APRIL 23,2012 BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO

BusinessWeek

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www.businessweekmindanao.com Issue No. 68, Volume III • April 23-26, 2012

Editorial: 088-856-3344 • Advertising: 0917-7121424

P15.00

Market Indicators AS OF 5:55 P.M., APR. 20, 2012 (Friday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P42.60

5,156.46 points

16.82 points

;

; Briefly 0.005 cents

Normin exports

A TOTAL value of US$1.064 billion in freight-on-board (FOB) was noted for the total regional exports (TRE) of region 10, last year, higher by 14.85 percent compared to US$926.91 million in FOB in 2010.

FOB is the transport cost of the export commodities was paid for by the country of destination, Director Linda O. Boniao of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), region 10 said.

Boniao said on a per province performance, Misamis Oriental had the biggest contribution of US$541.40 million or 50.86 percent of the TRE, followed by Lanao del Norte with US$303.25 million or 28.49 percent.

Bukidnon came next with US$114.94 or 10.80 percent, Misamis Occidental with US$104.68 million or 9.83 percent and Camiguin with US$0.24 million or 0.02 percent.

By MELANIE RIVERA, Staff member

T

HE National Power Corp. (Napocor) will fast-track the rehabilitation of the Pulangui hydroelectric power plant in a bid to shorten the power gap in Mindanao, the agency said in a statement last Friday.

The agency wants to finish repair works in the power plant by May 16 rather than the original target of May 19.

“All the contingency and safety measures related to the shutdown of Pulan-

gui 4 are already in place, and we will update on the progress of the rehabilitation project, as we aim to fast-track the repair works and the power maintenance servicing,” Rudy P. Brioso, vice-president for Mindanao

Generation of Napocor, said.

Unit 4 of the 255-megawatt (MW) Pulangui hydroelectric power plant was shut down earlier this week to allow for repair and maintenance works in its equipment. Napocor earmarked P7.11 million for the repair work.

The shutdown of the power plant means there will be a gap of around 120 MW in Mindanao which is already struggling with the lack of electricity and is already experiencing rotating brownouts in some areas.

Napocor said it is “working closely with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to ensure that the 30-day shutdown of Pulangui 4 will not aggravate the power situation in Mindanao.”

“Among other measures, the two parties have agreed to optimize the use of the Agus hydroelectric power plant complex to make up for generation loss. At the same time, all other scheduled generator outages were canceled, Finally, Napocor PIMENTEL NAPOCOR/PAGE 11

Pimentel opposes privatization of hydro power plants

Good governance

MARAWI City -- The governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) underscored the importance of good governance in promoting and maintaining peace and order.

Governor Mujiv Hataman said good governance is much related to peace and order citing that if governance at the barangay, municipal, and provincial levels is functional then peace and order problems can be addressed easily.

“How will you put a stop to kidnapping and other criminal activities if the barangay captain is not in the barangay, if the mayor is not also in the municipality?” he pointed out.

He further said that functional governance is the sustainable solution and deterrent to peace and order problems.

Bukidnon’s Dahilayan Adventure Park and Cagayan de Oro’s whitewater rafting are among the region’s biggest tourism pontentials.

FILE PHOTOS

Tourists arrival in Normin up by 10%

By RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Contributor

A TOTAL tourists arrival of 1,632,862 was noted in Northern Mindanao, Region 10, last year, higher by 10.07 percent compared to 1,483,525 tourists in 2010.

Of this figure, 83,732 or 5.13 percent were for-

eigners, while 1,549,130 or 94.87 percent were domestic tourists, Director Catalino E. Chan III of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Region 10, said.

He said the number of foreign tourists increased by 89.89 percent from the previous year’s 44,094, while the domestic tourists also

increased by 7.62 percent from 1,439,431 tourists in 2011.

Chan said Bukidnon was the most favorite destination of the foreigners with the most number of 46,748 representing 55.83 percent of the total foreign tourists followed by the Cagayan de Oro (CdO)-Misamis

Oriental (CDO/Mis. Or.) Cluster with 26,550 or 31.71 percent.

Camiguin was next with 8,552 or 10.21 percent, Iligan City-Lanao del Norte (IC/LDN) Cluster, 1,049 or 1.25 percent and Ozamiz City-Tangub CityMisamis Occidental (OC/ TOURISTS/PAGE 11

SENATOR Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III opposed the government plan to privatize the remaining Napocor hydro power plants in Agus, Lanao del Sur and Pulangui, Bukidnon.

“The public sentiment I can feel here in the Mindanao power summit is that the people of Mindanao are against the privatization of the remaining Napocor generating plants which are primarily hydro-powered,” said Pimentel.

“Defer privatization until we review the performance of the Epira (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) law and find out why the promises of benefits have not been fulfilled.”

Pimentel noted that among Epira’s promises is to spur competition within the power sector and to lower electricity rates.

PIMENTEL/PAGE 11

Mindanao leaders to formulate policy agenda ADVERTISING CORPORATION Upper Apitong, Macanhan Road, Carmen-Ilaya, Cagayan de Oro City (088)856-9995 • (08822) 72-99-99 email: bansqual@ultracraftadvertising.com

MINDANAO leaders are going to formulate policy agenda affecting the region’s competitiveness, develop solutions and ensure support from the national govern-

ment.

This would be spearheaded by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (PCCI), which will gather inputs from the Mindanao regional business conferences of the PCCI. MinDA and PCCI will LEADERS/PAGE 9

BusinessWeek Economy 2 Visit Samal Island program set to be bigger this 2012 April 23-26, 2012

By RUDOLF IAN G. ALAMA, Contributor

DAVAO City -- A bigger Visit Samal Island (VSI) program will be held this year with multi-sectoral partners linking up for the event.

This, according to Cleto Gales, Island Garden City of Samal City administrator, who announced that the city is only allocating a budget of P250,000.

Gales cited the partnership of the different sectors particularly the

pr ivate business es in pushing for the program which links up the LGU, the Department of Tourism Region XI, and the private sector tourism stakeholders-the Samal City Resort Owners Association.

The VSI campaign,

MINDANAO

which used to be a monthlong event is now extended up to three months, lasting until July. The event is marked by cultural presentations, sporting events, beach parties, concerts, and other forms of merriment.

The Visit Samal 2012, banners the tagline “Where life is fun,” is the second staging of the unique marketing strategy started last year which aimed at increasing tourism arrivals

and putting Samal on the map as the destination of choice for domestic and local tourists.

According to Gregorio Boy Sarmiento, the private sector representative in the VSI executive committee, they have created many first-time events which would draw in more tourists. Among these are the Davao Gulf Line Fishing contest, Miss Body Beautiful pageant, and a Level III shooting competition.

Also from May 4 to 6,

the island will play host to an environment, arts, and music festival dubbed as the Pigkayasan Festival under the initiative of the 2nd district congressional office under Representative Anton Ladgameo.

The VSI 2012 will formally open this April 21, with grand motorcade around Samal Island and a silent drill conducted by the visiting cadets of the Philippine Military Academy.

Jennifer Cariaga, tourism officer of the city said

that they are hoping to build on the success of last year’s VSI. “According to DOT data there was 64% increase in tourism traffic compared to the same period last year,” Cariaga said citing the positive effect of last year’s campaign.

“We are targeting a 100 percent increase in tourism arrivals,” Cariaga added, hoping that a much bigger VSI would bring in more tourists to Samal.

Surigao Norte to hold job fair, mobile passporting in Siargao SURIGAO City -- The provincial government of Surigao del Norte will simultaneously conduct a mobile passporting and job fair in Siargao Island next month.

Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Provincial Chief Emilio Pantejo said jobs seekers and those who want to have their passport renewed or those applying for new passports can take advantage of the

opportunity while taking the time to also enjoy the summer activities in Siargao Island.

According to Pantejo, both activities will be conducted on May 7 to 8 at Dapa Municipal Gymnasium in Dapa town in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, National

Statistics Office (NSO), PESO, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Pantejo said several P OE A a c c re d ite d re cruitment agencies will conduct interviews and hiring.

“Interested applicants should bring with them p e r t i n e nt d o c u m e nt s such as passports, training certificates, bio-data and others,” he said.

For the mobile passp or ting, Pantejo s aid applicants are advised to bring with them the required documents such as NSO certified birth certificates for the new applicants, three colored photos as specified by the DFA, marriage contract, valid IDs and other supporting documents, and P1,200 processing fee.

Pantejo further revealed that the said activities are in support to the nationwide celebration of National Service Day on May 9 and the Health, Education and Environment, Agri-Aquaculture, Livelihood and Spiritual Renewal (HEALS) agenda of Gov. Sol Matugas and the office of Congressman Francisco Matugas.

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

Companies

Get the service that you deserve with Sun Cellular CUSTOMER service has become a main differentiator in practically all industries, including the very competitive and fast-paced telecom marketplace.

As new technology becomes available, and service offerings become similar, it all boils down on who can deliver the best service at the right price.

Sun Cellular has always been known to offer best value products, particularly its unlimited service offerings. However, what more and more customers are discovering is that despite its relatively inexpensive pricing level, the kind of service being rendered at the Sun Cellular customer contact points is more than what customers expect.

Subscriber Dex has this

to say for one of Sun Cellular’s hotline agents: “She was very nice. Nakikinig sya sa akin despite my irate mood.

Talagang nakinig siya ng maayos at nakinig sa aking mga hinaing at very accommodating and empathetic.

Kindly commend her for a job well done.”

Meanwhile, subscriber Rich said that “I really appreciate what you have done.

I’d like to apologize kung bakit ako naging ganun. You really did a good job. Thank you for the great work and your commitment. Sana marinig ng manager mo or ng iyong direct superior.”

And the commendations keep on coming! This is what subscriber Christian has to say about Enzo, one of Sun Cellular’s hotline agents: “This is my 2nd time

commending Enzo for a job well done. Because of him, my 2 weeks of connection problems have ended and he’s done it quickly and efficiently. You might want to treat him to Starbucks!”

These commendations are not limited to Sun Cellular’s hotline channel either.

Check out these screenshots from popular social networking sites: People may say that sincere customer service is easy to do when representatives hide behind the anonymity of the telephone or the internet. Subscriber Joan (not her real name) one day made her way to a Sun Shop branch to pay her phone bill, and when the Sun Broadband Wireless (SBW) service caught her SUN/PAGE 9

3 Ayala doubles budget share of hotel segment for 2012 April 23-26, 2012

LISTED DEVELOPER Ayala Land, Inc. is ramping up spending for its hotel portfolio this year to take advantage of the government’s focus on growing the tourism industry.

“We will be spending around 13% of our total capex this year for hotels as tourism is seen to be the next driver of the economy,” Jaime E. Ysmael, Ayala Land chief finance officer, said.

This is higher than the 6% budget share allotted for hotel development last year out of a total 2011 capital expenditure of P29.91 billion, according to the company’s annual report.

For 2012, Ayala Land has allotted a record P37 billion in capex to fund around 67 new projects with an estimated sales value of P90 billion, as well as for the

acquisition of new properties moving forward.

“With the impact of the government’s new tourism campaign and the PPP (public-private partnership) initiatives that will improve the country’s connectivity and access, there is no way but up for Philippine tourism, in addition to the country’s natural attractiveness in terms of people and places,” Mr. Ysmael added.

This year, Ayala Land will be opening the 349room Holiday Inn and Suites Makati in Ayala Center, which is expected

NGCP clarifies research on penetration limits of RE into the grid SYSTEM operator and transmission s er vice provider National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has rejected allegations that it is arbitrarily limiting the installation targets of renewable energy (RE) resources to be connected to the grid.

NGCP and its partners from the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and China Electric Power Research Institute (CE-

PRI) conducted a technical analysis last year to study how to guard the grid against the effects of the unpredictable nature of intermittent RE. NGCP clarified that the interim report presented to the Department of Energy last year was not a final recommendation on the installation targets. Other considerations for setting the targets like financial and rate impacts are already

outside of NGCP’s purview.

The study’s technical considerations included the electric power system stability and actual available ancillary service under present regulation. The final maximum integration capacity will still depend on the actual available ancillary service.

“The main objective of the research was to help ensure the reliability, quality and security of the

power network even with the entry of intermittent renewable energy sources and technologies into the dispatch program of NGCP. We focused on the technical requirements for the levels of intermittent capacities that can penetrate the power system at any given time, without compromising the condition of the entire network,” NGCP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza said.

Alabanza reiterated that assumptions on the integration level are still dependent on the availability and sufficiency of regulating reserves. The said capacities may be increased only if additional regulating reserve will be made available.

Alabanza added that developing technical certification and considering the mandatory technical NGCP/PAGE 9

to be fully operational by early next year Holiday Inn will cater to a broader target market than more upscale accommodations in the area, and will also strengthen the company’s hotel portfolio in the central business district, Jose Emmanuel H. Jalandoni, Ayala Land senior-vice president, said in a separate interview yesterday.

At present, Ayala Land’s hotel portfolio of 634 rooms consists of Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City and the Cebu City Marriott.

In addition, Ayala Land will be rolling out the first two hotels of its flagship Kukun boutique hotel brand this year.

“Bonifacio Global City will open this October, while CDO (Cagayan de Oro) should follow and open in the latter part of the year as well,” Mr. Jalandoni said, adding that Kukun Davao is slated to open early next year, followed by Kukun Nuvali in Laguna in 2014.

Ayala Land will also be beefing up its resort complex in El Nido, Palawan, by opening its Pangulasian Island Resort this year, in addition to its existing Lagen, Milinoc, and Apulit Island Resorts.

“Pangulasian is a very AYALA/PAGE 9

4

April 23-26, 2012

Companies

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

Hedcor to plant 3000 trees in celebration of Earth Day D

AVAO – A commitment of Hedcor to the living planet that never fades is giving back what is due to nature, an environmental initiative – tree planting. Together with host communities, Hedcor will plant 3000 trees anew on April 24 and 27 in celebration of World’s Earth Day on April 22.

The 2000 narra seedlings nurtured by Hedcor from its nursery in Sibulan Hydropower Plant will be planted at the protected area near Tudaya Falls in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. teammates, representatives from Bagobo-Tagabawa’s Kapiid Ka Banua (Indigenous Peoples community), and the Local Government Unit of Sta. Cruz are expected to join the endeavor.

Volunteers from Hedcor, Inc. with host communities of Talomo Hydropower plants will plant 1000 cacao seedlings at Barangay Cadalian in Baguio District, Davao City.

Early this year, Hedcor planted over 3000 seedlings in the region alone and over

600 hectares are already covered in the adopted 1000 hectares of the protected area of Mt. Apo National Park.

Aside from tree planting, Hedcor also widened its scope in protecting and enhancing the watershed through river clean up, water monitoring against pollution, among others.

H e d c o r, I n c . w a s awarded the Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) seal of approval of Department of Environment and Natural Resources last year, for its environmental activities beyond compliance.

Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. is currently under validation of PEPP for this year.

Hedcor, the AboitizPo w e r w h o l l y - o w n e d subsidiary, is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower systems with 19 generating plants in thecountr y. B eing ISO 14001:2004 certified for Environment Management Systems, Hedcor allotted reforestation-related ac- NARRA SEEDLINGS. Hedcor vice president Engr. Boy Jabonillo and the Environmental team inspect the 2000 narra tivities in 2012 to maintain seedlings to be planted near Tudaya falls on April 24. The tree planting is in celebration of Earth Day, the perfect the watershed. time to show what Hedcor is doing to help protect the environment.

Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) is a Filipino, Catholic and Jesuit academic institution in Cagayan de Oro. Founded in 1933, it was the first to be granted University Status among the five schools affiliated with the Ateneo system. XU has recognized Centers of Development in Agriculture, Teacher Education and Engineering, and its programs are accredited by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities.

Director for Human Resources Responsibilities:

Undertakes manpower planning and forecasting Supervises and manages the recruitment, selection, and placement of employees Establishes and implements systems and procedures for the performance evaluation, including ranking and promotion of all employees Administers the compensation and benefits program of the university Supervises the development, management, and implementation of a comprehensive career development program for new, current, and retiring employees Attends to issues on labor-management relations (e.g. employee discipline, grievances) Initiates and manages the development and installation of Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS)

Requirements:

Five years experience in Human Resource work, two years of which should have been in supervisory or managerial capacity A Master’s degree in Human Resources or any management course is an advantage Exceptional strategic planning, organizing and leadership skills Excellent interpersonal relations sensitivity skill Knowledge in managerial accounting and negotiating skill are an advantage

Interested applicants, please email your resume with recent photo and 3 references together with your cover letter (all in PDF) addressed to the University President to xusearch@gmail.com not later than April 25, 2012 or send them to Office of the University President Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City Phone: (+6388) 858-3116 local 2034 Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

April 23-26, 2012

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April 23-26, 2012

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BusinessWeek MINDANAO

A Two-Way Conversation THINK a minute…

Do you sometimes wonder why you didn’t get what you prayed for? Does God really listen and answer our prayers? Is talking with God just something we do to make us feel good about ourselves? How should we pray?

Some people sit back after they pray and wait for God to bring them what they want like a waiter in a restaurant?

A wise man said: “We are a part of the answer to every prayer that we pray.”

So if we ask God to help us do better in school, then we must do our part of studying more and maybe even getting extra help from someone.

We can’t expect God to magically put the answers into our brain the day of the

test! It could be that while we’re waiting for God to do something, He’s waiting for us to do our part and responsibility.

Prayer is a two-way conversation. Prayer is not us getting God to do what we want; it’s more God telling us what He wants so we can learn how to live His successful, satisfying life. And He’s already told us how to live well through Jesus Christ’s life and teaching, the whole Bible, as well as through our thoughts while we’re listening to Him in prayer.

Imagine if God always gave us everything we ask for. Then we would just give Him our orders, forget Him, and go on living our own way. But God created each of us to enjoy a daily, personal relationship with

Him. Maybe He’s not giving us exactly what we’re asking for to get our attention, so we’ll start getting closer to Him so we can listen and learn His right, happy way of living. You see, prayer does not only change things, prayer changes US! Other times God wants us to wait, even when we ask Him for good things, because He knows our real reasons and motives are wrong and greedy. Or, if we’re asking God to change someone else instead of changing us, then that problem or difficult person may not go away because God wants us to change our heart and attitude toward that person or problem. He’s doing what is best in the long run not only for us, but for everyone else involved.

Remember, He is the only

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST One Who can see the big picture or puzzle of life. He knows how everything works and fits together both now and years later! So why not have a real, honest two-way conversation with Him right now? Ask Him to take full charge of your heart and way of living everyday, so He can start showing you His special plan for your life.

Just think a minute…

A Gaming Casino in Cagayan de Oro City?

SOME thought of the business community and civil society over the weekend on the return of a gaming casino in our city deserves a review by both our elected local and national legislators of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.

The public pulse is whether we host the casino right smack in the city proper or find alternative location for the casino in some areas away from the residential zones, schools and places of worships and not just in any 200 meters distant radius as prescribed by law.

An economic zone in Misamis Oriental is just 21 kilometers from City Hall and about 35 minutes travel time by car. It is an enterprise zone reserved but which is not fully occupied by manufacturing locators.

The zone was created

by Presidential Decree No. 358, which amended to the

original P. D. 253 otherwise known as the Philippine Veterans Industrial Development Corporation or PHIVIDEC which is a good alternative to host a casino and other leisure locators.

As a backgrounder, P. D. 358 was promulgated in August 13, 1974 during the incumbency of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos when the Philippines were under Martial Law. It has the vision for the industrialization and economic development of southern Philippines through job creation both for retired military officials and the growing manpower force in the technical field of engineering and labor.

Inspired perhaps by the success of the Iligan Integrated Steel Mills in the early 70’s, Marcos has the PHIVIDEC charter drafted designed for industrial and manufacturing activities in Misamis Oriental with

the military in mind as beneficiary.

During those years, nothing of the information technology (IT) or electronic gaming (E-Games) was then heard off when P. D. 358, was promulgated.

In comparison today, the information technology (IT) form the backbone of doing business worldwide through fast and efficient transmission of data and communication infrastructure that shape business, banking and industries.

It is the efficient technology that powers the Internet and Business Outsourcing or BPO. Many of the Java scripts and other configurations in the data transmissions connecting cyber terminals for inter active gaming is made faster at a mouse click. Gaming and inter-active gambling generates Billion Dollars yearly revenues from countries that legalized gambling opera-

Regulation of Pawnshops (First of Two Parts) PAWNSHOPS have proliferated in the country. Have you ever wondered if they are supervised by any government agency to protect financial consumers?

According to the Integrated Supervision Division II (ISD II) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the financial system is composed of two groups: banks and non-financial intermediaries (investment houses, savings and loan associations, brokerage, etc.).

Pawnshops, which are considered non-financial intermediaries, are small in terms of required capitalization. As an industry, they represent a very minimal portion of the Philippine financial system.

The Bangko Sentral’s ISD II, headed by Deputy Director Ma. Belinda G. Caraan,

said the total pawnshop industry resources make up just 0.30% (P26.403 billion) of the total Philippine financial system as of 31 December 2010.

Nonethless, pawnshops still play a key role in the economy by lending to people who would otherwise fail to qualify for loans from banks.

Pawnshops easily appeal to those in quick need of money because loans are granted without the need for a credit investigation—the collateral or the pawned item is the sole basis for granting the loan.

As I mentioned earlier, pawnshops can be found everywhere, from supermalls to public markets, to urbanized cities and the rural countryside.

While the pawnshop industry’s total resources pale in comparison to other financial institutions, the

Bangko Sentral notes that the industry’s strength can be drawn from the sheer number of its operating units which dominate the financial system.

As of September 30, 2011, BSP-registered pawnshops totaled 15,596, consisting of 6,367 head offices and 9,229 branches.

On the other hand, banks and other financial institutions that are under the supervision and regulation of the Bangko Sentral totaled only 8,913, consisting of 766 head offices and 8,147 branches.

Since 2005, the number of pawnshops has grown by 6,368 units (61.4%)—or an average of 900 units per year. So what are the laws and regulations covering the Philippine pawnshop industry? The late President Ferdinand Marcos signed into law Presidential Decree No. 114 or the “Pawnshop

TRAVERSING THE TOURISM HI-WAY

PED T. QUIAMJOT tions through the net.

Since Misamis Oriental is linked to the BIMP-EAGA economic sphere and people’s mobility. This rationale can be a major hub for legalized gambling and other leisure economic activities to be encouraged in Northern Mindanao. At the moment, only PHIVIDEC can provide at a lesser cost with a faster electronic transactions due to the existence of available infrastructures QUIAMJOT/PAGE 7

SPEAKING OUT

IGNACIO BUNYE Regulation Act” on January 29, 1973.

PD No. 114 gave the Bangko Sentral’s predecessor, the Central Bank of the Philippines, the task to regulate and supervise the registration and operation of pawnshops in the Philippines.

The Bangko Sentral, for its part, has the Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Intermediaries-P Regulations, which contains the rules and regulations governing pawnshops.

BUNYE/PAGE 9

BusinessWeek

April 23-26, 2012

MINDANAO

Quiamjot... from page 6

to host secured data based communication facilities.

Looking back on the intricacies and the web of the Marcos Presidency whose powers and authority during Martial Law years was then back up by the military, it was imperative and with a sense of gratitude that Presidential Decree 358, was conceived to repay and reward the military establishment, who keep the former President in power as the major PHIVIDEC beneficiary.

The decree under Section 6, thereof, requires that only “retired military officials or veterans with educational qualifications in law and finance who may be appointed to the PHIVIDEC board to exercise corporate powers”.

Their charter also provides that 50 % of its revenues must be flowed back to the corporation to pay for loans amortizations acquired by the industrial estate which was guaranteed by the national government at the time of its inception. The other 50% was for the operational and maintenance cost of the estate.

How much of the 50% was remitted to the national government from 1974 up to the fiscal year 2011? This could perhaps be subjected to COA audit or Congressional inquiry if the estate is making money or was it wasting the people’s money? Should there be a need to review its charter for fine tuning to the

economies of our time?

PHIVIDEC under Section 7 of their charter has the power to issue bonds or incur indebtedness. Can the economic zone show proof of steady economic development through new investment locators and reflect a net profit in its financial statement? If not, can the existing zone be able to maximize its economic potentials and how?

Through some amendments to its charter, other economic undertakings can be pursued by the economic zone particularly on tourism, leisure and amusement.

It has more than 3,000 hectares of land area allocated for its development with absolute power granted by its charter to expropriate public and private lands covered by the zone. Today, less than 60% of its land properties are economically productive or developed and by 2024, the life expectancy of the corporation will expire.

Today, inter active gambling and e-games are part of the casino business which is a natural tourism attraction to lure the tourist market to come to the Philippines.

Economic zones are good locations for the infrastructures of gambling activities. These are out of the residential areas, far from schools and place of worships.

The autonomy of economic zones from local government taxation and supervisions gives more flexibility for gambling casinos to operate without tax for two

years or more guaranteed by the Government through the BOI Omnibus Tax Incentive laws.

This has been pioneered and proven by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) in northern Philippines which is hosting 2 gambling casinos and Jai Alai games. Gambling as leisure should not be opposed but instead supported by the community through zoning location. It has its pros and cons but at the end it can create the economic activity to provide jobs and bring the food to table in many Misamis Oriental households.

PHIVIDEC under Section 15 of their charter provides reparability clause, to change or pursue other undertakings not contrary to law. Through a progressive legislation by our lawmakers, perhaps PHIVIDEC can host inter active gambling casinos as alternative locators in the near future. The people of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental should welcome this development.

Should gambling casinos be located instead at the economic zone? It can transform PHIVIDEC to a more vibrant and economically self sufficient zone.

Preserving the ways of the city as most Cagayanon’s wanted it to be at the same time avoiding collision with the church and the pulse of the civil society is perhaps a good winning ground and meeting of minds?

7

Are You Forgetting Something?

(First of Two Parts) AS I was waiting for my flight, which happened to be delayed by no less than 3 hours ( which accordingly was brought about by a rocket launch from our Asian neighbour ), I happened to read in one of the leading papers an article that mentioned on the rising number of cases of DEMENTIA. What is alarming is the projection of the number of cases, which is set to triple by year 2059, with figures set at 114.5 millions. It got me into my thinking mode: wow! Does it mean that, with an aging population, and say, if I were to reach the age of 60, I might be a candidate for this? Or, if for some reason, since I do have a tendency to be forgetting ( hidden under the guise of MISPLACING a key or a book, which I often attribute to so many things inside my mind ), would it make me a likely candidate to developing DEMENTIA? We often hear that, forgetfulness or memory loss is equated with the aging process. But, how can one explain a 90 year old whose mind is as sharp as a 20 year old, or for a 45 year old who happens to misplace his things, from car keys to cellular phone to documents? I would say, that one way or the other,

we have had episodes of losing things, or missing out on an appointment or a date, and even getting lost....

DEMENTIA is not a specific disease, rather it describes a group of symptoms affecting intellectual and social abilities that when severe, can interfere with the day to day activities. Memory loss, difficulty in communicating, planning, coordination, as well as personality changes that may range from paranoia, agitation, hallucination. Thus, it is not uncommon to find one, who may forget even their love ones, or, lose one’s way to his/ her home.

Although, the most common cause of Dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease ( to be discussed next week ), I am more interested for now, with those that are reversible in nature. If it is reversible, it means, that, something can be done about it, thus, making the changes temporary and preventable. A classic example is that caused by metabolic deficiencies: Vitamins B1, B6, B12 when deficient can lead to dementia. Hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar ), too much or too little of Sodium, Calcium , presence of infections affecting the brain as in meningitis or encephalitis , and even drug reactions are other

reasons for developing Dementia.

As one increases in age, the probability of one experiencing the disease likewise increases. So does a positive family history.

Though, there are cases who have no history whatsoever of a family member diagnosed with it. It is the risk factor that we can do something about that truly matters: control of blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, alcohol and smoking. Simply put, lifestyle has a lot to do in terms of ensuring that one’s risk of eventually developing Dementia is lessened or minimized.

To age gracefully and maintain one’s capacity to think, to remember, and do things for one’s satisfaction, with minimal curtailment of one’s activities, not just for self but for others, is a blessing indeed, when one reaches the golden years and ten of one’s life....

8

Corp.Board

April 23-26, 2012

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

NOMINEE TO BWM AWARDS

T

HE first sugarmill in Bukidnon was erected in Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon sometime in 1975.

It was erected by the Marubeni Corporation of Japan for Bukidnon Sugar Milling Co., Inc. with a capacity of 4000 TCD.

It had its first milling season on December 21, 1976 to May 22, 1977 for which it crushed 148,530.96 tons cane and manufactured 260,056.00 piculs raw sugar with an average of 1.75 piculs sugar per ton cane. The area planted was 1,908 hectares from 54 planters, mostly from big farms around the mill.

In the succeeding years, the sugar cane agricultural development prospered progressively such that after six years, for CY 1981-82, the mill crushed 894,752.04 tons cane and manufactured 1,488,254 piculs sugar. The mill was serving 1,167 planters cropping about 14,000 hectares.

It was about the limit of the capacity to mill for a 4000 TCD Mill. Therefore, the company undertook a capacity expansion program from 4000 TCD to 6000 TCD. After the second year of expansion to 6000 TCD, the mill attained its highest production of 1,574,768 piculs raw sugar from 18,795.67 hectares.

The assets bought from the APT includes also a 230 hectares property situated in Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon which is 11 kilometers away from Poblacion Quezon, Bukidnon and 140 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro City.

Busco Sugar Milling Co., Inc. was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with an authorized capital of P800 Million and a paid up capital of P400 Million on September

16, 1988.

Upon take-over, the new owners embarked on a rehabilitation and expansion program.

In keeping with their commitments to the sugarcane planters, it conducted its initial milling campaign, on schedule, for CY 1988-89. Since then, it has successfully completed fourteen (14) milling campaigns producing about 11.15% of the total national sugar production each year.

Plant modernization and capacity expansion continued without let-up. For Crop Year 199293, Busco has already reached a capacity of 10000 TCD and crushed a total of 1,752,164.29 tons cane and manufactured 3,358,800 L-Kgs., marking the biggest productions then in the history of the sugar industry in Bukidnon.

This Crop Year 2002-2003, Busco has hit a high of 14,538.83 tons cane milled and sugar produce of 1,450,713.62 kilos on January 7, 2003.

Since its construction in 1975 until its capacity expansion reached 10000 TCD in 1993, Busco had a total of three units of 1.7 MW steam turbine generators rated at 460V 3PH 60HZ. In addition, two Diesel Gensets were commissioned rated at 750 KW and 400 KW at 480V used as stand-by units.

Shortly thereafter, an 8,000 KW steam turbine generator rated at 4160V 3PH 60 HZ was commissioned in April 1994 to supply the additional energy demand. All of these equipment including the mill drives requiring super-heated steam for the prime mover power, are supported by four Boilers with three Boilers rated at 60 TPH with 20 kg./cm2 pressure and one 70 TPH with 31 kg./cm2 pressure.

To complete its cogeneration facility, a 10 MVA 416/69 KV outdoor substation intercon-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10th Judicial Region BRANCH 28 Mambajao, Camiguin IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE RECORDS OF BIRTHS IN THE OFFICE OF LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, MARCH LOU O. MAESTRADO, -versus –

SPL. PROC. NO. 452

Petitioner,

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MAMBAJAO, PROVINCE OF CAMIGUIN, Respondent.

X---------------------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Petitioner, March Lou O. Maestrado is of legal age, Filipino, single and resident of Anito, Mambajao, Camiguin, thru the Public Attorney’s Office, alleges, that he was born on March 31, 1990 at Anito, Mambajao, Camiguin to Spouses Merelo P. Maestrado and Emma V. Obedencio whose birth was duly recorded in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Mambajao, Camiguin as shown in the machine copy of his Certificate of Live Birth but which birth record erroneously recorded his Sex as Female when in fact and in truth he is a MALE and the middle initial at the bottom portion of the said Birth Certificate is erroneously recorded as P. when it should be O. for Obedencio. In order to correct such erroneous entries this petition is filed.

The petition being sufficient in form and substance is hereby set for hearing in this Court’s Session Hall on June 1, 2012 to start at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Let copy of this Order and of the petition and its annexes be sent to each of the following: Office of the Solicitor General; Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Mambajao, Camiguin and the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Camiguin.

A copy of this Order is required to be published at petitioner’s expense in any newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Camiguin once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing.

Any person or entity whose interest might be adversely affected by the proceedings in this case may file written opposition and personally appear during the hearing and substantiate the same.

SO ORDERED. Done in Mambajao, Camiguin, this 21st day of March 2012.

BWM: APRIL 9, 16, & 23, 2012

(Sgd.) RUSTICO D. PADERANGA Judge

necting with the National Power Corporation Mindanao Grid was commissioned on April 4, 1995 to supply 4 MW of its excess power to NPC. A total of 3,770,212 KW have been exported to the NPC Mindanao Grid during the initial year of co-generation.

The acquisition of the NASUREFCO Refinery by Busco further added 2.2 MW steam turbine generator and a 50-tons per hour Clarke Chapman Boiler.

The Bukidnon Milling District is now the second biggest sugarcane milling district in the entire Philippines. It encompasses the towns of Quezon, Valencia, Malaybalay, Lantapan, Cabanglasan, Sumilao, Impasugong, San Fernando, Maramag, Pangantucan, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Dangcagan, Kibawe, Kadingilan, and Damulog, all within the province of Bukidnon and with its expansion in Wao, Lanao Del Sur and Banisilan, North Cotabato, in the heartland of Mindanao.

Busco Milling District gener-

ates some P 3.5 B in the form of revenue from raw and refined sugar and molasses. It contributes over P 300 M to the government in the form of taxes.

Consistent with its Corporate Vision, Busco has acquired the existing 550 MT NASUREFCO Refinery at P310 Million in an open bidding with APT. The Refinery was turned over to Busco last June 27, 1996. Its vision of forward integration has been substantially achieved.

After the turnover, Busco has acquired the services of consultants from the Tate and Lyle Ltd. to assess the refinery’s machinery and equipment. A little over a year of rehabilitation works were done, the refinery has started its initial year of operations on July 1997 and has a targeted production of 2,000,000 bags refined sugar every season. With technology shared in refining process from Central Azucarera de Don Pedro in Batangas, Busco reached 12,000-13,000 bags mark refining capacity last September 1999.

The refinery attained a production of 1,880,343 L-kg. of Refined Sugar in its first milling operation from September 1, 1997 to August 31, 1998 and a production of 2,101,958 L-kg. of Refined Sugar in the second year from September 1, 1998 to August 31, 1999. On the third year, CY 1999-2000, 2,762,251 L-kg. of Refined Sugar was produced and 2,856,772 L-kg for CY 2000-2001.

Busco will continue to move to new levels of efficiency and quality. Its sugar refinery is already equipped with the latest technology in pan automation.

A Siemens vacuum pan automation system is already in place improving product quality and steam economy.

A Hoechst automatic filter press is installed at its filter station, substantially reducing sugar losses thereat. This had helped increase its refining yields to very high levels.

In terms of product quality, Busco refinery now produces about 80% throughput in the form of Bottler’s Grade and Premium

Grade Refined Sugar.

But Busco did not forget to look for avenues to improve its milling services to the sugarcane growers of Bukidnon. Before Crop Year 1999-2000 ha d started and in its preparation for the turn of century milling season, the raw house milling tandem has been enhanced further by upgrading another 2 sets of steam turbines and reduction gears from 600 KW to 900 KW. This has strengthened Busco‘s milling capacity and sucrose extraction even further.

For Crop Year 2002-2003, Busco has milled 2,592,320.120 tons cane from 60,000 hectares of 10,238 sugarcane farmers or planters and has manufactured 4,973,106.19 kilobags raw sugar with an average LKG/TC of 1.92.

Compared to the other biggest sugar producers, again, Busco remarkably made it ranked the second biggest sugar producer in the country today.

We are on target with our mission to excel. We will be there within the first decade of the 21st Century.

Environment, livelihood advocate eyes Senate slot

By PAT SAMONTE Correspondent

BUTUAN City -- A multiawarded militant for environmental conservation and preservation, and active advocate of livelihood programs for the poor has set her eyes on a Senate slot in next year’s midterm election.

Former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia A. Villar is now on a trailblazing trail to Mindanao’s major cities to be in touch with former Congress colleagues, local officials and leaders to boost her political stock and chances.

The three-term former solon, is in her first attempt to break into the national political scene as an aspirant to replace her husband, Senator Manny Villar, who seemed not keen in running for any elective position in 2013.

Former Rep. Villar made waves when she filed last March16, a Petition for Writ of Kalikasan with the Supreme Court against a major land reclamation project along the Bacoor-Las Piñas-Parañaque coastline of the Manila Bay. Named respondents in the petition are Altech Contractors, Inc., Philippine Reclamation Authority, Department of Environment and Natural

Villar

Resources, Environmental Management Bureau and the City Government of Las Piñas.

Villar filed the petition in her behalf and in representation of the more than 300,000 residents of Las Piñas City.

According to Villar’s petition, the implementation of the reclamation project will result in the inundation of numerous barangays in Las Piñas, Parañaque and Bacoor, Cavite under more than 5 meters of floodwater.

It said, the project will also wreak havoc on a critical habitat and ecotourism area consisting of over 175,307

hectares of land in Las Piñas and Parañaque.

The wildlife habitat is home to more than 195 species of birds some of which are the most endangered in the world and can only be found in the area.

The project will result in the habitat being cut off from Manila Bay and the mangroves found therein would perish due to lack of saltwater, leading to the breakdown of the ecosystem, the petition said.

In 2002, Villar and her husband launched the Las Piñas-Zapote River System Rehabilitation Program which was selected by the

Dubai International Award and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme for Best Practice in 2006 for its outstanding contribution towards improving the living environment. The program again, won on March 24, 2009 the Oikos Global Case Writing Competition sponsored by OIKOS FOUNDATION Switzerland for the Sustainable Livelihood Program developed out of river wastes. It received another recognition on November 14, 2000, the Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice in London, United Kingdom.

The most recent recognition for the river rehabilitation program was the United Nations Best Water Management Practices Award in celebration of the Water for Life Decade in Zaragoza, Spain in March, 2011.

In 1992, Villar founded and has chaired the Villar Foundation, which has won various awards for its tree-planting program “Pagtatanim Para sa Kinabukasan”, “Sagip Bukas”, a school-based movement for a drug-free Las Piñas, and “Manpower on Wheels”, a mobile livelihood program providing training in employable skills.

9 Misor.Today Airport capacity expansions underway

BusinessWeek

April 23-26, 2012

MINDANAO

Leaders...

from page 1 consolidate the results of this year’s consultations and use these to formulate the initial draft of a policy agenda for Mindanao.

MinDA will provide the draft policy agenda by early June to concerned secretaries of the Aquino Cabinet, for them to review with their departments.

The draft will be refined further at high-level roundtable discussions that will serve as a prelude to the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), which will be held on August 2-4 in Butuan City.

The event will allow Cabinet officials and the private sector to focus together on specific issues and bottlenecks affecting Mindanao’s competitiveness, and to develop appropriate commitments from government agencies, the business community and other stakeholders.

The final draft of the Mindanao Business Policy Agenda will be presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III at the 21st MinBizCon. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, is also supporting the holding of the consultation meetings.

USAID, through the GEM Program, provides assistance to business support organizations to help them implement development strategies that will improve the competitiveness of major industries in Mindanao.

The broad-based regional consultations started on April April 18, covering the areas of western Mindanao and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); Cagayan de Oro City on April 24 for northern and eastern Mindanao; and General Santos City on May 8 for central and southern Mindanao.

“These consultations are part of our continuing efforts in policy modification and advocacy to ensure that Mindanao imperatives in key sectors are addressed by the national government,” said MinDA Secretary Luwalhati Antonino.

Issues pertaining to the power, agriculture, mining and transport sectors dominated last year’s discussions.

“PCCI local chambers nationwide, through our regional governors and area vice presidents, provide our national board with inputs with which to formulate national policy positions,” said PCCI Secretary-General Crisanto Frianeza.

“The Mindanao chambers are privileged to have an able partner in MinDA,” Frianeza said. “When the chambers come up with policy recommendations, MinDA assists not only in facilitating discussions but in providing inputs on how these recommendations can be refined.”

“More importantly, the chambers and the government, through MinDA, readily find common ground and are able to push together for these recommendations,” he added.

“We are working closely

THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is planning to modernize airports in the country to meet rising air traffic volumes.

Under the initiative, the DOTC is currently upgrading the airport terminals of Davao International Airport, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Puerto Princesa, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

DOTC undersecretary, Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, said: “We are enhancing facilities in our major gateways to help realize our goal of 10 million foreign visitors and 30 million domestic travelers by 2016.”

The department has

also allocated about P500 million for installing additional security screening equipment in all 45 airports across the country serving commercial flights.

The government has approved P1.16 billion funding for enhancing NAIA

1 to meet the world-class airport standards.

Another P500 million was allocated for the architectural, engineering and interior design to enhance the services within NAIA 1, and about P300 million for constructing a rapid exit

taxiway to reduce runway congestion.

NAIA 1 currently serves 7.3 million passengers, which is beyond its designed passenger handling capacity of 4.5 million per year.

The government is also planning to build a new airport in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, with an investment of P4.46 billion, to handle the passengers visiting the 8.2km long Underground Subterranean River which has been listed in the new seven wonders of the world.

DOTC said that the major airport projects are expected to enhance the countr y’s international and domestic air traffic

handling capacity.

Construction on the P7.85 billion Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental is almost completed while the work plan for P5 billion Bohol Airport is being finalized.

DOTC has also aligned among its major projects, the development of New Legaspi (Daraga) Airport with funding allocation of P3.075 billion, which is expected to begin this year until 2015.

DOTC’s move follows Executive Order No. 29 signed last year, setting the ‘Open Skies’ policy and facilitating foreign carriers access to international airports in the country.

Making the Switch

Let the joyride roll ever onward with Roberts AIPMC’s world-class Evercool radiators CAR trouble in the middle of any Philippine road can’t be fun.

It doesn’t matter what it is—an overheating engine, a radiator leak, a cracked tank, a damaged fan; the experience of your car breaking down on your way to work, to school, to your house, to wherever, is never a pleasant one. It’s also likely to cost plenty of time and money, to be spent on emergency phone calls, towing services, repairs at the automotive center, replacement parts, and other incidental fees.

One way to avoid these costs—to prevent the problems from even occurring—is to let the experts take lead.

“A quick and cheap fix might temporarily remedy faulty machinery, but it provides no guarantee that the problem will go away,” says Mike Gonzalez, General Manager of Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation (RAIPMC). “Upon evidence

of any car trouble, too many will act without a sense of urgency, too many will fall into thinking that band-aid solutions are going to address critical issues with the car.”

By “quick and cheap fix”, Gonzalez means the tendency of car owners to buy surplus auto parts, to patronize service shops that don’t offer warranties, or, as a first option, to DIY: do it yourself. But cutting corners isn’t a good idea—especially not in a country where the hightemperature climate and traffic conditions place a significant strain on a car’s engine bay.

Radiators, in particular—the part that cools a vehicle’s internal combustion engine and stabilizes temperature within the entire system—are prone to deterioration and damage. Yet despite the knowledge that the radiator is a priority component, car owners continue to be lured by “cheap and used” instead of “brand new,” by low cost estimates instead of bottomline value.

with PCCI in pushing for Mindanao-specific policies to create an environment conducive to business growth,” said Antonino.

“We recognize the critical role played by the private sector in addressing our peace and development imperatives in the region,” he added. (pna)

“It’s important to realize that problems with a radiator can’t be solved by having it repaired, or by a replacing it with a surplus or used radiator,” notes Gonzalez. “It’s much more practical to make the switch to a brand new radiator.”

To galvanize car owners into action, RAIPMC is working continuously to supply “Evercool,” the company’s acclaimed line of high-quality automotive radiators. Launched in 1993, Evercool has since expanded to include 350 models of radiators, for cars, trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, industrail equipment, even computers and power plants—each model built to deliver world-class performance, rock-solid durability, and valuedriven practicality.

With an ISO 9001:2008-certified quality management system, JIS-compliant (Japanese International Standard) materials, and a manufacturing process that subjects each Evercool radiator to a number of rigid quality

and durability tests, RAIPMC is able to create radiator products that don’t let customers down on the road. The reliability of Evercool, in fact, has already been recognized by its growing clientele of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Isuzu Philippines, Columbian Motors, Pilipinas Hino, and Suzuki.

All Evercool radiators are certified 100 percent leak-free, with a life expectancy of around 100,000 kilometers and—with proper maintenance and care—5 or more years of usage. They are also equipped with more water tubes and cooling fins than that of other radiator brands, thus maximizing cooling efficiency even amidst tropical temperatures and extreme driving conditions.

“By the way it looks and the way it works,” Gonzalez says, “Evercool represents a unique design breakthrough, carefully crafted in a way that helps prevent the car’s engine—and the car owner’s temper—from overheat-

ing.”

RAIPMC’s expertise is not limited to manufacturing. The company is also known for its signature brand of service excellence, something that surplus parts sellers, shady dealers, and less capable service shops can’t claim to provide. Apart from a strong warranty that protects each Evercool radiator against defects, RAIPMC also offers complete radiator assembly, special fabrication, supply of core, and recoring services— delivered by well-trained professionals who work to meet the highest standards and lift the burden off your shoulders (and pockets).

As RAIPMC’s product and service portfolio for Evercool continues to expand, car owners now have a much more valuable solution to car trouble than surplus shopping or a DIY fix. Let the experts take lead—and let the joyride roll ever onward—with Evercool.

make a great difference in your clientele,” she added.

Those are just a few of the happy customers that recognize the efficiency of Sun Cellular’s customer service. Be a Sun Cellular subscriber and you’ll surely get the service that you deserve!

in El Nido. We will be preopening this May, and the resort’s full-blast operations will take place in October,” Mr. Jalandoni said.

Moving forward, Ayala Land is eyeing other sites for future hotel and tourism developments in order to meet its 1,012-room target in the next two years, but nothing has been finalized from page 3 yet, he added. from page 3 This, as Ayala Land high-end project, and is eye, she asked Sun employee President and Chief Execulocated in a pristine beach Ronnel for help.

“I realized that your SBW • Requirements in the product may be something application of new pawnshop from page 6 of use to me. He offered to and new branch; The central monetary have me use the demo unit • Application of the “fit to check the signal and to authority also issues circulars and proper” rule to the board confirm if it would work. and memoranda to strengthen of directors and officers of Fortunately, it worked for its supervision over the pawn- corporate pawnshops; me. So I came back to finally shop industry. Among its • Requirement to mainget the package and have it more recent issuances were tain a prudential capital bundled with my existing Circulars No. 711 and 656 ratio based on the amount plan. Again, Ronnel was dated January 28, 2011 and of loans, i.e., 50% or P1.5 there to assist,” said the June 2, 2009, respectively. million capital for the first Both of the circulars signifihappy Joan through e-mail. cantly updated the country’s P3 million loans; additional “I’m hoping Ronnel will pawnshop regulations.

30% for loans in excess of P3 serve as an example to all Highlights of these regula- million; • Explicit provisions on your staff and if so, it would tions are the following:

tive Antonino T. Aquino hinted at a robust first quarter for the real estate firm, which puts the company on track to attain an earlier-announced P10billion profit target by 2014.

Ayala...

requirements are important to the development of RE. Renewable energy facilities should meet certain technical requirements

prior to their commissioning.

Renewable energy generating units are powered by location-specific energy sources which make the availability of generated capacity inherently variable, erratic, and uncontrollable. Under RA 9513, the following renewable energy sources are considered intermittent: wind, solar, run-of-river hydro, and ocean energy.

Bunye...

Know-Your-Pawner procedures to address Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) requirements as well as AntiFencing Law concerns; • Submission of Audited Financial Statements by the top pawnshops (those with assets of P50 million and above); • Provisions on collateral business such as remittance, money changing and bills payment; • Transferring and closing of a pawnshop head office or

Sun...

NGCP... from page 3

branch; and • Reports to be submitted i.e. Consolidated Statement of Condition and Consolidated Statement of Income and Expenses.

It should be mentioned that pawnshops are considered as “covered institutions” and are required to abide by Republic Act No. 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), as amended by R.A. No. 9194.

(To be concluded next week)

10

April 23-26, 2012

Min danao solons oppose privatization of Agus-Pulangui hydro power plant THE 62-strong Mindanao lawmakers have vowed to pursue their opposition in the privatization of the Agus-Mindanao hydro power plant by filing a resolution at the House of Representatives.

“Mindanao has spoken with one voice. We have heard the strongest sentiment of our people.

We fight and assert that sentiment,” said Misamis Occidental Rep. Loreto Leo Ocampos, president of the Mindanao Legislators’ Committee.

Ocampos said he has consulted the 62 Mindanao lawmakers before and after the 1st Mindanao Power Summit held last Friday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel here.

“Even after the summit, the position stands that Mindanao lawmakers will oppose the privatization because this would result in the shooting up of the power rates,” he said.

“Not one from those who attended the Minda nao Power Su m mit withdrew his or her signature. They came not just to listen to what the President will have to say but to also sign the resolution that Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has drafted,” he added.

Lawmakers who attended the summit and signed the draft House resolution include Ocampos, Rodriguez, Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones, Davao City Reps. Karlo Alexie Nograles and Isidro Ungab, House Deput y

Speaker and Zamboanga City Rep. Maria Isabelle Climaco, Davao del Sur Rep. Marc Douglas Cagas IV, Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Lagdameo Jr., North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco, Saranga n i Re p. E m ma nuel Pacquiao, South Cotabato Rep. Daisy Avance Fuentes, and Bukidnon Rep. Jose Zubiri III. Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Teddy Casino, who said he was born in Davao, also attended the summit. Other lawmakers who also attended the summit were Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad, cha ir woma n of t he House commit tee on energ y; and TUCP party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza.

By filing the House resolut ion, Pa lmones, who comes from Cotabato, said, “We hope that the President will be enlightened and take heed that Mindanao people k now what is best for them.”

O c a mp o s s a id t he House resolution w i l l be filed on May 7, when Congress resumes sessions.

“We are hoping that upon resumption of sessions on May 7, the House plenary would start debating on the issue and we call on our colleagues to support the Mindanao lawmakers in asking for the exemption of AgusPulangui (hydro power pla nt) a nd t he power barges from being privatized since privatization

Congress.Watch

MINDANAO

Lawmakers, gov’t execs warned against SALN discrepancies WITH the deadline for the filing of statement of assets, liabilities and net worth drawing nearer, Civil Service Commission Chair Secretary Francisco Duque on Friday warned lawmakers and government officials that a “wide discrepancy” between their declared net worth in 2011 and 2010 would raise a red flag that would prompt authorities to probe deeper into their actual wealth.

Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez echoed the warning on Friday, saying that a noticeable disparity in the 2011 and 2010 SALNs could mean that a lawmaker or government official had been understating his personal fortune over the years.

He said that lawmakers and government officials should be ready to explain the discrepancy to avoid being charged with violation of the code of conduct Rodriguez said workers in the bureaucracy who failed to make a full report in their SALN, such as indi-

RODRIGUEZ

cating only the fair market value of a property while neglecting to disclose its acquisition cost, its assessed value and improvements undertaken, were likely to appear to be making wild

swings in their statements.

People employed by the government have up to April 30 this year to submit their 2011 SALNs. The declarations are expected to receive closer

public scrutiny this year in the wake of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, who is being accused by prosecutors of failing to fully disclose all his properties and of depressing the value of his assets.

Maguindanao Representative Simeon Datumanong said that a mere discrepancy in the SALNs, such as the valuation of the property, might not be a violation in itself.

Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, a member of the House prosecution team, also said that a simple variance between this year’s SALN and the previous year’s should not immediately arouse suspicion.

“If the net worth remains static from year to year, that is a red flag that the SALN is contrived. Generally, SALN values should vary from year to year because it’s well nigh impossible that the year end cash balance, for instance, would be exactly the same from year to year,” said Aggabao

Osmena postpones hearing on Mindanao power crisis

SENATOR Serge Osmena III has announced the postponement of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC) public hearing on the Mindanao power crisis that is supposed to be held on Thursday due to lack of quorum.

“I have postponed the hearing because we will not SOLONS/PAGE 11 have a quorum,” Osmena

said in a text message to the Philippines News Agency.

Osmena said House panel members Rep. Henedina Abad of Batanes is out of town while Zamboanga City Rep. Maria Isabelle ‘Beng’ Climaco is sick.

“I cannot get a confirmation from other members, too,” Osmena, chairman of the JCPC and Senate com-

WE HAVE ALL THE MARKET FOR YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PROMOTIONS!

mittee on energy, added.

The senator vowed to pursue the public hearing but will focus only for possible long-term solutions to the Mindanao power problem.

He explained that immediate and main issues related to the Mindanao power crisis had already been addressed during the first Mindanao power summit attended by President Benigno Aquino III at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City last Friday.

“All the parties involved have aired their positions so there is no need to repeat all of them,” Osmena said.

Osmena, however, said

he will request for a briefing on the situation in Mindanao next month at the resumption of the regular sessions of Congress.

Aside from Osmena, other Senate panel members of the JCPC include vice chairman Senator Teofisto Guingona III and Senators Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Gregorio Honasan II, Loren Legarda and Joker Arroyo.

Ot her Hous e panel members are Reps. Arnulfo Fuentebella of Camarines Sur, Lorenzo Tanada III of Quezon, Janette Garin of Iloilo and Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro.

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April 23-26, 2012

11

DRRMC 10 crafts consolidated report on Sendong disaster

Vegetable Farmers learn Organic Agriculture

THE Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Council-10 will come out with a post disaster needs assessment-damage loss assessment (PDNA-DALA) report in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sendong which hit the country last year.

The report will contain information on the impact of the disaster on people, infrastructure, value of the damages and losses, and long-term recovery needs and priorities.

PDNA is a governmentled exercise which seeks to harmonize and centralize information to come up with a single, consolidated disaster report.

It is the first in the country and will serve as a model for other regions.

Needs identified in the PDNA that goes beyond the national capacity may be used as an evidence base for the mobilization of more international resources in support to recovery.

RDRRMC 10 Chairperson and Office of the Civil Defense 10 (OCD 10) Director Ana Cañeda said that the Sendong PDNA is on its final phase and will hopefully be ready in few days.

The sectoral summary tables and findings were presented to the members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Council 10 yesterday during a workshop for correction, prioritization, and finally for approval.

In the effort to promote and develop organic agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD) co-funded a seminar on Pest and Diseases and Organic Agriculture among members of the Mindanao Agri-Growers Multipurpose Cooperative or MAG-MPC on April 17, 2012 at De Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

MAG-MPC is composed of vegetable farmers that are involved in vegetable trading at Bulua Public Market, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City. They were the first who conceptualized the conduct of the seminar to help members of the cooperative to gain new knowledge about agriculture specifically on vegetable production. There were 29 out of the 56 members of the cooperative who participated in the said event.

The seminar was organized by Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program- a USAID funded project, non-government and nonprofit organization. GEM Program aims to provide a refresher course and updates on agricultural practices and policies among vegetable farmers and traders. Ms. Margie G. Baldezamo, Agribusiness Specialist of GEM informed that one of the objectives of GEM is “increasing volume and value of vegetable production of local farmers enabling them to sustain production not only for Mindanao but for the whole country”.

Baldezamo further stressed that with the collaborative efforts of GEM Program, government agencies, private sectors and even the academe, the objective to accelerate economic growth in Mindanao will be attained and the benefits will be equitably distributed. It was learned during the training that this is the second leg among the series of seminars conducted, of which the first was conducted on March 27, 2012 with topics on good agricultural practices and

Napocor... from page 1

will ensure that generating facilities with “black-start” capability will be on standby during the shutdown period,” Napocor said in its statement.

Black-start plants are usually diesel-fired power plants which can start operating the moment they are needed.

Repairs to Pulangui 4 include fixing the channel where the water for the plant rushes through to the turbine.

The Pulangui hydropower plant in Bukidnon generates 255 MW and began operations in 1985.

The Agus hydropower plant has six cascading units with a combined generation total of 700 MW. The first of the six units was constructed in 1953 and the newest one started operation in 1992.

Agus is located in the two Lanao provinces.

Agus and Pulangui provides over 50% of the region’s power requirement.

Solons... from page 10

of these assets would set back our efforts to lure investments and remedy the peace and order problem in the island,” he said.

Padayon Pilipino stalwarts Cagayan de Oro Mayor Vicente Y. Emano, Misamis Oriental 1st district Rep. Peter M. Unabia, Misamis Oriental provincial board member Arrish Canonigo and Misamis Oriental 2nd district Rep. Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano pose for a souvenir shot of the party during their meeting in Cagayan de Oro the other day.

The PDP have lined up their candidates for the 2013 elections in the city and the province.

PHOTO BY GERRY L . GORIT

Green Caravan sets off for Davao CAGAYAN de Oro City delegates joined the “Green Caravan” from Region 9 yesterday, heading towards Davao City for its culminating event, the Mindanaonon Environment Summit.

The twin event is initiated by EarthSoul Solutions, Inc., a non-government organization committed

in advocating for the Reforestation of watersheds in Mindanao, particularly Mt. Kitanglad.

Ibno Turabin, EarthSoul Solutions Inc. Chairman of the Board said the activity aims on raising awareness in critical environment situations, especially here in Mindanao.

Stakeholders in Mindanao are urging the government to maintain ownership and operation of the two power plants.

The Energy department earlier sought the deferment of Agus-Pulangui’s privatization until more generation plants in the pipeline are finished.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce said Luzon may see a power crisis like that of Mindanao if the government fails to fast-track investments in the power industry.

“The Mindanao crisis is proof positive that there is shortage of power in the Philippines. There is no longer any doubt that the same will happen in Luzon if the rehabilitation of existing generation plants and building of new ones do not get accelerated,” said Danny J. Piano, president of the group in a statement.

The other destinations of the domestic tourists were Camiguin, 362,100 or 23.37 percent, Bukidnon, 291,667 or 18.63 percent and IC/ LDN Cluster, 121,777 or 7.86 percent.

Meanwhile, Chan said the number of Filipino Balikbayans increased from 6,241 to 22,176 or 255.36 percent.

The DOT data also show the increases of foreign tourists from the following countries: Europe, from 393 to 453 or 15.27 percent, Middle East, from 360 to 413 or 14.72 percent, Association of Southeast Asian countries, from 1,182 to 1,282 or 8.46 percent and Oceania, particularly, Canada and USA, from 2,058 to 2,078 or 0.97 percent.

However, foreign tourists from South Asia decreased from 680 to 512 or a decline of 24.71 percent, North America, from 10,676 to 9,435 or a decline of 11.62 percent and East Asia countries, from 11,423 to 11,172 or a decline of 2.20 percent.

Chan added other foreign tourists not classified under the countries mentioned above also posted a significant increase from 8,205 to 51,396 or 526.40 percent.

Tourists... from page 1

TC/Mis. Occ.) Cluster, 833 or 0.99 percent.

The most visited destination of the domestic tourists was the CdO-Mis. Or. Cluster with the most number of 409,158 representing 26.41 percent, followed by the OC/TC/Mis. Occ. Cluster with 364,428 or 23.52 percent.

Ocampos said the Mindanao bloc would also pursue amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

The amendment would simply say that the privatization would proceed,

“This critical situation also takes human concern and action as a solution for the environmental problems,” he noted.

On top of its advocacies are the reforestation of watershed areas, protection of water resources, and promotion with active involvement of people.

co) rates have increased by more than 112 percent and National Power Corp.

(Napocor) rates by more than 95 percent in the past 10 years.

Pimentel cited reports of concerns that the privatization may lead to the formation of a cartel which could control the price of electricity.

“We must seriously look into these concerns. We must assure not only the people of Mindanao, but the entire nation that the Epira Law spurs competition within the power sector that will redound to a fairer and hopefully lower price of electricity,” said Pimentel.

Reports published in media recently brought up the issue of cross ownership among those involved in power generation and transmission.

“If it is true that crossownership has created the conditions that allow the control of electricity rates, then we must revise the Epira Law or push for legislation that will break this control. Being a vital input in production and thereby a major determining factor in our country’s economic performance, the public must be assured that the power prices reflect the dictates from page 1 of market forces -- not the He observed that Manila dictates of a blind pursuit Electric Company (Meral- of profit,” said Pimentel.

Pimentel...

“except for the Agus-Pulangui and the four power barges,” he said.

Ocampos said he also hopes the President would listen to the “unanimous, overwhelmingly strong sentiment of Mindanao”

before the four state-owned power barges would be sold via auction next month.

For his part, Rodriguez said as early as October 13, 2010, he already filed House Resolution 531 urging the Power Sec-

cultural management. The next seminar is anticipated to happen in May 2012 that will tackle on the judicious use of chemicals and production programming. The final discussion will be conducted in June with postharvest improvement technologies as the major topic.

DA- AMAD Chief Honey Gladys Valledor imparted to the participants the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 and the organic market situation. The lecture provided the scenario of organic agriculture within and outside the country.

They were also provided with instructions on how to process the organic certification, whom to contact and the requirements for organic product certification.

Atty. Jude Quezon, owner of Clarenzon Marketing of Mambatangan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon in his testimony revealed that they were able to organically grow crops such as pechay, lettuce and carrots with the same yield as using chemical-based fertilizers.

He also revealed that the location of their farm is not suitable of growing these types of crops, yet they were still able to pull it off through organic agriculture.

On the other hand, Mrs. Clarisse Quezon also added that one can start organic farming at a very small scale even just for personal consumption. She introduced the pro-biotic technology in poultry raising. A technology using specially formulated feeds that has no antibiotics, no vaccines, and no growth hormones making the meat 40% less fatty as compared to native chicken. This technolgoy eliminates the odor of chicken dung which makes it environment friendly. The couple is optimistic that the environment friendly technology they introduced will gain acceptance among the poultry raisers and agri-stakeholders. # (VANESSA MAE S. SIANO, DA-RAFID 10)

OROCHAMBER Executive Director Lordilie Enjambre bestowed to DXN Center Directress Queenie Alpuerto rice cookers and relief goods for its TS Sendong-affected employees and sacks of rice for the Divine Mercy Feast celebration courtesy of sister Chamber-Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

tor Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) not to bid out the remaining four power barges and to investigate the proposed plan to sell these barges.

Rodriguez said he reit-

erated the same call in the new resolution because the government still pursued the privatization plan.

The bidding for the four power barges, which has a capacity of 32 megawatts each, is slated this May.

12

April 23-26, 2012

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UCPB-CIIF Foundation scholarship program bares new graduates

T

HE United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) - Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF) Foundation recently announced that another 48 scholars graduated from college this school year 2011-2012 under the COCOFOUNDATION Scholarship program.

Last month, Henzel Mae Ma ng i nsay Ymbol, B. S. Mathematics, graduated as the first Summa Cum Laude of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) after 54 years of existence.

Two days after her graduation from NORSU, Henzel was brought to Makati where she had the chance to express her heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees of the Foundation and UCPB Board of Directors. She was presented with a medal of excellence, cash incentive and a job offer that she never expected.

“I am overwhelmed that I am now working with UCPB and I will take this as an opportunity for me to serve my sponsor. I could still remember that right after my graduation from high school,

I went to the seashore near our house in San Juan, Siquijor and looked at Dumaguete City from a distance. I knew at that time that my parents did not have enough money to send me to a college there.

Then came the scholarship of UCPB-CIIF Foundation which was the answer to my prayers”, Ymbol recounted the day she graduated as Class Valedictorian of Catulayan National High School.

She said that she did burn the midnight candle to study her lessons as her parents could not afford to pay for electricity. She conducted tutorial classes in Math when she was in college so that she could borrow the laptop of her tutees to finish her thesis or projects.

Now that she has a job as Market Risk Specialist in

the Makati Headquarters of UCPB, Henzel said that she will be able to send money to her parents who continue to tend the coconut trees despite their sickly condition.

Further, she can now pay for the school fees of her younger brother who will finally be able to go to College after graduating from high school three years ago.

To date, 387 children of small coconut farmers have graduated from various universities and 417 have completed vocational/ technical courses under the COCOFOUNDATION Scholarship. Henzel is the first Summa Cum Laude scholargraduate of the Foundation while four scholars graduated Magna Cum Laude and 55 with Cum Laude honors.

UCPB-CIIF Foundation was established in 1987 to a s si st coconut-fa r m i ng families uplift their economic condition. In 2004, the Foundation launched the COCOFOUNDATION Scholarship and since then, financial assistance has been

COCO farm scholar and summa cum laude graduate Henzel Manginsay Ymbol receives Medal of Excellence from the UCPBCIIF Finance and COCOFOUNDATION.

CIRCLE Productions Inc. and Don Antonio T. Cosin Memorial Lodge No.308 of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines announce the Cosin Summer Run, a 3-km 5-km, 10-km and another first in CdO-a 10 mile or 16-km race on May 20, 2012. Another first is a new race route which will take runners from Kiosko Kagawasan to Cogon Market to the stretch of J.R. Borja Extn and back. For the 16k runners, the route will take them to the challenging Fil-Estate uphill road!

Registration will start on April 26, 2012 at La Cabana Spa, Juan Fuel and CHAM’s Convenience Stores. Registration fees are: 3-km- P200 with singlet, 5-km- P350, 10-km- P450, 16-km- P550 with singlet and race bib timing chip. Present during the MOA signing are: Atty. Sergio Yap- Project Chairman, Cayetano PaderangaWorshipful Master of DATCOM308, Jeffrey Ang- President of Circle Productions and Francis Velasquez- Race Director. Standing from left: Atty. Vincent Pelaez, Richard Baladhay, Edgardo Gilles and Joselito Tadeo.

granted to 1,433 children of small coconut farmers in 52 provinces - 911 scholars in more than 40 state colleges and 522 students in Don Bosco Training Centers for vocational courses. About 53% of the scholars are from Mindanao since the area has the highest density of coconut farm lands while 27% are from Luzon and 20% from the Visayas.

UCPB and the CIIF group of companies have been extending assistance to the families of coconut farmers through its various projects for youth education beyond high school, educational materials for primary students, training on organic farming techniques, small and medium enterprise (SME) credit servicing, capacity building for newly organized farmers groups, women and household-members livelihood financing, coconut entrepreneurial loan servicing, coconut farm implements and by-products financing, and business development services.

PPI confab goes live streaming FOR the first time since 1997 when the first press forum was organized, the Philippine Press Institute will cover live its 16th National Press Forum on Media Accountability and Public Engagement via video streaming on April 23 and 24 at Traders Hotel Manila.

This is made possible by the Information Capital Technology Ventures (ICTV) which offered its services and technical resources for free.

Considered as one of the most anticipated annual gathering of publishers and editors from the 72-member newspapers of the institute, the Press Forum will be accessed via www.ppinpf.nowplanet.tv, to specifically cater to audiences who will not be able to attend the conference.

This year’s exclusive broadcast partner TV5, will

President Benigno S. Aquino III

also cover the event from start to finish. Speeches from the main forum and industry forum will be made available in the PPI website, www. philpressinstitute.com.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is keynote speaker in the opening ceremonies.

He is the first head of state to grace the annual event.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales is guest of honor in the Civic Journalism Community Press Awards which will honor outstanding community newspapers for excellence in various categories.

The PPI is celebrating its 48th founding year and 25th year since reactivation in 1987. Dubbed as “PPI: Legacy of a Free Press”, the celebration recognizes the restoration of democracy in the country through the historic People Power that eventually reinstated social institutions, the media included. The slogan also allows for re-examining media today as the fourth estate and watchdog.

As in 2008 and the succeeding years, this year’s National Press Forum and Community Press Awards are being supported by The Coca-Cola Export Corporation through the civic journalism sustainability project that has been extended until December 2013. Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of Coca-Cola Philippines has been invited to give a message in the awards program.