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Ombudsman Denies Ex-Gov Garcia’s Motion in Mananga River Dispute

By
Neil Villa
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Former Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia / File Photo

FORMER Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s legal fight over the controversial Mananga River desilting project suffered another setback after the Office of the Ombudsman denied her bid to overturn its earlier ruling.

In a resolution dated August 29, 2025, the Ombudsman rejected Garcia’s motion for reconsideration and upheld its finding of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and Simple Misconduct.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by private citizen Moises Garcia Deiparine, who accused Garcia of authorizing the desilting project in Talisay City without first securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Ombudsman’s initial decision on July 16, 2025, imposed a one-year suspension without pay.

Because Garcia’s term ended on June 30, 2025, the penalty was converted into a fine equivalent to six months of her salary, estimated at about P1.2 million.

She was cleared of other allegations, including grave abuse of authority and gross dishonesty.

In her appeal, Garcia invoked the Doctrine of Necessity, arguing that the desilting was warranted amid Cebu’s worsening water crisis and backed by recommendations from agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and the DENR.

Investigators, however, dismissed her motion as lacking merit, stressing that she failed to present new evidence or identify errors in the earlier ruling.

“To be considered meritorious, the Motion must do more than merely reiterate arguments previously raised,” the Ombudsman said in its resolution.

The three-page order, signed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officers May De Guzman, Corinne Joie Garillo-Arellano, and Ryan Silvestre, noted that Garcia’s defenses had already been considered and rejected.

It also highlighted her implied admission that no ECC was ever obtained for the project.
On Tuesday, Garcia’s camp maintained that her appeal raised new issues, particularly the reliance on the Doctrine of Necessity.

Lawyer Benjamin Cabrido said in a statement that the desilting was not a quarrying activity but an urgent response to the water shortage triggered by the 2023–2024 El Niño.

He added that the Ombudsman failed to fully consider this context in its ruling.

Cabrido said they are preparing to file a petition before the Court of Appeals to challenge the sanction and clear Garcia of liability.

Cebu Business News

Cebu Governor to Launch Aviation Scholarships Amid Global Talent Crunch

By
Alessandra Tan
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Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro

Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro said she is preparing to launch a scholarship program with aviation academies across the province to address rising demand for skilled professionals in the sector.

Speaking at the Cebu Aviation Summit 2025, hosted by Airworks Aviation Academy, Baricuatro said the scheme would target students pursuing aircraft maintenance, engineering, ground operations, and related fields.

Drawing on her experience as a former Cathay Pacific flight attendant, she said aviation should be viewed “not just as an industry, but a lifeline—a source of livelihood, a driver of our economy, and a path for our youth to rise.”

Industry forecasts point to a severe global shortage of aviation professionals. Boeing projects commercial carriers will need nearly 2.4 million new staff by 2044, including 710,000 technicians and 1 million cabin crew.

Training group CAE estimates demand for 1.5 million civil aviation workers by 2034, while Airbus sees the world’s fleet almost doubling by 2044.

The Philippine aviation sector has rebounded from the pandemic slump, but shortages of mechanics, engineers and ground staff remain acute.

Airlines are adding routes and airports are expanding, underpinning demand for skilled labour.

Baricuatro said the scholarship plan under discussion includes financial aid for low-income students, investment in labs and simulators, and partnerships with schools and airlines to align training with international standards.

“Government must stand hand in hand with schools, airlines and regulators to ensure young Cebuanos can compete globally,” she said.

By channelling local talent into high-demand roles, Cebu hopes to strengthen its position as a Southeast Asian hub for aviation training and help ease pressure on global workforce pipelines.

Cebu Business News

Business Leaders in Cebu Stress Integrity, Push ‘Invest in Cebu’ Campaign

By
Alessandra Tan
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Metro Cebu
Photo by Zany Jadraque on Unsplash.com

While persistent corruption scandals at the national level continue to weigh on the Philippines’ international reputation, Cebu’s business community is seeking to differentiate itself by highlighting local strengths, governance and a values-driven business environment.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said uncertainty linked to weak governance undermines investor confidence nationwide, but Cebu has shown resilience through strong local leadership and private sector engagement.

“Trust is the currency of business, and when it is compromised, confidence wavers,” CCCI said in a statement. “But Cebu tells a different story. We continue to prove that integrity and collaboration can drive inclusive growth, even against the backdrop of national challenges.”

Promoting the tagline “Invest in Cebu, Prosper in Paradise,” the chamber is positioning the province as a safe haven for investors.

It cited Cebu’s fundamentals, including its strategic location, expanding infrastructure, skilled workforce and a long tradition of entrepreneurship.

CCCI said it is backing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity-building programs, digital transformation initiatives and expanded market access.

Ethical business practices and innovation remain central to its growth agenda, the group added.

“Corruption may cast a shadow, but Cebu is the light,” the chamber said, casting the region as an emerging center of credibility and investor confidence in the Philippines.

Cebu Business News

PH to Remain Among Asia’s Fastest Growing Economies

By
Alessandra Tan
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Professor Ronilo Balbieran of the University of Asia and the Pacific

The Philippine economy is poised to remain one of Asia’s fastest-growing despite political turmoil at home and global trade headwinds, economists said at the Logistics Conference 2025 hosted by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

Professor Ronilo Balbieran of the University of Asia and the Pacific said growth prospects remain firm, with official forecasts putting GDP expansion at 5–6% in 2025, above the global average of 3%. That would make the Philippines the region’s second-fastest growing economy.

“With or without a good President, the Philippine economy has historically managed to grow by at least 5%,” Balbieran told delegates. “As long as rallies remain peaceful, stability holds.”

He said long-term momentum is driven more by demographics, private sector dynamism and overseas remittances than by political leadership.

Net primary income from abroad continues to push gross national income above GDP, a rare feature among emerging economies.

Infrastructure investment, amendments to the Public Service Act opening sectors to foreign ownership, and resilient consumer spending are also fueling growth.

Balbieran added that systemic reforms, including fiscal modernization and digitalization, have helped the economy withstand political shocks.

“Roughly 85% of our economy is powered by the private sector,” he said. “Government dysfunction can slow things down, but it cannot derail the overall momentum.”

While corruption scandals weigh on sentiment and US-China trade frictions pose risks, the Philippines’ relatively low dependence on exports compared with regional peers has insulated it from severe trade disruptions.

Balbieran argued that underutilized domestic liquidity remains the bigger challenge.

“The number one problem of our economy today is not scarcity of capital, but surplus cash sitting idle in banks,” he said.

He forecast stronger results in 2026 as infrastructure disbursements accelerate and inflationary pressures ease.

“The global economy is slowing, but the Philippines is moving faster,” Balbieran said. “We remain insignificant enough to be shielded from global shocks, but significant enough to be Asia’s bright spot.”

Cebu Business News

Thousands of Vacancies Await Filipino Seafarers at Pasay Manning Fair

By
Alessandra Tan
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Thousands of job opportunities for Filipino seafarers will be on offer at the Marino World Manning Expo and Conference (MWMEC) from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, organizers said.

The event comes as international shipping companies continue to recruit heavily from the Philippines, which supplies about 25% of the world’s 1.9 million maritime workers.

Industry forecasts point to a global shortfall of more than 90,000 officers by 2026, with Filipinos expected to account for a significant share of new hires.

Shipowners cite technical competence, English proficiency and adaptability as key reasons for the Philippines’ dominance in the sector, which generates billions of dollars in remittances annually.

This year’s expo, themed “Shaping the Future of Filipino Seafarers for Sustainable Shipping,” will bring together top manning agencies and shipping firms including Pacific Ocean Manning, North Sea Marine Services, Kestrel Shipping, Crossworld Marine Services, Jebsen PTC, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Seaspan Philippines, Ionic Manila Manning, Senator Crewing Manila, Western Shipping Southeast Asia, CMA Ship Philippines, Century Maritime Agencies, Net Ship Management, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, and Seabuoy Crewing Manila.

Thousands of vacancies will be available, ranging from entry-level ratings to senior officers.

Beyond recruitment, the three-day conference will tackle issues such as stricter environmental rules, the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools, and the retraining of crews for a decarbonising shipping industry.

Sessions will also cover retention and welfare, revisiting the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and addressing onboard connectivity, mental health, and reintegration support.

Organizers said the adoption of Quanby Solutions’ facial recognition system will streamline registration, underscoring the expo’s push for efficiency and modernization.

The MWMEC is positioned as a key platform to sustain the Philippines’ role as the world’s largest supplier of maritime labor while preparing its workforce for industry disruption.

Cebu Business News

Cebu Provincial Board Vows Fair Review of ₱11.9B Budget

By
Neil Villa
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Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Soco
Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Soco.

Before a single page of the 2026 budget has even reached their desks, Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Soco has already promised that the Provincial Board will approach the ₱11.9-billion proposal with fairness and balance.

Soco, who presides over the Provincial Board, emphasized that the legislative body remains independent and will responsibly exercise its mandate as it reviews the annual appropriation ordinance.

He said in an interview on Monday, September 22, 2025, that Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s political affiliation will not influence how the Board handles the measure.

“I could not comment on the details of the budget as of the moment because the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is yet to receive the proposed annual budget for the Local Expenditure Program for 2026,” Soco said.

He added that the executive branch is expected to submit the proposal on or before October 16.

Soco declined to comment on whether the proposed budget, which is significantly lower than this year’s allocation, is feasible.

However, he assured that the Board would scrutinize the measure fairly, emphasizing that it is part of the legislative body’s mandate to deliberate on the budget responsibly.

The vice governor ran in the last elections alongside former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The Provincial Board is largely composed of Garcia’s allies under the local party One Cebu.

The executive department submitted the ₱11.9-billion budget proposal earlier, with Governor Baricuatro describing it as both “realistic” and aligned with the province’s actual financial capacity.

She said the 2026 spending plan is anchored on Cebu’s true revenue potential, contrasting it with the previous year’s ₱25-billion budget, which she described as “bloated” and unsustainable.

A significant portion of the proposed budget is earmarked for essential services.

Hospital upgrades will receive ₱1.3 billion, while infrastructure projects are allocated ₱1.45 billion. Baricuatro emphasized the balanced distribution between healthcare and infrastructure.

“More or less, our distribution of the budget for infrastructure and healthcare is even because we do not want to focus wholly on infrastructure while our hospitals are a mess,” she said.

The proposal also includes funds for disaster preparedness, such as relief warehouses in Carcar City and Danao City, and increased support for the Provincial Nutrition Council to address malnutrition.

The governor also plans to launch mobile kitchens within her first 100 days to combat hunger and food insecurity in municipalities with the highest rates of malnutrition.

Cebu Business News

Civic groups in Cebu launch petition drive seeking Romualdez’s removal

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CebuBusinessNews
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A coalition of civic and sectoral organizations launched a signature campaign in Cebu City on Friday seeking the ouster of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, in a move organizers said would culminate in a solidarity rally this Sunday.

The petition, unveiled at a hotel gathering, alleges irregularities in the 2025 national budget and public works projects, and accuses the House of Representatives of lacking transparency under Romualdez’s leadership.

Organizers said the document will be circulated nationwide.

Among the issues cited were what they described as ₱241 billion in “blank line item” budget insertions, allegations from contractors of commissions demanded on flood-control projects, and questions over the allocation of funds for a government aid program.

The groups also noted pending complaints before the Ombudsman alleging graft and falsification.

Romualdez’s office and House officials were not immediately available for comment.

At least 12 organizations have confirmed their participation in the Cebu launch, including:

• 3-11 Movement (Isang Bayan, Isang Laban)
• Duterte Riders Team Cebu Inc.
• Cebu Citizen Guardians 625
• The Cebu Press Club
• Baruganan
• Cebu Muslim Businessmen Association (CEMBA)
• Knights Helping Hands Disaster Assistance Group
• Consolidated Council of United Vendors Association (CCUVA)
• Reforma Pilipinas
• Rider Solidarity Philippines (National Chapter)
• Inclusive Muslims Cebu Alliance
• Alliance of Inclusive Muslims Cebu

“This petition represents the collective voice of concerned citizens who demand accountability and integrity in government,” the organizers said in a statement. “We call on every Filipino who values transparency and good governance to join this united effort.”

CebuBusinessNews.ph

Globe marks 10 years of GDay with nationwide events, fan meet, major raffle prizes

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CebuBusinessNews
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Globe Telecom is marking the 10th anniversary of its annual GDay celebration this September with a series of on-ground and digital activations, including fan events, raffle prizes, and exclusive rewards for its customers.

The program, which began in 2015 as a customer appreciation initiative, has grown into a nationwide campaign blending digital experiences with live events. Globe said this year’s edition will highlight everyday moments that “feel extraordinary,” while offering larger rewards through the GlobeOne app.

In key cities such as Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Naga, Tuguegarao and Cagayan de Oro, Globe will set up pop-up booths in malls and neighborhood venues featuring partner promotions, giveaways, and brand experiences.

Online, GlobeOne users will receive daily surprise gifts and access to exclusive vouchers, lifestyle perks and raffle entries. The centerpiece event, the GDay BINI Fan Meet, will be held on Sept. 13 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Manila, where more than 1,500 fans will see performances by the P-pop group.

The company also launched its biggest “G Raffle Rush,” running from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, with prizes ranging from a ₱50,000 grocery spree and ₱100,000 in GCash credits to a trip to Japan, a luxury staycation in Cebu, and flagship smartphones. The grand prize includes a BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle with charging credits, alongside two properties: a condominium unit in Pasig and a house-and-lot in Cavite.

Globe said customers can join the raffle through free entries on the GlobeOne app or by redeeming Globe Rewards points.

CebuBusinessNews.ph

Business, civic groups demand end to corruption in Philippine public works, urge reform in Congress

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CebuBusinessNews
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At least 20 of the Philippines’ largest business, civic and professional groups on Thursday issued a joint manifesto condemning what they described as “shameful, unabated, continuing, and excessive” corruption in government infrastructure projects, vowing to hold officials and contractors accountable.

The coalition singled out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units and the Commission on Audit, accusing officials of engaging in systematic plunder of public funds. “Corruption in infrastructure projects is a crime against the people, especially the poor who continue to live in dire poverty,” the groups said.

The statement also blasted Congress for alleged involvement in overpriced projects, “ghost” roads and bridges, questionable budget insertions, and the funneling of contracts to companies tied to lawmakers’ families. “It is time to clean the ranks of Congress,” the groups said, calling for new leadership with integrity and the will to end corruption.

The organizations pledged to identify and expose officials implicated in graft, mount legal action against them and their private-sector accomplices, and blacklist contractors found colluding with politicians. They also committed to promote the Integrity Pledge — a business sector initiative that bars bribery — and to cooperate with banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council in tracing hidden wealth.

Signatories to the manifesto include the Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, and other national and regional groups.

“Justice for the Filipino people, especially the poor, can only be achieved by successfully punishing the corrupt. Enough is enough,” the groups said in their closing statement.

CebuBusinessNews.ph

SM Foundation Turns Over Upgraded Health Facilities in Cebu

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CebuBusinessNews
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In San Remigio, SM Foundation returned to the facility it had first rehabilitated in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when the local rural health unit was severely damaged.

SM Foundation has handed over two newly renovated public health facilities in Cebu as part of its nationwide program to improve access to preventive and primary care, the company said on Tuesday.

The facilities include the San Remigio Primary Care Facility in San Remigio and the Naval Base Rafael Ramos (NBRR) Medical and Dental Dispensary in Lapu-Lapu City, turned over on Sept. 2 and 3, respectively.

The NBRR facility was expanded from a 99-square-meter site into a 446-sq-m dispensary in partnership with the Makati Medical Center Foundation and the Philippine Navy.

The upgraded center now houses examination rooms, a surgical unit, dental and radiology sections, a laboratory, pharmacy, emergency room, observation wards, and outpatient areas.

It is positioned to obtain Department of Health and PhilHealth accreditation, allowing it to serve about 500 naval personnel and families as well as more than 38,000 residents in nearby barangays.

Makati Medical Center Foundation donated medical equipment while SM Foundation introduced its DigiKonsulta telehealth platform to support digital consultations and records management.

In San Remigio, the foundation reopened a primary care facility it first restored after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The site has undergone a second phase of improvements, with new medical equipment and sustainability features such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and air-cleaning paints.

SM Foundation has renovated nearly 220 health facilities nationwide since launching its health and medical programs, including recent upgrades in Legazpi City and San Fernando, Cebu.

CebuBusinessNews.ph

Cebu Moves to Boost Governance, Expand International Partnerships

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CebuBusinessNews
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Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro sat down with 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐳 to deliberate on proposed ordinances aimed at ensuring transparency and expanding partnerships for the province. Photo: Cebu Capitol Public Information Office

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro met with provincial board member Malcolm Sanchez to discuss proposed ordinances aimed at strengthening transparency measures and enhancing domestic and global partnerships for the province.

One of the key proposals raised was the creation of the International and Local Sisterhood Linkages Affairs (ISLA) Office under the Office of the Governor.

The new office would serve as a hub for formalizing Cebu’s engagement with foreign governments, development agencies, and local counterparts, with the goal of expanding cooperation in investment, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The officials also deliberated on a framework for the transparent and accountable use of foreign aid and donations. The measure seeks to ensure that all forms of assistance extended to Cebu are managed responsibly, monitored closely, and directed to intended beneficiaries.

Baricuatro said the initiatives are part of her administration’s broader governance agenda, which emphasizes accountability and people-centered leadership.

She noted that by institutionalizing systems for partnerships and aid management, the provincial government aims to provide stronger assurance to development partners and donors, while securing more opportunities for residents.

The move comes as local governments across the Philippines face increasing pressure to improve oversight of public funds and maximize international cooperation for economic recovery and development.

Cebu, one of the country’s key economic and tourism hubs, has long relied on both domestic partnerships and foreign assistance to strengthen infrastructure, social services, and disaster response programs.

Baricuatro added that the planned reforms are intended to support sustainable growth while reinforcing Cebu’s position as a leading province in the Visayas. The ordinances will undergo further discussion before being presented to the provincial board for formal approval.

CebuBusinessNews.ph

CIBO Opens at SM City Cebu, Expanding Italian Dining Options

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CebuBusinessNews
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CIBO

Cebuanos have a new reason to explore the city’s growing dining landscape as CIBO, a well-established Italian restaurant brand, has officially opened its doors at SM City Cebu’s North Wing, Upper Ground Level.

The new branch brings with it the restaurant’s hallmark menu of pizzas, steaks, and pastas, alongside modern interpretations of Italian classics that include Filipino influences.

The concept combines authenticity with accessibility, offering diners a taste of Italy in a contemporary and welcoming setting.

CIBO’s arrival adds to the expanding roster of dining choices at SM City Cebu, one of the country’s largest shopping centers and a focal point for both local and international brands.

The opening reflects a broader trend of national restaurant groups selecting Cebu as a prime growth market, driven by the city’s strong consumer base and reputation as a hub for tourism, retail, and lifestyle ventures.

The restaurant’s menu is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, from traditional Italian pasta and thin-crust pizza to premium meats and lighter options.

By incorporating local twists into global recipes, CIBO aims to serve both seasoned food enthusiasts and casual diners seeking new culinary experiences.

The expansion into Cebu highlights the brand’s commitment to widening its reach beyond Metro Manila and into key regional centers.

For Cebu, the entry of CIBO further establishes the city’s position as a culinary destination in the Visayas, where local and international flavors converge to meet growing consumer demand.

The opening marks another step in the continued transformation of Cebu’s dining landscape, with established names increasingly recognizing the city’s potential as both a lifestyle hub and a gateway to the Visayas market.

CebuBusinessNews.ph

House Bill Seeks Monthly Compensation for Full-Time Housewives

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CebuBusinessNews
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A lawmaker has filed a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to grant monthly compensation to full-time housewives, formally recognizing their unpaid household labor as vital to nation-building.

House Bill No. 3141, or the proposed “Nanay ng Tahanan Act,” introduced by Rep. Nathaniel “Atty. Nat” M. Oducado, would provide ₱1,500 in monthly financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.

The measure covers housewives whose families fall below the poverty threshold, provided they are not engaged in part-time or home-based paid work. Beneficiaries must also be caring for at least one child aged 12 or younger, or a dependent child with mental incapacity.

The program would be administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with local government units, using the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) to identify qualified households.

To ensure accountability, the bill sets conditions for assistance: children must be enrolled in public schools with at least 85% attendance, demonstrate responsible behavior, and families must attend quarterly barangay assemblies on responsible citizenship.

Financial support will be reviewed every three years by Congress, in consultation with the DSWD, to reflect inflation and wage adjustments. Funding would come from both the national budget and LGU appropriations.

If enacted, the measure would mark the first time the Philippine government formally compensates full-time housewives, reframing domestic work long regarded as unpaid labor into a recognized contribution to the economy.

Cebu Business News

Philippine Airlines Adds Special Cebu-Borongan Flights for Religious Festival

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CebuBusinessNews
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Cebu-Borongan Flight
Photo courtesy of the Local Government of Borongan.

Philippine Airlines said it will operate special flights between Cebu and Borongan, Eastern Samar, on September 4 and 9 to accommodate travelers attending the annual Padul-ong Festival.

The additional services respond to a request from the Borongan local government and will supplement PAL’s regular thrice-weekly flights on the route, the airline said.

Flight PR2651 will depart Cebu at 11:10 a.m. and arrive in Borongan at 12:05 p.m., while the return flight PR2652 will leave Borongan at 12:30 p.m. and land in Cebu at 1:20 p.m.

Rabbi Vincent Ang, president of PAL Express, said the airline was pleased to partner with the Borongan local government to address increased travel demand for the festivities.

The flights also provide connections for travelers to and from Manila.

The Padul-ong Festival is held annually in honor of Nuestra Señora dela Natividad, Borongan’s patroness since the Spanish colonial period.

PAL said festival attendees can also use the opportunity to visit Eastern Samar’s tourist destinations, including beaches, rock formations and historical sites.

Popular attractions in the province include Binogawan Beach, Canhugas Nature Park with its rock formations, surfing destination Calicoan Island, and Gindu Yanan Cove featuring natural arch formations.

The Balangiga Bells also draw visitors to the region.

Eastern Samar has been developing its tourism sector, with surfing emerging as a growing attraction alongside its natural and historical sites.

CebuBusinessNews.ph

Six Student Teams Advance to Davao Real Estate Hackathon Finals

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CebuBusinessNews
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Davao Hackestate: Hackathon 2025
Davao Hackestate: Hackathon 2025

Six student teams have qualified for the finals of Davao Hackestate: Hackathon 2025, a technology innovation contest focused on developing solutions for the Philippines’ real estate sector, organizers said.

The final round will take place on Tuesday at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City, with teams competing for cash prizes totaling 66,000 pesos.

The finalists include The Huntrix from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, No Idea? from STI Gensan, Realtech and UM Trojans from the University of Mindanao, Neurobytes from AMA Computer College, and SJPCians from St. John Paul II College of Davao.

Winners will receive 30,000 pesos for first place, 20,000 pesos for second, and 10,000 pesos for third, with a consolation prize of 3,000 pesos. The top three teams will also be offered mentorship and incubation support to commercialize their projects.

“We will help them realize their projects and even connect them with potential funders,” said Anthony Gerard Leuterio, founder of PropTech Philippines, which organized the event alongside Filipino Homes.

Leuterio, a computer science graduate, said the hackathon is part of the company’s mission to support Filipino innovation while addressing real-world challenges in the property sector.

“This is a sustainable activity—we want to help the country find the best software ideas and expose them globally,” he said.

The judging panel comprises software developers and real estate practitioners to evaluate both technical execution and industry relevance, organizers said.

PropTech Philippines plans to expand future hackathons beyond real estate to tackle broader challenges facing the Philippines, Leuterio added.

The initiative highlights the growing potential of property technology to transform the real estate industry while empowering Filipino students to develop solutions with global applications.

Cebu Business News

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