Security measures to boost Cebu investors confidence

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu business leaders appreciate the government’s move to intensify security measures during important activities of the Fiesta Señor this weekend, saying this will project a strong image of Cebu to the investors.

"This nature will project an image of strength that will further boost investor confidence," said Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Glenn Soco referring to the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) directive to shut down network services during Sinulog weekend.  

"We understand that security is of utmost priority as we celebrate the Fiesta Señor, especially that there will be more people on the streets during the Sinulog festivities. We understand the objective of the authorities to maintain rigid security and implement measures to curtail any untoward incident," said Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Melanie Ng.

Ng added that since the cellsite shutdown will definitely affect business operations, "in light of this decision made by the authorities to protect the community, it's best that we prepare in advance and  set up ways for alternative communication. So long as we are able to keep peace and order, there will be no adverse effect."

Starting today cellular phone signal in some areas of Cebu during three major activities of the feast will be cut-off.

 The request was endorsed by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Mike Dino to the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

   In his reply to Dino's letter, Secretary Rodolfo Salalima instructed NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba and deputy commissioner Edgardo Cabarios to coordinate with Taliño immediately and "comply where public safety is or may be compromised."

 Dino asked the public to bear with the temporary signal shutdown to ensure safety of these areas.

  Based on NTC advisory, from three in the morning to 10AM, cities within Metro Cebu (Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu) will have no mobile signal. In the same day, signal will also be shut down from 12 noon to 8PM.

On Sunday, cellular signal cut off will start at 3AM up to 7PM specifically in the downtown and uptown areas. (FREEMAN)