Phone app to help APEC delegates explore Cebu

CEBU, Philippines- Delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings here in Cebu can explore the province through the mobile application “Cebu Guide”, an updated guide of the island’s top tourism destinations.

The Provincial Information Office announced yesterday that the delegates can now download the app for free from the Google Play Store for Android devices and Apple App Store for iOS devices. The app can also be downloaded from apps.myguide.ph/cebu/.

The project was made available in partnership with Cebu-based InnoPub Media and telecommunications company Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

The guide lists heritage structures like ancient houses and centuries-old stone churches to white sand beaches and island-hopping destinations, water activities, best accommodations, food hubs, and important contact numbers such as those of consular offices, police stations, and hospitals.

“Cebu is working to make APEC 2015 meetings a success. One of the initiatives is tapping existing partnerships like the Digital Tourism program with SMART and InnoPub,” said Governor Hilario Davide III.

“By providing delegates with information through the Cebu Guide app, we make their visits meaningful. By using the platform for announcements, we are also helping Cebuanos get the latest updates on APEC activities,” he added.

The directory also provides a list of tour guides tour guides, tour operators, and transport services accredited by the Department of Tourism.

Tourist attractions, hotels and other locations featured in the app have GPS data and users need only to click the “check location” link to be guided on how to get to a place.

Contact details are also active and users need only to tap on phone numbers to call a guide, tour operator, police station or any person or organization listed on the app.

Apart from these, the mobile app also has a notification function that allows users to immediately receive information on such things as traffic changes – like rerouting and road closures – for the duration of the APEC 2015 meetings here.

 Ramon Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Group head, said the project is also aligned with its digital tourism program, which aims to enhance the delivery of tourism information through the use of mobile and digital technologies.

“We are happy to support the Cebu Provincial Government in promoting what Cebu can offer to the APEC delegates. A comprehensive and handy guide to Cebu, the Cebu Guide can help the delegates maximize their stay in the country,” Isberto said.

The program started in Cebu and is now in Iloilo, Baguio, Albay and Bohol and is set for expansion in key tourism areas in the country. It was given an Anvil Award of Merit in February 2014.

InnoPub co-founder Max Limpag said, “We are excited to collaborate with SMART and the Cebu Provincial Government to help tourists and APEC delegates make the most of their Cebu visit by providing them with important information on where to go and what to do when in Cebu.”

Security

There have reportedly been fewer crimes recorded since augmentation forces from other stations outside Cebu were deployed here for the APEC meetings, said Supt. Enrique Belciña, Police Community Relations chief of the Cebu City Police Office.

No major crimes have also been reported in Metro Cebu since last week.

“Tungod sa kadaghan sa kapolisan nga gi-deploy, maoy main reason gyud kay daghan ang police nga makita sa karsada,” Belciña said.

More cops were fielded in the streets starting last Wednesday and a regionwide full alert status was declared by Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas, Police Regional Office 7 chief, to pave way for security preparations.

Around 2,800 policemen from Bohol, Negros, Siquijor, and Regional Public Safety Battalion-7, are now in Cebu. The National and Regional Joint Task Force Operation Center have also been activated.  (FREEMAN)