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Holy Week 2024: A peek into 7 Metro Cebu churches for Visita Iglesia
The Lenten Season is also about reflection and prayer about the passion of Christ. There are days to fast and during the Holy Week on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Catholic faithful usually practice the Visita Iglesia or the tradition to visit 7 or 14 churches, where they pray and reflect and do.....»»
PCG’s problematic dualism
There is a world of difference between the roles of a civilian agency and those of a military command. No civilian agency or military command should be doing the role of the other, lest they overlap, conflict, or render redundant their authority. The role of the Philippine Coast Guard is a good subject for legislative review — whether it fulfills a purely civilian function or a purely military one. The fact that it’s an attached agency of the Department of Transportation as much as an attached service of the Department of National Defense “confers” upon it a dualism that may be at cross purposes. While the PCG can fit either role, it shouldn’t. For in so doing, the line between maritime law enforcement and national defense is blurred. One may be led to think that, perforce, the PCG is unadulteratedly a military organization as it used to be part of the Philippine Navy, a major branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Something explains this duality, but it may require assessment as to whether it must continue to have this dual character. In principle, any individual or unit that performs a task or mandate that essentially belongs solely to the military must forthwith be under a military commander or military organization. Who can even begin to fathom what it means when the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard reports directly to the Transportation Secretary in the enforcement of maritime law, but also reports to the Defense Secretary if not the President in wartime? If one should take a cursory look at those who served as commandants of the PCG since its founding in 1967 under different presidents, one would find, viz.: 1) During Rodrigo Duterte’s term, only three served for over a year, while four served for less than a year, and one for only 18 days; 2) Under Benigno Aquino, four barely completed a year, one just a year, and one more than two years; 3) Under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, three served for barely a year, two served over two years or so; 4) Under Joseph Estrada, one served for two years; 5) In Fidel Ramos’ time, five served for less than a year, one for 32 days, and one for almost three years; 6) Under Corazon Aquino, two served for two years, one for three years, and two for a week or so; 7) Under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., four served for over a year, three served for 3, 4, 5 years, respectively. This tells us that commandants, as presidential appointees, must be the personal choices of the presidents they serve. With a change of the occupant in Malacañang, a change in the leadership of the PCG also takes place, good or bad. It’s said that the PCG’s “transformation into a non-military organization” and its “civilian character” allowed it “to receive offers of vessels, equipment, technology, services, cooperation and other needed assistance from other countries,” that otherwise would not have been feasible were it a military agency. President Fidel Ramos signed Executive Order 475 on 30 March 1998 to separate the PCG from the Philippine Navy, and Executive Order 477 to transfer it from the DND to the DoTC, a month thereafter. Thus, even FM Jr. has been heard saying, “Our friends from other countries will help strengthen the PCG’s capabilities.” Today, the President envisions the PCG as a “central actor” insofar as West Philippine Sea matters are concerned; thus, he ordered several 40-foot long patrol vessels to be built in Cebu to improve the PCG’s capabilities in maritime territorial disputes. In the face of China’s unprecedented coast guard expansion — the largest in the world — “civilianizing” the PCG makes little sense. It’s a Catch-22 on how to “reinvent” the PCG. Military strategists had miserably failed. The post PCG’s problematic dualism appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NMP Cebu seen luring in tourists
The newly-inaugurated National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu City is expected to draw additional tourists and tourism development to the province and to the Visayas region, as well as open the doors to a temple of history and culture, said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “With the newly-inaugurated National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu, the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines, we open the doors to a temple of history and culture, inviting tourists — local and international alike to witness the archaeological and natural wonders and rich culture and artistry of this side of the country. The NMP-Cebu is not just a museum but a bridge to our past and a window into our future, highlighting the commonalities and strengths of our identity as Cebuanos and as Filipinos,” said Frasco during the museum’s opening last Friday. No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza-Marcos inaugurated the NMP-Cebu together with Frasco, NMP Chairperson Andoni Aboitiz, NMP director general Jeremy Barnes, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. “The opening of the largest National Museum of the Philippines in Visayas will not only provide tourism gains in the province of Cebu but in the entire region. Needless to say, the museum will be a substantial addition to the plethora of offerings of Cebu providing a new reason to love and visit Cebu, and Central Visayas,” added the tourism chief. The DoT, through its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority backed the restoration and conversion efforts of the NMP-Cebu in the four-year journey it took to its present state. Meanwhile, in his speech, President Marcos emphasized that the conversion of the landmark into an NMP-managed property is in line with the national government’s agenda to promote tourism and nurture the Philippines’ national identity. “I am delighted to be with you today at the inauguration of the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu City. It is a milestone not only for the Queen City of the South and the whole province of Cebu but for the entire country as the opening of this museum brings to the fore our rich, natural cultural, and artistic treasures,” the President said in an address. Situated at the heart of Cebu City’s shipping capital, the building of the now NMP-Cebu was once the Cebu Customs House built in 1910 which was part of the grand design for Cebu created by American architect William Edward Parsons, to facilitate trade between the island and other neighboring communities. The landmark has withstood the test of time for 94 years, including the destructive Second World War. It was during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that it was converted into “Malacañang sa Sugbo” in 2004, which served as the official residence of a Philippine president in Cebu. The move was also a testament to the province’s contribution to the country as a frontier of national progress. But the cultural treasure was not spared from the deadly 15 October 2013 earthquake when it was one of the 25 public and private structures in Cebu City that sustained extensive damage prompting authorities to close it for safety. The post NMP Cebu seen luring in tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu’s National Museum inaugurated
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of museums in preserving and promoting a nation’s cultural heritage as he led the inauguration of the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu City on Friday. The President stressed that museums can help people understand the past, appreciate the present, and build a better future. “Every country, a young country such as the Philippines, has to find its identity,” said Marcos. “And we need to answer the question; if we are to unite together, we need to answer the question: What does it mean to be Filipino?” He added that museums “shine a very, very strong light on where Filipinos came from, what we had done since, and what is the trend, where are we headed” as pointed out that the exhibits would attract the interest of museum-goers. Marcos also urged local and foreign visitors to include the NMP Cebu in their itinerary whenever they visit the province and encouraged his fellow government officials to support the initiatives of the NMP. “Let us persuade the local and foreign visitors alike to include the NMP Cebu in their itinerary whenever they visit our beautiful country and this vibrant, ancient province,” Marcos said. “That is also ensured that our cultural institutions and establishments are accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life.” The President said that it might require around a week of going to the museum religiously before one ultimately sees all the exhibits. From being a customs building to Malacañang sa Sugbo, one of Cebu City’s architectural treasures has been transformed into a National Museum which will be open to the public for free starting 1 August 2023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays to Sundays. It will feature exhibitions that capture the Cebuano spirit and heritage, including the island’s rich and diverse biodiversity, geology, archeological treasures, art, and ethnographic and maritime traditions. NMP-Cebu said this would host a special exhibition featuring artworks from the Philippine Center in New York and will soon feature artworks by Cebu master Martino Abellana. Aside from the five galleries, the National Museum will be boasted a lobby and reception hall featuring arts by Cebuanos with Cebuano culture and history, a terrace, a courtyard, and the NMP’s first-ever regional Museum shop. In 1910, Architect William Parsons designed and built the Customs (Aduana) building. It served its purpose as the old Customs house for 94 years and even survived the World War II bombings. In 2004, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converted it into Malacañang sa Sugbo to bring the national government closer to the people in the region. The building was closed in 2013 due to a 7.1-magnitude earthquake. In 2019, the Old Customs House was declared a National Cultural Treasure. And in December of the same year, NMP was given the right to convert it into the National Museum- Central Visayas Regional Museum. With RICO MIRASOL OSMEñA The post Cebu’s National Museum inaugurated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Visayan growth
This piece is being written as I traverse the Visayan region which is carrying greater prospects for future economic growth. For the past months, I’ve written on Mindanao and Central Luzon and how these regions have experienced rapid development thanks to the nationally elected political leaders who hail from their provinces, Vice President Sara Duterte and the former president now Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, respectively. At times neglected in the discussions is the Visayas region. This time around, I was able to spend time in Iloilo and Cebu – both highly urbanized regional growth areas outside of Metro Manila. Iloilo is a wonderful city as it exists harmoniously with its bodies of water. Esplanades and walkways allow everyone to enjoy the river, which serves as a leisure area, transportation hub, and entry for goods, which is quite uncommon in the Philippines. Usually, Philippine rivers are either for people or for goods, not both, since our rivers are easily polluted. But in Iloilo, as well as neighboring Guimaras, their rivers bring life to the province. The only eyesore in Iloilo would be the “sinking” Ungka flyover located in Pavia. This project cost the government P680 million but it was closed shortly after it opened because motorists experienced a “wavy” sensation while driving on it. It was later learned that some of its pillars were sinking at the rate of two centimeters per day. A study showed it would take an estimated P250 million to repair the flyover and make it safely usable to the public. One reason to be excited about Iloilo should be the proposed revival of the Panay Railway, which was mentioned by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. in his SoNA last year and included in the Infrastructure Flagship Projects approved by NEDA. On this trip, I learned that Panay used to have a working railway that connected Iloilo City to Roxas City, and that plans for its revival would further connect Iloilo to Caticlan thus, the resort island of Boracay. Imagine having tourists land in Boracay, spend a few days there, then take a train to Iloilo where they would further be immersed in Philippine culture in one of the oldest cities of the country. Cebu is an established gem of a city, with traffic nearing Manila levels. Walking around Cebu feels like being in Alabang or BGC. One thing missing in Cebu is tollways to connect its cities and municipalities. This may change soon with the inclusion of the Metro Cebu Expressway in the NEDA-approved IFPs. The 72-kilometer project, once completed, will connect Naga City to Danao City, cutting travel time from three hours to 50 minutes. The project was started years ago, but only a reported five kilometers of it have been finished so far due to lack of funding. At this rate of budget allocation, it will take 20 years to finish it. Now, the project will continue and be finished sooner via a PPP arrangement after Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. — the same company that built the iconic Cebu Cordova Link Expressway bridge — has expressed interest in it. Whenever I visit Cebu, it seems that a major development had taken place. This time was no different. Even in Iloilo, there are new buildings erected almost monthly. One notable building is the 14-story Stronghold Insurance Building in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, an area surrounded by Ayala, SM, Vista Land, and Megaworld developments. As this Administration has heralded, this time the purpose is to “Build, Better, More” for the benefit of all Filipinos nationwide. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com. The post Visayan growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM proclaims himself VP Sara’s ‘official BFF’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday openly expressed his support for Vice President Sara Duterte, who recently resigned from the governing Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party amid the ongoing political discord. During the launch of a new pier in Liloan, Cebu, Marcos called himself Duterte's "official BFF (best friends forever)" after the Vice President introduced him to give his speech. The Chief Executive also assured that he remains the Vice President's biggest fan. "The reason I made her laugh (is) because I told her here amid what is happening, I've just officially designated myself as your self-appointed official BFF," Marcos said. "I'm sorry, but whether you like it or not, I'm still your number one fan," he added. The Chief Executive said this while House Speaker Martin Romualdez, also the president of Lakas-CMD, was in attendance, along with former Liloan mayor and now Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and husband Cebu 5th District Representative Duke Frasco. UniTeam, the duo comprising the country's highest-ranking officials, recently faced uncertainty when news emerged last week about a lower house coup targeting Romualdez, the President's cousin. The coup was allegedly orchestrated by Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who served as Duterte's mentor. The post PBBM proclaims himself VP Sara’s ‘official BFF’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Leni vs. Sara
If Sara Duterte throws her hat in the ring and ends up winning the presidency next year, it will be the third parent-and-child pair to capture the highest elective post in our country’s history. We’ve had a father and daughter with Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and a mother and son with Cory Aquino and […] The post Leni vs. Sara appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Cebu City declares state of calamity in 28 mountain barangays due to el Niño
CEBU CITY, Philippines – In response to the escalating effects of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, Cebu City has declared a “state of calamity” in 28 mountain barangays. This decision comes after a resolution was passed with reports of dwindling water sources and agricultural distress, prompting urgent measures to assist affected communities in the city. .....»»
CCLEX safety enhancements pushed after US bridge tragedy
Cebu City, Philippines — In light of recent events, a call for increased CCLEX safety measures has been made to the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) by a Cebu City legislator. Councilor Rey Gealon penned a resolution urging CCLEC to implement precautionary measures at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway to prevent disasters, considering the high.....»»
Ariel Villasanta ibinenta ang urn at pustiso ng ina kay Boss Toyo
ALIW na aliw ang ginawang pagbebenta ng kilalang komedyante at vlogger na si Ariel Villasanta sa tindahan ni Boss Toyo. Sa episode ng “Pinoy Pawnstars” nitong Lunes, March 18, sinubukan ng komedyante nacibenta ang mga gamit niya kung saan siya nakilala. Unang ipinakita ni Ariel ang isang malaking frame ng kanyang poster kung saan.....»»
Cebu topnotcher shares secret to success: Strong support system of family, friends
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A good support system of family and friends is Elijah Cabase’s secret to his placing 5th in the March 2024 Medical Technologists Licensure Examinations (MTLE). This 23-year-old University of Cebu-Banilad alumnus said that he was not even expecting to pass because he described himself as a confessed procrastinator — or one.....»»
Holy Week 2024: Tabor Hill in Talamban, experience the authentic essence of Via Crucis
CEBU CITY, Philippines – This Holy Week, the Via Crucis, also known as the Stations of the Cross, is one of the most practiced form of devotion among Catholics, particularly in the Philippines. The Via Crucis commemorates the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It typically involves a series of 14 stations.....»»
Capitol mulls putting ‘integrated south bus’ terminal in Talisay instead of at SRP
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Instead of at the South Road Properties (SRP), the new location of a new south bus terminal in Cebu might be in Talisay City. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on Wednesday, Mar. 27, said that they had received an unsolicited proposal of developing a brand new, south bus terminal. READ: Mayor Rama.....»»
Reservations in Paradise
Shangri-La Mactan transcended the ordinary, whisking its guests away on an epicurean journey like no othe.....»»
Cebu Pacific books P8 billion profit in 2023
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific found itself landing on solid ground in 2023, as it booked a profit of nearly P8 billion on the back of a resurgent demand for air travel......»»
House leaves Quiboloy’s fate to Senate
The House of Representatives will no longer pursue and implement the warrant of arrest it issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy after it approved on final reading the bill revoking the franchise of the evangelist’s alleged TV network......»»
EAM Jaishankar visits Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar in Manila
Manila [Philippines], March 27 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday during its port call to Manila and said that India's Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision will continue to give it a more contemporary form. He presented his remarks at the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday and said that his visit and the ship's presence signify th.....»»
UAAP volleyball enters break amid wide-open semis race
It’s the calm before the storm as teams embark on a much-needed pause ahead of an expected all-out race to the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments Final Four......»»
Cebu bus terminals: 100,000 passengers expected on March 27
CEBU CITY, Philippines — At least 100,000 passengers are expected to flock to two of the biggest bus terminals here in Cebu for the Holy Week this year. As early as 7 a.m. on Holy Wednesday, dozens already queued for buses at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) in the North Reclamation Area. READ MORE:.....»»
Cebuano Larz Dawson first runner-up for Mister Tourism Universe 2024
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Another Cebuano is putting Cebu on the centerstage of pageants. Larz Kent Dawson, 22, from Tisa, Cebu City recently bagged the first runner-up title for this year’s Mister Universe Tourism. Dawson, who was crowned Ginoong Pilipinas 2023, added another title in his bag, this time on the international stage. “Joining Mister Universe.....»»