Project Bayong Launch in Cebu

To provide a source of income for Filipinos affected by the global financial crisis, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally launched “Project Bayong” in Cebu on June 12 during the Kalayaan 2009, a Philippine Independence Day celebration.

During the trade and livelihood fair held at SM City Cebu on June 12 - 14, Bayong utility and fashion bags were on display and bayong weaving was demonstrated to the public.

Project Bayong highlights the hand-woven native bag made of pandan, rattan or buri. In the last four months (February-May) DTI initiated a series of product development trainings which include basic skills in bayong weaving, skills upgrading and dyeing techniques.

As of May 2009, Project Bayong has been rolled out to 11 municipalities in Central Visayas. Around 11 basic skills trainings, 5 trainings in dyeing techniques, 6 trainings in skills upgrading benefited 605 people.

The municipalities where trainings were held include Barili, Bogo, San Remegio, Sta Fe, Bantayan Island in Cebu; Manjuyod and La Libertad in Negros Oriental; Talibon, Bien Unido, Ubay in Bohol; San Juan, Siquijor in Siquijor.

Bonding with Teammates

"In order to accomplish the agency’s tasks and realize all the projects, the DTI needs enough manpower knowledgeable in imparting the necessary information to beneficiaries and skilled in supervising projects. Being a lean organization, all warm bodies available at the DTI will be utilized for the purpose. Thus, smooth coordination and good working relationship among members of the organization is crucial to the success of the projects. It is in this context that the need for Building Cross Functional Teams is deemed necessary."


That was the statëment made in the activity proposal, but the actual Tambuli beach activity in Cebu wasn't really sombre, subdued or structured. In fact, it was relaxing and "filling" (my stomach felt the food was certainly worth mentioning).

Night at the Museums of Cebu

Last May 29, heritage and culture affectionados had a memorable experience.

Six museums in Cebu opened their doors from 6 o’clock in the evening up to midnight in celebration of the National Heritage Month and the observance of International Museum Day.



Called in the local dialect “Gabii sa Kabilin”, the night tour of museums in Cebu City is reportedly the only one of its kind in Asia, after a similar practice among museums in Berlin.











This is the third time that Gabii sa Kabilin unfolded in Cebu but it was doubly significant because Museo Sa Sugbo, the Cebu provincial museum, did not only join the event after just eight months in existence, but also served as the jump-off point to open this annual event.

"Gabii Sa Kabilin" also showcased some of the province’s festival dances and a retinue of good music in each of the museum’s galleries.

The night tour of the six museums (Museo sa Sugbu, Casa Gorordo Museum, Cathedral Museum of Cebu, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Fort San Pedro and the Basilica del Sto. Niño Museum) cost only Php 100; Php 50 was added for those who preferred the tartanilla as conveyance to take them to the different museums.