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www.businessweekmindanao.com Issue No. 54, Volume III • March 5-8, 2012

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PHISIX 5,016.30 points

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FOREX US$1 = P42.68

Briefly Nurses for Saudi

THE Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration (POEA) here in Northern Mindanao has announced a government-to-government hiring of 800 female Muslim nurses with a basic salary of 3,150 SR for the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Applicants should not be more than 40 years old, preferably a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and with or without Board License and must have at least two years hospital work experience or one year hospital experience but with prometric exams. According to the POEA, the submission of applications is open until further notice at the four POEA Regional Centers in Mindanao, namely, Davao City, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Butuan City.

Xavier Ecoville

THE groundbreaking ceremony Saturday marked the construction of the permanent shelters at Xavier Ecoville, Xavier University (XU), and the local government of Cagayan de Oro’s joint relocation and resettlement project situated in Barangay Lumbia. At the groundbreaking, XU signed memorandum of agreement with Habitat for Humanity Philippines for the construction of the permanent houses. Five hundred seventy-three row houses will be built on the five-hectare lot, adjacent to the temporary bunkhouses where 249 households (out of a target of 500), are presently staying.

By NELSON V. CONSTANTINO, Editor-in-Chief

LOCAL research and policy center for Mindanao is now being pushed in a bid to aid policymakers with vital inputs necessary for decision making. Proponents Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation, Inc. (MSCFI) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said the knowledge center, to be called Mindanao Knowledge Research and Policy Center (MKPRC), is vital to ensure harmonization and proper utilization of knowledge resources in Mindanao for policy making and development initiatives. According to the group, the availability of knowledge resources on Mindanao as well as experts on this field has not been fully tapped. “Now is the time for us to pursue the creation of a multidisciplinary center for local experts and consultants to convene and help in our research efforts for sustainable development,” said MinDA Executive Director Janet Lopoz.

RESEASRCH/PAGE 4

Unemployment affects 10 million Pinoys: SWS UNEMPLOYMENT has affected almost 10 million Filipinos, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows. The survey, conducted December 3 to 7, 2011, found adult unemployment rate rising to 24 percent from 20.2 percent in previous surveys. This percentage is equivalent to 9.7 million Filipinos. SWS/PAGE 4

HOPING AGAINST HOPE. Sunset silhouettes fishersfolks in Brgy. Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro who are still searching the bodies of their relatives that perished when typhoon Sendong hit the city in December last year. The calamity left more than a thousand people dead and several hundreds still missing, making it one of the worst disasters that hit the country in recent times. PHOTO BY GERRY L. GORIT

Weaker power income drags Aboitiz profit By NELSON V. CONSTANTINO

AMID slower growth in its power ventures, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., the listed holding company of the Aboitiz group, posted a 3% drop in its net earnings for 2011 after contributions from its business fell, a company disclosure on Friday showed. The company said its consolidated net income fell to P21.2

Normin to go dark on Mar. 31 NORTHERN Mindanao will once again be engulfed in darkness for one hour on March 31, starting 8:30 p.m. as the region joins forces for Earth Hour, sending a powerful global message that is imperative to take a positive action on global warming. The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership NORMIN/PAGE 10

billion from P21.87 billion in 2010. Core income, which includes a P366 million one-time gain, similarly fell by 4.59% to P20.8 billion year-on-year, the disclosure read. Aboitiz Power Corp., a unit which accounted for nearly 80% of the holding total income last year, contributed lower earnings of P16.5 billion in 2011 versus P19.1 billion two years ago.

This was reportedly a result of a 7% drop in the average selling price of electricity, as well as a decline in net power generation to 9,422 GWH from 9,762 GWH in 2010, the disclosure noted. “Demand for electricity was relatively flat [in 2011] versus [the previous] year,” Aboitiz Equity Ventures said. The full year results come as POWER/PAGE 10

Fisherman saves endangered sea turtle By REJOICE T. CHAVEZ Contributor

BUTUAN City – A fisherman rescued an endangered giant green sea turtle (scientific name: Chelonia Mydas) in a local shore here. The rare specie among sea turtles, found by fisherman Junie Dumo at the seashore of Barangay Ma-

sao here, has a tag number (PH 1185E) on its flipper with biometrics of 112 cm CCL x 100cm.CCW (CCLCCW curve carapace length and curve carapace width). Under Republic Act No. 9147 or Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, ecology particularly to green sea turtles (pawikan) marine life cycle. are considered an endan“Green sea turtles eat gered species. They con- grass that grows on the tribute to environmental TURTLE/PAGE 10

March 5-8, 2012

Economy

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

South Korea amends policy on rehiring of foreign workers

AVAO City -- South Korea recently granted two of the four concerns included in a petition signed by 2,355 Filipino workers and their 633 Korean employers requesting change in the Employment Permit System (EPS) as the Korean Parliament promulgated Act No. 11276 (Revisions on the Act on Employment of Foreign Workers) on February 1, 2012.

Philippine Overseas Employment administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said the new law, which will take effect on July 2, 2012, reduced the

waiting period of foreign workers who have finished their contracts and who wish to return to South Korea from six months to three months,

a statement from the agency said. It also allowed the return of the foreign worker to the same employer where they used to work before departure without having to undergo a Korean language proficiency test or employment training. Cacdac said the Philippine Embassy in South Korea endorsed the petition to the Ministry of E mpl oy m e nt an d

Labor in March 2011, which was also discussed during the negotiation for the renewal of the memorandum of understanding on the EPS between the Philippines and South Korea. At present, a returning foreign worker who wants to be re-employed under EPS after completing four years and ten months employment in Korea can apply after a waiting period of at least

six months and is still required to go through another Korean language test and employment training. The POEA administrator clarified that the new policy applies for foreign workers whose e mp l o y m e nt p e r i o d of four years and ten months expires after July 2, 2012. Cacdac also emphasized that EPS workers can return to their for-

mer jobs if they meet all of these criteria: (1) a new contract prior to reentry to South Korea; (2) no record of transfer during the employment period except for justifiable causes such as revocation of employment permit issued to an employer, or any violations of the required working conditions; (3) the sector they were engaged in is still experiencing labor shortage.

Fishing ban lifted, sardine canneries reopen operation

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

This is to inform the public that Ms. ROSALIE M. REYES, whose picture appears above, is no longer connected with ORORAMA BINGO ARCADE, J. R. Borja St., Cagayan de Oro City. She has been AWOL since October 29, 2011 and was Terminated with Cause effective January 06, 2012. Any transaction entered into by her for and in behalf of ORORAMA BINGO ARCADE, as of said date and thereafter, in any capacity whatsoever, will not be honored by the company. By: Management BWM: Feb. 27, Mar. 2 & 5, 2012

ZAMBOANGA City -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lifted the three-month ban on fishing for fresh sardines, locally known as “tamban,” for the 11 sardine canneries in this city. BFAR Director Asis Perez formally announced the resumption of fishing for sardines in the Sulu Sea, a signal for the 11 canneries to resume operations and for the some two dozen fishing fleets in the city to resume fishing for sardines in the seas. The announcement was made during a meeting with owners of canneries and fishing fleets in this city held at a local hotel. The government imposed a “closed season” for fishing of sardines from December to February to give time for sardines to spawn and multiply in time for the fishing operations that begin this month. The lifting of the ban will enable the some 30,000 workers in these canneries and fishing fleets to return to work after a three-month period of idleness because of the closed season. While some of them found work elsewhere, the majority endured the period and they will be back to work this week. During the closed season for fishing of sardines, some of the canneries with frozen stocks managed to continue production for a time but eventually closed in the absence of raw materials. Canneries spent the three months to recondition their machines while the fishing fleets took time to repair nets and prepare for the next fishing season that opened this month. The suspension of operations of the canneries and fishing fleets has also forced an increase in the price of canned sardines nationwide according to the law of supply and demand. It also affected the export of the product during the period. The BFAR deployed three vessels to patrol the seas against anyone who might want to disobey the fishing ban. No illegal fisherman SARDINE/PAGE 9

BusinessWeek

Asian Fusion MINDANAO

March 5-8, 2012

Agua’s new menu:

gua Seafood Restau ra nt, that Chabaca no sea food restaurant at Limketkai Center‘s Rosario Strip , is starting the new year with a new cook, a new look and a new menu. “We’ve decided to focus on Asian Fusion cuisine since our customers want more variet y, especia lly s om e t h i n g t h a t ’s different from what they’ve tried in other restaurants,” said Lulu Abarado, Agua operations manager. Asian fusion combines the flavors and ingredients of t he Pa c i f ic R i m i nto simple yet delicious dishes. Highlighted by fresh ingredients, many Asian fusion recipes are cooked quickly to preserve the fresh f lavors of the ingredients in the dishes. Another wonder-

f u l aspect of Asia n fusion cuisine is its presentation. Agua’s kitchen has combined the colorful ingredients in unique presentations that are not only savory to taste, but pleasing to see and taste as well (view photos in this page). A mon g t he ne w items one can glean from Agua’s menu are Beef Rendang and Nasi Goreng. Rendang is a spicy meat dish traditionally served during festive occasions around South East Asia. A 2011 CNNGo online poll joined in by 35,000 on l i ne pa r t icipa nts chose Renda ng as the number 11 dish in their ‘World ’s 50 Most Delicious Foods’ list, followed by Nasi Goreng (bagoong rice, popularly known as the national dish of Indonesia). Tom Yam Kung (a Lao and Thai hot and sour soup) ranks

Nasi Goreng

Beef Redang

eight on the same list. Other new items in Agua’s Asian Fusion menu, a lbeit not as popular as the f irst three mentioned, but ca n hold t heir ow n in the ultimate testi ng g rou nd of t he palate include Ginger Clam Soup (a Southern Philippines clam soup spiced with ginger from Zamboanga City, of course); Singapore fish curry (using only Lapu-Lapu fish), Steamed Pompano with Black Beans, Kung Pao fish fillet (a

Nonya specialty from Malaysia/Indonesia), Singapore chili crab, Thai Curry Crab, Hebi Kangkong, Fried Egg Beancurd, Black Pepper and Stir-Fried Seafood Udon, and Mee Goreng (fried noodles famous in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore). The menu’s not all that’s changed. “We want to emphasize that Agua’s prices are now more affordable a nd popu la rly priced,” Ms. Abarado stresses. “Orders are

Tom Yam Kung soup

now also more rightsized for 3-4 persons. With the right serving size, our menu is now affordably priced.” Agua has also amenities that cater to the corporate and government clientele. Among them, a private dining room that seats 14 people and comes free for four hours with a minimum order and a

function room that can seat 25-30 persons and also comes free provided a minimum order is placed from Agua’s set menu which starts at P275 per cover inclusive of four entrees, rice and dessert. Agua opens d a i ly 11A M-2PM, and again at 5:3010:00PM.

Companies

4 March 5-8, 2012

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

Hedcor promotes IP’s culture awareness among its employees “HEDCOR’s efforts for awareness in respecting and understanding our culture and traditions is a manifestation of being a culture-friendly company to our community”, said Datu Rogelio Manapol, chair of the Bagobo-Tagabawa. Datu Manapol sp oke b efore t he community of indigenous peoples (IPs) during the recent focus group discussions (FGD) about cultural sensitivity in Davao del Sur – home of the 42.5-MW Sibulan run-of-river hydropower systems of Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. The FGD was organized by Hedcor, the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribes and the representatives of National Commis-

DATU Rogelio Manapol, chair of indigenous community – BagoboTagabawa, explains before the group about their norms and traditions and on how good they feel of learning Hedcor’s respect shown to their culture during the cultural-sensitivity’s focus group discussions.

sion on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). “Even before Hedcor started its commercial operation, they already won our hearts by making us see their endeavors of learning our culture by doing immersions in our place”, Manapol said. Hedcor’s education and information campaign to community about its project was one of the

highlights during the FGD. It was brought out that before the Sibulan hydro project started, IPs were properly informed of Hedcor’s run-ofriver hydro power systems, its impact, effects to environment and the needs of community in which Hedcor provided that in their Me m o r a n d u m o f Agreement. “This discussion is

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10TH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 28 MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN In the matter of Petition for Adoption Of a minor GRACE BELLE L. LAMBAN,

a venue for everyone to also know which places are sacred for IPs need not to disrupt by anyone else”, said Arnold San of NCIP. “Hedcor will know better the concerns of IPs, clarify issues and at the same time, IPs will understand the policies and procedures of Hedcor thru this FGD”, San added. Hedcor extends its horizons to serve

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12TH Judicial Region Branch 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte

SPL. PROC. NO. 450

SPOUSES GABRIEL C. ESPAÑOLA and BELLA J. ESPAÑOLA, Petitioners, x------------------------------------------------------- /

IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF LYMAR A. NIVAL UNDER THE ENTRY OF SEX FROM FEMALE TO MALE.

SPL. PROC. NO. 256-07-2012 - for Correction of Entry

LYMAR A. NIVAL,

ORDER

Petitioner,

Petitioner’s, husband and wife, allege, that they are of legal age, Filipino citizens, and residents of Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin. They have been married for thirteen (13) years and have been childless. They seek to adopt the minor Grace Belle Labuana Lamban who was born illegitimate on December 18, 2011, to Luzvy Labuana Lamban of Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin, a single mother who gave her consent to the adoption. Right after the birth of Grace Belle her biological mother Luzvy voluntarily turned over the care and custody of the child to the petitioners who transformed their house into one they can proudly call a home. The petitioners possessed all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to adopt. Finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing in this Court’s Session Hall, at Lakas, Mambajao, Camiguin on May 2, 2012 to start at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. Let copy of the petition and of this Order be furnished the Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Region X, Cagayan de Oro City, for the preparation and confirmation of the child and home study reports and submit the same before the date of hearing as well as to conduct counseling sessions with the natural mother on the matter of adoption of the adoptee and accordingly submit a report therein before the date of hearing; and another copy of the petition and of this Order be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, the Provincial Prosecutor of Camiguin, the Local Civil Registrar of Mambajao, Camiguin, and the biological mother Luzvy Labuana Lamban at Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin for any step they may deem best and proper to take in this Petition. Let copy of this Order be published at petitioner’s expense once a week for three successive weeks before the scheduled hearing in any newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Camiguin. Any person or entity opposed to the petition in this case may file written opposition at any reasonable time before the scheduled hearing and personally appear during the hearing to show cause why the petition shall not be granted. SO ORDERED. Done in Mambajao, Camiguin, this 21st day of February 2012. (Sgd.) RUSTICO D. PADERANGA Judge BWM: FEB. 27, MARCH 5 & 12, 2012

NATIONAL Commission on Indigenous Peoples representative Arnold San presides Hedcor’s invitational culture sensitivity’s focus group discussions among Hedcor management, Hedcor’s stockholders (MANTIS and WorkExperts), and the community of Bagobo-Tagabawa.

- versus – LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF BAROY, LANAO DEL NORTE, Respondent. x-------------------------- / ORDER A verified petition for correction of entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of LYMAR A. NIVAL as to his gender/sex which was erroneously entered as FEMALE instead of MALE was filed before this Court on February 28, 2012 by the herein petitioner praying among others that after notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Respondent to effect the correction sought for. Petitioner alleges that he is of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Baroy Dacu, Baroy, Lanao del Norte. Respondent is sued in his official capacity as such. He was born on July 14, 1986 at home and said birth was duly registered at the Respondent’s office. However, under the entry of his “sex”, the one entered therein is ‘FEMALE’ instead of ‘MALE’, his true and correct sex or gender. The erroneous entry may have been inadvertently done by the one who entered the facts of his birth. He is of good moral character and has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. That the petition is filed in good faith and not intended to conceal the commission of a crime and/or defeat the investigation and prosecution of the same. He is desirous of correcting the erroneous entry to avoid confusion and future inconveniences. Set the initial hearing of this case to May 7, 2012 in the morning before the sala of this Court. Any person/s interested to the petition may come to Court on said date and time to show cause why said petition should not be granted. Furnish copy of the Order to the Office of the Solicitor General at Makati City, Office of the Public Prosecutor in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Baroy, Lanao del Norte, Atty. Dorothea S. Basalo at Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte and to the petitioner, LYMAR A. NIVAL whose residence is at Purok 2, Baroy Dacu, Baroy, Lanao del Norte. The petitioner is hereby directed to publish copy of this Order to BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO, a newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks, at her expense, to comply with the jurisdictional requirements of the Rule. SO ORDERED. Tubod, Lanao del Norte. February 29, 2012. (Sgd.) ALAN L. FLORES Presiding Judge BWM: MARCH 5,12 & 19, 2012

the host community for a sustainable development. To mention, Hedcor aided them through annual shares to finance their programs and projects. This is aside from the regular corporate social responsibilities of Hedcor like medical missions, educational assistance, livelihood, reforestation and infrastructures. Hedcor is a whol-

ly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower Corporation. Hedcor is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower plants in the country with 18 hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao. It has plans of building more plants in Mindanao, thus developing five more plants – two in Davao del Sur, one in Davao City and two in Bukidnon.

Research...

plan. The Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, which is being pursued by MinDA, has identified the creation of the center as integral to improving capabilities for undertaking scientific and empirical researches and analyses that support the region’s development needs. The 20-year framework serves as the roadmap for peace and development efforts in Mindanao, focusing on five key themes namely, peace and security, governance and institutions, economy and environment, human development and social cohesion, and enabling conditions.

from page 1

The MKRPC shall become the command center of a Mindanao-focused scientific and Research and Development (R&D) community of academic scholars. It would also seek to improve Mindanao knowledge networks with academic and research institutions from other countries once the center is established. Meanwhile, Prof. Ricardo de Ungria, MSCFI Chairperson, supported MinDA’s stance to push through with the center saying they hope to firm up partnership and collaboration to realize the

SWS...

from page 1 The survey results, published in Business World, revealed that among unemployed adults, 10 percent were retrenched, 9 percent quit, and 5 percent were first-time jobseekers. About 7 percent of those retrenched did not have their contracts renewed while 2 percent said their employers closed shop, while 1 percent were fired. The SWS qualified “adults” as Filipinos 18-years-old and higher. It also used the traditional definition of unemployment, that is, those not working and at the same time looking for work. Housewives, retirees,

and students were excluded. Unemployment was relatively high among women and among the younger members of the labor force, following the pattern in previous surveys. Unemployment rate in men dipped to 15.2 percent from 17 percent but increased to 35.6 percent from 25.6 percent among women. Unemployment rose to 49.1 percent from 46.3 percent in the 18-24 age group. The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and with sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, ±6% for area percentages.

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

March 5-8, 2012

Opinion

6 March 5-8, 2012

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BusinessWeek MINDANAO

Shopping Spree THINK a minute… On a TV game show, I saw a woman who won a shopping spree in a supermarket. She had 10 minutes to fill her cart with anything she wanted in the store. In those few minutes, she had to be smart and find the most valuable things she could to fill her cart with. Do you realize that your life is like a shopping spree? In this short life, we have only a limited amount of time to get the most valuable things we can. To get the most for our time. One successful man said it this way: “The time of your life is the one dollar you’re

given. It’s the only dollar you have, so be very careful how you choose to spend it. Don’t ever let other people spend it for you. Counting time is not nearly as important as making time count.” If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Time never stops for any of us, no matter who we are. “You may be able to take the day off, but you can’t put it back.” Since we can’t keep it or save it, we have to spend it. A wise man said: “The only smart use of your time and life is to spend it on something that will last longer than your life and keep benefiting you even

after you die.” This short, simple poem tells us the secret to spending our life for that one thing that will secure and always take care of us. It says: “Only one life, will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” You see, Jesus Christ is the only One Who lasts, since He is the Creator of life itself. So if you have Him, you never run out of life. That’s what He came to show us by giving His own perfect life for our sins and then bringing Himself back to life. So what will you do with the time you have left? Why not start spending

the other monetary policy tools. The Monetary Board has several tools at its disposal. One of these is the policy interest rate. This is the rate at which the Bangko Sentral borrows or lends money overnight or on a term basis. The other policy tools include 1) fixing the reserve requirements for banks, 2) the purchase and sale of government securities, and 3) extending or limiting the rediscounting window. The policy tools, used singly or in combination, influence the supply of money which in turn, along with other factors, affects inflation. Inflation is the sustained

JHAN TIAFAU HURST your life wisely: by living your Maker’s way for the only things that will keep taking care of you for the rest of your life, and even after you die. Just think a minute…

Initiating regulatory development for more inter active gaming WILL the business community welcome some proposal if our legislators move for some amendments to Presidential Decree No. 358, which amended the original P. D. 253 creating the Philippine Veterans Industrial Development Corporation or PHIVIDEC to include other economic development to be vigorously pursued within the economic zone? 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 manual labor. PHIVIDEC has a charter confined to industrial and manufacturing activities. Nothing of the information technology or IT was then heard off in 1974 when this science was limited for the use of the military and space exploration by modern and advanced countries like the US, Japan and Rus-

sia when it was still known as the Union of the Soviet Republic (USSR) in furtherance to their super powers role for trade and military dominion of the world. 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 tool that powers the Internet and Business Outsourcing or BOP. It is the transmissions connecting cyber terminals for inter active gaming that generates the USD 20 Billion yearly revenues from countries that legalized gambling operations through the net. Looking back how the intricacies and web of the Marcos Presidency whose power and authority was reinforced and back up by the military. Presidential Decree 358, has the political undertone designed to preserve and enshrined the military establishment who supported and keep him in power as the PHIVIDEC beneficiary. The decree under Section 6 requires retired military officials with educational qualifica-

tions in law and finance to be appointed to the board and exercise corporate powers. Their charter also requires 50 % of PHIVIDEC revenues to be flowed back to the corporation to pay for loan amortizations acquired by the industrial estate and guaranteed by the national government. The other 50% is for the operational and maintenance cost of the estate. G r a nt i n g t h e P 2 0 0 Million capitalization of PHIVIDEC was acquired through a financial loan package, was it paid over a 38 years period from 1974 to 2012? Were there other loans contracted after Marcos? How pink is their financial statements? PHIVIDEC under Section 7 of their charter has the power to issue bonds or incur indebtedness. Relative to the predicament that hit our PAGCOR top officials over the quarrel of gambling casino investors Ocada and Wynn that steamed from the fast rising gambling entertainment city along Manila Bay which threatens the viability of the Macau Casinos where the latter has huge interests. It is

The BSP Policy Meeting THE most eagerly anticipated and closely watched meeting of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is the policy meeting. And for good reason. Held once ever y six weeks, the policy meeting provides economic analysts, businessmen, bankers and the media a sense of the direction the Monetary Board is prepared to take in fulfilling its primary mandate of keeping inflation low and stable. During the meeting, the Monetary Board decides either to increase or decrease or maintain the policy interest rate. As circumstances warrant, the Monetary Board also tweaks

THINK A MINUTE

increase in the average prices of goods and services typically purchased by consumers such as rice, fuel, housing and repairs, and clothing. The BSP strives for a low and stable inflation. How do the monetary policy tools work ? Increasing the policy interest rate would have the effect of restricting the money supply. Conversely, decreasing the policy rate would have the effect of increasing the money supply. Increasing the reserve requirements would decrease the money supply and vice versa. Selling government securities would decrease the money supply and vice

versa. Reducing the rediscounting window would limit the money supply and vice versa. The availability of money in turn influences the inflation rate as well as the decision to borrow for investment in productive enterprises and/or for consumption. The monetary policy stance is based on several factors. Very important considerations are the BSP’s inflation forecast and its assessment of both the global and domestic economies. An Advisory Committee – composed of Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo, Deputy Gov-

future gambling revenue squabble for dominion in Asia or money matters. Casinos in a form of inter active gambling and e-games are natural tourism partners to lure more of the Asian travel market to come to the Philippines. Economic zones are vital locations for the infrastructures of these activities. It has been pioneered and proven a success by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) in northern Philippines. PHIVIDEC under Section 15 of their charter provides reparability clause to change or pursue other undertakings not contrary to law. If it choose, it can host inter active gambling casinos as alternative locators in the near future?

SPEAKING OUT ernor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr., Assistant Governor Ma. Ramona GDT Santiago, Assistant Governor Almasara Cyd Tuano-Amador - carefully analyzes these factors and submits the committee’s recommendation/s to the Monetary Board. If the forecast indicates elevated inflation, the recommended stance is for the Monetary Board to increase the policy interest rate. Coversely, when the forecast indicates easing inflation , the recommended stance is to decrease (sometimes maintain) the policy rate. When the domestic economy is growing, the tendency is to tighten/increase the policy rate. When

IGNACIO BUNYE the economy is decelerating, the tendency is to ease/ decrease the policy rate. Any action of the Monetary Board is very carefully calibrated. The Monetary Board is always mindful of the fact that domestic and international circumstances (eg. world fuel prices) could reverse and drastically affect BUNYE/PAGE 7

BusinessWeek

Views

Objections to buying the PCOS machines

Excuse me, excuse me, please?

MINDANAO

MEMBERS of civil society are airing their objections against a possible move by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to purchase the same Smartmatic PCOS machines that were used in the 2010 elections. Comelec’s mulled the move due to a budget constraint imposed by Congress. Earlier this year, the Comelec requested P10.2 billion but the Congress only approved a budget of P7 billion. The budget requested by the Comelec will cover the lease of the brand new machines, payment for services and other expenses. Comelec Commisioner Tagle noted that the “last option for the Comelec is ‘to exercise its option to purchase’ the PCOS machines supplied by Smartmatic in the 2010 elections.” Commissioner Tagle further said, “[t]he agency will spend much less if it will purchase the PCOS machines used in the 2010 polls but there are issues that still need to be addressed. If we exercise our option to purchase, we’ll be spending only P1.8 billion for the 82,000 PCOS machines. They are less expensive but our condition, of course, is for Smartmatic to fix their machines.” According to Movement for G o o d G overnance chair Winnie Monsod, such a move would go against President B enigno Aquino III’s “Tuwid na Daan”. “Should this anomalous transaction push through, it will be very inconsistent with President Aquino’s ‘Tuwid na Daan.’ There are numerous legal and technical grounds for raising an objection, and as responsible citizens of this country we can no longer allow the voting results to be compromised,” Monsod said. The Legal Network for Truthful Elections is of the view that the Comelec cannot exercise its option to purchase because the option no longer exists. Under the agreement between Comelec and Smartmatic, the contract for an automated election is by way of “lease for the hardware and software with option to purchase at a price not exceeding 50% of the lease price. Comelec shall decide

Bunye... from page 6

its inflation forecast. Whatever action the Monetary Board takes, one can rest assured that such action will be consistent with BSP’s primary mandate of main-

on the option to purchase by component or portions thereof (either or both the hardware and/ or software components) on or before December 31, 2010.” There being no notice given to Smartmatic by Comelec on or before December 31, 2010, the option has, in effect, expired. If the period has expired, can Smartmatic and Comelec opt to extend the period? Yes, they can, provided there be a new bidding. Any extension of the period to exercise the option beyond December 31, 2010 amounts to a new contract that requires new bidding under the Government Procurement Reform Act or R.A. 9184. There are also other objections to the purchase of the PCOS machines used in 2010. These are technical and not legal. According to an organization called Transparent Elections, there are ten deficiencies of the Automated Election System (AES) of Smartmatic that were obser ved during the conduct of the 2010 elections. These are the following: the failure to detect fake ballots, the removal of the Voter Vote Verification from the PCOS machine, the disabling of the Digital Signature, and the failure to certify “99.995% accuracy” of the PCOS machines. Any one of these deficiencies could have compromised the integrity of the system. It must also be pointed out that these deficiencies are PCOS-related. How about you? Do you think the Comelec should purchase Smartmatic’s PCOS machines given its budget?

EXCUSE me, excuse me, please, I need to visit the REST ROOM! Sounds familiar? Yes, I would say, that most if not all of us were in that situation. You rush , only to void so little an amount, with no apparent relief. The urge and a burning sensation bothers you. Yes, Urinary Tract Infections is among the most common health concerns that affect men and women alike. Though, women tend to have more episodes than their male counterparts. This is attributed to the anatomical differences between the two sexes, with the urethra very near the anus and vagina for the ladies. Other risk factors, aside

from being female, is, when one is immune-compromised, meaning, like patients who are undergoing treatment for the Big C, or hospitalized patients who are placed on catheters, or those with Diabetes. Women undergoing menopause are likely to develop UTI primarily because of the lack of the hormone Estrogen, which cause some changes in the environment of the urinary system. Frequency of urination, which is in most cases presenting as small amounts per voiding, cloudy, pink or cola colored urine, pelvic pain for women and rectal pain for the men may be felt, are among the manifestations

March 5-8, 2012

HEALTH IN FOCUS

DR. MARY JEAN LORECHE-DIAO of the infection. Of course, we need to understand that there may be other symptoms related to the UTI, depending on the particular area of the urinary system that is involved by the infection.

The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder and the urethra. Should the infection affect the kidneys ( Pyelonephritis, which maybe Acute or Chronic), flank pains, high grade fever, shaking chills with nausea and vomiting, are among the symptoms that one may experience. For bladder involvement, there is that feeling of pelvic pressure and lower abdominal discomfort, and a bloody urine. The above manifestations disappear once treatment is instituted. In terms of diagnostics, the main stay would still be Urinalysis. It is important that when submitting the DIAO/p.9

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Corp.Board

8 March 5-8, 2012

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

Globe Telecom declares first semi- AirAsia to start flights to Kalibo, annual cash dividend totaling P4.3B Davao via Clark on March 28

eading telecommunications company Globe Telecom has declared the first semiannual cash dividend of P32.50 per common share or a total of P4.3 billion, representing 86 percent of 2011 core net income. The amount translates to a dividend yield of 5.7 percent based on end2011 share price and is payable on March 16, 2012 to shareholders on record as of February 24, 2012. Annualized dividends, on the other hand, represent a five percent improvement over 2010’s P62 per share. The Board of Dire c tors has re cent ly amended the company’s dividend policy to ensure that dividends remain sustainable and the resulting yields competitive. Under the new policy, dividends shall be at 75 percent to 90 percent of prior year’s core net income instead of reported net income. Core net income excludes all foreign exchange and mark-to-market charges,

as well as non-recurring items such as the accelerated depreciation charges arising from the IT and network modernization programs that Globe will undertake beginning this year. Globe closed the year with core net income of P10 billion, up 11 p e rc e nt f rom a b out P9.1 billion in the previous year. Excluding transformation-related professional fees and services costs of P176 million and accelerated depreciation charges of P350 million, core net income would have been up a stronger 15 percent against 2010. Likewise, reported net income after tax of P9.8 billion was slightly up by one percent from prior year’s P9.7 billion as 2010 results included the one-time upward adjustment of P526 million arising from prepaid load credits that have either expired or have been used up. Meanwhile, Carmina J. Herbosa stepped in as Head of Globe Internal Audit effective February 16. Herbosa will work

with management to develop governance and control strategies, review the continued effectiveness and efficiency of audit methodologies, and set up and implement a Control SelfAssessment system and environment in Globe. She will be responsible for supporting business growth while balancing the need for controls and improvements in business processes. Herbosa is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor (US CIA) and a Certified Control SelfAssessment Auditor (US CCSA). She has local a n d re g i on a l / g l o b a l experience, breadth of business understanding and with proven track record of deliver ing business results through appropriate levels of effective governance and control. She has 22 years of professional and executive level experience in multi-national organizations. Herbosa replaced Catherine Hufana-Ang who joined Ayala Corporation to head the Group Risk Management Unit.

cut this portion: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Agri-business Banking & Finance Alternative Energy Dev’t - Health/ Food Production & Marketing Housing & Realty Dev’t Cooperatives & Coop Insurance Hotel/Resorts & Tourism Dev’t. Full Name of Endorser_____________________________________________________ Address/ Tel. No./ Email___________________________________________________ Attach the following: (1) Official Letter of Endorsement; (2) Photos (1 passport size/ pics of establishment bldg/area) (3) Short History (500 words) (4) Documentary Evidence ( Photo copies of citations/ certificates, awards) (5) Biodata or resume

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AIRASIA Philippines on Tuesday announced it will begin to offer flights here on March 28, giving low fares for its 20,000 passengers to Kalibo, Aklan and Davao. Tan said they had ferried at least 2 million passengers with AirAsia Berhad, which began its operations at Clark in 2005 offering flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. Kathleen Tan, regional head of the AirAsia commercial plane fleet based in Malaysia, said they will utilize their two brand-new Airbus 320 for twice-a-day flights to Bangoy International Airport in Davao and Kalibo International Airport via the Clark International Airport. “Now Everyone Can Fly,” said AirAsia in a statement after offering an all-in fare of P275 for flights to Davao and Kalibo, which is about 15 kilometers away from the Boracay Island. “[The low-fare offer] is the first in the Philippines,” the carrier said. The no-frills budget airline said the fare of P275 is for a one-way ticket and already includes taxes. The seat sale is actually a zerofare promo with the seat

totally free and the guest is actually paying only P275 to cover the fuel surcharge, processing fee and government mandated fees such as aviation security fee and VAT, said AirAsia Philippines in a statement. “We will have international flights soon. But we will study it well,” said AirAsia Philippines CEO Marianne Hontiveros, citing Singapore and other cities in China. She said they could also offer flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. Tan said the AirAsia Group had served at least 140 million passengers, adding that they will open this year AirAsia service in Japan. “It is serving with pas-

sion,” said Tan after being asked about AirAsia’s secret of success. Clark International Airport Corp. President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano and Cecile Sanchez-Flores of AirAsia attended the launching on board the Airbus 320 which was parked near the airport corporate office. A total of 767,109 pass engers us ed the Clark airport in 2011. Luciano expressed confidence that passengers this year will reach 1.7 million with the entry of AirAsia and Airphil Express owned by Lucio Tan. Airphil will begin its operations in Clark on March 29, offering flights to Davao, Kalibo, Cebu and Puerto Princesa.

Qatar Airways ceases to serve Cebu-Doha route By MALOU M. MOZO Contributor

CEBU City – After nearly nine years servicing the Cebu-Doha route, international airline company Qatar Airways has announced that it will cease to operate this route effective March 26 this year. In an advisory sent to its partners and clients, the airline said it will stop servicing the Cebu-Doha route because of rising fuel cost and high operating expenses. The airline said passengers with flights after March 26 will be provided with alternative flights like the Manila-Doha route that flies twice-weekly. Qatar Airways flies from Doha to Cebu three times weekly, with average travel time between both locations being nine and a half hours. Meanwhile, local tourism players here say they are crossing their fingers that Qatar Airways will reconsider such decision considering that the Cebu-Doha route is the only direct link from Cebu to Europe via the Middle East. Department of Tourism (DOT) Director for Central Visayas Rowena Montecillo, for one, is hopeful that the airline will reconsider its decision on the matter, especially since she says the European travel market is starting to pick up. “We acknowledge that

this is a business decision but I personally would want to know the problems of the airlines, so we’ll know how government and the private sector can help,” Montecillo said, adding that she has scheduled an appointment with Qatar Airways management within the week. Montecillo said Cebu’s booming tourism industry is highly dependent on connectivity to other countries to attract more foreign arrivals. She noted an increase of 76 percent in the number of Russian tourists alone last year. Arrivals from Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium and Denmark, among other European countries, are also growing. DOT 7 recorded a growth of 6.43 percent in European tourist arrivals or 124,276 tourists last year over

116,763 European tourists that visited Cebu in 2010. She said the Cebu-Doha route plays a significant role in the growth of arrivals by European visitors coming to Cebu and the rest of Central Visayas. Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) President Hans Hauri said the association is also appealing for Qatar Airways to not suspend its Cebu-Doha flights. “The HRRAC is making an appeal to Qatar Airways Management for a reconsideration as we need their service for our connection to and from Europe. Traffic via Manila is not a desirable option. DoT must intervene to reach our goal of four million foreign tourist arrivals for 2012,” Hauri said, who is also the general manager of Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

Congress.Watch

Rodriguez groundbreaks, turns over infra projects BY:GERRY L. GORIT

CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on yesterday broke ground for various infrastructure projects worth millions of pesos to be undertaken this year in the city. Rodriguez also turned over completed projects to the local government officials. The projects to be built are the following: Farmto-market concreting of Phase 3B (segment 1) San Vicente to Sitio ihapon (segment 2); Rehabilitation/reconstruction/ upgrading of damaged paved national roads along Sayre Highway at Barangay Puerto worth P4,526,000; Construction/repair of roads at Barangay Cugman worth P2-million; Construction/concreting of roads at Barangay Gusa worth P2,000,000. Construction/repair of water system at Barangay Camaman-an worth P1,500,000; Construction/concreting of multi-purpose pavement at Barangay Camamanan worth P2-million; Construction/concreting of roads at Barangay Macasandig worth P7million; Rehabilitation/ reconstruction/upgrading of damaged paved national roads along Corrales Extension-Port Road at Barangay 25 worth P29,307,000. Assets preservation of national roads, preventive maintenance of intermittent sections along Cor-

rales Extension-Port Road at Barangay 25 worth P3,374,000; Preventive maintenance of intermittent sections along the Port Road at Barangay Puntod worth P5,847,000; Construction/improvement of drainage system along Port Road at Barangay Puntod worth P4,655,526.88; and Rehabilitation/reconstruction/ upgrading of damaged paved national roads along the Port Road at Barangay 23 worth P9,700,000. On the other hand, the completed projects turned over by the congressman are as follows: Construction of slope protection and concrete ramp at Suntingon Elementary School in Barangay Bugo worth P1-million; Construction of farm-to-market road from Agusan to Kabalalahan to Kilibay worth P5-million; Concreting/repair of roads at Barangay Lapasan worth P2-million; Concreting/ repair of roads at Barangay Nazareth worth P3million; Rehabilitation of school buildings at South City Central School worth P1-million; Concreting/repair of roads at Barangay Macasandig worth P2-million; Concreting/repair of roads at Barangay Indahag worth P1-million; and Rehabilitation/reconstruction/ upgrading of damaged paved national roads along the Port Road at Barangay Puntod worth P9,800,000.

Diao...

well as prevent the bacteria from sticking it out into the walls of the urinary bladder. Water, correct and right personal practices, Cranberry Juice.... seeking early consultation and the use of Antibiotics properly prescribed by Your Friendly Doctor, can surely ease that burning sensation and free you from that frequent visits to the RR.

from page 7

the sample for Laborator y testing, clean catch midstream sample is a MUST, in order to avoid a repeat collection. A culture with antibiotic sensitivity maybe requested especially when despite treatment, the UTI persists or when there is a Recurrent infection. A single episode of UTI is tolerable. But, for those who experience it very often, say, an episode of 2 or 3 times a month or having it for 4 times in a year? Recurrent UTI’s do happen for some and it is something that need a closer look. If one’s contraceptive device includes the use of diaphragms, then it may have to be changed into another method. Keeping one’s personal should be the rule rather than the exception. Another good practice is, taking in at least 8 glasses of water, to keep one hydrated. Voiding regularly instead of holding on to one’s urine is another way of keeping all those bacteria away. And, yes, studies have shown that Cranberry Juice when taken regularly helps prevent UTI. Its protective benefits arise from its capacity to keep the urine in an acidic pH, as

Sardine... from page 2

was nabbed during the season. The BFAR also used one of these vessels to research on the spawning season of the fish. Last month, BFAR Regional Director Ahadula Sajili confirmed that studies conducted during the three-month closed season showed that sardines were spawning during the period as evidenced by eggs found in sardines caught during the period by the research team. While the conclusion is not enough, Sajili said that this was enough to justify the ban. On the other hand, BFAR Director Perez said more studies will be needed to institutionalize the closed season period to allow the fish to multiply. The open season for fishing sardines begins this month and will end November, BFAR officials said. (PNA)

March 5-8, 2012

Congressmen delaying passage of PNoy’s sin tax reforms: NGO

NON-GOVERNMENT organization pushing for reforms in sin taxes said lawmakers are delaying the passage of an Aquino administration-endorsed bill. “Pro-tobacco lawmakers have defied the administration’s timetable on reforms by seeking to confine discussions of the House Ways and Means group to a past report of the National Internal Revenue subcommittee,” the Action for Economic Reforms (AER) said in a statement on Thursday. It added that the “antireformist” lawmakers have espoused agenda changes that will delay, “even kill” the so-called sin tax bill backed by the administration. The group cited Representative Rufus Rodriguez as saying the sin tax bill filed by Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya (House Bill 5727) is

a “draconian measure” that will bring difficulties to tobacco farmers, cigarette manufacturers and their workers. Rodriguez said during the February 28 hearing that they should proceed to Subcommittee Report No.6 to secure a “win-win” situation. Minority leader Danilo Suarez backed Rodriguez, saying the committee must discuss the subcommittee report “line-by-line.” “If the document will be tackled line-by-line, as recommended by Rep. Suarez, [we] fear it could delay the legislation of the administration sin taxes well into the third regular session of the 15th Congress— long enough to axe

RODRIGUEZ

the Abaya bill,” AER said. The group said that on January 30, the same subcommittee had approved a diluted version of the sin tax bill drafted by Rep. Eric Singson to sabotage the Aquino administration’s tax modifications. “Its proceedings were conducted without consul-

tation and due notification of the authors of other tax proposals,” the group said. Last month, chairperson Rep. Isidro Ungab opted not to review the document at the committee level due to time constraints for passing HB 5727 before the campaign season starts for the 2013 elections.

10 March 5-8, 2012

MisOr Today

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

Post-Sendong Feature:

Peer Support: Journalists helping journalists By MIKE BAÑOS, Correspondent

NITAO, Misamis Oriental -- Some 35 journalists from Iligan and Cagayan de Oro gathered recently at this resort town midway between the two cities to engage each other in a two-day workshop aimed at helping them cope with traumatic stress and its after effects arising from the disaster. Organized by the Na- and physical health of the tional Union of Journalists journalists involved,” said in the Philippines (NUJP) Ms. Paraan. “It was more with technical assistance to show support and give from the Dart Center for venue for people to share Journalism and Trauma, the their stories as a possible two-day workshop dubbed way to unload emotions.” The workshop stems “Peer Support: Journalists helping Journalists” from a growing recognibrought together jour- tion among the local media nalists who were victims community that journalists of the flash floods which are often among the “first killed over 1,000 people in responders” to a disasCagayan de Oro and Iligan ter along with emergency last December 17 as well workers like police, firemen as others who covered its and ambulance workers yet have little or no debriefing tragic aftermath. It was actually the first or counseling after covering peer support activity NUJP a traumatic event. Studies abroad show launched,” said Rowena C. Paraan, NUJP secretary journalists have increased general. “Although we’ve risks of developing Post been conducting stress Traumatic Stress Disorand trauma care sessions der (PTSD) after repeated for families of journalists exposure to coverage of killed since 2006, it was the traumatic events (Newfirst one for a big number man et al., 2003; Pyevich, of journalists, whose com- et al., 2003, Teegen et al., mon denominator is the 2001) compared to those Sendong experience, either who have fewer incidents as one of those affected or of exposure ( (Newman as journalists covering the et al., 2003; Pyevich et al., 2003, McMahon, 2001). disaster. Journalists exhibiting “This is not meant to replace stress debriefing PSTD symptoms experience but rather act as a starting disruptions of memory, point to help journalists concentration and focus, who were victims of the connection, interest and disaster as well as those empathy. Consequently, who covered it recognize they are at risk to affect stress and trauma and their news judgment and how to deal with its long- professional capacity in term effects on the mental their careers and personal

Turtle... from page 1

sea floor. Sea grass must be kept short to remain healthy, and beds of sea grass are essential breeding and development areas of many fish species and other marine life,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Caraga regional executive director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said. “A decline or loss of sea grass beds would damage these population, trigger a chain reaction and negatively affect marine and human life,” Sibbaluca added. “Beaches and dunes form a fragile ecosystem that depends on vegetation to protect against sand erosion; eggs hatched or unhatched and hatchlings that fail to make it into the ocean are nutrient sources for dune vegetation”, community environment officer Vicente L. Sembrano said. On the other hand, Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Page signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Product Research and Development Institute to fast track the production of desks and benches for the Department

of Education. DOST-FPRDI delivered a wood mizer machine, a mobile saw mill technology at CENRO-Nasipit, Agusan del Norte for speedy cutting of confiscated logs for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to mass produce desks, benches and black boards. Meanwhile, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission headed by community environment officer Ronald C. Gadot of DENR-10 and CENRONasipit represented by FSI Sidney G. Kalinawan together with Forester Michael Moreno and Elvin W. Sembrano apprehended undocumented logs along the Agusan River near Maldico in Barangay Banza here. Regional technical director for forestry Musa C. Saruang said “The apprehended round logs allegedly came from the river towns Talacogon, San Luis and Esperanza in Agusan del Sur, which appeared to have no claimants. The 1,150 poles had a total volume of 309.38 cubic meters”. The operation was part of the government’s campaign against organized crime and illegal logging pursuant to President Benigno Aquino

relations. In the Philippines, there is generally low awareness on the effects of trauma, putting community journalists especially at greater risks of exposure. Besides the lack of funds and resources, there is also a dearth of journalist who are sufficiently educated and trained on the issue, health professionals who specialize on journalism trauma and programs that deal with it. “Peer support as “trauma first-aid” not a substitute for personal help but would help identify sources of stress and its varying degrees of stress and trauma, Ms. Paraan said. “Journalists are subject to stress in their homes, their work, vicarious trauma and personal experience.” By talking about trauma, NUJP aims to better equip reporters understand their subjects (victims, sources, perpetrators, communities), improve their interviewing skills and source development and news desks and directors effectively manage field coverage during and after the crisis, manager direct and vicarious trauma exposure and in the long run, help the entire news team stay resilient and effective. The Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Experience with Sendong arose from personal encounters as flood victims and trauma during coverage. Among the sources of stress identified by journalists from both ar-

Photojournalist Richel Umel of Iligan City shares with media colleagues his experience covering the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sendong in Iligan City in the first ever peer support workshop for journalists covering a traumatic event. The event was organized by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) with the assistance of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. Also in photo are Weng Paraan and Onik Uy of NUJP and photojournalist Bobby Lagsa of Cagayan de Oro City. PHOTO BY MIKE BAÑOS

eas were frustration, anger at the lack of preparation and slow response from the government. Pauline Apilado, freelance writer and psychology graduate outlined a basic program for journalists to deal with stress with trauma on the job including Education ( understanding trauma, maintaining resilience on challenging stories, early warning signs, getting help); Peer support (research shows one of the best indicators of a person’s resiliency is the support they give and receive from others); Clinical interven-

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with world Wildlife Fund Philippines (WWFF) and in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall be holding a half-day orientation seminar on energy efficiency and conservation program with multi-sectoral participation from the local government units, students/teachers, business, non-government organizations, various consumers and the media in Cagayan de Oro City. The seminar primarily aims to inspire the public to go beyond the hour and make long-term commitments to do more for our planet. Earth Hour is a global event organized by WWF and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, calling households and businesses to turn off their nonessential lights for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. This year’s campaign, “I will If You Will,” intends to

NUJP has established a Peer Support Network with the help of Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. To date, 25 journalists have been trained to help media colleagues with similar activities planned later this year to raise trauma awareness. A follow up workshop for Cagayan de Oro-Iligan journalists “Handling Trauma and Stress for War Journalists” has been scheduled by the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON) on March 7-10 at the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro.

the Philippines, Inc. and City ownership stakes in the two Savings Bank, Inc., managed banks. Shares of Aboitiz to hike its income contribu- Equity Ventures rose by tion by 31% to P3.4 billion 3.31% to P49.90 on Friday from higher interest earn- from its previous close, while from page 1 ings on loans and Aboitiz Aboitiz Power climbed by as core income in the fourth Equity Ventures’ increased 3.59% to P33.15 apiece. quarter alone slipped by 1.85% to P5.4 billion versus P5.3 billion in the same period in 2010. The holding firm had recorded a P94million, non-recurring loss from loan and placement revaluations during this period. Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ latest financial statement was not readily available yesterday. The holding firm went on to report mixed results for its food and banking units, which respectively contributed 6% and 16% to Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ total income for 2011. Pilmico Foods Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ unlisted food arm, saw its income contribution fall by 19% to P1.2 billion from P1.5 billion in 2010 as higher input costs outweighed the company’s higher average selling prices and expansion of the subsidiary’s feeds and FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENTS PLACEMENTS CONTACT swine operating divisions. Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ banking group, which is composed of Union Bank of

III’s Executive Order No. 23 engage the growing global known as “Moratorium of community to go beyond Cutting of Natural and Re- the hour. sidual Forest and Creation of National Task Force”.

Normin...

tion (when needed/appropriate) and Management training/organizational preparation. Previously, the NUJP conducted three training workshops for the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and its members in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao called “Building A Trauma-Aware Newsroom” (Journalism and Trauma). It addresses both the trauma that journalists get from being exposed to tragedies, as well as how to cover trauma (e.g. how to ask victims of violence difficult questions). With the workshops,

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

Food& Food &Arts

March 5-8, 2012

Fish-ful ideas for deliciously smarter meals Fish Estofado

LIFE & Leisure

Ingredients:

RIZA O. ARES, HRM

HEALTHY living has a lot to do with healthy eating! Apart from regular exercise and getting the proper amount of rest, eating the right kind of foods plays the most vital role in warding off disease and ensuring a sturdy state of well-being. We’re just going to follow religiously the food pyramids, it is our guidelines for healthy eating, or make it a habit to eat variety of foods to get the different nutrients that our body requires. We have to control our consumption of calories and unhealthy substances, such as, sugars, fats and sodium should be taken in moderation. We have to choose foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. And choose plenty of vegetables, grains, and lots of fruits! But before summer comes, there’s a Lenten season to observe first, right? I remember when I was still in my teens my grandma used to tell me, to eat a lot of fruits since we are abundant of it during summer. Then Lenten seasons came, where Christians mostly are not allowed to eat meat during the whole Holy Week. We, in the family really abstain from eating meat, especially during holy Friday. Until today, we still observe it as our parents have embraced it as well. So let me share with you the meat-less menu for this time….. Do you know, that you can still make classic Pochero using fish tuna, tanguigue, lapu-lapu or any lean fish, and here’s the other thing, you can try to cook Fish Estofado for a change from your usual menu. It won’t take long to prepare and less hassle on your part, since you are using ready-mix Estofado and Apritada or Menudo sauce in pouch of Del Monte. So make your cooking experience easy by using ready mix sauces.

1/2 kilo fresh labahita, filleted and cut into chunks 1/4 cup cornstarch 100 g baguio beans, sliced 1 each red and green bell pepper, cut into strips 1 pouch (200 g) DEL MONTE Classic Menudo, Estofado and Afritada Recipe Sauce 2 ripe saba bananas, peeled, sliced and fried 1 medium kamote, cut into chunks

Ingredients:

1. Marinate fish in 1 Tbsp calamansi juice and 2 tsp soy sauce for 15 minutes. Roll each piece in cornstarch, then fry until golden brown. Set aside. 2. Cook DEL MONTE Classic Recipe Sauce, baguio beans and bell peppers with 1 cup water and 1/3 tsp iodized salt (or 1 tsp rock salt) for 5 minutes. Add fried fish, saba and kamote just before serving. MAKES 5 SERVINGS Fish replaces meat. Lusog Note: Excellent source of Vit. B6 ssential for red blood cell formation

Pocherong Isda

4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 medium onion, sliced 4 medium slices (400 g) fish (tuna, tanguigue, lapu-lapu or any lean fish) 3 medium saba bananas, cut into 4 (with peel) 1 medium kamote, cut into chunks 10 pes sitaw, cut 2” long 1 can (227 g) DEL MONTE Tomato Sauce 2 medium heads (200 g) pechay, stalks separated from leaves

Procedure:

Saute garlic and onion. Add 2-1/2 cups water, 1 tsp iodized salt (or 1 Tbsp rock salt), 1/2 tsp pepper and 1 tsp white sugar. Add saba and kamote when water boils. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add sitaw and DEL

MONTE Tomato Sauce. Simmer for another 15 minutes. Add fish and pechay. Simmer for 5 minutes. MAKES 8 SERVINGS Fish replaces beef. Lusog Note: Has no cholesterol; low in fat good for the heart

HOTELS RESTAURANTS Pryce Plaza Hotel

Carmen Hill, CDO, Tel. No.722791 to93/858-4537 E-mail:reservaƟons@pryceplaza.ph

Hotel Koresco

Pueblo de Oro Golf Course,CDO, fax. No. [088] 858-9748

tel. Nos. 858-9748 to 54, E-mail:hotelkoresco@yahoo.com

Mallberry Suites

Limketkai Drive ,CDO, Tel. No. [088]854-3999 / 854-7999 E-mail:info@mallberrysuites.com

Dynasty Court Hotel

Tiano-Hayes Sts. CDO, Tel. No. 726876 / 726962 / 857-5410 E-mail:dynasty@philcom.ph

The Marigold Hotel Velez cor. Luna Sts, CDO Tel Nos. 856-4320, 726937

Marco Resort Tel. No. 732182 / 855-220

VIP Hotel

A.Velez St. CDO, Tel. No. 726080 / 726590 / 856-2505 E-mail: info@theviphotel.com.ph

Philtown Hotel

Makahambus-Velez St. CDO,Tel. No. 723089 / 856-1813

De Luxe Hotel

Capt. V. Roa St. CDO, Tel. No. 726527 /857-2144

Maxandrea Hotel

J.R. Borja St. CDO, Tel. No. 729943/ 857-2244 / 857-4154

Grand City Hotel

A.Velez- Sts. CDO Tel. No. 723551 / 723658 / 857-1900

Country Village Hotel

Carmen, Cag. de Oro Tel. No. 71-22-03, 71-22-01, 7122-05

Southwinds Hotel

Capt. V. Roa Sts.CDO,Tel. No. 727623 / 724803 / 856-2036 E-mail:i_agudo@hotmail.com

Apple Tree Resort and Hotel

Taboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental, Tel. Nos. 754525/ 754263/ 3091986, Fax No. (8822) 754497

Pearlmont Inn

Limketkai,Drive,CDO Tel. No. 729111 / 856-2654 / 729455

Red Palm Inn

EVChaves Building, Capistrano corner Cruz Taal Sts. Cagayan de Oro City Tel. No. 721197 and 8562671 Cell No. 0908-885-5643 Email: redpalm_inn07@yahoo.com

Chali Beach Resort

Cugman,CDO,Tel. No. 723929 / 855-2108 E-mail:chali_beach@yahoo.com

Nature Pensionne

Toribio Chavez Sts., CDO Tel. No. 723598 / 723718 / 857-2274

NEW DAWN PENSIONNE Velez-Macahambus Sts, CDO Tel Nos. 8571776, 721776 email : gchreservaƟon@yahoo.com

Malasag Eco Tourism Villages Cugman, CDO Tel. No.855-6183 [088]309-3752

12 March 5-8, 2012

BusinessWeek

MINDANAO

CONGRESSMAN RUFUS B. RODRIQUEZ

REP. MAXIMO RODRIGUEZ Abante Mindanao

in cooperation with DIRE HUSI REGION 10 INITIATIVES, INC.

PRESENT

KALAKALA – the movie An Indie Film by Khavn De La Cruz PREMIERE NIGHT & CONCERT

MARCH 10, 2012 Featuring Environmental and Indigenous Artists: TAO N. AVES, 7 TRIBES BAND, PAUL MAGASINE, SHARON MAE CASIÑO, RONALD TOMAS, PETE LACABA, WAWAY SAWAY, APOY CDO, LICEO NEXT MOVES DANCERS with CUBED Children’s Glee Club and DOT X Singing Ambassadors

7:00 P.M.

BARANGAY NAZARETH COVERED COURT

TICKETS DONATION @ P50.00 ALSO BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

BARANGAY COUNCIL OF NAZARETH, SAN ANTONIO PARISH YOUTH COORDINATING COUNCIL, LINK2 PRINT DIGITAL CREATIONS, BRGY. CAPT. BEBOT RODRIGUEZ, DR. MARY JEAN LORECHE-DIAO, DYNAMIC LIVING, JUST DESSERT, ALFRED OBLIOSCA-ARTIST, LEA D. REMOLADO-ARTS & EVENTS CENTER, OHANA ADVENTURES & La Ilongga

Proceeds will go to Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc.-17 River Barangays beneficiaries and for the Preservation of the Indigenous Culture and the Arts of Northern Mindanao Projects-Dire Husi.

Khavn De La Cruz-Producer/Director • Bert Banzon-Cinematographer • Dante M. Sudaria-Line Producer • Joe Palabao-Movie Production Manager and Rhyan Casiño-Movie Coordinator INQUIRIES: CALL OR TEXT: 0917-176-6126 • 0905-156-9709 • 0906-219-0113 • 0916-136-9840