Cebu City to donate goods to Catanduanes, other typhoon-struck areas
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City government is opening a drop off center outside the City Hall and other strategic areas in the city for those who want to donate food, water, medicine, hygiene kits, and other essentials for the typhoon victims in Northern Luzon. Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said that even though […] The post Cebu City to donate goods to Catanduanes, other typhoon-struck areas appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
More rest areas for Cebu tourists
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting the Queen City of the South, Cebu, the Department of Tourism is geared to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday, which was graced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the Provincial Government of Cebu, and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug, and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who pledged to match the number of rest areas turned over by the DoT to the province. DoT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. Assets enhanced Moreover, a separate MOA was signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DoT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete, and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu’s tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism, fully support this collaboration between local government units cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said on the sisterhood agreement of the two tourism provinces. Meanwhile, the turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. The post More rest areas for Cebu tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting Cebu, the Department of Tourism is eyeing to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday graced by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the provincial government of Cebu and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who has pledged to match the number of TRAs turned over by the DoT to the province. The DOT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. A separate MOA was also signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DOT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu's tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel "Grex" Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism fully support this collaboration between local government units, cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said. The turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel "Lito" Lapid and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. The post More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
VP Sara visits schools in remote areas of Cebu
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Tuesday visited far-flung schools in Cebu province on the first day of the opening of classes in public schools. Duterte said she chose to attend the opening of classes in Last Mile schools to show its importance and “to make sure education is accessible to far-flung barangays and to our children and learners.” She first went to the Kaluangan 1 Primary School in Asturias town. The school has 63 pupils and four teaching and non-teaching personnel. She later visited the Melecio Tito Elementary School in Oguis, Danao City. The Vice President also led the turnover of a newly constructed four-classroom building for each of the two schools. Undersecretary Epimaco Densing, who is in charge of the School Infrastructure and Facilities Strand of the Department of Education, said 15 other Last Mile school buildings were turned over in time for the opening of classes for the school year 2023-2024. Last Mile schools are usually makeshift and non-standard ones. These have no electricity, no funds for repairs, and are usually located in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict Affected Areas or GIDCA. The Last Mile Schools Program was introduced under former Secretary Leonor Briones to address the gaps in resources and facilities of schools that are in GIDCA. The newly turned-over school building has four classrooms. During Duterte’s visit, the classrooms, which were provided with desks and armchairs, were already being used for the first day of classes. Duterte also turned over Philippine flags to the school heads of the two schools. She also brought the PagbaBAGo program of the Office of the Vice President, distributing school bags to the children. The bags contain school supplies and dental kits. The post VP Sara visits schools in remote areas of Cebu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC to strengthen bike lanes after ex-cop road-rage incident
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday said the city government will further strengthen the safety of bike lanes and deploy more bike patrols to protect cyclists and maintain safer roads. This was after a cyclist was assaulted by an ex-policeman in an incident that was recorded by a netizen, becoming viral on social media. The ex-cop, who pulled a gun on the cyclist, was driving his vehicle on the bike lane. Belmonte stressed that City Ordinance SP-2988 S-2020 or the Ordinance promoting Safe Cycling and Active Transport penalizes motorists obstructing cycling lanes or walking paths. Section 8.2.2 of City Ordinance SP-2636 S-2017 or QC Road Safety Code states that “no driver shall permit his/her vehicle to block any portion of the bicycle lane. At no time shall any vehicle use, straddle, or obstruct the designated bike lane.” "We would like to reassure the cycling community and all our citizens for that matter that the city is willing to exhaust all means to demonstrate to them that we will act in their interest and in the pursuit of justice," the mayor said. Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo (Dist. IV) said another P500 million in fresh funding in 2024 will be of great help to the mayor in this regard. The funds, according to Rillo, will be used for upgrading bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways under the national government’s Active Transport Program in metropolitan areas. “To further stimulate human-powered mobility, such as cycling and walking, there is an additional budget of P500 million for the development of active transport infrastructure and facilities in 2024,” Rillo, a member of the House committee on appropriations, said. “We are all for active transport, which lessens harmful motor vehicle emissions, promotes cleaner air and improves individual and community health,” Rillo, also vice chairperson of the House committee on Metro Manila development, said. The solon explained that the P500 million for the ATP in 2024 is lodged in the budget of the Department of Transportation. The amount is on top of the P705 million earmarked for the ATP this year and the P2 billion funding for the program in 2022. Rillo expressed confidence that the additional government spending for the ATP would protect a greater number of Filipinos who use bicycles as an alternative mode of mobility. As of June this year, the ATP has so far built 564 kilometers of bicycle lanes throughout Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. The DOTr earlier said it expects the country’s bicycle lane network to reach 2,400 kilometers by 2028. “In other countries where governments are spending more to develop bicycle lanes, they’ve actually seen a five-fold increase in the number of people using bicycles,” Rillo said. The ATP bankrolls the construction of protected, hazard-free bicycle lanes, procurement of bike racks, improvement of end-of-trip cycling infrastructure and the upgrading of pop-up bike lanes into permanent bike lanes. The program also funds the development of pedestrian pathways and crossings designed to accommodate persons with disability, senior citizens, pregnant women, parents with children in strollers and tourists with luggage. Rillo said it will also finance the creation of urban shade trees for the benefit of cyclists, commuters and pedestrians. The post QC to strengthen bike lanes after ex-cop road-rage incident appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bring public health services closer
“Health is the greatest of human blessings,” according to Hippocrates, father of Modern Medicine. That is why we continue to make significant strides in improving our health system. The latest of which is the signing into law of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. As the principal sponsor and one of the authors of this measure, I am grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., for approving and prioritizing this legislation which will help bring specialized medical care closer to Filipinos in various regions, and hopefully to the most vulnerable groups in grassroots communities. As we aim to make public health more accessible, we must continue such efforts to ensure all Filipinos get the healthcare they deserve. In line with this, the Malasakit Centers we initiated in 2018 have already provided financial medical assistance to more than seven million patients so far. There are 158 Malasakit centers established all over the country through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. I have also continuously pushed for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are medium versions of a polyclinic and improved versions of the rural health unit, to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos even in remote areas. These centers, funded with the help of my fellow legislators and primarily implemented by the Department of Health, shall provide primary health care services in communities that also include consultation, diagnosis, and early detection of diseases. As chair of the Senate Health Committee, I must emphasize the need to bring public health services closer to the people who need them the most. The enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, along with the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers and the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide will hopefully bridge this gap and further promote the health and well-being of Filipinos no matter where they are in the country. As a legislator and public servant, I will continue to help improve public service delivery at the grassroots to the best of my capacity so that no Filipino is neglected when it comes to availing government services they need. That is why aside from the health initiatives mentioned above, I also continue to visit communities to deliver assistance, listen to their concerns, and provide solutions to their daily struggles. We were in Laguna on August 25 to inspect the Siniloan Sports Complex which was funded through our efforts as part of our goal as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports to promote grassroots sports development and divert our youth from harmful vices like illegal drugs. We then inspected the Isolation Facility of the Infirmary Hospital which we supported during the Duterte administration. We also led the distribution of aid to 500 impoverished residents of Siniloan together with Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and other local officials. Last weekend, I also joined fellow officials and basketball enthusiasts alike in supporting Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. I commend everyone who took part in ensuring the successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup here in the Philippines. We were invited as a guest speaker on 24 August at the Gender and Development Activity organized by the Provincial Council of Occidental Mindoro. We support these kinds of discussions that aim to promote equal and gender-sensitive leadership. On 23 August, I received the prestigious Apostle Arsenio Ferriol Award of Excellence for Public Service and Governance. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) for this very prestigious recognition. With or without an award, I will continue my mission to serve fellow Filipinos, knowing very well that service to the people is service to God. Aside from the awarding ceremony, I also joined them yesterday for their 50th Golden Church Anniversary celebration in New Clark City, Tarlac. I also visited Navotas City on 22 August, together with Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez to help 1,000 senior citizens, PWDs, and indigents. We also provided additional support to 1,328 recovering fire victims who were given aid from the National Housing Authority to buy housing materials through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program that we initiated before and continue to support its implementation now. We were also instrumental in the construction of nine public school buildings in Navotas City, some of which we were able to inspect during our visit. My office also continues to assist Filipinos affected by calamities. Among those assisted were typhoon victims in various towns in Cagayan — 500 in Gonzaga; 500 residents in Aparri; 500 in Allacapan; 500 in Pamplona; 500 in Ballesteros; and 500 more in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. More support was also provided for 35 indigents from different towns of Cotabato Province plus 110 sectoral members in Libungan town; three fire victims of Brgy. Peñaplata in Samal Island; 1,000 residents of Sibalom and almost 250 in Tobias Fornier in Antique; 1,000 beneficiaries in Polomolok, South Cotabato; 66 residents of Malolos Bulacan; 31 residents of General Tinio and 140 more in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. We also extended livelihood support to 14 indigents in Cauayan, Negros Occidental; three farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and 52 residents of Brgy. Tisa, Cebu City who were previously victims of a fire incident. They were also provided aid through DTI’s Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, which I pushed for before and continue to support now to boost the livelihood of those affected by various crises. Furthermore, I am also thankful to the President for signing the following into law: Republic Act No. 11961, which I co-authored, amending the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and mandates the creation of a Philippine Registry of Heritage; RA 11958, which I co-authored, that amends RA 6948 to rationalize the disability pension provided to military veterans; and the One Town, One Product Philippines Program, which I authored and co-sponsored, to support the growth of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises. While we have accomplished a lot in the past few days in helping those in need and pushing for policies that would uplift the lives of fellow Filipinos, our work must not stop as long as there are more of our kababayans who rely on us for support. As public servants, let us continue to bring the government and its services closer to the people while working together so that no one is left behind toward recovery and progress. The post Bring public health services closer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go extends more assistance to Cebu City fire victims
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized his commitment to the Filipino people's well-being by continuing to support recovering families previously affected by fire incidents. He provided additional aid to them during a relief operation in Cebu City on Friday, 25 August. Working alongside Congressman Edu Rama, Mayor Mike Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and Tisa Barangay Captain Ringgo Pacaña, Go's team distributed snacks, masks, and shirts to 52 individuals recovering from a fire incident at Neneng compound gymnasium in Brgy. Tisa. Select beneficiaries also received mobile phones, basketball and volleyball balls, and a watch. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) extended livelihood support through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program, aimed at helping those who lost homes and income due to the fire. “Salamat po sa DTI sa programa nilang pangkabuhayan. Ang PPG program ay aking isinulong noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang implementasyon ngayon upang matulungang makabangon ang kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayang apektado ng sakuna,” Go explained. “Mas masarap nga naman ang pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang pagnenegosyo sa tamang paraan. Dalhin ninyo ang kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin,” Go emphasized. Meanwhile, Go highlighted the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as a significant step in improving firefighters' capabilities. His vision for a well-equipped and highly trained firefighting force can be achieved through a law he earlier authored and co-sponsored, Republic Act No. 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act. This law provides the necessary resources to enhance the BFP's infrastructure, technology, and training programs, allowing them to respond more effectively to emergencies and protect communities from fire's devastating effects, Go explained. “Magdasal po tayo at ipagdasal po natin ‘yung mga mahal natin sa buhay. Ang gamit po ay nabibili. Ang pera po ay kikitain rin po natin, magsipag lang tayo. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Ang nawalang buhay po ay wala na. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he said. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also encouraged those with health concerns to seek assistance at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital through Malasakit Centers. Currently, 158 Malasakit Centers across the country have aided over seven million underprivileged Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The Malasakit Centers Act was principally authored and sponsored by Go to ensure that underprivileged Filipinos have convenient access to medical assistance programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City “Kung kailangan niyo po ng tulong sa pagpapaopera sa Maynila, huwag po kayong mahiyang lumapit sa ating mga lokal na opisyal o kaya sa aking opisina. Magsabi lang ho kayo at kami po ay handang tumulong sa abot nang aming makakaya,” Go offered. Still in line with his health advocacy, Go said DOH has identified areas to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) in the province, particularly in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more SHCs were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional SHC will also be established in Danao City. Through the efforts of fellow lawmakers, 307 SHCs were funded in 2022 and another 322 in 2023 nationwide. The centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go extends more assistance to Cebu City fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Children football teams from conflict-affected areas in Samar compete in the prestigious Thirsty Cup
The Stormkickers and Palapag Football Club competed in the recently concluded 17th Thirsty Cup on February 12, 2023, held at Abellana Sports Complex, Cebu City......»»
Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has remained steadfast in his dedication to assisting disaster victims as shown by his team’s relief operations on Monday, 14 August, to communities affected by fires in Cebu City. Go’s team, in coordination with Mayor Mike Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assisted 103 recovering fire victims gathered at the Atillo Gymnasium in Barangay Punta Princesa. DTI provided livelihood assistance through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which Go pushed for during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation in order to boost livelihood recovery of those affected by various crises. In addition to the livelihood support, Go’s team provided shirts and masks to all beneficiaries, and a pair of shoes, a watch, a cellular phone, and balls for basketball to select recipients. “Sa panahon ng kahirapan at pagsubok dulot ng iba't-ibang sakuna, nais namin sa inyo'y magbigay ng pag-asa at tulong na magbibigay daan sa inyong mga pangarap. Ang programa na ito ay hindi lamang simpleng tulong kundi isang oportunidad upang makabangon at makamtan ang mas magandang kinabukasan,” stressed Go. Go underscored the crucial role of DTI’s PPG program in providing opportunities for sustainable income generation and the agency’s dedication to assisting affected communities in their journey toward recovery and rebuilding their lives. “Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya... mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he added. In a video message, Go highlighted his other efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery strategies on a broader scale. He also asked for support for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, which aims to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). The proposed legislation envisions a new government department led by a cabinet secretary, focusing on comprehensive approaches to strengthen disaster preparedness across the country. The DDR's core areas of concentration include disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and the advancement of resilience. “Mayro’n rin po ako nai-file na Department of Disaster Resilience, ito pong departamento na ito, a cabinet-secretary level na siya po ang makikipag-coordinate bago pa dumating ‘yung bagyo at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at preposition of goods,” Go explained. “Part rin po ito ng trabaho nila ang disaster-related tulad ng sunog. Kapag may lindol, sunog, bagyo at itong pagputok ng bulkan, ilikas na kaagad sa mga ligtas na lugar. Iyan po ang Department of Disaster Resilience at restoration of normalcy kaagad,” he added. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 in Cebu City after he personally witnessed the struggles of financially incapacitated Filipinos in getting medical assistance from the government. It was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally sponsored and authored. To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers, including those at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, that have helped over seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Moreover, Go said DOH has identified areas to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) in the province. SHCs were funded to be established in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more Super Health Centers were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional SHC will also be established in Danao City. “Ang isang malaking bagay dito ay ang early detection kung may sakit ang isang pasyente. Dahil nasa kanilang komunidad ang SHC, madali na para sa kanya ang magpakonsulta. At kung malalaman agad ang sakit ng isang pasyente, mabibigyan siya ng primary care, malalapatan ng lunas, at lalaki ang tsansa na maka-recover siya sa kanyang sakit,” he explained. SHCs offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City 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......»»
Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual is urging private entities to continuously work with the government in addressing issues crucial to economic recovery and growth. At the 3rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council meeting in Cebu City last Friday, Pascual said the partnership between the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the APEC Business Advisory Council is actually regarded by the Philippine government as a cornerstone of its vision for the country’s future. “It exemplifies the power of synergy — when government and business come together and connect, we lay the groundwork for a trade environment that is not just functional, but inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This dynamic collaboration enables us to stay agile and responsive as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology,” he said in a speech. In line with this year’s theme, “Equity, Sustainability, Opportunity,” ABAC Philippines focused on helping communities build back stronger through collective efforts. With critical goals to pursue, Secretary Pascual called for stronger partnership and collaboration among APEC Member Economies in crafting policy reforms that would spur economic growth. Areas of focus For this year’s work program, the ABAC will initially have these areas of focus: (1) Economic Integration Working Group; (2) Sustainable Growth Working Group; (3) Digital and Innovation Working Group; (4) Finance Task Force; and (5) Inclusion Task Force. Secretary Pascual has also commended the efforts of ABAC in shaping a strong, credible, and relevant World Trade Organization even as he recognized ABAC’s strong push toward the eventual realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. “The Philippines views the FTAAP as a mechanism to boost economic recovery in the region, especially for medium, small and micro-enterprises most affected by the pandemic. We thus support the immediate implementation of the FTAAP Agenda Work Plan which contributes to APEC’s sustainability and inclusion objectives,” he said. ABAC Philippines is currently focused on several initiatives including the promotion of the availability and accessibility of climate risk scenario information, the exploration of the viability of nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source, and other use cases under the Sustainable Growth Working Group. Further, it is working on enhancing cross-border data flow in financial services. For its part, the DTI is prioritizing (1) APEC’s Support for the Safe Passage of Maritime Crew in the Covid-19 Era, (2) Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize MSMEs, and (3) APEC Trade Repository. Aligned with this year’s ABAC meeting theme, the DTI aims to provide equal opportunities for all, promote regulations for environmental stewardship, and commit to fostering a digitally inclusive APEC community. The post Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metro Manila, other Luzon areas under Signal '1 as ‘Egay’ intensifies
Typhoon Egay has intensified further as it continues to move westward slowly, according to the state weather bureau. According to PAGASA’s 11 a.m update today, 24 July, "Egay" was last located 525 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora. The storm is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 185 kilometers per hour. "Egay" is expected to continue its intensification to a super typhoon category, reaching its peak by tomorrow evening. The storm may make landfall in extreme Northern Luzon. Thus, PAGASA has raised Signal #2 in the provinces of Catanduanes, the central and eastern portions of Isabela, eastern portions of Albay, eastern and central portions of Cagayan, eastern portions of Camarines Sur, northern portions of Camarines Norte, eastern portions of Quirino and northern portions of Aurora. In Visayas, Signal #2 is also hoisted in the northeastern portions of Northern Samar, specifically the towns of Laoang and Palapag. Signal #1 is raised in the rest of mainland Luzon, the remaining provinces in Samar island, Biliran, the northern and central portions of Leyte and the northern portions of Cebu. PAGASA is forecasting "Egay" to move west-northwestward in the next 12 hours before turning northwestward toward extreme Northern Luzon. The typhoon is expected to pass close to or make landfall in the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area tomorrow evening to Wednesday afternoon. A possibility of a landfall in the northeastern portion of Cagayan is not ruled out by the state weather bureau due to the presence of high pressure north of the typhoon. PAGASA has warned about the potential effects of the southwest monsoon (Habagat) that could bring occasional rainfall to the western portions of Luzon and Visayas for the next three days. Typhoon "Egay" is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday. The post Metro Manila, other Luzon areas under Signal #1 as ‘Egay’ intensifies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mactan hosts Megaworld expo center
Property giant Megaworld is building a two-level standalone convention center inside its 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Set to rise just across the newly opened Belmont Hotel Mactan along Newtown Boulevard, the P1.5-billion Mactan Expo Center will offer almost a hectare of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions space. The ground level will feature a convention hall that can accommodate up to 2,500 people for theater-type setup, and 1,600 people for banquet setup. The convention hall can also be divided into three smaller halls that can accommodate around 700 to 900 persons per hall for theater-style, and 500 to 600 persons per hall for banquet layout. The main convention hall will have its own expansive foyer and pre-function areas. The ground level will also have two drop-off areas, service kitchen area, cafes and an event showroom, where expo center clients can check sample event set-ups and arrangements. The mezzanine level will also have its own pre-function area, as well as an outdoor balcony and storage rooms. The post Mactan hosts Megaworld expo center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Megaworld infuses P1.5B for Cebu hub
Major developer Megaworld Corp. is investing P1.5 billion to build a two-level convention center within its 30-hectare Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. “We hope to build another iconic landmark not just for Mactan but for the entire Cebu. This convention center will be a unique standalone structure that will help boost the province’s booming meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry,” Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin Tan said on Tuesday. The Mactan Expo Center — construction of which will start this year — can accommodate up to 2,500 people for theatre-type set-up, and 1,600 people for banquet-style set-up. Megaworld aims to complete the project by 2025. The convention hall, meanwhile, can be divided into three smaller halls that can accommodate around 700 to 900 persons per hall for theater-style and 500 to 600 persons per hall for banquet-style layout. The main convention hall is planned to have an expansive foyer and pre-function areas. Hotels rising The ground level will likewise have two drop-off areas, a service kitchen area, cafes, and an event showroom, where expo center clients can check sample event set-ups and arrangements. The Mactan Expo Center will have two passenger elevators, two escalators, and a service elevator. It will also have its own 100 percent backup power and will have WiFi access in most areas. The convention halls and meeting rooms will be equipped with fixed video screens, as well as state-of-the-art audio and visual systems and video conferencing technology. Currently, the township where the Mactan Expo Center will be built already has two hotel properties being operated and managed by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts — including the 547-room Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and the 550-room Belmont Hotel Mactan. The post Megaworld infuses P1.5B for Cebu hub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA Board prequalifies 8 big-ticket ecozone projects for 1st half of 2023
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority Board as chaired by DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual has pre-qualified a total of eight big-ticket ecozone development projects amounting to P33.002 billion of investments for the first half of 2023. These new and expansion ecozones will undergo FIRB approval for projects with minimum capital investment of P1 billion and Presidential Proclamation as required for the developers' signing of Registration Agreement with PEZA. According to PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga, “We're thrilled to announce that our ecozone development projects have seen a significant increase in investment from January to June 2023. In comparison to last year's figures of P4.858 billion worth of investments during the same period, we've experienced a 579.23 percent jump to P33.002 billion. This uptick in ecozone development investment is crucial as it indicates a growing demand for proclaimed areas, which is further supported by the rise in new and expansion projects.” For the breakdown of the eight approved new and expansion ecozone projects, three are manufacturing ecozones, 1 an IT center and four are IT parks. The largest investment among the projects is a manufacturing special economic zone which will be located in Medellin, Cebu to be known as North Cebu Economic Zone with a project cost of P27.178 billion. The two other manufacturing ecozones are the expansion projects in Lima Technology Center-SEZ in Malvar, Batangas and in Gateway Business Park-SEZ, in General Trias, Cavite having a total project cost of P233.260 million. Of the four new IT Parks with total investments of P1.474 billion, three will be situated in Araneta City, Quezon City and one will be in South Cotabato City. One IT center will be in Makati City with an investment of P4.116 billion. During the first year of the PFRM administration covering the period July 2022 to June 2023, the PEZA Board greenlighted 17 ecozone development projects with a total investment of P122.274 billion. These are composed of seven new and expansion manufacturing ecozones, eight IT parks, one IT center and one new agro-industrial ecozone, located in Regions 1-Ilocos Region, 3-Central Luzon, 4-A- CALABARZON, 6-Western Visayas, 12-SOCCSKARGEN and the National Capital Region. The eight pre-qualified ecozones for the first half of 2023 are part of the total 17 new and expansion ecozones approved during the one-year coverage of the current administration and are in various stages of development. Streamlining of ecozone proclamation process As part of the Director General’s commitment to revisit processes to better cater to the evolving needs of PEZA’s stakeholders, the PEZA Board has approved Board Resolution No. 23-138 to streamline the ecozone proclamation process, making it easier to do business within the ecozones. Panga said, “As we are now beefing up our Agency to continuously enhance our delivery of services and facilitate faster ecozone proclamations to provide ready-for-occupancy sites for our agile locators, it is high time for PEZA to amend its guidelines for a simplified application, proclamation and registration process for new and expanding ecozone developer/operator projects.” Panga expressed optimism that by passing this resolution, more economic zones could be established, especially in rural areas. This will effectively make the Philippines ready to accept more investments from global market players, and ultimately, increase exports, create more job opportunities and hasten countryside development for the foreseeable future. The PEZA Board Resolution No. 23-138 will take effect immediately following its complete publication in a newspaper of general publication. The post PEZA Board prequalifies 8 big-ticket ecozone projects for 1st half of 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 Cebu barangays identified as election areas of concern
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Two barangays in Cebu province were identified as election areas of concern two months before the start of the Barangay and Sangguniang Election 2023 season. The different barangays are assessed and categorized into four categories: green, yellow, orange, and red, in time for the elections. READ: Negros Oriental : 100 cops […] The post 2 Cebu barangays identified as election areas of concern appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Newtown School of Excellence now accepting enrollees for SY 2023-2024
It’s all systems go for the Newtown School of Excellence, Inc. (NSEI) as it welcomes enrollees from Lapu-Lapu City and its surrounding areas this coming school year 2023-2024, which will also mark a return to full face-to-face learning set-up after three years of online and hybrid classes due to the pandemic. NSEI is an educational […] The post Newtown School of Excellence now accepting enrollees for SY 2023-2024 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Danao City officials to meet investors to discuss areas of collaboration
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The local government of Danao in northern Cebu will gather existing and potential business players in an investment forum today, June 8, to discuss programs that they can both work on to further the city’s economic growth. At the same time, the city government wanted to listen to inputs from the […] The post Danao City officials to meet investors to discuss areas of collaboration appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Indigents from San Fernando City, Pampanga given a boost by Bong Go
Senator Bong Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, particularly for impoverished and underprivileged patients who require government medical assistance. During a relief operation by his team in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Thursday, June 30, Go expressed in a video message that he introduced the Malasakit Centers program after observing the difficulties financially struggling Filipinos face in obtaining medical support. “Nagsimula ang Malasakit Center sa Cebu. Sinubukan namin ilagay ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ang PCSO, DOH, DSWD, at PhilHealth — sa iisang kwarto sa ospital mismo para hindi na kailanganin pang pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina at masayang ang ilang araw ng ating mga kababayan na humingi ng tulong,” explained Go, who is the primary author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. “Pera naman ng taumbayan yan. Binabalik lang sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng mabilis at maayos na serbisyo. Kaya basta Pilipino ka, poor and indigent patient ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center. Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa inyong lugar at tutulungan po kayo sa inyong billing,” he added. The 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients get convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. In Pampanga, Malasakit Centers are located at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital and at the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital and Diagnostic Center, both in San Fernando City; and at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City. The 158th Malasakit Center also recently opened at the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua. The relief activity was mounted at the Heroes Hall where the senator’s team provided snacks and shirts to 100 indigent residents. They also gave away shoes and balls for basketball and volleyball to select beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Go also mentioned that the government continues to bring health services closer to Filipino communities through the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 SHCs in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where SHCs will be constructed. Under the 2022 national budget, Super Health Centers in Pampanga were funded in San Fernando City and in the towns of Lubao, Macabebe, Magalang, Porac, and San Agustin. In 2023, more centers were identified to be established in the towns of Magalang, Minalin, Porac, Sta. Rita, and Arayat — the last one’s groundbreaking was attended by Go last month. Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of new equipment for hospitals in San Fernando City and in the towns of Arayat, Bacolor, Floridablanca, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Porac, and San Luis; and construction of multipurpose buildings in Arayat, Floridablanca, Santa Monica, Magalang and Masantol, among others. He was also instrumental in the construction of slope protection along the Sapangbato River in Brgy. Margot in Angeles City. Last January 26, Go was honored by the provincial government of Pampanga for advancing the province’s well-being and interests through its Resolution No. 7643-A. On that same day, former president Rodrigo Duterte was declared the province’s “adopted son” by virtue of Resolution No. 7643 in recognition of his significant contributions to Pampanga’s growth and prosperity during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. The post Indigents from San Fernando City, Pampanga given a boost by Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manila Water pushes expansion program
Manila Water Company Inc., led by tycoon Enrique K. Razon Jr., will expand the local and international footprint of its business and services through partnerships and acquisitions. In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Manila Water chief administrative officer and head for international business Roberto Jose Locsin reiterated that the company “is on the right track” on its planned expansions. “There is a deliberate approach for expansion both domestically and abroad. In the Philippines, we would like to focus on highly-dense populations or the secondary and tertiary cities,” Locsin said. “We have conversations with LGUs (local government units) all across the country. I can’t mention anything specific because a lot of this is still under discussion,” he said. Locsin noted that Manila Water is particularly interested in pouring money into local water districts large enough to also promise good investment returns. The company pursues expansions through its subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, which has water services units serving Laguna, Boracay Island, Clark, Cebu, Zamboanga City and Tagum City. As for international expansion, Locsin said Manila Water aims to have a presence in areas where Razon’s International Container Services Inc. ports are located. Overseas foray next goal Overseas, Manila Water will focus on concession-based businesses under build-operate-own, build-operate-transfer, or public-private partnership bulk water supply schemes. “We have a very strong capability in industrial through our estate water business in the Philippines. Replicating that and consolidating that allows us to talk to a lot of people,” Locsin added. Manila Water is the East Zone concessionaire that provides water distribution and sewerage services in the East Zone which spans the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, most parts of Quezon City, portions of Manila; as well as the towns of Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay, and Teresa in Rizal province. The post Manila Water pushes expansion program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Protecting civic spaces to improve in-city mobility
Mobility and public space are among the most challenging discussions in many modern cities. The discussions focus on issues such as the element of public space and its impact on the sustainability of urban mobility. And how does in-city mobility contribute to the habitability of the public realm? The massive use of public and private transportation has resulted in the progressive reduction of public space quality, which is one of the critical components to give life to the city itself and define its safety, accessibility and characteristics of good quality. To achieve sustainable development of the urban environment, city planners should seriously introduce targeted interventions to ensure the integration between mobility and urban planning. “We recognize the importance of civic spaces and in-city mobility enhancing the quality of life for Cebuanos. Thus, FLI is committed to creating a thriving community at City di Mare in Cebu City. As part of our dedication to the city’s goals, we will be developing these new features to benefit the community,” said Don Ubaldo, first vice president for Filinvest Townships. Filinvest Land, Inc. is planning to expand the civic spaces and improve in-city mobility at City di Mare, a green and master-planned community in Cebu City, to support the city’s environmental and resilience goals. The planned civic spaces at City di Mare are envisioned to serve Cebu City’s residents, similar to parks, and may even serve as emergency evacuation areas if needed. An area will be devoted to multi-use sports fields (approximately two football fields), while another area will be devoted to leisure spaces including but not limited to bazaars, cultural spaces, food stalls, and interim pop-up attractions. These spaces will add to City di Mare’s Open Park, which currently features brand-new recreational amenities including play and exercise equipment, and the City di Mare Events Grounds, the venue of the 2023 Sinulog Festival. Civic or public spaces have been described as extensions of community and great contributors to community health, whether socially, economically, culturally or environmentally. “These spaces will not only provide residents with recreational areas but also contribute to the overall resilience and sustainability of the city. We look forward to working closely with the local government and community to bring these plans to fruition,” Ubaldo added. On the mobility side, City di Mare residents, locators and patrons will also benefit from additional sidewalks, wider existing roads, new access roads leading into the development and a pedestrian bridgeway connecting City di Mare to IL Corso, FLI’s Lifemall in Cebu. The boardwalk along IL Corso will also be enhanced to support the Cebu City government’s goal to improve the area’s coastal experience. Nature-based designs are a common feature in all FLI developments. FLI residential subdivisions and midrise buildings, for instance, are characterized by lush greenery and open spaces for healthier living. City di Mare, Cebu’s Lifestyle Capital, is a 58-hectare premier development that fosters a complete and modern live-work-play lifestyle. It covers a 40-hectare mixed-used sector (a joint venture project of the Cebu City government and FLI) and a 10-hectare commercial component. It is also home to Cebu City’s first-ever pump track for active bicyclists. In addition, the Filinvest Group acquired 8.1 hectares of land envisioned to be a mixed-use project featuring residential, commercial, office and retail components in South Road Properties, Cebu City. The post Protecting civic spaces to improve in-city mobility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»