Cebu monthly (January 2015)

CEBU MONTHLY JANUARY 2015

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g n i r e v o Disc ral side of the natu

CEBU

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Capitol takes over My Home

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Guv to rehabilitate infra in Medellin

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“Sympathy Walk” staged for 44 fallen comrades

JANUARY CONTENTS

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Farmer-Scientists Training Program builds millionaires in 20 years Capitol strengthens goat production Pit Senyor: Cebu’s homage and tribute to the Holy Child

Publisher Cebu Provincial Government Editor-In-Chief Ethel Taneo-Natera Managing Editor Roger Serna Copy Editor Nancy Cudis-Ucag

WHAT IS KAPISTORYA?

KAPIstorya on youtube

A media forum attended by Capitol beat reporters and reporters from other beats, as the case may be, where invited guests from the different departments of the Cebu Provincial Government present their programs, projects, services and activities or discuss relevant topics or hot issues at hand.

Writers Acer S. Alkuino Lee R. Dela Cerna Lianne T. Llesol Cris Lanie D. Delos Reyes Hearty Marie O. Rizarri Layout Artist Stanley Cin A. Libor Photographers Reigi Burlas Donald Moga Earl Ryan Santiago

This is held every Friday, at 9:00 A.M. at the Legislative Lounge, 2nd Floor, Legislative Building

ABOUT THE COVER An ancient bell tower in Samboan provides a perfect background and tool for tracing cultural heritage during the Suroy Suroy Sugbo Southern Getaway 2015.

Circulation Edgar Florita

Inquiries regarding publication, subscription, circulation, and claims may be forwarded to the Provincial Information Office: PIO, Cebu Provincial Gov’t.

PIO bldg., Cebu Capitol CMPD, Cebu City, Philippines (032) 236-7672 / 254-3454

Museo Sugbo

Reconnect with your heritage in Cebu’s biggest museum!

Six Buildings Three Museums 12 Fully Airconditioned Galleries Museum Gift and Coffee Shop Free Wi-Fi

Museum Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am- 5:30 pm For inquiries and reservation

(032) 239-5626 angmuseosugbo@gmail.com Visit us at our website: www.cebu.gov.ph Like us on: fb.com/angmuseosugbo

Certificate of Excellence #10 of 62 things to do in Cebu City

About the Museum

Museo Sugbo MJ Cuenco Avenue, Brgy. Tejero, 6000 Cebu City, Philippines

Museo Sugbo is Cebu’s provincial museum located along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, a part of an old Spanish-era district in Cebu City. This was once the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), home of the famous dancing inmates. Before it became CPDRC, it was called Carcel de Cebu. Designed by Domingo de Escondrillas in 1869, the building was constructed to be the main prison for the Visayas district.

Withstanding both time and the elements, Carcel de Cebu’s structures made of coral stone and lime mortar have now become Cebu’s history keeper.

The Museo Sugbo has the noble task of reconstructing Cebuano history; Cebuanos have the sheer pleasure of taking a time travel through viewing the museum’s thirteen galleries.

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CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

Farmer-Scientists Training Program builds millionaires in 20 years

by Acer S. Alkuino

A

fter 20 years, the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP) changed the lives of the farmers by turning them into self-made millionaires.

Plaques of recognition were given to 20 outstanding farmer-scientists, who were “forced to get rich,” as called by Dr. Davide.

According to the report, many of them were already millionaires while the others have at least 100 million in annual income. They are:

THE MAN BEHIND FSTP. In 1994, Dr. Romulo Caption, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, started FSTP which become the vehicle to make farmers self-made millionares.

FOTO/Donald A. Moga

This was based on the interviews of the famers conducted by the FSTP Team from the College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

UPLB’s report was made on the occasion of its 20th FSTP Anniversary Conference and Program held at Colawin Elemetary School in Argao, Cebu last December 8, 2014.

Capitol Agriculture Consultant and FSTP National Program Leader Dr. Romulo Davide, who started the program in Colawin in 1994, led the anniversary activities.

• Jose Ruben (Barangay Cansuje), • Joseph Montañez of (Barangay Apo), • Dennis Gil (Barangay Mompeller), • Vivencia Sarona (Barangay Colawin), • Felicidad Orteza (Barangay Mompeller), • Marciano Agrabio (Barangay Cansuje), • Jovencio Lanticse (Barangay Cansuje), • Julian Geverola (Barangay Gutlang), • Marcus Baricuatro (Barangay Bulasa), • Guillerma Villanueva (Barangay Langub), • Leonito Manzanades (Barangay Apo), • Elijah Comaling (Barangay Cansuje), • Juanito Lanticse (Barangay Bug-ot), • Paz Caminse (Barangay Linut-od), • Danilo Zamora (Barangay Linut-od), • Isidro Sarona (Barangay Colawin), • Ariston Panerio (Barangay Colawin), • Joel Templa (Barangay Mompeller), • Ferma Templa (Barangay Mompeller), • Julita Mamites (Barangay Cansuje)

Countryside Development

Around 400 farmer-scientists (FS) from different barangays of Argao attended the conference. The conference focused on the following concerns:

CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

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EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

• Creation of trading posts • Organic fertilizer subsidies • Farm to market roads • Assistance on marketing of agri-products • Hauling of crops and giving of bribe to guards at check points to allow farmers to stay on the truck with their farm products • Unfair treatment of farmers when they sell their products at the Cebu Carbon market

Watch FS Millionaire Jose Ruben’s FSTP testimony at http://bit.ly/FTSPMillions or visit our official YouTube Page

Dr. Roldan Saragena, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Agriculturist of Cebu Province, and Wilfredo Abear, officer-in-charge of the Municipal Agriculturist Office of Argao were also present in the celebration.

FS Jose Ruben was also recognized by the Capitol when it hosted its seventh FSTP Congress last October.

Ruben now owns a two-storey house in Barangay Cansuje and a brand new 2014 model pick-up car.

His neighbor, Marciano Agrabio, who also graduated from FSTP in the late 1990s, now owns a concrete house and a van. Agrabio, who now serves as Cansuje barangay captain, was also able to send his three kids to college and now all are professionals.

Argao’s OIC Municipal Agriculturist Abear was also a farmer-scientist himself. He was one of the first FSTP graduates on December 9, 1994.

Aside from his salary, he earns Php 7,000 a week from his vegetable plantations, which are mostly eggplant, bottle gourd, squash and string beans.

Aniceto Alberca of Barangay Cansuje also profits Php 140,000 and Php 200,000 from his cauliflower and tomato plantation every year.

The FSTP Team plans to conduct more interviews this year in other towns in Cebu and in other provinces as well. According to the FSTP Team, the purpose is to “determine the economic and social impact of FSTP on their living conditions and socio-economic status.”

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CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

Countryside Development

Capitol strengthens goat production The Cebu Provincial Government looks at strengthening the production of the province’s farm animals, which is one of its priorities.

This time the Capitol focused on goats. The Capitol through the Provincial Veterinarian Office hosted a “Small Ruminant Production and Health Seminar” last Jan. 9 at the Capitol Social Hall.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III, who gave a welcome message, encouraged the farmers to increase their production since goats are among the easiest farm animals to manage. Also known as the poor man’s cows, goats can even be managed by children.

He added that goats are more suited in the island’s hilly agricultural lands. “This kind of terrain is exactly the kind of terrain ideal for goat-raising,” he said.

The seminar aimed to enhance the knowledge and capability of local livestock farmers in managing productive animals.

It was designed to reinforce the knowledge of small ruminant raisers, agriculture and vet students, and livestock technicians on improved production through herd health management, disease prevention and control, including herbal medicine, ethno-veterinary practices and organic goat farming.

The speakers were from the National Research Commission of the Philippines (NCRP) XIII. They are professors of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), including a scientist of the Philippine Carabao Center.

The activity was attended by 195 farmers, municipal and city veterinarians, and municipal and city livestock technicians.

In the country, goats are primarily raised to supplement household income out of their meat, milk, fiber, and skin.

Based on the 2012 data of Philippine Atlas of Farm Resources, the province is the top producer of goats in Central Visayas with 231,997 in both backyard and commercial production. Cebu is also among the top three goat-producing province in the entire country.

Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy speaks about goat dispersal program of the Capitol in a “Small Ruminent Production and Health” seminar at the Capitol. FOTO/PJ Patricio

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy said the Capitol continued its goat dispersal program that started in 2008 using the livelihood funds of the Department of Energy.

The Capitol also has various types of semen to improve the genetic composition of goats through artificial insemination (AI). Last year, the municipality of Ronda delivered the first AI baby goat or kid.

Dr. Claro N. Mingala, vice chair, NCRP XIII, emphasized the importance of a breeding plan as one strategy of climate change livestock adaptation.

He said the local breeds that have adapted to climactic stress and feeds should be preferred. To improve the local genetics, cross-breeding with heat and disease-tolerant breeds like the AngloNubian dairy goats is also advised. Acer S. Alkuino

H e a lt h a n d S o c i a l s e rv i c e s

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More ambulances for Cebu LGUs The Cebu Provincial Government turned over one Nissan ambulance for Toledo City, six units of mini ambulances for Lamac and Camugao (both in Pinamungajan), Cordova, Kawasan, Aloguinsan, Awihao (Toledo City), and Badian. There were also two units of multicabs for Garing, Consolacion and Ibabao, Sogod.

The turnover was led by Governor Hilario P.Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

One of the governor’s biggest area of concern under his administration is that the health services be rendered to the most vulnerable sectors, especially to the remote or mountainous areas in the province.

Camugao Barangay Captain Mario Moňasque expressed his thanks for the mini ambulance for his constituents. He shared that it was very difficult for his people to travel during emergencies since their barangay is situated on the mountain area some kilometers away from Pinungajan proper.

“Nindot kaayo kay dili na mi maglisod kon naa mi mga pasyente nga dad-onon sa hospital. Sauna inig naa na mi sa lungsod, wala say ambulansya, magbayad pa mi ug sakyanan, gasolina ug drayber. Karon naa na mi amua, lipay kaayo mi. (It will be a great help for us. We will not have a hard time when we have patients who need to be rushed in the hos-

pital. Before, we have to pay for a vehicle, fuel and the driver. Now, we are very happy to have our own ambulance),” Moňasque added.

Vice Mayor Antonio Yapha Jr. and City Councilor James Gaite of Toledo City came to receive the Nissan ambulance worth P1,298,000.

Baranggay Captain Maria Catam-isan of Lamac, Carlito Chua of Kawasan, Pablito Baladjay of Ibabao (Sogod), Roque Iburan of Cordova, Ronaldo Alimured of Garing (Consolacion) and the municipal doctor from Badian also came to receive their new ambulances from the provincial government.

A grateful Awihao Barangay Captain Leonita Birao said it is the first time for her barangay to own an ambulance.

“Mapasalamaton ko sa atong gobernador kay iya gyud gituman ang iyang saad nga maabot gyud sa baranggay ang health services sama aning ambulansya (I am very thankful to our governor because he really fulfilled what he has promised, that health services will be delivered in the barangays),” Birao said.

Davide, in his speech, said he hopes that the beneficiaries will take good care of the units. He added that the ambulances are just part of his administration’s actions to deliver health needs to the people. Cris Lanie Delos Reyes

US-based group holds medical mission in Cebu Mano-a-Mano International Relief Organization, a US-based non-profit organization is holding a medical mission for 4,000 patients in Cebu.

From January 20-21, they were in Balamban, west of Cebu. On January 23-24, they went to in Daanbantayan in the north.

The New Jersey-based organization had 58 volunteers from abroad, composed of foreigners and balikbayans and 13 from Cebu. Half of them are nurses.

“We are glad to be here. This is the biggest group I had. I think it’s because of Cebu,” said Dr. Lorna Bayes, founder, Mano-a-Mano International Relief Org. Bayes said the medical mission was arranged last year when Abellana National School Alumni Federation Incorporated Leader Engr. Daisy Toledo met the group in Iloilo.

“She persuaded us to hold the medical mission here. We are supposed to be in Bicol (this week),” she said. They are now on their seventh year in the country.

The services offered were general medicine, pediatrics, and minor surgery. They also gave free medicines and eyeglasses.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III thanked the group for coming over. He also invited the volunteers to drop by the tourist spots in Cebu both in the north and in the south.

“Let me thank all of you for the medical mission that you will be conducting here.

We are so happy and we welcome all of you. We hope you enjoy your visit here,” said Davide. Acer S. Alkuino

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CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

Two municipalities receive cash incentives Dedicated barangay workers in the municipality of Liloan received cash incentives from the Cebu Provincial Government.

Gloria Bollino, 60, one of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in Liloan who has been in the service for 35 years, expressed her gratitude for the cash incentive. She said it was very timely for her to receive it since her son was scheduled for an operation the following week.

“Maayo nalang kay additional ni nga tabang sa paghuman sa operasyon. Giingnan mi sa doctor nga mahal ug dugay ang medication niya (It will be an additional help for my son from the time when the operation is done. The doctor informed us in advance that the medication is costly and will take long),” Bollino said.

She started as a volunteer in 1982 and officially received monthly honorarium in 2002. It is her joy helping and serving the community, hence she has been serving for three decades already.

The distribution was held in the Panphil B . Frasco Memorial Sports Complex on January 8.

Provincial Board Members Miguel Antonio Magpale, Jude Thaddeus Durano-Sybico and Celestino Martinez with the barangay officials spearheaded the distribution of the cash incentives.

In Liloan, there were 123 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), 14 BNS, 32 Day Care Center Workers, 14 Barangay Animal Health Aides (BAHA), and 230 Barangay Tanods who received cash incentives.

In Compostela where the distribution was held in the municipality gym, there were 224 Barangay Tanods, 32 Day Care Center Workers, 122 BHW and16 BAHA who received cash incentives.

Brigida Butad, 68, who was also in the service for three and half decades, said she is not after a big or small salary.

“Ang ako nga ug makatabang ko, nag naa koy kalipay sa akong kinasuluran nga di mabayran.

BARANGAY WORKER’S INCENTIVES. The Provincial Government and Governor Junjun Davide pay tribute to the barangay workers dedicated service through cash incentives. At the distribution in Liloan and Compostela were PB members Miguel Antonio Magpale, Jude Sybico and ABC President Celestino Martinez III. FOTO/Donald Moga

(I have this joy inside me whenever I help and no amount of money can match this happiness),” she said.

Martinez emphasized, in his speech, that the Cebu Provincial Government values the barangay workers since they are very significant in carrying out government programs. Cris Lanie Delos Reyes

H e a lt h a n d S o c i a l s e rv i c e s

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Cebu Province takes over My Home, vows to uphold children’s rights The Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation – Integrated Development Center, Inc. (JPIC-IDC) turned over a center for children in conflict with the law (CICL) called My Home to the Cebu Provincial Government last January 15 in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

The center is a project run by the Society of the Divine Word priests and in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that provided the lot for the two-storey building.

After three years of administering the center, the Cebu Provincial Government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) will now take over the center. Supposedly it should be turned over to an LGU but no LGU can produce a budget. The Cebu Provincial Government will maintain the center as a house of compassion, generosity, love and help for the CICL. PSWDO has allocated P6 million as budget for the center in 2015.

PSWDO Consultant Rose Jao said that the budget will be spent for supplies, maintenance, salary and other expenses of the center.

The center has a therapy room, counseling room, activity area, clinic and three large rooms. It has also two house parents, psychologist, social worker, cook and security guard.

At present, My Home has 25 children who are accommodated by the center. They are coming from the different municipalities and cities in the province.

The child can stay at the center for six months to one year depending on their emotional and psychological capability.

A child expressed his feelings towards the governor in an interview, saying he is happy upon meeting him and his wife.

He said that he treated the governor as his father.

“Ako giisip nga amahan ang gobernador kay buotan ug maayo siya nga tawo (I treat the governor as my father because he’s a good and a kind person),” he said.

The child was left by his father at the very young age. This led him to commit vices in the past three years. Now at 15, he has changed through the help of My Home center and he is eager to finish his studies and eventually get a good job.

“Ako pangandoy mahimong psychologist kay para naku makatabang pod ko ug tambag sa mga bata nga

TURNOVER. My Home, a center for children in conflict with the law, is now under the care of the Cebu Provincial Government.

Hazel Fuentes and Fr. Anthony Salas, operations officer and Executive Director respectively of JPC-IDC, turn over documents and symbolic key of the facility to Governor Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.FOTO/Reigi Burlas

sama naku ug kaagi (My ambition in life is to become a successful psychologist so that I can help other children who have experiences similar with mine),” he said.

Another child shared his memorable experience inside the center.

“Nalipay kaayo ko ug dako nga naabot ko dinhi kay daghan ug nausab sa akoa kinabuhi sama sa pagrespeto ug pagmahal sa isig katawo (I am very much happy for being here because a lot has changed in my life, like learning to respect and to love each other),” he said.

“Nakat-on pod ko diri ug pagluto ug pagtabang sa mga buhaton sa kusina (I also learned how to cook and help with the household chores),” he added.

The center is not just for learning but also a center that children could feel the essence of a real family.

Meanwhile, Governor Hilario Davide III, in his message, said that the Cebu Provincial Government is willing to help and continue to support the center.

“The government is responsible for taking care of this center and it is important that we should care for the rights of our children,” Davide said The governor is thankful for the JPIC. He encouraged the children to study hard.

Davide and his wife already visited My Home three times.

Hazel Fuentes, operations officer of JPIC-IDC, said that the project will help a lot in the protection of the children below 15 years old in conflict with the law.

“The children should be provided professional support and treatment for their rehabilitation and reintegration in a child-friendly rehab center,” Fuentes said. Lee Dela Cerna

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CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

Education & Technical Vocational training

PERMANENT HOME. Governor Hilario P. Davide III announced the formal donation of the Sudlon lot to the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu Division. Shown here are Superintendent Arden Monisit (right most) with officials of DepEd 7 and Provincial School Board. FOTO/Edgar Florita

DepEd Cebu to receive “permanent home” by February The long wait for the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu Province is almost over as the Cebu Provincial Government sets the date for the formal donation of the requested Sudlon lot in Lahug, Cebu City.

Dr. Arden Monisit, DepEd division superintendent, revealed that Governor Hilario P. Davide III eyed February 6, 2015 to hold the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing of the deed of donation.

“Kung ma-donate na ni, dako gyud kaayo ang tabang ani sa DepEd kay since time immemorial wala man gyud mi opisina (If this donation succeeds, this would be a great help to DepEd because we never had our own office since time immemorial),” Monisit said.

He added that for the first time, they will have a “permanent office, a permanent home.”

DepEd Cebu Province has been occupying the 6,148-square-meter lot for about eight years now and has plans on renovating their current headquarters. The successful donation also would allow this plan to be realized.

Monisit said that once donated, DepEd Cebu would now be responsible in the repair,

rehabilitation and maintenance of the building.

“This will be the counterpart of DepEd,” he added.

Monisit announced this development after attending the Provincial School Board’s (PSB) January 19 meeting headed by Davide. The PSB approved the P147-million proposed budget for 2015.

This includes Capitol’s P39 million-counterpart to the Gabaldon restoration and high school building construction partnership projects of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. Monisit shared that the MOA signing for this project will take place on February 6 as the governor is trying to secure the presence of DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro for this event.

Also included in the budget are the P5-million budget to support Cebu Province’s hosting of the 2015 Central Visayas Regional Athletics Association (CVRAA) meet on February 22 in Balamban town and P4.8 million to support the provincial delegates.

Monisit urged the public to always pray for better weather to ensure the success of the CVRAA meet. Lianne T. Llesol

Environmental Protection, Climate Change & drm

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JAN

Capitol to start rehab of damaged provincial roads The Cebu Provincial Government will start rehabilitating provincial roads in the municipalities of Alcantara and Barili. Heavy equipment and eight culverts were already sent to Alcantara last January 6.

Earlier, Governor Hilario P. Davide III ordered Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora to speed up the repair of all province-owned roads and other infrastructures damaged after Typhoon Seniang.

The speedy repair of these infrastructures face a challenge in view of the limited heavy equipment the province owns.

Davide intends to purchase heavy equipment as soon as possible. The previous administration sold the province-owned heavy equipment.

The Alcantara Candabong-Manga provincial road was disconnected when the box culverts of the road in Barangay Candabong were washed away by Typhoon Seniang’s heavy rains last week.

A landslide in Barangay Cabadiangan, which isolated Barangay Manga, was already cleared by the local government.

Alcantara Mayor Beatriz Caburnay said all roads in the town are now passable except for the damage of a portion along the provincial road in Barangay Candabong.

In Barili, a grader was sent to commence a new road opening to reconnect the Bolocboloc-Nasipit provincial road. Barili Mayor Teresito Mariñas said they have to create a new road since a particular portion of the road in Barangay Nasipit collapsed two meters down.

“This lot is unstable so we have to condemn it and look for another road,” he said.

Mariñas believed the continuous and heavy rains of Seniang aggravated this critical portion of the road. The construction of the new road will not take time as it will pass a portion of an already established old Spanish road.

Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora, who inspected the road with the mayor, said a bulldozer will be sent in Barangay Nasipit once it is no longer needed in Alcantara.

The classes in the schools located near the overflowed rivers in Alcantara and Barili were still suspended. Mayor Caburnay said they are asking the province if they could send a loader to clear the thick mud in the elementary school in Barangay Polo in Alcantara. Acer S. Alkuino

SENI ANG D AM A G E . G o ve r n o r D a vi d e i n s pe cts the dam age brought by Typhoon S e niang in south w e st to w n of t h e pr o v i n ce . F O T O / D o na ld M o g a

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CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

A SS I S TANCE. G o ve r n o r D a vi d e v o ws f ina nc i al a ssi stan ce t o t y ph o o n a ffect e d f am i l i e s i n a me e t i n g wi t h m a y o r s , N G O s a nd n ati o na l a ge nc y F O T O / R e igi B u r l a s

Capitol, private sector to help Seniang-affect victims Engr. Alfredo Quiblat clarified at a meeting last Jan. 7 that the massive flooding in the southern part of Cebu during typhoon Seniang was caused by a “cloud burst”.

He explained that a cloud burst is a sudden downpour of a heavy rainfall. Quiblat reported at the meeting that the volume of the rain during the typhoon was equivalent to a one-month volume of rain.

Mayors from the southern part of Cebu and some representatives of the affected LGUs with Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Baltazar Tribunalo and Gov. Hilario Davide had an assessment meeting regarding typhoon Seniang at the Municipality of Moalboal Session Hall.

Regional and Provincial representatives from the Department of Social and Welfare Development-7 (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industries-7, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) were also present at the meeting.

Private sectors like Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cebu Relief

and Rehabilitation Unit also sent their representatives to the meeting to present additional help depending on the reports.

During the meeting, Davide announced that the province will give financial assistance to the affected families.

He added that the financial assistance is also available for those whose houses were affected from the tropical depression Queenie and typhoon Ruby.

The province will provide P10,000 for families whose houses were totally destroyed and P5,000 for those partially damaged houses.

Mayors are requested to submit a report or list of owners of houses that were destroyed or damaged.

PDRRMO will receive the reports for processing.

Mayors from Samboan, Alegria, Barili, Ronda, Alcantara and some representatives from Dumanjug, Aloguinsan, and Malabuyoc raised their concerns on the status of their respective town’s infrastructures, schools, livestock, and crops.

Mayor Blanco of Ronda, during his report, recommended that their rivers will have dikes which can help prevent flooding. Cris Lanie Delos Reyes

Environmental Protection, Climate Change & drm

CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

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JAN

Guv to rehabilitate infra in Medellin The Cebu Provincial Government will rehabilitate the provincial road in Medellin town.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III and Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez met last January 14 at the Capitol on the project.

The town council through a resolution asked for financial assistance for the rehabilitation of the road.

A separate resolution also urged the Provincial Engineering Office to repair the province-owned bridge in Barangay Luy-a and the approaches of Dagusungan Bridge in Barangay Poblacion.

Vice Mayor Alfonso Lim and the municipal councilors of Medellin were also present during the meeting.

Gov. Davide said they will check these projects. He told the media that the Capitol might be the one to rehabilitate the provincial road.

The road traversed the town’s six barangays: Dayhagon, Lamintak Sur, Lamintak Norte, Luy-a, Caputatan Sur, and Poblacion. It is estimated to reach around four (4) kilometers.

The road was concreted during the time of former Governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña.

Ramirez said there have been steps undertaken to repair the road before using asphalt. But he said a permanent solution is better but may cost a lot of money.

“Asphalt overlay can last up to five to six years… but okay ra sad. It will be up to his (Davide) discretion,” he said.

Ramirez said they are too concerned with the provincial road because it served as the main entrance of the town. Aside from repair, Ramirez said it would be better if a drainage system will also be constructed.

Ramirez said the governor was “receptive” to their suggestions and believed he understood their situation.

The street is one of the busiest roads in the town because of the cargo trucks carrying sugarcane and sugar going to the city.

The town officials also asked for the realignment of Php 285,000, which was supposedly intended for material recovery facility project. They proposed that the funds will now be used to rehabilitate the damage caused by typhoon Yolanda.

An outspoken critic of the administration, this is the third time Ramirez met with the governor at the Capitol. The last time was with fourth district Congressman Salimbangon in 2013. They also met last December during the distribution of cash incentives to the barangay workers.

During this recent meeting, he also invited the governor to attend their town fiesta this April.

“Bisag wa pay (Even if there is no) definite date, I told him nga i-commit na lang (to commit your presence) in principle. Nitangdo man sya ug ningisi (He nodded and smiled),” he said.

Asked how their meeting was with Ramirez, Davide said, “maayo man ang among storya (our meeting was good).” Acer S. Alkuino

PROJECT COMMITTED. Gov. Hilario P. Davide III assures Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez of Capitol’s commitment to repair infrastructures damaged after typhoon Yolanda.

FOTO/Donald Moga

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CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

Capitol to give cash assistance to typhoon victims Governor Hilario P. Davide III announced that the Cebu Provincial Government will give financial assistance to the victims who lost their homes to typhoon Seniang.

“That’s (financial assistance) our intention,” Gov. Davide told the media last January 5 at the Capitol.

Owners of totally damaged houses will receive Php 10,000. For those partially damaged houses, the owners will receive Php 5,000.

Many houses, most of them made of light materials, were washed away by floods upon the onslaught of the typhoon last December 29-30.

Davide believes that the cash assistance is the fastest assistance they can provide to the victims in need of new homes.

In the initial report submitted to the Capitol, there were 48 totally damaged and 82 partially damaged houses in the municipality of Ronda, south of Cebu. Data from other barangays in the town is still unavailable.

The heavy rains and flooding in Dumanjug also completely destroyed 82 houses and left 90 partially damaged. Dumanjug has 37 barangays but only 21 barangays have submitted their reports yet.

The clearing operations led by the Capitol continued as some barangays are still isolated, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

In the second district, Congressman Wilfredo Caminero said the vegetable highway from Mompeller, Argao town to Papan, Sibonga is also not passable. He said the road is very critical as an alternative road to the coastal national highway especially with the destruction of Dumlog Bridge.

But due to continuous rain, the vegetable highway also suffered damage. Caminero said there are still vehicles stuck up in the area as of January 5.

With the two highways down, Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos agreed to let trucks pass the alternative road in Simala, Sibonga to restart the delivery of goods. The small road has been the only access going to the southeast coastal towns in the province in the aftermath of the typhoon Seniang.

CO M F ORT. G ove rnor D avide trie s to as s uag e the unple as ant e xpe rie nce of a typhoon s urvi v or.

F O TO / D o n a ld M o g a

The road will be open from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to trucks not carrying more than 20 tons.

Caminero said the situation has greatly affected the economic trade in the eight isolated towns in the south.

He said the towns of Argao, Dalaguete, and Oslob are running out of diesel and gasoline.

Crops from the mountain barangays in Dalaguete and Argao that are bound to Cebu City have decayed faster than it could reach the market.

Caminero, who met with Davide, said they don’t expect the Department of Public Works and Highways to finish the construction of steel bridge in place of damaged concrete Dumlog Bridge in one week. But they can help lessen the agony of the people in the south by urging the contractors to work 24 hours.

“Pero ug maundang silag alas singko ug mobalik alas otso sunod adlaw (But if they stop at 5 p.m. and report at 8 a.m. the next day), that’s very bad,” he said. Acer S. Alkuino

CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

Environmental Protection, Climate Change & drm

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JAN

Barili’s disaster preps pay off The municipality of Barili’s effort to heed the call for disaster preparation paid off.

Mayor Teresito Mariñas thanked Governor Hilario P. Davide III for the Php 5 million financial aid he received last year.

The fund was used to construct a rip rap along Santa Ana River to prevent flooding in Barangay Santa Ana. The river overflowed at the onslaught of Typhoon Seniang last December and caused the flooding in Barangay Poblacion.

The folks along the river especially those located in the lower area were thankful of existing dike that helped tame the onslaught of the river flow from the mountain.

“Abi nako katapusan na to nako kay grabe kaayo ka kusog ang uwan unya ang tubig hapit moawas sa (I thought it was my end because it was raining so hard and the water appeared to spill over the) dike,”said Avelina Cajocson, 67, a Santa Ana barangay health worker (BHW).

The typhoon left 36 houses totally damaged and over a hundred others partially damaged. The hanging bridges in Santa Ana were also destroyed.

Mariñas, nevertheless, was happy with the zero casualty accomplishment during the typhoon. He recognized the help of the BHWs and tanods in the evacuation efforts.

He also believed that the dike also prevented casualties in his town during the typhoon. This, as the common problem of the other affected towns is the overflowed rivers.

Seniang killed at least 14 people in the most hit town of Ronda.

Davide was in Barili and Aloguinsan last January 20 to distribute the cash incentives of barangay workers.

In his message, Gov. Davide reiterated that the Capitol will give financial aid to families whose houses were damaged by the typhoon.

Php 10,000 will be given to those whose houses were completely damaged and Php 5,000 to those houses that were partially damaged.

Davide pledged to help the town in reconstructing the destroyed hanging bridges in Barangay Santa Ana. Currently, the Capitol is also working on reconnecting the damaged provincial road in Barangay Nasipit.

“Kami sa Provincial Government kanunay nagpaluyo sa mga programs ug projects dinhi sa inyong lungsod (We in the Provincial Government always support you in the programs and projects of the town),” assured the governor.

On his first day at the Capitol, the first office Gov. Davide checked was the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

In his visit to the towns and courtesy call with the mayors and local officials, the governor emphasized the importance of instituting mechanisms for disaster preparedness even before the deadly typhoon Yolanda. Acer S. Alkuino

INCENTIVES. Governor Davide (shown here with PB Gigi Sanchez and Mayor Teresito Mariñas) hands out cash incentives to Barili BHWs. FOTO/Donald Moga

o b o g b u g u S S y o y r o u r u S S y oy ro ur S Su y a y w a a w t e a t G e G n r n e r h e t h u t o S Sou ssititeess ssm ri m u o ri -t u o o c -t e o n c o e t n o o fo t o fo sseets ts

by Heart Rizarri

Aguinid Falls in Samboan

Photos by Earl Ryan Y. Santiago

TOURISM & Heritage

Suroy suroy sugbo

CEBU MONTHLY COVER STORY

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JAN

Aparticipants ventured on an exciting bout 80 Suroy-Suroy Sugbo 2015

journey to eco-tourism destinations in southern Cebu on January 21-23, 2015.

Mainit Spring in Malabuyoc

Out of the 12 towns, three new destinations were part in this year’s Suroy-Suroy Sugbo.

The three-day southern trail not only covered heritage sites, such as old churches, ancestral homes, monumental spots, and museums, but also nature destinations like waterfalls, hot springs and a demo farm.

Sites visited were in Carcar City, Barili, Moalboal, Alegria, Malabuyoc, Samboan, Oslob, Santander, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Argao, and Talisay City.

Cebu Vice Governor Agnes A. Magpale, Capitol’s tourism committee chair who convoyed during the

three-day tour, said that most of the participants who joined this year’s Suroy-Suroy have already joined in the previous years.

Magpale also said the number of destinations was reduced to 12 from 14 last year, not only due to damages brought about by Typhoon Seniang but for participants to have a longer time to enjoy in every stop.

“We are not just giving emphasis to Cebu’s heritage sites but we also would like to promote and develop eco-tourism spots in the province,” Magpale said.

“(Eco-tourism) It is about balancing conservation and involving the community to participate in preserving the natural environment at the same time giving them income.”

Marivic Calderon Wife of Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon

Eco-tourism: a “win-win” strategy Cebu province has its own eco-tourism destinations, officially or unofficially declared, that adventurous individuals can visit.

Setting foot in some of Cebu’s vibrant eco-tourism destinations can make one realize how remarkable, essential and delicate Mother Nature is and move people to accept the fact that we should live in harmony with the natural world.

Eco-tourism is not just about protection and conservation but uniting communities and making vital efforts to make travel and tourism more sustainable by supporting local culture and enrich the destination for future visitors.

“It is about balancing conservation and involving the community to participate in preserving the natural environment at the same time giving them income,” says Marivic Calderon, wife of Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon.

As an example, she pointed out the tour guides working in Aguinid Falls who made extra income assisting tourists. The tour guides were trained and could answer any inquiries about the place.

TOURISM & Heritage

Suroy suroy sugbo

CEBU MONTHLY COVER STORY

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JAN

High spots One of the high spots in this year’s Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Southern Trail is Malabuyoc’s Mainit Spring and the five-tier Aguinid Falls in Samboan.

The Mainit Spring features three pools of different sizes that have varying degrees of temperature. The biggest pool has the hottest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius, the smaller pool at 36 degrees Celsius and the smallest pool at 38 degrees Celsius.

One can notice the steam that comes out of the pool and water is very clear that one can clearly see the rocks at the bottom.

Aguinid Falls is composed of five different tiers, with each level having unique cascades. To reach other falls, one needs to pass and climb the limestone paths of the flowing waters.

It is impossible for the explorer not to get wet since the only way to go up is to pass the shallow waterbeds, rocky grounds or the fast-flowing waters.

“Senior-friendly” “To the local government units or the ones who are tasked to promote tourism destinations such as these nature spots, they should not forget senior citizens who are interested to explore and visit these places,” said Yueng, a 72year old businessman.

“It is important for us to have a flat ground and safe path to hike or at least have a sturdy handrail to hold when we climb stairs or go down,” he added.

He also suggested that the organizers should give senior-necessary information or precaution, such as how far or how long they would be walking.

“Nevertheless, I am still happy that I am part of this tour,” Yueng said.

D o 's and D o n t 's We enjoin travelers and adventurers to explore the many marvels of Cebu’s eco-tourism and historical sites, but, more importantly, to help support the community and preserve the environment through responsible tourism.

Here are some travel tips and ethics to observe: • Educate yourself about the place before visiting. Learn about local culture and traditions.

• Hire local guides.

Enrich your experience and support the local economy.

• Observe rules and respect the sanctity of holy places, historical sites, museums and local culture. Dress appropriately and avoid loud talk inside holy places. Ask permission before taking pictures inside museums.

• Respect the natural environment. Always follow designated trails.

Support conservation by paying entrance fees to eco-tourism and protected sites.

• Avoid littering. Be responsible in throwing away your garbage.

• Keep all pollutants away from streams, rivers and beaches.

• Avoid giving out treats to locals especially to children; It may encourage begging.

• Try eating their local delicacies whenever you can as it helps their business.

• Support the community by purchasing local handicrafts.

• Support these tourism sites by sharing your experience and adventures through your photographs and don’t forget to hashtag #cebugovph when posting on Instagram.

JAN

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CEBU MONTHLY COVER STORY

W

arm and enchanting local talents of Alegria entertained guests with Cebuano songs and dance performances while having their dinner. As day one wrapped up, beautiful fireworks lit up the sky shortly after Vice-governor Agnes Magpale blew her candles as a surprise birthday treat by the Municipality of Alegria led by Mayor Verna Magallon and town officials.

DAY 1 At exactly 7:30am, buses left the Capitol for a scrumptious traditional breakfast and a pensive tour at Mancao’s Ancestral House in Carcar, and then breezed in to the magnificent and sprawling waterfalls of Mantayupan Falls in Barili followed by another sumptuous light meal and entertainment at AC Tilapia Fun Fishing before a delicious lunch treat at Seaside Park in Moalboal where participants enjoyed the spectacular view of the sea.

After an hour’s travel from Moalboal to Alegria, a surprising tour at Alegria Demo Farm gave Suroy-Suroy Sugbo participants refreshing insights about agriculture and agri-business.

Regrettably on day one’s last destination, Alegria’s captivating sunset view was not visible due to slight rains that afternoon.But that didn’t stop the guests from wandering around Alegria Heritage Park admiring and taking pictures of the town’s most significant landmarks, the “Baluarte”(watch tower), and the façade of the Saint Francis Xavier Parish Church.

Mancao Ancestral House Carcar City

Mantayupan Falls Barili

TOURISM & Heritage

Suroy suroy sugbo

Mainit Spring Malabuyoc

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JAN

DAY 2 After a comfortable night’s rest at their respective beach resorts in Moalboal, the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo participants went to one of the tourist attractions in Malabuyoc, which has gained popularity these days, the Mainit Springs. Most of the guests soaked themselves into the hot pools believed to have health benefits such as to soothe muscle pains, remove body aches and acne problems, etc.

Thanks to Municipal Mayor Lito Creus and his assistants who came to light when two of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo (Ceres) buses got stuck in the mud for more than an hour which gave a cheering relief to all concerned travellers.

Aguinid Falls Samboan

The long wait paid off when the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo participants breathlessly saw the striking five-tier Aguinid Falls in Samboan and at the same time enjoyed the appetizing flavors of the town.

Everyone was thrilled to take the plunge or at least walk in the water on that warm afternoon.

TECHNO-DEMO FARM. Tourists listen to insights on agriculture and agribusiness in the Algeria Techno-Demo Farm.

JAN

22

CEBU MONTHLY COVER STORY

Though everyone felt a little exhausted, they was still up for a heritage tour in Oslob Heritage Park in the evening. The tour included a visit to the Immaculate Conception church made of cut coral stones physically boasting its white external façade even visible at night, the ruins of the Spanish Cuartel, Baluarte and the town’s museum. And soon dinner was announced by town Mayor Ronald Guaren along with other government officials.

DAY 3 Suroy-Suroy Sugbo participants appeared to be more reinvigorated after an overnight stay at Cebu Club Fort Med in Boljoon as they were ready to depart for a heritage tour at one of Cebu’s heritage frontiers, Boljoon.

Everyone was in awe as they made their tour at the museum where they found antique church vestments embroidered in threads of gold, old book of liturgical hymns, various antique ceramic dishes and jars, a necklace made of precious stones and one large gold earring whose owner remains a mystery up to now. Participants continue their tour around the convent, inside Patrocino de Maria Parish Church and the famous Escuela Catolica.

Dalaguete, hailed as the Vegetable Basket of Cebu is where the travellers went next.

Lavish merienda greeted the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo participants. Dalaguete LGUs led by Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante together with other government officials and department heads.

Participants gather around the “bagsakan”, the place where all harvests are brought from the vegetable farms. It was also their chance to mingle with the farmers.

Patrocino de Maria Parish Church Boljoon

Bagsakan in

Dalaguete

CEBU MONTHLY COVER STORY

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JAN

Torta de Argao

top FOOD favorites Lechon de Cebu Torta de Argao Pan Bisaya sa Samboan Ampaw (Local Rice Crispies) Chicharon sa Carcar (Pork Cracklings) Bingbingka sa Dalaguete

Next stop, the place known for its aromatic tablea and delicious torta, Argao. Not only did participants enjoyed their lunch under the trees at Argao Nature Park they also had the chance to buy Argao’s delicacies at a lower cost.

Illustration by: Francis Nacua

Talisay City was Suroy-Suroy Sugbo’s final destination and it ended with a bang. Round tables were lavishly set for dinner at the City of Talisay Plaza combined with top performances of their local talents.

And lastly, participants enjoyed the spectacular 10-minute fireworks display that filled the night skies.

JAN

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CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

L aw a n d o r d e r

“Sympathy Walk” for fallen comrades staged in Cebu Cebu cops may have not been able to go to Camp Bagong Diwa on January 30, but just like many Filipinos, they made their own way of paying their final respects to the 44 Special Action Force police personnel who were slain in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao firefight last January 25, 2015.

Nearly 800 cops in Cebu converged at Cebu I.T. Park, Lahug at 4AM on the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association’s (PNPAAA) invitation to join the “Sympathy Walk for Justice”.

Policemen who joined were from as far as Ronda town in the south and San Remegio in north Cebu.

Shortly after 5AM, the participants walked about three kilometers from Cebu I.T. Park to PRO-7 Camp Sergio Osmeña and followed by a holy mass at St. Ignatius Chapel inside PRO-7 at Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City.

The walk was led by PSSUPT Conrado Capa, Deputy Regional Director for Operation together with Provincial Director of CPPO PSSUPT Noel Gillamac, MCPO Director PSSUPT Petronelli Baldebrin, LLCPO Director PSSUPT Armando Radoc, PRO7 Command Groups and RPSB7 Personnel led

by PSSUPT Clifford Guiranod. Heart Rizarri

FINAL RESPECT. Policemen show their compassion for their fallen comrades via a sympathy walk and a holy mass.

FOTO/PO3 Girlie Tolop - PIO CPPO

good governance

CEBU MONTHLY PROVINCIAL NEWS

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JAN

STREETING NAMING. PB Member Miguel Antonio Magpale presides over a public hearing on the proposed ordinance to rationalize the naming and renaming of public places, streets and structures in Cebu.

FOTO/Reigi Burlas

Ordinance for naming, renaming public places proposed Fifth District Provincial Board (PB) Member Miguel Antonio Magpale proposed an ordinance that will set the guidelines for naming and renaming of public places, streets and structures in the province of Cebu.

The ordinance is titled “Cebu Provincial Guidelines for Naming and Renaming of Public Places, Streets and Structures.” It was tackled during the first public hearing in 2015 last January 7.

The resolution stated that the basic purpose of the ordinance is to set forth the guidelines of the Provincial Government relative to the protection, conservation, promotion, and enhancement of the artistic, cultural, and heritage wealth of the Cebuanos by espousing the revised guidelines provided for the local government units (LGU’s) in naming and renaming of public places, streets and structures within their jurisdiction.

“The primary purpose for the creation of this proposed ordinance is to address the many instances when we have to change or rename places and streets,” Magpale said.

“To have a common interpretation of the law on this, we have decided to seek the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ knowledge and its counterparts, including the National Commission for Culture and the Arts,” added Magpale.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) by virtue of R.A.10086 is responsible for the conservation and preservation of the country’s historical legacies. Its major thrusts encompass an ambitious

cultural program on historical studies, curatorial works, architectural conservation, Philippine heraldry, historical information dissemination activities, restoration and preservation of relics and memorabilia of heroes and other renowned Filipinos.

The NCCA continues to commence the commemoration of significant events and personages in Philippine history as well as the announcement of the national government and its political divisions and instrumentalities.

As the chairman of the Committee of Arts and Culture, Magpale invited guests to give their opinions about the propose ordinance. Guests included Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, Dr. Jojo Bersales of the University of San Carlos, Dr. Reynaldo Inocian of the Cebu Normal University, Atty. Clarence Oaminal, NCCA World Heritage Sites Manager Edison Molanida, and NCCA Legal Assistant Morris Lim. According to Sitoy, the Municipality of Cordova already renamed some of their streets to their former mayor’s name.

The guests lauded the proposed ordinance.

Sitoy, however, advised that Magpale should have an inventory first of all the names of streets and structures in the province.

Sitoy hopes that the ordinance will be passed and implemented not just in the province but also in the two component cities of Cebu: Cebu City and LapuLapu City. Lee Dela Cerna

Pista Senyor

Cebu’s homage and tribute to the Holy Child

by Roger Serna

H

is tory has it that the icon of the Senyor Santo NiĂąo was first given to the first Christians in Cebu (Reyna Amihan, wife of Cebu chieftain Rajah Humabon, by Fernando Magallanes, who were baptized Juana and Carlos, respectively). That started the devotion to the Holy Child.

Photos by Earl Ryan Y. Santiago

TOURISM & Heritage

PISTA SENYOR

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JAN

The devotion was strengthened when the first church in the Philippines (now the Basilica del Sto. Niño) was founded in 1565 in time with the founding of Cebu as the first city in the country.

Fast forward to present time, the devotion has grown by leaps and bounds. Aside from the traditional religious practices—the traslacion where the images of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Sto. Niño are brought to the St. Joseph Shrine in Mandaue City on the eve of the feast of the Holy Child, the fluvial procession, the reenactment of the first baptism rite, the hourly masses, and the foot procession, among others—the Pista Senyor which is celebrated every third Sunday of January, has spawned various socio-cultural activities, one of which is the Sinulog Festival, now acknowledged as the ‘Mother of Festivals’ throughout the country.

What started as an inter-school activity in 1981, as initiated by then Bureau of Customs District Collector David Odilao (now acknowledged as the ‘Father of the Sinulog’), the Sinulog Festival has seen a corresponding growth with out-of-town contingents, adding to the color and pageantry of the event.

DEVOTEES. The Sandiego couple (Boging & Val), staunch devotees of the Holy Child, dress as Mother Mary and St. Joseph.

The Sinulog has since featured the free interpretation and the street dancing categories as well as contests in floats, higantes, puppets, and onroute decors, among others.

The common chant of ‘Pit Senyor’ reverberates in the metropolis days before the feast itself. Even before the grand parade finale could be staged, the entire city had already transformed into a big party ground.

Talisay and Tuburan declared champions in 2015 Sinulog sa Kabataan

by Lee Dela Cerna

T

alisay City Central School and Tinubdan sa Kauswagan Cultural Troupe of Tuburan were declared grand champions in the recently held Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2015 last January 10 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Talisay City Central School impressed the crowd with their performance that featured the history of Kaplag. The dance celebrated the conversion of the Cebuanos to Catholics.

On the other hand, Tuburan dancers performed a “bamboo dance.” Bamboos are among the many popular products that provide income to the residents of Tuburan.

Both champions received P300,000 each.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III witnessed the event together with his wife.

In his message, Davide said that despite the typhoon experienced in the province two weeks earlier, Cebu still stands as one in celebrating life and paying homage to Señor Sto. Niño.

“With your presence, may we have peaceful, happier, livelier Sinulog celebration. Viva Pit Señor” Davide told the crowd attending the Sinulog sa Kabataan.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama was also present during the showdown. He thanked the governor for his support to the activity.

Mayors were also present during the event, including Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante, Ginatilan Mayor Dean Michael Singco and Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro.

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan has two categories (elementary and secondary level). There were seven contingents for the elementary level and four for secondary level.

TOURISM & Heritage

PISTA SENYOR

CEBU MONTHLY FEATURE NEWS

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JAN

Other winners in the ritual showdown, under the elementary level, were Opao Elementary School of Mandaue City (second place), Bogo City Central School (third place), Pundok Nagahonon of Naga City (fourth place), and Tribu Kandaya of Daanbantayan (fifth place).

In the secondary level, the winners were Carcar City Division (second place), Hugpong sa Kulturang Kahumayanon of Danao City (third place), and Cordova National High School (fourth place).

The winners received P150,000 (second place), P100,000 (third place), P75,000 (fourth place) and P50,000 (fifth place).

Opao Elementary School of Mandaue bagged the first place for the street dancing in the elementary category. Talisay City Central Elementary School ranked second while Pundok Nagahanon in the City of Naga placed third.

In the secondary level, Carcar City Division won first place, Tinubdan sa Kauswagan of Tuburan placed second and Hugpong sa Kulturang Kahumayanon of Danao City placed third.

Winners of the street dancing received P50, 000, second placers got P30, 000, and P20, 000 for the third placers.

Tuburan also won best in musicality and best in costume for the secondary level while Opao Elementary School of Mandaue was declared winner for the best in musicality and best in costume in the elementary level.

For these special prizes, the winners received Php 50,000.

FESTIVAL QUEEN. (TOP TO BOTTOM) Festival queens from Opao (Mandaue City), Talisay City and Carcar City hold icons of the Sto. Ni単o as they lead their respective contigents in the Sinulog grand parade. FOTOS / Earl Ryan Y. Santiago

JAN

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CEBU MONTHLY FEATURE NEWS

Kulturang Placere単o

A second round of applause for the Sinulog 2015 winners

by Roger Serna

R

equired to reprise their winning performances were the five top winners in the Street Dancing, Free Interpretation and SinulogBased categories.

While there is that thought that any mistake would not matter anymore as they are already declared winners, the performers still gave their all to the delight of the appreciative crowd which, in return, afforded the dancers with varying degrees of hearty applause.

Every surprise element of the dancers, like changing costume right onstage after just a few turns or transforming set props into something else or switching on miniature lights hidden inside props and sets at the right moment thus enhancing their beauty further and many more, did not escape the watchful eyes of the onlookers.

Props that made the dancers look like animals, e.g. giant geckos, praying mantis, bees with striped abdomens moving up and down or sidewise, pigs intended to be turned into mouthwatering lechons and others, clicked with the

Tribu Buyoganon

spectators who did not hesitate to show their appreciation through sporadic claps or cheers of awe and amazement.

The winners in the Street Dancing were Lumad Basakanon of Basak, San Nicolas, Cebu City (1st prize); Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe of Tangub City (2nd); Kulturang Placere単o of Placer, Masbate (3rd); Tribu Buyoganon of Abuyog, Leyte (4th); and Tribu Lingganay of Alang-Alang, Leyte (5th).

TOURISM & Heritage

Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe

Carcar City Division FOTO/Earl Ryan Y. Santiago

Talisay City Central School FOTO/Earl Ryan Y. Santiago

Tuburan National High School FOTO/Earl Ryan Y. Santiago

PISTA SENYOR

CEBU MONTHLY FEATURE NEWS

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JAN

They received P1 million, P700,000, P500,000, P300,000 and P200,000, respectively.

In the Free Interpretation category, the winners were Tribu Buyoganon (1st); Tribu Lingganay (2nd); Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer, Masbate (3rd); Tribu Katbalaugan of Catbalogan City, Samar (4th); and Lumad Basakanon (5th).

They received the same amount as those of the street dancing winners.

The Best in Musicality award with a prize of P100,000 was won by Tribu Buyoganon while the Best in Costume award with the same prize amount went to Tribu Lingganay.

In the Sinulog-based category, Kulturang Placereño was adjudged 1st prize winner; Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, 2nd; Carcar City Division of Carcar City, Cebu, 3rd; Tuburan National High School of Tuburan, Cebu, 4th; and, Talisay City Central School, Talisay City, Cebu, 5th.

Best in Musicality was Carcar City while Best in Costume was Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe.

Bogo City received two special awards with a prize of P10,000 each.

The newly crowned Ms. Cebu, Wynonah Van Joy Buot, and two ladies-in-waiting (1st runnerup Genefe Navilon and 4th runner-up Domenic Reynes) made their appearance when Mayor Michael Rama asked them to come up stage in the middle of his welcome address.

Mayor Rama proudly announced that the Sinulog Festival ranked eighth in the list of 22 festivals worldwide that one has to “see before you die.” He also emphasized his fear for only one, that is, to the Sr. Sto. Nino, as a response to his detractors and bashers.

He thanked everyone for their contribution to the success of the Sinulog, the activity being a collective endeavor. He then asked City Administrator Lucille Mercado to look for means so that the Cebu City Hall workers “who walked the extra mile” during the festivities can be given additional incentives.

Lastly, he requested everyone to give a ”thunderous round of applause” to the Holy Child, to which the crowd willingly obliged.

PHOTOS COURTESY (unless indicated) Sinulog Foundation, Inc. | www.sinulog.ph

Capitol joins

Sinulog 2015

Snapshots by & Earl Ryan Y. Santiago Moga A. ld Dona ook Page og For more Sinul 2015 photos visit our Faceb