(The Freeman) Updated September 09, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City now has the go signal of the Commission on Audit to make use of the submission of unsolicited proposals for the joint venture transactions over the South Road Properties.
Joel Mari Yu, managing director of the Cebu Investment and Promotion Center, said that they now have a go signal from COA to pursue joint venture transactions by asking interested clients to submit unsolicited proposal.
A year ago, Yu said that their attention was called by COA on the said method as it accordingly disregarded the process of public bidding requirement on projects and services.
“At least now they also agree that the publishing of the unsolicited proposal for the joint venture is the same as public bidding since you are also inviting others to submit their respective competitive challenge,” Yu said.
Yu also said that an unsolicited proposal is better than the actual public bidding process considering that everything is negotiated to the disadvantage of the city.
“We don’t just accept their proposal even if the price is right, but we also make sure that we also agree with what they intend to do with the property at SRP,” Yu said.
He further said that the aim of the city government is to let the private sector manage most of the things.
In the SRP, the first joint venture contract is the one with Filinvest Land, Inc. which submitted an unsolicited proposal to pour in P25-billion investment over 50.6 hectares there.
Only the provincial government made intent of submitting a competitive challenge, but was rejected twice because of the lack of jurisdiction or identity.
According to the Joint Venture Selection Committee, Capitol is not a private entity.
Services for water at the SRP are also to be run by the private sector and still under a joint venture agreement.
Cebu City is set to close another deal with a company prior to the end of this year, which is also under joint venture. – Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (FREEMAN NEWS)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Skal International eyes Cebu as venue for Asian Congress
By AJ de la Torre (The Freeman) Updated September 09, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - With Cebu’s thriving efforts in achieving sustainable tourism development without harming the environment, an international tourism organization deems Cebu as a fitting venue for the Skal Asian Area Congress.
Skal International president Hulya Aslantas, during her recent visit in Cebu, said that they are more than eager to hold the Asian Congress in Cebu considering its thriving tourism industry and efforts made by industry players in promoting tourism.
Skål International is the largest group with a civil initiative in travel and tourism made through gathering all branches of this sector in to one,
The Asian Congress, slated on May 29, will have foreign delegates arriving on the 26th with various activities prepared prior to the official start of the gathering.
This will be the 39th Skal Asian Congress and the second to be held in Cebu following the successful hosting back in 1995.
This year’s gathering is expected to be participated in by over 400 members worldwide.
Aslantas shared that in line with the organizations’ advocacy in upholding sustainable tourism that is on ecological tourism, they see how Cebu has worked hard for the development of the tourist spots, most especially the beaches that are well-known by many, but managed to preserve the natural wonders of the environment.
Aslantas said this is one of the components they have seen which makes them very keen on holding the Asian Congress in Cebu.
“Cebu is a beautiful resort destination. It is a place that has grown through sustainable development and has grown in harmony with place. It has facilities and buildings but did not destroy the lifestyle of the people and the environment,” she said.
The organization, which favors ecotourism, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the United Nations Environmental program that would include Skål members in the effort of protecting the environment through sustainable development.
The congress is said to greatly benefit the provinces’ promotion of tourism in which preparations have already thoroughly started said Charles Lim, the president of Skål International Cebu chapter.
At least three to four million pesos is allocated for the preparations but Lim said that the gain in terms of the boost of the industry that Cebu would be getting would be worth any price.
He also said that this gathering would be one way of sharing experiences and help each other recuperate from the financial crunch that the businesses have felt.
He added that the crisis may have been present but it can not change the tourism sector and how it is patronized by many. Lim added that the budget or the pattern may change, but the travel and tourism industry “would not lose its grip.”
Further, Aslantas said that they are also working on repositioning the organization in order to take further into action their aim in promoting global tourism.
“We really need to position ourselves and show who we are and where we are today,” added Aslantas who shared that there have been a lot of changes in the organization since it was founded in 1934 in Paris by travel managers that initially promoted the idea of gathering to strengthen friendship without doing any business.
But Aslantas said that the notion have already changed and the concept have shifted to “doing business among friends.” However this has not been completely explored thus the need for repositioning the organization.
She mentioned that they have to reposition themselves since they have not fully implemented their missions and visions, which is a waste since they have a lot of strengths as a group like them being the first and the largest of its kind in the promotion of travel and tourism. “The basic worth is already there, it is a matter of using it properly.”
Aslantas said that are already conducting surveys for their members where specific questions are found on how to reposition the organization. They also have created a task force intended for the repositioning and also are revising their present visions and missions.
She said that since the goals of the club is not stressed out, “Skål International is not where it deserves to be and should be positioned somewhere,” and added that “the mission and vision defines who we are and what we offer and why Skål International exists. There is a need of a shared sense of direction among all Skål members, if we have this, imagine what we can do?”
Jenny Franco, president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies in the Philippines- Cebu Chapter and former Skål –Cebu chapter president said that the repositioning is a positive step that they need to strengthen the partnership with other countries.
DOT urges Guv to step up "Suroy-Suroy" program
By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman) Updated September 09, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - While the “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo” program of the Cebu Provincial government successfully helped the promotion of countryside tourism, now the Department of Tourism throws a challenge to Governor Gwen Garcia to initiate a program that would generate tourism investments.
Tourism chief Joseph Ace Durano lauded Garcia’s passion to promote province-wide tourism in Cebu through the “Suroy-Suroy Sa Sugbo,” but this time, the program has to go a step higher.
He said the province is blessed with potential tourism destinations, however, still lacks accommodation facilities and tourism infrastructure that needs to be developed to spur tourism activity.
If investors are still scarce due to global recession jitters, the Cebu Provincial government could start a tourism facility project, just like what Camarines Sur had been doing.
“I don’t think the Cebu Provincial Government has no money. Funding is not a problem,” Durano said.
He said its high time to generate tourism investors, not just plainly attracting tourists, or warm bodies. This is to complement the increasing number of local and foreign visitors who now consider Cebu and its neighboring islands as one of their top destination choices.
“It does not have to be big investments, or big investors. One could start up with small facility, “Durano said adding that the Provincial Government could look into potential areas around the province that could also generate revenues.
Durano suggested that the innovative “Suroy-Suroy Sa Sugbo” program should graduate from just merely skip-trip jumping from one town to another, to a leisurely countryside adventure, bringing most importantly the potential investors.
Durano had been calling the attention of the Local Government Units (LGUs) executives around the country, especially in Cebu and Bohol to initiate tourism projects in their respective communities in order to make tourism an economic driver especially in rural towns.
According to Durano, lack of appreciation to develop a potential place for tourism is one of the primary problems of LGU executives, not the availability of financial resources, because state-owned financial institutions like Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) have available funds for tourism related developments especially projects that will establish facilities that give good revenue generation.
The secretary called the attention of LGU executives in the country, specifically in Cebu, not to wait for private investors to build or develop nature-based tourism facilities, but “they have to start it.”
“It’s a matter of managing finances. LGUs now do not have an excuse not to start developing a [tourism-related] facility in their respective place,” Durano said.
In Central Visayas, Bohol has pioneered LGU-initiated tourism facility project, like the Danao Adventure Park. Nationwide, there are only few LGUs that took advantage of this opportunity such as Camarines Sur’s adventure park, and Pagsanjan Rapids in Laguna.
Since the Philippines has identified its niche in nature tripping, adventure tourism, this is the ripe opportunity for LGUs to develop their areas, and make use of their natural resources as product for tourism.
Eco-tourism should be taken into serious consideration. Foreign travelers now, he said are demanding for nature-based activities and make use of the existing natural resources of a certain place.
“Eco-tourism is our niche. Let’s not try to be what we are not, or let us not try to be ‘Bangkok’. We have to see the example of some young LGU executives who are proactive in maximizing their respective area’s potential,” Durano said.
CEBU, Philippines - While the “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo” program of the Cebu Provincial government successfully helped the promotion of countryside tourism, now the Department of Tourism throws a challenge to Governor Gwen Garcia to initiate a program that would generate tourism investments.
Tourism chief Joseph Ace Durano lauded Garcia’s passion to promote province-wide tourism in Cebu through the “Suroy-Suroy Sa Sugbo,” but this time, the program has to go a step higher.
He said the province is blessed with potential tourism destinations, however, still lacks accommodation facilities and tourism infrastructure that needs to be developed to spur tourism activity.
If investors are still scarce due to global recession jitters, the Cebu Provincial government could start a tourism facility project, just like what Camarines Sur had been doing.
“I don’t think the Cebu Provincial Government has no money. Funding is not a problem,” Durano said.
He said its high time to generate tourism investors, not just plainly attracting tourists, or warm bodies. This is to complement the increasing number of local and foreign visitors who now consider Cebu and its neighboring islands as one of their top destination choices.
“It does not have to be big investments, or big investors. One could start up with small facility, “Durano said adding that the Provincial Government could look into potential areas around the province that could also generate revenues.
Durano suggested that the innovative “Suroy-Suroy Sa Sugbo” program should graduate from just merely skip-trip jumping from one town to another, to a leisurely countryside adventure, bringing most importantly the potential investors.
Durano had been calling the attention of the Local Government Units (LGUs) executives around the country, especially in Cebu and Bohol to initiate tourism projects in their respective communities in order to make tourism an economic driver especially in rural towns.
According to Durano, lack of appreciation to develop a potential place for tourism is one of the primary problems of LGU executives, not the availability of financial resources, because state-owned financial institutions like Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) have available funds for tourism related developments especially projects that will establish facilities that give good revenue generation.
The secretary called the attention of LGU executives in the country, specifically in Cebu, not to wait for private investors to build or develop nature-based tourism facilities, but “they have to start it.”
“It’s a matter of managing finances. LGUs now do not have an excuse not to start developing a [tourism-related] facility in their respective place,” Durano said.
In Central Visayas, Bohol has pioneered LGU-initiated tourism facility project, like the Danao Adventure Park. Nationwide, there are only few LGUs that took advantage of this opportunity such as Camarines Sur’s adventure park, and Pagsanjan Rapids in Laguna.
Since the Philippines has identified its niche in nature tripping, adventure tourism, this is the ripe opportunity for LGUs to develop their areas, and make use of their natural resources as product for tourism.
Eco-tourism should be taken into serious consideration. Foreign travelers now, he said are demanding for nature-based activities and make use of the existing natural resources of a certain place.
“Eco-tourism is our niche. Let’s not try to be what we are not, or let us not try to be ‘Bangkok’. We have to see the example of some young LGU executives who are proactive in maximizing their respective area’s potential,” Durano said.
Ohio-based BPO support firm opens Cebu facility
(The Freeman) Updated September 09, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Recognizing Cebu as the second biggest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hub in the Philippines, Ohio-based call center BPO support firm has set up a facility here to further strengthen the flourishing BPO industry in the province.
TeleDevelopment Services, Inc (TDS), an international contact center and BPO support company yesterday opened its Cebu site at the Bigfoot Center in Ramos Street, noting the increasing demand for support services of BPO in Cebu.
TDS provides consulting, staffing, trainings, executive placement, and other sophisticated support services needed by BPO companies to stay competitive with the best manpower pool.
In an interview with TDS marketing and events planning officer AJ Perdigon, she said that the entry of the company in Cebu hopes to aid BPO companies’ problem in staffing and training requirements, specifically in getting the mid-management manpower supply.
“We hope to provide solutions to the problem of getting mid-management manpower in Cebu,” Perdigon said adding that the company has a series of programs aimed at addressing this problem, such as higher level courses for higher management.
The company’s entry to the Philippines, through its Manila office in 2004, successfully gained the trust of big multinational call center firms, like eTelecare, and Tele Tech, among others.
Closely working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), TDS has maintained a growing number of US-certified trainers depending on the requirement of a call center or BPO client.
All trainers of TDS are certified by a call center school in the United States, through the Society of Workers Presentation and People, a group that certifies all trainers for BPO short-courses worldwide.
Perdigon hopes that the company’s presence in Cebu will provide a solution to existing call center and BPO firms here, not just in staffing, but more importantly the development of higher-level management pool.
BPO players in Cebu had been complaining of the shortage of mid-management manpower in Cebu, although, supply of agents remains abundant.
Wipro Philippines country head Romit Gupta earlier said that one of the problems the company has encountered so far for the past year of operating here, is the unavailability of mid-management manpower supply in Cebu. He said Wipro is having difficulties in hiring managers, senior managers and supervisors, although hiring entry-level employees is much easier because of ample supply.
“Cebu has all the things that businesses are requiring for, except for the availability of senior management people,” he said.
Likewise, Michael Burdette, chairman and director-finance for Tech Growth Solutions Cebu Inc., also said that Cebu has no problem in getting entry-level call center or BPO manpower, but what the province has to develop is the availability of mid-management people.
“We don’t have problems in hiring entry level people. But, just like other BPOs, we have difficulties in hiring supervisors, and managers,” Burdette said.
With this problem noted, Perdigon said this will be given a solution by the company, using TDS expertise in providing support to BPO and call center companies.— Ehda M. Dagooc
CEBU, Philippines - Recognizing Cebu as the second biggest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hub in the Philippines, Ohio-based call center BPO support firm has set up a facility here to further strengthen the flourishing BPO industry in the province.
TeleDevelopment Services, Inc (TDS), an international contact center and BPO support company yesterday opened its Cebu site at the Bigfoot Center in Ramos Street, noting the increasing demand for support services of BPO in Cebu.
TDS provides consulting, staffing, trainings, executive placement, and other sophisticated support services needed by BPO companies to stay competitive with the best manpower pool.
In an interview with TDS marketing and events planning officer AJ Perdigon, she said that the entry of the company in Cebu hopes to aid BPO companies’ problem in staffing and training requirements, specifically in getting the mid-management manpower supply.
“We hope to provide solutions to the problem of getting mid-management manpower in Cebu,” Perdigon said adding that the company has a series of programs aimed at addressing this problem, such as higher level courses for higher management.
The company’s entry to the Philippines, through its Manila office in 2004, successfully gained the trust of big multinational call center firms, like eTelecare, and Tele Tech, among others.
Closely working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), TDS has maintained a growing number of US-certified trainers depending on the requirement of a call center or BPO client.
All trainers of TDS are certified by a call center school in the United States, through the Society of Workers Presentation and People, a group that certifies all trainers for BPO short-courses worldwide.
Perdigon hopes that the company’s presence in Cebu will provide a solution to existing call center and BPO firms here, not just in staffing, but more importantly the development of higher-level management pool.
BPO players in Cebu had been complaining of the shortage of mid-management manpower in Cebu, although, supply of agents remains abundant.
Wipro Philippines country head Romit Gupta earlier said that one of the problems the company has encountered so far for the past year of operating here, is the unavailability of mid-management manpower supply in Cebu. He said Wipro is having difficulties in hiring managers, senior managers and supervisors, although hiring entry-level employees is much easier because of ample supply.
“Cebu has all the things that businesses are requiring for, except for the availability of senior management people,” he said.
Likewise, Michael Burdette, chairman and director-finance for Tech Growth Solutions Cebu Inc., also said that Cebu has no problem in getting entry-level call center or BPO manpower, but what the province has to develop is the availability of mid-management people.
“We don’t have problems in hiring entry level people. But, just like other BPOs, we have difficulties in hiring supervisors, and managers,” Burdette said.
With this problem noted, Perdigon said this will be given a solution by the company, using TDS expertise in providing support to BPO and call center companies.— Ehda M. Dagooc
Sunday, August 30, 2009
CEBU IS 4TH BEST ISLAND IN ASIA
Travel+Leisure magazine releases survey results of its Worlds Best Awards 2009
Boboi Costas, Contributor
Cebu may be second to Camarines Sur in the Philippines’ most visited destination, but it is one of the best islands in Asia.
Travel + Leisure magazine recently released the results of its World’s Best Awards 2009, a listing of the best hotels, airlines, cruises in islands and cities all over the world.
Cebu ranked no. 4 among Asian island destinations.
No other Philippine city, island, resort, hotel or airline made it to the listing in other categories.
The awards are based onthe American magazine’s 14th Readers’ Poll survey conducted from midJanuary to the end of March this year.
“An unprecedented number of new names and places made their debuts on this year’s list, sometimes unseating longtime favorites,” says Travel + Leisure editor in chief Nancy Novogrod.
Cebu got a rating of 79.68 points.
It ranked behind Bali (87.41), Maldives (84.43) and Phuket (80.93). It is ahead of Ko Samui (79.29).
Respondents were asked to rate the islands based on natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurant and food, people and value.
They had to rate a candidate on a scale of 1 to 5 where “1” means poor and “5” means excellent.
In the magazine survey, Cebu Island was shut out, however, from the coveted list of Top Islands Overall.
Bali with a rating of 87.41 was still no. 1.
Phuket in Thailand ranked second last year but failed to land in this year’s top ten.
Top Islands Overall
1. Bali (87.41)
2. Galapagos (86.80)
3. Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia (86.09)
4. Kauai (85.90)
5. Mount Desert Island in Maine (85.87)
6. Maui in Hawaii (85.48)
7. Aeolian Islands in Italy (85.13)
8. Maldives (84.43)
9. Big Island (83.92) and
10. Vancouver Island (83.74).
For the past three years, the announcement of the World’s Best Awards winners has been preceded by the release of findings from “The Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America, created by Travel + Leisure’s parent company American Express Publishing, and Harrison Group, a strategic-marketing research firm.
Novogrod says she was struck by the consistency of the insights of American consumers. “They have a high regard for value and service, brand loyalty and small rewards,” she said.
The Best Islands awards were divided into geographical categories: Continental US and Canada; Hawaii; the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas; Mexico and Central and South America; Europe; Asia; and Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
The questionnaires were developed by editors of the magazine in association with Harris Interactive, an independent research firm. They were posted in the magazine’s website.
Readers were invited to participate and a select group also received invitations by e-mail.
Respondents were screened and responses from any identified travel-industry professionals were eliminated from the final tally.
In the Condé Nast Traveler annual Readers’ Choice Survey, Cebu has occupied the seventh spot in the best island destination in Asia/Indian Ocean three times: in 2008 at 70.9 which is two points short of 2007’s 72.3 points and 2004’s 72.8 points.
Twice, it has been ranked 8th best island destination: in 2006 with 71.0 points and in 2005 with 69.5 in the same magazine survey.
Both Travel + Leisure Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler are American publications based in New York.
With reports from Reporters Marian Z. Codilla and Dale G. Israel
‘Much to be proud of: beaches, hospitality, diving’
Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said the award proves that Cebu Island has a lot to be proud of.
“That's good news. It really speaks well of the destination and has erased doubts among travellers. It is a very good development,” Alburo told Cebu Daily News.
He said Travel + Leisure, based in New York, was a “prestigious” American publication.
Alburo said Cebu gets a share of 500,000 international tourists in a year while local tourists exceeds more than 500,000 a year.
“Cebu has all the ingredients for an ideal destination,” he said.
He cited the island's accessibility with an international airport, natural attractions such as diving and beaches, heritage sites and the hospitality of the people, making it one of the best destinations in Asia.
Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Mario Amores said “tremendous” efforts were poured by officials into tourism development.
He said the presence of an international airport and world-class resorts were a big plus, aside from the business appeal.
“Without a business-friendly environment, these resorts would not be investing here. They look for assurance of returns on their investment and that the environment factors are stable.”
Lapu-Lapu first lady Paz Radaza, co-chairperson of the City Tourism Committee, said the recognition would encourage more cooperation between the public and private sector.
“With this recognition, it will encourage both the private and the public sector to work hard to give tourists the best amenities at par with the world standards. The recognition will make every Cebuano proud,” Radaza added.
Boboi Costas, Contributor
Cebu may be second to Camarines Sur in the Philippines’ most visited destination, but it is one of the best islands in Asia.
Travel + Leisure magazine recently released the results of its World’s Best Awards 2009, a listing of the best hotels, airlines, cruises in islands and cities all over the world.
Cebu ranked no. 4 among Asian island destinations.
No other Philippine city, island, resort, hotel or airline made it to the listing in other categories.
The awards are based onthe American magazine’s 14th Readers’ Poll survey conducted from midJanuary to the end of March this year.
“An unprecedented number of new names and places made their debuts on this year’s list, sometimes unseating longtime favorites,” says Travel + Leisure editor in chief Nancy Novogrod.
Cebu got a rating of 79.68 points.
It ranked behind Bali (87.41), Maldives (84.43) and Phuket (80.93). It is ahead of Ko Samui (79.29).
Respondents were asked to rate the islands based on natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurant and food, people and value.
They had to rate a candidate on a scale of 1 to 5 where “1” means poor and “5” means excellent.
In the magazine survey, Cebu Island was shut out, however, from the coveted list of Top Islands Overall.
Bali with a rating of 87.41 was still no. 1.
Phuket in Thailand ranked second last year but failed to land in this year’s top ten.
Top Islands Overall
1. Bali (87.41)
2. Galapagos (86.80)
3. Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia (86.09)
4. Kauai (85.90)
5. Mount Desert Island in Maine (85.87)
6. Maui in Hawaii (85.48)
7. Aeolian Islands in Italy (85.13)
8. Maldives (84.43)
9. Big Island (83.92) and
10. Vancouver Island (83.74).
For the past three years, the announcement of the World’s Best Awards winners has been preceded by the release of findings from “The Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America, created by Travel + Leisure’s parent company American Express Publishing, and Harrison Group, a strategic-marketing research firm.
Novogrod says she was struck by the consistency of the insights of American consumers. “They have a high regard for value and service, brand loyalty and small rewards,” she said.
The Best Islands awards were divided into geographical categories: Continental US and Canada; Hawaii; the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas; Mexico and Central and South America; Europe; Asia; and Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
The questionnaires were developed by editors of the magazine in association with Harris Interactive, an independent research firm. They were posted in the magazine’s website.
Readers were invited to participate and a select group also received invitations by e-mail.
Respondents were screened and responses from any identified travel-industry professionals were eliminated from the final tally.
In the Condé Nast Traveler annual Readers’ Choice Survey, Cebu has occupied the seventh spot in the best island destination in Asia/Indian Ocean three times: in 2008 at 70.9 which is two points short of 2007’s 72.3 points and 2004’s 72.8 points.
Twice, it has been ranked 8th best island destination: in 2006 with 71.0 points and in 2005 with 69.5 in the same magazine survey.
Both Travel + Leisure Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler are American publications based in New York.
With reports from Reporters Marian Z. Codilla and Dale G. Israel
‘Much to be proud of: beaches, hospitality, diving’
Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said the award proves that Cebu Island has a lot to be proud of.
“That's good news. It really speaks well of the destination and has erased doubts among travellers. It is a very good development,” Alburo told Cebu Daily News.
He said Travel + Leisure, based in New York, was a “prestigious” American publication.
Alburo said Cebu gets a share of 500,000 international tourists in a year while local tourists exceeds more than 500,000 a year.
“Cebu has all the ingredients for an ideal destination,” he said.
He cited the island's accessibility with an international airport, natural attractions such as diving and beaches, heritage sites and the hospitality of the people, making it one of the best destinations in Asia.
Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Mario Amores said “tremendous” efforts were poured by officials into tourism development.
He said the presence of an international airport and world-class resorts were a big plus, aside from the business appeal.
“Without a business-friendly environment, these resorts would not be investing here. They look for assurance of returns on their investment and that the environment factors are stable.”
Lapu-Lapu first lady Paz Radaza, co-chairperson of the City Tourism Committee, said the recognition would encourage more cooperation between the public and private sector.
“With this recognition, it will encourage both the private and the public sector to work hard to give tourists the best amenities at par with the world standards. The recognition will make every Cebuano proud,” Radaza added.
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