JUNE 11,2012 BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO

RURAL TRANSIT BACHELOR EXPRESS

“First in Service, Foremost in Fleet Maintenance”

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Market Indicators AS OF 6 P.M., JUNE 8, 2012 (Friday)

FOREX

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4,994.07 points

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28.88 points

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11 cents

Briefly Surgical mission

MALAYBALAY City -- A free surgical operation for cleft lip and cleft palate will give hope for poor children and young adults born with such facial deformities as surgery will be offered starting today until Sunday, at the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC), Casisang, Malaybalay City.

Dr. Mike Prantilla, Assistant Chief of Hospital, BPMC, said this mission consist of one full day of screening on June 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., requires each patient to pre-register at the out-patient department (OPD) of the BPMC in preparation for the scheduled surgical operation on June 9 and 10.

SurSur population

TANDAG City -- The population count for the period of 2000 to 2010 in Surigao del Sur increased by 1.12 percent, the National Statistics Office (NSO) here said.

In a written statement released by the NSO-Surigao del Sur provincial office, there is one person added per year for every 100 persons in the population.

As of the May 1, 2010 Census of Population and Housing, Surigao del Sur has a total population of 561,219. It was higher by 59,411 than the population count reported in year 2000.

Coop scholars

MATI City -- Lucky applicants can avail of Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO) scholarship grants starting school year 2012-2013, in an effort to help its membersconsumers with the education of their children.

The scholarship mechanics state that there shall be two scholars from each of the six districts of DORECO, and scholars will enrol in a two-year course in a College accredited

by DORECO.

By MELANIE REVIRA, Staff Member

T

HE Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and two civil society organizations signed on Friday a new, three-year, US$ 3-million partnership under the World Bank-led Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP) to increase access to basic services in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

The agreement extends development assistance to over 20,000 households in 21 municipalities across nine provinces in Mindanao.

Started in 2006, the MTF-RDP is a US$ 16-million multi-donor facility that supports economic and social recovery and promotes inclusive and effective governance in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

PEACE/PAGE 8

Despite economic hardship, Filipinos send their children to school even without guarantee of sustaining their studies up to secondary level. The Department of Education (DepEd) has started implementing this year its K-12 program which makes elementary education up to seven years.

PHOTO BY MIO CADE

DOE calls for strict monitoring of LPG

By JORIE C. VALCORZA, Contributor

TO fully enforce regulations on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling and distribution, the Department of Energy (DOE) is now pushing for the creation of an LPG Task Force at the local level in bid to strengthen its monitoring.

Alex H. Rayos, chief of the DOE Retail Market Monitoring and Special Concerns DivisionOil Industry Management Bureau LPG/PAGE 7

Mindanao first rubber summit cites hurdles RUBBER may have bright prospects for Mindanao local economies like that of Sarangani and Cotabato provinces, but both government and the business sector have to address constraints to growing the industry, experts said in a rubber forum held in Maitum last May 30.

A press release of the Maitum municipal government last June 2 quoted Harem R. Roca, a profes-

sor of the University of Southern Mindanao, as enumerating several challenges the industry faces, including limited access to credit, unstable peace and order, questions on land tenure, poor infrastructure as well as inadequate support for processing, marketing and other requirements.

In his keynote speech, Remus RUBBER/PAGE 2

BSP to present survey results on households’ financial conditions Beside U.C.C.P., C.M. Recto Ave., Nat’l Highway, Cag. de Oro City

Cell No.: 0917-304-6195

BACK TO SCHOOL PROMO!

Trained by:

RICKY REYES & DAVID’S SALON Makati City

Ivie Crystal “Ivie” Condrado is crowned Miss Teen CdeO 2012.

DAVAO City -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to release on June 11 the results of its first Consumer Finance Survey of the Philippines (CFS), a data on the financial conditions of

households.

Diwa C. Guinigundo, BSP deputy governor for Monetary Stability Sector, said the CFS results will specifically show what the households own (financial

and non-financial assets) and from whom and how much they borrow (sources of credit and level of indebtedness).

The CFS also generates SURVEY/PAGE 9

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Economy

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Public warned on refilling cylinders, recycling canisters

By JORIE C. VALCORZA, Contributor

THE Department of Trade and IndustryBureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) recently warned the public on proliferation of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and AutoLPG dispensing stations.

DOE Chief for the Oil Industry Management Bureau, Zenaida Monsada revealed, during the Mindanao LPG Summit held in General Santos City, Tuesday, that refilling of butane canisters with LPG gas is

now becoming rampant in Davao and some parts of Region 12.

Atty. Genaro Jacob of DTI-BPS explained that butane canisters are disposable and designed for single-shot use only.

He said pressure requirement of both gasses differs. LPG is a mixture of propane and butane and would naturally demand higher pressure requirement.

“Butane canisters are now refilled at a cost of P30.00 to P40.00, affordable yet not economical,” Jacob noted.

Monsada, likewise, raise the alarm on the unauthorized refilling of household cylinders at AutoLPG dispensing stations, noting it

is not fit for household use.

“Another risk for this, is that the cylinders will not anymore undergo the regular inspection for leakage as it normally does at the LPG refilling station,” she said.

Considering such issues, it was agreed during the summit for the DOE to release circulars that will serve as basis for the local government units in enacting local ordinances that declares ban on such practices.

DOLE to tap TIPC in ZamboPen ZAMBOANGA City -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-9) Efficiency and Integrity Board (EIB) agreed to tap the assistance of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) in the monitoring of DOLE implemented livelihood projects in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The move was the offshoot of the EIB meeting held recently at DOLE-9 conference room in this City.

EIB is a tripartite body created by virtue of Department Order No. 109 issued by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. Its primarily tasked to serve as watchdog in monitoring cases involving violations of anti-graft and corrupt

practices, and promotion of efficiency and integrity in the regional office and its provincial and field offices, among others.

DOLE Regional Director Sisinio Cano said the idea of tapping the services of TIPC came about during the EIB review of DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) with the active participation of its members that include heads of DOLE Family of Agencies and private sector representatives.

The review showed that based on initial findings, lack of monitoring is one major concern that contributes to the deviation, non-implementation and lack of sustainability of some DOLE-funded projects.

The tripartite approach

is an innovative way to improve the implementation of DILP that involves millions of pesos annually and benefits hundreds of unemployed as an alternative to wage employment.

With the help of private sector partners, the identified gaps can be filled in and better policy can be suggested for corrective measures, said Engr.

George Ledesma, the management sector representative and concurred by Jose Suan, the labor sector representative.

Director Cano tasked the provincial/field office heads to present the suggestion to their respective TIPCs and come up with mechanisms on how to make it operational. (PNA)

Labor dept pursues green workplace T H E D e p a r t m e nt o f Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 10 Office, led by Regional Director Atty. Johnson G. Cañete, held a green summer program at the Midway Beach Resort in Initao, Misamis Oriental last June 1.

Cañete said creating awareness and active consciousness among DOLE officials and employees on the principles of green productivity in the workplace is one of the objectives of the green summer project.

He said the project will help the employees better understand their contribution for a healthy environment and improved public service.

Dur ing t he simple program, Dovee Cherry I. Geollegue, technical officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region shared inputs on climate change and how one can reduce its negative effects on the climate.

Cañete believes that this initiative is like hit-

ting two birds with one stone. “Gaining insights on environment responsibility and reinvigorating one’s self for one’s work,” he emphasized.

The initiative is a pet project of the department under its Green Our DOLE Program (GODP).

GODP aims to transform DOLE workplaces and project sites into cleaner, safer, and carbon-free environment.

DOLE officials also envision a happy and healthy workforce as a result of this greening program.

Rubber... from page 1

Villavicencio, municipal administrator of Makilala in Cotabato province, said that while rubber industry development is central to his town’s economic plan, there is a need to plant even more trees.

“If you plant a tree, be sure it’s rubber,” Mr. Villavicencio told the 165 rubber growers, traders, and government representatives who attended the forum.

He said Makilala has been distributing rubber seedlings for free, especially to small farmers.

Jack Alfonso Sandique, chief executive officer of Platinum Rubber Development, Inc., shared practical experience on rubber propagation and processing.

RUBBER/PAGE 7

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Smart to revive P1 plan promo IN A BID to sign up more postpaid subscribers, Smart Communications Inc. said Monday it will revive its Piso Sale promo which allows customers to buy amazing plan-bundled smartphones for only one peso.

Cebu Pacific sees the need to expand further to the Middle East with about 2.4 million Filipinos now working in the oil-rich region.

Cebu Pacific planning flights to ME routes IN PREPARATION for next year’s plans to mount longhaul flights, Cebu Air Inc., operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, is seeking air rights to fly to the Middle East.

The company has initially filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) a petition for designation as official Philippine carrier and allocation of entitlements to Oman.

Cebu Pacific, in its petition, informed the board that it plans to launch Oman flights from airports in Manila and Clark.

The budget carrier will need two frequencies for its Manila-Oman route and four frequencies for flights between Clark and Oman.

The CAB, in a notice dated June 1, has set on July 3 a hearing on Cebu Pacific’s application.

The Philippines holds available entitlements to fly to Oman. “We checked and there is no one using the entitlements on both sides,” said vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog in a phone interview.

However, the Cebu Pacific official said the company

recently wrote to the CAB to “defer [the] application,” pointing out that the airline is interested in more lucrative destinations such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

“We have asked for a deferral of Oman air talks to next year. Our priority now is to get air rights for UAE and KSA,” she said.

However, there are no available air rights for any Philippine carrier to fly to UAE and KSA, said Iyog.

“We also wrote to CAB for the government to hold air talks with UAE and KSA so we can ask for entitlements,” said the Cebu Pacific official.

The CAB has yet to seek a schedule with UAE and KSA aviation authorities for air talks.

In January this year, Cebu Pacific announced plans to plans to launch budget long-haul flights sometime third quarter of 2013 to serve Filipinos working abroad who can’t afford to fly home more often.

The low-cost carrier is going to lease up to eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft to serve new markets beyond

the range of its current fleet of Airbus A320s. Among the international destinations being eyed are Australia, Middle East, parts of Europe and the US. Hawaii and Guam are also being considered as potential destinations.

“We are exploring serving cities where large Filipino community resides.

Data indicates that more than half of Filipinos deployed in these regions take multiple stops and connecting flights because no home carrier can fly them there non-stop,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer.

Saudi Arabia, for instance, transported an average of 165,000 passengers last year to Manila via direct a flight as against to 293,000 Filipinos deployed there. This means that nearly half of Filipinos who flew to Saudi Arabia in 2010 had to take multiple flights to get to their destinations.

Gokongwei said Cebu Pacific can tap the 4 million overseas Filipinos in the US and 2.5 million in the Middle East.

AirAsia Philippines marks first international flight PHILIPPINES’ AirAsia launched its first international flight from Clark International Airport to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday (June 9).

Flight PQ 7455, operated by an all-Filipino crew, left Clark at 3:15 p.m. and arrived in Kuala Lumpur’s Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at 7:00 p.m.

This flight complements Malaysia’s AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur-Clark route, which it has been operating since 2005.

AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said the additional flights would bring more tourists to the Philippines.

“The additional fre-

quency to Kuala Lumpur enables our guests especially Filipinos to have access to Malaysia’s awesome tourist destinations but more important, we want to draw tourists from Malaysia to our amazing beaches and natural wonders in Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Davao and here in Central Luzon.

If we are able to draw even a fraction from Malaysia’s 24.5 million tourists, this will impact on our tourist arrival record for 2012,” she said.

Based on 2011 ASEAN Community figures, tourist arrivals in ASEAN alone reached almost 74 million last year. Malaysia received the biggest share with 24.5

million, followed by Thailand with 15.9 million, Singapore with 11.6 million, Indonesia with 7 million, Vietnam with 5 million and Philippines at 3.5 million.

Of the tourists who arrived in the ASEAN region, 47% came from within ASEAN. Visitors from EU accounted for around 10% of the arrivals, and those from China around 7%.

“AirAsia is proud to be a truly ASEAN airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines, plus Japan, servicing a network stretching across all ASEAN nations,” she added.

AirAsia began its doAIRASIA/PAGE 7

“We are reviving our hugely successful Piso Sale promo. Among the gadgets to be placed on piso sale is the Netphone 501 bundled with the Unli Plan 599. We will be coming out with more details soon,” said postpaid marketing head Kathryn Carag.

Carag said mobile phone users can look forward to more exciting postpaid developments as Smart will continue to expand the lineup of services under its All-In plans.

The cellular firm, in a statement, said it has sustained its growth momentum in the postpaid business, recording a 43 percent year-on-year expansion in postpaid subscriber base in the first quarter, the fastest growth among mobile telcos during the period.

Smart and Sun Cellular, the other wireless brand of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) Group, have now cemented their status as top providers in mobile postpaid with a total of 2.04 million subscribers as of end-March.

The growth in Smart’s postpaid subscriber base, as well as the 13-percent increase in postpaid revenue, was fueled by the success of its Netphone, Unli, and All-In plans, Smart said.

“Of course, aside from having gadgets and plans that fulfill the different needs of our subscribers, Smart is offering the most reliable SMS, voice, and mobile Internet services in the country. Our sophisticated network has been the best incentive for mobile phone users to avail themselves of

our postpaid and prepaid services,” she added.

Among Smart Postpaid’s growth drivers are the Unli Plan 599 and Netphone Plan 349, which come with a free handset. The former provides unlimited calls and texts to any Smart or Talk ’N Text number, while the latter provides unlimited texts and unli social stream where subscribers can check their Facebook and Twitter accounts from one application.

“Mobile phone users find Smart’s Unli plans more practical than similar unlimited text and call offerings because Smart has the largest prepaid and postpaid subscriber base in the country—a total of 50.5 million as of end-March.

This means that Smart Unli plan holders can text and call more mobile phone users as often as they want,” Carag said.

She said Smart will continue offering the blockSMART/PAGE 7

BPI Foundation, Habitat launch project for ‘homeless’ teachers BPI FOUNDATION recently tied up with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to build an initial 160 housing units for public school teachers, considered as the country’s unsung heroes.

The corporate social responsibility arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has earmarked P14 million for the project, which will build houses in donated lots in Muntinlupa City, Quezon City, and in Panabo, Davao.

BPI President Aurelio Luis Montinola III said helping public school teachers is an act that creates a positive ripple effect in society.

“A teacher can make an impact on a number of students. The multiplier effect is so large.

It’s stronger than, say, providing scholarships to the underprivileged,” said Mr. Montinola, who

also sits as Vice Chairman of the Philippine Business for Education, a private sector-led consortium that advocates education reform.

The Department of Education estimated in 2009 that more than 120,000 public school teachers do not own homes and either rent or live with their relatives.

The unique model of Habitat for Humanity also boosts the morale of teachers by strengthening their sense of ownership and promoting kinship, Mr. Montinola added.

“Even if the payment terms are very low, the owners pay back part of the loan.

This is not because they owe Habitat for Humanity money; but because they want others to have the same opportunity as them,” he explained.

“That they will build their own home and their neighbors’ homes will definitely promote the right values, even for our teachers.

These communities are envisioned to be model communities, not just a housing project,” explained Koleen DavilaPalaganas of Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

She said the project also gives teachers the incentive to choose to stay in the country instead of opting to work abroad. “[Education Secretary] Brother Armin Luistro has identified two major challenges in our educational system: the lack of classrooms, and our inability to retain fantastic teachers in the country. What BPI is doing is creating a new trend, encouraging our teachers to stay at home by providing opportunities here,” she said.

The project fits BPI Foundation’s education initiatives. The Foundation has conducted several teacher training BPI/PAGE 7

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MINDANAO

Create your own luck THINK a minute.

Do you know some people who just have all the luck? They seem to get all the breaks. And you ask yourself: “Why don’t I get lucky? Why don’t I get a great education? A great job or business? A nice house? A wonderful wife or husband?” But the real reason most people are successful or lucky is that they’ve learned how to put themselves in a place so they can be lucky. They’ve learned how to, in a way, create their own luck!

I’m not talking about dishonest or illegal ways.

I’m talking about hard, honest work. But successful people don’t just work

hard, they also work smart.

They keep improving and making the most of their assets and abilities. Yet they also learn to ask for help in things they themselves are not that good at doing.

As the famous Olympic athlete, Eric Liddle, said: “You can’t put in what God left out.” So we not only must make the most of our own special abilities, we must also learn our limits and weaknesses.

A man recently got his lucky big break-a promotion in a large company.

Everyone said, “That guy’s so lucky!” But that man created his own luck.by always arriving at the office early. He apologized and admitted when he was

wrong. He even shared the credit and reward with others when he had done much of the work. He was never satisfied just to get by and do average work.

He always made the extra effort to do his very best.

He kept working hard when others slacked off.

We have to work hard and do what it takes to be in the way of luck and success when it comes.

Otherwise, we’ll miss it because we weren’t ready.

You never know when the right opportunity will come your way, and when the right, important person is watching your excellent attitude and work. That’s when you’ll get your lucky break! But when you put

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST your life in Jesus Christ’s hands, the right, important Person is always watching you and all that you do.

Then He will reward and bless your life in many ways as you do your very best to please Him in everything everyday.

Just think a minute .

Weather! Weather! In Cagayan de Oro DID the proponents of a gambling casino in the city die down with the extreme unction of a Bishop’s objection? Or are some local officials keeping it low to amend friendship with the church that was vocal and critical of their handling of the Typhoon Sendong disaster?

There are twelve months left for the next local elections, investing on goodwill rather than parleying other sensitive social issues relative to mining and environmental degradation could pre-occupy those who were at the receiving end after the typhoon disaster?

No mas amor de tequero!

They could not take more losing the love and support of the Church. But does the Church really love them? Perhaps, yes since sinners are always welcome to ask forgiveness, a virtue preached by the Apostles of Christ. Ask and you will be forgiven. Renegade and you

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will be cast to hell?

Keeping it safe and staying clear from collision with the clergy is an anticipated patterned practiced by politicians? Mayor Pablo Magtajas in his re-election bid in 1995, renegade his promise in 1993 to enforce a city resolution welcoming PAGCOR Casino at Pryce Plaza. He was part of the casino welcoming committee but sensing church objection, took a change of mind and about face joins the picket line. He succeeded in sending home the Pagcor people but Magtajas eventually lost in the succeeding local election.

Could it be diversionary or self preservation in turning around? He may have forgotten that there were major investments from Pryce Plaza and Pagcor for a casino venue which was left hanging? Both entities of course suffered losses and the rest was history.

The conglomerate of

Thunderbird Resorts and Genesis Hotels were ready to bank roll the completion of a new hotel that was affected by the cascading waters at the height of typhoon Sendong. In the master plan, a casino license was part of the management contract.

It was an agreement made in heaven to bring investors to our city. Bringing investment is one agenda every local government should welcome.

But lately there seems a growing public pulse whether we host a casino right smack in Cagayan de Oro City or find alternative location for a legalized casino operation?

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 conceived but which is not fully occupied by manufacturing locators.

The zone was created by Presidential Decree No.

TRAVERSING THE TOURISM HI-WAY

PED T. QUIAMJOT 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 location to host a casino and other leisure locators.

During my visits to the industry practioners in Manila, I have meet ranking officials and casino investors who wanted to come to our city like Thunderbird Resorts and Casino of South QUIAMJOT/PAGE 7

Philippine Banking History (Part II) LAST week, we discussed the growth of banking in the Philippines during the Spanish and American colonial periods. In this second article of our fourpart series on the history of banking in the country, we will examine how banking developed during the Commonwealth era and under the Philippine Republic.

During the Commonwealth period (1935–1946), more foreign bank branches, such as the Bank of Taiwan and the Nederlandsche Indische Handelsbanks, were established in the Philippines.

In 1939, the government created the Agricultural and Industrial Bank to absorb the functions of the National Loan and Investment Board and to harness government resources.

The Philippine Bank of Communications, reported to be the first bank with genuine Filipino private

capital, was also established during this period. However, it was temporarily closed at the outbreak of the Second World War. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ “The General Banking Law Annotated: Book 2” (our main source of these historical data), only Filipino-owned and Japanese banks were allowed to operate during World War II. The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, the HSBC, and the National City Bank of New York were all treated as enemy properties and placed under liquidation by the Japanese Military Government.

On the other hand, the Nampo Kaihatsu Kinko (or the Southern Development Bank) opened a Manila branch in 1942 and acted as the Japanese government’s fiscal agent in the Philippines.

After the liberation, all domestic banks that operated during the Japanese

occupation were unable to reopen because the greater part of their assets consisted of worthless Japanese war notes, bonds and obligations of the Japanese-sponsored republic, and balances with Japanese banks.

In June 1945, Executive Order No. 48 paved the way for the reopening of some banks.

The first license to reopen was granted to the National City Bank of New York in June 1945. In the same year, other foreign banks such as the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, HSBC, and Nederlandsche Indische Handelsbanks were likewise granted the license to reopen.

In 1947, a branch of the Bank of America, NT & SA (Bank of America) of San Francisco, California, was allowed to establish a branch in Manila. The following year, the Bank of America absorbed the assets and liabilities of the local branch of the Nederlandsche

SPEAKING OUT

IGNACIO BUNYE Indische Handelsbanks.

In 1949, when the Central Bank of the Philippines started its operations, the banking system consisted of seven commercial banks, three thrift banks, the sole government specialized bank, the Agricultural and Industrial Bank, and seven foreign bank branches.

In the next two installments of this series, we will discuss the financial innovations that were introduced in the Philippines (divided into three main episodes): BUNYE/PAGE 7

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June 11-14, 2012

MINDANAO

Bunye... from page 6

· Institutional changes in the 1990s: classified into foreign exchange liberalization, financial liberalization, and the passage of the General Banking Law of 2000; and · After the year 2000: the emergence of non-traditional banking products and services.

Quiamjot... from page 6

America and Wezz Lian a subsidiary of Genting Heights of Malaysia. They have secured their licenses from PAGCOR and are now operating casinos in some areas of the Philippines.

Since Misamis Oriental is linked to the BIMP-EAGA economic growth areas and people’s mobility for tourism. This rationale may justify for a major hub in our city for legalized gambling and other leisure economic activities. Travel and tourism will pick up upon the opening of the new Laguindingan Airport next year and many Asian tourists will be looking for responsible inter-active entertainment should they visit Cagayan de Oro City.

Inter-active casino gambling is a natural tourism attraction to lure the tourist market to come to Northern Mindanao. The industrial and 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 and with access to modern communication facilities like fast Wi-Fi broadband and Bank ATMs. The autonomy of economic zones from local government taxation gives more flexibility for gambling casinos to operate with tax holidays for a certain period which is guaranteed by the Government through the Omnibus Tax Incentive laws of the Board of Investments.

Legalized gambling has its pros and cons and opposed by the Church but at the end it is the state that can create the economic activities to provide jobs and bring the food to the dining tables 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 legislation and amendments by our lawmakers, PHIVIDEC may host inter active gambling casinos as alternative locators in the near future?

The industrial zone has some 3,000 hectares of land inventory allocated for it development with absolute power granted by its charter to expropriate public and private lands covering the zone.

Smart... from page 4

buster Netphone Plan 349 which now comes with a Samsung Galaxy Pocket Netphone edition. What makes the Netphone different from other handsets is the Smartnet platform which was developed by Smart. It is has a suite of applications that allows Netphone users to chat, check their social feeds without switching apps, and post online updates for free.

Also boosting Smart’s postpaid performance are the All-In plans which let subscribers select their free handset and customize the services they receive.

For instance, Social media addicts under All-In Plan 1800 may choose to spend P1,000 of the plan on unlimited mobile Internet and allocate the remaining P800 to specific call and text packages.

BPI...

from page 4

workshops for 300 public elementary school teachers from Quezon City and from Gumaca, Quezon. It also sponsored a two-day workshop on art history and appreciation, in partnership with the Filipinas Heritage Library, for some 46 art teachers from Makati City’s public schools.

Aside from recognizing the huge potential impact of the project, the proponents are also paying tribute to their favorite teachers.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Ricky Jacinto said replicating the project in more locations in the future is “definitely” an option. He hopes that the BPI Foundation, as a pioneer donor, will inspire others to follow in its footsteps.

7

It’s A Man’s World AS of this writing, Father’s day is still days away. But, nonetheless, Health IN Focus would like to dedicate the next two articles to the MEN who has made a difference in our lives and that of our children.

Where before, our concept of a father is purely biological, nowadays, the meaning of a father has broadened its scope to include, but not limited to father figures. These father figures may not necessarily mean living under one roof nor related whatsoever to the members of the home, but, they serve as role models, spend some time with the kids, play and maybe just listen and take them out once in a while, and give them that sense of pride, respect and yes, love.

Way back in Medical School, when Preventive Medicine was kind of new and integrated into the curriculum, I remember how, each time we discuss cases (meaning patients), we were taught how to compute for risk factors, morbidity, mortality rates and the like. And, one of the things that is kind of noticeable is that, for certain types

LPG... from page 1

(RMMSCD-OIMB) bared during the recently concluded Mindanao LPG Summit in General Santos City that only 50 percent of the 12 million LPG cylinders out in the market today are in good condition and the rest were either dilapidated or subject to testing for defects.

The LPG industry according to Rayos is continually being marred by unsafe and unfair practices such as illegal refilling, cylinder tampering, under-filled c ylinders, uncertified, and illegally manufactured cylinders, and the use of scrapped and dilapidated cylinders in the market.

The DOE appeals to the local government units to take a strong stance to stop such activities in the LPG sector and urged the passage of local ordinances that will support the implementation of DOE rules and regulations on LPG.

of illnesses, men seem to have higher mortality rates.

And, digging deeper into the factors, what stands out is this: men, often take their health for granted, and are not as conscious nor as meticulous in seeking help.

Simply put, they often visit their Doctors when it is kind of late already. Maybe, this is attributed to their feelings of invincibility, or, of, being too busy making both ends meet for their families, or just that, they do not really believe in early diagnosis or prevention.

The top three diseases that affect our men today include Prostate Cancer, liver problems either cirrhosis or the big C, and Hypertension.

Since, Health IN Focus has already touched on prostate cancer and Hypertension, that leaves me with the affectations of the LIVER. The liver is one huge organ of the body, tasked with so much work in order to make our daily functions worth their while. It performs functions that is necessary for survival. It manufactures vital nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances and purifies the blood. But,

what is beautiful with this organ, is, its capacity to regenerate.

Cirrhosis is caused by scar tissue as a response to damage that occurs repeatedly, over several years. Each time the liver is injured, it repairs itself, and during which, scarring occurs, and eventually, its functions is compromised.

The most common cause is that of chronic alcohol abuse. Of course, we know that, viral and parasitic infections, and congenital disorders affecting the liver may also cause cirrhosis.

Problem with a full blown or progressive cirrhosis, is the eventual development of hepatic or liver failure which can cause death to the individual.

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms: yellowish discoloration of the sclera ( white portion of the eyes ) or the skin, itchiness of the skin, abdominal pain, nausea, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite and changes in the color of the urine or stools, you must seek consultation, for proper work up to be done, and the necessary treatment instituted.

Meanwhile, the proliferation of refilling recycled butane canisters with LPG in Mindanao were among the top issues discussed during the LPG summit.

The DOE together with the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau Product Standards (DTI-BPS) warns the public not to patronize the recycling of the said product, as it is designed for one time use only.

DOE Mindanao Field Office Director Manuel M. Llaneza confirmed that LPG may pose danger if contained inside the butane canisters.

“The LPG gas pressure requirement is higher than of butane and may lead to leakage or explosion,” he explained.

Llaneza further pointed out that the refilling of household cylinders in autoLPG stations is likewise illegal and unsafe.

With new issues shaping, it was agreed during the summit for the DOE

and DTI to come up with new standard guidelines and specific regulations that would serve as basis for the LGUs in crafting for their respective local ordinances and the reactivation of the LPG Task Force.

Rubber... from page 2

In the same forum, Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett, who described rubber industr y development as her “banner program”, inducted the first set of officers of the Maitum Rubber Growers Association (Maruga), one of the organizers of the forum.

“There is a tiger opportunity in the rubber industry that could make our economy leap to its highest plane,” the statement quoted Maruga President Gary Lee Perrett as saying.

Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics

Lifestyle choices play a vital role in the prevention and protection of the liver.

Avoidance or temperance in alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, the use of chemicals very sparingly and yes, having one’s self tested for hepatitis B and C (and getting the most needed immunizations if tested negative) will surely go a long way in reaching that 100 years of quality life.

To the men who has made a difference in our lives, been factors for good, and whose influence has made an impact , one way or the other, taking good care of your health, is but one way of showing us, that You care for us. Happy Father’s Day to all the great men out there! showed the Philippines in 2010 produced about 395,237 metric tons (MT) of rubber from plantations totaling 138,710 hectares.

The same data showed Mindanao accounting for 99% (395,201 MT) of production and 98% (136,861 hectares) of rubber area, with the South CotabatoCotabato-Sultan KudaratSarangani-General Santos City (Soccsksargen) region producing 149,965 MT from 31,927 hectares, next to the biggest producer, Z amboanga Peninsula, with 171,126 MT from 65,084 hectares.

The statement said Maitum itself has 1,500 hectares planted with rubber with potential to expand to 4,000 hectares. (GEM)

AirAsia... from page 4

mestic flights to Kalibo and Davao last March 28, followed by Puerto Princesa in April. The airline also expects to launch its flight to Hong Kong next month.

8

Metro CDO

June 11-14, 2012

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

Xavier Ecoville Temporary Site completes transfer of 500 households

By XYLA MERCEDITA GUALBERTO MORE than 500 households have been transferred from evacuation centers and nobuild zones to the Xavier University-led resettlement site, Xavier Ecoville, in Brgy

Lumbia.

The 9th batch consisted of 116 households and the 10th batch, 57 households, rounding up the total number of households residing at Xavier Ecoville temporary shelters to 523. This concludes the transfer of

households.

The beneficiaries are now sheltered in wooden bunkhouses complete with basic facilities and some amenities. The ground blessing and padugo ritual of the permanent site is set today, June 2, at 9 am.

BSP Misamis Oriental Council in coordination with LGU Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental holds recently a Rover Vigil and Investiture Ceremony. Participants are officials of the Sangguniang Kabataan of all barangays of the industrial town.

BSP Misamis Oriental Council holds back to back activities

By GLENN B AÑORA Council Scouter BSP Green Tower, Cagayan de Oro City––BSP Misamis Oriental Council in coordination with the Department of Education hold recently back to back Basic Training Courses for Troop/ Kawan Leaders in Salay on 21-23

Zip Line... from page 11 locality.

Paraiso said the provincial government has prepared a P5 million budget for the zip line, one of the two nature’s gift to be developed by the local government in

May and Alubijid on 24-26 May 2012.

Not to be outdone is the Local Government Unit of Tagoloan which sponsored the holding of the Rover Vigil and Investiture Ceremony for Sangguniang Kabataan Officials of all Barangays.

The call for greater ser-

North Cotabato.

The other is “AsikAsik Falls” in a remote village in Alamada, North Cotabato, which the province hopes to develop with an investment of P5 million.

The zip line project, according to Mendoza, would increase tourism

vice has just been fortified in this part of the scouting map in the Philippines with the holding of these Scouting activities.

We fervently hope that our new Rover Scouts and Troop/Kawan Leaders will The newest arrivals at Xavier Ecoville. rise up to the challenge and the new community-driven re- ity attention is focused on the pofurther the cause of Scouting construction (CDR) component litical settlement of the Mindanao in the next 75 years. from page 1 to include private goods – core problem, projects and programs

Peace...

revenue for Makilala and employment to its locals.

Makilala is one of the gateways to Mt. Apo with three of its trails found in the town periphery.

Barangay New Esrael is also known for the presence of wild monkeys and wild deer sanctuaries. (PNA)

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Administered by the World Bank and co-chaired by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the BDA, the program serves as a mechanism for international development partners to pool resources and coordinate their support for peace and development in Mindanao.

In addition to supporting social and economic recovery, the program supports the capacity of BDA, the development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and is mandated, under the 2001 Tripoli Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the MILF, to determine, lead and manage relief, rehabilitation and development in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

In 2011, despite the challenges of working in conflict-affected areas, the MTF-RDP delivered services – classrooms, health stations, access roads, water supply systems, and community centers – to over 31,000 households, expanding total coverage from 62 to 162 barangays in 75 municipalities.

The range of project activities was also augmented through

shelters, agricultural inputs and livelihood assistance – to meet the urgent needs of communities most heavily affected by displacement and conflict.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, who witnessed the signing said: “Initiatives like the MTF-RDP ensure that communities can enjoy the dividends of development and peace. The gains from the Program show that partnerships among different stakeholders can bring about much good for the communities, whether this partnership happens on the ground, or on the negotiating table.”

Deles said that the program had expanded its coverage, allowing more communities to learn about participatory approaches in addressing their development concerns.

She also noted the importance of capacity-building for the Bangsamoro Development Agency. “A strengthened BDA is an important building block for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” Deles said.

Saffrullah M. Dipatuan, BDA Chairman, said that “though prior-

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that will alleviate the suffering of the people in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao should be implemented while both parties are earnestly engaged in peace negotiation.”

World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi said he was pleased with the new partnership agreement, saying that the deal would boost social services delivery and encourage closer partnership between the government and the MILF. “This new agreement will serve as a confidence-building measure among parties in the conflict. It will also be a vehicle to build capacity among Bangsamoro groups that is needed now and will be even more important in a post-peace agreement scenario,”Konishi said.

Konishi added: “Global experience suggests that achieving and sustaining peace requires cooperation and collaboration between key stakeholders. No single party can achieve peace on their own. By bringing the Government and the MILF together, with the support of the international community, the Mindanao Trust Fund is built on the principle of cooperation. We would like to thank all the MTF partners, particularly the European Union as the largest contributor to the Program.”

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, Guy Ledoux said: “The MTF-RDP is an important mechanism to complement our overall support to peace in Mindanao and has shown significant results by directly helping the poor in conflict-affected areas.”

Besides the World Bank and the EU, other development partners supporting the MTF-RDP are the Australian Agency for International Development, the Canadian International Development Agency, the government of New Zealand, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the United States Agency for International Development.

The civil society groups that signed the partnership agreement with BDA are the Community and Family Services International (CFSI), and Mindanao Land Foundation (MinLand).

To ensure smooth operations and fund use, BDA is assisted under the Program by Community and Family Services International, a humanitarian organization which has been involved in reconstruction and development work in conflictaffected areas in Mindanao since 2000, and the Mindanao Land Foundation, a non-government organization which has been working for social cohesion building in conflict-affected communities in Mindanao since 2001. (PNA)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

Congress.Watch

June 11-14, 2012

9

House finally approves new sin tax rates It is not clear how the THE House of Representatives, voting 21021 with five abstentions, has approved a bill 11th-hour changes introrevising the tax rates for the so-called “sin” duced by Ungab would affect the government’s products like cigarettes and liquor.

Before the measure’s approval, Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, ways and means committee chairman and sponsor of the bill, presented last-minute amendments, which some members claimed further watered it down.

The amendments changed the rates for alcohol and tobacco products, with some going down and others going up.

In the case of liquor for instance, the tax for beer went down, while the levies for expensive wines went up.

In the case of cigarettes, the proposed new tax rates fell from P22 per pack to P12 for brands with a retail price of P11.50 and below, and from P30 to P28 for those with a higher retail price.

The present four classifications of cigarettes would b e reduced to two. The present tax rates range from P2.72 per pack for low-priced cigarettes to P28.30 for premium brands. The rates are still based on 1996 retail prices.

The last minute adjustment of the new rates was apparently a concession to those opposed to the new taxation scheme for sin products, including Representatives Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City and Mitos Magsaysay of Zambales.

Rodriguez said the compromise rates previously accepted by the bill’s principal author, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, were still too high as they represented a 700-percent increase for tobacco products.

He said such a huge adjustment could negate the measure’s objective of raising additional revenues for the government as it could dampen

consumption, which in turn would translate into lesser taxes.

It could also encourage smuggling and faking of cigarettes, he said.

Mags ays ay, on t he other hand, complained of the “inequity” of the proposed tax rates.

She said the levies favor fermented liquor, particularly beers, and discriminates against cigarettes.

She said there should be equal tax treatment for the two groups of sin products since one of the government’s objectives in adjusting the levies is to discourage smoking and drinking.

“If indeed the ways and means committee was invoking the sumptuary function of the new rates to mitigate impact on health, it should be consistent in its treatment of both alcohol and tobacco products and not play favorites,” she said.

annual additional revenue projection, which has already gone down drastically from P60 billion under the original Abaya bill to P33 billion under the compromise rates proposed by the Department of Finance and accepted by Abaya, who had recommended increases of as much as 1,500 percent.

Part of the expected incremental revenues would be spent for programs to help tobacco farmers. A portion would be allotted for the universal health insurance coverage of poor Filipinos.

The sin tax reform bill is one of President Aquino’s priority legislative measures. The House will now print it and then send it to the Senate.

As originally proposed with a P60-billion additional revenue target, the bill was expected to win a new credit rating upgrade for the country from international credit rating agencies.

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Abante Mindanao (Abamin) party-list Representative Maximo Rodriguez keynotes the 2012 Mindanao Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs Awards night at the Pryce Plaza Hotel in Cagayan de Oro. The congressman congratulated the awardees of the search that is the first edition organized by the BusinessWeek Mindanao newspaper, which plans to make this an annual event.

PHOTO BY GERRY L . GORIT

New bill on estate taxes okayed THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading House Bill 6093 seeking to exempt from estate taxes the unpaid balance of just compensation due the original landowners or their descendants whose agricultural lands were acquired by the government under certain agrarian reform laws or orders.

The bill principally authored by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) seeks to exempt from the decedent owner or his or her

legal heirs or successors in interest of agricultural land acquired by the government under Presidential Decree 27, Executive Order 22, EO 229, Republic Act 6657 and R.A. 9700, amending for the purpose Section 87 of the National Internal Revenue Code, 1997, as amended.

Presidential Decree 27 decrees the emancipation of tenants from the bondage of the soil, transferring to them the ownership of the land they till and providing the instruments and mechanism therefor; Executive Order

228 declares full land ownership to qualified farmer beneficiaries covered by PD 27, determines the value of remaining unvalued rice and corn lands subject to PD 27, and provides for the manner of payment by the farmer beneficiary and mode of compensation to the landowner; Executive Order 229 provides the mechanisms for the implementation of the comprehensive agrarian reform program; Republic Act 6657 is otherwise known as the ComprehenBILL/PAGE 10

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PANEDOTTE PASTRIES

Survey... from page 1

data on uncome, spending and insurance coverage of households, Guinigundo said.

He said the inaugural survey reveals interesting results on the Philippine consumers’ behavior and preferences as well as some policy implications based on the key findings.

The BSP will present the CFS results on Monday at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Seminar Room, BSP Davao Regional Office, Quirino Ave., Davao City.

BSP has invited stakeholders from different government and private institutions to grace the presentation.

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BusinessWeek Misor Today 10 Misor peace building hailed as role model for LGUs June 11-14, 2012

MINDANAO

By MIKE BAÑOS, Correspondent

THE topmost leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has hailed Misamis Oriental’s peace building initiatives as a role model for other local governments.

During the recent twoday stakeholders’ review of the government’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa singled out the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bohol as worthy of emulation in their success in curbing the internal security threats in their respective areas.

Gen. Dellosa

6 cops awarded for successful operations POLICE Regional Office (PRO-10) Regional Director PCSupt. Jufel C. Adriatico, assisted by PDir. Rey L. Lañada of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development, awarded six police officers for their valuable contribution to the overall efficiency of PRO-10, during the regular Monday Flag Raising ceremony last week.

PNP Efficiency Medals (Medalya ng Kasanayan) were given to Police Officer

(PO3) Rey Ciudadano and PO1 Louis Alfred Torcino for the arrest last May 23 of the number 1-most wanted person in Gingoog City for the crime of rape.

P N P Me r it Me d a l s (Medalya ng Kagalingan) were also given to PSInsp.

Ereneo S. Ramirez, PInsp.

Maricris Y. Mulat, SPO3 Tawide S. Galleon and PO2 Bernardo T. Lagoy Jr for the neutralization of a robbery suspect on May 16 at barangay Sta. Cruz, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. The suspect

was killed in the shootout by responding police officers. He was with another unidentified suspect who was able to escape. Recovered from the scene was one caliber .45 pistol and the stolen items.

PCSupt. Adriatico has earlier directed all police provincial and city directors to organize teams consisting of Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO) as effective tools in fighting robbery suspects who use motorcycles as their get-away vehicles.

“We call on the different stakeholders to renew their commitment of support to the IPSP Bayanihan,” Dellosa said. “By fulfilling this commitment, we can be assured of giving closure to the decades of armed violence by the NPA and finally lead our people to lasting peace and sustainable development,” he added.

Dellosa cited how Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno used a multi-stakeholder approach to transform the insurgents’ former regional headquarters in Lantad into a prosperous, peaceful and progressive community by focusing on the root causes of the insurgency.

“Apparently, the participation of the different stakeholders as well as the dedication and commitment of local government units in taking the lead role remains as key ingredients in negating the grounds of insurgency to prosper,” Dellosa said.

Gov. Moreno said the Lantad experience is proof positive of what Bayanihan can do.

“The joint and collaborative efforts of the military and the civil society resulted in a “180 degrees turn of the community from an NPA bailiwick to a peaceful and progressive community,” he

noted.”We are now focusing on expending this mdoel into other “bayanihan” areas like Sioan in Gingoog City and Bgy. Tama in Magsaysay.”

Misamis Oriental garnere d anot her Galing Pook Award for the second straight year with its local peace building initiative project “The Lantad Peace-Building Experience: Turning Red to Green in Misamis Oriental” (From a ‘No Man’s Land’ to a Land of Hope/Strategic Innovations in Upgrading Misamis Oriental’s Provincial Peace and Order Council).

Under the program, Misamis Oriental selected Sitio Lantad in Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag Municipality as a showcase for its paradigm shift in addressing the insurgency in the province by focusing on peace building instead of war and brute force to win the hearts and minds of the people by subduing the real enemies of peace: poverty and ignorance. This, at a time when the administration of former president Gloria Arroyo was vowing to wipe out the communist insurgency in a year.

“This is a teamwork I hope will be replicated in other areas of the province; a partnership that can become a showcase for others to follow,” Gov. Moreno said. “It is difficult to attain peace through peaceful means, but it is more rewarding.”

Gov. Moreno said the Lantad Changers included the Core Group, Depart-

ment of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Human Rights, National Commission of Indigenous Peoples, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Municipal Government of Balingasag, and the Barangay Government of Kibanban, DepEd, Balatukan Tribal Council, Archdiocesan Center for Concern Empowerment and Services, Interfaith (Roman Catholic Church; Iglesia Filipina Independiente; Muslim; United Methodist), Balay Mindanaw, Balaod Mindanaw, German Doctors, Gising Barangay Movement, Philippine Coalition for International Criminal Court-Building Bridges for Peace and the media.

B eyond the awards, winning programs become models of good governance promoted for adoption in other communities. They provide useful insights and strategies to find innovative solutions to common problems. More importantly, they affirm the community and the local government’s commitment to good governance.

Dellosa called on stakeholders, including local officials to continue working with the military in its effort to clear the country of insurgency and other threat groups before President Aquino’s term ends.

Misor coop gets financial aid THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Northern Mindanao has given a multi-purpose cooperative in Misamis Oriental a total of P300,000 cash as livelihood assistance.

The Nagkahiusang Kahugpungan sa Mag-uumaMulti Purpose Cooperative (Namukaw-MPC) in Barangay Umagos in Lagonglong town is now equipped to produce quality bananas for export and help more than 150 members in producing other products with the Dole’s livelihood program.

The report added that the cooperative would now be able to strengthen its agri-business projects to also help local residents in Umagos, a remote barangay in the province with a history of neglect and armed conflict years back.

The report even said the Namukaw-MPC tends to spend certain amount from the livelihood assistance on establishing a transportation facility in the area to ease the deliver y of the farmers’ produce to nearby towns and cities in Northern

Mindanao.

The Provincial Government earlier announced that the once-conflicted place is now a peaceful barangay to live with following the “allout” support of the province’s present leadership.

The Provincial Government reportedly gives much attention to introduce developments in the area in effort to boost economic activities. Schools, roads and other infrastructure projects were established in the area to uplift the living condition of the residents.

Bill...

year payment period provided

by PD 27, countless original landowners and their descendants still await full payment of just compensation according to him. “The years passed brought about many changes and amendments in the laws and orders relative to land valuation and payment procedures which have affected and made it more difficult to collect the just compensation due to the landowners,” he said.

Rodriguez said the payment of just compensation has also been delayed because of administrative matters, documentation requirements as well as valuation issues that plague the government agencies involved.

To make matters worse for these landowners, he said the

payments as just compensation that they are to receive are still charged estate taxes, which at times exceed the amount of compensation offered for their properties.

“Many of these landowners already passed away without receiving just compensation leaving their descendants the tasks of awaiting payment only to discover that they still have to pay estate taxes,” said Rodriguez.

He said while the transfer of agricultural property taken by the government for land reform purposes is already exempted from the payment of capital gains taxes, there is likewise a compelling necessity to exempt the same from estate taxes should the original landowner die without being paid just compensation.

from page 9 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988; and, RA 9700, is An Act Strengthening the CARP Program, Extending the Acquisition and Distribution of All Agricultural Lands, Instituting Necessary Reforms, Amending for the Purpose Certain Provisions of RA 6657 or the CARL, as Amended, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), principal author of HB 6093, said agrarian reform has affected the rights of countless landowners whose lands were taken some 38 years ago with the advent of PD 27.

After the lapse of the 15

MINDANAO

BusinessWeek

Tourism

June 11-14, 2012

11

Congratulations to the Miss Teen CdeO 2012 Winners

Ivie Crystal “Ivie” Condrado is crowned Miss Teen CdeO 2012.

Ms Teen CDeO 2012 - candidate no. 2, Ivie Crystal Condrado; 1st runner-up - candidate no.

1, Allona River Sambaan; 2nd runner-up- candidate no. 12, Chariza Jacobo; 3rd runner-up - candidate no. 13, Angelica Gallardo and 4th runner-up - candidate no. 5 Lovely Ramos.

PHOTOS BY S HAUN A LEJANDRAE Y AP U Y Special Awards: Best in Casual Wear - candidate no. 12, Chariza Jacobo; Best in Street Wear - candidate no. 14, Shannon Kuh Chan; Best in Long Gown - candidate no. 1, Allona River Sambaan; Ms. Teen Golden Friendship - candidate no. 12, Chariza Jacobo; Ms. Teen Ororama - candidate no. 2, Ivie Crystal Condrado; Darling of the Press -candidate no. 15, Cinderella faye Obenita.

Corporate awards: Ms. Teen Lactacyd Confidence - candidate no. 5, Lovely Ramos; Ms Teen TM Texters Choice - candidate no. 9, Desiree Igot; Ms Teen Fit n Right - candidate no.

BusinessWeek Mindanao Publisher Dante Sudaria awards 15, Cinderella Faye Obenita; Ms. Teen Olay - candidate no. 13, Angelica Gallardo; Ms Teen candidate number 15, Cinderella Faye “Cindy” Obenita, Magnolia - candidate no. 17, Theresa Denesse; as “Darling of the Press”

Makilala to develop longest zip line COTABATO City -- To boost the local tourism industry of a remote town at the foot of the country’s highest peak in North Cotabato, a village legislative body has passed a resolution expressing support to the provincial government’s plan of putting up the longest zip line in the country.

in the province and in the zip line project at the side of Mt. Apo, the country’s country.

Officials of Barangay Already emerging as the highest peak, could mean New Esrael in Makilala, most popular local and for- huge investments for the North Cotabato said the eign tourist destination, the ZIP LINE/PAGE 8 plan would contribute to ASIA WORLD PAWNSHOP the tourism industry and Main: Osmeña-Cogon Market, Cagayan de Oro livelihood of locals who are Branch: Ipil, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro mostly farmers and dependent on agricultural crops.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE Makilala is about two Starting June 22 , 2012 at 9:00 A.M. to 5P.M., this hours drive from here. establishment will set an Auction Sale on all pledges Village councilman Fersince January 2012 . Patrons are enjoined to verify dinand Paraiso said the their receipts. technical working group MANAGEMENT from the office of North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou PAHIBALO Mendoza has already conSa Hunyo 22, 2012 sa may 9:00 sa buntag paingon da ducted ocular inspection alas 5:00 sa hapon, ang Tanan nga penirenda nga wala for the establishment of the malukat sa bulan sa Enero 2012 maapil sa subasta. proposed 2.5- kilometer Giawhag ang tanan suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo. long zip line.

ANG TAGDUMALA Once realized, it would become the longest zip line

12

BusinessWeek

June 11-14, 2012

MINDANAO

Toyota racing gets greener with Yamaha’s EC-03 Electric Scooters YAMAHA Motor Europe will bolster TOYOTA Racing’s already strong eco presence in the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship through the provision of 16 EC-03 electric scooters for paddock use. The partnership sees Yamaha become an ‘Official Supplier of TOYOTA Racing’.

TOYOTA was the first manufacturer to confirm participation in 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship events using a hybrid system. The entry emphasizes their pioneering approach to a technology that has seen more than 3.5 million of their hybrid vehicles sold worldwide.

The TOYOTA HYBRID System – Racing powertrain features an all-new V8 3.4litre normally-aspirated petrol engine and hybrid system. As with TOYOTA’s

full hybrid road cars, energy is generated under braking.

The TS030 HYBRID racing car can also operate in electric-only mode, achieving zero emissions and zero fuel consumption.

In 2002, Yamaha Motor became the first manufacturer to market a productionmodel electric commuter, the Passol, as a minimal commuter designed to play a role in next-generation urban transportation. This was followed in 2005 by the Passol-L and the EC-02.

The new generation EC03, launched in Europe in 2011, has been developed as a “personal commuter” vehicle that is expected to find many diverse uses in the future: from short-range urban commuting to rental vehicles in tourist areas. For Yamaha Motor, this model is a realization of the company efforts to develop new forms of “Smart Power”.

Today’s partnership means TOYOTA Racing’s on track participation with the TS030 HYBRID racing car is perfectly reflected by Yamaha’s eco friendly EC-03 electric scooters within the paddock. Yamaha’s scooters will join TOYOTA Racing as they participate in the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship, the first race

being the legendary 24hrs race in Le Mans, France on the 16th-17th June.

“We are delighted to work together with TOYOTA Racing to support their efforts in the World Endurance Championship,” commented Andrew Smith, Vice-President Sales & Marketing Operations, Yamaha Motor Europe. “There is a strong synergy between Toyota and Yamaha. We have a strong collaborative working relationship in the automobile field that goes back many decades.

We are two Japanese manufacturers who share a similar corporate vision and in particular a commitment and belief in working towards developing efficient eco transport solutions.”

With a low environmental impact, the EC-03 provides a fun, convenient way to get around town and around the paddock completely emissions-free.

With virtually no running costs the ultra efficient scooter can be conveniently charged from a normal plug socket for just a few euro cents.

Kia Motors posts 15.5% global sales growth in May KIA Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for May 2012, recording a total of 240,000 units sold.

This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 15.5%.

In May, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in all regions of the world – 28.3% in Europe* (52,794 units sold); 21.1% in China (40,723 units sold); 14.0% in general markets* (45,502 units sold); 9.2% North America (60,231 units sold); and 7.2% in (40,750 units sold) in Kia’s home market of Korea.

Cumulatively through the first five months of 2012, Kia’s global sales have increased by 11.9% year-on-year to reach 1,106,041 units. Europe, North America and China have experienced the highest cumulative gains to date in 2012 of 25.8% (231,046 units sold), 18.9% (268,897 units sold), and 16.7% (197,991 units sold),

respectively.

Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets for the month of May was the B-segment Rio(known as ‘K2’ in China) with 42,447 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 32,262 units delivered, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ in some markets), D-segment Optima

sedan and Sorento midsize CUV followed with 30,695, 23,494, and 19,534 units sold, respectively.

Tae-Hyun (Thomas) Oh, Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “Having surpassed the 1 millionth annual global sales mark faster than ever before in our history, we are well on track to meet our full-year

sales target of 2.7 million units. Our performance has been especially encouraging in Europe and we expect the recent introduction of the all-new cee’d as well as our sponsorship of this month’s EURO 2012 football championships to add further momentum to the Kia brand in our fastest growing region of 2012.”