Friday, March 20, 2026

VIOS STYLE FEST IS HERE!

Everyone is invited to an exciting day at Toyota Cebu City on March 21, 2026 for a fun-filled event packed with style, prizes, and amazing deals.


✨ Vios Dress-Up Competition (FREE entry & prizes!)

✨ Accessories Clearance Sale (Huge discounts!)

✨ Vios Display – see our latest units up close

✨ Customer Raffle Draw – exciting prizes await!

✨ Grab Go Live Event – faster application processing


📍 Visit us at Toyota Cebu City, #34 M.J. Cuenco Ave. Don’t miss out—bring friends and family and experience the excitement with Toyota! 

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

PhilHealth brings YAKAP to Bogo City learners, teachers

 BOGO CITY, Cebu — PhilHealth Regional Office (PRO) VII, through its Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) Danao, conducted the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan on March 16 at Marcelo B. Fernan Polambato Elementary School, in collaboration with the Department of Education, bringing primary care services closer to learners and teachers in the community.

The YAKAP Caravan was held alongside the turnover of a new Learning Continuity Space (LCS) facility in the school, built to help address classroom shortages due to calamities, like the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City in 2025.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Department of Education Secretary, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara graced the event with PhilHealth, Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto guiding President Marcos through the YAKAP Caravan stations, providing updates on the program’s implementation and highlighting the agency’s efforts to promote the eGovPH Super App, which simplified access to government services through digital platforms.

Some 200 individuals received primary care services under YAKAP at the caravan, including the First Patient Encounter (FPE) or medical consultation, laboratory tests, and medicines through GAMOT. The activity highlights PhilHealth’s commitment to bringing preventive and primary care services, including in schools, where early health interventions can support both learning and overall well-being.

Three partner YAKAP clinics in Bogo City participated in delivering the services: Cebu Provincial Hospital – Bogo City, City of Bogo Health Office, and North Med Diagnostic Clinic.

As of December 31, 2025, 75,842 out of 92,426 residents of Bogo City were already registered PhilHealth members and dependents, with 33,982 individuals having selected their YAKAP Clinic.

Meanwhile, as of November 2025, PhilHealth Region VII had already released over ₱6 million in payments to accredited YAKAP providers in Bogo City for services rendered under the program. PhilHealth continues to strengthen its efforts to ensure that essential healthcare services reach Filipinos, supporting healthier communities and a stronger future generation. (Photos: PhilHealth/DepEd/Google Images)

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Childlink stages school play, “The Olympian Linker” this March

‎CEBU CITY — Students of Childlink Learning Center and Childlink High School Inc. are set to stage a school play titled d “The Olympian Linker” on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Guang Ming Theater, V. Rama, Cebu City. 

‎The production features performances from students across preschool, elementary, and high school levels, with special participation from the performing group Tapok Tapok. The play is considered one of the most anticipated activities of the academic year, highlighting the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity, discipline, and values formation among students.


“The concept of this year’s play was inspired by the idea of preparing children for their Olympic life, helping students reach their maximum potential while developing strong values, said School founder and directress Maria Theresa Tio. 

‎Tio explained that the theme reflects the school’s mission of guiding students toward success through character formation and personal growth.  This year's presentation marks the 22nd school play staged by Childlink and the 21st theater production directed by Tio.


Around 100 students are involved in the current production, supported by teachers and on-the-job trainees from Cebu Normal University. The cast was selected through an audition process where students delivered lines and performed songs as part of the selection.

‎For many students, the annual play serves as an opportunity to develop confidence and artistic skills. Student Jessemarie Lloyd Tio shared that participating in the production helped her grow as a performer.

‎“School plays have helped bring students out of their comfort zones. For me personally, I have definitely learned confidence in performing in front of an audience,” she said adding that the experience also taught her to appreciate music, teamwork, and the effort required to stage a successful performance.


Teachers also play an essential role behind the scenes. Teacher Sheena Nicole Capuz, who is participating in the Childlink school play for the third time, said educators help coordinate rehearsals, manage student schedules, and guide performers through challenges such as memorizing lines and choreography.

‎Meanwhile, Teacher Chrisline Manaba emphasized the importance of encouraging students to discover their abilities and perform with confidence.  Grade 8 student Joelle Elaco described preparing for the production as both challenging and fulfilling. Joelle noted that rehearsals involved practicing instruments, learning choreography, and balancing academic responsibilities.

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‎The production is made possible through the support of a dedicated team, including long-time collaborators who assist with choreography and dance. According to Tio, the dance team includes a former member of the San Diego Dance Troupe.


The event is supported by several partners and sponsors.

‎Gold Sponsors: Vic Enterprises, Drip Society, Windo World, Top Builders Enterprises.  Bronze Sponsors: Cebu Pensione Plaza; Mr. & Mrs. Warren Leonor.  Benefactors: Purchaser’s Pharmacy, Dole, Delfi (Goya & Digestive), Four’s July Pharmacy, Fizzle Waffle, Solea and Donor: Ever Consumer. 

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‎Tickets are priced at ₱500 each and are open to both the school community and the public. Interested buyers may purchase tickets at the Childlink school campus or reserve seats through the school’s official Facebook page. (Photos: ChildLink/Robby Alugar) 

Monday, March 16, 2026

Savoy Hotel Mactan hosts anti-rabies vaccination to 126 dogs, cats

LAPULAPU CITY— Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown partnered with the Lapu-Lapu City Government for anti-rabies vaccination drive and welcomed pet owners and their beloved companions on March 14 for a day dedicated to health, safety, and community care in observance of Rabies Awareness Month.


Hosted at the hotel’s welcoming venue, the one-day activity provided free anti-rabies vaccinations to 126 dogs and cats, in collaboration with the City Veterinary Office of Lapu-Lapu City, the Office of Mayor Cindy Chan, and global pet-care brand Pedigree.

“At Savoy Hotel Mactan, we believe hospitality is about caring for our guests, their families, and even their pets. Partnering with the Lapu-Lapu City Government for this vaccination drive reflects our commitment to a healthier, safer, and more connected community,” shared Josef Chiongbian, Savoy Hotel General Manager.

Chiongbian added, hospitality goes beyond comfortable rooms and memorable stays—it is about creating a positive, lasting impact within the community it calls home. By opening its doors to this city-wide initiative, the hotel helped make essential veterinary services accessible, visible, and stress-free for fur-parents, offering a safe and organized space where pets were treated like VIP guests.

Pet owners also received exclusive discount vouchers for Bike and Brew, the hotel’s al fresco café and as a special treat, the first 20 voucher redemptions were rewarded with a Savvy keychain, adding a fun and memorable keepsake to the experience.

According to Dr. Janice Togonon of the Lapulapu City Veterinary Office, March marks Rabies Awareness Month in the Philippines, and the strong turnout at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown underscores the power of public-private collaboration in advancing public health.

“This partnership with Savoy Hotel Mactan demonstrates how impactful it is when the private sector supports the city’s mission. Together, we are protecting both animal and human lives,” she said.

Known as a pet-friendly hotel, Savoy Hotel Mactan warmly welcomes four-legged companions as part of the family. Hosting the “Paw-tected” vaccination drive naturally reflects the hotel’s brand, celebrating responsible pet ownership, wellness, and meaningful connections.

 Adding to the day’s warm and festive atmosphere, Pedigree delighted participants with pet food and treats, rewarding fur-parents for taking a proactive step in protecting their pets.

Through initiatives like these, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown continues to reaffirm its role not just as a place to stay, but as a partner in community wellness, where care, comfort, and compassion come together for guests, pets, and the city it proudly serves. (Photos: Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown/Rikah Alfaro)

Sunday, February 22, 2026

UCMed completes first open-heart surgery under PhilHealth Z-Benefit

CEBU CITY -- The University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed) successfully completed its first Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery under PhilHealth’s Z-Benefit program, where for many Filipinos living with heart disease, the need for open-heart surgery can feel overwhelming, both medically and financially. 

UCMed offers renewed hope after that milestone case involving a 58-year-old male patient diagnosed with serious coronary artery disease. The feat made life-saving treatment more accessible to patients who need it most.

Through the PhilHealth Z-Benefit package, he was able to undergo the complex, high-cost open-heart procedure with significantly reduced financial burden, proving that advanced cardiac care is now within reach for qualified members.

“This Z-Benefit is a big help to all individuals who are financially challenged but in need of surgery,” Dr. Mancao commented.

Dr. Eduardo Lee, Jr., chief of clinics and one of the attending cardiologists, emphasized that even patients with additional risk factors can achieve good outcomes.  “Prognosis remains good in these subsets of patients since we have a team of doctors in place to ensure quality patient care,” Lee said.

Supported by UCMed medical director Dr. Armando Tan and hospital leadership, the success of the operation highlighted the strength of UCMed’s fully equipped cardiac operating room and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation center.

Both units have supported open-heart procedures since 2016, Dr. Tan shared, a testament of UCMed’s capability to deliver advanced, life-saving treatment for patients suffering from serious heart disease.

More than a hospital milestone, this achievement sends a clear message to individuals experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other warning signs of heart disease.

“Early consultation can save lives,” quipped Dr. Tan.  With expert specialists, modern facilities, and PhilHealth support, UCMed stands ready to help heart patients take the next step toward recovery and toward a second chance at life.

A coronary artery bypass graft is performed on patients who are no longer candidates for angioplasty and whose blocked arteries severely restrict blood flow to the heart.  While the procedure is highly specialized and can be challenging, especially for patients with conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, outcomes are greatly improved when handled by a skilled and coordinated medical team.

Dr. Neil Sanico, a thoracic, cardiac and vascular surgery (TCVS) surgeon and UCMed Z-Benefit chairperson, led the surgery with fellow TCVS surgeon Dr. Peter Mancao and Dr. Arnold Tan, section head of the cardiovascular operating room.   Dr. Judith Fernando, cardiovascular anesthesia section head, joined the team together with UCMed’s Heart Center team of cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists. (Photos: UCMed)

 

Monday, February 16, 2026

PhilHealth launches GAMOT program in Cebu


CEBU CITY – PhilHealth launched GAMOT or Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment in Central Visayas on February 17 at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall with Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Cebu governor Pamela Baricutro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, officials from the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth and other partner agencies attending.

Dr. Herbosa bared that this program strengthens primary care by providing coverage for essential outpatient medicines and expanding preventive services under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) which continues to transform the delivery of primary health care by shifting the focus from curative treatment to preventive and promotive services.

YAKAP, Herbosa said is PhilHealth’s enhanced primary care benefit package designed to ensure that every Filipino has access to comprehensive, quality, and affordable outpatient care. By empowering accredited primary care providers and strengthening partnerships with local government units, the program supports early detection, continuous monitoring, and timely management of diseases, helping prevent complications and avoid unnecessary hospitalization.

By integrating screening, consultation, diagnostics, and medicines under one coordinated primary care system, PhilHealth advances a more proactive approach to health management. PhilHealth GAMOT benefit is a major enhancement under YAKAP, expanding outpatient medicines benefit designed to make essential medications more accessible and affordable for members.

Herbosa recognized that the cost of medicines remains one of the leading causes of out-of-pocket health spending, GAMOT directly addresses this concern by ensuring coverage for essential drugs used in managing common and chronic illnesses.

PhlHealth GAMOT key features include the coverage of 75 essential medicines, significantly expanding previous outpatient drug benefits; an annual benefit limit of up to ₱20,000 per member and per dependent and medicines prescribed for common acute and chronic conditions, including: Hypertension, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Asthma and other respiratory diseases, infections and selected cardiovascular and neurologic conditions.

How to Avail of PhilHealth GAMOT

1.    After choosing an accredited PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic, a beneficiary (member or dependent) undergoes First Patient Encounter, and medical consultation through the YAKAP physician.

2.    After consultation with a YAKAP physician, beneficiary receives prescription for needed medicines.

3.    Beneficiary presents the prescription and required identification at an accredited GAMOT provider for dispensing of medicine/s.

4.    Beneficiaries must return to their YAKAP doctor for follow-up checkups and continuous monitoring, as PhilHealth’s YAKAP and GAMOT ensures continuity of care rather than one-time availability.

               
The launch of PhilHealth GAMOT, in partnership with the Cebu Provincial government underscores PhilHealth’s strong partnership with local government leaders and health stakeholders in delivering accessible health services to every community.

At the GAMOT launching, the PhilHealth GAMOT featured a walkthrough with three different 𝗬𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗣 and 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗧-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗜𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹, 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 with its partner pharmacy 𝗟𝗮 𝗡𝘂𝗲𝘃𝗮, and the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝗨𝗖 𝗠𝗲𝗱) with and pre-identified individuals, demonstrating the patient pathway, from consultation with a YAKAP provider, to prescription generation, and dispensing of medicines at an accredited GAMOT facility or pharmacy and the awarding of confirmation slip and medicine kit to pre-identified patients. (Photos: PhilHealth-FB/)

Vibrant tradition, auspicious feasts at Savoy Hotel Mactan for Chinese New Year 2026

NEWTOWN, Mactan-- Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown welcomed the Lunar New Year on February 16 with meaningful traditions, cultural performances, and special dining offers designed to usher in prosperity, luck, and love.

Guests and visitors were treated to the world of Dragon and Lion Dance performance at the hotel lobby, a symbolic ritual believed to drive away negative energy and invite good fortune for the year ahead.  The celebration also featured traditional Chinese New Year rituals that represent abundance, harmony, and prosperity, reflecting Savoy’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage and sharing festive joy with the community.

Continuing its long-standing tradition, the hotel’s leaders visited Chu Un Temple, February 17 to offer prayers and seek blessings for a prosperous year. This annual visit signifies gratitude and hope for continued success, strong partnerships, and abundant opportunities in the months ahead.


In line with the season’s themes of renewal, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown also highlights its Auspicious Love offerings, perfect for couples, families, and friends celebrating together.

Guests can indulge in the Auspicious Love Special Dinner Buffet for only PHP 1,350 per person, featuring a curated selection of festive and symbolic dishes meant to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity to the table.

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown invites everyone to celebrate the Lunar New Year in an atmosphere filled with joy, fortune, and love.  For reservations and inquiries, guests may contact Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown through its official website or social media pages. (Photos: MBCNewman)

VIOS STYLE FEST IS HERE!

​ Everyone is invited to an exciting day at Toyota Cebu City on March 21, 2026 for a fun-filled event packed with style, prizes, and amazing...