with an Asian average of roughly 6 kilometers. This shortfall forces a large share of daily travel onto road-based transport, even as road networks operate beyond optimal capacity.

Taxis and ride services have therefore become a critical layer in the mobility system, compensating for limited mass transit coverage. However, when supply fluctuates and driver productivity declines under congestion, reliability deteriorates further.

These pressures are increasingly visible beyond Metro Manila. In Cebu, one of the country’s fastest-growing urban economies, local reporting by SunStar has highlighted commuter complaints about extended wait times for ride bookings, often exceeding 20 minutes during peak periods. Such delays signal a system approaching saturation, where effective supply fails to keep pace with demand.

Academician analysis supports this diagnosis. Jan Carlo Punongbayan, Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, has argued that mobility challenges stem from car-centric planning and fragmented governance rather than from any single transport mode. Framing urban transport as a contest between public and private systems, he notes, obscures the underlying structural constraints.

Structural choices and the role of electric taxis

In cities where mass transit remains limited, taxis will continue to play an essential role in urban mobility. The issue is not whether taxis are needed, but how reliably they operate within the broader system.

Regulatory frameworks already reflect this concern. LTFRB guidelines on vehicle age limits and fleet modernization acknowledge the link between fleet quality, safety standards, and service consistency. Older vehicles tend to amplify uncertainty for both passengers and drivers.

For drivers, unreliability is financial. Fuel price volatility introduces daily income risk, particularly in congested, high-utilization environments. Newer vehicles, including electrified options where infrastructure allows, shift operating costs toward more predictable structures.

Electric taxis are increasingly seen as part of urban mobility solutions, as they simultaneously reduce emissions and raise safety standards. Given their high utilization, electric fleets help limit environmental impact in dense urban areas. At the same time, centralized operations, defined vehicle standards, and advanced safety systems help reduce operational risks and improve road safety.

For passengers, reliability outweighs novelty. The ability to secure a ride, maintain acceptable comfort during delays, and rely on consistent safety standards defines service quality. International experience suggests that when multiple service models coexist within clear regulatory frameworks, competition tends to raise baseline standards rather than fragment them.

Within this context, electric taxi operators such as Green GSM should be understood as complementary components of the urban mobility ecosystem. Their contribution lies not in eliminating congestion but in reducing uncertainty at the margin by standardizing fleet quality, stabilizing operating conditions for drivers, and delivering more predictable outcomes for passengers.

A better commute, therefore, is not a slogan. It is a structural outcome. It emerges when infrastructure investment, regulatory clarity, and market incentives align around reliability rather than volume.

Cebu City targets full site clearing at Binaliw landslide within the week

CEBU CITY—Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, in a series of multi-sector meetings following the tragic Binaliw landslide and confirmed multiple casualties received as joint and inter-agency responders from the City, Province and national government agencies continue the clearing and retrieval operations as the City authorities are still verifying reports of additional bodies in the area.

 

In a post-Sinulog press conference at City Hall, mayor Archival said that depending on weather conditions, the City targets within the last two weeks of January for full site clearing.  However, to express solidarity with affected families, the City conducted house-to-house visits to the victims on January 21, and burial expenses for fatalities are fully shouldered, and assistance is being arranged to support families who lost household breadwinners.

 

On January 22, mayor Archival with Cebu officials and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had a coordination meeting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol with DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla and discussed immediate and long-term waste management measures following the Binaliw landfill incident.

 

At the meeting officials identified alternative waste disposal sites and options, including the use of new technologies and materials recovery facilities (MRFs); highlighted the importance of close coordination and formal consultations with local government units where potential alternative disposal sites may be located.  

Mayor Archival, meanwhile, shared the city government’s ongoing follow-up efforts with Prime Waste Solutions regarding its commitment to set up a transfer station on its unused property in Barangay Binaliw.

“We are closely coordinating with the DENR which serves as the lead agency in the investigation and we are committed to fully cooperate.  We are also meeting with DSWD and DOLE regarding financial aid, employment assistance and livelihood programs particularly for unemployed family members and women affected by the incident. While details are still being finalized, assistance from national agencies is already confirmed,” Archival told the media in one of his press conferences last week. 

The City also conveyed the request of affected families for the media to refrain from posting sensitive content related to the victims out of respect and to exercise restraint and sensitivity in coverage, the mayor said.

Mayor Archival expressed gratitude to all responders and supporters, including national agencies, the BJMP, the Armed Forces, local government units, private companies, and volunteers. Formal recognition is planned during a charity day program.

In a related development, Cebu City urgently sought alternative landfill sites after being granted a 30-day extension to temporarily dispose of waste at the Consolacion landfill in Barangay Polog. 

Archival said the city is in active negotiations with landfill operators in Bogo City, Minglanilla, and Aloguinsan towns to ensure uninterrupted waste management once the temporary arrangement expires. The city’s waste crisis intensified following the collapse of the Binaliw landfill earlier this month, which killed 36 workers and one volunteer rescuer. 

DENR-Central Visayas subsequently ordered the suspension of landfill operations at the site, except for rescue and cleanup, pending compliance requirements from the operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc.

 

Cebu City has relied on the Consolacion landfill for short-term relief, though officials acknowledged the facility is also receiving waste from other local government units, raising capacity and environmental concerns. 

 

 “With the 30-day deadline now in effect, we are accelerating our talks with prospective landfill hosts and following up on Prime Integrated Waste Solutions’ commitment to establish a transfer station in Barangay Binaliw,” the mayor bared.

Archival also noted the urgency of the garbage/waste situation in Cebu City with the recent Sinulog Festival cleanup operations, where nearly 700 tons of garbage were collected citywide, with almost half gathered along the parade route alone.

“I am urging the public to manage their own waste at home and practice proper segregation, noting that plastics collected during the festivities are set to be recycled. The City reaffirms our commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and the pursuit of sustainable and compliant waste management solutions,” Archival said during the January 19 Post-Sinulog press conference.

Cebu’s travel/tours industry to mount a travel catalog int’l expo on Feb 13-15

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Travel and Tours Association (CTTA) is set to mount its 10^th Cebu Travel Catalog International (CTCI) on February 13-15, 2026 at Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City with the theme, “Wander Beyond Borders” to celebrate 10 years of endless journey and recognized as Cebu’s premier travel and tourism exhibition that continues to serve as a growing platform for collaboration and global engagement within the industry.

“CTCI has grown because of ten years of shared journeys, strong partnerships, and a collective passion for travel. Our milestone reminds us of how far we have come together.  This year’s 3-day event gathers over 73 exhibitors of local and international tourism stakeholders, travel brands, destination partners, and travel enthusiasts in a dynamic showcase of experiences and opportunities shaping today’s travel landscape,” CTTA President, Alan Carvajal said in his opening message.

Carvajal shared that over the past decade, CTCI has evolved from a regional travel showcase into a trusted industry platform that connects destinations, businesses, and travelers. It has played a key role in promoting Cebu as a gateway to the Philippines while strengthening international tourism linkages.

Carvajal highlights the success of CCTI in strengthening domestic tourism, particularly in Cebu. The expo has become a significant event for top-notch resorts and hotels to offer their best packages and room rates.  He estimates foot traffic at the exhibition area of more than 5,000 to 15,000 for the 3-day event.

CTTA Vice-President and CTCI 2026 Chair, Angelita Dy described how the expo attracts families and promotes travel, even if they don't have initial plans adding that airlines offer very low airfares, which are shared with travel agents.  More than 30 hotels and resorts to showcase vouchers for hotels stay, day breakfast meals, and other promos.  Travel insurance companies also offer low rates on travel insurances, and banks provide credit card offers and other financial services.

“As we celebrate ten years of Endless Journeys, CTCI 2026 reaffirms its commitment to building global connections and inspiring travel experiences that go beyond borders.  This year’s theme, “Wander Beyond Borders,” reflects the evolution of both travel and CTCI itself, encouraging exploration beyond familiar routes and traditional perspectives,” Dy said.

Tourism boards such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Korea Tourism Organization are showcasing destinations and travel programs while leading hotels and leisure destinations are also featured such as NUSTAR Resort Cebu, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Radisson Red Cebu, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, and Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, among others.

Travel agencies, banks, insurance providers, and tourism service companies further reinforce the breadth and scale of the exhibition.  Japan and Korea as top destinations from the previous year, with Vietnam are expected to join this year.  Taiwan reports Filipino tourists as the number one arrival for the year in their country.

Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS) president, Alice Queblatin acknowledged the support from the various tourism industry stakeholders and partners contribute to strengthening tourism collaboration across borders.

Queblatin shared that the rise of Bohol, Palawan and Siargao as popular destinations are due to the direct flights to these places, contributing to their growths.  She also mentioned expo’s role in promoting adventure tourism and the last frontier in the Philippines.

Queblatin added that India is a major market for outbound travelers, highlighting its large volume of travelers connected to the Philippines, there is a direct connection between India and the Philippines through various airlines. 

She also mentioned the development of a new market, Australia, with direct inbound flights into Cebu, indicating a growing market. “There is growing Muslim tourists in the region hence, the need for Muslim-friendly restaurants to accommodate the increasing number of Muslim travelers,” Queblatin noted. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Agri-Fishery Investment Forum comes up with clearer roadmap, co-investment framework

CEBU CITY – The 3-day Municipal Agri-Fishery Forum (MAFIF) on January 20-22 in Cebu wrapped up Thursday and came up with a clearer agricultural and fishery roadmap: a shift from short-term aid “ayuda” to long-term co-investment framework, pooling money from national, local, and private sources to improve production, post-harvest handling, and marketing of the agri-fishery sector.

 

“This three-day gathering in Cebu City brings together about 1,300 participants composed of national government, local government units (LGUs), farmers, fisherfolk, and private-sector investors from all over the country covering regions 1-13, including CAR, NIR and BARMN to align priorities and co-invest in agriculture and fisheries,” DA Undersecretary for Policy and Regulations, Atty Asis Perez said at the opening preliminaries of the forum.

 Perez said that the MAFIF is a platform for “co-investment planning,” where the Department of Agriculture (DA) matches funds from the national budget, LGUs, and private partners to boost productivity, infrastructure, and income in rural areas.

The bottom line, Perez added, is a co-investment partnership model, the new DA-REACH program, a pipeline of infrastructure and value-chain projects like roads, processing, cold chain, fisheries management and a mix of funding sources from the national budget, World Bank and EU loans, DBP/Land Bank credit, and private capital.

“The MAFIF is part a broader strategy under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and the Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas agenda that aim to reduce import dependence of (currently at $19B of agri-food imports annually) and to increase farmer/fisherfolk income by 50 percent in target areas, including municipalities with high poverty incidence and geographic imbalances,” Perez bared.

Challenges and solutions in agriculture-fishery sector

In a side media interview with USEC Perez, he noted the need for targeted government investments in agriculture/fishery and the importance of private sector involvement and collaboration, especially in the budget allocation for agriculture and fisheries, emphasizing the need for increased investment for specific commodities and industries, on production and local value addition.

Perez said that it is important to invest in infrastructure, such as irrigation and farm-to-market roads and availability of funds for cooperatives and machinery investments in high-poverty municipalities, geographically isolated islands, and small island communities.

“Emphasis must be focused on fisheries, which now has a ₱15 billion budget, coffee, poultry, eggs, and other high-value crops. The need to align LGU priorities with national programs, identification of priority commodities such as rice, corn, swine, seaweed, mango, bamboo, abaca, and a pipeline of investment-ready projects such as farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, and processing centers,” he added.

The Undersecretary shared that DA launched a new program at the forum called Deployment and Advancement of Responsive Extension on Agriculture for Community Holistic Development (DA-REACH) that aims to make municipalities the drivers of agri-fishery development and investment readiness.

Concrete projects in the pipeline

The MAFIF has identified some concrete projects in the pipeline including farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, processing centers, and cold-chain logistics described as priority infrastructure in LGU Provincial Commodity Investment Plans (PCIPs) with the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up of $600M loan to fund these infrastructure and enterprise sub-projects.

The Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project with $200M to improve fishery management and reduce overfishing; Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) with $120M, targeting Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao; and the additional upcoming programs dubbed as Pagkilos-Locally Led Climate Action, Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Project for Learning Upgrade Support, all adopting the PRDP-style procedures.

Perez said the co-investment strategy is actually pooling of funding resource from the national government, DA’s 2026 budget request of P176.7B, including the P30B for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and ₱33 B for farm-to-market roads.

Foreign-assisted financing from World Bank loans (PRDP Scale-Up $600M, FishCoRe $200M, MIADP $120M); European Union co-financing (about US$22 M) for PRDP in Bangsamoro and other vulnerable Mindanao areas.

Low-interest loans available from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Agriculture Credit Policy Council; and LGU counterpart of 20 % of project costs typically provided by the local government units, as required by PRDP guidelines.

“in summary, this forum gathered local executives, national government officials, farmers, fisherfolks, private-sector investors, local banks and international funding institutions to establish a co-investment platform to boost productivity, infrastructure and income in the agriculture and fishery sector,” Perez concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

PAL marks 85 years flight, unveils 1st Airbus A350-1000

PASAY CITY – The Philippine Airlines (PAL) marked its 85 years of flight with the unveiling of its first Airbus A350-1000, becoming the first airline in Southeast Asia to operate the long-range widebody.

“As Philippine Airlines continues its transformation, we remain mindful that our journey is inseparable from that of our country.  Our role as the flag carrier is not simply commercial. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously. We exist to connect people, support livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development, consistent with the ideals of Bagong Pilipinas,” said Lucio Tan, PAL Holdings, Inc. President, in a ceremony, January 18 at Macroasia Economic Zone, Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

Tan reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting the country’s tourism growth and strengthening its competitiveness on the global stage, adding that the A350-1000 aircraft stands as a powerful symbol of PAL’s resurgence, representing its confidence to compete globally while remaining deeply rooted in who we are as Filipinos.

The arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 mirrors the Philippines today: resilient, forward-looking, and prepared to engage the world with confidence.   The new flagship features the airline’s iconic “Sunrise” livery accented with a commemorative “85 Years” decal, reflecting both its legacy and its forward-looking ambitions, Tan said.

Five A350-1000 aircraft are scheduled to join the fleet in 2026, with the remaining three arriving in 2027.

The ceremony held at Lufthansa Technik Philippines, Macroasia Economic Zone, Villamor Airbase, PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III welcomed President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, with top government officials and dignitaries, to witness the event.

President Marcos led guests in touring the state-of-the-art aircraft, which is set to elevate PAL’s long-haul transpacific services to the US Mainland and Canada. Configured in a spacious tri-class layout, the A350-1000 accommodates 382 passengers, with 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 316 in Economy. 

The cabin experience, developed in partnership with aircraft cabin design studio Lift Aero Design, places a strong emphasis on comfort, privacy, and functionality. The “Mabuhay Studios” Business Class features 42 full-flat suites with sliding doors for enhanced privacy, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout to ensure every passenger has direct aisle access. Each suite is equipped with a 20-inch 4K personal entertainment screen.

Complimentary full flight messaging, browsing, and streaming are available via inflight Wi-Fi. Additional amenities include in-seat power outlets, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and wireless charging docks.

Premium Economy features spacious recliner seats designed for enhanced comfort, each equipped with its own leg rest and footrest. Passengers enjoy the convenience of private mini-cocktail tables, multiple stowage options, in-seat power outlets, as well as both USB-A and USB-C charging ports to keep devices powered.

The 13.3-inch 4K personal entertainment screens offer a superior in-flight viewing experience. Additionally, complimentary full-flight messaging and browsing via inflight Wi-Fi ensure passengers stay connected from takeoff to landing.

Economy Class raises comfort standards with a 32-inch seat pitch, generous recline, adjustable four-way headrests, built-in personal mobile device holders, and both USB-A and USB-C charging ports. These thoughtful ergonomic features help make long-haul travel more restful and enjoyable.

Beyond the cabin, the A350-1000 sets a new benchmark in sustainable aviation, delivering up to a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft and offering compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Enhanced cargo capacity further strengthens PAL’s logistics and freight operations.

Recognized as Asia Pacific’s Most On-Time Airline for 2025, PAL continues to demonstrate operational excellence. The milestone event was also marked by the launch of a new jingle—performed by Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, and Martin Nievera—capturing the spirit of 85 years of shaping Philippine aviation.

With the addition of the A350-1000, PAL’s fleet now stands at 82 aircraft. The acquisition underscores the airline’s ongoing focus on fleet modernization and network expansion, as it positions itself for greater efficiency, connectivity, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape. (Photos: PAL)

 

 

Toyota Team Cebu unveils next generation Tamaraw

CEBU CITY –The Toyota Team Cebu (TCB) unveiled the Next-Gen Toyota Tamaraw in a press conference on Sunday, January 18 at the Sinulog 1 Hall, Radisson Blue hotel, Cebu City, following Coco Martin’s introduction and promotion of the vehicle as its brand ambassador in partnership with Toyota Mabolo through a series of high-profile activities that brought together fans, customers, and the Cebuano community on January 17 and at the Sinulog Parade on January 18.

“Our Sinulog celebration shines because it is guided by The Toyota Way, our beacon. Through continuous improvement, we keep raising the bar to deliver the best customer satisfaction experience. Through respect for people and our traditions, we celebrate the 35 years of strong teamwork that power Toyota Team Cebu’s success. This is our rhythm. This is our pride. This is Toyota Team Cebu,” said Executive Vice President Kimberly Cuenco.

The Next-Gen Toyota Tamaraw is a back-to-basics workhorse built on Toyota's global IMV platform, so it keeps the rugged DNA of the 90s model but adds modern comfort and safety. It comes in both diesel and gasoline versions, with multiple body styles (drop side, aluminum cargo, long-wheelbase utility van) to fit 2-, 12- or 14-seat configurations, bared Evan Mamararlo, General Manager of Toyota Lapu-Lapu City.

The new Toyota Tamaraw is more refined ride and easier handling compared to the old Tamaraw, though still a bit bouncy on rough roads.  New conversion options coming soon including ambulance, patrol van, refrigerated van, food truck, mobile service vehicle, and a camper RV and they are all available in 9 variants, including both manual and automatic, with a new sub-₱800k gas short-wheelbase version planned for later release, Mamarado said.

Mamarado summarized the next generation Toyota Tamaraw as a perfect companion for businessmen and families, suitable for various uses. It is as practical, durable, reliable, and comfortable, making it an ideal choice for hardworking individuals in Cebu. The vehicle is presented as fitting the hardworking characteristics of Cebuanos, emphasizing its versatility and suitability for different needs, reinforcing the vehicle's appeal and benefits for the local market.

Toyota Team Cebu agreed that the new Tamaraw offers various body styles, including utility vans and pickups, and features flexible interiors, essential safety elements, and a work-ready design, an ideal companion for Cebuanos, fitting their hardworking nature.

New Tamaraw debuts at Sinulog with its ambassador Coco Martin

Toyota Team Cebu took center stage with a standout parade float featuring celebrated artists Coco Martin, as Toyota Tamaraw Ambassador with his performer friends Smugglaz, and Bassilyo, drawing cheers and excitement as they introduced Toyota’s newest game-changer, the Next Generation Tamaraw.

Coco Martin and his team also spent the afternoon at SM City Cebu for a lively mall show that drew large crowds of fans and mallgoers interacting with him and a closer look at the new Toyota Tamaraw.  Martin described the vehicle as like him in character, versatile, durable, adaptable and practical.

“Its adaptable configurations, proven durability, and practical features help individuals and enterprises move forward with confidence, from microbusiness operators and delivery services to families seeking a flexible vehicle for daily life,” Martin said.

Toyota Team Cebu leads the way

With Toyota Team Cebu leading the way, the Next Generation Tamaraw embodies Toyota’s vision of providing mobility solutions that go beyond transportation, helping Filipinos work smarter, grow their livelihoods, and turn their work into lasting success.

Founded in 1989 and operating in Cebu since 1990, Toyota Team Cebu has grown alongside the region, expanding its dealer network across Central Visayas and neighboring provinces to serve motorists, families, and businesses with quality vehicles and after-sales support.

Toyota Team Cebu, the largest Toyota leadership group in the country, led the celebration with top executives Kookie Layese, General Manager of Toyota Cebu City; Evan Mamararlo, General Manager of Toyota Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Julius Borja, General Manager of Toyota Mandaue-North, Cebu; Elevic Jocson, General Manager of Toyota Talisay, Cebu; and Kimberley Cuenco, Executive Vice President of Toyota Team Cebu.

Toyota Team Cebu’s presence underscored Toyota’s strong regional commitment and leadership in supporting local businesses and communities. Looking for a specific variant, pricing, or want to know about financing options? Visit its various branches in Cebu and n Negros Occidental. (Photos: MBCNewman)