Home Blog Page 432

Liloan launches ‘smart city app’ for QR contact tracing, e-transpo guide, help center

Ram Mancelita
-
0
Liloan launches ‘smart city app’ for QR contact tracing, e-transpo guide, help center

The Municipality of Liloan, Cebu launched on Wednesday the “all-in-one” smart city app.

The new “LiveLoveLiloan” mobile app, which can be downloaded on Google Play for Android and soon on the App Store for Apple users, will incorporate the following features:

  1. COVID-19 Tracing – enables your contact tracing functionality to protect your health and safety while also ensuring to safeguard your data and privacy.
  2. iReport – If you want to report something to the local government unit (LGU), you can conveniently message them through the app.
  3. GugMed – Online medical consultation from the safety of your home.
  4. Liloan Electronic Transport System (LET’S Go) – Real-time monitoring of public transport for your riding convenience.
  5. Unique QR for Residents – Every resident will now have his/her own QR Code for a more effective contact tracing and more efficient monitoring and response by the government.

For COVID- related functions, the location data of a user is tagged when one is exposed to a positive case, or is a potential carrier. This will assist the Liloan Covid-19 Operations Center to zero in on hotspots, immediately detect infection chains, isolate, and ensure prevention and containment.

The app also has a transport monitoring guide of Liloan’s Electronic Transport System that will give residents real-time information on the availability and location of public utility buses (PUB) and vehicles (PUV).

Through Global Positioning Devices (GPS) installed in PUBs and PUVs, the commuting public will be guided on what public transport to ride to reach a destination, connecting routes, exact time of arrival and departure, and designated dropoff points. This is made possible through Ride Hero, Inc., which is the Local Government’s partner in the development of the mobile app.

Forthcoming features of the app will include:

  • online payment options for non-contact transactions with the Municipal Government,
  • an online marketplace for local vendors, and
  • online employment portal for job seekers.

The LiveLoveLiloan app is seen to boost further the Local Government’s efforts to manage the Covid-19 pandemic which had recently earned praise from DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu at the meeting he called with all local chief executives of the Province of Cebu in early August.

Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco was invited by the DILG to present Liloan’s innovations and best practices in fighting the pandemic. At the meeting held at the Citadines Hotel in Cebu City, Secretary Cimatu remarked that he was “very impressed” with the Liloan Local Government’s smart technology-based approach to fighting the spread of Covid-19, which also includes aerial drone monitoring of its barangays.

“The LiveLoveLiloan App allows us to provide people the level of convenience and connectivity crucial to navigating the new normal. In Liloan we are driven by the desire to continually increase the quality of life of our people. Towards that end, we are introducing innovations in governance that are inclusive, proactive, and empathetic to the people’s needs,”

– Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco

For Android users, the ‘LiveLoveLiloan’ app can now be downloaded on Google Play. For Apple, the app will be available for download next week.

Bike-friendly parking at SM Supermalls

Ram Mancelita
-
0
Bike-friendly parking at SM Supermalls

With more and more of us turning to biking as a mode of transportation during the quarantine, whether Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) down to General Community Quarantine (GCQ), SM Supermalls has created bike-parking facilities across its malls.

With organized and secure parking zones designated solely for bicycles, SM hopes to make the riding experience safe and convenient for the growing number of bike commuters, especially in communities where SM malls are located. Moreover, the good news is that these spaces are currently free of charge.

Customers have one less thing to worry about when it comes to bike parking safety with on-duty guards manning and securing bike parking areas at all SM malls.

SM Cebu Malls provide bicycle-parking areas: SM Seaside City Cebu is located at City Wing Plaza, SM City Cebu is at North Open Parking Area 1 (NOPA-1), and SM City Consolacion is located at the Mall Basement Area.

https://www.facebook.com/smsscitycebu/posts/4789970114350023
https://www.facebook.com/smcitycebuofficial/posts/4579893815368946

Other security measures such as at SM City North Edsa require customers to register in a logbook and submit ID in exchange for a bike-parking pass as an added layer of security.

For customers who prefer to protect their bikes from the elements, there are covered bike parking areas in SM Aura Premier, The Podium, S Maison, and SM Marikina.

For customers who enjoy the convenience of street-level parking, Mall of Asia, SM By the BAY, SM Megamall, SM BF Paranaque, and SM Olongapo Central are among the malls that offer bike parking areas near the mall’s entrance.

With SM’s bike-friendly facilities, customers can look forward to a safe, convenient, and enjoyable biking experience. Importantly, SM aims to support inclusive mobility especially during the MECQ, and hopes to encourage more people to take up biking as a healthy and environment-friendly alternative means of transportation beyond the pandemic, which is part of SM’s Green Movement campaign promoting clean, green, and sustainable communities.

LIST: Domestic flights available from/to Cebu as of August 2020

Ram Mancelita
-
2
LIST: Domestic flights available from/to Cebu as of August 2020

After sharing the list of international flights available from/to Cebu, many of our readers have also requested for a list of domestic flights currently available.

Good news! Local airlines have gradually re-opened more domestic destinations over time while ensuring the safety of the passengers and staff as they implement stricter preventive measures and sanitation protocols as mandated by the local authorities.

This guide will be regularly updated for the month of August 2020 based on Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)’s Facebook Page.

Philippine Airlines

  • Cebu-Manila-Cebu.: 2x daily
  • Cebu-Cagayan de Oro-Cebu: 2x weekly (Wed/Sun)
  • Cebu-Davao-Cebu: Once a week (Tue)
  • Cebu-Dipolog-Cebu: 2x weekly (Mon/Fri) (4x weekly from Sept. 1)
  • Cebu-Dumaguete-Cebu: 2x weekly (Mon/Thu)
  • Cebu-Tacloban-Cebu: 2x weekly (Tue/Sat)
  • Cebu-Zamboanga-Cebu: Once a week (Mon)

Booking link: www.philippineairlines.com

Cebu Pacific

  • Cebu-Manila-Cebu.: 10x weekly
  • Cebu-Clark-Cebu: 2x weekly (Tue/Sat)
  • Cebu-Davao-Cebu: Once a week (Tue)

Booking link: bit.ly/CEBFlightsAug19-31

Air Asia

  • Cebu-Davao-Cebu: 3x weekly (Tue/Thu/Sat)
  • Manila-Cebu-Manila: Daily

Booking link: https://air.asia/XVvxN

Travel Documents

While airlines will be providing the detailed guidelines upon booking, below are the required travel documents for domestic passengers:

  1. Travel Authority Pass – may apply for a travel authority or pass at the nearest police station
  2. Medical certificate – can be secured from the Municipal or City Health Office
  3. Barangay certification – should be secured from the receiving local government unit (LGU). You will need to ask somebody to secure that for you from the barangay in Cebu.

Guidelines

These are just some of the ‘new normal’ guidelines to note:

  • Passengers will be required to wear face masks and face shields
  •  Persons below 21 years old, those who are 60 years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant woman are also restricted except under allowed circumstances.
  • Aircraft personnel will be required to wear personal protective equipment
  • Disinfection and cleaning of aircrafts between flights and upon parking in boneyards.
  • Online check-in will also be encouraged to minimize contact with the ground personnel. They are advised to come to the airport at least three (3) hours early as check-in counters will be closed 60 minutes before the flight.
  • When carrying more than two luggage, assign only one representative to go to the baggage drop-off counter. Upon boarding, passengers will be required to hold out their boarding passes with the barcode facing the airline staff, for touchless scanning.
  • Always observe physical distancing as guided by the seat and floor markers, even when boarding through the aerobridge or buses.
  • Pilots and cabin crew members are required to undergo rapid antibody testing before boarding their flights.

ALSO READ: LIST: International flights available from/to Cebu as of August

LIST: International flights available from/to Cebu as of August

Ram Mancelita
-
4
LIST: International flights available from/to Cebu as of August

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), operator of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), announced on Tuesday the available international flights flying from/to Mactan, Cebu as of August 18, 2020.

Fly to your intended destinations with these available international flights with daily and weekly services. Check with your preferred airlines for the available flight schedules.

AIRLINEORIGIN/DESTINATIONSTART DATEFREQUENCY
Qatar AirwaysDoha – Cebu
Cebu – Doha		OngoingDaily
JEJU AirIncheon – Cebu
Cebu – Incheon  		Ongoing2x weekly (Tue & Fri)
Silk AirSingapore – Cebu
Cebu – Singapore		Ongoing2x weekly (Tue & Sun)
JIN AirIncheon – Cebu
Cebu – Incheon  		Ongoing1x weekly
Asiana AirlinesIncheon – Cebu
Cebu – Incheon  		Aug. 91x weekly (Mon)
EmiratesDubai – Cebu
Cebu – Dubai		Aug. 20
Sept. 1		2x weekly
3x weekly (TThS)
Cathay PacificHong Kong – Cebu
Cebu – Hong Kong		Sept. 12x weekly (Tue & Fri)
EVA AirTaipei – Cebu
Cebu – Taipei		Sept. 181x weekly (Fri)

MCIA asks everyone to strictly adhere to arrival protocols and safety procedures for the safety and well-being of all passengers and staff.

MCIA Arrival Protocols

To all arriving international passengers at MCIA, read the arrival protocols here:

1. Required online passenger registration:

All international passengers arriving at MCIA starting July 15, 2020 are required to register using the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form at least two (2) days prior to departure. The form is accessible through https://mactancebuairport.com/covid-19-registration. A Travel Registration Number (TRN) will be generated once registration is complete.

All passengers arriving before July 15, 2020 must follow the manual process of filling out the forms upon check-in at their port of origin.

2. Upon check-in at port of origin:

All international passengers travelling to MCIA must present the following documentary requirements:

  • Valid Passport
  • Valid visa with proof of filiation or marriage, if applicable
  • For returning non-OFW Filipinos (ROFs) or foreign nationals, proof of pre-booked Cebu hotel accommodation is needed. For a list of accredited hotels, visit the MCIA COVID-19 International Arrival Advisory page at https://mactancebuairport.com/covid-19-advisory
  • For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), kindly coordinate with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for specific requirements and other guidelines.
  • Travel Reference Number (TRN) upon completion of the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form.
  • Health Declaration Form (HDF) available upon check-in at your port of origin and must be filled out prior to arrival

3. Undergo COVID-19 swab test

All passengers shall undergo a COVID-19 PCR swab test upon arrival at MCIA and must have confirmed hotel accommodation in Cebu for a specific number of days while waiting for their test result.

The cost of PCR swab test forreturning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals is PhP4,900.00, shouldered by the passenger. Cost of PCR swab test for land-based OFWs and seafarers is Php4,400.00 and shall be shouldered by OWWA.

4. Procedures upon arrival at MCIA

Step 1. Upon arrival at MCIA, present your TRN (generated after registering through the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form) at the Validation Counter and claim your barcode for identification and swab testing.

Step 2. Proceed to thermal scanning by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and submit the Health Declaration Form (HDF).

Step 3. Proceed to Immigration for clearance.

Step 4. Proceed to the following counters at the Arrival Reclaim Hall:

  • For OFWs: OWWA counter.
  • For returning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals: Cashier counter for PCR swab test payment.

(PHP and Visa card are accepted. For other currencies, proceed to the foreign exchange counter at the arrivals area.)

  • For other inquiries: DOH, OWWA, MARINA, DOT, and DILG counters

Step 5. Proceed to the waiting area for the PCR swab test.

Step 6. Submit the barcode to the health personnel and undergo PCR swab test. Once the test has been completed, wear the orange band/sticker on your right wrist to indicate completion.

Step 7. Claim your baggage at the assigned reclaim belt.

Step 8. Proceed to waiting area and wait for a representative from the respective agencies for Customs clearance:

  • OWWA for OFWs
  • Accredited hotel liaison officers for returning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals

Step 9. Proceed to Customs for clearance.

Step 10. Proceed to your designated vehicle with your respective agency representative for hotel drop-off.

Step 11. Wait for the results of your PCR swab test from the BOQ to be released after 24-48 hours.

  • If the PCR swab test result is negative, the passenger will receive an email from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). The LGU may bring the passenger to their residence in Cebu or they may be allowed to go home through their private vehicle. If the passenger is not based in Cebu, they may take their onward flight.
  • If PCR swab test result is positive, BOQ will be directly in touch with the passenger for specific instructions. The passenger must comply with mandated health, safety, and treatment protocols of the DOH and BOQ.

Passengers are strongly advised to continuously monitor the status of their flights and ensure that they have the necessary documents in compliance with the regulations of the local government of their point of origin and destination.

Barriers no longer needed for riders living in same house in GCQ areas

Sarah Ladeza
-
0
Barriers no longer needed for riders living in same house in GCQ areas

Starting on Wednesday, August 19, motorcycle barriers are no longer needed, authorities said. However, this will only apply to the riders living in the same house in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

On Tuesday, the Joint Task Force COVID Shield (JTF) said that the national task force for COVID-19 has approved this together with other measures needed to be followed for motorcycle backriding.

For areas under GCQ, riders not living in the same house must have an Angkas designed barrier.

The backrider must be an authorized person outside of residence, but the rider may not be. Moreover, both the rider and the driver should wear their face masks and full-face helmets.

Motorcycle to be used should be privately owned, JTF said.

However, for areas under the modified general community quarantine, their respective local government units could implement these guidelines depending on their areas.

Macao Imperial Tea clarifies official Cebu branches

Ram Mancelita
-
2
Macao Imperial Tea clarifies official Cebu branches

After hundreds of Cebuanos expressed dismay after waiting and lining up for their month-long free upsize promo this August but left with nothing, famous milk tea brand Macao Imperial Tea (MIT) has finally set the record straight about its Cebu branches.

Macao revealed that as of this time, Ayala Central Bloc is the only operational branch they have in Cebu that is official and licensed by the group.

Moreover, their branches at SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Cebu are set to re-open very soon.

Macao Imperial Tea also delivered the good news that they will be opening two more branches soon at Island Central Mall Mactan and Robinsons Fuente.

All other MIT stores in Cebu — the ones at APM Mall and Mactan Newtown — are not affiliated with them and are not using MIT ingredients. They said this issue is currently being dealt by their legal team.

To summarize, these are the official branches of MIT in Cebu:

  • Ayala Central Bloc – only operational for now
  • SM Seaside City Cebu (re-opening to be announced)
  • SM City Cebu (re-opening to be announced)
  • Island Central Mall Mactan (new branch opening soon)
  • Robinsons Fuente (new branch opening soon)
https://www.facebook.com/MacaoImperialTeaPH/posts/2624669881181324

Nestlé ready-to-drink products now use paper straws

Sarah Ladeza
-
0
Nestlé ready-to-drink products now use paper straws

Nestlé Philippines’ ready-to-drink products are now starting to use paper straws. This initiative is done to become one of those who have committed to a “waste-free” campaign.

130 metric tons of plastic straws in a year will be eliminated from this move as it claims to be the “first of its kind and scale”.

“As the world’s largest food and beverage company, Nestlé envisions a waste-free future in which none of our packaging, particularly plastic, ends up in landfills, the oceans, or as litter,”

– Nestlé Philippines chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki

“Shifting to paper straws is a critical step towards plastic neutrality, and one of many we are taking to address the urgent, and at the same time complex, plastics challenge,” Marzouki added.

One of the global commitments of Nestlé Philippines is to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, and this move is a good start.

As the completion of this shift is expected to be done by the end of the year, they’ve started with some of its 180ml and 200ml ready-to-drink brands to use paper straws while some 110ml and 250ml packs are currently on the pipeline for transition.

Paper straws that come with the packaging are food-grade quality and were made without plastic or wax, making it fully recyclable, Nestlé Philippines said.

Nestlé Philippines ready-to-drink products:

  • Chuckie
  • Bear Brand
  • Nescafe

China grants its first COVID-19 vaccine patent

Ram Mancelita
-
0
China grants its first COVID-19 vaccine patent

Ground zero of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has officially granted the first invention patent to a candidate of its domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine.

“#China has approved its first #COVID19 #vaccine patent, which has been developed by PLA infectious disease expert Chen Wei’s team. Earlier, the phase 2 trial of the vaccine candidate found that the vaccine is safe and induces an immune response.”

– State-affiliated media China Global Television Network (CGTN) said in a tweet

Named as ‘Ad5-nCoV’, the vaccine is co-developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical firm CanSino Biologics Inc., which is led by Chinese military infectious disease expert Chen Wei.

The research involved 320 “healthy volunteers” aged between 18 and 59. 96 individuals participated in Phase-1 clinical trials, while 224 of which in Phase-2 trials. China said the results indicated that the vaccine “effectively induced neutralizing antibodies in the volunteers and demonstrated good ability of a substance to trigger an immune response.”

According to the vaccine developer, the grant of the patent further confirmed the vaccine’s “efficacy and safety and convincingly demonstrated the ownership of its intellectual property rights (IPR).”

It also said the patent will strengthen the international market’s trust in Chinese-developed COVID-19 vaccines. The paper cited documents published by China’s National Intellectual Property Administration saying that the patent was issued on August 11, 2020.

Global race for a COVID-19 vaccine

Last week, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has developed the first vaccine offering “sustainable immunity” against the coronavirus. The first batch of the vaccine is said to be ready for use in two weeks, according to local media reports last week that quoted Health Minister Mikhail Murashko.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his Independence Day speech on Saturday that India is now ready to mass-produce its own COVID-19 vaccines after Indian scientists gave the green signal. According to Modi, three coronavirus vaccines are being tested in India.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has already affected more than 180 countries globally and claimed at least 700,000 lives. The US, Brazil, India, and Russia are currently the worst-hit countries.

Sources: Philippine News Agency | USA News | Anadolu Agency English News

H&M outs Harry Potter Kidswear Collection

Marel Baluyos
-
1
H&M outs Harry Potter Kidswear Collection

We have all wondered why our Hogwarts letter has not arrived. Well, here’s something that might cheer you up.

H&M just made the best decision in incorporating the famous school in the Harry Potter world, Hogwarts, into their kids clothing line.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will have the most trendy and well-dressed little wizards and witches with:

  • Hogwarts hoodies in preppy prints
  • Hogwarts T-shirts in soft cotton jersey
  • Hogwarts Long-sleeved sweatshirts
  • Hogwarts Jersey tops
  • Hogwarts Short tops

Every kids dream is to study Divination, Broom-flying lessons, Potions and of course Defense Against The Dark Arts wearing the Hogwarts logo in their house colors.

What are you waiting for? Spot this latest KIDS collection starting at PHP 349 in stores today.

Hop on now because the Hogwarts express is ready to go.

LOOK: Lapulapu Memorial Shrine and Museum to rise in Mactan

Marel Baluyos
-
0
LOOK: Lapulapu Memorial Shrine and Museum to rise in Mactan

The Liberty Shrine Project or Balay sa Kagawasan is soon to rise in Mactan in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan in the year 2021.

This Lapulapu Memorial Shrine and Museum is a tribute to the leader and our favorite hero of the ancient Mactan community who fought for freedom battling Magellan and the Spanish armada, the brave Lapu-Lapu.

The Liberty shrine is one of a kind because unlike other shrines, this is inspired by the pre-colonial Visayan ruler’s balay which is the community center and the seat of government during the old times and the ancient boat, sakayan.

What to Expect?

  • Open space or atrium at the center will house the new Lapulapu monument.
  • Permanent exhibits on the left chamber
  • Open hall for seasonal exhibits or gatherings at the right chamber
  • Social events space at the front of the edifice
  • Environmentally-friendly shrine with it built on stilts above the water

The Lapu-Lapu City Government is currently clearing now the land use before the project implementation.

This endeavor is also in fulfillment of a provision in the Republic Act No. 5695 (1969), the legal basis of the Liberty Shrine: to build a Liberty House which shall feature “important personages, places and events, including laws, customs and traditions in the history of this nation before and during the coming of Magellan.”

1...431432433...577Page 432 of 577

Looking for something?