New Health Secretary meets Cebu private hospitals to push UHC reforms

MANDAUE CITY— Acting Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado met with officials of Cebu’s major private tertiary hospitals on August 18 to discuss expanding financial risk protection under Universal Health Care while keeping hospitals financially viable.

The dialogue, held at Oakridge Horizons, brought together administrators from Cebu’s biggest training hospitals: Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, Chong Hua Hospital Cebu, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue, Healthway Cebu Velez General Hospital, Perpetual Succour Hospital, Southwestern University Medical Center, University of Cebu Medical Center, and VisayasMed Hospital.

Mercado, who previously served as PhilHealth President and CEO, said the engagement was meant to get private sector input on key UHC reforms, particularly new payment mechanisms already envisioned under the UHC Act.

A central topic was the "no co-payment policy." Under the UHC Act, private hospitals are required to dedicate at least 10% of bed capacity to basic or ward accommodations.

Mercado said the policy aims to make hospital care more affordable and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for Filipinos. Hospital representatives raised concerns on implementation, sustainability, and reimbursement rates.

The discussion also covered "prospective payment mechanisms" — a shift from fee-for-service to fixed packages that PhilHealth and the Department of Health are pushing to control costs and improve predictability for both patients and providers.

Mercado presented a proposed "shared agenda" between DOH and private providers. Priority areas include specialty care expansion through the Health Facility Development Plan, aligned with the expansion of PhilHealth Z Benefits for catastrophic illnesses.

Healthy Schools and Healthy Communities programs to be jointly implemented with hospitals; health workforce development, including scholarships for health-related courses, upskilling of primary care doctors, and career progression mapping for Doctors to the Barrios toward leadership roles in primary care teams.

"Private training hospitals play a vital role in the country's healthcare system. They provide specialized medical services and serve as training grounds for future healthcare professionals. We need them as partners if UHC is to work,” Mercado said.

Earlier in the day, Mercado graced the opening of Clinica Prime Cebu’s new Cancer Screening Facility at its Mantlewood branch.  The clinic is now accredited as a PhilHealth YAKAP provider and is the first standalone YAKAP clinic in Central Visayas with a dedicated cancer screening facility.

YAKAP, or "Yaman ng Kalusugan Program," is PhilHealth’s primary care benefit package. The event was facilitated by PhilHealth in coordination with Clinica Prime Cebu, Inc. It was originally planned before Mercado’s appointment as Health Secretary, and officials said it reflects PhilHealth’s continuing commitment to work with private providers.

With the country’s health system under pressure from rising costs and post-pandemic backlogs, DOH said stronger public-private collaboration will be critical to meeting UHC targets by 2028. (Photos: Courtesy of PhilHealth-VII)

Special Feature: Biking home from France to Samboan, Cebu

CEBU CITY – Possibilities are limitless for this 20-year-old Filipino-French cyclist Adam Desvaux who embarked in a once-in-a lifetime journey to bike home from France to Philippines and completed this extraordinary solo journey from France to his home in Samboan, South Cebu on August 15, after 13 months, 26 countries, and more than 28,000 kilometers traversing across Europe, Turkey and Middle East, Central Asia, China, Southeast Asia and around the Philippines.

Adam’s arrival in Samboan coincided with his 20th birthday, turning his long-awaited homecoming into a dual celebration with family, friends, and local residents welcoming back the young adventure cyclist.

Some 15 local cyclists joined him from Cebu to Samboan where he was met at his home barangay boundary with cheers, hugs and happy tears from his parents, siblings, friends and the local community waving those “Welcome Home Adam” white flaglets.

The family expressed its gratitude towards Adam’s friends and others for making the trip possible, emphasizing on the uniqueness of the experience and their intention to document it through a video. It was an emotional welcome surprise for Adam and the people cheered “welcome home Adam” and sang happy birthday to him.

“The long wait is over. It was a very emotional arrival surprise for my son, having achieved his once-in-a-lifetime journey—coming home from France to Cebu on his bike!” Mom Rosalie smiles.

Adam described this journey a mix of adventure and a way to return home. He documents his trips on his @gohomeadam, Instagram handle with weekly recaps of countries he’s passing through and the people he meets along the way.

“Solo travel is easier because I can set my own pace.  Everything is mechanical and everything is visible, so you can understand everything on a bike quickly,” Adam said and he likes to ride alone seven to 11 hours per day.

He travels light on his bike with his documents, biking gear, sleeping bag, tent, mini stove, clothes. He does his own bike repairs on the road whenever he has flat tires or something else that needs fixing.

In his Instagram posts in Borneo on his 38^th week of biking as of June 13, 2026, “so close to home,” he wrote.  Adam started his journey on July 8, 2025 with the first leg of 650 km from France to Switzerland.

Adam’s adventurous spirit runs in the family

Adam’s original plan was to bike around the Philippines, but his mom, Rosalie, felt it was too dangerous, that pushed him to dream and aim bigger-- cycle from Europe all the way back to his family’s home in Cebu.

“Adam was an adventurous and curious child from a very young age. He learned to swim by two, climbed trees, and explored various environments with his father.  Adam’s biking skills developed early, influenced by his grandfather, and he continued to bike extensively during the pandemic,” mom Rosalie told this writer, in an interview at her home in Cebu City.

Despite his mother's protective nature, Adam's independence and adventurous spirit led him to participate in sports and consider triathlons. His mother tracked his activities using modern technology, contrasting with her own experiences of worry without communication tools.

Adam's early experiences shaped his love for exploration and physical challenges. Mom Rosalie narrated that Adam's dad would take him to the pool every morning, encouraging him to swim from at the age of two. 

The lad’s curiosity and adventurous spirit led him to explore various environments, including climbing trees and visiting waterfalls, his early biking experiences, influenced by his French grandfather, were a significant part of his development and his dream of traveling the world on a bike, Mom Rosalie said.

Adam’s dad, Fabrice Desvaux, is also an adventurer, having traveled to Africa and other places in the world at a young age; his grandmother traveled to Africa at 16, which adds to the adventurous spirit in the family. Adam and his dad are a pair, often engaging in various adventures together, Rosalie added.

Adam was very active in sports, particularly soccer, from elementary school through senior high school and already expressed an interest in triathlon at a young age, which surprised his mother, Rosalie.

“His adventurous spirit extended to biking, especially during the pandemic when he biked with his cousins and uncles in Samboan, Cebu which improved his biking skills and he often biked farther than his peers, leading to his own adventures,” Rosalie said.

According to Mom Rosalie, Adam explained to her that triathlon involves swimming, running, and biking, which he was already familiar with. His early experiences with biking and soccer laid the foundation for his interest in triathlon.

Adam's mother was very protective and often accompanied him on his biking trips to ensure his safety, but most often he biked without informing his mother to avoid her worry and prevent her from stopping him.

Rosalie said, she would track his location now through the Polar step, which provided her with some peace of mind. She was initially hesitant about his biking trips but eventually allowed him to go as long as he was with a group.  The lack of communication methods in the past compared to now gives her more peace of mind when Adam is on the bike.

Parental support and planning the France-Philippines biking adventure

Despite Mom Rosalie’s initial reluctance, she supports him financially and emotionally, as Adam’s biking ambitions escalate to a plan to bike from France to the Philippines, which she finds dangerous and far-fetched. Dad Fabrice and Adam’s siblings are very supportive to the trip.

Her fears increase as the time for his departure approaches, nevertheless the entire family prepared and supported Adam for a trip to Fontainebleau, France for rock climbing and camping, testing his gear a week before departure.

This preparation helps alleviate his father's concerns and contributes to his own confidence and readiness for the adventure.

Mom Rosalie recounts the emotional farewell of their son, Adam, who embarked on a biking tour from France to the Philippines. Family members were all there to see him off and a local newspaper even covered Adam's plan and send off, on July 8, 2025.

                                      

“We were all running, accompanying Adam as he biked to the start of his journey, feeling both sad and happy. We were actually crying, happy tears, I guess.  Later that day, the family searched for Adam along the canal but eventually confirmed he was far away and resting,” mom Rosalie narrated.

Mapping Adam’s bike home

The first leg: France-Switzerland-Austria-Hungary-Romania-Bulgaria.  It is approximately 3,000 km bike.  Adam, in his Instagram post described the journey around Europe a smooth one because Europe has good roads and bike shops everywhere. This was his fastest section of biking.

Leg 2: Turkey + Middle East. From Turkey-Georgia-Armenia/Azerbaijan or Iran, at approximately 2,500 km.  According to Adam, Turkey is a cyclist hub.  Iran route is faster but one needs permits.  Georgia /Armenia equals mountain rides, hence, slower pace.

Leg 3: Central Asia. Starting from Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan or Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan with approximately 3,500 km.  “The Stans route equals long, empty roads, high mountains, and wild camping,” Adam said in his posts.  This is the slowest section of his leg, also because Visa timing matters here.

Leg 4: China. Xinjiang-Ganzu-Sichuan-Yuman, approximately 3,000 km. Very strict rules here. Foreigners need permits plus sometimes a guide inTibet/Xinjiang. Big distances between towns. More often it is a long ride.

Leg 5: Southeast Asia. Laos/Vietnam-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore with approximately 2,000 km.  Southeast Asia trip is hot, humid, but roads are flat and everything here is cheap and easier logistics. “There’s food stops everywhere,” Adam said.

Leg 6. PHILIPPINES. Ferry from Malaysia-Singapore-Mindanao-Luzon-Ferry to Cebu with about 500-800 km.  This is the last stretch of Adam’s journey with island hopping onboard ferries, riding and waiting for boats.

The Desvaux family led by mom Rosalie and his father, Fabrice backed his ambitious effort, though initially anxious about the hazards of a cross-continental trek, his family supported him financially and emotionally throughout the journey, which Adam documented on his Instagram page (@gohomeadam).

What’s next for Adam? A world tour perhaps, or another kind of adventure?  “I don’t know yet. I’m still enjoying the normal life now,” Adam said.

 

Cebu local officials honor Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos

CEBU CITY — In a striking show of regional unity, Cebu’s top provincial and municipal figures set aside political divides to honor Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., highlighting his knack for bridging national governance with local priorities.

The gathering, anchored by a thanksgiving lunch hosted by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Cebu Chapter on August 17, brought together a formidable lineup of local leadership. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco joined forces with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the tri-city leadership of Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City, and the Liga ng Mga Barangay–Cebu Province Chapter to bestow formal resolutions and public tributes on the Cabinet chief.

Governor Baricuatro commended Abalos as a unifying force across the province, noting his ability to build consensus and maintain an open line of communication with local government units. The sentiment was echoed during a special session of the 3rd Quarter ABC Chapter Presidents Meeting led by Barangay Provincial President Hon. Celestino A. Martinez III, where local grassroots officials formally added their commendations.

The tribute also carried an emotional note of gratitude. Vice Governor Soco highlighted Abalos’ rapid hands-on response following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit northern Cebu in October 2025, recalling how Abalos extended PHP 1,000,000 in personal financial aid directly to impacted communities.

The gathering served a dual purpose, doubling as a celebration for two prominent Cebuanos stepping into key national roles: newly appointed Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Philip Lo and Office of the President Undersecretary Atty. Bret Monsanto.

Formal Commendations: Resolutions passed by the Provincial Board, LMP–Cebu Chapter, and Liga ng Mga Barangay recognized Abalos’ appointment and ongoing support for municipal concerns.

Disaster Response Remembered: Local leaders cited his direct support during the northern Cebu earthquake recovery efforts. Discussions focused on streamlining national programs and strengthening regional emergency response capabilities and celebrated the national appointments of PA Visayas Philip Lo and OCS Undersecretary Atty. Bret Monsanto alongside Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and provincial mayors.

The event reaffirmed a shared commitment between national officials and Cebu’s leadership to keep local community needs at the forefront of public policy. (Photos: Office of CabSec)

UK eyes infra, green energy expansion in Cebu as diplomatic ties hit 80-year milestone

CEBU CITY — The United Kingdom is eyeing expanded trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation in key regional hubs outside the capital, highlighting the growing strategic and economic importance of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a visit to Cebu City, British Embassy Political Counsellor Andrew Bowes met with local leaders, business chambers, and journalists to explore how British expertise in green technology, smart urban development, and infrastructure can support the region’s growing economy.  

 "As we like to say, it's the British Embassy to the Philippines, not just to Manila," Bowes emphasized, pointing to the embassy's routine regional outreach aimed at building stronger ties across Philippine provinces.

Bowes met with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Mayor Nestor Archival Jr., and leadership from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on August 13-15 with discussions centered on addressing regional challenges, including power reliability, waste management, urban transportation, and AI-supported education.

The visit coincides with the 80th anniversary of official diplomatic ties between the UK and the Philippines. The milestone underscores a deepening relationship across economic, strategic, and educational domains that include energy and climate transition; commercial partnerships; defense and security and education and human capital.

Bowes said that the UK remains a major foreign investor in the country's renewable energy sector—exemplified by UK firm Actis’s major solar energy investments in Mindanao, alongside urban climate adaptation initiatives like the Future Cities project in Cebu.

Commercial ties continue to expand, highlighted by Philippine Airlines’ recent purchase of Airbus aircraft powered by UK-made Rolls-Royce engines and the two nations are preparing negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) to facilitate joint military exercises, alongside continued UK support for the rules-based international order and maritime law under UNCLOS, Bowes said.

In education, he added that over 600 Filipino professionals have completed advanced degrees in the UK under the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program, Bowes added that as co-chair of the global Media Freedom Coalition, the British Embassy also engaged local media representatives to discuss journalist safety and regional press freedom.  

While identifying the Philippines' English-proficient, tech-savvy workforce as a key advantage for foreign capital, Bowes noted that ongoing regulatory clarity and investment reforms will remain vital to attracting further global investment.

Bowes’ discussions with the CCCI and the local leaders provided the British Embassy with a broader perspective on Cebu’s economic landscape, the priorities of the local business community, and developments shaping trade, investment, employment, and regional growth.

 The meeting also explored potential areas where UK expertise and capabilities could complement Cebu’s development priorities, particularly in smart city development, urban planning, transportation systems, renewable energy, and professional and other service sectors.

With the United Kingdom’s experience in innovative and sustainable urban solutions, the engagement opened avenues for further dialogue on how British expertise, technologies, and professional services could support Cebu’s efforts toward smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient urban development.

For CCCI, the courtesy visit forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen relationships with foreign embassies, international institutions, and global business networks, while creating opportunities for Cebu’s business community to access international expertise, technologies, markets, and potential business partners.

The engagement underscored the value of continued dialogue in identifying practical areas of cooperation that respond to Cebu’s evolving economic and development needs. It also reflects CCCI’s commitment to positioning Cebu as a globally connected, innovative, sustainable, and investment-ready business destination.(Photos: Courtesy of Capitol PIO/CCCI/MBCNewman)

 

 

Kape Tano BBQ Grill Garden redefines local dining for Cebuanos

CEBU CITY — In a dining scene where eating out is becoming increasingly costly, Kape Tano BBQ Grill Garden located at 24 J Panis Street, Cebu City, is stepping up with a refreshing promise: high-quality, authentic Cebuano barbecue that won't break the bank.

Anchored by its slogan, “Pang Cebuano nga presyo. Pang Cebuano nga lasa” (Cebuano prices, Cebuano taste), the restaurant is quickly positioning itself as a go-to neighborhood hub built around comfort, community, and local flavor.

Kape Tano was founded on a straightforward vision—providing locals with a clean, welcoming environment where families, friends, students, and travelers can enjoy smoky, savory grilled specialties at everyday prices.

Beyond its grilled offerings, Kape Tano enhances the dining experience with thoughtful hospitality, including: Air-Conditioned Comfort, a cool, relaxed indoor space designed for comfortable family gatherings and casual catch-ups.  Complimentary soup, a warm, comforting touch served to every guest upon arrival, and warm local service, attentive service aimed at making every visitor feel right at home.

While the name Kape Tano evokes a sense of local familiarity and warmth, the brand has evolved into a full-fledged barbecue destination. It aims to serve as a backdrop for everyday celebrations—from post-work wind-downs to family weekend dinners.

As Kape Tano continues to expand its footprint across Cebu, its core mission remains focused on serving honest food, fostering memorable dining experiences, and celebrating the shared love for authentic Cebuano grilled dishes. Contact details: 0917 637 9589 and at its Facebook page.

Bayfront Hotel Cebu unveils exclusive deals at World Travel Expo 2026

CEBU CITY— Travelers and food enthusiasts in Cebu have a major reason to head to Ayala Center Cebu this weekend. Bayfront Hotel Cebu has officially launched a suite of heavily discounted room stays and dining vouchers at the World Travel Expo (WTE) 2026, running from August 14 to 16, 2026.

Visitors can stop by Booth A32 (located near Anta and Guess) to lock in limited-time promotional rates covering the hotel’s North Reclamation and Capitol Site properties, as well as its signature dining outlet, Caja Kitchen Cebu.

Whether planning an upcoming business trip, a staycation, or a weekend getaway, the property is offering near 45 to 50 percent discounts on stay packages: Bayfront Hotel Cebu – North Reclamation with superior Room vouchers with a complimentary breakfast buffet for two are available for Php 2,950 (down from the regular rate of Php 5,300).

Bayfront Hotel Cebu – Capitol Site with classic Room vouchers with a breakfast buffet for two are priced at Php 2,750 (down from the regular rate of Php 5,000). Both room-stay vouchers feature an extended validity period, allowing guests to redeem their stays anytime until December 31, 2027.

For local foodies and families looking ahead to upcoming celebrations, Caja Kitchen Cebu is offering discounted dining passes.  Weekend Lunch or Dinner Buffet vouchers are available for Php 588 per head (regularly Php 688). Dining vouchers remain valid until March 31, 2027, making them an ideal choice for group gatherings and holiday dining.

Location: Booth A32 (Near Anta & Guess), World Travel Expo 2026, Ayala Center Cebu on August 14–16, 2026.  Vouchers cannot be combined with existing promotions or government-mandated discounts (such as Senior Citizen and PWD discounts). Stays during the Sinulog peak period from January 15–17, 2028 are excluded.

For Inquiries & Reservations at North Reclamation Branch:Tel: +63 32 230 6777 | Mobile: +63 917 728 9912; Email: reservations_nr@bayfronthotelcebu.com.  Capitol Site Branch: Tel: +63 32 505 3333 | Mobile: +63 917 708 8117; Email: reservations_cs@bayfronthotelcebu.com Official Website: Bayfront Hotel Cebu.

Mezzo Hotel partners with Tuburan Coffee, brewing local pride

CEBU CITY — Mezzo Hotel is serving up more than just morning caffeine—it’s brewing a movement, in a fresh effort to champion local agriculture and support Cebuano farmers, the hotel has officially partnered with Tuburan Coffee, bringing organic, highland-grown coffee straight to its guests.

Grown in the lush highlands of Tuburan, Cebu, the brand has built a reputation for its carefully handpicked beans, rich aroma, and deep flavors. But behind every roast lies a bigger story. Tuburan Coffee operates as a community-driven initiative designed to boost agricultural livelihoods, empower local farmers, and drive sustainable economic growth across the municipality.

Through this new collaboration, Mezzo Hotel continues to reinforce its commitment to highlighting regional heritage and eco-tourism.  The partnership brings several exciting additions for both hotel guests and coffee enthusiasts.

Unlimited breakfast brews, hotel guests can enjoy complimentary, unlimited Tuburan Coffee daily as part of the breakfast buffet lineup.  Curated pairings and bundles with the hotel’s culinary team introduced specially crafted coffee pairings and bundled meal offerings tailored to complement the roast's natural flavor profile.

Take-home flavors for those looking to take a piece of Cebu’s coffee culture home, the hotel’s Mezzo Lokal Corner now stocks premium Tuburan whole beans, freshly roasted grounds, and convenient drip coffee bags.

By featuring homegrown beans on a major hospitality stage, the partnership highlights how local businesses and hospitality leaders can work together to promote sustainable tourism.

As Mezzo Hotel and Tuburan Coffee combine forces, they aren't just serving great coffee—they are helping build a stronger future for Cebu’s farming community, one cup at a time. (Photos: Mezzo Hotel)