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Aboitiz InfraCapital Water is looking to play a role in securing Cebu’s water future through sustainable medium-and long-term projects, including desalination and surface water solutions.

According to the company, Metro Cebu faces an estimated 350 million-liter daily water supply deficit as of 2025 in Metro Cebu.

In an interview with the media yesterday following the Cebu Water Summit 2025, Aboitiz InfraCapital vice president and head of Water Business, Eduardo Aboitiz, emphasized the company’s strong commitment to Cebu.

‘Cebu is my home and it holds a very special place in my heart, and in the hearts of the Aboitiz family as well. We are deeply invested here and we want to continue investing in Cebu’s future,’ Aboitiz said.

He explained that part of his speech during the Summit was to introduce Aboitiz InfraCapital Water and share its success in Davao, where its bulk water supply project has positively impacted the community.

‘It was really about sharing our story and also a call to action for all relevant stakeholders to work together and approach this collectively,’ he added.

Aboitiz said the company is currently conducting market studies and is eyeing two major solutions: a desalination plant as a medium-term option and a large-scale surface water project as a long-term solution.

‘These things don’t happen overnight. It takes time and careful planning,’ he noted, adding that the company already has a presence in the province, with three existing water operations.

These are the industrial water distribution in Balamban, the West Cebu Industrial Park in Toledo, and the 5-million liters-per-day (MLD) bulk water supply mini-desalination project at the Mactan Economic Zone 2 in Lapu-Lapu City, which began operations two months ago.

‘This facility currently supplies all the water requirements of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport,’ Aboitiz said.

Looking ahead, Aboitiz InfraCapital Water aims to scale up through partnerships.

‘Over the next two years, we’d like to explore public-private partnerships. As I mentioned earlier, we’re looking at both medium-term and long-term proposals that we want to push forward in partnership with government and other stakeholders,’ Aboitiz shared.

The company’s move comes amid Cebu’s continuing water supply challenges, with increasing demand driven by rapid urban development and population growth.

In the same interview, Engr. Maria Nenita Jumao-as, executive director of the University of San Carlos Water Resources Center Foundation, Inc. (USCWRCFI), said: ‘Water is a very big issue. There are different phases, water supply, usage, and disposal. And wastewater treatment is one of the biggest concerns in Cebu today.’

According to Engr. Jon Paulo Siglos, president of the Federation of Accredited Professional Organizations of Region VII, said the lack of a centralized sewage system in Cebu remains a critical gap in the region’s water management framework.

‘We do have septage treatment, but it’s not enough. What’s the point of producing so much clean water if, in the end, it ends up polluting our rivers and seas? That’s why this is one of the priority for the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE),’ Siglos said.

Jumao-as said that if at least three large dams are being built, then that gap (water supply deficit) can be significantly reduced, and although it’s a big challenge, it’s not impossible.

However, Siglos added that the problem is not that there is no water at all, but rather insufficient infrastructure to treat, store, and distribute water efficiently including proper wastewater treatment.

The Cebu Water Summit 2025, themed ‘Taking the Challenge, Firming Up Actions NOW!’, brought together government, industry, academe, and civil society leaders to consolidate actions for Cebu’s water security through the IWRM-DEAP framework – Integrated Water Resources Management through Data Sharing, Education and Awareness, and Policy Advocacy.

IWRM-DEAP outlines the following key actions:

I – Institutionalize IWRM: Promote inter-LGU coordination and collaboration, create an IWRM Council, and identify water champions to drive local action;

D – Data Sharing: Establish an IWRM Knowledge Center and online portal for evidence-based decisions, integrating climate change data and research outputs;

E – Education and Awareness: Strengthen knowledge sharing, conduct trainings, workshops, and campaigns to build capacity and public understanding of water issues;

A – Advocacy: Pursue policies supporting unified water governance, including the proposed Department of Water to address fragmented mandates;

P – Partnership: Deepen collaboration among LGUs, NGAs, academe, private sector, and CSOs to ensure shared responsibility and long-term sustainability.

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology-7 (DOST-7) and partner institutions, the Summit reaffirmed Cebu’s collective commitment to ‘secure every drop’ through science-based and inclusive solutions.

Paris Olympian Aleah Finnegan, presently training in Manila, is confident that the Philippine staging of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships next month will further accelerate the promotion and development of the dynamic Olympic sport in the country.

‘I really think it is really important that our young girls will see high level gymnastics in the Philippines,’ said Finnegan, looking forward to the blue-ribbon junior gymnastics competition set for Nov. 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom located inside the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

‘Most of these young girls who may go into gymnastics just watching the athletes on TV or social media. But now we are actually bringing in high-level athletes to inspire and push them. It is the junior worlds, after all, so the athletes competing will be very talented,’ she noted.

A double gold medalist in the 2023 31st Southeast Asian Games, the comely athlete said that hosting the global elite junior gymnastics meet supported by the Office of the President and the Philippine Sports Commission is timely just a year since Carlos Edriel Yulo scored a historic gymnastics Olympic golden double in the French capital.

‘So the goal is that these Filipino athletes and gymnasts will be inspired once the gymnastics showcase gets going. We want to show the world that the Philippines is here to play,’ Finnegan said. ‘We don’t want to be overlooked and show we really are pushing for the sports of gymnastics.’

Fondly recalling that she started her own gymnastics journey at the young age of two, the gymnast was delighted that the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships will be held while she’s gearing for the next world seniors in Jakarta, Indonesia next month and the 33rd Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December.

‘I am actually really surprised that it is lined up well, and that I am here. I am really excited to be a part of it and help out the federation with whatever they need,’ she said.

At least one person has been reported dead due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10.

The earthquake struck off 44 kilometers northeast of Manay, prompting state seismologists to issue a tsunami warning in several coastal areas. The area is still being affected by aftershocks.

The local government unit (LGU) of Davao City announced that ‘there is one confirmed fatality related to the earthquake incident.’

Local officials have already reached out to the family of the deceased to extend necessary aid.

Meanwhile, the LGU also said that they tended to 347 people who experienced fainting or sustained minor injuries. They are now in stable condition, they said.

The City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways has assessed the Bankerohan Bridge, Bolton Bridge, Davao River Bridge and San Rafael Bridge.

‘No major structural damage was found. All four bridges are declared safe for vehicular traffic,’ the LGU said.

While the epicenter of the earthquake came from the sea, tremors were felt in parts of Mindanao and Visayas, primarily in the Davao region.

The earthquake-affected areas remain under red alert as search and rescue operations continue.

Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, is excited for its exclusive pre-order offers for the highly anticipated generation of iPhones-iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

From October 9 to 16, customers can secure their new iPhones and enjoy 0% interest for up to 24 months through Home Credit, making it its best offers to date.

Affordable daily installment rates:

iPhone Air – for as low as P76/day

iPhone 17 – for as low as P61/day

iPhone 17 Pro – for as low as P83/day

iPhone 17 Pro Max – for as low as P90/day

Why choose Home Credit?

Fast approval with just 1 valid ID

0% interest for up to 24 months

Pre-order made easy and accessible in all major Apple resellers nationwide

Home Credit Philippines continues to make premium devices more attainable for Filipinos. With its quick approvals and flexible installment plans, owning or upgrading to the latest generation iPhone has never been easier.

‘We’re honored to once again be part of bringing the latest generation of iPhones to the Filipinos.’ said Puneet Suneja, chief sales officer of Home Credit Philippines. ‘Filipinos have always had a strong affinity for iPhones, and we’re excited to continue making ownership easier and more affordable than ever.’

Customers can browse available units and store locations via Shoppingmall.ph, then proceed with pre-ordering at their preferred store.

Download the Home Credit App on Google Play or App Store for quick pre-approval or speak to a Home Credit sales representative at any partner store.

Actresses Janella Salvador and Klea Pineda sparked anew rumors between the two after photos of them trended online

On her X account, Janella posted sweet photos of her with Klea and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, her co-stars in Cinemalaya entry “Open Endings.”

“Ugh fine I’ll stop gatekeeping these photos,” Janella captioned the post of photos embracing Jasmine as she tagged the actress’ handle.

Klea was quick to respond on Janella’s post, replying with photos of her and Janella also hugging and teasing kisses on the cheek.

“Sige na nga ako din,” Klea wrote in her post. In reposting, Janella simply said “ay sus inunahan ako.”

It can be recalled that several Filipinos believed Janella was the reason for the breakup between Klea and ex-girlfriend Katrice Kierulf, which Janella has outright denied.

“Para lang maging klaro, sabi ko po magsasalita ako at the right time. Ito na yun. Hindi po ako part ng breakup. Hindi po ako third party. I’d like to exclude myself from that,” Janella said on the matter.

When asked what her relationship with Klea is, Janella said: “And ayun lang. Kung ano nakikita niyo ngayon, yun na yun. Nakikita niyo naman kung gaano ako kasaya.”

Shaina Nitura isn’t called the future of Philippine volleyball for nothing.

The young, athletic and energetic star gave a glimpse of what the future will bring as she helped power Adamson to a 25-19, 25-19, 25-14 victory over Far Eastern University and into the V-League Collegiate Challenge crown at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Friday.

Nitura teamed up with Nigerian Frances Mordi and fired 17 points against the latter’s 19 as the Lady Falcons dominated the Lady Tams in the deciding Game Three and sealed the series, 2-1.

The 20-year-old dynamo, however, was quick to defer credit to their collective team effort.

‘We stayed with each other and we solidified our relationship as a team,’ said the UAAP Rookie of the Year and former UAAP high school MVP.

The feat was a replication of the school’s feat in the Sports Vision-ran league after it reigned supreme six years ago when it was still called the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference and in 2010 under the banner of Shakey’s V-League.

‘We’re very happy and grateful because we’ve been together since high school,’ said Adamson coach JP Yude.

FEU came into the duel hoping to ride on the crest of its 25-13, 25-22, 15-25, 25-23 win in Game Two at the City of Dasmariñas Arena Wednesday that forced this rubber match.

But Adamson, which took the opener, 25-18, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23, at the same San Juan venue Monday, made sure it won’t make the same mistakes again and utterly decimated FEU on this one.

‘It (Game 2) turned out to be an eye-opener for us, especially for me since it taught me how I can lift up my team,’ said Nitura.

Good thing it did.

The overseas arm of telco giant PLDT Inc. has enhanced its partnership with emerging e-wallet stc Pay to provide digital and financial services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Bahrain.

PLDT Global Corp. yesterday said it has expanded its collaboration with Middle Eastern e-wallet stc Pay to simplify a number of digital and financial transactions for OFWs in Bahrain.

Through this, OFWs may now cash in directly to their Philippine e-wallets through stc Pay.

Further, the partnership allows OFWs to buy and send gift vouchers to their families and friends home. These services are powered by Vortex, the distribution platform of PLDT Global.

PLDT Global president and CEO Albert Villa-Real said the company has decided to scale up its partnership with stc Pay to bring digital convenience for OFWs in Bahrain. He said PLDT Global is working on more efforts for borderless solutions.

‘This partnership brings digital convenience to our fellow Filipinos abroad and positions PLDT Global as a trusted partner of financial technology leaders like stc Pay,’ Villa-Real said.

PLDT Global is firming up with stc Pay to deliver additional services under their partnership like content subscriptions via Pilipinas Live and mobile load top-ups.

The collaboration also seeks to provide OFWs access to Smart virtual number (SVN), a SIM-less Philippine mobile contact for overseas use.

The SVN allows OFWs to receive one-time passwords to authenticate online transactions in the Philippines. The SVN also enables users to make free calls to Hotline 1348 of the Department of Migrant Workers and 1343 of the Actionline Against Human Trafficking.

stc Pay Bahrain CEO Metin Zavrak said the partnership with PLDT Global would accelerate the expansion of the e-wallet’s subscribers. As of 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs estimates that there are 55,790 OFWs in Bahrain.

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano advised the Filipino youth to take care of their parents while they are still around.

During the media conference of her upcoming movie “Meet, Greet and Bye,” Maricel recalled a moment where she was greeted by millennials in a mall.

“Minsan marami akong nakakasalubong na mga bagets, mga babae naka-mini skirt sila, naka-bag sila at babatiin ako, nilalapitan ko, ‘alam ba ng mga magulang ninyo kung nasaan kayo ngayon? So, siyempre tumigil ang mga laughter, di ba? Seryoso sila bigla,” she shared.

The actress recalled telling them the importance of letting parents know of their whereabouts, “Kasi siyempre aandap-andap ang kalooban niyan, hindi alam kung sino ang kasama n’yo, nasaan kayo, at ano ang mga nangyayari sa inyo.”

Maricel also asked younger generations not to disregard their mothers in particular.

“Huwag n’yo naman dedmahin ang mga nanay n’yo. Isa lang naman ang hinihingi [nila] ibigay n’yo na,” Maricel said. “Sabi ko pa, alam ninyo darating ang panahon tatanda rin kayo magkakaroon kayo ng anak, magkakaroon kayo ng pamilya, gusto n’yo ba kung ano ang ginagawa ninyo ngayon ay gawin din sa inyo? Di ba hindi?”

She reiterated her plea not to snub or abandon one’s parents, instead take every effort to share one’s love for them.

“Walang magulang na nag-iisip ng pangit sa mga anak nila,” Maricel ended.

A family’s story of love, laughter, togetherness, and pain is poised to captivate audiences and tug hearts in the upcoming film “Meet, Greet and Bye” beginning November 12.

The film follows the heartwarming journey of the Facundo family led by Mama Baby (Maricel), who is diagnosed with cancer but refuses to undergo chemotherapy after losing hope of getting better.

Her four children, Tupe (Piolo Pascual), Brad (Joshua Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos Labajo), and Geri (Belle Mariano) try to find and push for alternative treatment before time runs out for Mama Baby.

The Office of the Ombudsman has directed former Cebu governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia to respond within 10 days to a formal complaint accusing her of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and violations of government procurement laws.

The directive, dated September 25, 2025, stems from a sworn complaint filed by Aileen R. Donal, a concerned citizen and taxpayer.

Although Garcia is no longer the sitting governor-having lost her re-election bid during the May midterm polls-she is required to submit a counter-affidavit and supporting documents to the Ombudsman’s Central Records Division in Quezon City, with proof that a copy has been furnished to the complainant.

The Ombudsman’s order, signed by Officer-in-Charge Leilani P. Tagulao-Marquez of the PIAB-D, instructs Garcia to respond and provide evidence to counter the allegations, within 10 days.

‘Respondent’s failure to file her counter-affidavit and countervailing evidence, with proof of service to the complainants within the aforesaid period, shall be deemed as waiver, and the preliminary investigation shall proceed according to existing rules of procedure,’ the order states.

Water Supply Contract

The complaint, a copy of which was furnished to The Freeman, centers on the 2013 Bulk Water Supply Contract between the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and Cebu Manila Water Development (CMWD), a joint venture involving the Province of Cebu.

Under the contract, CMWD undertook to supply and deliver water to MCWD at a minimum volume of 18,000 cubic meters per day for the first year, and 35,000 cubic meters daily for the second year onward, at a fixed rate of ?24.59 per cubic meter for 20 years, or until 2033.

In 2023, CMWD wrote to the MCWD a notice of termination of the contract. This was deferred twice though, on 18 November and then 30 November, but the contract was ultimately pre-terminated on 1 December that year.

In pre-terminating the contract, CMWD cited ‘unabated expenses incurred due to fortuitous and unforeseen events’ that cannot be addressed by ‘an inflexible pricing formula.’

However, Donal alleges that the termination was actually prompted by pressure from Garcia, who had publicly criticized the deal as disadvantageous to the province.

The complaint claims Garcia used her position to influence CMWD’s decision, despite the contract not meeting the legal grounds for termination under the Civil Code and procurement regulations.

Donal further argues that Garcia’s actions triggered a chain of events that led MCWD to enter into an emergency contract with Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc. (MWPVI), at rates more than double the original price-ranging from ?58.00 to ?64.96 per cubic meter. The new arrangement could cost MCWD an additional ?3.59 billion over 10 years.

The complaint also questions the legality of the emergency procurement deal between MCWD and the Province of Cebu. It alleges that Garcia misrepresented the province’s ability to supply bulk water, even though it had to purchase the water from CMWD.

This arrangement, according to Donal, amounts to subcontracting-a practice prohibited under government procurement rules.

Donal cites a resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu authorizing Garcia to buy water from CMWD and sell it to MCWD. The resolution itself reportedly acknowledges that the province does not have direct access to bulk water, contradicting Garcia’s certification that it did.

The complaint concludes that Garcia’s actions placed MCWD in a financially precarious position, resulting in higher water rates for consumers and potentially paving the way for privatization or bankruptcy.

Garcia’s side

When The Freeman sought Garcia’s side, she initially referred inquiries to her legal counsel, Atty. Jong Sepulveda. Later, Garcia furnished a press statement from her legal team.

‘We firmly maintain that the Complaint filed is based on incomplete facts, misplaced assumptions, and hollow conclusions,’ reads the statement.

It added that the complaint accordingly presents a selective version of events that disregards the broader context and the legal and administrative realities surrounding the matter.

‘Garcia as per her legal team acted well within her authority, discretion, and official prerogatives-and when required, with the approval/authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and was always guided by her duty to safeguard and advance the best interests of the Province.

‘We are confident that, once the full facts and circumstances are fairly and objectively evaluated, it will be evident that no wrongdoing or abuse of authority was committed. Respondent remains steadfast in her commitment to truth, integrity, competence, and the defense of actions taken in the best interest of the Province of Cebu,’ conclude the GGG Legal Team, Atty. RjQ Sepulveda.

San Sebastian College-Recoletos pulled off a reverse sweep over Ateneo de Manila University, 19-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-8, to exit the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup with its head held up high on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Lady Stags finished with a 1-2 win-loss record in Pool D, tied with the Blue Eagles. However, Ateneo punched the last ticket to the second round with a 4-2 match points advantage over SSC-R.

Graduating winger Kath Santos poured 20 of her 21 points from kills in her last game as a Lady Stag in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

”Di namin ini-expect itong panalo sa game na ‘to. Talagang in-effortan namin ‘yung game namin ngayon, nagtulong-tulong kami. Natalo kami ng dalawang set pero sinabi ni coach Clint (Malazo) na i-enjoy namin ang game na ito,’ said Santos, who scored 10 points in the fourth set.

SSC-R carried the momentum of its third and fourth set wins into the deciding frame as it raced to a comfortable 10-4 advantage capped by Juna Gonzales’ back-to-back hits.

A service error by Ana Hermosura widened the Lady Stags’ lead to 13-6 before May Tsunashima pounded consecutive hits to bring the Blue Eagles back to life.

Santos answered with a hit before Tsunashima committed the last of Ateneo’s 34 errors with an overcooked spike to end the two-hour, two-minute contest.

Hermosura had 15 points while Faye Nisperos got 13 for the Blue Eagles, who will take on Adamson University to kick off their single round-robin second round campaign in Pool E on Sunday.

In the first game, University of the Philippines completed a three-game sweep of Pool C in an emphatic 25-22, 25-18, 25-19 crushing of listless Letran.

Casiey Dongallo submitted nine points off the bench to pace the Fighting Maroons in the final preliminary round playdate of the competition, supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, Summit, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel- Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.

Yesha Noceja added seven markers while Sarah Ali, Bienne Bansil and Jelai Gajero added six points each to highlight UP’s balanced offense.

The Lady Knights ended their campaign winless in three starts.

Judiel Nitura and Jogi Maquillang had nine and eight points for Letran.

Meanwhile, second round-bound Far Eastern University and Adamson University decided to forfeit their Pool B match due to prior commitments.

Both teams won their first two games without dropping a set, but the Lady Tamaraws secured the top seeding in the pool via higher point quotient.

Second-round matches on Saturday pit University of Santo Tomas, which swept Mapua University, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22, on Thursday to advance, against FEU at 4 p.m., while unbeaten College of Saint Benilde squares off with San Beda University at 2 p.m. in Pool F.

Undefeated four-peat-seeking National University crosses paths with Adamson in Pool E at 12 p.m.

The top two-ranked squads after the second round will be armed with a twice-to-beat advantage in the crossover quarterfinals.

Games in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.