BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO SEPTEMBER 7,2012

BusinessWeek

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www.businessweekmindanao.com Issue No. 105, Volume III • Sept. 7-9, 2012

Market Indicators

AS OF 5:46 PM SEPT. 6, 2012 (Wednesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P41.97

5,150.81 points

25.06 points

;

7 cents

;

Briefly Financial education

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is currently conducting a financial learning program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their beneficiaries in Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center, here.

Dubbed “Paghahanda sa Kinabukasan,” the activity aims to educate OFWS and their beneficiaries on the importance of using remittances to build-up savings and in directing investments in financial products and business ventures.

Through this, the BSP hopes to help overseas workers and their beneficiaries achieve financial independence and security, bring them into the fold of the formal financial system, and enable them to participate more meaningfully in the country’s economic development.

Helmet Law

BUTUAN City -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga headed by Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran briefed the local tri-media on Republic Act No. 10054 known as the “Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009,” held Monday at the DTI-Caraga conference room, this city.

Atty. Maria Aurora CurazaMaquiling of DTI-Caraga, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office/Department of Transportation and Communications (LTO/DOTC) said, starting January 1, 2013, they will strictly implement the Motorcycle Helmet Act with corresponding penalties to motorists who will violate this law.

Maquiling also clarified that said law does not exempt “habal-habal” (motorcycles with more than five passengers) drivers/riders, but only tricycle drivers.

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El Niño could worsen M’nao power supply

By IRENE DOMINGO, Reporter

M

INDANAO’S already precarious power situation is bound to get worse as the Philippine weather bureau announced the probable start of the long dry spell or El Nino by this month.

A Philippine News Agency report says that “dynamical and statistical model forecast suggests the El Niño will likely develop in August or September, and will last through the rest of the year.”

The report quoted Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) administrator Nathaniel Servando who said. warmer sea surface temperature has strengthened in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific ocean since June, which is a typical development stage of El Niño.

Around 55-percent of Mindanao’s power comes from hydro power plants around Lake Lanao. The last time a severe El Nino hit Mindanao, many parts of the island suffered up to 12 hours of brownouts.

At present, with all power plants in the grid running, Mindanao is already suffer-

SUPAFLY. An operator of the Supafly Cam by Kyxz Mendiola demonstrates the features of an airborne video camera at the opening of the 1st East Misor Business Forum and Trade Fair in Talisayan town, Misamis Oriental. The device is handled via remote control and can be used by business entities for security and surveillance of their establishments. It can fly as high as 25 feet off the PHOTO BY GERRY L . GORIT POWER/PAGE 10 ground.

Mindanao fire worsens power situation

By CARMELITO Q FRANCISCO, Correspondent

Repairs are now going on Agus 6 tunnel caught by fire. ( PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL RIMANDO)

DAVAO City -- Mindanao experienced a power deficiency of about 320 megawatts (MW) last weekend, the worst since 2010, data from the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines showed.

“This was caused by a technical problem, which triggered the shutdown of Agus 6 switchyard in Iligan City,” the company said.

Agus 6 has a capacity of 200 MW, while

Agus 7 has 54 MW. The National Power Corp. (Napocor) said a fire broke out at the control cable tunnel leading to the Maria Cristina Switchyard at about 10:20 p.m. of Sept. 1, damaging the control cables of Agus 6 and 7, and causing the generating units of the two power plants to trip, particularly Unit Nos. 3, 4, and 5 of Agus 6 and Unit No. 2 of Agus 7.

On Monday, the Web site of the National Grid Corp. showed a power supply deficit FIRE/PAGE 10

Misor town hosts first agro fair

By GERRY L. GORIT Reporter

MISAMIS Oriental -- For the first time in Talisayan town and in the entire first congressional district here, a business forum and trade fair for the farmers of the province is being held this

week.

The 1st East Misor Business Forum and Trade Fair opened Monday at the public plaza of Talisayan with a program graced by 1st District Rep. Peter M. Unabia, who is spearheading the event in partnership with the municiAGRO/PAGE 10

BusinessWeek Economy 2 Rehab of Muleta irrigation system in Bukidnon pushed Sept. 7-9, 2012

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By RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB, Contributor

OROQUIETA City -- The Regional Development Council of Region 10 (RDC-X) has endorsed the proposal to rehabilitate the Muleta River Irrigation System (RIS) under the Repackaged National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP).

Estimated to cost P208.36 million, the rehabilitation of the Muleta RIS, located in the municipalities of Maramag and Don, Carlos, Bukidnon is supportive to the current thrusts of the Philippine Government as embodied

in the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

Originally, the NISRIP proposed to cover the rehabilitation of 32 national irrigation systems (NIS) with service area of 86,840 hectares, Engr. Leon M. Da-

canay, Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, said.

These included the institutional and agricultural components for an additional seven newly constructed JICA-funded NIS projects bringing to 39, the total number of covered NIS, nationwide.

However, due to the recommendation of the NEDA Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) to re-

configure the proposal from program-type to investmenttype loan, the NISRIP was repackaged.

For Region 10, the Muleta RIS had been chosen as among the NIS projects to be covered by NISRIP, which aims to contribute to the attainment of the rice-sufficiency by 2012 and maintain it through 2016.

Estimated to cost P4.297 billion, the NISRIP will be implemented, in a duration of four years, of which P208.36 million or 4.85 percent will go to the Muleta RIS project, Dacanay said.

Upon completion, the rehabilitation of the Muleta RIS shall have increased

its firmed-up service area (FUSA) from 1,369 hectares to 1,800 hectares during wet season and from 1,354 hctares to 1,640 hectrares during dry season.

Meanwhile, Engr. Jaime H. Pacampara, Coordinator, RDC-X Infrastructure Committee Coordinator of NEDA-10, said the breakdown for the Muleta RIS project include the following: A direct cost of P147.72 million, consisting of civil works with P121.51 million, institutional development, P5.13 million, agricultural support, P8.93 million, and consulting services, P12.15 million.

An indirect cost of P60.64

million also consisting of an administrative cost, particularly, management fee of P7.39 million and general engineering supervision and administration fee of P5.17 million, physical contingency, P13.56 million, price contingency, P23.42 million, taxes P11.04 million and bank charges, P0.04 million.

The total project cost of Muleta RIS, as a subproject of the NISRIP, at 2010 constant prices, will be sourced from the local funds, as equity, and from foreign sources, Pacampara said.

From the local sources, the funds will be taken from MULETA/PAGE 10

DA 12 shows off rice harvester-thresher

By DANILO E. DOGUILES Contributor

0917-7154399 088-856-8562/63

KORONADAL City -- The regional office of the Department of Agriculture here showed to farmers and local officials a machine that could harvest and thresh rice in single operation.

The machine, called rice combine thresher, can harvest at the same time thresh at least eight hectares of rice in a day with only three persons to operate. The machine costs P8.98 million.

A press statement reveals that a field demo using the machine was held in Barangay Rizal attended by DA Assistant Secretary Dante Delima, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, Banga Mayor

Henry Ladot and his officials, officials of nearby local governments, and farmers.

Datukan said they spearheaded the activity to show to farmers the actual operations of the machine and encourage farmers to adopt modern rice harvesting technologies.

“By using such machines, harvesting of palay will be quicker and losses from harvesting will be minimized,”

said Datukan.

Asec Delima explained the machine’s grains tank is capable of storing 2,700 kilograms or about 54 sacks.

Several attendees commended the speed at which the machine was able to complete harvesting and threshing one hectare of rice field in less than half a day.

They added that the sacked RICE/PAGE 10

Credit assistance for rice farmers launched KORONADAL City -- Amyon Irrigators’ Association based in Tulunan, North Cotabato have received more than P300,000 fund that its members could use to boost their rice production.

This, according to information from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-12, is

line with the pilot implementation of Sikat Saka program recently launched by the DA in partnership with the LandBank of the Philippines (LBP).

Sikat Saka, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag- Datukan explained, is an agricultural

credit assistance program intended to help increase production of rice farmers.

It is being implemented also in accordance with the DA’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). Access to credit is provided through irrigator’s associations.

I n for m at ion on t he program provided by DARegional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) indicated that a farmer can avail of loan of P42,000 per hectare for hybrid rice production and P37,000 per hectare for inbred rice production.

Besides Amyon Irrigators’ Association, four more IAs are scheduled for release of their credit assistance, pending submission of final documents. They will receive a total of P2,776,850 assistance.

These IAs and the amount of credit assistance that shall be released for their members are: Milaris Division A (BIMADU) IA, Inc. in Bialong, M’lang (P 218, 300); Buayan-Langkong IA Inc. in Buayan, Mlang (P 1, 300, 550); Rangaban IA, Inc. in Rangaban, Midsayap (P 481, 000); Libungan B - 1B IA, FARMERS/PAGE 10

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Motoring

Sept. 7-9, 2012

3

Kia presents triple-header, 24/7 assistance at 4th Pims COLUMBIAN Autocar Corp.

(CAC), official distributor of Kia cars in the Philippines, delighted visitors who trooped to yesterday’s opening of the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (Pims) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City with the introduction of the three latest additions to its product lineup—the Optima, K9 and upgraded Sorento.

Themed around “Surpassing Expectations,” the allnew Optima midsize sedan is endowed with distinctive styling and upscale interior along with class-leading features. The Kia Optima 2.4 EX six-speed A/T is fitted with a 2.4L Theta II gas engine with dual CVVT that packs a maximum output of 180 ps at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 23.6 kg-m at 4,000 rpm. It has steering wheel-mounted controls, 18-inch alloy wheels, glove box cooling, leather seats, panoramic double sunroof, full-auto climate control and rear parking assist.

K9

Optima Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia’s coupelike profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backward proportions.

Priced at P1.48 million, the all-new Optima offers occupants both space and comfort with a number of standard convenience features. The sedan’s chic cabin unifies with the exterior design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat design and

effective storage throughout.

Modern standard features such as six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip computer further expand the cabin’s luxurious qualities.

The K9, also known as the Kia Quoris, is Kia’s first rearwheel-drive sedan. It boasts of Kia’s “best of the best” design, driving performance and high-technology capabilities and is one of the K series models to be launched in the global market.

The letter K represents not only Kia and the company’s home country of Korea, but also refers to the Greek word Kratos (meaning powerful, domination and reign) and the English word Kinetic (meaning active, dynamic).

K9 Quoris is the latest continuation of Kia’s evolving design DNA, carrying its recognizable “Tiger Nose” KIA/PAGE 10

THE CITY BUILDING Permit section conducted inspection and evaluation of the structures of high rise buildings in Cagayan de Oro last September 5, 2012 in the aftermath of the strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Samar along the Philippine Trench last August 31, 2012. The tremors jolted the nearby cities of Tacloban, Ormoc, Tagbilaran, Cebu, Camiguin and Eastern Mindanao and caused minor landslide damage in some upper Barangays of Cagayan de Oro City.

Pryce Plaza have undergone major inspection by a team of Engineers dispatched by City Hall lead by Engr. Jacinto Y. Lumacang, Chief of the Building Permit Division who certified that there are no direct effect or movement of the ground generated by the 5.5 aftershock. Their visual assessment rated the building excellent and commended the hotel management for continuous vigilance and maintenance of the major structures.

At the time of inspection, the hotel was enjoying full house occupancy with the Career Enhancement Program for Clerks of Court hosted by the Philippine Judicial Academy of the Supreme Court.

PRYCE PLAZA is the only 4-star hotel in Cagayan de Oro City owned by Pryce Corporation with Head Office located at the 17th Floor of Pryce Center along 1179 Don Chino Roces Avenue corner Bagtikan Street, Makati City with Tel. No. (632) 8994401 with Website: www.pryceplaza.ph. For Reservations, please call (08822) 726464 / (088) 8583131 or Email: reservations@pryceplaza.ph / sales@pryceplaza.ph

4

Companies

Sept. 7-9, 2012

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AirAsia, Pamama to offer low URC plans boost to Vietnam operations cost travel to OFWs in Malaysia

By BONG FABE, Correspondent

AIRASIA, Inc. signed on Wednesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Association of Manpower Agencies for Malaysia Aff iliates, Inc. (Pamama) to provide low cost, high value travel service to Filipino workers in Malaysia.

“This partnership affirms our commitment to provide low cost travel to Filipinos, especially for our overseas workers, while ensuring that they enjoy only the best quality service from us,” said Maan Hontiveros, AirAsia, Inc. chief executive officer (CEO) after signing the MOA with Pamama President Salvador Curameng at the Aloha Hotel.

Under the agreement, AirAsia will be the preferred carrier of OFWs deployed by Pamama to Malaysia.

Ph i l ippi nes’ A i rAsia launched its first international flight to Kuala Lumpur last June, with afternoon flights from Clark International Airport to complement Malaysia AirAsia’s existing KL-Clark-KL morning flights, which have been in operation since 2005.

AirAsia recently won Aviation Week’s Top Performing Airlines Report 2012, with a total of 81 points, 3 points ahead of Europe’s largest low cost carrier Ryanair (78) points and 11 points ahead of Singapore Airlines (70 points).

Aviation Week ’s TPA,

AirAsia Inc. CEO, Maan Hontiveros, Pamama President Salvador Curameng and Chairman Cristina Edquiban.

which measure data and rated airlines in five different performance categories particularly its financial and operational performance, is the leading annual rankings and competitive analysis for the global airline industry.

AirAsia is the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia, serving the most network with over 152 routes covering 77 destinations across Asia and Australia. In just 10 years of operations, it has carried more than 140 million passengers and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to about 100.

AirAsia Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March 2011 to engage primarily in the business of air transportation in the

Philippines and abroad for passenger and cargo. It is a 60-40 joint venture between Filipino investors Antonio O. Cojuangco, Michael L. Romero and Marianne “Maan” B. Hontiveros, and Malaysia’s AirAsia International Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AirAsia Berhad, which has won SkyTrax’s best low cost airline for four consecutive years.

Skytrax is the world’s largest airline and airport review site.

AirAsia Inc. began its domestic operations via Clark International Airport on March 28, 2012 by servicing daily f lights to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao, Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan and four times a

PAL to realign Canada flight entitlements PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is realigning its existing flight entitlements for Vancouver to service another destination in Canada.

PAL President Ramon S. Ang said the flag carrier plans to start servicing the ManilaToronto route on November 30. “We will serve not only Vancouver but Toronto as well,” he said.

PAL is currently the only airline f lying between the Philippines and Canada. It was assigned seven entitlements for the Manila-Vancouver route.

PAL Officer in Charge for Commercial Group Rafael Rollan said the airline will use three of the seven entitlements to service the Manila-Toronto route. The remaining four will be used for services to Vancouver.

“There will be four entitlements for our ManilaVancouver [route] and the other three will be used to fly Manila to Toronto non-stop.

The realignment of f light frequencies will begin on November 30. As we speak, we are finalizing the pricing.

Maybe by mid-September the pricing will be uploaded in our web site already,” said Rollan in an interview.

PAL needs an additional seven fl ight entitlements on top of the existing seven but

there are no available entitlements. The Philippine air panel has yet to set talks with its counterpart in Canada, said Rollan. “Ideally, if we can secure another seven or more [entitlements], that is what we want,” he added.

The airline is exhausting all means to secure entitlements to the North American country. Rollan said PAL wrote to Air Canada to ask if PAL could borrow the latter’s entitlements since Air Canada is not flying to Manila.

“We wrote [Air Canada] but they have not responded to us. They have seven unutilized entitlements. Hopefully, they could lend us their frequencies through codesharing because this arrangement was done before,” said Rollan.

He explained that the additional entitlements inject the much-needed capacity into PAL’s Vancouver route, the only direct link between Canada and the Philippines, and has long been sought by the sizable Filipino migrant community in that country as well as by the business and leisure segments of the market.

“We want to test Toronto.

We will try to develop the market,” he added.

Ang earlier said, “in the

near future, PAL will fly nonstop to Toronto, Paris, New York City and in the Middle East.” PAL plans to expand its fleet by placing orders for 100 airplanes.

For the fiscal first quarter ending June, PAL reported a net income of $11.4 million, a turnaround from a net loss of $10.6 million registered in the same period last year.

PAL’s parent firm PAL Holdings also reported making gains in the fi scal fi rst quarter ending June amounting to P489.2 million from a net loss of P475.1 million posted the previous year.

Ang said PAL posted P256 million in profit in July as against a net loss of P327 million in the same period last year.

“We expect this momentum to carry on but we can’t tell you our target numbers.

Since we came in April this year confidence was restored, the company became stable,” he said.

San Miguel Equity Investments Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corp., acquired a stake in Lucio Tan owned firms Trustmark Holdings Corp. and Zuma Holdings and Management Corp., the holding companies of PAL and Air Philippines Corp. The investment is worth $500 million.

week f lights to Kalibo International Airport.

Pamama, on the other hand, was incorporated last July 30, 2012. This association is an organization composed of manpower agencies deploying workers to Malaysia.

As of now, they have 50 member agencies with 15 incorporators and board of trustees. They organized this association to promote and protect interest of association members and workers. They are here to maintain and operate information bureau for the collection and supply of information from various sources for dissemination as to proposed agreement of the association with other entities versus conditions and other subject of trade interest.

THE Philippine maker of C2 tea drink and Jack ‘N Jill snack food plans to strengthen its Vietnam operations.

In a recent earnings call with analysts, Lance Gokong wei, Universa l Robina Corp. president and chief executive officer, said the company will allocate most of its resources in Vietnam, the growth driver in its international business. Growth in Vietnam is anchored on the food-and-beverage company’s ready-to-drink tea business and its growing presence in the biscuits market.

“Without revealing too many secrets I would say today that Vietnam, in terms of sales and profitability, is larger than Thailand. Basically the profitability trend there looks very strong because very recently we’ve been able to raise prices on C2 by about 5 percent towards the end of the third quarter and second PET prices have had a slight correction from three or four months ago,” said Gokongwei.

W h i l e g r ow t h h a s slowed in Malaysia and China, URC’s operations in Vietnam and Indonesia remain “quite buoyant,” fuelling revenues to about $470 million by end-September from $439 million in 2011, Gokongwei said.

The expected recovery of its Thailand business in the fourth quarter as a result of more aggressive

promotion spending and brand building initiatives will likewise contribute to growth, he said.

“We w i l l of cou rse like to see our business double in four or f ive years but it’s very hard for me to say what it will be. But historically, we’ve grown our international business from $80 million in 2004 to I guess this [year’s] $470 [million] plus,” Gokongwei said.

“We continue to believe that on a three to five year basis, our Philippine business should grow 8 to 10 percent and our international business should grow 14 to 15 percent. That’s what we think should happen given the relative sizes of the market and our relative positions in each market,” he said.

Gokongwei said this fiscal year’s capital expenditures may hit “more like $100 million,” lower t ha n t he $120 mi l lion the company budgeted.

Of the actual capex, $80 million was spent on its branded consumer foods business.

In a test message, Mike Liwanag, URC head of corporate planning and investor relations, said the company will spend $80 million to $100 million in the next fiscal year, primarily focusing on its BCF business.

Bu l k of nex t yea r’s capex will f inance the expansion of its Asean business, Liwanag said.

San Miguel Oktoberfest ‘Beer Festival’ set Sept. 28 ON September 28 at the Aseana City in Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City, beer market leader San Miguel Brewery Inc. kicks off the country’s muchawaited, grandest and biggest beer festival, the San Miguel Oktoberfest 2012, with Fil-Am apl.de.ap of the supergroup Black Eyed Peas together with popular San Miguel Oktoberfest “Beer Festival” endorsers to give the ultimate beer party of the year.

For as low as P12.00, one can enjoy a cup of his favorite San Miguel Beer brand while seeing apl. de.ap, San Miguel Pale Pilsen’s newest endorser, bring the house down with his popular hits during the welcome party. To spice up the night, San Miguel Beer brand ambassadors Michael V., Ely Buendia, Pepe Smith, and Sam Pinto will also grace the event.

No other place in the country offers the lowest priced San Miguel Beers except in all San Miguel Oktoberfest grand celebra-

tions on September 28 at be present and served by Aseana City; September 29 beer maidens. Manila’s at Paseo de Satna Rosa in clubbers will surely dance Laguna; October 5 at MEPZ the night away in the San II in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; Mig Light Party All Night October 19 at Limketkai in tent, courtesy of the leadCagayan de Oro; and October ing low-calorie beer in the 20 at Robinson’s Starmills in country. It will be a hard San Fernando, Pampanga. core rock and roll night at The occasion is made ex- the country’s no. 1 extras tra exciting this year with the strong beer’s tent – the Red installation of six San Miguel Horse Beer Pinoy Rock Beer customized beer brand Tent.

Those who go for the tents that feature diverse activities and performances fruity kick of San Miguel’s for the enjoyment of all San lemon and apple flavored beers can enjoy their interMiguel Beer lovers.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen active fix in the San Miguel will put up its so-called Beer Flavored Beer Digital Hub. Plaza where Filipino Pulu- The San Miguel Lifestyle tan Legends and the iconic Brews Bistro Lounge will San Miguel Pale Pilsen will OKTOBERFEST/PAGE 10

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Corpboard

Sept 7-9, 2012

www.businessweekmindanao.com

5

PEZA factories to absorb Lexmark dislocated workers

Harnessing the power of media GRACIA and Maribojoc Elementar y Schools in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental are the latest recipients of the Educational Television (ETV) package from energy-firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) and ABSCBN Foundation.

SPI C om r e l M a nager Ghaye Alegrio and Tagoloan Mayor Paulino Emano led recently the simple turn-over rites.

Designed to enhance the classroom teaching and learning process, the ETV program has so far gained marked improvements in the public education performance.

Studies showed a dif-

ferential performance of as much as 23% between those exposed to the ETV science series and those who were not part of the program.

Grades 2 & 3 pupils exposed to the ETV science episodes absorbed twice as much of the concepts than those who were given regular, non-augmented instruction. Interestingly, understanding of the concepts in Filipino appeared to facilitate the transfer of learning to English.

I n Vi l la nue va a nd Tagoloan districts where the program has been running since 2005, students’ performance as measured by the National Achieve-

ment Test (NAT) results also improved. In Villanueva for instance, NAT rating increased from 55.51% to 77.19%. in 2011. The program also saw teaching methodology improvement such that teachers can deliver in 20 minutes the concepts that they usually teach in two days.

So far, nearly 60% of the 22 public schools in Tagoloan and Villanueva have been provided with the ETV package consisting of a flat screen 32” TV set, a DVD player, and more than 500 educational TV episodes sine eskwela on Science, Math, English and Civics.

EMPLOYEES of printer maker Lexmark International Philippines will be absorbed by other companies based in the Mactan Economic Zone, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Thursday.

The American company plans to shutdown its Philippine operations in 2015, or 16 years since it started making printers in Cebu. The closure would affect 1,100 workers, or about a third of Lexmark’s workforce in the Philippines.

According to an Aug. 28 Reuters report, “… Lexmark International Inc. said it will stop making inkjet printers and focus on its more profitable imaging and software businesses…

“Lexmark, never a big player in inkjet printers, said it would continue to sell laser printers as it beefs up its print services business, for which it has made several acquisitions over the last couple of years.

“The company said it planned to sell about 1,000 inkjet-related patents and would cut PEZA/PAGE 10

Sun Broadband revenues up by 46% SUN BROADBAND, the wireless broadband service of Sun Cellular, soared in the first half of the year posting a healthy increase of 46% in revenues and 54% growth in subscribers versus the same period last year – cementing its claim as the fastest growing broadband service in the country today.

Sun Cellular’s Senior Vice-President for Postpaid Marketing, Broadband and New Business - Ricky Pena further added that over

the last three years, Sun Broadband has been building momentum with growth averaging 141% per year in revenues and 114% per year in subscribers, clearly outpacing other players in the industry.

“The fuel for Sun’s growth continues to be the increasing market demand for consistent, fast and reliable Internet data connectivity.

Subscribers today recognize that apart from our best value offers, the experience on

Sun’s broadband service is proven to be reliable,” Pena says.

Key to sustaining its growth is the continuous product innovation that Sun Broadband is known for.

He added that Sun Broadband started offering Group plans, Multi-SIM plans, and SIM-only plans to cater to subscribers who want to use Sun’s broadband service using their various gadgets, and in anticipation of the SUN/PAGE 10

6

Opinion

Sept. 7-9, 2012

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Criminal Negligence

was never acted upon by the utility.

ITHOUT an iota of doubt, EDITORIAL Although Cepalco agreed to shoulder the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (CEPALCO) is guilty all expenses related to the victim’s accident and of criminal negligence in the death of a minor who funeral, that’s cold comfort to the family whose was electrocuted by a grounded pole owned by the child will not be coming back.

If Cepalco was unable to address this hazard utility in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

The law defines criminal negligence as recklessly which already existed three years ago, it gives acting without reasonable caution and putting us the shudders to think about all those electric another person at risk of injury or death or failing posts affected by Sendong. How many more accidents are there like this one that are waiting to to do something with the same consequences.

No less than the Tagoloan Police Station Chief happen?

We urge the local government of Tagoloan Inspector Maricris Mulat was cited in a news report as saying how numerous complaints had already to pursue a complaint against the utility for its been filed with the Cepalco about the post which criminal negligence which resulted in the death was submerged in the river so anyone stepping of this innocent boy. Justice must be served and those guilty of this crime from the lineman to the into the water would be electrocuted.

Last September 2, Dennis Rodman Itom, 15, officer in charge of this department must be made was electrocuted when he stepped into the waters to answer in court for allowing this to happen.

We suggest when to Cepalco subscribers to to gather some seashells and pronounced dead on immediately report accidents like this waiting to arrival at the hospital where he was brought.

Unfortunately for the victim, he was not a resi- happen to media. We may not be able to fix the dent of the area and was unaware of the danger hazard but at least everyone will be apprised of hidden in the water. Police said initial investiga- the situation and hopefully spur those responsible tion showed the residents of Purok 14 Kibulda had to fix it posthaste before it results in another unbeen reporting the post to Cepalco since 2009 but fortunate and very avoidable fatality.

M Ù» ã®Ä¦ CÊÄÝç½ã ÄãÝ

No Parking

Member: -Philippine Press Institute

-Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) -Misamis Oriental - Cagayan de Oro Association of Publishers (MOCAP), Inc.

‘Academic Freedom’ IT’S a hot, controversial issue, this thing about academic freedom. And it’s understandable because what is involved is something very intimate to a person working in an academic community.

Ideas, theories, views, opinions are so personal that anything that would tend to obstruct them can be very painful. Everything has to be done to avoid such predicament, therefore.

And so, I somehow understand why this academic freedom can be defined in its extreme form, as Wikipedia would have it, as: “The belief that the freedom of inquiry by students and faculty members is essential to the mission of the academy, and that scholars should have freedom to teach or communicate ideas or facts (including those that are inconvenient to external political groups or to authorities) without being targeted for repression, job loss, or imprisonment.”

Some parties involved in this issue have even gone to the extent of describing academic freedom, again taking from Wikipedia, as having the following properties: a) “Academics, both inside and outside the classroom, have unrestricted liberty to question and test received wisdom and to put forward controversial and unpopular opinions, whether or not these are deemed offensive, and, b) “Academic institutions have no right to curb the exercise of this freedom by members of their staff, or to use it as grounds for disciplinary action or dis-

BusinessWeek

HINTS AND TRACES

THINK a minute…

On this journey called life, do you sometimes feel like just pulling over and parking? You feel like you’ve done enough, worked enough, and learned enough. Now it’s time to relax, let the others do the work, and enjoy the ride. But the problem when we pull over and park is that we get nowhere, since we stop learning and improving to make our life the best it can be. So we don’t reach our potential and live every day to the fullest.

One parking place we might stop at is what we wrongly think are our handicaps and weaknesses. We compare ourselves to oth-

ers who might have certain talents and abilities we don’t have. But we need to realize that we have our own special strengths and abilities. We each must fi rst learn to accept ourselves with our own unique physical looks, personality and abilities. No one is completely handicapped!

We each have something important we can be and do in this world. We each were made to make a difference and help other people’s lives.

So friend, don’t park by what you think are your handicaps or lack of talents and abilities.

Start making the most of the abilities you do have.

A second parking place that many of us stop at is

THINK A MINUTE our failures. But we’ve all failed! So if you’ve failed join the club! Just learn from it and try again. It’s not how you start but how you finish that makes you a real success. So it’s never too late to get back on the road toward your dreams and goals in life. Time is running out, so you might as well get moving toward the kind of character and life you want.

The third place many people park is by their successes. Just because we’ve achieved a little success in life some of us choose to stop.

We stop trying, learning, and improving because we’re satisfied with only a little

JHAN TIAFAU HURST success. But if what you’ve done isn’t your very best, then you’ll never know that you did everything you could in life. Then you’ll have to live with that terrible regret!

Think a Minute …

Bank Transactions FR. ROY CIMAGALA missal.”

Still, while I and any decent man would respect such freedom, I also could not help to point out that such take on academic freedom is onesided and is oblivious and quite naïve of other factors and conditions that need to be taken into consideration also.

This extreme form of academic freedom has to contend also with the rights of the other parties involved.

And more basic to the issue would be that some structure be made in the academic community where a healthy exchange of views could be done, and clear guidelines have to be made.

The dynamics of this exchange of ideas should be closely monitored and managed, otherwise there would be chaos and confusion. And rules of the game should be clearly spelled out for this.

Thing is we cannot deny the fact that academic communities have their basic constitution that, no matter how imperfect it is, should CIMAGALA/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 im-

position 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 the “true and effective cost of borrowing.”

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

SPEAKING OUT

IGNACIO BUNYE • 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 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.

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Sept. 7-9, 2012

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Cimagala... from page 6

be respected and upheld, unless legitimately revised.

So if an academic institution defines itself as religious or Christian or Catholic, etc., then certainly any position that smacks of atheism or agnosticism or that contradicts an official teaching of said faith, would be out of place.

We cannot invoke here the excuse of freedom of conscience, because personal conscience cannot fly without reference to an objective moral law that is authoritatively taught by a legitimate institution.

Freedom of conscience, which is often used as the rationale for academic freedom, does not work in a vacuum. To function well, it needs a proper environment that can consist of a moral law based on human nature as defined by a lawful authority.

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF FELISA GANANCIAL BOQUIREN Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late FELISA GANANCIAL BOQUIREN, who died on August 1, 2012 in Cagayan de Oro City, left parcel of registered land located in Licoan, Sumilao, Bukidnon and more particularly described as follows; A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 4, Pcs-10-002395 (AR), being a portion of Lot 83-A, and 83-B, Psd10-019836), situated in the Barangay of Licoan, Municipality of Sumilao, Province of Bukidnon. Containing an area of (50,000) square meters, more or less. That the said real property is covered by transfer Certificate of title No. AT-13141 is the subject of DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SET TLEMENT OF ESTATE OF FELISA GANANCIAL BOQUIREN, made and entered into by and among ATTY. ALEJO T. BOQUIREN, JR., of legal age, widower, and resident of St. Ignatius, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; and CARMELA JAY BOQUIREN PAYOYO, of legal age, widow and resident of St. Ignatius, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; as per Doc. No. 470; Page No. 095; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2012, under Notary Public of ATTY. SAMUEL B. ARNADO. BWM: AUG. 24, 31 & SEPT. 7, 2012

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF FELISA GANANCIAL BOQUIREN Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late FELISA GANANCIAL BOQUIREN, who died on August 1, 2012 in Cagayan de Oro City, left (3) parcelS of registered land located in Macasandig and Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City and more particularly described as follows; I. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-36064, ”A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 2955-A-2, Psd-10-003001, being a portion of Lot 2955-A, (LRC) Psd-43987), situated in the Barrio of Macasandig, City of Cagayan de Oro. Containing an area of (500) square meters, more or less. II. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-126374, “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 3-W, of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-45540, being a portion of Lot 3, (LRC) Psd48196, L.R.C. Cad. Record No. 1561), situated in the Barrio of Macasandig, City of Cagayan de Oro. Containing an area of (180) square meters, more or less. III. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-33651, “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 39, Block 16, of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-82838, being a portion of Lot 2388, Cagayan Cadastre, L.R.C. Cad. Rec. No. 1569), situated in the Barrio of Gusa, City Cagayan de Oro. Containing an area of (270) square meters, more or less, covered

by Transfer Certificates of Title No. T-36064, T-126374 and T-33651, is the subject of DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF FELISA GANANCIAL BOQUIREN, made and entered into by and among ATTY. ALEJO T. BOQUIREN, JR., of legal age, widower, and resident of St. Ignatius, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; and CARMELA JAY BOQUIREN PAYOYO, of legal age, widow and resident of St. Ignatius, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; as per Doc. No. 469; Page No. 095; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2012, under Notary Public of ATTY. SAMUEL B. ARNADO. BWM: AUG. 24, 31 & SEPT. 7, 2012

Otherwise, anybody can just go against these official doctrines invoking all sorts of self-created justifications, or justifications derived from inadequate foundations.

Such is the case when in talking about what is moral, only considerations derived from practicality, popularity, convenience, etc. are made. The spiritual and the supernatural aspects of man are completely ignored.

The conflict in this issue of academic freedom actually boils down to what conception of man one has. Is man simply a biological, social, economic and political being, or is he a creature of a God who made him in his image and likeness, and therefore has spiritual and supernatural dimensions?

One thing good about this debate or dialogue on academic freedom is that it surfaces very basic issues that should be tackled by all of us, especially now when we are marching on to a fast-paced

development and progress.

We seem to take these fundamental things in our life for granted and to focus only on what is here and now, what is immediately felt, what is just earthly and temporal such that we forget the other transcendent dimensions of our life.

I really hope and pray that this discourse can go on, involving as many parties as possible and covering as many aspects as possible as well. Let’s hope that the media can help in facilitating this public discourse.

Let’s also hope that all parties who participate in it do so with honest intentions and good dispositions, keeping a good grip on our emotions and passions that can easily spoil the whole thing.

There’s always hope. Controversies can be opportunities for greatness and enlightenment rather than just problems. (roycimagala@ gmail.com)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 25 Cagayan de Oro City 2012-385 OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF FILE NO. 2012-210 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under ACT 3135 as amended, filed

by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG, Mortgagee, with office address at J.R. Borja Street, Cagayan de Oro City, against LUDMILA P. ABUEME, Mortgagor, with postal address at NPC AGUS IV BO DITUCALAN, Iligan City/9-D NPC Compound, Iligan City/c/o Sun Gate Pawnshop Inc., Quezon Ave., Iligan City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of June 22, 2012, amounts to ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT PESOS & 31/100 (P 184,448.31), as outstanding obligation, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10) % of the total indebtedness plus the foreclosure expenses, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on September 26, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Regional Trial Court, Branch 25, Arch. Hayes Street, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the following property described below, to wit: TRANSFER CETIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-190845 “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 11, Block 29, Psd-10-039732, being a portion of Lot 1, Pcn-104305-00191, situated at Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of FIFTY FOUR (54) SQUARE METERS, more or less, with boundaries SW 1-2 by Lot 9, Block 29, NW 2-3 by Road Lot, NE 3-4 by Lot 13, Block 29, SE., 4-1 by Lot 12, Block 29; and all other improvements Existing thereon, registered in the name of LUDMILA P. ABUEME.” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the above date stated, for whatever legal reason, the sale will proceed on the next working day without further notice, posting and publication.

Prospective buyers/bidders may investigate for themselves the title of the herein described property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Cagayan de Oro City, August 22, 2012.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROVINCIAL SHERIFF:

BWM: AUG. 31, SEPT. 7 & 14, 2012

LOVE M. VERDADERO Sheriff IV

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10th Judicial Region BRANCH 26 Medina, Misamis Oriental IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR SP. PROC. CASE NO. 321-M CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE RECORDS OF BIRTH OF ISIDRITA RAÑOA ABAD, PARTICULARLY CORRECTING THE ENTRY FOR HER SEX FROM “MALE” TO “FEMALE”, HER FIRST NAME OF “ISIDRITA” TO “GRITA”, HER FATHER’S NAME FROM “MARIANO ABAD” TO “MARIANO TRESTON ABAD”, HER MOTHER’S NAME FROM “ROSALIA RAÑOA” TO “ROSALIA AGUILAR RAÑOA” AND UNDER THE PORTION OF THIS BIRTH TO BE ENTERED AS TWIN GRITA RAÑOA ABAD-GALARPE, Petitioner.

-versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MEDINA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL Respondent. x------------------------------------------------------------ / AMENDED ORDER Petitioner through counsel filed a verified petition for correction of entries in the records of birth of Isidrita Rañoa Abad, particularly correcting the entry for her sex from “Male” to “Female”, her first name of “Isidrita” to “Grita”, her father’s name from “Mariano Abad” to “Mariano Treston Abad”, her mother’s name from “Rosalia Rañoa” to Rosalia Aguilar Rañoa” and under the portion of this birth to be entered as TWIN. Finding said petition sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course. The petitioner is hereby directed to cause this Amended Order to be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental at her own expense.

Let copies of this Amended Order be posted in three (3) conspicuous Public places, such as the Bulletin Boards of the Medina Municipal Hall, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Medina, Misamis Oriental, and this Court.

This case is set for hearing on December 13, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. at the Session Hall of this Court. The Local Civil Registrar and any person having or claiming any interest under the entry whose cancellation or correction is sought may, within fifteen (15) days from notice of the petition, or from the last date of publication of such notice, file his/her opposition thereto.

Let copy of this Amended Order be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, Office of the Public Prosecutor of Misamis Oriental, Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Medina, Misamis Oriental, the petitioner and her counsel.

SO ORDERED. Done this 8 August 2012 at Medina, Misamis Oriental.

(Sgd.) DAN R. CALDERON Presiding Judge BWM: AUGUST 24, 31 & SEPT. 7, 2012

7

8

Agri News

Sept. 7-9, 2012

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Coffee industry targeting more areas for production INDUSTRY GROUP Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. is scouting for more areas to grow the crop as current production has been unable to keep up with demand, an officer of the organization said in an interview last Monday.

“In the Visayas, we are looking at Negros Occidental, at the foothills of Mt. Kanlaon, and also in Davao, around the areas of Mt. Apo and Mt. Matutum,” Pacita U. Juan, Philippine Coffee Board chairman, said on the sidelines of the 2nd Philippine Conference on Research in Corporate Social Responsibility that was held in the University of Santo Tomas in Manila last Sept.

3.

“Of course, we will also expand the areas we already have in Cordillera (Adminis-

trative Region) such as Ifugao and Mountain Province,” Ms. Juan added.

In terms of capacity, these new areas are expected to add some 7,000 metric tons (MT) of coffee per year after two years, Ms. Juan said.

The targeted areas are capable of accommodating 2,000 coffee trees per hectare, and 1,000 coffee trees per hectare if other crops like papaya and banana are interspersed with coffee, Ms. Juan said.

AREAS The Philippine Coffee Board has said it is considering expansion of production areas to include the provinces of Bataan, Benguet, Kalinga and Palawan.

Nationw ide, t he area allotted by the government for coffee plantations totaled about 119,656.73 hectares

last year, down 1.44% from 121,399.35 hectares in 2010, data posted on the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) Web site showed.

Still, demand for coffee remains strong, with bulk accounted for by local cafés that combine the popular Coffee Arabica and Coffee Robusta varieties for latte and other mixed coffee beverages, Ms. Juan noted.

A lso, t he sea rch for new coffee areas comes as evolving worker habits have yielded more coffee drinkers in recent years, she claimed.

“The demand for coffee beans in general is still continuing to grow, and it is still mostly local. As you can see, we are really a nation of coffee drinkers, and there are now more people working almost 24/7 who end up drinking more cof-

fee,” Ms. Juan said.

NOT ENOUGH According to the BAS’ Performance of Philippine Agriculture January-June 2012 report released last Aug. 13, coffee production totaled 41,540 MT in the first semester, a 4.4% improvement from 39,790 MT from the same period last year.

For the entire 2011, production totaled approximately 88,526.09 MT, 6.36% less than 2010’s 94,536.01 MT, BAS data showed further.

Bulk of this output was accounted for by Coffee Robusta, which slid 7.29% to 62,978.41 MT from 67,933.06 MT, and Coffee Arabica, which fell to 19,002.27 MT from 19,420.53 MT. These production figures pale in comparison to the estimated local demand of

75,000-100,000 MT of coffee per year, Ms. Juan said. “ T hat is why we a re thinking of these new areas to fill that demand. If it’s not enough, we’ll keep looking for new areas,” she said.

Last October, the Philippine Coffee Board noted

the Agriculture department had allocated an initial 163 million this year to boost coffee output -- a thrust that includes distribution of seedlings, establishment of nurseries, as well as rejuvenation, rehabilitation and expansion of existing coffee production areas.

farm-to-market roads, soil analysis and testing, policy and organizational support,

job opportunities for local communities, wastage reduction from calamansi

harvests, and support technologies available. -- Nef T. Luczon

Calamansi juice chosen in community project CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental -- A women’s organization in this town is promoting ready-to-drink calamansi juice, as part of its initiative to address poverty in the community through assistance from the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE-10).

Ezel T. Villanueva, Association of Barangay Council president in this town, has initiated the project for additional income to her constituents specifically the women’s group Kababayenan sa Southwestern Poblacion Nagkahiusa, or Kaspon.

Ms. Villanueva said calamansi juice is saleable because of its health benefits.

Kaspon is also targeting neighboring towns as its initial market.

Joh n s on G . C a ne t e , DoLE-10 regional director, said the regional office has released P116,000 to the project proponent. DoLE has a funding program, he said, that supports women’s

sector livelihood projects in Northern Mindanao.

“Using one’s resources to good use and increasing it a hundredfold is [the objective] of DoLE’s livelihood grant that contributes to the government’s national agenda of reducing poverty,” Mr. Canete said, adding that this will be DoLE’s early Christmas gift to the town especially the women’s sector.

Kaspon has been operating since last year through the help of the Philippine Australian Livelihood Sustainability Program, which provided the project’s starting capital.

Kaspon President Lilian T. Jumalon said that the additional income, especially with the help from DoLE, could put food on the members’ tables and send their children to school.

Ms. Jumalon said the project was viable and could be sustained since raw materials are abundantly produced in the town as well as

in nearby municipalities of Baliangao in Misamis Occidental and Rizal in Lanao del Norte.

In 2011, the research and social outreach unit of Xavier University’s College of Agriculture drafted a plan to develop a training module consisting of steps and guidelines in the production of crops that could withstand climate change. Among these crops are calamansi and other short-gestation citrus fruits that could address the farmers’ needs for additional income.

This plan was developed when the university hosted the first Calamansi Forum in Cagayan de Oro City during the same year where various concerns on the development of the region’s calamansi industry surfaced during discussions with leaders of farmers’ groups and representatives of government line agencies.

The issues raised were dealt mainly with infrastructure support such as

Feature

With abundant bamboos, wag says Filipinos can celebrate life

By HONOR BLANCO CABIE

WHEN the monsoon rains begin to sweep the Philippine archipelago, many farmers from up north in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan down to the hinterlands of Mindanao share a smile.

As abundant as the rains tumble down from June, soon after summer, bamboo shoots start to be plentiful, traditionally used as vegetable food among them and as well in other Southeast Asian countries.

A cultural quipster says that with bamboos in abundance Filipinos can truly

celebrate life.

Officials from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) say the demand at present in the world market for bamboo shoots is “increasing because of their nutritional and health benefits.”

The bamboo shoots -– “rabong” in the north of the country and “labong” elsewhere and described as the King of Forest Vegetables in Japan -– have been a traditional forest vegetable in most parts of this archipelago of 98 million.

In China, the bamboo shoots have been considered a forest vegetable too for the past more than 2,500 years -– delicious and rich in nutrients and rank among the five most popular healthcare foods in the world.

Agriculture sources say modern research suggests the bamboo shoots have several medicinal benefits, from cancer prevention and weight loss to improving appetite and digestion.

It is also low in sugar and therefore can be used for treating hypertension, hyperlipemia and hyperglycemia, according to these

sources.

Japa nese scient ists recently discovered that bamboo shoots contain anti-cancer agents and making them a regular part of the diet effectively eliminates the free radicals that can produce dangerous carcinogens.

They add that with the economic development and the improvement of people’s living standards, demand for natural foods, especially organic food, has greatly increased.

For instance, Moso bamboo does not contain BAMBOO/PAGE 9

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Congress.Watch

Sept. 7-9, 2012

9

Antis won’t agree to give contraceptives only to poorest families AFTER a meeting with House leaders on Wednesday, lawmakers opposing the reproductive health (RH) bill still refused to accept a version of the measure that would give contraceptives only to the poorest families in the country.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said he would not accept any version of the RH bill, or House Bill 4244, unless the provision on the promotion of artificial birth control methods is deleted.

“We believe this should be taken out. The promotion of modern family planning methods is against the doc-

Rodriguez

House leadership won’t sanction Rodriguez for Tuesday’s outburst DESPITE causing tension after he made a scene Tuesday at the plenary, Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez will not face sanctions.

House majority leader Neptali Gonzales II said on Wednesday that although the leadership was disappointed with Rodriguez’s actions, they will not lodge disciplinary actions against the lawmaker who questioned the House secretariat’s headcount during Tuesday’s session.

The incident could be a delaying tactic, meant to further slow down the developments on the Reproductive Health Bill, Gonzales said.

Rodriguez lashed out at the secretariat, just as Pangasinan Representative Kimi

Cojuangco—a known pro-RH Bill lawmaker—asked that she be allowed to deliver a privilege speech.

Rodriguez said there was no quorum and demanded to know how they came up with an official count of 155 lawmakers when he only counted 111.

Session was adjourned despite the presence of a quorum after Rodriguez’s outburst.

An informal technical working group (TWG) has been formed to thresh out and resolve contentious issues on House Bill 4244.

Gonzales warned that they would push for the RH Bill again once the group was done with the amendments.

Bamboo...

per 100g of fresh bamboo shoots. The bamboo protein produces eight essential and two semi-essential amino acids.

Although the fat content is comparatively low (0.26-0.94 percent), it is still higher than in many other vegetables, and the shoots contain rich essential fatty acids.

The total sugar content, 2.5 percent on average, is lower than that in other vegetables. The water content is 90 percent or more.

According to PCAARRD,

from page 8

toxic substances and its products are made in strict accordance with the food safet y standards, which makes it an ideal resource for natural foods.

Agriculture sources say the main nutrients in bamboo shoots are protein, amino acid, fat, sugar and inorganic salt.

They are rich in protein, containing between 1.49 and 4.04 grams (average 2.65g)

trine of the Catholic Church,” Rodriguez said after a closeddoor meeting with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. Belmonte sat down with RH critics on Wednesday afternoon to present possible amendments to the measure.

The House Speaker presented the proposal to amend

the RH bill to target the government’s provision of artificial contraceptives only to the poorest families in the country, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Rodriguez, however, said poor families should still be “protected from artificial contraceptives.”

“We cannot accept that contraceptives are essential medicines because pregnancy is never a disease. Besides, the provision of these contraceptives is being done now by non-governmental

organizations, so why should the State come and coerce these people?” he said.

The RH bill, one of President Benigno Aquino III’s priority legislations, promotes the use of both natural and artificial methods of family planning. It is being opposed by the Roman Catholic Church, which promotes only natural forms of family planning.

The measure has yet to hurdle second reading in both chambers of Congress.

Due to ‘religious belief ’ House Majority Leader

Neptali Gonzales II, who was also present during the closed-door meeting, likewise admitted that some RH critics were still not convinced by a compromise version of the measure.

“Siyempre, for the hardliner, ayaw pa rin nila. Totally, talagang ayaw. Religious belief nila iyon e,” Gonzales said in a separate interview.

He added that the House leadership held the meeting to push the bill forward, despite the upcoming budget deliberations next week.

ANTIS/PAGE 11

Lawmakers urge DFA to take legal action on PH claim in disputed areas THE House Committee on Foreign Affairs will summon officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to brief the lawmakers on the legal actions they have taken with regard to the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the Scarborough Shoal.

“I urged DFA to inform or report to us members of the House of Representatives on the actions it already took or is planning to take,” said Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro), author of House Resolution 2634.

Rodriguez said the DFA

should take all necessary diplomatic and legal actions in order to protect the sovereignty and defend territoria l claims in t he disputed areas.

Rodriguez said recent developments at the West Philippine Sea show that China still continues to send various sea vessels to t he area including at least 20 fishing boats, only five nautical miles from t he Philippine occupied Pag-asa Island, which are also reportedly escorted by frigates and maritime surveillance ships.

Rodriguez said China

has also appointed military officers in its garrison in the West Philippine Sea including Senior Colonel Cai Xihong as commander and Senior Colonel Liao Chaoyi as the political commissar of the newly-established military base in its newly established city of Sansha on an island in the disputed area.

It was reported that the Philippine government had formally invited China to bring their claims to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The DFA also called on China to respect the Phil-

ippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) over the Panatag Shoal and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal are being claimed by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan as these islands, reefs, and coral outcrops are believed to be rich in oil and gas and these overlapping claims have long been feared as Asia’s next source of tension which could lead to armed conf lict.

bamboo shoots offer what it calls “promising livelihood opportunities,” and, when mature, “can be extensively grown in a wide range of habitats from lowland to mountain forests in both dry and humid tropics, even on wastelands, swamps, and dry or regularly f looded river banks.”

PCAARRD sources say growing bamboos, which require less effort and capital, can even be an export earner if cultivated and processed on a commercial scale.

They note that in the Philippines, where bamboo architecture can beautify even the posh residential landscape of some upscale subdivision, most of the commercial bamboo species grown primarily for pole production are also being harvested for their edible shoots.

In the Ilocos region, for instance, and even in the Cagayan Valley, the Cordilleras, and the Iluko-speaking parts of Central Luzon, “rabong” cooked with bamboo

mushrooms, garlic bulbs and jute mallow leaves is a perennial delicacy that always flirts with the Ilocano palate.

The importance of bamboo is expected to come under sharp focus in September when the Department of Trade and Industry-created bamboo industry development council in Negros Oriental will hold a bamboo forum in Dumaguete City to promote bamboo as good livelihood and as means to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

Officials say the forum aims to gather stakeholders of the bamboo industry in the province as well as in the region to draw plans for bamboos which are among the fastest growing plants in the world, due to a unique rhizome-dependent system.

Officials add bamboos are of notable economic and cultural significance in South Asia, South East Asia and East Asia, being used for building materials, as a food source, and as a versatile raw product. (PNA)

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BusinessWeek

Sept. 7-9, 2012

Power... from page 1

fering on a daily basis around 180 MW deficit out of the 1,200 demand for the island.

The deficit for Monday, September 3 was at 320 MW. Mindanao’s biggest back up power plant, the 200MW bunker-fired barges of AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine is already sold out and contracted to 23 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities.

The only available capacity that could be immediately injected into the grid -- the Iligan Diesel Power Plant which could provide up to 100 MW is still facing legal problems while the four power barges of the government being bid out is facing a lack of interest from investors.

AboitizPower which is actively constructing at least two major projects -- the 300-MW clean coal power plant in Davao City and an 11-MW run-of-river hydro pwoer plant in Davao del Sur, announced the two facilities will be completed by 2015.

“Our construction efforts are ongoing and we are doing our best to complete the construction of our plants as scheduled by 2015, so it can provide a more reliable and sustainable long-term solution to the power supply problem in Mindanao” “The onset of the El Nino will definitely be very challenging for Mindanao. This underlines the need for Mindanao to pursue a more balanced mix of energy sources to secure its future.”

Agro... from page 1

pal government of Talisayan led by Mayor Catherine G. Ifurung and Vice Mayor Rommel C. Maslog.

Rep. Unabia, vice chairman of the committee on agriculture in Congress, said the event is being held in Talisayan because this town is in the center of the first congressional district of the province in between Magsaysay and Balingasag, and that the leadership of the municipal government has shown full support for the activity since it was planned some six months earlier.

He said Talisayan also has programs in line with his thrust for agricultural development such as organic farming.

The trade fair is open to the public and will run until Friday with several booths displaying the agricultural products of the farmers.

Talisayan Vice Mayor said the five-day event is focused on supporting the farmers with business matching sessions, distribution of farm equipment and several forums covering various production techniques.

Maslog said the muncipal government supported Rep. Unabia’s endeavor because the congressman knows the life of a farmer as he has been farmer himself. He added that there are also participants from the second congressional district of the

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province under Rep. Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano as well as from Davao and Camiguin.

Unabia and Maslog were joined in the opening program by the congressman’s wife Erlinda S. Unabia, his brother Eugene M. Unabia, his sister Marilyn U. Martinez who is visiting from the US, Talisayan Mayor Catherine G. Ifurung who delivered the welcome remarks, the municipal councilors, Ma. Romana U. Ababao of the COS National Office, local government officials from neighboring towns including Sugbongcogon Mayor Jerry Lagbas and Vice Mayor Mildred Lagbas, Salay Mayor Romeo Gue representatives from line agencies, other guests and visitors.

During the opening program, Congressman Unabia turned over checks to several beneficiaries of his livelihood program totalling P2.2-million. The financial assistance is for the projects of the Calubo Multi Purpose Coop, Membuli Multi Purpose Coop, Linabo Multi Purpose Coop, Built All Farmers Coop, Nammukao Multi Purpose Coop, Saray Farmers MP Coop, Kandiis Women’s Association, Salay Rural Folks Livelihood Women, Artadi Women’s Association, Salay Employees Cooperative, Agay-ayan Multi Purpose Coop, Mananum Bag-o Farmers Coop, Mapua Agrarian Reform MP Coop, Ritarian Food Processors, Talisayan Municipal Federation of PWDs, Lawi Planters Coop, Macopa Women’s Association, Lambu Cooperative, Balingoan Motorized Sikad Association and the Talisayan Municipal Employees Coop.

The participants in the trade fair will be vying for the best in booth award with the top three winning cash prizes. In addition, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will distribute seedlings to the municipalities.

According to Ms. Virgelia F. “Bebeng” Dumadag and Paquito Chavez of the office of Rep. Unabia, raffle prizes will be given to the farmers courtesy of the congressman and will include farm implements, pigs, goats, cattle and chicken.

The business forums will tackle packaging and labelling, visual merchandising, negotiation techniques, business licensing, financing programs, organic agriculture, banana production and processing, rubber production, milk production, cassava production and processing, vegetable production, coffee production, coconut processing and abaca production.

In addition, there will be seminars on protection, development and rehabilitation of mangroves, and bamboo production and processing.

Fire...

from page 1

of 199 MW with system capacity (or supply) at 972 MW, while system peak (or demand) at 1,171 MW. Last weekend ’s power shortage, however, did not

create a major problem in this city -- the largest urban center in Mindanao -- as it was a weekend when many government and private offices were closed.

In a statement, the Napocor said it is working doubletime to bring the Agus 6 and 7 hydroelectric power plants back on-line after the control cables of the two facilities were damaged.

Napocor’s Mindanao Generation Group spokesperson Atty. Romero P. Pacilan said they are now working closely with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to complete the restoration of the control cable system to bring back Units 3 and 4 of Agus 6 by Friday, Sept. 7.

“Once we bring Units 3 and 4 back onstream, we can immediately contribute about 80 MW to the grid. The restoration of the remaining generating units of Agus 6 and 7 to the grid will follow suit shortly thereafter,” he added.

Even while repair works are being done on the two power plants, Napocor will be able to supply 1,006 megawatts (MW) to the Mindanao Grid.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pacilan said Napocor is undertaking other measures which include working with the NGCP to put up an alternative control cable system that will reestablish the protection and metering systems of each of the generating units of Agus 6 and 7 which were damaged by fire.

All Preventive Maintenance Schedules of Mindanao-based power plants were likewise temporarily suspended until Agus 6 and 7 are back on the stream again.

The damage to the control cable system also forced the power plant management of Agus 6 to manually shut down Units 1 and 2 of the plant.

With no control cables leading to the MC Switchyard, Agus 6 and 7, which have a combined dependable capacity of 166 MW, were isolated from the Mindanao Grid.

The local power firm, Davao Light and Power Co., noted earlier this year that it would schedule rotating brownouts should the Mindanao power grid deficiency reach 320 MW during weekdays.

Mindanao experienced shortages during the second quarter of this year brought about by maintenance and repair works on old hydroelectric plants run by the government’s National Power Corp., specifically the Agus and Pulangi power complexes.

This even triggered a debate on whether it would be advantageous for the people of Mindanao to privatize these hydroelectric plants as specified in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. T he gover n ment has pushed for the privatization of the hydroelectric plants, which have been the source of roughly half of the electricity needs of Mindanao.

This city has been spared from power outages since the power crisis of 2010 due to a 40-MW standby diesel plant of Davao Light as well as an exclusive contract with its sister company, Hedcor, Inc., to supply the entire 42.5-MW power produced by its Sibulan hydro power plant in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. In a press statement issued last week, however, Davao Light called on those with power generation sets to prepare their units in case the power problem gets out of hand.

“With this set up, customers... will be able to utilize the power that would have been consumed by these large customers,” it said.

Kia...

from page 3

grille design, bold “high-tech luxury car”-style LED headlamps, with classic design echoes in its voluminous hood. Viewed from the front, K9 Quoris presents an imposing and characterful image.

Furthermore, the sophisticated and bold profile with its simple but strong character line and the innovative and stable rear view with its high-tech LED combination lamps, luxurious chrome garnish and bumper-integrated muffler, completes the parameters for a whole new level of luxury car design.

“A f ter its successf u l launch in Korea, we’re very honored to bring Kia’s first rear-wheel-drive sedan,” stated CAC President Ginia R. Domingo. “We felt that the 2012 Pims was the perfect venue to introduce this luxury model to the Philippine market. It is equipped with an array of technological and safety features in addition to its elegant exterior design. With the K9 Quoris, we hope to push for Kia’s strong determination to offer consumers the broadest product lineup.”

PEZA... from page 5

1,700 jobs, or 13 percent of its workforce. A company spokesman said Lexmark was being advised by Goldman Sachs to explore the sale of inkjet-related technology, which includes about 1,000 patents worldwide,” the Reuters report noted.

“PEZA will help [Lexmark employees in the Philippines] find new employment within the ecozone,” PEZA director general Lilia de Lima told reporters at the sidelines of the groundbreaking ceremonies for Toyota Motor’s international technical school in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Apart from the Mactan factory, Lexmark established software and firmware development and test laboratories under Lexmark Research and Development Corp. at the Cebu Business Park, with a shared services center in the same place.

More than 3,000 employees in these facilities were already informed of the planned shutdown.

Lexmark occupies more than three hectares of the 63-hectare Mactan Economic Zone 2.

Sun...

from page 5

ever-growing appetite for greater broadband access.

According to Pena, the company can foresee the demand for mobility in the broadband arena to grow significantly in the near future.

“As we see more powerful gadgets and smartphones coming out in the market almost every month, the need for easy access to information and updates on social networking sites becomes even more urgent. People want to know what is happening now rather than later. Thus we see the broadband market growing exponentially in a relatively short period of time.” Pena said.

Pena further added, “With Sun Cellular now part of the PLDT group, it can only get better from here as we are able to fast-track the expansion of our 3G network to improve both capacity and coverage.”

Sun earlier reported a 17% increase in over-all net service revenue for the first half of 2012.

Sun Cellular is a member of the PLDT Group.

Farmers... from page 2

Inc. in Bulucaon, Libungan (P777, 000).

Six more IAs have already passed evaluation and are now preparing requirements for their members’ credit assistance.

More than P6 million are expected to be released in the first month of implementation of the project.

National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration, Agricultural Training Institute at Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation assist DA and LBP in the implementation of the Sikat Saka program.

In Region 12, Sikat Saka is initially implemented in North Cotabato as pilot area.

The program is also being piloted in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Iloilo and Isabela.

Farmers in North Cotabato who are interested to avail of such credit assistance may coordinate with their irrigators’ association, nearest LBP branch, as well as offices of NIA or NFA.

Oktoberfest... from page 4

ma ke available sumptuous meals best paired with Cerveza Negra, San Miguel Super Dry and San Miguel Premium All-Malt, ushering guests to a superb gustatory treat. The Cage of San Mig Strong Ice, meanwhile, will be a haven for mixed martial arts fans and hiphop enthusiasts.

According to SMB President Roberto N. Huang, this year’s beer festival focuses on relevant elements that are sure to delight every San Miguel Beer customer who anticipates the annual San Miguel Oktoberfest.

The idea, Huang said, is to “bring to the customer what the customer really wants in a beer festival, without

fuss, and with variety of choices in one grand venue for celebration.”

“We are excited to bring our six brand tents to the San Miguel Oktoberfest “Beer Festival” kick-off party in Manila. Our valued customers will not only enjoy must-see performances from our world-class homegrown artists, they will also enjoy all their favorite San Miguel Beer brands with their friends, over activities that represent their diverse lifestyles,” explains Huang.

From September 1 to December 31, 2012, San Miguel will also give away collectible premium items such as the limited edition mini beer bottle USBs and tool kits that come in the form of all San Miguel Beer brands. To win instant prizes, just collect 20 Oktoberfest-marked crowns of any San Miguel Beer brand. Items can be redeemed in San Miguel Brewery Inc. sales offices nationwide, Baliwag Lechon Manok branches in Luzon, and selected convenience stores in Visayas and Mindanao.

Of course, the celebration would not be complete without the star of the show - San Miguel Beer!

Sa n Mig uel ’s awa rdwinning beer brands will be offered in all San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer Festival parties: San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Red Horse Beer, San Mig Light, San Miguel Super Dry, Cerveza Negra, San Mig Strong Ice, San Miguel Premium All-Malt, San Miguel Flavored Beer, Gold Eagle Beer, and the seasonal San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer.

These brands have received the Gold Quality Award from the annual Monde Selection Awards, the world’s most prestigious organization that acknowledges the adherence of products to the highest international standards of taste and quality.

Don’t miss out on this year’s San Miguel Oktoberfest “Beer Festival” 2012 dahil ito ang saya na walang katulad!

Muleta... from page 2

the annual budget appropriation, as follows: P1.25 million in 2012, P7.87 million in 2013, P9.24 million in 2014 and P5.27 million or a total of P23.61 million representing 11.33 percent share of the cost from local source.

From foreign source, the amounts will be P7.32 million in 2012, P60.65 million in 2013, P73.57 million in 2014 and P44.44 million in 2012 or a total of 184.74 million or a share of 88.67 percent of the total project cost.

Rice... from page 2

sacked grains are cleaner compared to that gathered from the traditional threshers.

Datukan said, rice combine threshers are appropriate in select areas in Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region that lack workers to do the harvesting.

Billboard Landbank fetes coops, SMEs BusinessWeek

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Sept. 7-9, 2012

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AS part of its 49th anniversary celebration, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) recognized the country’s outstanding cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in its annual Gawad sa Pinakatanging Kooperatiba (Gawad PITAK) and Gawad Entrepreneur in ceremonies at the Hyatt Hotel, Manila.

Finance Secretary and L A N DBA N K Cha i r ma n Cesar V. Purisima led the conferment of the awards together with Senator Manuel M. Lapid, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives and Representative Jose R. Ping-ay, Chairman of the House Committee on Cooperatives Development, and LANDBANK President and CEO Gilda E. Pico Now on its 22ndyear, the Gawad PITAK has become a symbol of honor and prestige for LANDBANKassisted cooperatives that have sustained exemplary performance. The 9thGawad Entrepreneur, on the other hand, is conferred

to SMEs that have helped promote economic and social development in their communities.

“It has been a tradition of LANDBANK every year to honor outstanding cooperatives and SMEs that have contributed in promoting a robust economy in their areas of operation,” LANDBANK president and CEO Gilda E. Pico said.

The following are the winners under the Gawad PITAK – agri-based category with their respective prizes in the form of fixed assets: 1st Place – Baug CARP Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative: P500,000; 2nd Place –Bagumbayan

Primary MPC in Llanera, Nueva Ecija: P400,000; 3rd Place – Cat mon MPC in Sta. Maria, Bulacan: P300,000; 4th Place – Paglaum MPC in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental: P200,000; 5th Place – Leon Small Coconut Farmers MPC (LESCOFAMCO) in Leon, Iloilo: P100,000 Winners under the Non Agri-Based Category are: 1st Place – Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur: P300,000; 2nd Place – Iwa hori MPC in Mariveles, Bataan: P250,000; 3rd Place – Ba rba z a MPC in Barbaza, Antique: P200,000; 4th Place – NIA-Region IV Employees MPC in Pila, Laguna: P150,000; 5th Place – Socorro Empowered People’s MPC in Socorro, Surigao del Norte: P100,000

11

LANDBANK conferred the La Castellana – I Personnel Multi-Purpose Cooperative of La Castellana, Negros Occidental with the Ginintuang Gawad PITAK Award (NonAgri based category) during its 22nd Gawad PITAK awarding ceremony held last August 8, 2012 at the Hyatt Hotel. La Castellana Chairperson Judith Obordo and General Manager Essena Ramirez received the award from Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Coop-NATCCO Congressman Jose Ping-ay, Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Cesar Purisima, LANDBANK President and CEO Gilda Pico, and other LANDBANK officials. They received a plaque and one million pesos (P1,000,000) worth of fixed assets.

Balay Mindanao, MisOr bid MGen Felix farewell

By BONG FABE, Correspondent

THE provincial government of Misamis Oriental and the Balay Mindanao Group of NGOs (BMG) have recently tendered a testimonial dinner as a send-off to their peace and development partner, Major Gen. Victor Felix, outgoing commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division.

“Thank you on behalf of the people of Misamis Oriental.

We are eternally grateful for your support and partnership,” Gov. Oscar Moreno told Felix during the testimonial dinner at the roof deck of the BMG building in Bulua last week.

Felix is set to retire after 33 years in the military service on his 58th birthday on September 8. He was 4th ID commander for 2 years.

He will formally turn over command of the 4th ID today (September 4) in a ceremony to be presided by Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Felix was the one who formally turned over the internal security operation (ISO) of Misamis Oriental to the provincial government under Moreno on September 21, 2010.

That move enabled the MisOr LGU “to be closer” to the people of Sitio Lantad in Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag, said Teddy Sabugaa, executive director of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC).

“Lantad was transformed because the LGU owned up and corrected the mistakes of the past and brought the government closer to the people.

Antis... from page 9

“Realistically, hindi naman talaga mate-take up ang RH ngayon e. Ang gusto

The whole family of Jasaan with the DepEd Education Supervisors from the Division Office, SB members, District of Jasaan Administrators and parents of Jasaan Central School with the teams from UP-NISMED, DOST-ASTI and DOST SEI

Jasaan district gets PC tablets for Grade I Mathematics

By BEATRIZ E. ACDAL

RECOGNITION. Major General Victor Felix (right holding plaque), outgoing commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division together with Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno (2R), PPOC Executive Director Teddy Sabugaa (L) and Ariel Hernandez, PPOC cochair and Balay Mindanaw senior director (2L) after presenting Felix with the Plaque of Recognition during the testimonial dinner at the roof deck of the BMG in Barangay Bulua. ( BHOTO BY BONG D. FABE)

THE Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science & Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), UPNISMED and Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently turned-over the P1,400,000 worth of tablet PC’s for Grade I Mathematics in two schools in the district of Jasaan.

Jasaan District is one of the recipients nationwide of a program that will be using the interactive courseware

for Grade I Mathematics.

Fifty Grade 1 pupils from both Jasaan Central School and Kimaya Elementar y School were chosen as beneficiaries of the 100 PC tablets under the program.

DOST-ASTI, UP-NISMED and the SEI brought with them the team that conducted the one-week orientation and training at Upper and Kimaya, Jasaan last July 2227.

This is also in line with the training provided for Grade I teachers last year

in UP Diliman.

The turn-over of the facilities and the said orientation seminar was graced by district supervisors from the DepEd Division Office of Misamis Oriental.

Schools District Supervisor of Jasaan, Mrs. Efleda J. Geralde and the administrators formally received the gadgets in a ceremony with the principals of the two schools, local government officials, teachers and General Parents, Teachers Association.

And it was the 4th ID who was instrumental in having the LGU reach out to Lantad,” he said.

Ariel C. Hernandez, senior director of BMG, said that among all the 4th ID commanders it was only Felix who formally introduced himself to the CSO community in the city and province through the BMG, a group of NGOs advocating and working for peace, development and equity in Mindanao.

“You’re the first one to introduce yourself formally and you’re the first one to say goodbye formally. It is an act of being human; not just a simple act of very professional officer but an act of friendship,” Hernandez said.

Felix officially broke the “sad news” of his retirement from the service to Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig, founder of Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI), the mother NGO

of BMG on August 8 during the Operation Peace Course (OP Kors!) Reflecting on the Peace Practice workshop at the International Center for Peace (IC Peace) in Mindanaw.

Hernandez said that the BMG officers and staff were surprised that Felix walked in at the BMG office on August 25, 2010 and asked: “Pwede bang makipag-partner?”

“We were very surprise of the humility, professionalism and right move of this division commander,” he said, adding that with such offer of partnership towards peace and development from the highest ranking officer of the 4th ID, the BMG readily accepted.

“Sino ba ang hihindi?

Tinanggap naming ang offer of partnership hindi dahil opisyal siya, hindi dahil mataas ang kanyang rank, kung hindi dahil mahirap hindian ang kanyang dating—his humility, his professionalism. At tsaka,

sobrang gaan niyang kausap,” he added.

Hernandez said that the tragedy that struck Cagayan de Oro on December 16, 2011 brought to the fore the leadership quality of Felix.

“When everyone wanted to be covered, to be interviewed on national television networks, Felix deliberately refused to be the face and voice of the 4th ID’s response to Sendong. He deliberately shunned the limelight and preferred to work silently on the sidelines. Tahimik lang siya pero walang tigil and trabaho,” he said.

Because of that, Hernandez started calling Felix “idol.”

Edicio dela Torre, board member of BMFI, expressed happiness that even for a very short time he was able to know Felix and the kind of gentleman and officer that he is.

“For two years, you were experience by Balay and the community. But you will be remembered much, much longer and the remembering will be different everytime it happen. There will be many forms of remembering. I am happy that I am part of BMG’s collective remembering,” he said.

The PPOC also presented Felix with a Plaque of Recognition “for demonstrating exceptional service during

his stint as commander general of 4th ID. His sterling leadership deserves special note as we have succeeded in reinforcing civilian-military partnership. Our collaboration has sustained the efforts in achieving peace and development in the province and further advanced the mission in bringing the government closer to the people. It is with great privilege and honor working with an illustrious officer and gentleman who had exhibited gallantry, commitment and dedication to public service.”

It was signed by Moreno, Sabugaa, Hernandez and Vice Governor Norris Babiera.

lang ni Speaker mayroon maging basis ang usapan.

Kung walang panibagong i-offer sa kanila na version, wala ka ring pag-uusapan,” he said.

House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, for his part, suggested that the RH bill be entirely junked, and that the funds for contraceptives be incorporated to the

budget allocation for the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program.

“Why don’t we set aside money for CC T to buy contraceptives so we don’t

need a new bill? Nagiging religious war ang issue e.

Position ng bishops and tenets ng Catholic Church ang nagiging usapan kaya humahaba,” he said after

attending the closed door meeting.

Suarez was one of the co-authors of the RH bill, but he withdrew his support for the bill last July.

12

Sept. 7-9, 2012

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