Cebu Capitol partners with private hospitals, pharmacies for more health access

CEBU – The Cebu Provincial Government with governor Pamela Baricuatro and Capitol Piso Health consultant, Dr. Nikki Catalan pushed for a more engaged partnership with private hospitals and pharmacies especially on allowing the acceptance of a Guarantee Letter issued by the Office of the Governor for easier health access for all Cebuanos.

In a consultative meeting with the 22 private hospitals and two pharmacies in Cebu on October 17, Dr. Catalan explained that through this partnership, Cebuanos who will avail themselves of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office can be assisted directly by accredited hospitals and pharmacies.

Catalan and Governor Baricuatro extended their gratitude to all medical directors and representatives from partner private hospitals for their full-force attendance during the meeting.  “Your presence is a strong show of solidarity and shared commitment to improving healthcare access for every Cebuano,” Dr. Catalan said through her social media post.

Catalan said, this is a first-of-its-kind dialogue between the Cebu Provincial Government and private medical institutions under the AICS mechanism, a vital step toward more seamless coordination and patient-centered care. This collaboration reflects a shared goal of a stronger, more responsive, and inclusive health system for the people of Cebu, as part of the governor’s health agenda.

 Engaging private organizations through AICS allows Capitol to augment and complement the services of its provincial hospitals. It aims to refine the healthcare system of the Province to make the process more efficient and hassle-free for all stakeholders—ensuring that provincial patients who require specialized care can receive it without unnecessary barriers.

“While we continue the ongoing reforms within our provincial hospital system, we acknowledge that there are levels of subspecialty and highly specialized care available only in private medical centers. High-risk and high-acuity patients often depend on these facilities for advanced management and life-saving interventions,” Dr. Catalan said. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

 

Baricuatro advocates for food banking, food security

CEBU – Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro calls on all advocates and partners to champion food banking and food security to fight against hunger and undernutrition in the most vulnerable communities in the country. This was her virtual message at the first Foodbanking Summit in Manila on October 16 in celebration of World Food Day.

Baricuatro has championed the fight against hunger through the founding of her SimplyShare Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization in 2015 that aims to fight hunger and malnutrition in communities within Cebu and the Philippines.

Today, SimplyShare stands as the first Global Foodbanking Network (GFN)–accredited food bank in the Visayas and Mindanao, and one of only two GFN-recognized food banks in the entire country, after being admitted into the GFN Accelerator Program in 2023.

In similar developments, the governor launched its first-ever Mobile Kitchen, a concrete step toward her vision that no Cebuano should go hungry, especially in times of crisis.  Soon, five more mobile kitchens, two 14-footers and three 10-footers costing more than P24M are to be delivered in affected communities, whenever and wherever they are needed, to ensure that food assistance can be readily mobilized and delivered. (Photos: Google Images)

 

Baricuato rolls out its first Mobile Kitchen for Cebu Province

CEBU—Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro launched today, October 14, the Province of Cebu’s first Mobile Kitchen with six more coming, a new symbol of care compassion, and readiness that will soon roll out to communities across Cebu.

“By now you know how food security is so close to my heart. We meant being ready — to feed, to serve, and to care. This is the realization of a dream and a promise — to bring fresh meals, comfort, and hope to every Cebuano. 

With the urgency of providing immediate aid during crises, such as the current earthquake recovery in the north, the mobile kitchen initiative is to deliver fresh meals and hope to affected communities,” Baricuatro said at the event.

Baricuatro noted that the broader meaning of food security is beyond just growing crops or distributing aid, focusing on readiness to feed, serve, and care for people and the need for immediate action during times of urgent hunger, such as after natural disasters.

The governor personally requested the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Office of the Provincial Administrator to launch the Mobile Kitchen, which will be managed by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

The mobile kitchen is presented as a solution to provide fresh meals, comfort, and hope to those affected by the earthquake in the north, with plans for six more similar initiatives. It aims to address both daily communities needs and emergency response operations, reaching disaster-stricken communities and providing hot, nutritious meals to those affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD7) deployed the first Mobile Kitchens in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin and in San Remigio. Key features of the Mobile Kitchen are compact space for optimized efficiency, with appliances and tools strategically placed for easy access.

Mobile Kitchens have flexible layout that can be customized to suit different cuisines or cooking styles.  They have essential equipment including grills, fryers, refrigerators, and cooking ranges with ample space for chefs to prepare and cook meals and a serving window that allows people to pick up their meals. (Photos: Capitol PIO & DSWD7)

 

 

 

“Cebu Goes Culinary 2025” shaping Cebu as leading gastronomic destination

CEBU CITY – “Cebu Goes Culinary 2025”, the biggest cooking showdown in Cebu hopes to shape Cebu as a leading gastronomic destination and the Philippines as a place where food culture and tourism thrive hand in hand.

Judy Gabato, regional director, Department of Tourism (DOT-7) said this, in her message at the opening of the 2-day Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 showdown at the Sky Hall, SM Seaside City Cebu, September 26-27, with 740 participants from professional and student categories competing in 17 events.

The Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) and the National Food Showdown organized the Cebu Goes Culinary every two years as a platform to showcase Cebu as the culinary hub of the Visayas by highlighting both heritage dishes and modern innovations.  The event reinforces Cebu’s identity as a culinary hub and beyond its image as a leisure and beach destination.

The competitions are grouped into five clusters such as Battle Royale and Klasika Moderna Kulinarya, highlight Filipino heritage cuisine, local ingredients, and the drive to elevate everyday dishes to world-class standards.  Culinary schools, hotels, and restaurants are also expected to display their creativity through tablescaping, dessert decoration, and innovative food presentations.

“We encourage all participants, whether competing, judging, supporting, or enjoying the experience, to see their role as part of a larger story, because we see the event as a competition that challenges participants to push the boundaries of creativity while staying true to their roots,” Gabato said.

Cebu Goes Culinary is a festival, a platform for learning, innovation, and collaboration, bringing together professionals, students, and dreamers. The Department of Tourism recognizes food as a powerful way to tell the Filipino story, integrating gastronomy into their tourism strategy, Gabato added.

She noted the importance of Cebu’s culinary heritage in showcasing the region’s culture and identity through food, adding that Cebu was included in the Michelin Guide's influencer strip, providing another opportunity to showcase the region's culinary heritage.

“The Philippines is recognized for its leadership in the slow food movement, with Bacolod City designated as the hub of Slow Food in Asia.  The country is hosting the upcoming Sierra Madre Asia Pacific event in November, which will gather advocates, chefs, and communities to champion biodiversity and sustainability,” Gabato bared.

The recognition of other Philippine destinations, such as UNESCO's City of Gastronomy in Angeles and Marana in the global culinary states, highlights the country's diverse culinary landscape, Gabato said that Cebu Goes Culinary is seen as an opportunity for Cebu's tourism stakeholders, producers, and culinary workers to showcase their heritage on a global stage.

Carmela Malagar, co-chair of Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 and HRRACI corporate secretary bared that the event allows participants to collaborate with national chefs and gain island-wide culinary exposure. The inclusion of the USDA Potato student competition, with a P20,000 prize, adds another layer of challenge and recognition for emerging talents. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Cebu Agri Food Summit 2025 bears fruit with farmers B2B connect

CEBU CITY – The San Antonio Farmers’ Association in Boljoon (SAFAB) secured a supply agreement with an established restaurant chain--the Nonki Japanese Restaurant in Mandaue City, for the steady supply of assorted agricultural produce for the restaurant’s daily needs.

“The first-ever Cebu Agri Konek Food Summit 2025 has definitely bore fruits with farmers finding business-to-business (B2B) connections. Farmers also received mentorship on financing, pricing, and compliance to help them connect directly with institutional buyers,” noted Benedict Que, Overall Chair of the Food Summit, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Champion for Agriculture and president of Golden Prince Hotel and Suites.

Organized by the Philippine Inno Ventures Agriculture Cooperative (PIVAC) in collaboration with CCCI, DA-Central Visayas (DA7), Province of Cebu, and the City of Cebu, the summit builds resilient food systems by connecting farmers directly with buyers and empowering them with the tools to thrive, Que said.

On September 1, Que with SAFAB president, Johnny Cairo were present during the group’s first delivery of over 206 kilos of cabbage and bundles of spring onions to Nonki Japanese Restaurant in Mandaue City with Chrislee Arong, Nonki’s vice president for general kitchen receiving the orders.

Nonki Restaurant already expressed demand for a wider range of fresh produce, including carrots, pechay, eggplant, garlic, ginger, lettuce, cucumber, radish, okra, parsley, potato, squash, tomato, onions, calamansi, watermelon, pineapple, oranges, and lakatan bananas, among others, Que bared in an interview with this writer.

According to Dr. Roldan Saragena, provincial agriculturist, this development already shows Cebuano farmers are now moving beyond traditional market selling and venturing into institutional supply partnerships.  He called on more institutional buyers to patronize local farm produce to further encourage farmers to increase production.

Capitol also reported that a popular shake brand is negotiating supply of lemonade from Dumanjug farmers, while a well-established bakery chain has requested various agricultural products to be sourced locally.

Que bared that there are now several businesses discussing with PIVAC on more possible direct B2B connections with local farmers.  On September 4, a group of Taiwanese businessmen were here in Cebu and connecting with him for B2B networking. (Photos: FB-Golden Prince Hotel & Suites)

 

 

 

Tips to beat stress and hitches on grind days

CEBU CITY— Have you ever had moments when you could swear fate seems to be plotting against you? When it comes to crunch time, it is easy and entirely valid to crash out. Losing your cool will not exactly fish you out of the situation, so how then should you deal with these moments while still hitting your goals? 

1. Have a Pre-mortem Mindset: Have you ever heard of Murphy’s Law? It’s a term coined by engineer Edward Murphy Junior that basically says, “Anything that will go wrong can go wrong.” This mindset emphasizes the practice of a pre-mortem mindset that encourages thoroughness and attention to detail so that you can have a backup plan for when challenges happen. That way, instead of focusing on the roadblock, you can automatically go to troubleshooting mode.

2. ‘Vibe Check’ Yourself: Sometimes, it is better to just sit down with your feelings first instead of diving immediately into solving the problem. Do this by giving yourself a quick vibe check. Ask, ‘How am I feeling right now?’ By acknowledging your emotions, you channel your energy into understanding yourself rather than spiraling further. 

This can help clear your mind and allow you to step outside of your current situation so that you can see it more objectively. If the situation allows it, you can also momentarily distract yourself by doing something positive to refresh your mood quickly, like watching some cat videos or having an ice cream break to cool the situation. This way, you can shift to game mode stronger than ever. 

3. Visualize and Micro Manifest: The power of manifestation and visualization is real. When you find yourself in a sticky situation, take a deep breath and visualize yourself after you’ve already gotten over your current dilemma. By doing ‘micro manifestation,’ you trick your brain into shifting into a positive mindset and thinking of solutions that can help you get there. 

4. View it from the outside: Removing yourself from the situation mentally allows you to see things in an objective manner, especially when things start to overwhelm you. When you find yourself at a dead end, shift your mindset and do something that can help you cool down.

Nestlé Crunch Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is the perfect sweet snack to do this with because it indulges your senses with its delectable vanilla flavored ice cream with cookie bits and crunchy milk chocolate coating sprinkled with crisped cereals. 

For chocolate lovers, there’s NestléCrunch Ice Cream in Chocolate, with rich creamy chocolate ice cream and chocolate filling wrapped in crunchy cereal-embedded milk chocolate coating for an extra satisfying bite. 

Let’s be honest, even the worst of crunch time moments are no match if you give yourself something this good. So the next time you find yourself in a pinch, follow these tips to breeze through them and hit your goals at the same time. 

Nestlé Crunch Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Ice Cream are available in Robinson’s, Alfamart, Shopwise, The Marketplace, Waltermart and other leading stores nationwide. 

TESDA to provide skills training to 100 beneficiaries of DSWD’s Walang Gutom Program

CEBU CITY—Some 100 beneficiaries of Walang Gutong program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7-Central Visayas are now endorsed to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for skills training and capacity-building opportunities.

According to DSWD-7 regional public information officer, Leah Quintana, of the 100 beneficiaries, 75 come from the Municipality of Daanbantayan, Cebu, who began their first day of training on bread and pastry production with TESDA on July 7, while another 25 beneficiaries to start the housekeeping training in the City of Naga, Cebu.

With continuous collaboration between DSWD and TESDA, the latter allocated 250 target enrollees per implementing province of the Walang Gutom Program, as specified in the partner agency’s 2025 Planning Guidelines, Quintana bared.

This initiative aims to build the socio-economic resilience of households through sustainable interventions that improve access to livelihood and employment opportunities while equipping beneficiaries with the necessary skills for future employment.

DSWD’s Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) identified the eligible and qualified beneficiaries for endorsement to TESDA programs and coordinated with the agency’s concerned regional and provincial offices for the submission of the endorsed list.

DSWD 7 administered the TESDA National Skills Registration Program (NSRP) tool to identify the beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom Program, that will undergo job skills training and other employment promotion activities.

The RPMO ensured that the selected training programs meet the beneficiaries’ needs and the local economic opportunities.  DSWD will monitor and report the endorsement and enrollment status to the Program Compliance and Verification Section (PCVS) of the National Program Management Office.

Once the beneficiaries have NC II certification, TESDA will refer them to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) for employment or livelihood assistance.

DOLE will provide employment facilitation, livelihood kits, and job matching services while the local government unit (LGU) concerned will assist in beneficiary mobilization and support services. The PESO, on the other hand, will support job placement efforts locally and regionally.

The field office will conduct NSRP in Bais City, Negros Oriental on July 22 to 24, 2025. TESDA will offer the following training in the Dumaguete City Area: Driving NC II, Tile Setting NC II, Cookery NC II, and Bread and Pastry Production.