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MCIA issues protocols for arriving international passengers

As of today, July 11, all international commercial flights remain suspended at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). The following arrival protocols are applicable to passengers arriving via international sweeper or repatriation flights, or rerouted flights from Manila due to quarantine processing limitations.

MCIA reminds arriving international passengers to strictly adhere to the following protocols upon check-in at their port of origin and upon arrival at MCIA.

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.

Guidelines: Cebu Province under MGCQ

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has recently issued Executive Order No. 20 on July 9, 2020 specifying guidelines for the movement of people and opening of businesses in the Cebu Province under the new modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status.

With the mandatory public health safety standards still in placed, here is a summary of the guidelines.

Excluded in this new classification are Talisay City, Minglanilla and Consolacion.

NOTE: Cebu Province is composed of cities and towns outside Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

ALLOWED UNDER MGCQ

  • Indoor and outdoor activities and exercises such as, but not limited to, walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, Zumba, and skateboarding
  • Gyms, fitness studios, sports facilities for non-contact sports 
  • Internet and computer shops, educational support establishments, libraries, archives, and museums (allowed at 50 percent capacity)
  • Pet grooming services, travel agencies, tour operators, and other personal care services 
  • Backriding in motorcycles
  • Cross border swimming with no time limit
  • Dine-in restaurants, fast food chains, and carenderias (50 percent capacity in open areas, well-ventilated, and  installed with an air purification system if airconditioned)
  • Public land transportation and public marine transportation (reduced capacity) 
  • Public air transportation operates within the MGCQ zone 
  • Religious gatherings (limited to 50 percent capacity)
  • Mass gatherings in LGUs only after securing permit from the mayor 
  • Regular operating hours of banks and other financial institutions 
  • Work in government offices may be fully operational at the discretion of the local chief executive (LCE).
  • Cargos and delivery of essential goods in the Province of Cebu 

Note: All businesses operating within the Province of Cebu shall adopt a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and a Health Regimen Plan (HRP) to be submitted to the LGUs having jurisdiction over the workplace

PROHIBITED

  • Persons who are immunocompromised and other health risks are not allowed to go out
  • Movement for leisure purposes
  • Buffet or self-service food establishments are not allowed under MGCQ
  • All forms of gambling, including cockfighting, shall be prohibited within the Province of Cebu.
  • Fiesta celebrations and all other related community activities during fiesta
  • Basketball, volleyball and other high contact sports 
  • Physical school classes continues to be suspended. 

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

  • Curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for non-workers and non-exempt persons
  • All persons shall be allowed to go out of their residence only to access essential goods and services and to work in the offices or industries permitted to operate and to do the activities permitted 

BORDERS REMAIN

  • Restriction of entry into the Province of Cebu from Cebu City as defined under Section 8 of the said EO. 
  • Non-essential workers are not allowed entry into the territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Cebu as defined by the borders of the City of Mandaue in the north, City of Talisay in the south, Balamban town in the west, and Cordova in the Island of Mactan.

Here’s the new Executive Order for MGCQ classification:

Nike releases new sneakers with a bling

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From the previous releases, Nike is yet to surprise us with their new take on our favorites.

Nike is set to release another favorite. If you were excited to get your hands on their pride merch, you really have to see their blinged-out pairs.

They will be rolling out their brand-new AF 1 low kicks with icy gems. The sole also has textured, ribbed and dotted patterns.

Dubbed as the AF 1 Lox LX ‘Bling’ will definitely turn your heads with its gems atop its laces. In between the aquamarine and gray sapphire stones is a golden Swoosh logo rimmed with more bling. Not to mention, the tongue is tinted with a warm beige color to give the spotlight to the gems.

According to Sneaker News, this designs is slated for release in Europe this July, but we’re hoping it’ll be available in the Philippines, too! It is reportedly priced at $120 or approximately P5,948.

Congress denies ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal

The franchise bid of the media giant ABS-CBN was denied after the House Legislative Franchise and Good Government and Public Accountability Committees held a series of 13 hearings tackling various issues.

An overwhelming 70 lawmakers voted to adopt the technical working group’s (TWG) report recommending the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise application with two (2) inhibitions and one (1) abstention.

The decision was announced by the Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz Alvarez, the chairperson of the House committee of which 85 members registered their votes with 46 regular members and 39 ex-officio members. It would have only taken 43 votes to have the majority.

On the TWG report, ABS-CBN violations described by the panel as a privilege are:

  • Its former Chairman Eugenio Lopez III was both a Filipino and American citizen, the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts supposedly favoring foreigners
  • Inappropriate program content
  • Meddling in politics
  • Tax avoidance schemes
  • Less than exemplary labor practices

Other issues that can be probed:

  •  The current state of giving tax incentives to “prevent abusive tax avoidance measures”
  •  Questions on how ABS-CBN was able to recover its properties from the government “without recourse to the mandated procedures.”

The report also stated that ABS-CBN cannot justify its franchise application by invoking the freedom of the press.

“It is what it is — a denial of a privilege granted by the State because the applicant was seen as undeserving of the grant of a legislative franchise. By no means can this franchise application be related to press freedom. If it were so, then all applicants for legislative franchises covering mass media could simply claim such freedom and force the hand of this Committee each time,”

– Committee Resolution

5 Popular Free Apps for Virtual Meetings

With the pandemic’s end nowhere yet in sight, many of us are forced to undergo work-from-home schemes. Ever since, this beneficial opportunity for those who get to experience it, has been working with a little or almost to none losses in terms of productivity.

To maintain or maybe enhance that productivity, here are some tools that can be used to conduct virtual meetings.

1. Zoom

What makes this tool stand out among the rest is its host-participant feature, giving the host the complete control of the meeting. This is ideal for presentations and classes.

  • Max Number of Attendees: 100
  • Account Registration: Not Required
  • Screen Sharing: Yes
  • Screen/Sound Recording: Yes

2. Google Meet

If you are already using Gmail, then it is easier to access this tool. Some certain features differ between the free and the paid ones. With the pandemic ongoing, Google Meet offers free use of the features of the paid version until September 30, 2020.

  • Max Number of Attendees: 100
  • Account Registration: Not required in the paid version
  • Screen Sharing: Yes
  • Screen/Sound Recording: Only available in the paid version

3. Microsoft Teams

Personally, this is what we use at work and what makes this awesome is that it has a chat function and also, documents can be shared with its storage function.

  • Max Number of Attendees: 250
  • Account Registration: Required
  • Screen Sharing: Yes
  • Screen/Sound Recording: No

4. Cisco Webex Meetings

This tool is encouraged for seminars as only the host can record the sessions. This tool is also surely safe to use, as it is owned by Cisco Systems, one of the world’s top cybersecurity experts.

  • Max Number of Attendees: 100
  • Account Registration: Not Required
  • Screen Sharing: Yes
  • Screen/Sound Recording: Possible for the host only

5. Skype

This is one of the pioneers when it comes to video chatting and conferencing. Skype has been there ever since for virtual meetings and is still operating up to this day.

  • Max Number of Attendees: 50
  • Account Registration: Not Required
  • Screen Sharing: Yes
  • Screen/Sound Recording: Yes

Working from home might be boring after some time, but for sure we gotta do what we gotta do. So, which among the tools do you like the most?

Cebu logs record-high 670 new recoveries, 32 new deaths

On Wednesday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) has released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of July 9, 2020.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 242 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 670 new recoveries, and 32 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 11,289 while the active cases are at 6,316.

Breakdown of cases:

📍 Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 7,175 (+97 today)
– Total recoveries: 3,516 (+469 today)
– Total deaths: 336 (+26 today)
– Active cases: 3,323

📍 Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 1,179 (+34 today)
– Total recoveries: 341 (+89 today)
– Total deaths: 31 (+5 today)
– Active cases: 807

📍 Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 1,086 (+24 today)
– Total recoveries: 218 (+37 today)
– Total deaths: 27 (+0 today)
– Active cases: 841

📍 Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 1,849 (+87 today)
– Total recoveries: 400 (+75 today)
– Total deaths: 104 (+1 today)
– Active cases: 1,345

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total New Cases: +242 today
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 11,289
  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,316
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 4,472 (+670 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 498 (+32 new)

According to DOH-7, a total of 1,390 laboratory results were released from the following; VSMCC Subnational Laboratory (401), Cebu TB Reference Laboratory (942) and ARC Hospital (47).

https://www.facebook.com/DOH7govph/posts/911810099287496

IATF now allows backriding for married couples starting Friday

DILG Secretary earlier announced today that the back-riding will now be allowed, but only for married couples that can present photocopy of their marriage contract.

This is the condition set by the Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) in allowing pillion riding (backride) starting this Friday, July 10.

Couples should at all times bring a photocopy of their marriage contract and identification cards (IDs) as proofs. Also there should be barriers to separate the driver and passenger, helmets, and facemasks.

Furthermore, it only applies to places that are under GCQ and MGCQ.

 “Simula bukas, papayagan na natin yung backriding sa mga couple at yung prototype model na sinumbmit ni (Bohol) Gov. Arthur Yap, approved na yan ng NTF (National Task Force) at ito yung prototype na gagamitin natin,”

– Año, vice chairman, IATF-EID (in a  Teleradyo interview)

The model presented by Gov. Yap has dividers/barriers with handles between the riders and passengers to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Keep your cool and score this new portable mini-fridge online

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We’re not yet done with everything cute-sy!

Another appliance to add to our must-have is up for purchase in the market. We no longer have to fret about warm drinks during this humid weather, this new portable appliance would cure this dilemma.

A 29-centimenter high mini fridge is a compact cooler for your drinks and desserts. The mini-fridge has two layers for your drinks and fruits, even desserts.

You can place it in your room while you’re working from home, or in your office desk to keep your cool. Elsenot, you can leave it in your homes, near your sofa so you won’t need to head to the kitchen.

This cute-sy fridge can hold up to 330ML of drinks at a time and it comes in two colors: PINK AND WHITE.

Be reminded that this needs an electrical power, just like the normal fridge. Make sure you have one handy too.

Ecstatic? Head on to Lazada and get it for only P10,900.

Entire Cebu logs 284 new cases on July 8

On Wednesday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) has released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of July 8, 2020.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 284 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 140 new recoveries, and 9 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 11,052 while the active cases are at 6,898.

Breakdown of cases:

📍 Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 7,078 (+63 today)
– Total recoveries: 2,983 (+73 today)
– Total deaths: 260 (+7 today)
– Active cases: 3,835

📍 Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 1,147 (+48 today)
– Total recoveries: 252 (+5 today)
– Total deaths: 26 (+0 today)
– Active cases: 869

📍 Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 1,064 (+94 today)
– Total recoveries: 182 (+55 today)
– Total deaths: 27 (+0 today)
– Active cases: 855

📍 Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 1,763 (+79 today)
– Total recoveries: 321 (+7 today)
– Total deaths: 103 (+2 today)
– Active cases: 1,339

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total New Cases: +284 today
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 11,052
  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,898
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 3,738 (+140 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 416 (+9 new)

According to DOH-7, a total of 1,419 laboratory results were released from the following; VSMCC Subnational Laboratory (633) and Cebu TB Reference Laboratory (786).

https://www.facebook.com/DOH7govph/posts/911166356018537
https://www.facebook.com/sugboph/posts/3241218032620570

Be a Responsible Laagan: Enabling Sustainable Tourism in Cebu

Traveling is a way of life. It is in our nature as humans to explore — to experience the world and everything it has to offer. Which is why, it is very important to preserve and take care of these amazing discoveries. It is a gift of chance to the next generation, a chance for them to see what we saw and feel what we felt.

This is where tourism comes in. Being one of the most important industries in the world, tourism contributes a big chunk in any nation’s economy, enriching local communities and provides entertainment and leisure to the people. From a global scope to the smallest unit of the community, tourism plays a big role.

As the top Cebu-focused blog promoting the beauty of Cebu and its people, Sugbo.ph joins the movement for a responsible and sustainable tourism where we are both the explorers and the caretakers. A Responsible Tourism that gives birth to Responsible Laagans. And this starts with YOU, here in our home, Cebu.

The Harsh Reality

The past years have been dotted with disaster stories where tourism has resulted in destruction of environments, cultural misunderstandings and travel-related casualties.

bantayanislandtrash
Sta. Fe beach, Bantayan Island | (c) Lito Tecson
osmenapeak-garbages
Osmena Peak, Dalaguete | (c) Leoj Onirac
moalboaltrash
Basdaku, Moalboal | (c) Tim Consul
siraoflowerfarm-scandal
Sirao Flower Farm | (c) Mark Anthony Razonable
10,000 roses cafe cebu scandal
10,000 Roses Cafe, Cordova | (c) Julius Arcipe
To this day…

✔ More and more people are traveling.
✔ New tourist spots are sprouting every now and then.
✔ Rampant cases of travel-related environmental issues and casualties.

THERE IS A NEED TO TAKE ACTION!

The traveling community needs a revolutionary idea to uplift the ways of a traveler, but we should start first exercising the basic yet best practices.


“BE A RESPONSIBLE LAAGAN” MOVEMENT

The Responsible Laagan is a Sugbo.ph initiative to respond to the needs for a cultural, social, sustainable, and responsible tourism. The movement aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism to the environment and at the same time help enhance the experience of every laagan.

Under the new normal, before traveling, keep in mind the golden rule: STAY AT HOME if you are not feeling well.

The Responsible Laagan was convened in simple words but is compacted with up-to-date practices.

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[dropcap]S[/dropcap]trictly leave no trace

Avoid damages for the sake of vanity. Be environment-friendly.

Zero-waste is the idea, but also the thought to be practically impossible to achieve. However, waste is manageable. Waste is a victim of a common misconception that it is fundamental in environmental issues. Waste is a by-product of a process and is inevitable. We need a new perspective and accept the fact that “improper waste management” is the problem.

If we would wish to minimize or eliminate the effects of waste, then we start by managing our own.

The “STRICTLY, LEAVE NO TRACE” routine has always been campaigned by Sugbo.ph for a while now and we hope to further reinforce it through this campaign.

Here are some of our tips to efficiently leave no trace:

  1. Bring your own garbage bag. Take a box or a reusable bag instead of a paper or plastic bag.
  2. As much as possible, only buy products in refillable and recyclable containers.
  3. Buy the item with the least packaging when choosing between two equally good products.
  4. Follow designated paths to avoid damaging properties, wildlife or any flora.
  5. Leave everything as it is, except if there are scattered trashes.

Remember, humans as we are, do not own the world; we only pass by. Keeping this thought will revolutionize you. If there’s one thing we can do, leave positive footprints.
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[dropcap]U[/dropcap]nderstand Rules.

Rules are made to keep us safe and trouble-free. Follow the Dos and Don’ts.

Rules concern personal safety, as well as, a holistic preservation — cultural, social and economical way of prevention. Rules are created based on common behaviors and known issues. It is both a reminder and warning.

Follow rules. It maximize our experience by minimizing the chances of trouble.

Rules come in simple suggestive language and are varying among locations or circumstances. Take these pieces of advice:

  1. Listen to common reminders.
  2. Observe and adapt.
  3. If in confusion, ask a local or seek help.

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[dropcap]G[/dropcap]o help by sharing.

Tips can make a big difference. Be generous to share your experience.

In the context of laag, REVIEWS, TIPS and GUIDES are extremely relevant and helpful.

  • Reviews – an assessment or reiteration of an experience. It comes as an opinion or a narration of events.
  • Tips – a piece of advice that is based on a subjective experience; a piece of information not generally known. Tips are most helpful; they help us save time and money.
  • Guides – to show or indicate a help to someone. Guides provide complete or sufficient help towards reaching a destination or accomplishing a goal.

Sharing can truly make a difference. The fact that the RECEIVER of information benefits the most. We intend that sharing reviews, tips and guides be an initiative rather than an obligation.

We encourage laagans to take the initiative to share their experiences, and give proper credit to those who provided help.
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[dropcap]B[/dropcap]e Informed.

Know what to do, when to go, and how to get there. Plan ahead and be prepared.

The above components of Responsible Laagan concern mainly of our responsibility to the community. This component is a reminder to be equally responsible to ourselves.

Information is a very helpful tool. It can be your weapon or your shield. In fact, it is both.

Know what to do.
Know and prepare your Laag essentials, considering the distance of your destination, the length of your travel or your personal needs. Here are some things that you should consider to prepare in any kind of travel:

  1. Luggage or Primary Pack – backpack, rolling luggage, carry-on bag
  2. Clothing
    – long sleeved shirts,
    – sweaters or fleece jacket,
    – t-shirts, shorts or pants,
    – underwear
    – comfortable walking shoes,
    – rain jacket,
    – hat or bandana
    – Be wise in clothing. Always remember to be culturally-respectful wherever you go.
  3. Toiletries – tissues, toothbrush, travel towel, sunscreen,
  4. Travel health – First aid, Insect repellant
  5. Electronics – Cellphone and chargers, power bank, flashlight, and of course headsets.

When to go:
The weather can either uplift the mood or be a major roadblock. Consider the weather in any kind of laag. Listen to weather advisories. Also consider traveling what time of the day to travel. Consider transportation availability and season for travelling.

How to get there:

  1. Research online for your itinerary: read reviews and seek for tips
  2. Plot your route – study available transportation modes. LESS NAVIGATING, MORE SIGHTSEEING.

Here are also some important things to consider:

  1. Note local emergency contact numbers.
  2. Always keep in mind to bring at least one Identification card all the time with a contact person in case of emergency.

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[dropcap]O[/dropcap]bserve social distancing.

Always mind the 6-ft distance and make sure to follow the safety and health protocols.

Moreover, be watchful. This should be a conscious effort of every Laagan. Observe what’s happening around you. Be extra careful when provided with local advisory. But the most important thing, be “in the moment” and have fun!

1. Observe how locals and previous travelers are behaving.
2. Follow localized conduct. Listen.
3. Proactively respond to risks.
4. Always be alert in any event.
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Sugbo.ph’s Campaign

Our mission is to encourage travelers be culturally and socially informed, and to introduce the best practices of responsible tourism for the benefit of environment preservation. The Responsible Laagan will be a learning movement. It will continue to evolve and adapt to the need and procreate projects, one step at a time.

At Sugbo.ph, we see responsibility not as an obligation but an initiative. We encourage you to pick up the ball and share it with others. Be a Responsible Laagan.

We wish you all a safe and enjoyable laag, always.