Cebu News

26/12/2024

Merry Christmas from Cebu! 🎄
The festive season in Cebu is buzzing with excitement! 🎉 Malls are filled with shoppers, traffic is heavy, but the air is electric with joy and energy. 😊

Did you know that Cebu has become the country's wealthiest province for nine consecutive years? 💸 This economic success story is fueled by its strategic location, booming tourism industry, and IT sector.

The island's captivating beaches, vibrant festivals, and historical landmarks continue to attract tourists, making it a popular destination for both locals and international visitors. 🌴

Cebu is also aiming to become a "smart city," with plans to develop new IT parks, improve mobility, connectivity, and create an environment that fosters innovation. 💻

And to sustain this growth, Cebu is investing in a reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure, including solar farms and baseload power projects. 🌞💡

With its educated workforce, modern infrastructure, and competitive operational costs, Cebu is an attractive destination for global outsourcing companies. The IT sector alone generates $32.5 billion in revenue and employs over 121,000 people! 💸

So, what's behind Cebu's economic success? 🤔 It's a combination of strategic location, tourism industry, IT sector, and government investment in infrastructure and energy initiatives.

Wishing you a bright future, Cebu-style! ✨ May our island continue to thrive and become a true powerhouse of the South. 💪

Read more:

The festive season in Cebu is a whirlwind of activity. Malls are overflowing with shoppers, where  traffic is heavy but the air is thick with the

26/12/2024

POWER ALLIANCE! 💡
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) unveils initiative to tackle power demand challenges! 🌈

With Cebu's rapid industrial and commercial growth, it's clear that energy security is a top priority. The "Power Alliance" initiative aims to strengthen collaborations between businesses and energy sector partners to boost sustainable economic growth. 💼

But here's the challenge: Cebu's current power demand is 100 MW short of its local generation capacity! 🤯 That means we need to expand embedded generation and enhance transmission infrastructure to ensure energy security.

The DOE projects that Cebu's peak power demand will rise to 1,400 MW by 2026. Can we do it? 💪

Stay tuned for updates on this initiative! 📺

Read more:

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has unveiled its “Power Alliance” initiative to tackle the surging energy needs of Cebu. In a report..

26/12/2024

BUDGET ALERT! 🚨
Cebu City's 2025 budget is in limbo due to a looming deadline! ⏰
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia's proposed ₱17.9 billion budget has yet to be approved by the council, threatening his plans and projects for next year. 🤔

If the budget isn't passed on Friday, December 27, the city will revert to a reenacted budget, limiting funds for capital expenditures like infrastructure projects. 🚧
This means delays for road repairs, housing projects, and more! 😬

But don't worry, Mayor Garcia has a plan B - tapping contingency funds from the Sinulog Foundation Inc. 🎉

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story! 💡

Read more:

https://www.brigadanews.ph/cebu-citys-2025-budget-faces-uncertainty-as-deadline-looms/

19/12/2024

🚨 Cebu's Inflation Rate Remains Steady! 🚨

Good news, Cebu! 😊 The inflation rate in Cebu Province for November 2024 remains at 2.8%, steady from October's rate.

However, food prices are on the rise! 🍴 Food inflation increased to 5.5% in November, with vegetables and tubers leading the way, up 10.6%. 🥗

Here's a breakdown of the changes:

Fish and seafood prices dropped by 0.7%
Corn prices rose to 23.5%
Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals increased to 4.9%
But don't worry, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City are seeing decreases in their inflation rates!

Cebu City: 3.3% (down from 4.2%)
Lapu-Lapu City: 2.1% (down from 2.6%)

Central Visayas as a whole also saw a decline to 2.3%.

The Philippine economy is working towards maintaining an inflation rate within the target range of 2-4%. 💪

Stay informed, and let's keep an eye on our local prices! 📊

Read more:

The inflation rate in Cebu Province for November 2024 remained steady at October’s rate of 2.8 percent, PSA-Cebu said.

19/12/2024

🚨 Important Reminder for Government Agencies! 🚨

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is reminding government agencies to uphold the 10-day paid leave for female employees who are victims of domestic abuse, as mandated by the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004. 💔

This law ensures that women in government service can address critical needs such as medical care, counseling, legal protection, and pursuing legal action without worrying about their jobs. 🌟

The CSC is urging agencies to:

✨ Uphold the 10-day paid leave non-cumulatively
✨ Ensure confidentiality and prompt assistance for victims
✨ Implement measures against workplace sexual harassment

Let's work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for our female colleagues! 💪



Read more:

The Civil Service Commission has reminded government agencies to uphold the 10-day paid leave for their female employees who are victims of domestic abuse.

19/12/2024

🚣‍♀️ Exciting News for Travelers! 🌊

Ocean Jet has launched its newest vessel, Ocean Jet 988, which will be plying the busy Tagbilaran-Cebu route! 🎉

The new fastcraft is powered by two Cummins marine diesel engines, capable of reaching speeds beyond 25 knots. It can accommodate up to 357 passengers and is equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable journey.

Starting this Friday, Ocean Jet will be offering 13 roundtrips between Tagbilaran City and Cebu City, making it easier than ever to travel between these two beautiful destinations! 🌴

Let's get ready to explore Cebu in style! 😊

Read more:

Ocean Jet 998. Photo: via Laag ni Markee Ocean Jet has launched its newest vessel that will ply the busy Tagbilaran-Cebu route. Gene Lastimado, Ocean Jet’s operations manager, said the vessel named Ocean Jet 988 had its maiden voyage on Tuesday. It is Ocean Jet’s 12th vessel built locally b

19/12/2024

🌎💡 Let's Talk About Energy Security in Cebu! 🤔

A recent 13-day brownout in Siargao Island due to damaged submarine cables highlights the vulnerability of our power infrastructure 💥. Our friends at CEBU ELECTRICITY RIGHTS ADVOCATES (CERA) are sounding the alarm about the importance of investing in local power plants to improve energy security and reduce our dependence on external power sources 🌈.

Without urgent investments, Cebu's economy is vulnerable to future power disruptions, which can have devastating effects on our tourism industry, essential services, and daily lives 💸.

CERA urges us to take action and invest in our local energy infrastructure. Let's work together to secure a stable, self-sustaining energy supply for our beloved city! 🌟

Share this post with your friends and family to raise awareness about the importance of investing in local power plants for Cebu's energy security 🤝

Read more:

FOLLOWING a 13-day brownout in Siargao Island caused by damaged submarine cables, the Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (Cera) has called for immediate investme

19/12/2024

🚨 WARNING FROM COA! 🚨 The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged Toledo City LGU for hiring over 3,000 Job Order workers, with total payments reaching P167 million in 2023! 💸

The audit found that the outcomes were "inconsistent" with government regulations and raised concerns about wastage and improper disposition of funds. 🤔

COA cited several deficiencies, including:

Lack of individual accomplishment reports for JO workers
No identification cards for JO workers
Hiring without proper contracts or MOAs
Similar photos of clean, green and bloom projects on different dates, raising doubts about actual work done 📸

To address these concerns, COA recommended strengthening internal controls in JO hiring, documenting all hirings through contracts or MOAs, and requiring JOs to enroll in a biometric system. 💼

Let's hope Toledo City LGU takes these recommendations seriously and reviews their policies on JO hiring! 🤞

Read more:

The Commission on Audit has flagged the Toledo City government for hiring over 3,000 Job Order (JO) workers for various programs in the city which total payment reached P167 million in the calendar year 2023.

19/12/2024

🏆 CHAMPIONS AGAIN! 🎉 The University of Cebu Webmasters swept the chess titles at the 32nd Cebu City Olympics, dominating all gold medals in individual and team events! 🤩

Led by Coach Kim Steven Yap, the UC Webmasters secured an impressive 8 gold medals across different age groups, showcasing their exceptional skills in the game of chess. 🧱

Congratulations to our UC Webmasters for making us proud with this outstanding achievement! 🙌

Read more:

The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters dominated the chess competition of the 32nd Cebu City Olympics, held earlier this week at SM Seaside City Cebu, sweeping all the gold medals.

18/12/2024

"🥊 CONGRATULATIONS to Joseph Sumabong, the new WBO Youth Minimumweight champion! 🏆

The 22-year-old Boholano boxer from Black Snake Gym delivered a stunning knockout victory over Cebuano fighter John Kevien Jimenez in "Fists of Fury 4" on December 17. 🥊👍

Sumabong's perfectly timed left overhand to the liver in the second round sealed his win, and he celebrated an emphatic victory! 🎉

This win marks a redemption arc for Sumabong, who had previously fallen short in his bid for the WBO Asia Pacific Minimumweight title. 💪

We're proud of our Cebuano boxer, Joseph Sumabong, for making us proud with this impressive victory! 🙌 "

Read more:

Boholano boxing prospect Joseph Sumabong of the Black Snake Gym captured the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth Minimumweight title with a stunning victory over Cebuano fighter John Kevien Jimenez.

18/12/2024

"🌪️ Alert: Cebu to experience moderate to heavy rains starting Wednesday! 🌧️

TD Querubin is expected to bring heavy rainfall to our province, accompanied by strong winds and gusts. Stay safe and stay informed!

🚨 According to Pagasa, the shearline and TD Querubin will bring rains across the Visayas and Mindanao.

🌈 Davao Oriental is still under Signal No. 1, with expected winds of 39-61 kph and intermittent rains within 36 hours.

💧 Residents in Cebu are advised to prepare for potential flooding and strong winds.

⛈️ The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warns that Querubin's remnants may continue bringing heavy rainfall over much of Visayas and Mindanao, including the Sulu Sea and Palawan.

🌊 Stay tuned to local news and weather updates for the latest information on this developing storm.

Remember, safety is our top priority! 🙏 "

Read more:

Here are the latest updates on Tropical Depression (TD) 'Querubin,' which developed into a TD on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

18/12/2024

"🎓 Congratulations to our own Cebuans who ranked Number 1 in various licensure examinations in 2024! 🎉

We're proud to announce the top performers from prestigious Cebu-based universities:

💊 Dr. Christopher Mendoza (Medicine) - Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Inc.
🔌 Raymond Geoman and Christopher Maranga (Electrical Engineering) - Cebu Institute of Technology University
💼 John Philip Minancillo (Mechanical Engineering) - University of Cebu
🚣‍♀️ Kyle Christian Tutor (Law) - University of the Philippines Diliman
🏫 Lara Tero (Education) - Cebu Normal University
👩‍🏫 Nomel Andan and Mary Eloisa Fullo (Elementary Education) - Cebu Normal University
🌆 Francis Charles Lauta (Civil Engineering) - University of Cebu
💉 Chariemae Cañazares (Nursing) - Cebu Normal University
📊 Jianne Ilysse Yu (Accountancy) - University of San Carlos

These talented individuals have proven that Cebu is a hub for academic excellence! 🌟 We salute them and all our fellow Cebuano achievers who continue to make us proud. "

Read more:

At least 10 graduates from prestigious Cebu-based universities, and a graduate from Cebu who studied in Manila, ranked Number 1 in various licensure examinations in 2024.

18/12/2024

"🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 President Marcos Jr. leads signing of agreements for new Cebu port and bus transit system!

💼 The President, along with key officials, signed agreements for the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system.

🚗 P17 billion NCICP: aims to alleviate congestion at existing Cebu Base Port
🚌 P28.78 billion CBRT: connects key parts of Cebu City, making daily commutes easier and more comfortable

But that's not all! 🤩 The expansion project of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Concession Agreement was also signed.

🛫️ BPIA expansion: increases annual airport passenger capacity to 3.9 million by 2023
💸 Expected to generate P15 million in annual revenue during its first five years, increasing to P200 million per year by the end of the concession period

And what about Dumaguete and Siargao? 🌴 The construction of new regional airports is underway, creating more opportunities for students, workers, and businesses!

🌟 President Marcos Jr. emphasized that these projects will provide a better future for Filipinos, with comfortable travel, better opportunities, and a clearer path toward the future.

"My fellow Filipinos, let's build a better Philippines we can proudly bequeath to our children," he said. 🙏 "

Read more:

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. led the signing of various government infrastructure project agreements on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, including the

18/12/2024

"🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 DOTr signs 5 infra projects, including new Cebu port!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed five contracts for key infrastructure projects, including the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), Bohol-Panglao International Airport expansion, and new regional airports in Dumaguete and Siargao.

🚧 P17-billion NCICP: aims to alleviate congestion at existing Cebu Base Port
💸 P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport modernization: increases capacity from 2 million to 4 million passengers by 2030

The President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., witnessed the signings and highlighted the importance of these projects for Filipinos' daily lives.

“Let us remember: These projects are not just structures, they are representative of every Filipino's dream of more comfortable travel, better opportunities, and a clearer path towards their goals and dreams,” he said. 💡

Join the excitement and let's build a brighter future together! 🌟 "

Read more:

DOTr 5 infra projects, Department of Transportation signed 5 contracts for key infra projects including New Cebu International Container Port

18/12/2024

"🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 President Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of 5 new infrastructure project agreements across the country! 🌴

These projects will improve travel and connectivity in provinces like Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Siargao! 🚌

Highlights include:

💸 P17-billion New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) to alleviate congestion
🚗 P28-billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system for efficient travel
🛫️ P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport expansion to increase capacity and generate revenue

The President emphasized that these projects will create jobs, boost tourism, and improve daily commutes! 🌈

“Let us remember: These projects are not just structures, they are representative of every Filipino's dream of more comfortable travel, better opportunities, and a clearer path towards their goals and dreams,” he said. 💡

Join the excitement and let's build a brighter future together! 🌟 "

Read more:

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. witnessed on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the signing of five infrastructure project agreements across the country.

18/12/2024

"🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 The Philippine government has signed key infrastructure project agreements for Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Siargao! 🌴
The projects include:
💪 New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) to reduce port congestion
🚌 Cebu Bus Transit (CBRT) system for efficient travel
🛫️ Expansion of Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA)
🏥 Construction of new regional airports in Dumaguete and Siargao
These projects aim to improve connectivity, generate jobs, and boost tourism! 🌈
President Marcos highlighted the importance of these projects, saying they will make travel more comfortable and create better opportunities for Filipinos. 💡
Let's build a brighter future together! 🌟 "

Read more:

https://pco.gov.ph/.../pacts-signed-for-key-port...

18/12/2024

"🌴 Cebu City is buzzing with excitement as the Miss Universe Philippines Cebu 2025 coronation night approaches! 🎉

The journey to the national stage has officially begun for Cebu, and we're thrilled to see the 18 beautiful candidates taking center stage. 💃 Each one of them brings their unique story and aspirations, promising a powerful celebration of Cebuano pride and strength.

🌟 Some of the remarkable women competing include:

💖 Those who are passionate about social justice
💪 Those who aim to inspire young girls through education
🌱 Those who want to promote environmental conservation

The grand coronation night on December 18, 2024, at Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino will not only crown a new queen but also celebrate the power of advocacy and making a positive impact! 🌈

Let's join in and cheer for our lovely candidates as they shine under the spotlight! 💫 "

Read more:

Here are the latest updates on the Miss Universe PH Cebu coronation night held at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino.

17/12/2024

🎓💼 Good News for Cebu Tech-Voc Scholars! 🌟

Congratulations to all 14,518 technical vocational education and training (TVET) scholars in Central Visayas who have recently received their National Certifications! 🎉

TESDA-7 has facilitated this achievement, providing a platform for our Cebuanos to develop their skills and expertise. 💼

We're proud of these individuals who have worked hard to earn their certifications and are now ready to take on new challenges in their chosen fields! 🌟

A huge thank you to TESDA-7, industry boards, local government units, private organizations, and the provincial government for their support and partnership in making this possible! 🙏

And a special shoutout to our eight industry boards, 133 assessment centers, and 566 assessors who have worked tirelessly to ensure that these certifications are issued on time. Kudos to you all! 👏

Let's celebrate this achievement and continue to support our youth in their pursuit of skills and knowledge! Share your congratulations and well-wishes using 🇵🇭

Read more:

CEBU CITY – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Central Visayas (TESDA-7) has facilitated the certification of at least 14,518 individuals for their technical and vocational skills since 2022, an official reported on Tuesday. Floro Ringco, TESDA-7 assistant regional…