This Week in Cebu (September 15 to 21, 2019)

Bringing an umbrella may be a good idea as scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected for the coming week. While there will be at least 40 percent chance of precipitation at the start of the week, it will change on Tuesday when the sun is expected to make an appearance over the Queen City of the South. But this will only be short-lived as rain clouds will stage a comeback on Wednesday. Additionally, you may want to bring your rain gear as there will be a 60-percent chance of thunderstorms on Thursday. These weather conditions will continue to dominate the Cebu skyline until the end of the weekend [1].

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is open to regulating the operation of motorcycles-for-hire in the city [2]. By regulating their operations, the mayor said the proposed ordinance will facilitate the monitoring of the drivers in the barangays they are registered. He also said the proposed ordinance also features safeguards to prevent irregularities and criminal activity. The mayor further added that this mode of transportation is becoming necessary for commuters in the city. He added the drivers should be regulated and protected since they are earning a living in the city. The ordinance was initially proposed by former councilor Jun Alcover but was not passed. It was reintroduced by Cebu City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia and was referred to the committee on laws.

Emirates Airlines country manager for the Philippines Satish Sethi said the airlines will not add new routes outside Metro Manila until its profitability increases. He said the airline has been flying in and out of Cebu and Clark for the past three years but they are facing challenges in increasing profitability. He added that they will consider adding flights if they reach their full capacity in these routes. Overseas Filipino workers make up the majority of passengers going to and coming from the Philippines. While more tourists are coming from Europe, there is an increasing awareness among residents of the Middle East [3].

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said the local government will continue its efforts in pushing for sustainable tourism in the island. He said they will check the effect of new businesses on the environment. The mayor added that these businesses should strictly follow environmental laws. A team was also created to look into environmental concerns in the city. Mactan Island is home to around a hundred resorts and restaurants. Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (Hrrac) president Carlo Suarez said the organization supports the efforts of the local government in protecting the environment. While the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) required a 25-meter shoreline easement, he said it should be six to seven meters since Lapu-Lapu City is highly-urbanized. Suarez also said the organization will help its members in complying with any requirements set by the city and the DENR [4].

An ordinance aimed at preserving and maintaining historical and heritage sites was proposed recently by Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera. The proposed legislation identified known landmarks in the city, including Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, and Casa Gorordo, among others. The measure conforms with Article 14 of the 1987 Constitution. The councilor stressed the importance of passing the measure as part of preparations for the celebration of the 500-year mark of Christianity in the country. If the measure becomes an ordinance, some establishments will not be allowed within 500 meters of the historical site. In addition, big trucks and heavy equipment will not be allowed to pass close to these sites [5].

Visit Yoorekka for the latest travel updates in the Queen City of the South.