BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO SEPTEMBER 10,2012

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www.businessweekmindanao.com Issue No. 106, Volume III • Sept. 10-13, 2012

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Agusan eco-park

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte -- The Lantawan Eco Park in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte is projected to help improve the municipality’s fiscal condition, with the continuing influx of tourists assuring income for the local government.

The Lantawan Eco Park was a concealed tourist attraction due to road inaccessibility and absence of tourism facilities.

This however change, when the municipality was awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping and received the Performance Challenge Fund worth P1 million. The municipality used this fund along with another P1 million it provided as LGU counterpart to establish tourism-support facilities in Lantawan Eco Park.

Business education

OZAMIZ City -- Business education still ranks no. 1, among the top five disciplines with the most number of enrollees in the higher education institutions (HEI’s) in Northern Mindanao, during the school year 2011-2012.

Enrolment data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)region 10 showed 133,559 students were enrolled in 83 higher education institutions (HEI) of the region, during the period.

The first five disciplines with the most number of enrollees, Dr. Zenaida G. Gersana, Regional Director of CHED, region 10, said are: Business Administration with an enrolment of 38,358 or 28.72 percent, Education Science and Teacher Training with 22,287 or 16.89 percent, Engineering and Technology with 16,152 or 12.09 percent, Information Technology, 13,020 or 9.75 percent, and Medical and Allied Courses, 11,661 or 8.73 percent.

By MIKE BAÑOS, Correspondent

T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is banking on its education and learning centers and programs to develop an “empowered and enlightened” citizenry that will be crucial in the successful implantation of its “Three Pillars of Strength”: Price Stability, Financial Stability and an Efficient Payments and Settlements System.

BSP Gov. Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. led BSP officials and local dignitaries from the Misamis Oriental banking, business and academic

communities, officials from other government agencies in re-launching its Economic and Financial Learning Center (EFLC) at its

Cagayan de Oro Branch Office September 4. The fifth leg of the BSP Economic and Financial Learning Program (BSP-EFLP) for 2012 was also formally opened in Misamis Oriental during the same event.

“Through these modules, the BSP promotes better understanding of essential economic and financial issues to empower Filipinos to avoid scams, help maintain a sound banking system, to make well-informed deBSP/PAGE 10

Gov. Oscar S. Moreno assisted by BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco, Jr. cuts the ribbon during the relaunch of the upgraded Economic and Financial Learning Center (EFLC) at the BSP Cagayan de Oro Branch.

Food terminal undergoes feasibility study

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Correspondent

DAVAO City -- The planned food terminal complex in a government-owned, 25-hectare land in Toril district is expected to start its feasibility study in the coming months.

Teolulo T. Pasawa, Davao City Field Office head of the Department of Trade and Industry, said the study will look at how the project can be implemented through the national government’s public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.

Mr. Pasawa said that based on the initial project concept, the biggest portion of the complex would be set aside for cold storage facilities as the city has fresh produce, fresh maFOOD/PAGE 10

THE HEAT IS ON! Intense competition has started as the Milo Little Olympics Mindanao 2012 formally kicked off on Friday at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City. (Above left) General Santos City tanker Fritz Delle Anos pulls off another golden performance in 200-meter butterfly in 2 minutes and 34 seconds (2:34) in Saturday’s swimming event. The sixteen years old Anos also took the gold in 100-meter (1min. and 6sec) freestyle earlier that day. At right, Mark Louis Yap of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School gave the host province its first gold in swimming in the 400-meter freestyle. This year’s sports event sponsored by Milo The Olympic Drink since 1988 runs from Sept. 7-9 with the awarding ceremonies to be held on Saturday, Sept. 15. PHOTOS BY GERRY L. GORIT

JV extends scholarship to poor MSU students SAN Juan City Representative JV Ejercito-Estrada on Saturday turned over a check for P105,000 to help defray the expenses of 50 poor but deserving students at Mindanao State University (MSU).

The check was drawn from the JV Ejercito-Estrada Scholarship Foundation (JVEEF). It was handed over by Ejercito-Estrada to Eduardito C. Maruhom, member of MSU board of SCHOLARSHIP/PAGE 10

BusinessWeek Economy 2 Investments in NorMin reach P9.81B in 2Q of 2012 September 10-13, 2012

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A TOTAL of P9.81 billion was invested in Northern Mindanao for the second quarter of this year as monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The amount is higher by 138 percent, compared to the P4.12 billion investments poured in the region in the same period last year.

Reports from the DTI Regional Office 10 show that investment surges in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Misamis Occidental pulled the overall performance of

the region, despite the negative growths in Camiguin and Lanao del Norte.

Misamis Oriental shared 71 percent of the total investments, posting P7.04 billion and followed by Bukidnon with P2.32 billion or 24 percent. Investments in Misamis Occidental amounted to P265.12 million while Lanao del

Norte and Camiguin posted P153.14 million and P20.29 million, respectively.

Director Linda O. Boniao of DTI-10 said investments in Misamis Oriental included the additional investments of Coca-Cola Bottlers in Villanueva town involving expansion and procurement of additional equipment; additional construction and expansion of tourism and business-related facilities such as Paseo del Rio and Centrio of Ayala; and development of new real estate

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Construction of power plants in Valencia City and expansion of plantation areas for banana, pineapple, and carrot including building improvements and acquisition of production machineries for these agri-based products were among the top investments in Bukidnon.

Boniao said other investments recorded in the province were improvements of facilities of Da-

hilayan Adventure Park, hospital expansion, new building construction of manufacturing and trading companies, and agricultural development or expansion of the One Town One Product (OTOP) of Talakag.

Investments in Misamis Occidental were mostly derived from firm level monitoring and business name registration, where most of the firms monitored or classified were under the service sector.

Additional investments in the provinces were construction of school building, apartment and hospital.

Meanwhile, investments in Lanao del Norte were derived from the establishments of amusement park, commercial space leasing, gasoline stations, transport rental, pension house and farm supply while investments poured in Camiguin were mostly tourism and OTOP-related projects.

Proposed law in regulating distribution of plastic bags up for public hearing SHOPPERS must soon bring their own reusable bags to carry the items they purchase from supermarkets or they will have to pay an amount for the plastic bags provided by retailers.

This is contained in a proposed ordinance, which regulates the distribution of plastic carryout bags and requires retail establishments to collect a pass through charge of P1.00 for every plastic bag requested by customers.

Councilor President Elipe, chair of the City Council committee on environment and natural resources, authored the legislation to encourage the use of recyclable bags by consumers and retailers and to reduce the use of plastic bags, which contribute to environmental problems.

In his explanatory note, Councilor Elipe cited that the present times demand

the reduction of use of hardto recycle materials such as plastics.

He said it is the intention of the city government to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG), emissions, wastes, litter and pollution, and to protect public health and welfare.

He said plastic carryout bags are made of nonrenewable sources and are nonbiodegradable and only breaks down into small particles which seep into the soil or are carried into rivers and oceans that also pose threat to animal life and the natural food chain.

The proposed legislation prohibits establishments from providing single-use plastic bags to customers for free. It requires the imposition of a passthrough charge of P1.00 for every bag provided to customers upon request.

All retail establishments

shall indicate on the customer transaction receipt the number of single-use plastic carryout bags provided and the total amount of the passthrough charge collected.

The proposed law requires establishments to make reusable bags available to customers within the store, which may be purchased and used in lieu of plastic bags.

The proceeds of the passthrough charge or plastic carryout bag fees shall be held in trust by the retail store to form part of the working capital for the production of eco bags.

This will be remitted to the Board, which shall be created by Mayor Vicente Emano to oversee the project, PUBLIC HEARING Councilor Elipe said a public hearing will be LAW/PAGE 7

Social Dev’t Committee tackles government fuel procurement

By JENNIFER P. GAITANO

BUTUAN City -- The Social Development Committee (SDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) discussed the study on the

government’s fuel procurement during its meeting held recently in one of the local hotels in this city.

Paris Gaballo of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)

Caraga said the study aims to inform government agencies the present situation of the fuel procurement practices of the government based in Butuan City, the issues and concerns raised and the recommendations to address such issues.

“The study is limited to fuel procurement practices among selected national government agencies and gasoline stations in Butuan and the issues and concerns thereof,” Gaballo said.

The said study’s aim is for decision makers of regional line agencies and local government units in Caraga region to recognize the issue on the fuel procurement practices of both the government and the suppliers.

There is also a need to review, assess and evaluate procurement procedures since this issue does not only apply to fuel procurement but also to supplies and materials and other goods and services that each agency buys.

FUEL/PAGE 7

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Kia invests heavily on environmental protection KIA Motors Corporation is investing heavily in research and development to further reduce its environmental impact, notably by improving manufacturing processes and increasing innovation in vehicle technologies.

According to the corporation’s new sustainability report, Kia invested US$2.25 billion* – 6% of its total sales revenue – in research and development and in its production facilities in 2011. The investment meant that Kia is 44% more ecoefficient than in 2004, when it began measuring its environmental impact.

Building on this momentum, in 2012 Kia will invest a further US$2.52 billion*, a substantial yearon-year increase of 12%, to ensure its production processes become even more eco-efficient and to accelerate the development of highly-efficient vehicles with low emissions. At a Group level, over 9,800 employees – including 30% of all staff recruited since 2010 – are now engaged in research and development.

Kia’s environmentally friendly manufacturing initiatives – including the Green Design System to increase the use of re-

cycled materials, and the Chemical Management System, which minimises the use of hazardous chemicals and substances – were responsible for reducing CO2 emissions per vehicle produced in 2011 by 16 kg, compared to 2010. Atmospheric pollutants were also reduced by 9% per vehicle manufactured during 2011.

The volume of steel recycled by Kia globally in 2011 rose by 33% compared to 2010, thanks to more effective waste management solutions.

This improvement also allowed Kia’s Sohari and Hwaseong plants in Korea to produce no landfill waste whatsoever last year, helping to reduce Kia’s global production of waste materials by 28% compared to the 2003 level.

Embracing EcoDynamics Kia has employed its EcoDynamics engineering philosophy to create a range of vehicles that are not just visually and dynamically exciting but are also more environmentally conscious. For example, the fourth-generation Kia Rio 1.1 diesel introduced in 2011 is 41% more efficient than KIA/PAGE 10

Motoring

September 10-13, 2012

3

Experts hope to shield cars from computer viruses A TEAM of top hackers working for Intel Corp.’s security division toil away in a West Coast garage searching for electronic bugs that could make automobiles vulnerable to lethal computer viruses.

Intel’s McAfee unit, which is best known for software that fights PC viruses, is one of a handful of firms that are looking to protect the dozens of tiny computers and electronic communications systems that are built into every modern car.

It’s scary business. Security experts say that automakers have so far failed to adequately protect these systems, leaving them vulnerable to hacks by attackers looking to steal cars, eavesdrop on conversations, or even harm passengers by causing vehicles to crash.

“You can definitely kill people,” said John Bumgarner, chief technology officer of the US Cyber Consequences Unit, a non-profit organization that helps companies analyze the potential for targeted computer attacks on their networks and products.

To date there have been no reports of violent attacks on automobiles using a

computer virus, according to SAE International, an association of more than 128,000 technical professionals working in the aerospace and the auto industries.

Yet, Ford spokesman Alan Hall said his company had tasked its security engineers with making its Sync in-vehicle communications and entertainment system as resistant as possible to attack.

“Ford is taking the threat very seriously and investing

in security solutions that are built into the product from the outset,” he said.

LANDMARK STUDY And a group of US computer scientists shook the industry in 2010 with a landmark study that showed viruses could damage cars when they were moving at high speeds. Their tests were done at a decommissioned airport.

SAE International charged a committee of more than 40 industry experts with advising manu-

facturers on preventing, detecting and mitigating cyber attacks.

“Any cyber security breach carries certain risk,” said Jack Pokrzywa, SAE’s manager of ground vehicle standards.

“SAE Vehicle Electrical System Security Committee is working hard to develop specifications which will reduce that risk in the vehicle area.”

The group of US computer scientists from California and Washington state issued a second report last year that identified ways in which computer worms and Trojans could be delivered to automobiles-via onboard diagnostics systems, wireless connections and even tainted CDs played on radios systems.

They did not say which company manufactured the cars they examined, but did say they believed the issues affected the entire industry, noting that many automakers use common suppliers and development processes.

The three big US automakers declined to say if they knew of any instances in which their vehicles had been attacked with malicious software or if they had EXPERTS/PAGE 10

4

September 10-13, 2012

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SEAIR unveils ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ campaign at Kadayawan SOUTH East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) recently announced that it has teamed up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote the Philippines across the region. The airline unveiled its campaign tie-up with the DOT during the Kadayawan Festival in Davao .

Starting August 2012, two brand-new SEAIR Airbus 320s will sport the tourism slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines “ on their fuselage. The planes will fly daily from Clark International Aiport to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, and Kalibo – the gateway to the world’s favorite beach destination, Boracay.

“SEAIR has imbibed the spirit of the DOT campaign with the creative application of our new tourism slogan.

It is the first airline in the Philippines to help spread the word that It’s more fun in the Philippines , and we congratulate SEAIR for taking the initiative to promote Philippine tourism in such a unique way,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said.

“With SEAIR’s daily regional flights, we are spreading the news that Philippines is where travel is at its best. The sights and sounds that our country has to offer are some of the best-kept secrets in the world and we are proud to be able to play a role in getting the word out and getting more travelers to experience all the things we have to offer!” said SEAIR CEO Patrick Tan. SEAIR launched the campaign during the famed harvest festival in Davao called Kadayawan. The annual event is known for its colorful dances and parades which celebrates

the natural abundance of the region and serves as a thanksgiving ritual by the locals to “ Manama “or the Supreme Being. The airline offers two flights a day to the premier Mindanao hub from the Manila Domestic Airport , also known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4.

DOT has granted SEAIR the right to use the popular campaign logo and slogan for the next three years.

“We will ensure that the fun begins when travelers first step onboard our flights for a seamless, comfortable, and safe journey to the Philippines via Clark ,”

Ford Motor to add 12 new dealerships to its network ALTHOUGH it will close its manufacturing operations in Laguna by December, Ford Philippines is boosting its growth plans in the Philippines by adding 12 new dealerships before end-2012.

In a statement, Ford said the new dealerships will be in Baguio, Bohol, Butuan, Cainta, General Santos, Isabela, Laoag, Makati, Manila Bay, Naga, Tarlac and Zamboanga.

The company had promised to strengthen its distribution network in the country despite plans to close its manufacturing operations in its Laguna plant by December.

Meanwhile, Ford Philippines reported August retail

sales of 574 units, including 42 units of the new compact Ford Focus.

“The all-new Focus is the latest proof point of our commitment to offering our customers best-in-class vehicles,” said Ford Group Philippines president Randy Krieger.

He said the Focus has several first-in-market and first-in-segment technologies, and “significantly raises the bar in the compact segment.”

Last August, Ford had launched an “All-New Focus…Start it. Share it. Win it.” campaign, which includes demos of the Focus’ smart Active Park Assist and Active City Stop features.

The campaign will end in October, with one participant winning an all-new Ford Focus Titanium+.

Meanwhile, Ford claimed robust August sales of the Ford Everest family sportutility vehicle, rising 113 percent from the previous month to 264 units.

Also last August, Ford held an exclusive test drive of the Ford Mustang for VIP clientele and media ahead of its official launch in the Philippines later this month.

The iconic Mustang will be available in 3.7L Mustang V6 Premium and 5.0L Mustang V8 GT Premium variants and has already attracted more than 70 bookings.

Cebu hotel workers showcase Filipino hospitality in Russia CEBU City -- Participants to the APEC summit in Russia will be treated with Filipinos charm and hospitality.

The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Cebu was commissioned to send 72 workers to Vladivostok, Russia, to assist local hotel there, a great opportunity for Filipinos workers to show off their work values.

Rus s i an Fe d e r at i on Honorary Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia said the hotel’s participation in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit 2012, will bring joy and pride to Cebu.

“This is something Cebu should be proud of. This whole thing is a blessing for Cebu,” Garcia said.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Cebu general manager Knuth Kiefer said their employees will handle front hotel services of three of the larger buildings at Russky Island.

Prior to the delegation’s departure to Russia last month, Kiefer said they un-

derwent various operational trainings in communication, luggage handling and telephone courtesy.

Garcia said the delegation also had a one-month preparation upon their arrival in Russia under the management of Russia’s CEBU/PAGE 7

added Tan. As part of its international campaign, the DOT released a TV commercial in May via global media giant CNN featuring creative memes made and contributed by the public. It also rolled out banner ads on the iconic London black taxicabs, double-decker buses, and underground stations in the United Kingdom , which have been exposed to millions of visitors attending the Queen’s Jubilee last June and the recently-concluded Olympic games.

“We are grateful to have the support of the President and partner government agencies in ensuring that our tourism campaign will realize its goal to have more people around the world recognize the Philippines as the fun place to be. Tourism is all about optimism, confidence, and momentum. We are keenly aware that we will succeed only if we are able to rally the entire department, tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and the general public around a very simple idea: Tourism is the people’s business. We

invite everybody to continue supporting our campaign and spreading the FUN,” Secretary Jimenez enthused.

This latest initiative is just one of the many “firsts” of the partner airline of Tiger Airways to boost tourism in the country. SEAIR and Tiger Airways recently announced that Tiger has completed the transaction to acquire a 40% stake in SEAIR. The investment is Tiger’s second venture in the South East Asia as part of its strategy for regional expansion.

SEAIR was the first carrier to operate out of Clark International Airport and also among the first to put its trust and confidence in Clark Development Corporation.

It was also the first airline to open tourism in northern Palawan , subsequently developing El Nido as a key destination. It has the longest history of uninterrupted flights to Caticlan, having served the gateway to one of the world’s top beach destinations, Boracay, for 17 years.

SEAIR is the first to offer “paradise to paradise routes” which linked Puerto

Princesa, El Nido, and Boracay. It is the first airline to offer double daily flights to Batanes.

The airline fi rst introduced online reservations and e-ticketing in the country in 2006, as well as promotions through online promotional codes via its website, www.FlySeair.com.

It is the first to offer a “rideall-you-can product” with the SEAIR Adventure Pass.

SEAIR is the first airline to interact with customers through social media via the SEAIR Facebook Fan Page.

In 2010, SEAIR tied up with Tiger Airways under the SEAIR-Tiger Airways Partner Airline Programme and became the first Tiger Airways Partner Airline in the Asia Pacific region.

SEAR was awarded “Best Airline of the Year” for two consecutive years, in 2002 and 2003, and recently in 2009 by the Philippines ’ Consumer Excellence Award. In 2010, it was named Gold Brand by the Gold Brands Council Philippines for brand image appeal and trust and market acceptance.

Why San Miguel won’t invest in casinos THE countr y’s biggest conglomerate San Miguel Corp. already has interests in food, fuel refining, power generation, toll roads, mining and airlines, but it appears unlikely it will enter the casino business.

In an interview published on Esquire magazine’s September issue, San Miguel president Ramon Ang made it clear the conglomerate will not invest in any casino projects.

“We won’t enter that business. If you put up a casino, whether in Singapore or the Philippines, 75 percent of the clients are domestic. You’ll be killing off a lot of domestic businesses and contributing to break-ups of marriages and families,” he said.

Ang also noted the “undesirable” activities related to gambling, such as prostitution and illegal drugs.

Ang is a known friend of Japanese tycoon Kazuo Okada, who has made investments in Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (Pagcor) Entertainment City. Entertainment City, which is expected to be the Philippines’ version of the Las Vegas strip, has already attracted some of country’s top tycoons such as Henry Sy, Andrew Tan and Enrique Razon.

Last year, Ang had suggested the privatization of Pagcor, prompting speculation that San Miguel was interested in acquiring it.

But he clarified it was merely a suggestion. “That was merely a suggestion to stress the point that Pagcor should not be both a regulator and operator. I

did not expect it to come out as a big news headline.

It was just banter.”

No to media biz as well?

It also appears unlikely that San Miguel will go into the media business, particularly television entertainment.

Ang, who is on the cover of Esquire magazine, admitted he does not know a lot about show business or actors and actresses.

“They seem to live messy lives. But to get to know them well enough, you

have to socialize with them,” he said.

And socializing with stars is not something that the 58-year-old San Miguel president appears to be comfortable with.

“My daughters may no longer talk to me. I don’t think I’ll be able to do it.

I’ll just get a lot of ribbing from my daughters, or even my sons,” Ang said.

In June, Ang was quoted as saying San Miguel is mulling investments in the Philippine broadcasting industry.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10th Judicial Region BRANCH 24 Cagayan de Oro City 2012-387 IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION SPEC. PROC. NO. 2012-101 FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE BIRTH RECORDS, LCR NO. 90-2739 OF GENESIS BADILLA LILAM CHANGING THE ENTRY FOR THE GENDER OF THE CHILD FROM MALE TO FEMALE, AND THE SPELLING FOR THE FIRST NAME OF THE MOTHER FROM TERESTA TO T ERE SIT A, AND DELETING THE ENTRY FOR THE DATE AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE OF PARENTS, GENESIS BADILLA LILAM, Petitioner, versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, TERESITA BADILLA AGUEL (mother) AND FELIX LADON ULAM (father) X--------------------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Notice is HEREBY GIVEN that before this Court is a verified Petition for Correction of Entry in the Birth Record of Petitioner in the Civil Registry of Cagayan de Oro City, alleging, among others, that she was born on February 26, 1990; that said birth was duly registered in the Civil registry of Cagayan de Oro City; that there were errors in the entries of said registration, as reflected in her Certificate of Live Birth, to wit: a) Gender of the Child - MALE b) Mother of Child - “TERESTA” RAMBUYON BADILLA; and c) Date &Place of Marriage - July 2, 1988, Polomolok, South Cotabato, when the correct entries should have been: a) Gender of the Child - FEMALE b) Mother of Child - TERESITA RAMBUYON BADILLA; and c) Date & Place of Marriage - none or left blank Thus, this petition for correction of the said entry.

This petition will be called for initial hearing on September 24, 2012, at 8:30 o’ clock in the morning, during which the jurisdictional requirements of publication, posting and notice to all persons who have interests or claims which would be affected by this petition, will be proved.

Any interested person may, fifteen (15) days from notice hereof, file his/ her opposition to the petition.

SO ORDERED. ISSUED this 30th day of July, 2012, in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

BWM: Aug. 27, Sept. 3 & 10, 2012

(Sgd.) HENRY B. DAMASING Acting Presiding Judge

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It’s make-or-break for Nokia in November

Phoenix shareholders approve fund-raising, shipping firm acquisition SHAREHOLDERS of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. have approved a plan to raise money through the issuance of convertible notes as well as the purchase of a shipping firm.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Phoenix on Friday said shareholders last Thursday approved the deal it signed with BDO Unibank Inc. for the issuance of P500 million in convertible notes with a warrant offering amounting to P180 million.

The issuance “is part of the company’s plan to raise longterm capital, finance capital expenditures for 2012, and refinance short term debt,”

Phoenix said.

Phoenix and BDO signed the convertible debt with warrants issuance on July 11, 2012, with BDO Capital as sole arranger.

In the same meeting, Phoenix stockholders also approved the acquisition of Chelsea Shipping Corp. via a share-for-share swap with Udenna Management & Resources Corp., which is also an existing stockholder of the oil firm.

Under the share swap agreement with UMRC, Phoenix will issue 171,250,799 common shares out of its authorized but unissued capital stock for approximately P1.42 billion.

With a fleet weighing a combined 19,561 gross registered tonnage, Chelsea is among the top five major petroleum tanker owners in the country, serving transportation, power and bunkering industries.

“The acquisition of Chelsea will ensure control of product supply and is expected to result in savings from financial and operational efficiencies,” Phoenix said.

Phoenix had a network of 255 fuel stations at end-June, more than the 190 stations in the same period last year.

The Davao-based oil company targets to put up a total of 100 additional stations before the year ends.

NOKIA will start selling its new smartphone, potentially its last chance to break into the most profitable part of the mobile phone market and secure its future, in November, sources at European telecoms operators said on Friday.

The Lumia 920, which uses Microsoft’s Windows software, is Nokia’s bid to catch up with Apple’s iPhone and a string of popular phones using Google’s Android software, like Samsung’s Galaxy models.

The new phone, which with its rounded edges and colorful covers look similar to its predecessors, was unveiled on Wednesday and drew a thumbs down from many analysts, who felt it lacked the “wow” factor to make big inroads against rivals.

They were also unsettled

by Nokia’s refusal to say when the phone, and the smaller Lumia 820 models, would go on sale, or to give details on the price and operator partners.

Once the world’s biggest mobile phone maker, Nokia fell behind rivals in the fastgrowing smartphone market and has struggled to catch up, racking up more than 3 billion euros in operating losses in the last 18 months and forcing it to cut 10,000 jobs, as well as sell assets.

By going on sale in November, the Lumia 920 will hit stores in time for the key holiday sales season.

Cebu Pac cleared to impose fuel surcharge CEBU Pacific will increase fares for its new international flights after securing regulatory approval of a fuel surcharge.

The Civil Aeronautics Board has allowed the Gokongwei-owned carrier to impose a $30 fuel surcharge for its Cebu-Kuala Lumpur flights, and $35 for its CebuBangkok flights.

Cebu Pacific is set to operate the two routes in the first week of December.

The airline already flies

to four international destinations from Cebu, namely Hong Kong, Incheon (Korea), Pusan (Korea), and Singapore.

Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution, had said the new services from its Cebu hub would serve foreign tourists and overseas Filipino workers, boosting trade and tourism between the Philippines on the one hand and Thailand and Malaysia on the other.

Intel cuts sales outlook on weak PC demand, shares fall I N T E L C or p. c ut it s third-quarter revenue estimate and withdrew its full-year forecast, saying demand for its chips declined as customers reduced inventory and businesses bought fewer personal computers.

The revenue warning sent shares of the world’s largest chipmaker down more than 3 percent in pre-market trading.

Intel, Advanced Micro Devices and others in the PC industry have been hit by a shaky global economy and consumers shifting toward tablets

and smartphones.

“Ever ybody up and down t he fo o d chain has b een s aying t his.

Intel was one of the last hold-outs,” Williams Financial Group analyst Cody Acree said.

“The assumption was not whether they’d preannounce but to what degree.”

Acree said the outlook is in line with what he would have expected after AMD forecast thirdquarter revenue below expectations in July.

Intel lowered its fullyear revenue forecast in

July, saying consumer spending in Europe and the United States had been weaker than what the company had previously expected.

The company said on Friday it expects thirdquarter revenue of $13.2 billion, plus or minus $300 million, down from its previous forecast of $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion.

Full-year capital spending is expected to be below the low-end of its previous forecast of $12.1 billion to $12.9 billion, the company said.

The company withdrew all other quarterly and full-year expectations.

Intel expects gross margin of 62 percent for the third quarter, plus or minus one percentage p oint, down f rom its previous expectation of 63 percent, plus or minus a couple of percentage points.

The company’s shares, which closed at $25.10 on the Nasdaq on Thursday, fell to $24.20 in pre-market trading on Friday. AMD was trading slightly lower at $3.60.

The new Nokia Lumia 920 phone with Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system at a launch event in New York, September 5, 2012. (REUTERS)

It will be priced similar to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S3, operators in several countries said. The Galaxy S3 sells for around 580 euros.

But the phone will probably land more than a month after Apple’s new iPhone and will face stiff competition from Samsung, which last week unveiled the world’s first smartphone with the Windows Phone 8 software that the Lumia 920 will use, as well as new models from HTC and Google’s Motorola.

An executive at an eastern European telecoms operator said he would start selling the Lumia 920, which features a high-quality camera and touch screen that can be used with gloves, in the second half of November, adding larger countries would receive the model earlier that month.

“The problem is that Nokia has temporarily destroyed the market for its own phones. Nobody will buy the old Windows phone and until the new Lumia comes, the market is absolutely dead,” the executive said, declining to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media on the subject.

Industry sources said on Thursday that Nokia had cut the prices of its older smartphones in a bid to boost demand until its new phones reach the market.

Analysts expect the Finnish firm to lose another

700 million euros in the July-September quarter and to sell around 3.6 million Windows phones, down from last quarter.

In comparison, Samsung sold more than 20 million Galaxy S3 smartphones in just 100 days.

Samsung has become the world’s biggest smartphone maker as Nokia’s share of the market has plunged to less than 10 percent from 50 percent during its heyday before the iPhone was launched in 2007.

The Lumia 920 is expected to go on sale in the United States around the same time as in Europe.

A Nokia spokesman declined to comment.

Different views While some operators and retailers said they would focus on the new iPhone and rival models, others were more positive.

“It looks really good, they chose to differentiate with the design and appearance, which are very important to people. The camera technology is very interesting,” said Sami Aavikko from DNA Finland, the third-largest carrier in Nokia’s home market.

Ernest Quingles, managing director for Italian distributor Tech Data, said he expects the new Nokia devices to be successful, but questioned whether Windows Phone can attract as much interest from NOKIA/PAGE 7

SEC okays Coal Asia’s initial public offering THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) en banc has approved coal miner Coal Asia Holdings Inc.’s P800 million initial public offering.

In its filing with the SEC, Coal Asia said it will offer 800 million shares at an offer price of P1 per share.

The IPO is scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Coal Asia has tapped

Abacus Capital and Investment Corp. to be the underwriter for the offering.

The mining company said it will use the proceeds from the offering to develop and explore its coal mining projects in Davao Oriental and Zamboanga-Sibugay.

Coal Asia’s IPO will be the fourth this year. GT Capital, East West Bank and Calata Corp. listed on the stock exchange this year.

6

September 10-13, 2012

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The Positive Side of Suspicion ( First of Two Parts ) Tuberculosis is one illness that may take years to eradicate. Despite a lot of information dissemination, active education campaigns by experts and health authorities, TB , instead of losing ground in terms of number of cases, seem to stay in the spotlight.

Worse, is the apparent increase of cases who are now afflicted with MDR TB ( Multi- Drug Resistant TB ). There was a time when Health In Focus discussed the problems encountered with Drug Resistant microorganisms, how it would impact on treatment, cost, and prognosis. MDR TB is one classic example of a major public health concern.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and is transmitted through air droplets.

One can actually get the disease by breathing in air that contains particles of the micro-organisms that were released through coughing or sneezing, and is highly contagious. One though does not get the disease from holding or shaking of hands, sharing of food and water and even bed linens.

There are instances when, even if one were already exposed to the illness, one may not manifest the signs and symptoms of active TB. This is what we may call as dormant stage of the disease.

It is when one’s immune system is down and out that the disease may become

Opinion

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Survival Skill THINK a minute…

It’s truly amazing how the Jewish people have survived after thousands of years of being slaves, persecuted, and even attempted genocide when Hitler’s Nazi’s murdered 6 million Jews!

That’s why in 1934, Germany was the wrong place to be a Jew. When Hitler’s teenage gangs took over his village the little Jewish boy, Heinz, was just 11 years old.

Heinz’s parents taught their children how important it was to learn selfcontrol. With the Nazi gangs terrorizing their village on the streets daily, Heinz’s

parents knew that just one moment of losing control of their anger against their Nazi rulers could mean the death of their family. So Heinz learned to stay out of their way, sometimes crossing the street or taking a different road home.

But one day, young Heinz was finally cornered by one of Hitler’s bullies. For the first time, Heinz was forced to talk to a Nazi youth. But by staying calm and carefully choosing his words, Heinz surprised even himself when he talked his way out of trouble and convinced this bully not to hurt him but to

THINK A MINUTE let him go. That day, Heinz discovered his survival skill of talking and reasoning with others. It was a major turning point that changed his life—and later changed the world.

After a few years, Heinz’s family escaped from Germany and moved to America. But Heinz never forgot how to talk with people and help bring peace between enemies. You see, that 11-year-old boy who had negotiated his first peace settlement with a Nazi bully, later became one of the greatest ambassadors of peace in the world. You’ve

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

probably heard of him… not as Heinz…but by his American name: Henry Kissinger, the former U. S. Secretary of State.

Just think a minute…

Are there funds for tourist travel?

BACK IN 1977’s when luxury and comfort for a hotel accommodation in Cagayan de Oro City was the VIP Hotel of the Canoy Family and Hotel Mindanao of the Resort Hotels Corporation of Rudy Cuenca, head honcho of the Construction Corporation of the Philippines or CDCP. I made my first visit to Mindanao on board the PAL BAC 111 considered the jet setting domestic single aisle British Airways Corporation prototype of the Concorde in domestic travel.

The BAC 111 has a booming sound upon take off that would put to daze the Cattles pastured outside of the interlink fence of Lumbia Airport. It was retired from domestic service in 1988 and replaced with the short haul Fokker 50 that did not take long until the arrival of the first Boing 737 and the Airbus A-300

in 1989 Aviation in the Philippines goes in tandem with hotel development. In 1977, the International Monetary Fund Conference was hosted by the Philippines. Amidst the glitters and pompous welcome of the international bankers orchestrated by Imelda R. Marcos, then the First Lady and Governor of Metro Manila, seven new 5-star hotels in Manila were simultaneously constructed and two were renovated from existing high rise buildings that were re-fitted for 5-star luxuries in a two years time frame prior to the arrivals of the IMF delegation.

The Philippines during the Marcos regime projected itself as economically stable country in the international communities’ in spite of near currency reserves deficits with a balance of only USD620 Million to cover for

its various letters of credit in the international financial market. The discovery caused the ouster of Gov. Jaime Laya from his job at the Central Bank and lends credence to the growth of the political opposition in the country.

How Marcos and his Finance Minister were able to source out the capital of the state banks loaned to the hotel developers in Metro Manila in the late 70’s is a 26 years search of the PCGG. It may never be unraveled and will just go down in history.

Times have changed now with 5 competing local airline operators in the Philippines which transported passengers load of 6.7 million and still growing annually.

Hotels have multiplied in the Philippines enjoying a 74% average occupancy in Metro Manila, 86% in the

TRAVERSING THE TOURISM HI-WAY

PED T. QUIAMJOT business districts of Makati and Ortigas, 76%, in Cebu and 66 % in Mindanao.

Subic and Clark destinations dependent of the Korean market is contributing 56%.

The famous resorts destinations of Boracay and Bohol have astonishing high average figures of 90% galloping to 96% during summer.

Palawan has modest resort occupancies catering to the long haul and high end QUIAMJOT/PAGE 7

Bank Transactions manifest or active. Those at high risk for TB are persons who are frequently in close contact with infected individuals like the health care providers, those who are under or malnourished.

Persons living in crowded areas like inmates of prisons, families who crowd together in small spaces where sanitary conditions are far from ideal, and patients who are immune-compromised like those diagnosed with the big C and are undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment and persons diagnosed with HIV AIDS. What is of utmost concern these days is not the usual , run of the mill Tuberculosis, but, the TB that is either drug resistant to multiple anti- tuberculous drugs or the extensively drug resistant TB ( XDR TB ). When one gets an MDR or XDR TB, the microorganism do not respond to the standard 6 months treatment to the first line drugs. Treatment may take 2 years and will need the DIAO/PAGE 7

WHAT are dormant accounts? Can you pre-terminate your bank loan without risking a subsequent penalty fee? What do you do when you receive a “notice of amendment”?

These may be some of the questions that you, as a depositor or as a borrower, may encounter throughout your relationship with your bank.

These questions are actually included in a primer published by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, in its ongoing efforts to reach out to financial consumers.

I am reprinting the contents of the primer to help those who are confused about some banking concepts and how to deal with them.

Frequently Asked Questions on Banks in General: What information should banks disclose with regard to charges they impose on depositors?

• The imposition of bank charges or fees and the rate or amount of such charges or fees.

• The required minimum monthly average daily balance (ADB) of deposits.

• Any change in the

terms and conditions for the imposition of service charges and/or maintenance fees (e.g. increase in the amount of such charges and fees).

What are considered dormant or inactive accounts?

• The following are considered dormant or inactive accounts: – Current or checking accounts showing no activity – withdrawal or deposit – for a year.

– Savings accounts showing no activity for two years.

What other conditions, if any, are applicable, in connection with the imposition of fees on dormant accounts?

• The deposit account balances have fallen below the required minimum monthly ADB. • The period of dormancy is properly disclosed among the terms and conditions of the deposit.

• The depositor shall be informed by registered mail with return card through his last known address, at least 60 days prior to the imposition of the dormancy fee.

What can the depositor

who receives a notice of amendment do?

• The depositor may manifest or register in writing his objection to the new fees or charges or to any change in the bank’s terms and conditions within 30 days from receipt of the written notice of amendment. Failure to do so would mean acceptance of such changes.

Can a bank require a borrower to pay interest on loan in advance for more than one year?

• No. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 2655 (Usury Law) provides that no person or corporation shall require interest to be paid in advance for a period of more than a year.

Are banks required to furnish their borrowers information on all interest and other charges pertaining to their loans?

• Yes. Republic Act No. 3765, the “Truth in Lending Act,” requires banks and all creditors to furnish to a person to whom credit is extended, prior to the consummation of the transaction, a clear statement in writing to be acknowledged and signed by the borrower

SPEAKING OUT

IGNACIO BUNYE the “true and effective cost of borrowing.”

Can a borrower preterminate his loan without the bank imposing a penalty fee?

• If the pre-terminated loan is a loan to a consumer (i.e. loan purpose is primarily for personal, family, household, or agricultural purposes), as defined under Republic Act No. 7394 (The Consumer Act of the Philippines), the borrower may prepay in full or in part the unpaid balance of his loan at any time without penalty.

This is in accordance with Article 137 of R.A. No. 7394.

If the pre-terminated loan is a non-consumer loan (such as commercial and industrial loans), the CIMAGALA/PAGE 7

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September 10-12, 2012

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on September 10 to present this to the business establishments and different sectors.

The hearing will be attended by representatives of SM, Savemore, Robinsons, Ororama and Gaisano, which have all signified intentions to partner with the city government in the implementation of the unified eco-bag project. Representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other concerned City Hall departments will also be there during the public hearing.

Elipe said, the project will first involve these big establishments but eventually will also be implemented in all other groceries.

“Later other stores, whether part of the ecobag project or not will have to collect the environment fee,” he added.

Councilor Elipe expects the approval of the proposed ordinance this month.

He is inviting all sectors to participate in the public hearing so that they can air their concerns and suggestions on the proposed legislation.

MOA During its meeting last September 3, the committee finalized plans for the signing of the memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government of Cagayan de Oro and the five big supermarkets for the use of unified CdeO Eco bag. The meeting was attended by representatives of the City Treasurer’s Office, City Legal Office, City Social Welfare and Development, and representatives of these supermarkets.

The committee plans to have the signing of the MOA during flag raising ceremony. A press conference will be scheduled on Oct. 8 in preparation for its implementation in the city.

The committee on social services chaired by Councilor Nadya Emano-Elipe is coordinating with concerned departments for the production of the eco-bag to provide livelihood for tropical storm Sendong survivors.

depend on the agreement between the agency and the supplier.

Also, for credit basis, it was learned that the agency will withdraw from a fuel supplier, and the supplier will bill the agency either at the end of the month or after two weeks. Since it is on credit basis, the price of fuel is normally higher than the prevailing pump price on the day of withdrawal.

Gaballo also said that based on the findings of the study, issues and concerns raised when transacting with the gasoline stations are the following: 1) No contract, only purchase order; 2) Delayed payment; 3) Delayed billing; 4) Storage fee; 5) 6 percent withholding taxes; and 6) Corruption.

It was also revealed that when a government office transacts with gasoline stations here through a credit basis, the price is higher than its regular price.

It can be recalled that in 2009, the Regional Development Coordination Staff (RDCS) of the NEDA Central Office conducted a survey on oil prices of big three oil companies, Caltex, Petron and Shell, among the major cities in the country.

Butuan City registered the one of the highest average retail price of regular gasoline and diesel products for the period of April and May in 2009.

Gaballo further said there is still a need to revisit Republic Act 8479, or the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998,” for the government to have more participation in the industry.

Agencies such as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are mandated to oversee and regulate these government functions/operations are requested to conduct or investigate these reports.

With this study, the SDC are coordinating with the concerned government agencies to discuss all issues and concerns for appropriate actions to solve this matter.

Fuel...

Cebu...

For a government office, the fuel procurement types are on cash basis, cash deposit, and credit basis.

Gaballo explained that in cash basis, the driver or finance officer of the agency will request for cash advance every time the vehicle needs to be refueled. With this, prices of the fuel, diesel or gasoline, will be based on the prevailing pump price on the day of purchase.

For cash deposit basis, an agency will deposit a fixed amount on a given supplier for any time period, and the drivers will simply withdraw. The agency shall be billed to replenish the deposit, and the price will

five-star luxury hotels- President Hotel of Moscow and Golden Ring Hotel Moscow.

Last May, Garcia related that she received a communication from the Office of the Business Administration of the Office of the Russian President asking help to scout hotel staff in the Philippines for the Apec Summit.

“They wanted Filipino hospitality workers because of our excellent English communication skills,” she said.

Russian officials visited Mövenpick Cebu for the contract signing and last July, Garcia and Kiefer visited Vladivostok and

Law...

from page 2

from page 2

from page 4

checked the buildings where the hotel employees will be working and staying.

“The staff has a good place to stay. This is really a great opportunity for cultural exchange between the Philippines, particularly Cebu, and Russia,”Garcia said..

“It is certainly an honor for our hotel that we were selected. It is a reflection of the positive reputation as regards to our service standards,” Kiefer said.

Kiefer believes the participation of the hotel in the Apec Summit will have a positive impact to Cebu as a travel destination.

“Participants in the Apec summit can experience the warm hospitality and service culture the Cebuano people are known for,” he said.

Garcia said the cooperation between Cebu and Russia will renew the sisterhood ties between Vladivostok City and Cebu City, which was established in 1996.

(PNA)

Nokia... from page 5

developers as Android and the iPhone.

“What we need to check still now is how Microsoft and Nokia will be able to develop the apps part,” he said.

Part of the reason for the limited success of Windows phones so far is that they support only 100,000 or so apps, compared with about 500,000 or more for Android or iPhones.

Apple’s and Google’s entrenched positions mean consumers have invested heavily in apps and content with them, and that could discourage switching to a new mobile system.

Quiamjot... from page 6

international market.

The over-all Department of Tourism projection of 4.6 Million tourists for 2012 has 4 months to go.

Government infrastructures spending for the tourist destination have increased yet tourists’ arrivals ending June this year stands only at 2.14 Million. Tourism is a buyer’s market in the Philippines. Prices are dictated by demands among the cross section of various destinations worldwide.

With these factors, an equation can be derived from the given figures whether we will meet the Government expectation?

True, there’s more fun in the Philippines but are there funds from international tourist travel?

A respected businessman, Mr. Alfredo Corpus, Sr. VP of Ayala Land, has this simple advice, “attract investors travel through the PPP Projects. The private sector wants predictability and consistency in policy and governance”.

Streamline this bottleneck and we will have more businessmen coming to the Philippines. We cannot depend on foreign tourist alone.

7

DOST...

one economy-class, round-trip fare between the scholar’s permanent residence and place of study on reimbursement basis, once every school year; group health and accident insurance; a monthly allowance of not more than P5,000 depending on the awardee’s scholarship category; and a post-graduation allowance of P1,000.

For more information, visit the DOST Region-10 office or contact the local DOST-X scholarship office at telephone

number (088) 858-6790. Interested applicants may also log-on to www.region10.dost.gov.ph for more details.

The Undergraduate Scholarships is part of the DOST Scholarship Program that aims to financially assist as well as develop young students with exceptional academic performance in science and mathematics who are interested in having a career in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering.

Budget..

Legislative and the CBCP is being formed to hopefully come up with a bill that is acceptable to all stakeholders.

On Wednesday, Belmonte held initial talks with House members supporting and opposing the RH bill. Among them were anti-RH solons Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus Rodriguez, Cebu Rep Pablo Garcia, Parañaque Rep Roilo Golez, and Palawan Rep Victorino Socrates. Among the RH bill proponents present were Iloilo Rep Janette Garin, Cavite Rep Elpidio Barzaga, and Alagad party list Rep Rodante Marcoleta.

No to any distribution of contraceptives According to the RH bill critics, the Wednesday meeting was not so successful.

While Rodriguez welcomed the creation of the informal TWG, he remained a hardliner against the distribution of contraceptives even only to the poorest of the poor.

“We hope the Catholic bishops, the Office of the President, and the legislatiure will be able to agree on a bill acceptable to all involved,” he said.

“There are some good provisions here but we still believe that there are provisions that have to be taken out like the promotion of modern family planning, meaning contraceptives, to be promoted by the State.

We are against that because that’s against the doctrine of the Catholic Church,” Rodriguez added.

RH bill critic Cebu Rep Pablo Garcia also welcomed the dialogue. “Let’s see what they can present on the table,” he said. Garica earlier

told Rappler he didn’t think the TWG will work.

Another RH bill critic, Minority Leader Quezon Rep Danilo Suarez, said Congress does not need to pass the RH bill to fund the purchase of contraceptives for the poorest of the poor.

“Why don’t we just set aside money for the Conditional Cash Transfer Program to buy the contraceptives. We don’t need a new bill,” he said.

Gonzales said the House leadership will continue to do its best to talk to the stakeholders. “You have to explore all possible avenues. Let’s see what’ going to happen,” he said. In the next meeting, he said they will hope to sit down with a number of bishops to discuss the new set of amendments.

Religious debate The Wednesday meeting at times turned into a religious debate, according to House members present in the meeting.

“You cannot avoid the House members from expressing their religious conviction. That is their belief.

We cannot do anything about it,” said Gonzales.

“It became a religious war. They raised the position of the bishops and the tenet of the Catholic church so the discussion dragged on. Of course there are some other religious sector that’s represented in the meeting.

It’s getting to be a religious debate,” said Suarez.

Rappler sources confirmed that it was Garcia and Marcoleta who debated on religion. Garcia is Catholic while Marcoleta is a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo, which favors the RH bill. - Rappler.com

turns in delivering privilege speeches, effectively delaying tackling of the measure.

Among those frustrated

by Rodriguez’s surprise move was his partymate in Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino, San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito. He was promised that

the House plenary would pass his Kasambahay bill on third and final reading on Tuesday.

Ejercito is still undecided on the RH bill. He said his father, former President Joseph Estrada, supports the RH bill but his mother does not.

will further complicate matters in terms of prognosis, treatment and cost.

Who are at an increased risk of developing an MDR TB? Those patients who take their drugs, after diagnosis, irregularly or who fail to complete the treatment regimen. It is common practice among us, that, when one feels better after a few days’ intake, that the temptation to quit is so strong, not realizing that it will do more harm than good. Patients who develop

Tuberculosis again, even after treatment, and those exposed to persons with MDR TB, and if one lives in a place that is endemic for MDR TB. To be continued.....

from page 9 Program B or Merit Scholarship Program.

Successful examinees will enjoy the following: tuition fees not to exceed P6,000 per semester; allowance for prescribed textbooks and essential school fees at P500 for first semester of the first year only; outright grant for prescribed military science/PE uniform (first year only); free transportation for from page 8

of COCs. They return on October 7.

Gonzales said there’s time to discuss the RH bill before the scheduled approval of the budget on 3rd and final reading by October 15.

Gonzales maintained there is still chance to pass the RH bill until December as long as House members can agree to the amendments.”We [House of Representatives] have a larger number of members compared to senate. But the moment we reach a consensus, it’s very easy,” he said.

Compromise bill Not giving up, Belmonte is leading talks with supporters and critics of the RH bill to come up with a compromise bill. On Sunday, September 2, Belmonte had a meeting with Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and RH bill principal author Albay Rep Edcel Lagman to discuss possible ways to get the Catholic Church to support the measure.

Based on their initial talks, the RH bill proponents have agreed to a new version of the RH bill. It will become a “poverty measure.”

Instead of a measure that “promotes” contraceptives nationwide, the bill will make “available” modern family planning methods only to the country’s “poorest of the poor.”

Malacañang is also willing to sit down with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to discuss acceptable amendments to the RH bill. An informal technical working group (TWG) composed of the Executive,

Wrath.. from page 8

the same representatives are monopolizing the plenary to obviously delay the RH bill. The House was supposed to begin the period of amendments on August 7 but critics of the bill took

Diao... from page 6

addition or combination of drugs that are more toxic ( meaning with more side effects ) and are a hundred times more expensive. Thus, treatment becomes very costly! With MDR TB, the mortality rate approaches 80%. And, with a global concern regarding the rising number of cases of HIV AIDS, MDR TB , one way or the other, is a factor that needs to be addressed, as it

Bunye... from page 6

bank may impose a penalty fee on the borrower.

You may e-mail us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com. Past articles may be viewed at http://speakingout.ph/speakingout.php.

8

September 10-12, 2012

Congress

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The wrath of Rufus

By CARMELA FONBUENA

IT’S not the first time that Cagayan De Oro Rep Rufus Rodriguez raised his voice in plenary. He is, after all, a rabid critic of the controversial Reproductive Health bill (RH bill). But what happened Tuesday, September 4, was unexpected.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez questions the quorum during last Tuesday’s session.

Reproductive Health Bill gives way to passage of budget

By CARMELA FONBUENA

MANILA, Philippines That’s it for now.

House Bill 4244, or the Reproductive Health bill (RH bill), is shelved - albeit temporarily - to give way to the passage of the government’s P2.006-trillion budget for 2013. It won’t likely be tackled again until October, after the filing of certificates of candidacies (COCs) for the 2013 elections.

Legislative debates on the bill have been the most contentious in the present Congress. The measure -- or at least its original version -- mandates government

to promote contraceptives and educate Filipinos on planning their families.

Proponents said the country needs this to help stem problems related to the burgeoning population.

Critics slam the bill for its supposed “anti-life” spirit.

“Today is effectively our last day to take up anything else,” House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II told reporters. “Next week we begin with the budget.

Hopefully, according to Speaker [Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr], the lull period can be considered so the supporters and critics of RH bill can talk about the amendments. Let’s see

what’s going to happen after we retrun from the break.

That will be in October.”

The House had planned to begin the crucial period of amendments on August 14, but it failed to proceed because of a series of parliamentary tactics employed

by House members opposed to the measure. (The Senate finally started the period of amendments on Wednesday, September 5.)

Plenary deliberations on the budget will begin on Monday (September 10), and lawmakers hope to pass it on 2nd reading by September 20, or shortly before they take a break for the filing BUDGET/PAGE 7

Rodriguez raised hell and accused the House secretariat of manipulating the House attendance in plenary.

It all happened so fast.

First, the secretariat declared the presence of 155 members. This was more than the 143 members needed to constitute a House quorum and proceed with the day’s agenda.

RH bill co-author Pangasinan Rep. Kimi Cojuangco rose on a question of collective privilege. She wanted to ask when the House plenary would begin the period of amendments on the RH bill.

But before Cojuangco could finish, Rodriguez raised a point of order to question the attendance.

Then he made a scene.

Screaming, he insisted that there was no quorum.

Presiding officer Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla quickly adjourned the session.

Tuesday’s RH bill plenary drama was governed by House rules. In the hierarchy of what a lawmaker is allowed to do in plenary, a point of order is higher than a motion of collective privilege. Thus, Rodriguez was allowed to cut Cojuangco’s motion because of his “point of order.”

But what takes precedence over all motions is the motion to adjourn. It is the tool that the House leadership always uses when plenary deliberations heat up.

‘I will question the quorum every day’ Rodriguez was not satisfied. He approached the

secretariat and continued his tirades against the supposedly wrong count of members present.

Talking to reporters after he had cooled down, Rodriguez said there were only 111 House members present in the plenary. He said he only wanted the secretariat to be more truthful.

“I told them, be truthful in the coming days. If there’s a quorum, there should be a quorum. If there’s none, be honest enough to say there’s no quorum because I am going to stand up here.

I’m going to count from 4 pm. Others are supposedly waving. I’m going to see who is going to wave. But you cannot have 40 people waiving at the same time,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez claimed the House leadership would try to tackle the RH bill even when there’s no quorum.

“We can see that there are no warm bodies. We cannot allow this if we are going to tackle the RH bill....

This has happened before.

We did not question. This time, it’s too much already if we just allow it to happen,” Rodriguez said.

He claimed that the RH bill is not supported by the majority of members of the House. “It is the duty of the pro-RH [representatives] to bring their warm bodies if they have the support. I believe they have no support. They cannot muster a quorum. Tomorrow, there is no quorum I’m sure because the RH supporters have already withdrawn. They better be honest about it,” he said.

ASIA WORLD PAWNSHOP

Main: Osmeña-Cogon Market, Cagayan de Oro Branch: Ipil, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE Starting September 21 , 2012 at 9:00 A.M. to 5P.M., this establishment will set an Auction Sale on all pledges since April 2012. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT PAHIBALO Sa Setyembre 21, 2012 sa may 9:00 sa buntag paingon da alas 5:00 sa hapon, ang Tanan nga penirenda nga wala malukat sa bulan sa Abril 2012 maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanan suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

ANG TAGDUMALA

“I’m going to rise here everyday if there is no quorum,” he said.

Sneak in RH bill?

Although House leaders already said the RH bill would not be tackled Tuesday, there was some confusion about the day’s agenda.

RH bill co-author and senior deputy majority leader Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin earlier told reporters the RH bill would not be tackled in the plenary pending the “informal technical working group’s” (TWG) discussion on a compromise bill. House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II also claimed Rodriguez knew that RH bill would not be tackled on Tuesday.

“There’s really no agenda for today to proceed with the RH bill. That is why I don’t understand why Rep. Rodriguez got very upset because what he was shouting there was, ‘How can we declare there’s a quorum and just sneak in the RH bill when there is none.’ It is not fair because there is really no plan to have the RH bill today,” Cojuangco told reporters.

But other RH bill coauthors were told otherwise. Akbayan Rep Walden Bello, for example, sent SMS messages to supporters of RH bill telling them they needed the warm bodies in the plenary.

TWG? What was clear was that the House leadership was going to meet the critics of the RH bill - including Rodriguez himself - at 5:30 pm to discuss the planned compromise bill that will try to address the concerns of the Catholic Church.

Rodriguez also dismissed the TWG, saying he has already made up his mind against the RH bill.

Obviously annoyed by Rodriguez’s act, Gonzales remarked: “Ang masama dito, he (Rodriguez) ascribed na parang nandaya ang aming secretariat. Ang secretariat, trabaho nila magbilang. You have to assume that they are doing the right thing. If he wants to be certain then he himself should check the attendance. He can quit as a congressman to become a member of the secretariat.”

But a few minutes later, both Gonzales and Rodriguez were seen laughing together.

Cojuangco said she is already frustrated because WRATH/PAGE 7

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MisOr 2nd cong’l district wins in Tesda Kabalikat Award

By HONEY ANALOU E. DOÑA

THE Second Congressional District of Misamis Oriental is first runner-up in the national level of the 2012 Kabalikat Awards of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

Congressman Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano received the trophy and plaque from Tesda Director General Joel J. Villanueva and was honored during the national awarding ceremony held at Tesda central Office, Taguig City, August Rep. JV Ejercito-Estrada answers questions from Cagayan de Oro media during his visit to the city on Saturday. The San Juan lawmaker is batting for a more government-supported agriculture sector and vows to fight the perceived monopoly in the power industry which, he says, is the only way to bring down the high power rates, particularly in Mindanao. JV Ejercito-Estarada, eldest son of former President Joseph Estrada to Ms. Guia Gomez, now mayor of San Juan, is reportedly eyeing for a Senate seat under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in the 2013 mid-term election.

PHOTO BY RONALD MASTAIL

DOST grants college science scholarship THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) now accepts application for 2013 Undergraduate Science Scholarship.

About 4,000 scholarship slots are to be awarded nationwide.

Qualified to apply are natural-born Filipino citizens who belong to the upper five percent (5%) of the regular high school graduating class or a member of the graduating class of any DOST-identified or DepEd-recognized science high school, a resident of the municipality/district for the last four years, have not yet earned units in any postsecondary/undergraduate course, have not previously taken any DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) scholarship examination, of good-moral character, of good health and must have no pending application for resident or immigrant status in any foreign country.

Interested applicants can apply for the scholarship grant in either of the two categories: Program A,

also known as Republic Act 7687 which is designed for financially incapable, but intelligent students whose family’s combined gross annual income does not amount to more than P156, 600. Students with a higher combined family income, on the other hand, can apply under Program B (Merit Scholarship).

Applicants are required to submit an accomplished application form, two recent, identical, 1x1 photos which should be taken within the application period, with one photo attached to the application form and the other to the test permit.

Also required is one (1) photocopy of the applicant’s birth certificate. Applicants, however, are required to bring the original copy for authentication purposes.

Scholarship application forms can be obtained at the DOST Regional Offices and Provincial Technology Centers nearest to the applicants. Region 10 applicants may obtain application forms at the DOST

Region-10 office located at J.V. Serina St. near JR Borja Memorial City Hospital, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Application forms can also be downloaded online at www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarships. ph.

Accomplished forms can be filed at DOST Regional Offices or its Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) nearest the applicant’s school or home address. Deadline for filing of application forms is on October 5, 2012 (Friday).

Selection of qualified applicants is done through a competitive written examination which will be held on November 18, 2012 (Sunday) at the designated DOST Regional offices across the country.

The 1st batch of takers will have their exams from 7:00 AM-12:00 NN, while the 2nd batch will take their exams from 1:00 PM-6:00 PM. A non-refundable testfee of P200 will be required from the applicants under DOST/PAGE 7

24.

The Kabalikat Award is one of the institutional awards given by Tesda annually.

It recognizes and honors Tesda’s outstanding partners in the promotion and enhancement of technical vocational education and training (TVET).

The award is conferred to outstanding local government units, legislative offices, and private firms/companies cognizant of their best practices and their contribution to the promotion and development

of the country’s middle-level manpower in terms of skills, abilities, proper work attitude and values.

Congressman Emano has been a partner of Tesda for the past five years.

At present, it is still committed in supporting the agency’s various programs and services, particularly in providing assistance through the Tesda Invigorating Constituents Assistance to Reinforce Employment (I-CARE) in his annual Priority Development Assistance Fund.

Job matching organized for Australian, New Zealand alumni

By RUDOLF IAN G. ALAMA Contributor

DAVAO City -- The Philippine Australian Alumni Association (PA3i) is conducting a job matching event exclusive to Australian and New Zealand alumni on Saturday, September 8, 2012, 1-5 p.m., at the IDP Training Center, 7th Floor, Dona Salustiana Tower, 104 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

This is in partnership with the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ANZCHAM) and the IDP Education Pty. Ltd.

ANZCHAM Vice President for External Affairs John Casey said their chamber believes that now is the most opportune time to actively promote and build education, training and labor relationships between the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. Some 20 Australian and New Zealand companies have registered to participate.

“As we will showcase our top member companies who are looking to expand their talent pool and fill their current job vacancies, alumni can take advantage of this event to network and expand connections and relationships with

Australian and New Zealand companies,” Casey said.

PA3i National President Arvin Yana, on the other hand, said, “while most of us at PA3i are employed or engaged on various fields, it always pays to check on what is out in the job market for us, specifically the Australian job market in the country, so that we may choose to diversify our career options.”

Yana said aside from job opportunities, this would also be another perfect time to reunite, network with fellow alumni, and even make business opportunities or partnerships.

Mrs. Teresita Ang Sy of the MRPO Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order, she is also the founding President of Kaisa Foundation Inc. based in Manila. as one of the benefactors of the Chinese Filipino Village in Calaanan. Ang Sy visited the resettlement area recently and talked with the Sendong Survivors together with Kong Hua School Principle Father Manny Regalado.

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Food.. from page 1

rine products and is also a transshipment point for products originating from other regions in Mindanao for export to foreign markets.

Near the proposed food terminal area is the government-run Davao Fish Port Complex where foreign vessels, mostly Taiwanese, unload their fish catch for shipment to other foreign ports.

Mr. Pasawa said the cold storage facilities are important “so that farmers could retain the freshness of their produce.”

About a decade ago, the National Development Corp. and the Trade department announced that the food terminal project would push through. It was eventually shelved for unknown reasons.

Ramon A. Allado, chairman of the Southern Philippines Construction Core Group, said that based on his discussions with city government officials, the food terminal was among the priority projects.

Mr. Allado said the project would benefit the city as well as provinces within southern Mindanao. The Davao Regional Development Council even endorsed it to the National Economic and Development Authority several years ago.

In the previous plan, the food terminal would host farmers who could directly sell their produce to traders and consumers.

Farmers’ groups, such as the Vegetable Industry Council of Southern Mindanao, have continually called on the national government to pursue the food terminal project so they could avail of cold storage facilities and services.

The group, which recently also launched a mobile system in marketing products of its members, believes the food terminal will help them market their produce and minimize wastage. The food terminal, the group added, would also help farmers consolidate their products and find a market that can provide them better prices.

Scholarship.. from page 1

regents, at the JCI Senate Breakfast held at DayangDayang, Iligan City.

According to university officials, the fund’s intended recipients are students of MSU Main Campus in Iligan, MSU Iligan Institute of Technology, and MSU Buug in Zamboanga.

Ejercito-Estrada represents the lone district of San Juan City in the House of Representatives. He is a leading senatorial candidate, as shown by a number of recent polls.

An advocate of free education for the underprivileged, Ejercito-Estrada, through JVEEF, subsidizes the tuition fees and allowances of more than 400

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tertiary students in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Juan and Sta. Mesa branches, and other colleges and technical schools.

Like the 50 MSU students, Ejercito-Estrada’s Metro Manila scholars take up diverse academic and technical courses.

In previous interviews with reporters, EjercitoEstrada commended the government for proposing to raise the budget of state universities and colleges (SUCs) to P37.3 billion next year, from P25.8 billion this year.

He noted that the increase in budgetary allocation will enable SUCs to attract and keep competent professors and staff.

“This will in turn make SUC graduates at par with, if not better, than those from the best educational institutions in the private sector,” Ejercito-Estrada said.

“These young men and women are our investment for the future,” the congressman added. “We should spare no expense to assist them.”

Ejercito-Estrada is a former JCI national president.

Experts... from page 3

recalled cars to fix security vulnerabilities. Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s biggest automaker, said it was not aware of any hacking incidents on its cars.

“They’re basically designed to change coding constantly. I won’t say it’s impossible to hack, but it’s pretty close,” said Toyota spokesman John Hanson.

Officials with Hyundai Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG said they could not immediately comment on the issue.

A spokesman for Honda Motor Co. said that the Japanese automaker was studying the security of onvehicle computer systems, but declined to discuss those efforts.

A spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security declined to comment when asked how seriously the agency considers the risk that hackers could launch attacks on vehicles or say whether DHS had learned of any such incidents.

The department helps businesses in the manufacturing and transportation industries secure the technology inside their products and investigates reports of vulnerabilities that could allow attacks.

‘SELF DESTRUCT’ Concerns about such possibilities emerged after a group of computer scientists from the University of California and the University of Washington published two landmark research papers that showed computer viruses can infect cars and cause them to crash, potentially harming passengers.

The group chose a fairly banal name, the Center for Automotive Embedded Sys-

tems Security. Yet their work is as imaginative as that of Q, the fictional scientist who supplies weapons to British secret agent James Bond.

They figured out how to attack vehicles by putting viruses onto compact discs.

When unknowing victims try to listen to the CD, it infects the car radio, then makes its way across the network to more critical systems.

For instance, they came up with a combination attack dubbed “Self Destruct”.

It starts when a 60-second timer pops up on a car’s digital dashboard and starts counting down. When it reaches zero the virus can simultaneously shut off the car’s lights, lock its doors, kill the engine and release or slam on the brakes.

In addition to designing viruses to harm passengers in infected vehicles, the academics were able to remotely eavesdrop on conversations inside cars, a technique that could be of use to corporate and government spies.

The research group disbanded after publishing two technical papers, in May 2010 and August 2011, that describe multiple types of attacks and ways to infect cars using Bluetooth systems, wireless networks as well as the car’s OnBoard Diagnostics port, which is also known as an OBD-II port. (http://bit.ly/oao8a8) One issue of concern is fighting ordinary PC viruses that could potentially infect cars when laptops and other devices are plugged into infotainment systems.

“Viruses are something that needs to be addressed directly. How we guard against that transfer to our system is a primary focus of our efforts,” said Toyota spokesman John Hanson.

-- Reuters

Kia...

from page 3

the equivalently powered 1.5-diesel variant of its 2005 predecessor. Similarly, the new Kia Picanto emits 5.4% less CO2 than the previous model, and the 2013 Kia Optima will deliver 7.7% greater fuel economy and emit 7.2% less CO2 than the current model.

This is the result of newly developed powertrain technologies, including Continually Variable Valve Lift (CVVL), which regulates the amount of air injected into the combustion chamber to increase efficiency, and ISG that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Kia has also developed (currently for its domestic market only) its first eight-speed multistep transmission, which improves fuel economy by up to 18%.

Wider social responsibility During 2011, Kia once again invested heavily in charity work around the world and invested US$20.2 million* through 158 different programmes, benefitting 27,459 individuals.

Meanwhile, Kia’s European sales subsidiaries have been supporting the ‘Planting for a Better Life’ Mali project, which has already planted 3.5 million trees since 2007. Kia promises to plant up to six million additional jatropha shrubs over the next three years, helping to secure a brighter future for communities in the area by boosting agricultural output and generating income for farmers and their families.

“The progress that Kia has made in the past 12 months is phenomenal, both technologically and socially,” says Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman & CEO, Kia Motors Corporation.

“It is testament to the quality of the work that all Kia employees achieve every day and proves that we are steadily moving closer to our goal of Vision 2016.”

Kia Vision 2016 was established in 2012 to meet the mid- to long-term business goals of the corporation, by building a distinct Kia identity and realising value innovation. The three main objectives of this vision are to provide excellent customer value, reinforce global business structure through new market creation, and become a cutting-edge industry leader through innovation.

“Drawing on an innovative and creative organisational culture, Kia will continue to raise individual and enterprise-level knowledge and skills to enhance our sustainability. We also pledge to fulfil our role and responsibilities as a global corporate citizen,” adds Mr. Lee. *Indicates investments or expenditures made by Kia Motors Corp. South Korea-based headquarters and does not include investments or expenditures made by its overseas subsidiaries and distributors.

“Only it will be desirable the Filipino public would know how each individual can help bring about a resilient, less cyclical economy just to be economically and financially rooted. Greater savings and investments are the direct dividends of that kind of population.”

Latest BSP data show Philippine gross international reserves (GIR) rose to a record $80.78 billion in August, enough to cover 11.89 months worth of the country’s imports and 6.6 times the country’s maturing foreign debt. The previous highs were $79.76 billion in July and $75.94 billion in August 2011.

A recent New York Times article cited the country’s much improved macro-indicators such lower interest payments on its debt after recent credit rating upgrades like Standard & Poor’s July 4 level up to just below investment grade, the highest rating for the country since 2003, an outlook shared

by HSBC in Hong Kong. The Philippine stock market closed at a record high after the recent S.& P. rating upgrade, and the peso reached a four-year high against the dollar at about the same time.

“Therefore it is critical that at the center that we inaugurate today, that you have free access to every knowledge resource we have in Manila, books and periodicals in economics, finance and banking, public database on the BSP, computer kiosks on the of central banking, monetary policy, banking supervision, payments and settlement system,” Mr. Guinigundo said. “This is the primary motivation for bringing what we have in the Head Office of the BSP in Manila to all the eighteen branches and three regional offices all over the Philippines,” he added.

The EFLC makes economic and financial learning accessible to the people through books and periodicals,

technology-based interactive learning modules, informative video clips and educational computer games. Researchers will also be able to browse the digitized library collection, as well as access the statistical database for information on economic issues.

The re-launching of EFLCCagayan de Oro is in line with the BSP’s master plan to set up EFLCs in the BSP’s main office in Manila and in its 21 regional offices and branches nationwide.

“Cagayan de Oro is at the forefront of our eighteen branches and is increasingly a very important city where tourism, services and production happily converge,” Mr. Guinigundo noted. “You will have the same access to knowledge- based resources as those in Manila and other branches and other regional offices all over the Philippines.”

Gov Oscar S. Moreno, one of the principal authors of the Anti-Money Laundering Law when he was still in Congress, was the event’s principal guest from the host local government. The BSP Cagayan de Oro Branch is located within the Misamis Oriental provincial compound in Cagayan de Oro City.

The BSP-EFLP consolidates the educational outreach activities of the BSP under one flagship program. It consists of a series of learning sessions and activities which aim to promote greater public awareness and understanding of essential economic and financial issues and consequently empower people to make wise financial decisions.

The BSP-EFLP also embodies the goal of the BSP to promote economic and financial education among its stakeholders, who can then become more effective partners in maintaining stable prices as well as in ensuring a stronger and safer banking and payments system.

BSP...

from page 1

sions and choices, and to help sustain inclusive economic growth,” Mr. Tetangco said.

“Through this learning center and our learning program, the BSP invites you all in keeping our economy active and healthy through informed and responsible financial decisions. Together, we can make life for Filipinos better.

“Parallel to this, we continue to work with the banking sector to provide products and services which are responsive to the different capabilities and needs of our people,” he added.

Opened in 2008, EFLCCagayan de Oro has now expanded its services by upgrading its facilities and linking with the EFLC national network that would make all electronic resources in the EFLC in Manila fully accessible to the public in Cagayan de Oro. “It is doubly instructive for the Filipino public that we shape how the financial system relates to each and every component,” said BSP Dep. Gov. Diwa C. Guinigundo.

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Suzuki 3’s CDO - VELEZ

Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Telefax No.: (088) 857-2647 Date Opened: December 8, 1994 OIC: Alner K. Verdida

GINGOOG

National Highway, Gigoog City Telefax no.: (088) 427196 Date Opened: December 08, 2005 OIC: Rowena Pacheo

CDO BORJA

Andrada Bldg., JR Borja St. Brgy. 32, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax: (088) 8573140; 8573139 Date Opened: July 18, 2006 Store Supervisor: Evelyn M. Sumingit

CDO GUSA

JVR Bldg.,Sta. Cecilia Subd., Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax: (088) 22710126; 8571126 Date Opened: Store Manager: Lilibeth O. Hanasan

ILIGAN - SABAYLE

Benito Labao cor. Sabayle Sts., Iligan City Telefax: (063) 221-5505; (063) 225-0509 Partyphone # 0973-903342 Date Opened: August 12, 1989 Store Manager: Maria Elena T. Zerna

MALAYBALAY

Brgy. Sumpong, Fortich St., Malaybalay City Telefax. No. (088) 221-3424; (088) 813-4754 Partyphone # 0973-903818 Date Opened: April 25, 1996 Store Manager: Carlos E. Abarrientos

VALENCIA

Hagcol, Valencia, Bukidnon Fax No.: (088) 828-4127; Telephone No.: (088) 222-2412 Partyphone # 0973-903780 Date Opened: July 15, 1989 Store Supervisor: Narciso F. Tabulong

MARAMAG

Purok 1, North Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon Telefax No.: (088) 222-5208 Date Opened: August 05, 2004 Store Super visor: Ma. Rochelle M. Paano

PAGADIAN TIGUMA

EMCOR Bldg., National Highway Tiguma St., Pagadian City Telefax #: (062) 214-1723; 214-4302; 215-3958 Date Opened: September 8, 1997 Sales Supervisor: Julie to D. Alcalde

PAGADIAN ZULUETA

Zulueta Bldg., J. Rizal Ave., Pagadian City Fax No.: (062) 214-1462; Tel No.: (062) 214-4996 /214-2822; FSO: 062-2144997 Date Opened: September 8, 1989 Sales Supervisor: Marbel M. Crusio

PAGADIAN - CLARK

Rizal Ave., Pagadian City Telefax No.: (062) 214-4758 Date Opened: November 22, 2002 Sales Supervisor: Cristy V. Guisado

MARANDING

National H-way, Mercado St., Maranding, Lala Lanao del Norte FAX No./Tel. (063) Tel. No.: (063) 388-7048 Date Opened: March 14, 1992 Sales Supervisor: Marivic B. Gran

MOLAVE

Provincial H-way, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur FAX No.: (062) 225-1407