Category: NEWS

Synergy in Action: United for Cebu’s Historic Heart

When the government, the private sector, and the Church move in the same direction, transformation becomes possible, not just in infrastructure, but in the soul of a city.

This was the essence of the statement shared by Joe Soberano, President and CEO of Cebu Landmasters Incorporated, during the opening of Patria de Cebu. His message was more than ceremonial; it was a clear commitment to the Cebu City Government and to the people of Cebu. that progress can be meaningful when it is anchored in cooperation and respect for heritage.

Present at the event was Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival , alongside the Roman Catholic Church, represented by Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma. Their presence symbolized a rare but powerful convergence of leadership: public service, private enterprise, and faith working together toward a shared vision.

The initial focus of this collaboration is the beautification and revitalization of Cebu City’s downtown, beginning with the historic surroundings of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, a site that has stood witness to centuries of Cebuano faith, culture, and history.

Rather than development that erases the past, this initiative seeks to enhance what already exists, giving dignity to heritage spaces while making them more accessible, livable, and vibrant for today’s generation.

Cebu City is not just an urban center; it is the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines, the heart of early trade, and a living museum of colonial and pre-colonial history. Any effort to uplift the city must therefore balance modernization with preservation.

This tri-sector partnership recognizes that truth: progress does not mean forgetting where we came from, it means building forward with memory and meaning. When coordination and collaboration truly happen, the benefits ripple outward.

Heritage is protected, public spaces are improved, local communities gain renewed pride, and the city strengthens its identity—not only as a hub of commerce, but as a place where history, faith, and development coexist. In this shared effort, Cebu City is reminded of a powerful lesson: the most enduring developments are those built not by one sector alone, but by a united community, honoring its past while shaping its future.

Patria de Cebu is a living symbol of what collaboration can achieve. Redeveloped through a joint effort of the Roman Catholic Church and Cebu Landmasters Incorporated, it transforms a historic space into a place where the past and present meet.

Now open with a supermarket and a growing mix of food outlets, Patria de Cebu is once again bringing life back to downtown. Soon, it will also welcome the Mercure Hotel by Accor, the first international hotel brand in downtown Cebu City, a powerful sign that faith, heritage, and progress can move forward together, restoring pride in the heart of the city.

12 Years After the Bohol Earthquake: Comparing Two Great Quakes of the Visayas

2013 Bohol Quake

It has been twelve years since the violent 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Bohol on October 15, 2013, one of the most devastating disasters to hit Central Visayas in modern times.

The quake left more than 200 people dead, injured hundreds, and damaged over 70,000 homes. Historic churches, bridges, and roads collapsed. The impact extended beyond Bohol, Cebu also suffered casualties and heavy structural damage, proving that the tremor’s reach went far beyond one island.

Now 12 years after, another major earthquake shook the region, this time a magnitude 6.9 quake centered in Bogo, northern Cebu. Though slightly weaker, it caused significant destruction in Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin, and nearby towns, where over 70 lives were lost and thousands of homes were damaged. Yet unlike the Bohol tragedy, the casualties were mostly confined to a handful of northern Cebu towns, not across multiple provinces.

Interestingly, the Bogo quake revealed a surprising geological feature , an alarming number of sinkholes, especially in San Remigio where more than a hundred were discovered. In contrast, the Bohol earthquake was more known for the dramatic rise of the North Bohol Fault or “Great Wall of Bohol”, rather than sinkholes. This shows that while both disasters shared the same regional fault system, their surface effects were remarkably different.

The Bohol earthquake remains the more powerful and widespread of the two, claiming more lives, damaging heritage churches, and leaving a deep scar across Central Visayas. The Bogo quake, on the other hand, stands out for its localized devastation and unusual geological aftermath. Both serve as painful reminders that the Visayas lies along an active fault zone, and that preparedness remains the best defense against the earth’s next violent awakening.

Manila Under Water

Torrential Rains Submerge the Capital

Manila, Philippines — July 22, 2025

Water level at Marikina river this morning is critical at 16 meters

Large parts of Metro Manila were submerged on Monday night as torrential monsoon rains, intensified by a low-pressure area, caused widespread flooding, traffic standstills, and the suspension of classes and government work in many areas.

The heavy rains began late Sunday and intensified throughout Monday, overwhelming drainage systems and turning major roads into rivers. Areas such as España Boulevard in Manila, Taft Avenue in Pasay, and parts of Quezon City, Makati, and Marikina were reported to be under waist-deep to chest-deep floodwaters.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the southwest monsoon (habagat), enhanced by a nearby weather disturbance, dumped record rainfall over a 24-hour period. PAGASA issued red rainfall warnings in multiple NCR districts and neighboring provinces including Rizal, Cavite, and Bulacan.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) declared a state of emergency in some areas, as flood levels breached critical thresholds. Emergency responders were deployed to assist stranded commuters, evacuate residents from low-lying communities, and monitor the rising water in river systems.

“We are experiencing one of the most severe flooding events since Ondoy,” said MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes, referring to the devastating 2009 typhoon. “We urge everyone to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely follow official advisories.”

At least 15,000 individuals have been displaced across the capital region, with temporary shelters opened in schools and barangay halls. Power outages were also reported in several districts due to damaged transformers and precautionary shutdowns.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for immediate coordination between national agencies and local government units. “Let us prioritize rescue, relief, and safety. We will rebuild, but right now we must save lives,” the President said in a statement released Tuesday morning.

Classes in all levels and work in government offices across NCR have been suspended for Tuesday, July 22, to allow for clearing operations and further assessment of the damage.

As water levels slowly recede in some areas, experts warn that more rains are expected throughout the week. The Department of Health also reminded the public to be wary of leptospirosis and waterborne diseases, urging those who waded through floods to seek medical consultation immediately.

New Lapu-Lapu City Mayor to relocate illegal settlers along Mactan Channel

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ahong Chan

The relocation of illegal settlers along Mactan Channel is among the priorities of Mayor-Elect Ahong Chan when he officially takes office on June 30.

This is according to a highly placed source close to the newly elected mayor.

Lapu-Lapu’s population growth has been astronomical in recent years because of the number of manufacturing companies providing thousands of employment opportunities in the city.

With unprecedented growth comes the perrenial problem of housing and Lapu-Lapu isn’t spared from this phonomenon.

What started as a few makeshift structures along the seafront area in the vicinity of the twin bridges, it has now mushroomed into a serious incursion involving more than a thousand families.

These areas are located in Barangays Poblacion, Pajo, Pusok, Ibo and Mactan.

Mayor Chan vowed to provide decent housing in a suitable relocation site for the displaced families.

Mactan coastline

Rooting out ‘voters‘ from the comforts of their established abode is never easy. Especially when the next election is just thirty six months away.

It needs political will and a lot of courage. InfoCebu hopes the new mayor will accomplish this challenging feat for the benefit of the Oponganons.

CTTO for the images

Visa-free Taiwan until 2020

Apparently Pinoys are helping the tourism program of the Taiwan government to merit a one year extension. This according to a high ranking Taiwanese official.

Philippines passport holders together with citizens of Brunei, Thailand and Russia are bound to enjoy the privilege of a 14-day visa-free stay until July 2020.

Taiwan is an attractive destination for Cebuano tourists because of available direct flights from Cebu to Tao Yuan (International gateway of Taiwan)

Famous for Taipei 101, Yangmingshan Park, Cable Car Ride, Temples and affordable shopping, Taiwan is something Cebuano adventurers should not miss. All you need is a ticket now.

Read more: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/06/article/taiwan-to-extend-visa-free-entry-for-filipinos/