ASAI Cebu Oslob: A New Era of Beachfront Hospitality by Dusit International

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Breaking New Ground in Philippine Tourism

On February 3, 2025, Dusit International and Grand Land Inc. officially broke ground on ASAI Cebu Oslob, the first ASAI resort in the Philippines. This highly anticipated development is set to open in late 2026, marking the ASAI brand’s expansion into the country and its first beachfront property.

Strategically located in Barangay Lagunde, Oslob, a destination famed for whale shark encounters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, ASAI Cebu Oslob is poised to redefine the hospitality scene by integrating modern design, sustainability, and immersive local experiences.

A Resort Designed for the Modern Traveler

True to ASAI Hotels’ experience-driven philosophy, the 98-room resort will cater to millennial-minded travelers who value authentic local experiences and social connections. Key features include:

Compact yet functional rooms with private balconies offering ocean or pool views

A signature Eat/Work/Play communal space, blending dining, socialization, and remote work

A stylish beachfront bar serving craft cocktails and local brews

A pool with panoramic ocean views

A locally inspired dining experience, showcasing Cebuano cuisine

Beyond its amenities, ASAI Cebu Oslob will embody ASAI Hotels’ “Live Local” concept, with dedicated community ambassadors curating personalized itineraries that highlight hidden gems—from secret snorkeling spots to cultural heritage sites.

The Economic and Tourism Impact

The project is expected to boost Oslob’s tourism industry, generate local employment, and contribute to sustainable tourism. Ryan Bernard Go, President of Grand Land Inc., emphasized that the collaboration with Dusit International will not only introduce world-class hospitality but also honor local traditions and community connections.

Dusit’s Growing Footprint in the Philippines

ASAI Cebu Oslob is a milestone in Dusit International’s expansion strategy in the Philippines. The company already operates:

Dusit Thani Manila

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort

Dusit Thani Residence Davao

dusitD2 Davao

Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort

Additionally, Grand Land Inc. is developing a Dusit Princess property in Cebu’s North Reclamation Area, further strengthening their partnership.

ASAI Hotels’ Global Growth

Apart from the Philippines, ASAI Hotels is expanding internationally with upcoming properties in Malaysia (ASAI Gamuda Cove, opening 2026) and Thailand (ASAI Hat Yai, opening 2028).

A New Chapter for Oslob Tourism

With ASAI Cebu Oslob’s commitment to sustainability, cultural integration, and modern hospitality, Oslob is set to become an even more attractive destination for both local and international travelers.

As the resort gears up for its grand opening in 2026, it promises to offer a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and meaningful connections, all while embracing the beauty and heritage of Oslob, Cebu.

Stay tuned for more updates on ASAI Cebu Oslob—where modern travel meets local charm!

Advocacy Group Pushes for Better Hearing Healthcare Access in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

We are honored to be invited to become a media partner of the Symposium on Ear & Hearing Health and Public Health Care System on March 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Conference Hall of Miguel de Benavides Library, University of Santo Tomas, Manila.

Organized by the Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP), in coordination with UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery - Master in Clinical Audiology Program and UST Department of ENT – HNS, this event aligns with World Hearing Day’s global advocacy. This year's theme, “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All,” calls for action in ensuring accessible ear and hearing care for everyone.

With key stakeholders from PDAO, OPD, NCDA, PhilHealth, DOH, DILG, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and media practitioners, the symposium will tackle critical concerns, including the implementation of Republic Act 11228 and the urgent need for nationwide primary ear and hearing care training at the barangay level.

Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to amplify this vital cause, bringing greater public awareness to ear and hearing health issues. We look forward to covering this meaningful event and sharing important insights with our audience!

Breaking the Sound Barrier: Push for Universal Hearing Healthcare in the Philippines

In a significant move to address the growing concerns around hearing health care in the Philippines, the Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP) is set to host a landmark symposium on ear and hearing health at the University of Santo Tomas on March 7, 2025. The event, coinciding with World Hearing Day celebrations, aims to spotlight critical gaps in the country's public health care system and advocate for improved access to hearing health services.

A Call for Change

Under the theme "Changing Mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!" the symposium brings together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, and disability rights advocates. The event, organized in collaboration with the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery's Master in Clinical Audiology Program and the Department of ENT-HNS, represents a crucial step toward addressing the mounting challenges faced by Filipinos with hearing impairments.

HOHGP President Vincent S. Balingan emphasizes the urgent need for action: "Our right to health is being compromised by inadequate public health facilities, insufficient equipment, and a shortage of medical professionals specializing in hearing care. This symposium serves as a platform to voice these concerns and work toward concrete solutions."

Legislative Challenges and Implementation Gaps

One of the primary concerns highlighted by the advocacy group is the apparent non-implementation of Republic Act 11228. This crucial legislation mandates that the national government should cover premium contributions for all persons with disabilities (PWDs) and share premium payments equally with employers for employed PWDs. Additionally, the law requires PhilHealth to develop specialized health packages tailored to the unique needs of persons with disabilities.

The current situation reveals a significant disconnect between legislative intent and practical implementation, leaving many Filipinos with hearing impairments struggling to access essential healthcare services.

Innovative Solutions at the Grassroots Level

The HOHGP is proposing a groundbreaking initiative to establish nationwide primary ear and hearing care training at the barangay level. This innovative approach would involve collaboration between:

Department of Health (DOH)

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)

Academic institutions

Allied health care providers

This grassroots approach could potentially transform access to hearing healthcare services, especially in underserved communities across the Philippines.

Multi-Stakeholder Participation

The upcoming symposium will feature participation from various sectors, including:

PDAO and OPD officers

Academic and medical professionals

Government agency representatives from NCDA, PhilHealth, DOH, and DILG

Legislative representatives from both Houses of Congress

Media practitioners

This diverse gathering of stakeholders underscores the comprehensive approach needed to address the complex challenges in hearing healthcare delivery.

Moving Forward

As World Hearing Day 2025 approaches, the symposium represents a crucial step toward realizing universal access to ear and hearing care in the Philippines. The event not only aims to raise awareness but also seeks to catalyze concrete action toward implementing existing legislation and developing new initiatives to support the hearing-impaired community.

The HOHGP's efforts align with global initiatives to prioritize hearing health, highlighting the critical need for improved healthcare infrastructure, professional training, and policy implementation to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in accessing essential hearing health services.

For those interested in supporting this initiative or attending the symposium, the event will be held on March 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Conference Hall of Miguel de Benavides Library, University of Santo Tomas, España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila.

DepEd vows to deploy 15k principals this year

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a bold move to address the critical shortage of school principals, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced plans to deploy over 15,000 qualified teachers to principal positions this year. This initiative aims to fill the leadership void in more than half of the country's public schools, which currently operate without designated principals.

The Principal Shortage Crisis

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), 55% of public schools in the Philippines lack appointed principals. This shortage is attributed to factors such as low passing rates for the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH), high personnel turnover, and cumbersome qualification processes.

DepEd's Strategic Interventions

To combat these challenges, DepEd has outlined a comprehensive strategy:

Deployment of NQESH Passers: As of 2024, there are 7,916 teachers who have passed the NQESH. DepEd plans to deploy these qualified individuals to fill existing principal vacancies promptly.

Issuance of Interim Guidelines: DepEd will implement guidelines to ensure that principals currently detailed to offices return to their assigned schools. Additionally, these guidelines will facilitate the reassignment of surplus principal positions to schools in need.

Reclassification and Retitling of Positions: Under the Expanded Career Progression Policy, 14,761 Head Teachers (I-V) will be reclassified as School Principal I. Furthermore, 954 Head Teachers VI and Assistant School Principal II positions will be retitled to School Principal I, expediting the promotion process for acting school heads.

Refocusing the NQESH: Starting in 2025, the NQESH will shift its focus towards competency assessment, serving as a basis for targeted interventions and capacity building. The administration of the NQESH will also be decentralized to regional levels to improve accessibility and efficiency.

Adoption of the School Organizational Structure and Staffing Standards (SOSSS): By 2026, DepEd aims to establish a 1:1 principal-to-school ratio. To support this initiative, an additional 5,870 School Principal I positions will be created.

Leadership Commitment

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the critical role of principals, stating, "This pressing issue is an eye-opener. So many of our schools operate without brains—because that’s what our principals are, the brains of our schools. Rest assured, DepEd is taking swift action to address this problem."

Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development Wilfredo Cabral also highlighted the importance of supporting principals: "We owe it to our hardworking, and visionary principals who are often overlooked. DepEd recognizes your passion to keep our schools operating and running, thank you for your selfless service."

Looking Ahead

DepEd's comprehensive plan reflects a commitment to strengthening educational leadership across the Philippines. By addressing the root causes of the principal shortage and implementing targeted interventions, the department aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure that every public school is equipped with effective leadership.

As these initiatives roll out, continuous monitoring and collaboration with educational stakeholders will be essential to ensure their success and sustainability.