Aventus champions early detection for breast cancer

Aventus Medical Care marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a strong reminder for women everywhere: Be breast aware and don’t skip your screenings.  

“Every woman should be familiar with her own body and alert to any changes,” said Dr. Liz Ginete, Associate Director for Multi-Specialty Clinics at Aventus Medical Care. “The most important step is to get regular check-ups and mammograms. Early detection makes treatment simpler and more successful.”

Dr. Ginete emphasized that maintaining breast health is a key component of overall wellness. “Living a healthy lifestyle—eating well, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight—can lower your risk,” she said. “It’s not just about awareness, it’s about taking action.”

Aventus extends its advocacy beyond its clinics, supporting early detection through workplace wellness programs, health lectures, and on-site services.

"We support this through wellness programs, on-site health lectures or webinars/seminars, and making health services easily accessible. We offer services such as Annual Physical Exam (APE) and other diagnostic tests to companies," said Dr. Ginete. The annual physical exams and diagnostic packages make screening convenient and accessible to women in offices and communities.

“Detecting cancer early gives women the best chance for a cure,” she added. “It saves lives and reduces the need for invasive treatments.”

She also warned that not all breast cancer symptoms appear as obvious lumps. Women should watch out for skin dimpling or redness, nipple inversion or unusual discharge, and areas that feel thicker than the surrounding tissue.

To encourage more women to get screened, Aventus is offering a 15% discount on breast ultrasound and mammogram services until November 30.  Through these efforts, Aventus reinforces its life-saving message this Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know your body, take action, and make screening a priority.

Cebu Prov’l Board commends Baricuatro for prompt aid to Davao Oriental

CEBU – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro received commendation from the 17^th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu for her prompt response to send assistance to the Province of Davao Oriental, which was also hit by an earthquake on October 10, in a resolution authored by PB member Nino Seno and approved unanimously during its session on October 20.

“The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) is “commending and extending the highest gratitude to Governor Pamela Baricuatro for her prompt, decisive, immediate, and compassionate response to the earthquake-stricken Province of Davao Oriental and for the grant of P5 million financial assistance to the said province,” the resolution reads.

As can be recalled, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan under the chairmanship of Vice Governor Glenn Soco unanimously approved Gov. Baricuatro's urgent P5-million aid package request for Davao Oriental on October 13.

PB Member Dr. Stanley Caminero and Dr. Nikki Catalan, on behalf of the Province of Cebu flew to Davao Oriental to personally deliver and turnover the cash assistance to Governor Nelson Dayanghirang on October 15 to aid the relief and rehabilitation efforts in Davao Oriental after the earthquake.

In an astonishing encounter, Davao Oriental also gave Cebu a ₱1 million donation as a return of gratitude and sign of unity between the two provinces, proving the spirit of Bayanihan and solidarity between Cebu and Davao Oriental, two provinces working together to rise after disasters.

“Dako akong pasalamat sa Provincial Government of Cebu nga gipangulohan ni Gov. Pamela. Kini nga buhat nagpakita sa tinuod nga espiritu sa pakig-uban, ug panaghiusa sa panahon sa kalisdanan,” Gov. Dayanghirang said. (Dayanghirang expressed his gratitude to the Cebu Provincial government headed by governor Baricuatro for sharing the true spirit of “Bayanihan” and unity in times of disasters and calamities.)

Soco bared that the SP also approved during the October 20 session the following earthquake-related resolutions:  Requesting all pet owners in the Province of Cebu to untie or unchain their pets during fires, earthquakes, and other natural calamities to allow them a chance to save themselves in case their owners are unable to do so.

The SP commends and expresses heartfelt appreciation to all Cebuanos for the love, cooperation, support, and spirit of Bayanihan in helping one another as manifested during and after the recent earthquakes that struck the Province of Cebu and reminding the public to remain vigilant, prepared, and ready as aftershocks continue to occur following the recent earthquakes in the Province of Cebu.

More SP resolutions commended the public and private sectors for the comprehensive efforts to deliver humanitarian aid, assistance, relief and other services to facilitate the efficient and effective flow of assistance to the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu.

The SP also expressed its gratitude to the collective efforts of the municipalities of Tudela, Poro, Liloan, Carmen, and City of Danao of the Fifth District of Cebu through their respective local chief executives and its constituents for extending various humanitarian aid and assistance, relief goods and services to the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake on September 30, this year. (Photos: Capitol PIA/Google Images)

Baricuatro discusses her 8-Point Youth Dev’t Agenda with youth

CEBU -- Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro met with the officers and members of the Provincial Youth Development Council (PYDC) and presented her 8-Point Youth Development Agenda, during the PYDC pre-convening meeting on October 16 at the Capitol Social Hall, gathering 15 registered youth and youth-serving organizations from across Cebu Province to mark the full activation of the PYDC.

“I am here para ninyo—to pave the way for a better future for Cebu, para ang inyong umaabot nga generation dili ma-experience ang kalisod ug ang kawad-on nga na-experience karon,” Baricuatro said in her opening speech.

The PYDC is a multi-sectoral youth association headed by the SK Pederasyon President and composed of representatives of youth and youth serving organizations in Cebu Province.

Marven Gorgonio, the Capitol’s pro-bono consultant on youth affairs, presented the 8-Point Youth Development Agenda, which includes the following: Cebuano Youth Wellness that focuses on mental, physical, and reproductive health, as well as the holistic well-being of the youth.

NegosYouth, promotes youth entrepreneurship and financial literacy while GreenGen-Youth for a Greener Cebu, encourages environmental sustainability and climate action; and Kabataan Techie that advocates digital empowerment, responsible social media use, and AI literacy.

SugBuhat & Turismo Kabataan, promotes creativity, innovation, and youth participation in advancing local culture and tourism; eSKwela, supports academic excellence and accessible education opportunities; SportsKabataan, advances sports development, teamwork, and discipline; and Youth in Governance, focuses on leadership development, civic engagement, and participation in clean and good governance.

“Akong dream is mapa-inherit ninyo ang commitment on good governance through the PYDC so that the province will have more good leaders in the future,” Baricuatro said, adding that these programs aim to prepare the youth for leadership and instill in them the values of integrity and public service. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

 

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)