Safe Spaces On Giving Free Condoms with Lube Launched

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There’s nothing wrong in protecting one’s self, more so in using condoms with lube during sexual activities. This is what LoveYourself, an HIV prevention advocacy group, reiterates over and over again.

Yet, the usage of condoms with water-based lubricants as protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains a taboo among many Filipinos, even to populations most at-risk to these sexual health concerns.

“The government offers condoms for free not just as contraceptive, but more importantly as a protection against contracting HIV and STIs. We just have to mobilize its distribution to ensure that we really target and reach the right market or people,” LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan emphasized.

Pagtakhan pointed out that “Correct and consistent use of condoms with water-based lubricants remain the most effective method in preventing the spread of HIV, but accessibility and people wanting to have access to these services is still a huge challenge.”

“A sizable number of condoms procured by the government are largely unknown and untapped by the public, hence sometimes these were put to waste unused,” he added.

Safe Spaces Official Logo

Thus, LoveYourself in partnership with Save the Children introduces on Friday (22 December) the Safe Spaces PH at Greenbelt’s My Cinema in Makati City through an adult education dialogue to bring in the idea of a sustainable condom distribution supply chain that is backed-up by technology for public discussion.

Safe Space PH will be partnering with non-discriminatory and sex-positive establishments to serve as “Depots” or safe spaces where a condiment station, a receptacle where condoms with water-based lubricants are dispensed, is installed.

Safe Spaces also ensures seamless supply of condoms for distribution on these Depots.

It will also entail a heavy digital campaign for smart selling of the Depots and the program at large. In addition, Safe Space App is available on Google Play store and App Store to provide a snappy service, especially for the target population such as the youth and men-having-sex-with-men.

The Safe Space PH is a holistic solution to the barriers on active utilization of free condoms by the people.

An actual interface of the Safe Spaces App showing the location of Depots and its details.

These barriers include people’s averse to avail free condoms from the health centers or any designated areas where it is available; at times, insufficiency of condom supply on these designated areas; many people do not know that government-subsidized condoms are given for free; and many people do not know where to get these free condoms.

LoveYourself also encourages the public to visit its two clinics, which are also safe spaces not just for free and confidential HIV screening, but for free condom with water-based lubricants as well. These are LoveYourself Anglo along Shaw and LoveYourself Uni in Taft-Buendia. Both clinics are open every Wednesdays to Saturdays from 12:00 nn -7:00 p.m., and Sundays at 9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.

For more details on #SafeSpacesPH and other LoveYourself’s services, individuals may visit the safe spaces page at www.safespaces.ph and the group’s official website at www.loveyourself.ph or follow and like its social media channels: Facebook- @loveyourself.ph, Twitter- @loveyourselfph, and Instagram- @loveyourself.ph.

DOE, Energy Team on Heightened Alert vs 'Vinta'

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today directed the energy family to observe energy resiliency measures to combat the adverse effects of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Vinta (international name: Tembin).

“The DOE assures the public that the energy family will work together on a 24/7 basis to immediately secure and normalize the energy supply in the STS Vinta-affected areas,” Cusi concluded.

According to the weather bureau PAGASA, the maximum sustained winds of STS Vinta reach 65 kilometers/hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 110 kph. The center of the storm has traversed the vicinity of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, compromising power facilities in the franchise areas of electric cooperatives in nearby provinces.

“We are coordinating with electric cooperatives and other energy stakeholders in the affected areas through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF). We continuously monitor developments and reports so that we can mobilize our assets to assist the most affected households and stakeholders in the storm-hit areas,” Cusi said.

For the transmission sector, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that the affected energy facilities are as follows:

1. Paranas-Quinapondan 69kV Line, which was out at 10:49 p.m. of 22 Dec. affecting Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO);

2. San Francisco-Tandag 69kV Line, which was out at 6:19 p.m. of 21 December affecting Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II);

3. Bislig-Cateel-Baganga 69kV Line, which was out at 1:28 a.m. of 22 December affecting Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO);

4. Jasaan-Kinoguitan 69kV Line, was out at 4:06 a.m. of 22 December but with atrial restoration at 5:23 a.m. The transmission line affected Camiguin Electric Cooperative Incorporated (CAMELCO) and Misamis Oriental II Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO II);

5. Balo-i-Marawi 69kV Line, which was out at 5:02 a.m. of 22 December affecting Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO);

6. Agus6-Kauswagan 69kV Line, which was out 7:31 a.m. of 22 December affecting Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO);

7. Agus 6-Mapalad 69kV Line, which was out 10:18 p.m. of 22 December 2017 affecting Iligan Light & Power Inc.

According to the NGCP, the inspection and restoration of the affected lines will be in full swing as soon as the weather allows.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that the LASURECO franchise area is in total blackout due to heavy rains and strong winds brought about by TS Vinta. Initial reports showed that electric lines and steel poles were toppled down in some areas in MSU Barrio Salam, MSU Fisheries, Municipality of Marantao in Lanao del Sur and Municipality of Baloi in Lanao del Norte. Meanwhile, a Quick Response Team is now doing all the clearing in the affected areas.

In Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO), only 1 feeder tripped in Trento substation due to a tree leaning on the line. There are also occurrences of minor trippings on the lateral lines and sitios in Veruela area.

Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO), particularly the areas in Compostela Valley, are experiencing heavy downpour. Only the towns of Montevista, Nabunturan and Mawab are energized, while the rest are still experiencing trippings. The Municipality of Laak and Asuncion are experiencing power outage but linemen and crew were already dispatched to patrol the lines.

For the downstream oil industry sector, the DOE is closely coordinating with industry players on the ground for updates and reports on matters affecting petroleum products.

The DOE’s line is open for any energy related concern, just contact the Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. ‎‎‎429 2900 local 329 or email them at info@doe.gov.ph.

On the Sea Accident Involving MV Mercraft 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DOTr-MARINA PRESS STATEMENT
22 December 2017


This refers to the sea mishap that occurred yesterday, 21 December 2017 at 10:30am, between Dinahican, Quezon and Polilio Island involving MV Mercraft 3.

Please be informed that MARINA Region 4 has dispatched search and rescue operations personnel, 30 minutes after the accident happened.

Initial reports from the field revealed that the vessel sank due to heavy rains and strong winds caused by the bad weather condition.

“Per narration of the [ship] master [Eruel Meraña]... the vessel collided with a hard object on its starboard side... allegedly a steel bouy. Hence, ingress of water caused the vessel to list and flooding started, and, simultaneously, they were battered with big waves estimated to be 3-5 meters high,” says DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Fernando Juan Perez.

Of the 251 passengers, 243 survived the incident, and were immediately brought to the Barangay Dinahican Village Hall in Quezon for immediate medical attention.

Five bodies were recovered; three remained unidentified as of writing. The cadavers are currently kept at the Claro M. Recto Memorial District Hospital in Infanta, Quezon.

Three more passengers are still missing.

Force multipiers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Enforcement Service have arrived in Quezon early afternoon of 22 December 2017, to check on the condition of the survivors and extend assistance on the ongoing search and rescue operation and investigation.

MARINA Region 4 Regional Director Marc Pascua is closely monitoring updates on the incident. More details will be provided soon.

Christmas Gift Guide: 7 Tech Gift Ideas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s only a few days before Christmas and if you’re still on the lookout for last-minute gift ideas for someone special, check out these gift suggestions from global technology brand Lenovo.


Lenovo Star Wars™: Jedi Challenges

Lenovo and Disney recently unveiled Star Wars: Jedi Challenges, a new augmented reality Star Wars product that allows fans to experience Star Wars in ways never before possible. Jedi Challenges features a smartphone-powered Lenovo Mirage AR headset, Tracking Beacon, Lightsaber controller, and hours of Star Wars gameplay.

Jedi Challenges was unveiled as part of Force Friday II (September 1), which celebrates the worldwide launch of new Star Wars products. The product is compatible with both Android phones and iPhones.

What’s more, Disney, Lucasfilm, and Lenovo, recently announced a new content expansion, featuring a new planet and characters from Star Wars™: The Last Jedi™. The content expansion is the first since the product was launched and will be available for free through a downloadable update to the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges mobile app starting January 2018.

Offering a truly immersive experience, Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is a great gift idea for the young and young at heart.

Price: PHP14,999.75

Available at select Toy Kingdom branches


Lenovo Star Wars Special Edition Yoga Y920

Coming in two versions with visually striking and head-turning Gorilla Glass covers, the Star Wars Special Edition Yoga 920 is now available in the Philippines. A white version of the Yoga 920 features an etched logo of the Rebel Alliance, while those who want to represent the imperial forces can buy the black version etched with the emblem of the Galactic Empire. Only less than 100 units will be sold in the Philippines.

The slim and sleek Yoga 920 series is renowned for its intricately-tooled watchband hinge, a beautiful all-metal unibody design weighing just 1.37kg, and a near edgeless 4K display, making it ideal for immersive entertainment and unparalleled productivity.

In terms of its design and hardware, the Star Wars Special Edition Yoga 920 is as futuristic as it looks and sound, making it a perfect gift for the Star Wars fan in your life.

Price: PHP139,995

Available at SM Appliance Center branches in SM North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati, and SM Megamall


Lenovo Legion Y520

This year saw the release of plenty of high-end PC games waiting to be experienced. Whether it’s to reward your kids, or yourself, Lenovo recommends the Legion Y520 for your gaming needs.

Powered by a 7th Gen Intel® Core™ processor and up to NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti discrete graphics, it handles graphics-heavy games at 60fps with ease. The Legion Y520 also comes with up to 128GB of PCIe SSD storage, ideal for reducing boot-up time and in-game loading, and a backlit keyboard lets you play day or night.

At 5.3 lbs, it is a nicely built and powerful, yet portable gaming laptop, plus its black Kevlar design offers just the perfect touch for a gaming device.

Price: starts at PHP49,995
Available in major electronics stores


IdeaPad™ 710S or 710S Plus

The Lenovo IdeaPad 710S and 710S Plus were created with the on-the-go user in mind. They belong to Lenovo’s line of “thin and light” laptops. Both devices are only 13.3", weigh less than 3lbs, and feature powerful 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i processors, lightning-fast PCIe solid-state drives that can be maxed up to 512GB, and brilliant hi-res displays. It’s the perfect companion for mobile professionals and students.

The 710S comes with up to a 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor while the 710S Plus comes with up to a 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor.
If you’re buying this for someone (or yourself) who requires more connectivity options, a fingerprint scanner, and a powerful graphics card like the NVIDIA® GeForce® 940M, then opt for the IdeaPad 710S Plus.

Price:
Lenovo IdeaPad 710S – PHP60,995

Lenovo IdeaPad 710S Plus – PHP78,995

Available in major electronics stores


Lenovo Miix 510

The Lenovo™ Miix 510 is a versatile 2-in-1 PC perfect for those who need the flexibility of switching between a handheld tablet and a full productivity laptop. Powered by up to a 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor, up to 4GB LPDDR3, up to 256 GB SSD Storage, Gorilla Glass display, and aluminum build, this device is a perfect gift for the modern professional.

Price: starts at PHP47,990
Available in major electronics stores

Lenovo Yoga Book

Launched late last year, the Lenovo Yoga Book is a productivity powerhouse that comes with all the familiarity and functionality of Windows 10. With the powerful combination of its Halo keyboard and Real Pen, users can type, draw, browse the web, watch videos, and more.

The Lenovo Yoga Book comes with an ink cartridge that can be used with the included stylus, allowing the user to write or draw on paper which the device automatically digitizes. Featuring up to 15 hours of battery life, it weighs only 690grams and is 9.6mm thick, which makes it a fitting gift for on-the-go users.

The Yoga Book is also available in Android.

Price: PHP29,999 for the Windows version and P26,999 for the Android version
Available in major electronics stores


Cashback Promo

The holiday season is upon us and Lenovo is rewarding its customers with special festive offers in the Philippines. It is the time of the year to indulge and share the joy with your loved ones with Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology!

Between now and January 31, 2018, customers who purchase selected Lenovo products will be able to enjoy cashback of up to P5,000. Customers can register via https://lenovopromotions.com/ph/en/pages/festivecashback/home to redeem the offer.

Terms and conditions apply.

5 Reasons Why Mober is Your Next Favorite App

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This all-Filipino app was recently launched with THE Papa P. as its brand ambassador.
But there are more reasons to love this app!


1. It offers on-demand, same-day delivery service

Everyone loves instant gratification. Flick the switch to turn on the lights. Press a button on a remote to turn on the TV, press a number to call people you like. It’s the same thing with buying stuff like appliances. But using them immediately, well, you have to wait. Mober solves that problem.. With Mober, you don’t have to wait for a couple of days to inspect your freshly-bought items. With one click, your stuff will be delivered at your doorstep. Talk about solutions.


2. Stay relaxed and say goodbye to traffic

Here’s a good one. Have you tried moving all of your heavy stuff but you’re stuck in traffic? Sucks right? Not only is the heavy traffic soul-sucking, it will drive you insane worrying about your stuff. Well, worry no more. Mober got you covered. You don’t have to take a number of drives and be stuck in traffic just to bring your stuff from one place to another. You can still attend to other matters and let the traffic jam pass - hassle-free. Bye-bye, EDSA battle.



3. Mober knows that trust is earned

In this day and age, people do get trust issues. Being lied toat or not getting your deliveries on time or at worst, not getting your stuff at all.

Mober guarantees safe delivery. It is being trusted by its users and van partners because of its partners including big brands like SM and Robinsons. Transparent pricing? Check! Once you book through the app, it automatically shows the price. Plus you can track the driver’s location with its GPS tracking device that will help you make sure that he’s paving the correct way to deliver your things safely at the right place. You can even buzz a message or make a call to the driver for better coordination.


4. It values time as much as you do

The most precious thing for us is time. It’s something we could never have enough. If you live a busy life (just like the rest of us), then there is a list of duties and responsibilities everyday and we only have less than 24 hours to accomplish them all. With the help of Mober, it can help you save time and become more productive. Shop for new furniture AND afterwards, meet your old friend for coffee? Possible. You will be able to do a lot of stuff on your to-do list, courtesy of this mobile app.



5. It offers pet shuttle service

Everyone loves pets (if you don’t, then too bad for you, you’re missing out on a lot of unconditional love). Mober loves pets as well. If you’re worried about bringing home your favorite pet, well Mober can take care of transporting them. You can do your chores while you’re just waiting for your awesome pet companion to arrive.. Mober can take your doggo to his monthly grooming session, safe and sound. How cute is that.

Mober is currently available on App Store and Google Play. You can also book through their website mober.delivery and hotline number 0917 109 3333.

Wear Your Most Beautiful You During the Holidays

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We all want to look our best especially when there's a special occasion including the holiday season when many would want to look their best.

It's that time of the year when people pay extra attention to their apoearance since there are many means to pamper ourseves via great beauty offerings around as many companies want to promote their products and services.

With the holidays just around the corner, you can’t wait to spend it the way you want it, with fun, laughter, lots of happenings together with close friends or beloved family.

Since these events usually happen from early evening till the wee hours of the morning, it takes a toll on our body including putting stress on our skin and faces.

The happiness these adult goings-on may seem to be unending. There seems to be Christmas or thanksgiving parties everywhere, and we get invited to more than just one of them.

It may all be fun bonding with acquaintances, but think about the unhealthy food found in many parties (all those fatty, oily, salty, and overly sweet dishes from restaurants or family feasts, and of course the idea of going out and staying up late just to have fun may expose our skin to many pollutants that may harm it. Indeed, the happenings from morning till midnight, or even beyond is plenty during this holiday season.

Protecting ourselves with all sorts of skin products for added security may even do more harm than good. Certainly you won’t like that. Not during the holidays. We don't want to get a bad skin day during these times!

Best if you go for a product you can trust to take care of the skin, particularly when it comes to preventing unsightly acne. And there is only one brand that can help us achieve blemish-free skin and make it glow as we celebrate the holidays: Proactiv Solution.

The Proactiv Solution is not as complicated as it seems. All it takes is to follow the simple yet effective Proactiv 3-step system. Why? Because it will do wonders in helping protect your skin from irritating acne while celebrating the holidays. Just keep in mind to follow these three Proactiv steps daily: Renew, with the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser; Revitalize, with the Proactiv Revitalizing Toner, and finally Repair, with the Proactiv Repairing Treatment.

So wear your most beautiful you this holiday season and be worry free of acne because you have the best anti-acne product available today. Achieve the most beautiful and radiant skin that’s acne-free face during the holidays this year—and perhaps even beyond. Just get the Proactiv Solution, which you can buy at Php 2,495 for the 30-day kit and Php 3,995 for the 60-
day kit. The Proactiv Solution is available at any Watsons and SM Department Store.

BPI, AirAsia Team Up to Make Travel Goals Happen in 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The year is about to end and your travel goals two years ago are still on your list. Scratch that off this New Year with the BPI- AirAsia Travel Fair.

BPI has partnered with AirAsia for an exclusive one-stop travel event for BPI Cardholders, who can enjoy discounted airfares for as low as PhP890, and up to 50% off on accommodations in luxury resorts. The BPI-AirAsia Travel Fair will happen from January 5-7, 2018, at the Grand Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza.

“We’ve collaborated with AirAsia to offer some exciting travel deals for our clients to destinations within ASEAN,” said Jenelyn Lacerna, BPI Vice President and Head of Credit Cards Business. “The beginning of the year is the perfect time to plan these dream trips, and hopefully, this tie-up will make it easier for our clients to do so.”

As the first travel fair to kick-off 2018, the event offers BPI Cardholders the chance to explore top local destinations such as Boracay, Bohol, Palawan, or go on trips to Hong Kong, Korea, Taipei and more. These affordable local packages include luxury getaways to Two Seasons Coron Island Resort, Amorita Resort Bohol, Pearl Farm Beach Resort Davao, etc.

BPI Cardholders also get free AirAsia Big Points equal to a roundtrip domestic and international flight for a minimum single-receipt purchase of AirAsia tickets using their BPI Cards.

This promo is exclusive to those with qualified cards such as BPI Express Credit (Blue Mastercard, Gold Mastercard, Petron-BPI Mastercard, BPI SkyMiles Mastercard, BPI SkyMiles Platinum Mastercard, Edge/Mini Edge Mastercard, BPI Corporate Classic, BPI Corporate Mastercard, BPI Amore Visa, and BPI Amore Visa Platinum), and BPI Family Bank Mastercard and BPI Prepaid Cards (My ePrepaid Mastercard, More Fun Visa Prepaid Card, Amore Visa Prepaid, and BPI ePay Virtual Mastercard Cardholders with available load).

For more details about the promo, visit the official website of BPI Cards at www.bpicards.com.

Necessary things to Consider before Picking a Car on Rent

Analyze your Requirements

First of all, you should analyze your requirements, and then decide the type of car that would go for your purpose. For off-road trips and uneven roads, it is recommended that you should consider hiring an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) that could ensure a comfortable ride.

Apart from this, if you need a smooth ride that can ensure good comfort for a long journey, consider a sedan. The level of comfort in sedan cars is a bit higher as compared to the other segments. You can expect better handling and comfort for long hours.

The Condition of the Car

It doesn’t matter whether you are seeking an airport limousine for your next trip or planning to book a hatchback for your trip, you need to crosscheck the condition of the vehicle. A poor conditioned car could be the worst thing that could happen during your journey. It is strongly recommended that you must properly examine the engine by considering a test drive before you finalize the car.

If you don’t have an idea regarding the engine’s condition and smoothness, you can consider installing a vehicle tracking device to help you detect and fix minor mechanical issues or calling an automobile expert for the same. It is perhaps the best idea that could lend a hand in choosing the optimum vehicle and avoiding any glitch during your journey.

The Policies of the Renting Agency

Another thing that you need to consider is the policies of the car renting service provider. One should always read the policies that depict the use of the vehicle and the other important aspects related to the vehicle hire. People usually ignore these policies and then they get disappointed when they have to pay extra bucks for violating the company’s policies.

Moreover, make sure to hire the vehicle on daily fare basis and not by the miles that you drove. This is because you may end up paying a lot of money if you hire your vehicle by the total distance traveled as compared to the daily rental policy.

Conclusion

These tips will eventually help you in picking the right vehicle with

One Mind, One Heart, ASAP Family Christmas Party 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was a magical event that I attended for Wazzup Pilipinas, Ross del Rosario, official media partner for ASAP Properties Training Management Consultancy, Inc. This Christmas party was held on Dec. 18, 2017 from 3pm to past midnight at NDN Resort and Event Place, Brgy. Aya, Talisay, Batangas, a new resort located right at the main road, with complete facilities such as swimming pools, WiFi, hotel rooms, indoor and outdoor event spaces, a dining room, located just beside Taal Lake.


One Mind, One Heart, ASAP Family

The ASAP 2017 Christmas program started with a Thanksgiving mass as the violin music set the tone for the festive holiday spirit that was was highlighted by the dream-like outfits of both men and women, who wear dressed up as Princes and Princesses.

With crowns and gowns, the women wore fairy tale outfits and the men sported their best look, making it a great dress up event. The clothing was varied, individualized, as there were a few that arrived in costume such as that of Pocahontas and Fiona of Shrek. The camaraderie filled the air with light laughter, warm conversations, and total enjoyment of the holiday occasion.

A special Balloon Wishes for 2018 ceremony was held using blue, white, and yellow balloons that had lined up the grand entrance door of the sprawling event place. These balloons were shared to the guests who released these into the cool Talisay lakeside air along with their personal wishes.

Dinner was a feast, with organically grown lechon from Alfonso, Cavite and various other dishes. The food was plentiful, and the drinks were overflowing with iced tea, Batangas Barako coffee, mixed drinks, brandy, and wine. During the dinner, there was entertainers who waltzed and there was a contemporary drama group.

The event went on far into the night, expertly hosted by Mike Topado and Raquiza. Messages were delivered by the members of the ASAP team to include Rodolfo Leonen, Atty. Jaime Balmas, Armando Escobedo, Romulo Cipco, Dino Mapaya Marte, and Bredrick Pineda.

After the encouraging messages, the guests were requested to join the show to model their various outfits as there were prizes to be given include that of a trip to Hong Kong.

The ladies graced the stage follow by the elegant men, and the audience was enthralled.  There was another contest of which different group presented song and dance numbers. After these contest, there was a raffle and then, the guest exchanged gifts.

The closing remarks by Viviana C. Yap, CEO of ASAP, was a heartfelt, cheerful message embracing all who graced the event with their presence and sharing the prayerful hope for a more successful 2018.

ASAP Properties Management and Consultancy is a realty service provider in Philippines duly recognized by SEC. For more information, please visit the ASAP Facebook page.


Contributed by Cindy Dominguez

OCEANA: Strengthened Collaboration for the Tañon Strait

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Government agencies including local chief executives, fisherfolk and nonprofit organizations promised to strengthen their collaboration in protecting the Tañon Strait from illegal and destructive fishing.

About 288,000 small-scale fishers rely on the area for sustenance, but competition from commercial fishers who illegally enter the Strait, plus destructive fishing methods used by small-scale fishers, have led to an overall decline in productivity. From an average of five kilos of fish per trip, yields have plummeted to two kilos – and many fisherfolk households earn less than PHP100 daily.

“No Filipino should go hungry in his native land. I believe we can achieve this if we protect our coastal and marine resources,” says Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon.

Declared a protected area in 1998, the Tañon Strait is a 161-kilometer long channel separating the Islands of Cebu and Negros, famed not only for being a rich fishing area, but as a tourist destination. In the channel lie popular tourist sites such as Bantayan Isle, Malapascua, Moalboal, the Mantalip Sandbar and Bais, where whales and dolphins abound.

Encompassing three provinces, 42 coastal towns and cities, plus nearly 300 barangays, overlapping mandates have led to largely inconsistent policies in conserving the area. Since 2015, the Protected Area Management Board and its Executive Committee worked hand-in-hand with Site Management Units, the Protected Area Office, plus various stakeholders from the government, private sector and civil society for improved conservation measures. They are now guided by an approved management plan and enforcement plan for the sustainable management of the Tañon Strait.

Last week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources convened the 2nd Enforcement Summit, in partnership with Oceana, in Cebu City. Government agencies and local governments worked closely with nonprofit organizations and community champions to review the state of enforcement in the Strait over the past year while identifying solutions to current challenges, especially illegal and destructive fishing.



“Despite its status as a protected seascape, the Tañon Strait still faces illicit activities, destroying its ecological integrity and depriving fishermen of their rightful catch. Only through our continued strong collaboration can the fisheries of the Tañon Strait continue to thrive,” emphasizes Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Director and Fisheries Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona. He pledged to add more patrol vessels in the area to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

A recent Social Weather Stations survey commissioned by Oceana found that illegal and destructive fishing is the most seriously-perceived threat to the oceans, next to pollution.

“We have apprehended 656 suspects and over 2000 explosives from January to November this year alone,” notes Police Regional Office 7 Director Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino. The fight against illegal fishing is high in the priority list of the Philippine National Police.

Oceana and its allies reiterated the need for stronger law enforcement to guard the northern and southern entrances or ‘gates’ of the Tañon Strait, while requiring all vessels to comply with the legal directive to install Vessel Monitoring Measures for fishing transparency and safety-at-sea. Vessel monitoring allows for land-based monitoring of all vessels, ensuring they stay in designated fishing zones, while acting as a safeguard in case boats run into accidents.

Adds Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, “We still have a long way to go but we need to continue finding ways to improve our enforcement efforts. We shall continue to work together as a team, where everyone has a stake not just to benefit responsibly from our natural resources but to manage it such that our future generations will have sustainable coastal and marine resources.”

The enforcement summit concluded with an announcement from Park Superintendent Prospero Lendio that the Tañon Strait Protected Area Office has an approved allotment of PHP1M of their PHP8.7M budget for 2018 for seaborne patrols and enforcement activities. Participants all pledged to work together to protect the Strait.

“The Tañon Strait is an important traditional source of fish for millions of Filipinos. Doing the right thing for Tañon paves the way for the sustainable use and management of our fisheries to address food security concerns,” concludes Oceana Philippines Vice President Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos. (30)