‘Ceboom’ on the horizon with 3 huge infra projects worth P182B

Is another “Ceboom” on the horizon? Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas believes so, with three new massive infrastructure projects worth a total of P182 billion lined up in the province.

“There’s no question the three projects combined will enhance accessibility, facilitate trade, improve mobility, generate greater employment opportunities and boost Cebu’s overall economic productivity,” Gullas, a former provincial governor, said.

Gullas was referring to the P80-billion fourth Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Coastal Road Construction Project, the P28-billion Metro Cebu Expressway Project and the P74-billion Metro Cebu Monorail Transit System Project.

“Over time, once the projects are completed, Cebu’s economy should be firing on all cylinders,” Gullas said.

Gullas said the fourth bridge “is already a go with everything in place,” including Japan’s official development assistance loan for the project.

“The 74-kilometer expressway from Naga City to Danao City is also a go already but has been held back temporarily by unsolicited offers from two private investors for them to undertake the project,” Gullas said.

As to Udenna Corp.’s unsolicited offer to build a 27-kilometer, 20-station elevated monorail, Gullas said he is counting on the national government to decide on the proposal before the year ends.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) endorsed Udenna’s offer to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) only in January.

“Metro Cebu desperately needs an overhead commuter train to efficiently move people around and decongest our roads,” Gullas said.

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In support of MSMEs, SM launched Kasama ng SM, a nationwide campaign inviting all its customers to buy local to help all of us bounce back better. The country’s MSMEs contribute to about one third of total jobs nationwide.

Throughout the Philippines, SM shares the inspiring stories of its MSME partners and their resilience in adapting through the new normal with a passion to serve. Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, is asking us to support MSMEs Together.

Together with its MSME partners, SM quickly found ways on how they can all serve its customers along with its communities.

Aficionado

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Aficionado was planning on marking this milestone with a big bang. With the pandemic, they found meaningful ways to make their mark by offering personal care products like shower gels, hand sanitizers and alcohol.

“The COVID-19 crisis happened and saw the need for alcohol products. It was a silver lining to turn the crisis into a continuing opportunity for business and survival,” Joel Cruz, President and CEO of Aficionado, says.

Jim’s Recipe

When stores re-opened, the owners of Jim’s Recipe wondered how their employees could safely get back to work. With public transport hard to come by, bicycles became a popular alternative. So, they thought of giving bicycles to Jim’s Recipe employees.

“It makes us feel warm inside to see how happy they are from receiving such a simple gesture, sometimes your people just need to know you care,” says Sean Uy, managing director at Jim’s Recipe.

Soy Yummy

Henry Gomez, General Manager of Soy Yummy, prioritized their employees’ health and safety during the Covid-19 pandemic. They shouldered their testing, provided lodging near their commissary and also provided service vehicles for their employees. “The terms granted by SM are giving us a much higher chance at survival.

Nicolette Bakery + Café

Ted and Nicolette Valderama jumped on the opportunity to open a café at SM. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, they started a new range of “ready to cook” deli products their customers can cook at the comfort of their homes. Through SM’s support in waived fees, marketing and delivery services, they were able to serve their customers amid the challenges.

JD Bakery and Café

Since 1975, JD Bakery became one of Iloilo’s favorite bakeshops. Through the years, they attuned to different trends. So, adapting to the new normal was not new to them and they quickly offered delivery services. During times of crisis, Tyrone Diez, owner of JD Bakery and Café, admires the Filipino’s fighting spirit to rise above the challenges that life brings.

Bike Plus

Johnny King, Jr.’s worries were relieved when biking became an alternative mode of transportation during the Covid19 pandemic. SM quickly made its facilities and cities bike friendly. This encouraged Marco Cada, Bike Plus employee for 18 years. “Kahit mahirap ang sitwasyon ngayon, may trabaho pa rin ako. Mapalad pa rin. Dahil sa trabaho ko sa Bike Plus, nakakatulong ako sa mga gastusin sa bahay at nakakapagpadala ako ng pera sa pamilya ko sa Iloilo,” Marco says. Recognizing his blessings, Johnny donated bikes, protective gears and reflectors to the community.