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Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects
A partnership with the Rotary Club of Manila, along with other Rotary Clubs in the country can realize the government’s objective of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. [caption id="attachment_179067" align="aligncenter" width="2430"] Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her speech as guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club's weekly meeting at the Manila Polo Club last 31 August, said it was her ‘sincere hope that with the partnership of the Rotary Club, as well as its members and the captains of industry who contribute in one way or another to the project of nation-building, we can ensure that our country — through tourism — will have a more primary role in Asia as a tourism powerhouse.’[/caption] This was the call made by Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco after presenting the stance of the tourism industry in the country before members and officers of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club’s membership meeting at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday, 31 August 2023. Frasco reported that the efforts of the DoT, along with the whole-of-government approach ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in implementing the department’s projects with an eye to restoring the glory of the tourism industry has resulted as of 30 August 2023 into 3.6 million international arrivals, surpassing the total number of international arrivals last 2022. The figure is already 75.92 percent of the country’s target of 4.8 million tourist arrivals this year. “Philippine tourism contributed 6.2 percent to our gross domestic product in 2022; it is being hailed by our economic managers as the second growth driver in the first six months of this year,” she said. By the end of 2022, Frasco said the tourism industry has contributed over P1.87 trillion to the Philippine economy as a composite of international and domestic spending, representing a 67 percent recovery since 2019. “Tourism also contributed over 5.5 million in tourism employment, an 11 percent share of the national employment, and also represents over 93 percent in recovery from 2019 data,” she added. Frasco also said that the rallying of Philippine tourism after the battering it got from the pandemic stands at 66.3 percent, higher than the 54 percent average recovery of ASEAN nations in 2022. As per tourism receipts, Frasco said the industry has already breached P285.9 billion as of 31 July 2023. Pillars of Tourism The Tourism secretary stressed that to give the Philippines a fighting chance at standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its neighbors in the ASEAN region, her department had crafted the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, which does not only focus on the promotion of tourism alone but also in analyzing and understanding the essential pillars of tourism. Approved by President Marcos Jr. last May 2023, the NTDP provides a framework to guide the development and implementation of programs, projects, and activities towards a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry. NTDP’s seven strategic goals include improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility; cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity; enhancement of overall tourist experience; equalization of tourism product development and promotion; diversification of the tourism portfolio through multidimensional tourism; maximization of domestic and international tourism; and strengthening tourism governance through close collaborations with national and local stakeholders. Putting the Plan into concrete action, the DoT hopes to have an accumulated total of 51.9 million tourist arrivals and 34.7 million tourism-related jobs in the country by 2028. Frasco said in terms of infrastructure, the DoT has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways to improve accessibility in the regions with tourism sites. “This is by constructing, rehabilitating and adding tourism roads leading to tourist destinations. This year, over 158 kilometers of tourism roads have already been constructed,” she said. Aside from this, Frasco said the DoT has also coordinated with the Department of Transportation in improving connectivity, primarily in the country’s gateways for the improvement of flights and tourist journeys. With this, Frasco said the country is starting to see robust recovery of connectivity in the country, including a 100 percent increase in flights in Clark International Airport; a 614 percent increase in flights in Kalibo International Airport; and over a 300 percent increase in flights in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, among other airports in the country. Moreover, she said they also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the purpose of improving internet connectivity across 94 tourist destinations in the country. Connectivity in 47 of these destinations have already improved, according to Frasco. e-VISA Furthermore, Frasco said the DoT has engaged with other government agencies, namely the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, the DICT, and the Bureau of Immigration for the streamlining of the visa application process, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility for all international travelers, starting with Chinese visitors. Last 24 August, the DFA implemented the Philippine e-Visa system in Philippine Foreign Service Posts in China. The Philippine e-Visa will allow foreign nationals entering the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitor visas remotely through their personal computers, laptops and mobile devices. Other initiatives conceptualized by the DoT to improve the tourism experience include the “Hop in Hop Off” project; being part of the “Love the Philippines” tourism slogan; the “Philippine Experience”; facilitating a cultural tourism circuit development focused on heritage, culture, and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Living Cultures and Heritage, and an Arts caravan. In order to equip Filipino tourism workers, the DoT is set on training 100,000 of these workers and capitalize on the world-renowned Filipino hospitality. “We have already managed to train over 71,000 Filipino workers,” Frasco said. Optimistic “Frasco said the Marcos administration remains optimistic about tourism recovery and the resurgence of the nation. “Our numbers will indicate that tourism will continue to be a top economic driver that will provide massive employment and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos and our MSMEs,” she said. With the launch of the enhanced “Love the Philippines” branding, Frasco maintained that it would give the country a better opportunity to be reintroduced to the world. The post DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Joining innovation frontiers
The innovative energy throughout the Philippine startup ecosystem is pulsating strongly more than ever. Even startup scenes across the world are beginning to feel it. This month, I met with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and the Philippine Trade & Investment Center in Silicon Valley as IPOPHL aims to explore collaboration opportunities in the Bay Area. Intellectual property or IP protection and registration in the Philippines were topics of particular interest. The presence of IPOPHL was an excellent opportunity to organize a forum to discuss the advantages of the Philippine IP regime for companies and startups. At the forum, I shed light on the thrilling progress of the Philippine startup ecosystem, driven by a vibrant, tech-savvy and educated young population, combined with strong government and private sector support. In 2022, the Philippines proudly ranked fifth among ASEAN member states in the Global Innovation Index and remained to be an innovation achiever, a testament to the innovative energy that courses through our veins despite limited resources. The country’s startups also accounted for nearly 4 percent of the total $15.8 billion in startup equity funding raised in Southeast Asia, highlighting our increasing significance on the regional stage. Remarkably, despite a worldwide investment downturn, our investment landscape expanded to a substantial 9 percent, proving our resilience and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. According to the 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Manila alone has grown its startup ecosystem to $3.5 billion, rising 85 percent from the $2.1 billion reported in the 2022 GSER. But it’s not just Manila that is showing promise. Highly urbanized cities such as Naga, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao are also emerging as exciting startup destinations. However, we need to reach more innovation companies to help them protect their IP assets. Recently, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies assessed innovation activities of 11,500 firms based on their engagement and types of innovation pursued (product or process innovation). The study showed that, as of 2021, a third (33.6 percent) of firms were innovation active, with innovation practiced more among medium and large establishments than micro and small ones. Of the innovation-active firms, only a quarter filed for IP rights. But we hoped things to be different starting 2022. Last year, applications for patents — which indicates the appetite to bring possibly commercially viable inventions to market — booked the fastest growth among all types of IP as volumes expanded 9.3 percent to 4,403. In the first half of this year, IPOPHL saw registrations for innovation-focused types of IP expand as public and private support dedicated to foster innovation are in full swing. Preliminary data from IPOPHL show that patent and industrial design filings grew year-on-year almost every month during the January to June period while utility models have seen consistent growth every month, positioning 2023 as a year for innovation. The expanded appetite for innovation may be attributed to the host of policies to streamline government processes, harmonize resources and support strategic innovation investments, such as through the passage of the Innovative Startup Act, Philippine Innovation Act, Ease of Doing Business Act, Foreign Investments Act, and CREATE Law. For its part, IPOPHL’s initiatives for startups such as IPOPHL’s Juan and Juana projects, Innovation and Technology Support Office, IPOPHL-Asian Institute of Management-Dado Banatao Incubator, free capacity building activities, were presented at the meeting with PCG-SF and the PTIC-SV. Trade Commissioner at the Philippine Consulate General May Nina Celynne Layug expressed interest in further discussing IPOPHL’s initiatives in the future and how PTIC-SV and IPOPHL can work together, especially in marketing the country to potential startup locators. These further collaborations could in the future make the Philippines among the innovation frontiers as ranked by the Global Innovation Index. In the next GII, to be released this September, we’re optimistic the country will be taking a few giant steps towards that goal. The post Joining innovation frontiers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shanghai billionaire
Author’s Note. This story is inspired by true events in Manila, Philippines in the early 1950s. Mawan is a rags-to-riches guy, like a few other famous Filipino Taipans. He stowed away on a cargo ship in Shanghai bound for Manila. Upon reaching Manila, he jumped ship in the dark of night and found his freedom from great poverty to less poverty. He slept in front of a bank on Plaza Cervantes until the police shooed him away. He was forced to sleep under a nearby footbridge along the bank of the Pasig River. For six months, he survived by trading in junk, old newspapers, and empty bottles (dyaryo-bote). He was a “no-English-no-read-no-write” kid. Maning, the bank manager, who often saw Mawan loitering outside the bank and was getting annoyed, asked him in Pilipino where he was from. Mawan answered in Cantonese. It was the beginning of an instant friendship as the manager was once a Shanghai boy himself. Mawan blurted out his story of adventure. Maning adopted Mawan as his own son and gave him a job as a janitor at the bank. He slept in the garage of the manager’s Chinatown home. To cut the story short, in 10 years, Mawan graduated from janitor to clerk to supervisor at the bank. He later resigned, and in another 10 years, graduated from junk shop owner to stockbroker. He became a billionaire at the age of 33. At that time, China bought most of the global supply of coal, which was fuel for cement plants, inducing a nationwide coal shortage. Cement stocks fell to their lowest point and that was when Mawan used all his savings to purchase stocks of the largest cement plant in the country. He ignored Maning’s warnings that it was a dangerous move. When the shortage was over and coal was once again available for cement production, Mawan’s stocks soared to the stratosphere and, at their peak, he unloaded at 55 times their purchase price. He, in fact, caused the stock to take a deep dive as many investors followed his move. He married the daughter of a Chinese billionaire and had a daughter, Melissa. Mawan spoiled her, but he knew that she would not be able to survive in a cruel world with a silver spoon in her mouth. So, he yanked her out of her comfort zone and immersed her in mud, sending her to live with the laborers he had contracted to build a huge mall in Cebu City. MELISSA: Papa, thank you for letting me help your workers. I’m so bored reading books, I’m going crazy. MAWAN: Can you manage to live in a small beach shack with no maid and no car? MELISSA: I am so happy helping the workers, I can take any kind of discomfort. But I got a worker’s daughter as my maid. I’m on top of the world, Papa. Melissa grew in the spirit in her whole new world. From her pocket money, she gave small loans to the beleaguered workers and paid their hospital bills when they got sick. MAWAN: Be careful, Melissa. The workers may not pay you back. MELISSA: I don’t have a problem. They know that if they don’t pay me back, they will lose their jobs. I hired a micro-lending consultant to teach them how to save money to pay off their loans. So far, I have zero bad debts from loans of half a million pesos, Papa. Mawan was so happy that his daughter had turned out so well after he had dipped her in the mud. Then, suddenly, he developed cancer of the prostate, stage 1. He had it cured immediately, but the doctor warned that he needed to rest to strengthen his immune system. MAWAN: Melissa, I want you to drop everything and take over. I need to rest. MELISSA: Go on a world tour, you and Mama. Take a slow tour of the Yangtze River for a month. Visit the ancient Buddhist temples outside Shanghai. I will take care of business. The hardship she experienced in Cebu strengthened Melissa’s spirit. She was ready to be the youngest CEO in Chinatown. MAWAN: (Upon returning home after two months in China.) Our immersion in China was the greatest gift you gave us, Melissa. It opened my eyes. We met so many people who made us happy. Now I know. The world is not just about building corporate empires but also spiritual empires. MELISSA: My world with the workers was your greatest gift to me. Your wisdom opened my heart. It was a great exchange gift. Somehow, happiness healed Mawan’s cancer. He adopted Melissa’s style, immersing himself in the workers as the key to his healing. eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Shanghai billionaire appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023
The Aboitiz Group has seen exceptional performance in the first half of 2023, showcasing its "Great Transformation" into the Philippines’ first techglomerate. Leveraging innovation as well as synergies across its diverse business portfolio, the group has solidified its position as a trailblazer of industry. With a strong foundation in place, the Aboitiz Group eagerly sets its sights on forthcoming projects that promise further success and innovation. AboitizPower. The Aboitiz Group’s holdings in power generation and distribution, AboitizPower, continues to support the country’s energy transition and socioeconomic development with its diverse portfolio of thermal and renewable energy power plants, as well as internationally certified asset management capabilities from its distribution utilities. With close to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of ongoing and disclosed energy projects, it is en route to accomplishing its 10-year growth strategy of having at least 9,200 MW in its generation portfolio equally split between RE and thermal sources of energy by the next decade. This journey includes the development of the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant, the 94 MW Cayanga-Bugallon solar facility, and the 167 MW Laoag solar facility. AboitizPower is also looking to begin the construction of its Calatrava Solar project and Olongapo Solar project within the year. These RE investments are complemented by other developments in Battery Energy Storage Systems, like the SN Aboitiz Power 24 MW Magat Battery in Isabela, which — much like the commercially operational 49 MW Maco Battery in Davao de Oro — will help provide regulating and contingency reserve power to the country’s grids. Subsidiaries. Meanwhile, subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company, Visayan Electric Company, Cotabato Light and Power Company and Subic EnerZone Corporation were the first power DUs in the Philippines to be certified with an ISO 55001:2014 certification for Asset Management, an international standard that attests to the efficiency of how they manage the lifecycle of their assets, i.e., power lines, transformers and substations. This validates the reliability of their services and strengthens the uninterrupted provision of electricity in their respective service areas. Efficient asset management is essential for DUs to successfully manage their infrastructure and optimize maintenance and costs, thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and a reliable bridge between transmission lines and businesses, communities and homes. UnionBank. Union Bank of the Philippines continues on its trajectory of becoming a Great Retail Bank as it has consistently been recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies. Among the many recognitions for the 1st half of 2023 that UnionBank has reaped are: Best Retail Bank in Southeast Asia (Cfi.co), 4-time Best Retail Bank in the PH (The Asian Banker) and 6-time Digital Bank of the Year PH (The Asset). In line with its nation-building “Tech-UP Pilipinas” advocacy, UnionBank’s strategic partnerships have been focused on digitization as an essential element for client success. UnionBank’s determination to be an enabler of the Philippines’ bid to be a G20 country by 2050 is apparent as it continues to nurture and grow its diverse client portfolio that includes corporate, MSME, high net worth as well as local and national government entities. As a recognized trailblazer that embraces technological innovations that empower its customers, UnionBank together with its digital banking arm UnionDigital Bank (UnionDigital), fintech arm UBX and thrift arm City Savings Bank (CitySavings) showcased its expertise in artificial intelligence at the first AI Summit PH 2023 last May. The first half of the year also saw UnionBank’s commitment to offering clients amazing and exclusive experiences through partnerships with Live Nation (for world-tour concerts) and GMG productions (for the Hamilton musical). “The investments we made last year have exceeded our expectations. UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-to-bank card customers are at a record level. We are geared up to grow our retail banking business. Our infrastructure is ready for scale. We have sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow our earning asset capital base,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin R. Bautista. Aboitiz InfraCapital. Aboitiz InfraCapital remains on track with its purpose of enabling businesses and uplifting communities. AIC Economic Estates maintains its position as the leader in industrial-anchored mixed-use development nationwide, with the largest footprint of developed industrial estates as well as the single largest privately owned industrial estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas– LIMA Estate. 2023 marked LIMA Estate’s 25th anniversary, as well as the 30th year of West Cebu Estate in Cebu. These estates are undergoing industrial and commercial expansion to accommodate more locators and create approximately 90,000 employment opportunities. Water business. For AIC’s water business units, Apo Agua can now produce safe and reliable water for the Davao City Water District’s water reservoirs. Apo Agua’s laboratory has also obtained accreditation for drinking water analysis from the Department of Health. AIC's LIMA Water, on the other hand, continues to operationally benefit from its SMART Water Network, leading to reduced fuel consumption and high facility uptime. Digital infrastructure. In the digital infrastructure landscape, Unity Digital Infrastructure completed the first closing of a total of 250 sites from its acquisition of over 1,000 telecom towers from Smart-PLDT and Globe Telecom. Additionally, Unity marked a major milestone by successfully co-locating three Mobile Network Operator tenants (Globe, Smart and DITO) in one of its towers in Cebu. The three-tenant tower is the first in the Philippines and showcases the effectiveness of the shared tower model in support of the government's drive to improve digital connectivity through the common tower initiative. Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Mactan-Cebu International Airport surpassed expectations with significant growth in passenger traffic, peaking at around 5 million passengers in the first half of this year, more than double the previous year. The resumption of major international routes, such as Shanghai and Taipei, and improved aircraft availability are expected to further boost traffic in the second half of the year. MCIA's excellence in promoting the airport and in ensuring customer experience was also recognized, as it received the Routes Asia 2023 Marketing Award in the 5 million category and became the first airport in the Philippines to be accredited by the Airports Council International for its Airport Customer Experience. The post Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Committed to equity, sustainability, opportunity
As the Philippines looks forward to hosting the ABAC 3 (Asean Business Advisory Council) meeting in Cebu, the Aboitiz group acts as a key driver in advancing the shared goals of equity, sustainability and opportunity. The invaluable expertise of Aboitiz president and CEO and ABAC PH member Sabin Aboitiz contribute significantly to the Aboitiz Group’s endeavors and enhance the alignment between ABAC's vision and strategies. Sabin Aboitiz demonstrates the Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to sustainability. The focus on exploring the viability of nuclear energy via small modular reactors highlights the Group's interest in advancing clean and efficient energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Additionally, the integration of climate risk scenarios underscores the Group's proactive approach to understanding and addressing the potential risks and challenges posed by climate change. "At Aboitiz, we believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in promoting equity, sustainability and opportunity," Sabin Aboitiz said. "Through our collective efforts, we are committed to making a positive impact on society and fostering a better future for all." Apart from being the pioneer of renewable energy in the Philippines with 1249.17MW of total net sellable renewable energy capacity, AboitizPower, the energy arm of the Aboitiz Group, has shown commitment in promoting equity and inclusion within the company. Testament to that is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program, which aims to push the envelope further in creating a safe and welcoming workplace for all. The DEIB program includes the establishment of resource networks for LGBT+, women at work, and “special life” team members, which include single parents and differently-abled workers. [caption id="attachment_149059" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Aboitiz Group drives Philippine development through inclusive growth. In Cebu City, reliable power empowers the town, improving lives and supporting economic growth and trade among APEC economies. Union Bank of the Philippines, led by Aboitiz, promotes financial inclusion through digital banking nationwide.[/caption] Group wide, Aboitiz also implements several initiatives that further celebrate diversity and maintain an inclusive workplace. Among these are information sessions and people stories for Women’s Month, Pride Month and Mental Health Month. The company also boasts a balanced representation of male and female team members, fostering an environment that values gender equality and provides equal opportunities for all. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, AboitizPower and Aboitiz InfraCapital are proud member companies of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, a nonprofit organization advocating workplace gender equality. Aboitiz understands that the overall success of the company also depends on the individual success of the team members. And by creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and included, the Aboitiz group makes sure that no one is left behind in the journey toward progress. The Aboitiz-led UnionBank of the Philippines plays an important role in the group’s digitalization path, driven by its dedication to “Tech-Up Pilipinas” and fostering widespread economic growth. Environmental stewardship also lies at the core of Aboitiz’s efforts, as the company actively pursues environmentally responsible practices and solutions that meet the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, has placed sustainability at the forefront of its business strategy. The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, located at the tip coast of Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City, is a huge part of Aboitiz's sustainability efforts. The eight-hectare biodiversity park serves as a haven for migratory and local birds, various mangrove species, a pawikan rescue center facility and a nesting ground for critically endangered sea turtles. By partnering with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Aboitiz continues to live out its sustainability efforts by also spearheading the protection and rehabilitation of Boracay Wetland No.4. As a linear urban park, the Boracay Wetland will offer a range of recreational activities that incorporate eco-friendly tourism designs, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Apart from biodiversity conservation, Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, advocates better water resource management via corporations like Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. and LIMA Water Corporation. Apo Agua is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities in Davao City, which harnesses sustainable water sources and provides reliable water supply to the growing population of Davao City. The project not only ensures access to clean water but also supports the local economy and promotes environmental stewardship. The post Committed to equity, sustainability, opportunity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmont Hotel Mactan: A home away from home
For many, a hotel is synonymous to comfort and relaxation, offering people luxurious amenities for a memorable and hassle-free stay. For Belmont Hotel Mactan, these experiences are taken to the next level as it extends incomparable services and first-rate amenities that not only embody class and elegance but also add convenience into the total hotel experience. Belmont Hotel Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Cebu, is the third hotel to open under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ homegrown hotel chain in the country. Under its business and leisure or “bleisure” label, Belmont Hotel Mactan is also the second hotel (after Savoy Hotel) that sits on the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township. Yes, Megaworld’s townships have always been known as a city within a city that amazingly brings everything together — upscale condominiums, lifestyle malls, commercial establishments, office towers, banks, learning institutions and more — in one mixed-used development. That’s why Belmont Hotel Mactan guests in The Mactan Newtown, particularly the business travelers, are assured of this rare convenience because almost everything they need while staying at the hotel is within their reach. “Guests surely find it efficient to stay within the heart of a 30-hectare lifestyle and business hub of the township,” says Johnson Del Valle, Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager. [caption id="attachment_145632" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH BY VANGIE BAGA-REYES | JOHNSON del Valle (left) Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager, and Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs.[/caption] Home away from home The 20-story hotel is poised as a business travelers’ home away from home while staying in the beguiling island of Mactan. Located along Newtown Boulevard and just beside Savoy Hotel Mactan, Belmont Hotel Mactan features 550 guestrooms and suites with three room categories, namely, Junior Suite (50 sqm), Deluxe Premium (36 sqm) and Superior (26 sqm). It also has seven rooms dedicated for guests with special needs. [caption id="attachment_145629" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DELUXE Premier[/caption] All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities, such as an in-room electronic safety box, wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar and wireless Internet connection. [caption id="attachment_145630" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BELMONT Café, the hotel’s all-day dining outlet offering Asian and Mediterranean dishes.[/caption] Interestingly, most units feature expansive views of the Magellan Bay and the Hilutungan Channel, a deep-water channel that separates Mactan Island from Olango Island. With regards to its location, guests arriving via Cebu International Airport will only take at least 15 minutes to reach the hotel. Del Valle says Belmont provides a logical choice for guests with a business mindset. “Since we opened, we host mainly guests who visit the area for business,” he shares. “The hotel features facilities built specifically for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), team-building, networking and corporate celebrations across our four available function rooms that can accommodate a maximum of capacity 120 guests down to 30 guests.” These function spaces are equipped with smart-control projectors and sound systems. “The Mactan Island is populated by hotels and resorts focusing heavily on leisure and wellness, so we are very excited to bring a new kind of hospitality experience through Belmont Hotel Mactan,” says Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. “Just like the first two Belmont Hotel properties in Newport City in Pasay and Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Belmont Hotel Mactan will host guests who are in the area for both business and leisure.” She adds: “They can expect the usual topnotch amenities that enable rest and relaxation, but because we want to address the need for Mactan to be MICE-ready we have also built here facilities for business events. Coupled with the Megaworld brand of hospitality, we are very proud to say this kind of experience is something that cannot be found anywhere else on this side of Cebu.” Rich history Stepping inside the lobby, Belmont Hotel becomes a tribute to Cebu’s festive culture, landmarks, marine life, rich history as showcased through numerous art installations. For instance, colorful headdresses used in Cebu’s Sinulog are displayed in the walls of its all-day dining outlet, Belmont Café; Cebu’s finest handcrafted guitars in different sizes and colors are mounted in the chic hangout spot, Zabana Bar; and the room’s wall art paper features popular things Cebu is known for, from guitars to its delicacies, such as otap and puso (rice wrapped and boiled in woven coconut leaves). To relax and unwind, the central amenity area on the third floor has the swimming pool and kiddie pool, female and male wet and dry sauna, outdoor lounge with elevated deck, fitness center and viewing deck where guests can marvel at the beauty of the nearby sea and the rest of the township and the Mactan Island. In terms of food outlets, guests can also savor a variety of cuisines and delicacies from the hotel’s three food and beverage outlets. Belmont Café offers a wide variety of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, as well as other local delicacies. Just a few steps away from Belmont Café is the Zabana Bar, where guests can enjoy a selection of cocktails and refreshing beverages. [caption id="attachment_145635" align="aligncenter" width="525"] FITNESS center.[/caption] Over on the third floor is the Float Pool Bar, where guests can sample a variety of snacks and beverages as they lounge and take a refreshing plunge at the swimming pool. Belmont Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Mactan Newtown Beach, and about five-minute walk away from the Mactan Alfresco, a hawker-type dining destination. “While in the area, don’t forget to visit the notable tourist sites much like the Mactan Shrine where the iconic 20-meter statue of Lapu-Lapu stands or the Sto. Nino de Cebu Mactan Parish Church which is noted to be shaped like the Magellan’s hat,” shares Del Valle. Largest hotel operator With the opening of Belmont Hotel, alongside Savoy Hotel, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts now has a combined room keys of 1,100, the largest number of room keys in the entire Mactan Island. At the same time, it makes Megaworld the largest developer and operator in the entire Cebu province today. “Belmont means Beautiful Mountain in French,” says Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs. “It was a name created by our chairman Dr. Andrew L. Tan when we launched the first Belmont Hotel in Newport City. He fell in love with the name. He just wanted to create a new brand for Megaworld Hotels and Resorts because the first brand that we introduced was Richmonde Hotel. The second brand was Belmont.” The first Belmont Hotel was opened in 2015 at Newport City in Pasay City. It was followed by Belmont Hotel Boracay. Soon, the fourth Belmont Hotel will open in Iloilo City. Geronimo adds that Belmont Hotel will complement the Savoy Hotel inside the township because the vision of Megaworld is to be able to expand its portfolio of hotels in Mactan Island. They want to cater to more business and leisure travelers. “When we open Savoy Hotel, we notice there has been a high demand for those types of travelers who want to do business meetings here, as well as families and tourists who are on vacation in Mactan Island. We want to cater to both that’s why we are adding more rooms.” Belmont Hotel is still in the process of coordinating with the Department of Tourism for the hotel-star rating. The post Belmont Hotel Mactan: A home away from home appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu tourism on the rebound
Cebu-based real estate and hospitality firm AppleONe Group Inc. has launched an aggressive expansion initiative to dovetail with the programs of the Department of Tourism to attract international visitors to sustain the recovery of the tourism industry — a sector of the economy that was among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic — and create more jobs. Based on the DoT data, Cebu province saw a jump in the number of local and foreign visitors in 2022 by 205 percent. Furthermore, it received a total of 2.8 million visitors last year, which is higher by a mile than 902,000 in 2021. This year, the DoT estimated foreign and local tourist arrivals at 1.9 million, but AppleOne is confident that the numbers will surpass the projection, especially with its aggressive efforts to attract more tourists now that the borders are open, flights are back to normal and people are on the lookout for the best revenge travel ideas. “We are in talks with several international luxury brands to help us deliver world-class service and convenience in real estate and tourism-related projects that are now under development within and outside our home market of Cebu,” Ray Manigsaca, president of AppleOne, said. “We have identified several areas in other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao for our future development projects and diversification efforts,” he added. But the company said they are not ready to divulge any details yet, as these are all still in the works, and “we’ll be more than happy to share them with the public once AppleOne has inked these agreements and started on the projects.” Future projects “As of now we cannot yet disclose our future projects, but this year, and in the coming years, we are working on luxury developments in and outside Cebu,” the company said in an email message. AppleOne is looking to replicate in other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, its brand of luxurious hotels as it aims to embark on partnerships that will uphold the company’s vision. Manigsaca said the company has engaged Marriott International, an internationally recognized hospitality brand, to ensure that The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, which sits along a stretch of white sand beach, offers modern conveniences and five-star hotel amenities. Mahi Center, meantime, is AppleOne’s response to the need to advance the information technology industry in Lapu-Lapu City. Mahi Center also offers well-curated retail experiences via a boutique mall, office spaces for IT businesses with direct access to the mall and a business hotel from global hotel brand Marriott International which will be Fairfield by Marriott Mactan, the first in the country. Central Visayas welcomed 3.6 million foreign and local tourists in 2022, more than triple the 1.2 million recorded in 2021. Cebu accounted for 2.7 million of those visitors in Central Visayas, underscoring its status as one of the premier tourist destinations in the Philippines. Manigsaca and his wife, Venus, founded AppleOne in Cebu City 12 years ago to diversify their then 17-year-old construction company, VenRay, which focused on building roads and bridges. The post Cebu tourism on the rebound appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Eton Properties targets C. Visayas
Eton Properties Philippines Inc., or EPPI, the real estate development arm of the Lucio Tan Group, has set out a massive expansion plan for the coming years, which includes its entry into the Central Visayas market. During its recently held annual meeting, Kyle C. Tan, the newly-appointed Eton Properties president and chief executive officer, announced that the plan will spur long-term growth for the company. EPPI targets to transform a 35-hectare property in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island, into a new lifestyle community in the region. The project features a 600-meter beachfront, beautiful sandy beach cover, and an internal lagoon area, perfect for a modern but suburban feel. “This project will be envisioned as the next business and leisure destination in one secured and exclusive community in Cebu,” Tan said, adding that the project will also leverage partnerships and joint ventures to further scale the market’s needs and support nation-building. Eton City to serve BPO market Meanwhile, the company’s Eton City in Laguna, a 641-hectare township, will be improved “to become the next wave city South of Metro Manila.” Located along South Luzon Expressway, Eton City will cater to the increasing office demand for Information Technology and Business Process Management. The company plans to commission international architectural firms in developing the office buildings within the township. Eton Properties is the real estate brand of the Lucio Tan Group, one of the biggest business conglomerates in the Philippines. Its foreign counterpart, Eton Properties Ltd, has real estate brands in Hong Kong and mainland China. The post Eton Properties targets C. Visayas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Albay, UNDP tackle disaster preparedness
The Provincial Government of Albay and the United Nations Development Programme in the Philippines recently launched a partnership to strengthen the province's disaster and climate resilience. Albay provincial governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman and UNDP Philippines deputy resident representative Edwine Carrié signed a memorandum of understanding for the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change Programme, which will accelerate resilience-building efforts at the local level through multi-stakeholder collaboration to unlock financing and implement risk-informed and inclusive resilience actions. Development First Counsellor Paul Harrington of the Australian Embassy and Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office head Cedric Daep witnessed the signing, along with other key province officials. Through SHIELD, the Australian Government has invested Australian $18 million to support the Philippine government in building institutional and community resilience to climate change and natural hazards, by enabling local governments to pursue and invest in resilient development. Albay, which hosts an active volcano, is in one of the most disaster-prone regions in the Philippines. The Bicol region constantly faces compounded hazards yearly because of its geographic properties and location. Chief among these hazardous risks are typhoons, which cause storm surges and extreme flooding. In addition, Albay has mountainous areas prone to landslides and surface run-off. Through the strategic partnership, the Albay provincial government hopes to enhance local governance, improve healthcare delivery, strengthen disaster resilience and rationalize land use allocation. Carrié reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to strengthen Albay's resilience against natural disasters and climate change through the program. "What SHIELD is trying to accomplish is to build more resilient communities, local and provincial governments. UNDP is pleased to continue its long-standing partnership with Albay on disaster risk reduction, climate change and sustainable development," Carrié said. The SHIELD program is being implemented by UNDP Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the consortium partners comprised of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, National Resilience Council, Philippine Business for Social Progress and UN-Habitat. It will be implemented in 11 of the country's most vulnerable provinces to disaster and climate change impacts. Among the areas covered are Albay, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Cagayan, Cebu, Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Pampanga, Pangasinan and Quezon. The program will also cover Metro Manila, given its vulnerability to earthquakes and its economic significance, along with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with the increasing disaster and climate vulnerability of conflict-affected areas. The post Albay, UNDP tackle disaster preparedness appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Integrated clinics and hospitals provide holistic approach to healthcare
Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. launches Healthway Medical Network, marking the integration of all its hospitals and clinics under the Healthway brand. With the promise to deliver “Care Beyond Cure,” HMN aims to create a comprehensive patient journey across all its touchpoints, focusing on holistic and patient-centric healthcare. The new identity of AC Health’s hospitals and clinics group was announced last 8 May at the ceremonial signage lighting of Healthway QualiMed Sta. Rosa. It was attended by executives from Ayala Corporation, AC Health and HMN, as well as local government officials, representatives from various sectors of the community and existing patrons of QualiMed Sta. Rosa. “At Healthway, we believe that care beyond cure is not simply an empty slogan, but a guiding principle,” said Jimmy Ysmael, president and chief executive officer of HMN. “We understand that our patients are more than just a set of symptoms or a medical condition. They are people with unique stories, experiences and emotions. Through the integration of our clinics and hospitals, we will strive to provide the highest quality of care, focusing on treating the whole person, not just the illness.” During the event’s round table discussion, Dr. Rizzy Alejandro, AC Health chief public health officer and QualiMed Manila chief operating officer, shared how Healthway plans to deliver on its brand promise through its “Connected Care Circles.” “We want to provide holistic care to our patients, and this is where ‘Connected Care Circles’ come in,” explained Dr. Alejandro. “Our goal is to provide seamless care from one point to another, regardless of where the patient is in their healthcare journey.” Aside from HMN, AC Health’s subsidiaries include Generika Drugstore, IE Medica and MedEthix and KonsultaMD in partnership with Globe’s 917 Ventures. “When AC Health was founded in 2015, our vision was to build and connect various businesses into an integrated ecosystem that would allow us to address fundamental gaps in Philippine healthcare,” said Paolo Borromeo, president and CEO of AC Health. “Healthway Medical Network remains a crucial component of this ecosystem and AC Health will continue to explore even more opportunities to drive synergies within our network, offering a differentiated experience for our Healthway doctors, employees, and of course our patients.” In 2022, the network successfully inaugurated three new multispecialty centers. This year, HMN plans to open three additional clinics in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao, expanding its network to a total of 15 outpatient centers. Apart from this, the long-awaited Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the first of its kind in the country, is also set to open in September 2023. Present at the event was Ayala Corporation’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who reaffirmed the group’s commitment to continue investing in healthcare. “The integration and launch of the HMN and its promise to deliver care beyond cure exemplifies Ayala’s relentless pursuit of excellence in its unwavering commitment to nation-building,” said Zobel. “At Ayala, we believe that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare and we are committed to help make this a reality.” The post Integrated clinics and hospitals provide holistic approach to healthcare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sunken optic cable network rolling out
Fibernet Construkt Corp. along with Internet service provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc., have submitted to the local government an unsolicited proposal to build a fully underground fiber optic cable network for Cebu City along the city’s South Road Properties’ main road. FKC is in the business of building and maintaining broadband infrastructure facilities for telecommunication operators and internet service providers In their meeting with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Converge chief executive officer and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy, said he “could begin realizing Rama’s “dream of a city like Singapore for Cebu by placing all the lines of telecommunication companies (telcos) underground starting with those in the city’s main thoroughfares.” “He (Rama) asked me for my opinion. I told him it is too costly to put an underground cabling network for the whole of Cebu. It’s too expensive. Overhead expenses for underground cabling for power, for instance, is 10 to 15 times more. If you pass the costs on to consumers, they will raise a howl. So, I told him to start with telecommunications because that’s where you see a lot of ‘spaghetti wires.’ I think 50 percent of what you see are telecom wires which are no longer active,” said Uy in a media briefing during Converge’s official launch on Boracay Island recently. Bad experience “What happened during typhoon ‘Odette’ was a bad experience for Cebuanos. Utility posts were hit, and it took two months to put back on power,” he said. Thus, Uy is convinced that Cebu City badly needs to move all electricity and communication lines underground as part of its disaster resiliency strategy to prevent massive blackouts and connectivity losses during calamities like typhoons. For his part, FKC chief executive officer Jinho Kwon said FKC “intends to service the needs of the major telecommunications company and other service providers in Cebu City South Road Properties to enable them to provide full Telecommunication Broadband and Cable TV connectivity including Internet connectivity and other services in the said properties.” Unsolicited proposal Both Uy and Kwon personally went to Cebu City to present their unsolicited proposal to Rama. Kwon said the proposal is meant “ to support the Cebu City government’s direction to develop a Smart City with fully equipped and disaster resilient telecommunication network where information and communication technologies are utilized to increase operational efficiency and improve both quality of services and citizen welfare.” FKC is in the business of building and maintaining broadband infrastructure facilities for telecommunication operators and Internet providers. Moving power and telecommunication lines underground bolsters economic growth and ensures business continuity even during calamities, Uy and Kwon stressed. The post Sunken optic cable network rolling out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress
Picture this: A luxurious, but safe and quiet abode. Yes, that’s the commitment of Mantawi Residences, the newly launched property of Robinsons Land Corporation Residences in Cebu. Who wouldn’t want to be in such a place that promises its residents ultra-spacious living spaces and built-in smart home devices? Not to mention exclusive and sizeable penthouses with multiple loggias where residents can comfortably marvel at the city’s skyline. For the Gokongwei-led RLC Residences, Mantawi Residences exemplifies condo design. It’s one of those properties where each element conspires with all the rest to create a singular experience. “We are happy to come back here in Cebu with another promising project, Mantawi Residences,” said John Richard B. Sotelo, RLC Residences senior vice president and business unit general manager. “We are very proud to finally unveil this development that we envisioned for our future residents who are on the lookout for a home and investment that they can proudly call theirs.” Mantawi Residences is the newest and most ambitious addition to RLC Residences’ roster of properties in Cebu after its successful projects in Azalea Place Cebu, Galleria Residences Cebu, and Amisa Private Residences. [caption id="attachment_122273" align="aligncenter" width="650"] MANTAWI Residences grand launch at Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu. (From left) Allen Miranda, RLC Residences vice president and head of sales; Winnie Go; Heart Evangelista, RLC Residences brand ambassador; Karen Cesario, marketing head and chief integration officer; John Richard B. Sotelo, senior vice president and business unit general manager; Engr. Emmanuel Arce, vice president project management; and Stephanie Anne Go, business development and design head.[/caption] “Mantawi Residences marks yet another strong signal from RLC of its confidence in Cebu — the strength of its economy and the vibrancy of its people,” Sotelo said during the grand launch event held at the Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu City. Sotelo added that Mantawi Residences reflects the best thinking of RLC Residences to date, with something they haven’t done even in Metro Manila — its sprawling 1.3 hectares of amenities. Add to that are their efficient space layouts with larger unit sizes and loggias, sustainable certification with EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) and BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) and its curated retail areas. “We’ve brought our best thinking and understanding of the customers in Cebu, as well as those outside of Cebu and outside of the Philippines who are keen to invest in the Cebu market,” Sotela added. Upscale living Mantawi Residences is a four-tower premium condominium on the 20,328-sqm property with 474 units spread across the four 40-floor towers. The property, named after the Mantawi Festival, is situated along Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City. The pre-selling property offers 310 one-bedroom units (46 sqm), 148 two-bedroom units (92 sqm and 115 sqm), 12 three-bedroom units (138 sqm), and four penthouse units (207 sqm). Price ranges from P15 million to P60 million. [caption id="attachment_122277" align="aligncenter" width="525"] MANTAWI Residences Penthouse living room, dining and kitchen.[/caption] The opulent penthouse covers three bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, a living room, a study den, a utility room, a powder room, and a balcony. Sotelo disclosed that two of the penthouse units have already been sold. Stephanie Anne Go, RLC Residences assistant vice president and business development and design head, said each unit has upgraded home furnishings, including porcelain tile floorings, a kitchen with glass doors and a pantry cabinet, and glass shower enclosures. For the penthouse, the master bedroom’s toilet will have a bathtub. “We also want to make sure that most of the bedrooms of every unit will have their own loggia,” she said. “We have to be conscious about efficiency, not generally where we just want to put the bedrooms. Rest assured that all the units will be efficiently laid out.” Go ensures that there will be a feeling of airiness and openness in the property. Yes, fresh air and open spaces – who would have thought these two simple things could be luxuries for condo homeowners? The premier project enjoys a vast 1.3-hectare amenity area that provides landscaped areas, beach-inspired swimming pools, a cascading water wall, a pet park, and an outdoor play area, among others. Indoor amenities include a game room, a private theater, a fitness center, a kids’ playroom, and function rooms. It will also feature curated global retail brands on the ground floor. Mantawi Residences is near academic institutions, shopping destinations and hospitals. The area is also currently being modernized to become the main gateway of Cebu City. One of the critical projects in the area is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ rehabilitation of the Mahiga River. The property is also accessible to two progressive cities: Mandaue and Cebu City and is only five kilometers away from the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway — considered one of the area’s progress indicators. Future developments are also in the pipeline, as the Mandaue government plans to develop the Metro Cebu Expressway and the Cebu Bus Transit, plus turning the Cebu International Port into an international cruise docking area. Another essential program is the development of a premier waterfront development featuring commercial space and a luxury district. Target market Cebu continues to be the biggest real estate outside Metro Manila, with the demand increasing from six percent in 2020 to 24 percent in 2021. Karen Cesario, RLC Residences senior director-marketing head and chief integration officer, said they target overseas Filipinos and growing professionals aged 35 to 45 as potential homeowners. A one-bedroom, 46-square meter unit starts at P15 million. “We did take a long, hard look at the price point that we feel the Cebu market is ready for and willing to take,” said Sotelo. “When we were made to look at the design specifications and the features that we have incorporated into the building, we felt that it’s worth more than our previous premium properties. We are guided by what the market is telling us, what and how our competition also prices. The market in Cebu is telling us that it is ready.” Sotelo added that they expect to break ground Mantawi Residences in the fourth quarter of this year, with the turnover of the first tower by the fourth quarter of 2029. The post Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
East Gate of Taft Properties tops off
Cebuano developer Taft Properties celebrated another milestone as it tops off its premier residential and commercial building called the East Gate. East Gate, Taft Properties commercial beacon, is their embodiment of the company’s vision of creating a MictroTownship concept which integrates business, residential, retail, and recreational facilities, giving unit owners the advantage and convenience of […] The post East Gate of Taft Properties tops off appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
GBP subsidiary collaborates with GTFI for school building donation in Cebu
Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC), a subsidiary of Global Business Power Corporation (GBP), partnered with GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI) for the donation of a two-classroom building at North City Central School (NCCS) in Toledo City, Cebu for the benefit of grade 1 students. Present during the inauguration of the school building were representatives from the […] The post GBP subsidiary collaborates with GTFI for school building donation in Cebu appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
AREIT buys Ayala Malls The 30th, raises funds for more buyouts
Apart from Ayala Malls The 30th, AREIT also now owns the building host to Teleperformance Cebu, a business process firm, as well as three office buildings in Makati City namely Solaris One, Ayala North Exchange and McKinley Exchange. .....»»
Church visits are allowed only until 10 p.m. – Police chief
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Church visits on Maundy Thursday will only be allowed until 10 p.m. the chief of the Cebu City police announced on Thursday, March 28. Police Colonel Ireneo B. Dalogdog, City Director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said that the public is not allowed inside religious places past 10:00 p.m......»»
Danao City ‘gun maker’ nabbed in raid
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A 39-year-old man, who was accused of the illegal manufacture of guns, was arrested in a raid in his residence in Sitio Sapangdako, Barangay Matija, Danao City in northern Cebu, Tuesday dawn, March 26. In a report, the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said that the raid was based on a.....»»
JG Summit core profit soars in 2023
Core earnings of conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. soared in 2023 following a significant turnaround in its airline business, with Cebu Pacific returning to full-year profit for the first time since the pandemic......»»
LCPO gets an acting city director
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) has a new acting city director following the promotion and transfer of Police Colonel Elmer Lim to another region. This was confirmed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson for the LCPO. Torres stated that Police Colonel Noel Flores, the current Deputy Regional Director for.....»»