Visayas Info Highway

Regional Management Review July 2010

2010-07-14T16:29:00.003+08:00

We recently had our mid-year regional management review on July 12, 2010 at the DTI 7 conference room. This was presided by our RD and attended by all DTI 7 associates.

Come to the Sandugo Trade Expo on July 21-25

2010-07-14T16:26:00.002+08:00

Products by more than 80 exhibitors in Central Visayas shall take center stage at the Sandugo Trade Expo 2010 on July 21-25 at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City.

Every July for 21 years, this trade event features food, fashion accessories, gifts, toys and housewares, and tourism products and services.

A unique offering this year is the first output of the Materials Research and Development Project (Materials R & D) of the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas Office (DTI 7) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in Cebu (ECCP-Cebu).

Spotlight will be shown on locally made crafts using mixed media and new design patterns, results from experiments made by weavers with recycled materials, buri, abaca, old plastic twine mixed together with raffia and other indigenous materials.

DTI expects national and international buyers to be present during the fair, including exporters, buying agents, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and subcontractors.

Emerging tourist destinations in the region such as the Ecological Adventure in the town of Danao and the Abatan River Community Life Tour which traverses five towns in Bohol - are likewise offering packaged tours that are readily made available at the booths.

Several booths shall display the wealth of local culture, heritage, natural wonders that are available for tourists and visitors who wish to explore the rising destinations.

The Sandugo Trade Expo is a culmination of a series of product development initiatives geared towards improving the quality and design of the export oriented crafts and ethnic food in the region.

A raw materials gallery is set up separately for buyers and product designers to use for on-the-spot crafting.

As in the past, there will be guest exhibitors from other regions during the Sandugo trade fair.

Bohol’s annual Sandugo trade expo is one of the longest running annual provincial trade fair in the country and it has already established name recall and recognition among local and international buyers,

2nd Management Review, June 9-10, 2010

2010-06-11T09:22:00.007+08:00

We had our second management review at Pier Cuatro Hotel last June 9-10.

The meeting largely concentrated on the QMS and corrective actions of staff for non-compliance.

Activity is in preparation for the ISO third party audit which will be in July 2010.

ECCP-DTI MOA Signing

2010-05-20T16:03:00.004+08:00

ECCP and DTI recently signed a MOA pertaining to the Bohol Raffia Industry Product Development and Value Chain Upgrading Program.

The project focuses on the value chain of the Bohol Raffia industry through a strategic product development program that links the production capacities of local weavers/ producers with that of the target market. Calibrated product development interventions shall be done for players in both links (production for raw material and buyers / exporters for product conversion).

The project will be done in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines- Cebu office, DTI 7 and the Province of Bohol, three participating exporters (Jim Castler, Ferimar, Bohol Beads and Fibers) and with the Inabanga Loomweavers Association and the Tubigon Loomweavers Multipurpose Cooperative.

Over the last several years the Cebu ECCP has initiated and managed a number of product development activities with cebu exporters especially in the area of raw material development and manipulation. The partnership is expected to enhance the product development capabilities of raffia weavers, as well as promote better understanding between subcontractors and buyers.

DTI Info Officers and Designates Training Program

2010-05-05T10:25:00.006+08:00

Would media want more interesting information coming from government?

I'm sure most print reporters would rather have something other than the usual boring technical data given by the IOs in the agency.

That's the reason why the DTI decided to hold a training program for Info officers and designates last May 3 and 4. This is also in preparation for the second edition of the OTOPreneur magazine which will have a wider circulation.

Info officers were grouped in clusters with a maximum of 20 participants per training. Training in Cebu were participated by those coming from DTI regions 6, 7 and 9.

Birthday Celebration

2010-04-30T16:42:00.003+08:00

Let us pause from work to greet our April birthday celebrant Nanet, eat chocolate cake given in her honor and listen to soothing music (like they say, when you are above forty years old, anything above a whisper is noise).

PINAS Briefing & Regional Management Review

2010-04-30T11:26:00.009+08:00

In an effort to improve our service processes, we had a series of workshops and meetings from April 27-29, 2010.

Hopefully, this will contribute to improving our quality management system in preparation for the agency's ISO certification.

The photos show how tedious and mentally draining the process of correcting non - conformances in the service processes.

Third party audit is tentatively scheduled in June 2010

Negosyo Seminar in Cebu City on April 15, 2010

2010-04-19T16:09:00.009+08:00

Here's a copy of the speech used during the negosyo seminar. This seems appropriate to describe the purpose of the seminar:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Before I begin I would like to congratulate the Philippine Center for Enterprises and members of the Go Negosyo for holding this seminar together with the Department of Trade and Industry.

Entrepreneurship is a way of life, not only in the province of Cebu but also in the rest of Central Visayas. It’s a powerful force deep down inside, driving people to achieve their dreams, despite dubious odds and the doubts of others.

I’m sure many of you here today have the desire, the drive and the dreams to become entrepreneurs. Dreams give us the strength that carries us through. Indeed, I’ve often thought that perhaps it is not we who carry the dream, but the dream that carries us.

I can’t stress strongly enough how determined you must be, for the road to success is neither short nor easy.

So Why Become an Entrepreneur?

For the true entrepreneur, this is a rhetorical question. For the emerging entrepreneur, there are at least three major motivations:

The FIRST motivation is a yearning to create something novel and useful. The entrepreneur strives to fill a need in the marketplace and then develop a solution.

The SECOND motivation of the entrepreneur is to build something that will last. The entrepreneur must always keep ahead of the competition to sustain the enterprise as a profitable concern. Risk-taking is absolutely crucial because it yields the innovation that sustains your competitive edge, in a world where competitors constantly catch up to and overtake stagnant firms.

The THIRD motivation of the entrepreneur is to have freedom. Being your own boss has definite appeal. Glass ceilings cease to exist and achievement is limited only by imagination. Entrepreneurs are motivated by having control over their work and the flexibility to pursue their dreams. But freedom always has a price. With greater personal freedom, comes greater uncertainty about the future, particularly in relation to finances. Greater personal freedom also means a less structured environment, in which greater self-discipline is required in order to thrive. Entrepreneurs are willing to accept these risks, however, because of their absolute conviction that they have what it takes to overcome any odds.

As you delve deeply into the world of business, you will soon discover that opportunities don't find you. You find your opportunities.

We in government do encourage people to seek business opportunities. Why is that?
Why is there a need for more entrepreneurs in this country ?

The Philippines needs to lower the number of unemployed. Entrepreneurship capital means total human capital which creates business and do business. The Philippines needs business capital to boost its economy, create job opportunities, increase country income, reduce government burden, decrease currency outflow, and enhance image of the country.

Why is the US more prosperous than the Philippines? Is it because we Filipinos are less smart than Americans? No, Filipinos are universally acknowledged for their intelligence. Is it because they have greater resources? No, the Philippines is as much if not more rich in natural resources. Then, why is the US more prosperous than the Philippines? The US is more prosperous simply because they have more entrepreneurs.

If the Philippines needs to exterminate poverty, we have to grow economically. To grow, we have to employ the unemployed. The only viable solution is to produce more entrepreneurs in this country.

Call it trite - but, believe me, success CAN BE ACHIEVED by entrepreneurs through hard work, integrity, responsiveness to change and most of all the openness to accept new ideas. That is why we have this seminar so you may know what you need to know to survive the world of business.

Choose to be an entrepreneur so YOU create value. Choose to be an entrepreneur because the products, services, and jobs you create can become the lifeblood of our nation. But most of all, choose to be an entrepreneur because you desire a life of adventure, challenge, and the opportunity to be your BEST SELF.

Thank you and welcome to the Negosyo Seminar.

Philippine Economic Briefing, March 2010

2010-03-24T15:23:00.010+08:00

A Year-end Philippine Economic Briefing was recently held at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel. The activity was meant to apprise the local people of the current situation in the country and what government has been doing.

The economic team who visited Cebu for the briefing included Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Director Zebo Abenoja, Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Preceles Anzano, Department of Finance Secretary Gil Beltran and Department of Energy Undersecretary Mary Rose Crisostomo.

Neda Central Visayas was represented by Regional Director Marlene Rodriguez while Regional Director Asteria Caberte represented Department of Trade and Industry.

Malabago Beach Resort in Asturias

2010-02-18T15:30:00.012+08:00

Aaaah, this one I like very much! Malabago beach resort is a quiet, peaceful, clean place; perfect for meditation and relaxation.

The resort also has this healing clay massage. There is also springwater flowing at the side of the beach.

Malabago resort is a what you would call a "mom and pop" small resort. Entrance fee is Php 10.00. Prices of cottages / rooms are reasonable (starting at Php Php 500.00 for basic cottages to Php 3,000 for a whole house complete with living room, bedrooms and kitchen).

To get, there take a habal-habal from the terminal at barangay Sta Lucia in Asturias. A V-hire
with the Ayala-Tuburan route will take you to Sta. Lucia.

Molobolo Springwater in Tuburan

2010-02-18T15:09:00.012+08:00

This may appeal to some people so I'm posting photos of the Molobolo springwater and sea in Tuburan in the northwestern part of Cebu.

The place is naturally beautiful. The cool springwater flows out to the warm open sea. Moreover, there is no entrance fee and swimming in its waters cost only Php 5.00.

However, the large crowd and the loud karaoke music in the background turns me off. And there are only open cottages. No closed cottages for privacy.

To get there, I rode a van for hire at Ayala terminal for Php 130. Then took a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) at Tuburan proper (fare is Php 30.00). The trip took me around 2 hours from Cebu City.

GL Highland Resort

2010-02-08T11:32:00.011+08:00

I finally took a dip at the springwater pool of GL Highland Resort.

Although I was there at noon on a bright, sunny day, the water remained cold. I enjoyed the swim though. I was assured that it was chemical free since it is moving water.

Not many people know about the pool (I was the only one there at that time). No wonder, it is well hidden by trees and shrubs. And it takes more than two hundred steps to get there. Getting back up the side of the mountain is another hurdle. This is one activity that is definitely not for people who have arthritis or heart problem.

It takes less than an hour to get to GL Highland Resort in Gaas, Balamban from Cebu City. Resort entrance fee is Php 20.00. Pool use is Php 50.00. If you don’t have a car, take a van-for-hire GT Express at the Ayala Terminal. Ayala-Balamban Fare is Php 100.00.

There is something fiendishly pleasurable about being among the few to know about this pool. I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face until now.

Transcentral Highway

2010-01-26T09:10:00.010+08:00

It is a long winding highway that stretches across the mountains of Cebu City and Balamban. It is a significant engineering feat meant to provide the farmers an easy access to the market in the lowlands. It has also accelerated development in the mountain barangays of Cebu City and Balamban.

Although locals are constantly complaining of landslides and collapsed sections (due to the type of soil in the highlands), the transcentral highway remains a remarkable engineering work. The scenery is breathtaking all the way. One of the best places to hike.

Traffic is light at the highway day or night, barely any vehicles pass at dusk because of the descending fog that makes it difficult to see ahead.

I thank the visionary and the implementer of the project because it has provided me and the rest of Cebuanos a convenient and easy way to momentarily escape the travails in the city.

JVR Island in the Sky Resort

2010-01-25T14:01:00.012+08:00

Barangay Gaas in Balamban is known as the "little Baguio" of Cebu. Its cool mountain temperature is similar to that of Baguio. The JVR "Island in the Sky Resort is located along the Transcentral Highway that traverses from Cebu City to Balamban where I usually take my weekend hike.

At the JVR resort, the fog is very visible even during noontime. Actually that was the first time I've seen a fog coming towards me. And there was an added attraction called the zip line. The management also plans to install a cable car sometime this year so guests can just ride the car towards the pool below the mountain.

The slopes and terrain of the Transcentral Highway is good for cardiovascular exercise, according to my doctor, aside from its relatively cleaner air (there are few vehicles passing the area) as compared to the downtown area.

With its lush greenery, cool breeze, and scenic sights, hiking at the transcentral highway, is my favorite exercise, it beats the gym treadmill and stepper everytime.

In going there, I take the GT Express, a van of hire (Php 100 fare), at the Ayala Center terminal.

Crocolandia

2010-01-25T13:28:00.010+08:00

The kids enjoy themselves in this one hectare conservation center aptly named Crocolandia.

True to its name, the park has around 24 crocodiles and alligators. However, almost 50 percent of their animals are birds. Others are snakes, deer and ostrich. The Crocolandia Foundation, as I recently learned, is a first of its kind in Central Visayas. Aside from a walk-around learning experience, the park offers a playgroudn for kids and a picnic area.

Crocolandia is located in Biasong, Talisay, Cebu. Entrance fee is Php 80 for adults and Php 40 for kids.

I went by KMK bus (Php20 fare) to Tabunok Gaisano and then took a motorized tricycle (Php50) to Biasong.

Rizaliana Museum at USPF

2010-01-20T13:26:00.012+08:00

According to the curator, the Rizal Museum at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation is actually the biggest collection of Rizal’s artifacts outside Manila.

The University has in its possession the original checkered winter coat and overcoat of the hero, the same one you often see Jose Rizal wearing in his famous photos. Other Rizal belongings include two evening white shirts, checkered winter pants, winter vest, cotton blue-stripped summer pants, a cotton collarless white shirt, and undershirt, cotton shirt cuffs, two pairs of socks and horse-riding breeches.

I still can’t get over Rizal’s waist measurement, it’s definitely smaller than mine. Jose Rizal’s height, as shared by a student guide, was around 4’11” – 5 ft. and 2 inches, definitely short by today’s standard. However, he was blessed with a sharp intellect and artistic talent as indicated by the sketches, literary and sculptural works he produced.

I also saw photographs of Rizal's family (Saturnina is the best looking sibling), a copy of Rizal and Trinidad's school report cards ( Rizal had excellent grades while Trinidad was average) and Josephine Bracken's letters (reminds me of the quaint English used by Conan Doyle in his Sherlock Holmes stories).

Sorry, I wasn' t allowed to take photos of the artifacts. As explained by my guide, these artifacts are light sensitive. I merely took a photo of the framed composite photos of artists trying to replicate the clothes of Rizal for the mobile museum.

The personal belongings of Rizal were donated by Doña Trinidad, Rizal’s younger sister to the University. Her niece, Concepcion Herbosa, the daughter of Mariano Herbosa and Lucia Rizal was married to the former USPF Vice President Escolastico Duterte. She promised to donate the personal belongings of her brother when she visited USPF on February 11, 1951. Doña Trinidad wanted to give her niece the cherished possessions of our national hero. I bet you didn't know that fact.

I asked the guide whether there are any relations left of Jose Rizal in Cebu. She told me that Concepcion Herbosa, who taught at the USPF, and Escolastico Duterte had no children.

If you want to visit the museum, you have to book in advance. You may contact Mr. Lucio Pulmones of the USPF Student Affairs Office at tel. nos. 4148773 loc. 122.

Cebu Zoo

2010-01-20T11:00:00.018+08:00

I wanted to check-out the Cebu Zoo one lazy afternoon. And considering that this is the year of the tiger based on the Chinese calendar, I decided to pay a visit to Bogart, a Bengal tiger.

Bogart as you can see in the photograph was then taking a nap. Casper and Snow White, two cross-bred poodles of the zoo, endeavored to wake him up but Bogart stubbornly refused to open his eyes. I guess Bogart was too tired from constantly entertaining visitors that the noise from the puppies didn't bother him. He even didn't bother to eat his chicken snack.

I don’t favor having animals in cages but for those ones that are lethal like the cobra, I would be amenable to having them in a safe enclosure. The zoo keeper said that one crocodile was friendly and would agree to be patted on his back, but looking at the size of his fangs, I decided to keep my hands to myself.

I’ve posted photos of the other usual zoo animals. One animal that strikes me as more than the ordinary is this local "Bisaya" dog that walks at the top of three cages. I asked he caretaker whether he ever goes to down to take his lunch or dinner. He said that the dog prefers to eat and sleep on top of the cage. In fact, the little Bisaya dog doesn’t know how to properly walk on the ground. As for the python snake, he prefers human company. … probably the cobra wasn’t a good neighbor….ha..ha..ha. The doves are also roaming free since they only leave a place when there is strife according to the caretaker.

The Cebu Zoo has recently signed an agreement with a private party to develop a few hectares of the Kalunasan area. I hope to see a bigger and better zoo next year. Meanwhile, go visit or donate; the local zoo certainly needs your help. The Cebu Zoo is located at the Capitol Hills, near Camp Marina.

Robinson's Cybergate

2010-01-18T10:09:00.015+08:00

I was suppose to be at Tabor Hills in Talamban last Saturday, but as there was a grand procession and all transportation routes were clogged, I was stuck in the Fuente Osmena area. Then I noticed a new building just a few steps across the Chong Hua Hospital -- Robinson's Cybergate.

It's cool that hospital visitors from Chong Hua can now have a variety of eateries to choose from instead of the usual hospital canteen or the sidewalk "carenderias".

Since Cebu is promoting medical tourism, these small conveniences add to the attraction. I heard that there were discussions on upgrading local hospital facilities and making them look like hotels with 5 star conveniences, coupled with malls and convenience stores around. I didn't realize progress would come this fast. Robinson's Cybergate even has spaces for clinics and pharmacies.

Taoist Temple in Cebu

2010-01-11T13:45:00.027+08:00

I have my own share of irrational fears. One of them is going to Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills alone. Why? I can't seem to come up with a good explanation. I was afraid I might get lost, kidnapped, mugged, accosted etc. To think Beverly Hills is an upscale area. I have been through a slum area but I didn't feel this anxious.

Since this is going to be my year, I decided to visit this popular tourist spot ... alone. It turns out that this trip was the easiest to make for me. I have been through more challenging situations.... ha..ha..ha. Climbing the temple's 100 steps was a breeze. Take note, I didn't pant when I reached the top, although I sweated a lot due to the heat

So, did I overcome my fear. Yup, piece of cake... ha..ha..ha. It took me one hour to tour the place. I also tried my luck with the fortune blocks. No, God wasn't ready at that time to answer my question according to the blocks.

Considering that I had ample time on my hands, I decided to go to SM Cebu City Mall and partake of a late lunch at Royal Krua Thai. Afterwhich, I watched the movie "Avatar" in 3D. I capped my afternoon by having ice cream at Dessert Factory and dinner at a Korean fast food outlet.

Kan-irag Nature Park in Cebu

2010-01-11T11:20:00.054+08:00

One overcast morning, I visited Kan-irag Nature Park in barangay Pung-ol, Sibugay, within KotKot watershed area, across Ayala Heights. Yes, I'm very precise with the location because I want to encourage everyone to visit Cebu's first "real" nature park.

I was lucky to stumble on a couple of students on tour and met the executive director of the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, Inc. William Granert. I was given a briefing on the development of the project. Kan-irag Nature Park is a consortium of environmental groups with Ayala (It seems the security guards in the area come from Ayala).

Ayala Land decided to donate 70 hectares of the area when they realized that it encroached on Cebu's watershed. The Kan-irag area was suppose to be an extension of the Ayala Heights Subdivision. It seems they made the right decision. They have somehow saved the local environment. The mountain used to be bald before Kan-irag Nature Park was developed.
Frankly, I am partial to having a nature park rather than building of houses. In my opinion, houses on top of mountains ruin the delicate ecological balance since a lot of trees will have to be cut down causing flooding at the lower level and landslides.

Mr. Granert said that the area within the park is also not ideal for building commercial structures because the ground is constantly shifting (something to do with the type of soil there). Mr. Granert also said that a camping site maybe available next month and hopefully horses and a zip line next year.

Most people know by now the adverse effects of environmental abuse (remember typhoon Ruping, Ondoy etc.?). That is why the environmental organizations developing the Kan-irag Nature Park is making sure that ecological balance is maintained within the park. Most trees are native. The exotic ones are cut down to be made into benches since local animals can't eat them. Yes, animals within the park will roam free, meaning there will be no zoo here. And more native trees will be planted.

When I say exotic trees, it means that those plants originally came from other countries like Brazil, Mexico, etc. Mr. Granert related that when Ayala donated the land, there were a lot of exotic trees already planted there. This obviously was not ideal. I didn't know that Gemelina was an exotic tree until he pointed it out. I also didn't know then that there was a tree called Catmon that bears fruit that can be eaten by local birds (I took a photo of the Catmon with Mr. Granert).

I've already seen the birds, Mr. Granert said owls usually come out at night. No monkeys yet, unfortunately. Mr. Granert last saw a monkey in Lusaran several years ago. A lot died because of indiscriminate hunting. According to environmentalists, not a lot of politicians care for the environment. That is why come May, let us vote for Cebu politicians who support the Kan-irag Nature Park. We also need to teach our children to protect the environment through field trips to Kan-irag Nature Park.

For those interested to know my transportation to Kan-irag Nature Park, I took a jeepney o4H in Carbon Market (waiting area is across chapel of San Jose University). I told the driver to drop me at the corner of Pung-ol where habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) drivers wait for passengers. Jeepney Fare is Php 20.00. A habal-habal ride to the park is around Php 20.00 from Pung-ol. I took again the habal-habal on my way down to JY Square Mall. My habal-habal fare back was Php 50.00.

I've read in other blogs that there is a van for hire (v-hire) in Ayala Mall Terminal with route Ayala-Tuburan (130 pesos fare). Since Kan-irag is just along the way, the fare would be around 50 pesos.

Kan-irag Nature Park entrance Fee is Php 50.00 for adult, maybe Php 30.00 for child (not sure since no child was with me at that time).

Before I forget, the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc. conducts park tours. Their phone numbers are (032) 254-7570 or (032) 412-6909.

It took me around 2 hours to tour the park. I arrived at around 11:30 in the morning and left around 2:45 in the afternoon. I wasn't hungry when I left. I just ate 3 cobs of freshly boiled sweet yellow corn which the farmers sold for Php 30.00.

To give you an idea how near Kan-irag Nature Park is to the Ayala Shopping Mall. From the mountain, I arrived at the mall 10 minutes later. In fact, I had plenty of time for a late lunch at the Ayala Terraces' Mexican inspired Moon Cafe and a movie "Sherlock Holmes." Later, I ate an English dinner of "Fish and Chips" at Dessert Factory.

Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster at the Crown Regency Cebu

2010-01-05T10:55:00.013+08:00

On the afternoon of January 2, I was on top of a hotel tower in Cebu attempting to do something I have never done before in my life. I deliberately gave myself an adrenaline rush by riding the edge coaster, reportedly the world's first in a hotel tower, and the skywalk extreme at the Crown Regency hotel in Cebu. I came in alone at 12:30. Thanks to Jackie for giving me the two tickets as Christmas gift. I only paid Php 350 for the entrance.

The experience (dangling at the 38th floor and walking the glass walkway on a windy day) was exhilarating and frightening for someone like me who has fear of heights. It was also gratifying and empowering considering that I did it alone. There is a lingering feeling that I can do more challenging activities.

So what brought me to try this crazy stunt ? ( according to a friend who scares more easily than I) That was the day, I finished reading the biography of Malika Oufkir, the Moroccan author of the book "Stolen Lives. " Her family (including her 3 year old brother) was incarcerated in a desert prison for 20 years because of a failed attempt by her father to assassinate the king. Malika entered prison at the age of nineteen. During those dark years, she was unable to undulge in the things she loved: reading books, dancing, singing, traveling etc. That made me realize that I was wasting my freedom by worrying about petty matters. I needed to live my life fully and explore more the things / activities (wholesome ones) I was too afraid or bashful to try.

My major new year's resolution is to overcome my fears and apprehensions, so this skywalk experience was one good way to start 2010.

New Year's celebration at Mountain View Nature Park Cebu

2010-01-04T13:45:00.051+08:00

I greeted the first day of year 2010 at Mountain View Nature Park at Sitio Garje, Busay, Cebu. I rented one of their cottages for a day. Going to my cottage felt like I was rock climbing. However, the area offered a good view of the new year fireworks.

I wanted a change of scene after the office Christmas party at a beach resort in Panglao Island, Bohol. Sure enough, the weather at the mountain park was frigid (water flowing from my shower was ice cold) and surprisingly scenic as you can see in the photos I took.

To get there I rode a taxi from my place in Tisa, Cebu City. With the meter on, the trip costs around Php 190. However, I promised the driver I'd pay him extra if he brings me inside the mountain park / resort. I was concerned about my new camera (with tripod) and heavy backpack (some drivers refuse since it's a steep climb), so I paid him around Php 300. The engine of the taxi conked out four times. I guess the car wanted to give up (ha...ha..ha..). The snaky climb is that steep. I got woozy from all the bends and turns. I decided to take the motorcycle going down (a perk for adrenaline junkies), although that isn't advisable according to safety conscious folks since you'll be passing a deep cliff and narrow road.

It took the taxi, cruising at regular speed without traffic, around 15 minutes to reach the mountain resort from my house. The taxi ride is short but expensive.

For those who are interested in exploring the mountain park and don't have transportation, you can also take a "habal-habal" (ride a motorcyle for hire) for Php 50 per head at JY Square Mall in Lahug. If you are a large group, you can call the park at tel # 4192083, 4192300, 5164372, 09218347743, 09228227533 and have yourselves picked-up by their van at JY Square (Php 400 one-way). I got the phone numbers from their given flyer. I am writing down the numbers in this blog in case I lose the flyer.

When I arrived at the park, it was drizzling and cottages were fully booked. The lady at the front desk said this usually happens every December 30 and 31. I had to wait for some guests to check-out. While waiting for the cottage to be cleaned, I lounged at one of benches under the trees and proceeded to read Citra Banerjee Divakaruni's book "The Mistress of Spices" (I took a photo of the comfortable bench above). Cottage rates range from Php 500 (good for two persons) to Php 1,500 (family of 4). They also have a campsite and camping tents ranging in price from Php 200 (for 2 kids) to 1,200.00 for (for 12 people). Bring food and water, if you go. Park refreshments are expensive.

Strengthening the DTI 7 Team

2009-12-23T15:01:00.014+08:00

On December 17-19, 2009, the DTI 7 family had a team building activity and Christmas party at the Bohol Divers' Resort in Panglao Island.

This is one of the rare DTI activities where I'm not holding the camera ---- what bliss and joy..

OVIF 2009 looks forward to robust sales this year

2009-12-01T16:09:00.005+08:00

DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Development Group Merly Cruz, in a press conference, said that they are aiming to increase sales during the OTOP Visayas Island Fair this year as they have more exhibitors compared to the previous year.

Cruz said that in the previous year, they only had around 105 exhibitors last year in which they were able to reap P27 million for the whole duration of the event.

She said that with this year’s 177 participating MSME’s from all over Visayas, they are hoping to increase what they have earned last year.

Cruz shared that through the years, they have noted increasing sales as more Micro, Small and Medium enterprises are participating and have improved the quality of products.

This goes for all the OTOP fairs in the country which has been actively promoted by DTI and the government in order to promote the development of MSME industries, to be able to gather more employment opportunities and help their respective regions and provinces promote their products.

The OTOP fair is a collaborative effort of all sectors in the society lead by their Local Government Units. DTI also assists the involved MSMEs in gathering help from other agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Tourism, and the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority.

DTI-7 Regional Director Aster Caberte said that they are very happy with the outcome of OTOP in Central Visayas. Caberte said that they have seen the growth in the region and the eagerness of the MSME to participate in their events. Caberte added that they have even had too many interested participants for this year. But Caberte said that this was a “pleasant problem” since this proves that more and more MSME players are seeing the need to develop their products and promote it to a larger market.

She mentioned that they are also very pleased with the MSMEs who are doing there own initiatives in developing their products and presentation even without DTI’s supervision.

DTI holds 4th Visayas-wide OTOP Fair in Cebu on Nov. 18-22

2009-11-03T14:32:00.004+08:00

It’s three times the charm as the Visayan leg of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines holds its 4th annual fair at SM City Cebu Atrium this November 18 to 22, 2009.

This five-day trade fair will display a wide array of exciting homegrown products from Central Philippines dubbed "Distinctly Visayas", according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the marketing arm of the OTOP.

From souvenir items, novelty items, gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food, footwear to wearables, the OTOP fair aims to promote native goods from the Visayan islands.

The Visayas Region composed of Regions 6, 7 and 8 have joined hands to come-up with this fair to provide opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and develop a new culture of local pride.
The three regions of the Visayas have again come together to form a united front, a Supra-region, complementing each other through the sheer diversity of each region's products and tourist destinations that have captured more than half of the country's foreign visitors in the country.
The OTOP Visayas Island Fair is an activity that aims to highlight the OTOP program, a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with the Local Government Units (LGUs) as the implementing arm.

The OTOP Philippines project is a government program to strengthen countryside development by promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs.

This marketing event also aims to generate significant sales; train exhibitors in dealing and negotiating with local and foreign buyers and exporters and develop new exporters from among the participants.

Under the OTOP, LGUs take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service, of which their areas have specific advantage.

OTOP-Philippines provides a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from LGUs, national government agencies and the private sector. This includes business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing.

The DTI said the OTOP-Philippines is designed to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME's) in the manufacturing and marketing of distinctive products and services to a much better level and achieve measurable results.