DOST-7 strengthens gender equality mainstreaming

CEBU CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region VII is doubling down on its commitment to gender equality as it completed a two-day assessment aimed at making its programs, services, and workplace more gender inclusive.

On August 24–25, 2026, DOST Central Visayas conducted a Gender Audit using the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) and the GFPS Functionality Assessment Tool during its Annual Gender and Development Planning and Budgeting Workshop held at the Elena Diola Memorial Hall in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.

The activity brought together members of the agency’s Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) to take stock of how well gender perspectives are integrated into DOST VII’s operations.

Assessing Progress, Identifying Gaps

Over two days, participants evaluated the agency’s current gender mainstreaming efforts, reviewed the functionality of the GFPS, and assessed priority areas under DOST VII’s GAD Agenda. The audit also identified key areas for improvement to ensure that science, technology, and innovation programs reach women, men, and marginalized groups equitably.

“Conducting this audit is not just compliance. It’s about making sure that our S&T interventions are truly responsive to the needs of all Filipinos,” DOST-7 Regional Director, Tristan Abando said.

A major output of the workshop is the development of DOST Central Visayas’ 2027 GAD Plan and Budget to guide how the agency allocates resources for gender-responsive programs, trainings, and services in the coming year.

Expected focus areas include Capacity-building for GFPS members to sustain gender mainstreaming across divisions; gender-responsive S&T programs such as tech training for women MSMEs, scholarships, and inclusive R&D initiatives; and workplace policies that promote a safe, non-discriminatory, and family-friendly environment

Gender mainstreaming in government is an initiative that aligns with the Magna Carta of Women and the GAD Budget Policy, which mandates that at least five percent of agency budgets be used for GAD programs.

Across government, agencies are now moving beyond compliance. From gender-responsive disaster preparedness of DOST-PAGASA, to tech livelihood programs for women by DOST-PTRI and DOST-FNRI, to PCW-led GMEF audits, the push is to embed gender analysis in planning, implementation, and monitoring, Abando said. 

For DOST, this means ensuring that innovations in agriculture, health, energy, and digitalization do not leave women, PWDs, and other vulnerable sectors behind, Abando stated. 

With the 2027 GAD Plan now in the works, DOST Central Visayas says it will continue to strengthen the GFPS and integrate gender analysis in all stages of project design.

“Together, we continue to advance gender equality and promote a more inclusive and responsive DOST Central Visayas,” Abando added. 

The GAD audit marks another step toward making science and technology a tool not just for progress, but for equity. (Photos: DOST7/FB)

MGB-7 flags ‘High-Risk’ sinkhole in Bogo City, Cebu

CEBU CITY — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-Regional Office 7 declared an actively expanding sinkhole in Sitio Indilicio, Bogo City, Cebu, a “high-risk ground collapse area” and urged local officials to enforce a 20-meter no-entry buffer zone after field surveys showed the ground opening is still widening as rumbling sounds sounds, expanding cavity are detected. In a Geohazard Threat Advisory dated August 24, 2026, MGB-7 Regional Director Al Emil Berador told Bogo City Mayor Maria Cielo Martinez that the sinkhole in Sitio Indilicio, Purok Libog 1, Barangay Guadalupe continues to grow and sits above a water-bearing subsurface cavity.

MGB-7 personnel conducted the assessment on August 22-23 after residents reported a ground depression at around 4:45 a.m. on August 20. The bureau classified it as a cover collapse sinkhole. It now measures roughly 15 by 25 meters — expanding by about 2 meters in just one day between Aug 22 and 23.

Drone and visual surveys showed the collapse formed above a cavity about 15 meters below ground, running in a north-northwest to south-southeast direction. 

“The sinkhole is still progressing, with sections of the rim occasionally giving way and collapsing into the cavity below,” the advisory stated. Geologists also reported hearing rumbling sounds during the inspection, a sign of ongoing subsurface collapse.

The nearest house stands just 18 meters from the rim. Affected residents have already been briefed and advised to evacuate pre-emptively during heavy rains.

The concern deepened after MGB-7 found two older sinkholes nearby — 100 meters southwest and 65 meters northeast — both believed to have formed after the 2025 Bogo Bay Fault earthquake.

Their positions on opposite sides of the new sinkhole suggest the area may sit above an interconnected underground cavity system rather than a single isolated collapse.

A ground-penetrating radar survey was done, but clayey soil blocked signals beyond 5 to 6 meters, so the full depth and extent of the cavity could not be confirmed.

MGB-7 recommended a no-entry buffer zone of at least 20 meters from the sinkhole rim, to be expanded if needed; controlled-access zone of 50 meters to keep out onlookers, as crowds could add load and vibration to unstable ground; continuous monitoring and immediate reporting of new cracks or sounds to the Bogo City DRRMO; and pre-emptive evacuation or relocation if the sinkhole expands toward homes, especially during heavy rain or earthquakes. 

“The bureau stands ready to provide further technical assistance to the City Government of Bogo,” Berador said. The advisory was prepared by MGB-7 geologists Marajao Arreza and Russyl Bryile Anthony Q. Lanzaderas.

Berador also appealed to the public and social media influencers not to spread unverified claims, exaggerated figures, or manipulated photos and videos of the sinkhole, he said that some online posts have misrepresented the sinkhole’s size, depth, and cause, which can either cause panic or make residents downplay an active hazard.

Residents and content creators were reminded that entry for filming is not allowed while the ground remains unstable. The public was urged to rely only on advisories from MGB-7, Bogo City government, and the CDRRMO. (Photos: DENR-MGB7)

PH bank deposits hit record P22T in Q1 as Filipinos save more

CEBU CITY — Filipinos and businesses parked more cash in banks in the first quarter of 2026 pushing total deposits to a new high of P22.04 trillion and signaling sustained confidence in the Philippine banking system. 

Data from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) said that 98.8 percent of accounts now fully insured after coverage hike to one million pesos. 

PDIC data showed bank deposits grew 9.8 percent year-on-year to P22.04 trillion as of end-March 2026, that’s an increase of P1.97 trillion — nearly double the P1 trillion, or 5.3 percent growth, recorded in the same period in 2025. 

The strong deposit growth came a year after the government doubled the maximum deposit insurance coverage to P1 million effective March 15, 2025, PDIC said individuals and private corporations accounted for more than three-quarters of the increase.

Individual depositors added P913.9 billion, or 46.4 percent of the total growth while private corporations added P606.6 billion, or 30.8 percent, and the remaining 22.8 percent came from government entities, banks, and trust departments

“The continued rise in deposit liabilities reflects the public’s sustained confidence in the banking system,” said PDIC President and CEO Roberto Tan. “Higher household and business deposits suggest that individuals and companies continue to view banks as safe, accessible, and reliable institutions for managing their funds,” he added.

The growth likely reflects higher household and business incomes supported by jobs, remittances, and business activity, PDIC noted. With more cash on hand, many also chose to keep funds in banks for security and easy access.

Time Deposits Drive Growth

By type, time deposits were the biggest driver, jumping by P896.1 billion or 45.5 percent of the total increase. Analysts said savers may have locked in rates ahead of expected interest rate cuts, while banks also offered competitive promos to attract stable funding.

Demand/NOW deposits rose by P589.6 billion, or 29.9 percent while savings deposits added P483.2 billion, or 24.5 percent— pointing to broad-based growth across products.

The number of deposit accounts also surged. As of March 2026, banks had 178.6 million accounts, up by 27.2 million or 18 percent from a year ago.  Savings accounts accounted for nearly all of it, with 26.9 million new accounts opened.

Importantly, deposit protection also expanded. Fully insured accounts grew 18.2 percent to 176.5 million, meaning 98.8 percent of all domestic deposit accounts are now fully covered by PDIC. Total insured deposits exceeded P5.0 trillion.

“The continued expansion in deposits, together with the broad coverage of deposit insurance, reflects sustained public confidence in the banking system following the increase in the MDIC to P1 million,” PDIC Tan said.

The record deposit level suggests households and businesses are saving more and keeping money within the formal banking system. For banks, the shift to time deposits also gives them more stable, long-term funding to support lending, PDIC noted.

With inflation easing and the economy holding steady, the banking sector appears to be benefiting from both stronger incomes and greater trust in the safety net.

MCIA is PH’s first to achieve Level 2 carbon accreditation

LAPU-LAPU CITY — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport has become the first and only airport in the Philippines to achieve Level 2 “Reduction” accreditation from the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East, marking a major step in the country’s push for greener aviation, targets 90 percent emissions cut by 2029, eyes net-zero by 2050. 

The recognition, awarded by ACI APAC & MID under its Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, validates MCIA’s verified greenhouse gas inventory and its active measures to cut carbon intensity per passenger and per ton of cargo.

“This ACA Level 2 validates that our team is making real, measurable progress in embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations,” said Ricia Montejo, General Manager of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, the airport’s private operator. “By balancing smart energy solutions with world-class service, we are ensuring that Cebu’s growth as a premier transfer hub remains environmentally responsible and aligned with global best practices.”

MCIA’s path to Level 2 involved identifying all major emission sources and rolling out concrete reduction projects. Among them: 1.64 MWp rooftop solar power system now powering terminal operations; a building management system and smart sensors to optimize energy use

LED lighting conversion and improved HVAC monitoring and maintenance; tracking and optimizing fuel consumption of ground vehicles and equipment. 

In 2024, MCIA also launched bridge-mounted equipment that supplies electricity and cabin cooling to parked aircraft, cutting the need to burn jet fuel at the gate, Airport officials said. 

By 2025, airlines at MCIA began using full electric ground support equipment and Single-Engine Taxi-In procedures to further reduce emissions during ground operations.

With the accreditation as a springboard, MCIA has set a new Carbon Management Plan targeting over 90 percent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission intensity by 2029, against baseline levels. The long-term goal is net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it said. 

“This achievement is a clear testament to what strong public-private synergy can deliver for sustainable infrastructure in the Philippines,” said Julius Neri, Jr., General Manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority. “MCIAA and ACAC remain united in introducing eco-friendly technologies, optimizing airfield efficiency, and building a greener gateway for future generations of travelers.”

Aviation accounts for a growing share of global emissions, and airports are under pressure to decarbonize operations on the ground.  Level 2 accreditation means MCIA is not just measuring its footprint, but actively reducing it, a requirement before advancing to Levels 3 and 4, which involve engaging airlines and partners in deeper emissions cuts, Neri said.

For Cebu, the country’s second busiest gateway, the milestone positions MCIA as a model for sustainable airport operations in the region while it continues to expand as a transfer hub for domestic and international travelers.

As MCIA pushes forward, officials say the focus will be on scaling green infrastructure without compromising passenger experience — proving that growth and environmental stewardship can take off together. (Photos: MCIA) 

‘Tam-is’ book launches in Cebu, preserving heirloom merienda recipes

CEBU CITY -- Generations of Cebuano merienda recipes have been gathered into one book, ensuring that the province’s heirloom sweets will not be lost to time--"Tam-is: Heirloom Delicacies of Cebu” by Cebuano food advocate Tita Louella Alix was launched Monday, August 25 at the Golden Prince Hotel & Suites at the hotel’s Kabilin Heritage Lounge and by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) on July 15 at the Kabilin Center, Casa Gorordo Museum in Cebu City.

The book documents beloved Cebuano desserts and snacks, from budbod kabog and masi to rosquillos and otap, along with the family stories and occasions behind them.

“These recipes are part of who we are as Cebuanos,” Alix said during the "Meet the Author" event. “Tam-is is our way of making sure the hands, the kitchens, and the memories behind these delicacies are passed on.”

The book highlights heirloom merienda staples such as Budbod kabog - millet sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves; Masi - glutinous rice balls with muscovado filling; Binangkal - sesame-coated fried dough; Rosquillos of Liloan - butter cookies that became a Cebu icon; Otap - thin, sugared biscuits; Torta Cebu - steamed rice cakes and Tsokolate with danggit - the classic Cebuano afternoon pairing.

From RAFI’s advocacy to Golden Prince’s table.  RAFI, through its culture and heritage programs, has long supported the documentation of Cebuano traditions and the foundation co-presented the launch to push its mission of cultural preservation.

Golden Prince Hotel & Suites also honored Alix’s contribution to Kabilin Heritage Lounge, the hotel’s Ilustrado-inspired dining space that serves heritage food.  The partnership started in September 2017 with the Painit sa Kabilin Merienda Buffet.  It evolved into the Kabilin Heritage Lounge Merienda Buffet on October 2, 2018, later recognized as a Best of Cebu 2018 honoree.

Many dishes on the buffet, as well as à la carte items adapted from Alix’s earlier book Hikay, were developed from her research on traditional Cebuano cooking.  “Heritage is not meant to simply be remembered. It should be experienced, tasted, shared, and passed on to the next generation,” Golden Prince said.

Tam-is goes beyond ingredients and measurements. It records who made the dishes, where they came from, and how they were served during fiestas, town gatherings, and everyday painit. With modern dining trends taking over, the hotel said books like Tam-is help ensure that traditional Cebuano flavors remain part of the conversation — and on the table.

With global brands and modern cafes reshaping Cebu’s food scene, “Tam-is” seeks to put traditional sweets back on family tables. With RAFI and Golden Prince advocacies, the launch positions the book as both a cultural record and a living guide — one that cooks, students, and restaurants can use to keep heirloom recipes alive.

For RAFI, Alix, and Golden Prince, the message was the same: Cebuano identity can be found not just in history books, but in the taste of a torta or a cup of tsokolate shared across generations. (Photos: MBCNewman/Golden Prince Hotel & RAFI)

 

 

Cebu teens lead PH to gold, silver at SEA BJJ championship in Cambodia

 CEBU CITY -- Cebu’s youngest grapplers made a big statement on the regional stage, bringing home gold and silver for the Philippine Team at the Asian Regional BJJ Championship – South East Asia held in Siem Reap over the weekend.

Sibling duo Sarah and Stan Lee Tio, both Batang Pinoy athletes from Cebu show rising power of Filipino youth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and made their international debut and came out swinging, literally and figuratively, against top youth competitors from across Southeast Asia.

Sarah Lee Tio, Blue Belt hauled gold under No-Gi Division and silver under Gi Division while Stan Lee Tio, Grey Belt won Silver under Gi Division.  For their first time competing abroad, the siblings showed poise beyond their years, navigating both the traditional Gi format and the faster-paced No-Gi division.

Head Coach Phil Rizon explained to this writer that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a ground-based martial art that focuses on leverage, technique, and submissions rather than strength. Often called “human chess,” it teaches athletes how to control an opponent on the mat and win through chokes, joint locks, and positional dominance.

Unlike striking arts, BJJ emphasizes discipline, problem-solving under pressure, and respect — values that have made it one of the fastest-growing combat sports among Filipino youth.  “Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids how to stay calm when things get tough. It’s about technique, timing, and heart. Sarah and Stan showed all three,” said Rizon.

The Tio siblings trained for months alongside their Cebu-based coaches, drilling techniques, conditioning, and competition strategy specifically for the SEA regional.

Their podium finishes underscore what coaches have been seeing for years.  Cebu is becoming a breeding ground for world-class BJJ talent, Coach Rizon said. With more academies opening and Batang Pinoy programs integrating grappling, Filipino kids are now regularly testing themselves against the best in Asia.

“This is a proud moment for Cebu and for the Philippines,” Rizon said. “Sarah and Stan showed discipline, heart, and sportsmanship representing our country. We hope their success inspires more young Filipinos to pursue martial arts.”

The Asian Regional BJJ Championship – South East Asia gathered top youth and adult athletes from across the region, giving competitors valuable international experience and ranking points.

For the Philippines, the Tios’ medals add to the country’s growing reputation in the global BJJ community, a sport where Filipinos are increasingly known for grit, creativity on the ground, and strong family-based training cultures.

With more support for grassroots programs, coaches believe the next wave of Filipino champions won’t be far behind.  “Gold or silver, what matters is they stepped on that mat for the Philippines,” Rizon added. “And they made us proud.” (Photos: Courtesy of the Tio Family)

DTI, Tiktok Shop, Converge launch “Unlad Lokal” to Visayas MSMEs

CEBU CITY — Thousands of Cebuano micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are set to get a major boost as TikTok Shop, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Converge ICT Solutions, and the Cebu Provincial Government formally launched “Unlad Lokal Visayas”, a joint program designed to bring digital tools, training, and market access to local entrepreneurs or MSMEs. Partnership aims to turn Cebuano sellers, creators into nationwide digital businesses. 

The launch and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing was held August 25 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall, marking TikTok Shop’s first major program rollout in the Visayas.

“Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are vital components of the Cebuano economy,” the Governor said. “They provide for families and create local employment. Our job in government is to make sure they have the tools to compete and grow,”Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro opened the program by underscoring the role of Cebuano MSMEs as the backbone of the local economy.

Under Unlad Lokal, the Cebu Provincial Government committed to continuous support through technology provision, skills training, and networking opportunities. The goal, she said, is to bridge traditional business practices with the digital economy so that even the smallest enterprises can reach customers beyond their communities, Baricuatro added. 

DTI 7 Acting Regional Director Esperanza Melgar said the initiative aligns with DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Roque’s five-point agenda which are digital transformation, AI, diversification, funding, and mentoring.  But the focus, she emphasized, is not just having a Facebook page.

“We are moving beyond simple online presence,” Melgar said. “MSMEs need to learn e-commerce ecosystems, affiliate networks, live streaming, content creation, and digital advertising plus business legitimacy and consumer trust.”

To do this, DTI led by its Acting Regional Director, Esperanza Melgar signed a tripartite MOU with TikTok Shop led by Franco Aligaen,  Converge Joseph Aldaba and Dindo Marzan. 

Under the deal, TikTok Shop opens its marketplace, creator network, and campaign tools to Visayan sellers; Converge provides the connectivity needed for stable live selling and operations and the DTI delivers training, onboarding, and consumer protection guidance. 

Melgar outlined an 8-step roadmap for MSMEs: start on digital platforms, refine online presence, tell product stories, explore broader platforms, and use data to improve.

Dindo Marzan Converge, SME Solutions, said the partnership aims to make digitalization “practical, affordable, and inclusive.”

“Whether you’re a sari-sari store, manufacturer, or content creator, the mission is the same: Kita Ka — make your business visible,” Marzan said.

He noted that businesses are at different stages of digital adoption. The goal is not to demand instant expertise, but to give entrepreneurs the willingness to learn and the infrastructure to do so. With stable internet, he added, Cebuano sellers can manage operations, reach new customers, and scale from home-based to competitive enterprises.

Franco Aligaen, TikTok Shop Marketing Lead, reported strong momentum in the region. From July 2025 to July 2026, Visayas saw a 

140 percent growth in average orders 50 percent increase in number of sellers; 160 percent expansion in the creator ecosystem and 130 percent jump in sales driven by live streaming. 

“Digitalization needs more than a platform. It needs knowledge, tools, connectivity, and confidence,” Aligaen said.

TikTok Shop said it has already trained over 35,000 MSMEs nationwide across 15 cities through its Unlad Lokal program. The Cebu leg will prepare sellers for the upcoming “9.9” mega sale, which will feature up to 100 percent off deals, TikTok Shop Mall campaigns, creator-led content, and daily rewards.

Fireside chats with successful Cebuano TikTok Shop sellers led by Bisaya Coño girl Tiktoker and creators were also part of the launch, showcasing how local products from food and fashion to crafts, are now reaching buyers nationwide through live selling.

Speakers closed with a unified call, to make Cebuano businesses more resilient, visible, and competitive.

“Technology allows small businesses in Cebu and Central Visayas to reach global markets,” Melgar said. “But success belongs to those willing to adapt, innovate, and seize new opportunities.”

Gov. Baricuatro echoed the sentiment, pledging that the province will continue pushing initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and create long-term stability for families.

With the MOU in place, Unlad Lokal Visayas will roll out training, digital onboarding, and connectivity support in the coming months, positioning Cebu as the hub for social commerce growth in the Visayas.