The Cebu Provincial Development Council (PDC) has approved the proposed P672-million annual investment plan (AIP) for 2007, a huge chunk of which goes to road improvement.
The provincial government has alloted some P300 million for infrastructure. For next year, it would set aside some P20 million as financial support for the Malapascua Island Eco-Tourism Plan.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the P300 million for road projects was part of her campaign promise of asphalting 400 of the 544 kilometers of provincial roads in three years.
If the 400 kilometers is divided in three years, she said the province will have to asphalt an average of 133 kilometers a year.
Garcia said a P300 million allocation last year was estimated to asphalt 157 kilometers based on prices in that year.
But the province has completed asphalting 67 kilometers because contractors have difficulty coping with the number of projects they have to work on in the province, she said.
Cherry Ballescas, chairperson of the non-government group Partnership for Progressive Cebu that sits as a PDC member, said the NGOs did not endorse its approval because they want the details on where the money will be spent, and what happened to the funds allocated for this year.
In her reaction, Garcia ordered the Provincial Accounting Office to make a “centavo-by-centavo accounting and full report” of Capitol projects, including materials and labor costs per project. She also tasked the Provincial Budget Office to specify what amount has already been set aside for what. (PNA)
Monday, October 09, 2006
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Cebu department stores deploy mobile outlets
If you can't go to the department store, then the department store will go to you.
This is the latest sales strategy of department stores chain Prince Warehouse Club to keep business afloat amid the tough competition in the retail trade.
If in the past, consumers from the provinces needed to travel to the city to buy merchandise, now department store operators are bringing their products to consumers' doorsteps, especially in special occasions like town fiestas.
Prince Warehouse Club chain president Roberto Go said his store would usually go to a certain town to bring house wares, RTW (ready-to-wear), electronic products, among others, a week or two before a town fiesta.
Gaisano Main department store, which also operates the Gaisano Country Mall has also been doing similar retail approach.
According to Go, a truck of merchandise will be transported to a certain town, and display these products to community centers for residents to buy. This brings a mini Prince Warehouse Club department store to towns.
This strategy, he said, has proven to be very effective in widening its market base and improve sales.
Prince Warehouse Club has been doing this mobile retail caravan for some time now, and it is a good sales performance booster, he added.
While the Prince Warehouse Club mobile caravan has only been concentrating in the Cebu province, Go said the company still has no plan to bring this kind of a concept off the island.
He said if the company were to entertain this kind of retail approach in other islands in Visayas and Mindanao, it still has to consider the cost of shipment and labor expenses.
He said Prince Warehouse Club still has to focus on bringing its goods to the different towns in Cebu province, from north to south.
Aside from boosting its retail business, he said consumers in the far-flung towns will benefit easier shopping spree, which saves them transportation money going to the city.
He said the farther the town, the more sales is noted, because consumers in these particular areas do not often go to the city and buy goods in cheaper prices.
Generally, he said, the retail business in Cebu has been performing very well, because of tourism, and quite good economic situation, compared to other regions in the Philippines.
However, he said department operators, or big retailers still have to think of strategies to attract patronage, as competition has increased significantly. (PNA)
This is the latest sales strategy of department stores chain Prince Warehouse Club to keep business afloat amid the tough competition in the retail trade.
If in the past, consumers from the provinces needed to travel to the city to buy merchandise, now department store operators are bringing their products to consumers' doorsteps, especially in special occasions like town fiestas.
Prince Warehouse Club chain president Roberto Go said his store would usually go to a certain town to bring house wares, RTW (ready-to-wear), electronic products, among others, a week or two before a town fiesta.
Gaisano Main department store, which also operates the Gaisano Country Mall has also been doing similar retail approach.
According to Go, a truck of merchandise will be transported to a certain town, and display these products to community centers for residents to buy. This brings a mini Prince Warehouse Club department store to towns.
This strategy, he said, has proven to be very effective in widening its market base and improve sales.
Prince Warehouse Club has been doing this mobile retail caravan for some time now, and it is a good sales performance booster, he added.
While the Prince Warehouse Club mobile caravan has only been concentrating in the Cebu province, Go said the company still has no plan to bring this kind of a concept off the island.
He said if the company were to entertain this kind of retail approach in other islands in Visayas and Mindanao, it still has to consider the cost of shipment and labor expenses.
He said Prince Warehouse Club still has to focus on bringing its goods to the different towns in Cebu province, from north to south.
Aside from boosting its retail business, he said consumers in the far-flung towns will benefit easier shopping spree, which saves them transportation money going to the city.
He said the farther the town, the more sales is noted, because consumers in these particular areas do not often go to the city and buy goods in cheaper prices.
Generally, he said, the retail business in Cebu has been performing very well, because of tourism, and quite good economic situation, compared to other regions in the Philippines.
However, he said department operators, or big retailers still have to think of strategies to attract patronage, as competition has increased significantly. (PNA)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Parishes offer prayers every mass for successful ASEAN Summit in Cebu
Fr. Carmelo Diola, Cebu Archdiocesan liaison officer to the Cebu Organizing Committee (COC) for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit bared all parishes in Cebu are offering prayers after every mass dubbed 'Oracho Imperata' for a successful conduct of the summit.
Ricardo Cardinal Vidal mandated every parish in Cebu to offer prayers to raise the consciousness of the public on how significant the summit is as well as for the awakening of spiritual and moral powers.
Diola said he will asked the Department of Foreign Affairs whether there are pamphlets that can be distributed to the different parishes that answers frequently asked questions so the people may have a better understanding of the Asean event.
The Cardinal sees a positive impact of the summit to Cebu and the country in general as he wants the people to cooperate and support the biggest international event in the country, according to Diola.
Diola, during the 888 News Forum this morning at Parklane Hotel, promoted a church-initiated activity called 'Dila-ab,' a heroic Christian fellowship that looks at Asean and beyond where a good Christian is akin to a good citizen.
The Cardinal's concern is integral human development as the ASEAN is another phase of globalization and that the ASEAN body should not be looked at in the context of economic and political perspective but must also include the spiritual and humanistic side, according to Diola.
Diola disclosed that before the start of the COC meeting held earlier this week, Catholic and Muslim prayer were offered as an Imam was likewise invited. Diola said they are exploring the possibility of an interfaith dialogue during the summit. (PIA)
Ricardo Cardinal Vidal mandated every parish in Cebu to offer prayers to raise the consciousness of the public on how significant the summit is as well as for the awakening of spiritual and moral powers.
Diola said he will asked the Department of Foreign Affairs whether there are pamphlets that can be distributed to the different parishes that answers frequently asked questions so the people may have a better understanding of the Asean event.
The Cardinal sees a positive impact of the summit to Cebu and the country in general as he wants the people to cooperate and support the biggest international event in the country, according to Diola.
Diola, during the 888 News Forum this morning at Parklane Hotel, promoted a church-initiated activity called 'Dila-ab,' a heroic Christian fellowship that looks at Asean and beyond where a good Christian is akin to a good citizen.
The Cardinal's concern is integral human development as the ASEAN is another phase of globalization and that the ASEAN body should not be looked at in the context of economic and political perspective but must also include the spiritual and humanistic side, according to Diola.
Diola disclosed that before the start of the COC meeting held earlier this week, Catholic and Muslim prayer were offered as an Imam was likewise invited. Diola said they are exploring the possibility of an interfaith dialogue during the summit. (PIA)
Roaring economy of the Philippines
No wonder the Filipino people are happy as the last quarter of the year begins with good, healthy and vibrant economic signs in sight for the country.
For the common man on the streets who do not have the full grasp of the rosy economic pictures attained by the country at present, the almost weekly lowering of prices of oil products to P0.50 centavos per liter and the recent good news on the lowering of prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to P2.00 per kilogram are simple signs of economic turn around that bring not only a sense of gratification but an ease to the financial burden carried everyday by the financial managers of each Filipino households.
Relatively, the economic benefits that the common masses have reaped is just part and parcel of the bigger and more stable economic gains that the country have achieved at present.
By trying to look at the larger view of the country’s economy, we can readily see a roaring tiger economy in the picture willing to unleash its sharp teeth to destroy all the odds that may block along the way to economic development.
By taking a closer look at the present economic situation in the country, one can see how the Philippine peso kept its strength as to the dollar which as of yesterday’s trading of the Philippine stock market is equivalent to P49.88 against 1$.
Foreign and local economists are likewise upbeat with the strong performance of the peso against a dollar coupled with the continued lowering of prices of oil products, thus they likely forecasted an easement of the inflation rate probably at 5.7% to 6.2% compared to 6.3% in the month of August.
Not only foreign and local economists are upbeat with the good picture of the economy of the country but President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself.
The President assured the Filipino people that the momentum of the economic gains achieved by the country at present will continue as doubling of the efforts of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is on headway to achieve the much needed revenue to balance and sustain the country’s economic growth and performance.
Words from Malacañang thru Secretary Ignacio Bunye, Presidential Spokesman, mirrors the economic achievements by saying that the Filipino people and the Filipino nation as a whole are reaping the global confidence from the sound stewardship of reforms, tough decisions and growing political stability. Press Secretary Bunye said that all of these economic gains are credited to the over all discipline and spirit of enterprise of the Filipino. (PIA)
For the common man on the streets who do not have the full grasp of the rosy economic pictures attained by the country at present, the almost weekly lowering of prices of oil products to P0.50 centavos per liter and the recent good news on the lowering of prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to P2.00 per kilogram are simple signs of economic turn around that bring not only a sense of gratification but an ease to the financial burden carried everyday by the financial managers of each Filipino households.
Relatively, the economic benefits that the common masses have reaped is just part and parcel of the bigger and more stable economic gains that the country have achieved at present.
By trying to look at the larger view of the country’s economy, we can readily see a roaring tiger economy in the picture willing to unleash its sharp teeth to destroy all the odds that may block along the way to economic development.
By taking a closer look at the present economic situation in the country, one can see how the Philippine peso kept its strength as to the dollar which as of yesterday’s trading of the Philippine stock market is equivalent to P49.88 against 1$.
Foreign and local economists are likewise upbeat with the strong performance of the peso against a dollar coupled with the continued lowering of prices of oil products, thus they likely forecasted an easement of the inflation rate probably at 5.7% to 6.2% compared to 6.3% in the month of August.
Not only foreign and local economists are upbeat with the good picture of the economy of the country but President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself.
The President assured the Filipino people that the momentum of the economic gains achieved by the country at present will continue as doubling of the efforts of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is on headway to achieve the much needed revenue to balance and sustain the country’s economic growth and performance.
Words from Malacañang thru Secretary Ignacio Bunye, Presidential Spokesman, mirrors the economic achievements by saying that the Filipino people and the Filipino nation as a whole are reaping the global confidence from the sound stewardship of reforms, tough decisions and growing political stability. Press Secretary Bunye said that all of these economic gains are credited to the over all discipline and spirit of enterprise of the Filipino. (PIA)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Media inspects CICC on Wednesday
A media tour on the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) is slated on Wednesday to provide the media a first-hand ocular inspection on the ongoing construction of the center.
The 12th Asean Summit Cebu Organizing Committee (COC) Chair Gov. Gwen Garcia stated a media tour on the CICC is necessary to update the press on the recent developments of the ongoing construction.
The CICC, one of the identified sites of the summit, has woven a lot of controversy whether it can be finished on time. The deadline for its completion has been targeted on November 15.
During the COC executive meeting this morning, Garcia said the media tour will allay fears or negative feedback from the public on the architects being able to meet the target completion date.
Apart from the tour, the media will be brief on the progress of the construction by architect Guanzon.
Garcia said at this point in time when the summit draws nearer, Cebuanos have to give their support and prayers for a successful hosting as all eyes in the world are focused in Cebu. The show of support includes a positive attitude, according to Gov. Garcia.
The international press center will be based at the CICC that will house a working area equipped with communication facilities and a press conference area. About 2,500 foreign media and another 300 from the Philippine press are expected to cover the summit.
The outcome of the ASEAN leaders meeting will be called the Cebu Declaration for future reference in succeeding summits. (PIA)
The 12th Asean Summit Cebu Organizing Committee (COC) Chair Gov. Gwen Garcia stated a media tour on the CICC is necessary to update the press on the recent developments of the ongoing construction.
The CICC, one of the identified sites of the summit, has woven a lot of controversy whether it can be finished on time. The deadline for its completion has been targeted on November 15.
During the COC executive meeting this morning, Garcia said the media tour will allay fears or negative feedback from the public on the architects being able to meet the target completion date.
Apart from the tour, the media will be brief on the progress of the construction by architect Guanzon.
Garcia said at this point in time when the summit draws nearer, Cebuanos have to give their support and prayers for a successful hosting as all eyes in the world are focused in Cebu. The show of support includes a positive attitude, according to Gov. Garcia.
The international press center will be based at the CICC that will house a working area equipped with communication facilities and a press conference area. About 2,500 foreign media and another 300 from the Philippine press are expected to cover the summit.
The outcome of the ASEAN leaders meeting will be called the Cebu Declaration for future reference in succeeding summits. (PIA)
Maasin City to establish a college soon
The City of Maasin at present has no government-run college to cater to the educational needs of the poor but deserving students.
In this regard, City Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco filed an ordinance establishing the Maasin City college and appropriating funds for the said purpose.
Samaco explained that the venture of establishing a local college will generate additional income to the city, though the funds earned will be used to develop the said institutions.
Schools on the other hand can crop up economy of a community, as the local college will accept enrollees from other parts of Southern Leyte and other neighboring provinces. Boarding houses, eateries, internet cafes and other business establishments will boost, he said.
The college shall offer courses not offered in the private schools in Maasin City to refrain from competition, Samaco further noted. Courses that will be offered include Bachelor in Public Administration and Governance, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy, Bachelor in Social Work, Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Bachelor in Business Administration major in Marketing. Short-term vocational courses may also be offered, he added.
Samaco stated in his ordinance that salaries of the employees will be shouldered by the city government, subject to the Salary Standardization Law.
In addition, the city government shall be the one to establish the building for the classrooms, administration, library, laboratory and other facilities of the college as required by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The city government shall also provide a lot for these buildings and facilities which shall be in the name of the City of Maasin.
Though education offered by the Maasin City College will be much cheaper compared to private schools, good quality education shall be the main thrust of the institution, Samaco further explained.
Moreover, assistance from the Congressman and the provincial government of Southern Leyte and other donors could also boost the facilities of the new-born college. This is also one of the most important legacies in the administration of City Mayor Damian G. Mercado-establishing the Maasin City College. (PIA)
In this regard, City Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco filed an ordinance establishing the Maasin City college and appropriating funds for the said purpose.
Samaco explained that the venture of establishing a local college will generate additional income to the city, though the funds earned will be used to develop the said institutions.
Schools on the other hand can crop up economy of a community, as the local college will accept enrollees from other parts of Southern Leyte and other neighboring provinces. Boarding houses, eateries, internet cafes and other business establishments will boost, he said.
The college shall offer courses not offered in the private schools in Maasin City to refrain from competition, Samaco further noted. Courses that will be offered include Bachelor in Public Administration and Governance, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy, Bachelor in Social Work, Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Bachelor in Business Administration major in Marketing. Short-term vocational courses may also be offered, he added.
Samaco stated in his ordinance that salaries of the employees will be shouldered by the city government, subject to the Salary Standardization Law.
In addition, the city government shall be the one to establish the building for the classrooms, administration, library, laboratory and other facilities of the college as required by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The city government shall also provide a lot for these buildings and facilities which shall be in the name of the City of Maasin.
Though education offered by the Maasin City College will be much cheaper compared to private schools, good quality education shall be the main thrust of the institution, Samaco further explained.
Moreover, assistance from the Congressman and the provincial government of Southern Leyte and other donors could also boost the facilities of the new-born college. This is also one of the most important legacies in the administration of City Mayor Damian G. Mercado-establishing the Maasin City College. (PIA)
Monday, October 02, 2006
International tour operator lauds tourism potentials of Region 8
Mr. Francisco Atayde, Jr., the proprietor and manager of the La Viajera Travel and Tours in Manila, extolled the tourism potentials of Region 8 even as he praised the natural beauty of the countryside.
Rotarian Atayde was with some Rotarians from Manila who together with the sister club Rotary Club of Kandaya conducted a Medical Mission in Dulag, Leyte .
The group also conducted another medical and dental mission in partnership of the Rotary Club of Borongan, Eastern Samar at the municipality of Llorente , also in Eastern Samar .
Having had the chance to see the countryside of Region 8, Atayde who is an international travel and tour operator said that there is so much that the Region can contribute to the Tourism Industry of the country even as he volunteered to help in the promotion of the tourism industry of the Region with in the country and also abroad.
Mr. Atayde who is the President of the Rotary Club of Pasay Illustrado, was guest of the joint meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Kandaya, San Juanico, Tacloban and Leyte Gulf last week, where he campaigned for the attendance of the local Rotarians to the forthcoming Rotary International Convention in Salt Lake City Utah on June 17 -20, 2007.
He said that the Rotarians themselves can promote the tourism industry of the Region whenever they attend Rotary gatherings. Their attendance at the Rotary International Convention may also serve as a promotions and marketing mission for the tourism industry of the Region.
The mere presence of Rotarians coming from Region 8, in the Rotary International Convention will already make the Rotarians from other countries curious about Region 8, Atayde said.
It is actually not the place alone which make people come, more important is the people. Having acquaintances in a particular place, is a plus factor for people from other places to visit a certain place.
In the case of Rotarian Atayde and his group, they decided to come to Region 8 because of the Rotarians. (PIA)
Rotarian Atayde was with some Rotarians from Manila who together with the sister club Rotary Club of Kandaya conducted a Medical Mission in Dulag, Leyte .
The group also conducted another medical and dental mission in partnership of the Rotary Club of Borongan, Eastern Samar at the municipality of Llorente , also in Eastern Samar .
Having had the chance to see the countryside of Region 8, Atayde who is an international travel and tour operator said that there is so much that the Region can contribute to the Tourism Industry of the country even as he volunteered to help in the promotion of the tourism industry of the Region with in the country and also abroad.
Mr. Atayde who is the President of the Rotary Club of Pasay Illustrado, was guest of the joint meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Kandaya, San Juanico, Tacloban and Leyte Gulf last week, where he campaigned for the attendance of the local Rotarians to the forthcoming Rotary International Convention in Salt Lake City Utah on June 17 -20, 2007.
He said that the Rotarians themselves can promote the tourism industry of the Region whenever they attend Rotary gatherings. Their attendance at the Rotary International Convention may also serve as a promotions and marketing mission for the tourism industry of the Region.
The mere presence of Rotarians coming from Region 8, in the Rotary International Convention will already make the Rotarians from other countries curious about Region 8, Atayde said.
It is actually not the place alone which make people come, more important is the people. Having acquaintances in a particular place, is a plus factor for people from other places to visit a certain place.
In the case of Rotarian Atayde and his group, they decided to come to Region 8 because of the Rotarians. (PIA)
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