BusinessDaily (July 11, 2013)

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‘Geeks on a Beach’ tech, startup meet set in Boracay

BusinessDaily P93.5-M traffic light projs probe on

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DPWH to repair MalabangMatanog portion Economy

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Market Indicators

As of 5:54 pm july 10, 2013 (Wednesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P43.43

6,308.18 points

6 cents

X

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Briefly Export congress The PHILEXPORT Region XI – Davao Chapter will mount an exhibit at the Mindanao Export Congress (MEC) on August 1-3, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City, featuring Export Value Chain Integration and Innovation Technology.

M EC i s a g a t h e r i n g o f expor t industr y stakeholders from all over the island including exporters, farmers, manufacturers, forwarders, shipping lines, banks and allied service providers. The event focuses on the symbiotic relationship of the various industries within the Mindanao export value chain. It is also a venue for sharing the latest developments, business opportunities and technological innovations to strengthen the Mindanao export industry.

The exhibit will showcase fresh and processed food like bananas, cacao, coconut and coconut by-products, tuna and seaweeds among others.

Mambajao dreams high MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -- Mayor Maria Luisa D. Romualdo is targeting to up the municipality of Mambajao from a third class into a second-class municipality before her term ends.

The mayor expressed this in her State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on Friday, July 5 at the Camiguin Convention Center.

“This may sound ambitious, but it is our fervent dream for Mambajao. Yes, there are a lot of things that need to be done and we have no intention of leaving it undone. We will make sure that all programs that have been started will be sustained, as this will speak loudly of our leadership and political will,” she said.

Romualdo likewise encouraged every Mambajaonon to do their social obligation and responsibility as the progress and development of the town will be dependent on the synergy of competent and responsible leaders and constituents.

Cebu Pacific load factor climbs to 86% at end-May Corporate World

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Benguet student leaders do their share for the community Environment

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July 11, 2013

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Rufus urges Cha-Cha to address unemployment O

By BONG FABE, Associate Editor

NE of the most voca l proponent of Constitutional Change (Cha-cha) in the House of Representatives, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, yesterday urged Malacanang to be open to proposals to amend the Constitution in order to address the high unemployment rate and very low foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country.

CHARTER CHANGE. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd district) batted for a Constitutional Commission to amend the constitution. He said the charter needs to be amended to address the worsening unemployment problem in the country. photo by bong d . fabe

Ro d r i g ue z , pre sid ent of the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP), said that the 7.5 percent unemployment rate and the measly US$2.8 billion FDI in 2012 “are very clear and compelling reasons to amend the Constitution, especially its economic restrictions.”

The 7.5% unemployment rate as of April casted a cloud of doubt on the robustness and inclusiveness of the country’s growth rate of 7.8% in the first quarter, which made the Philippines the fastest-growing economy in Asia, surpassing China’s robust 7.7% growth rate in the same quarter.

The Philippines’ FDI in 2012 was a measly US$2.8 billion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said, which is abysmal compared to other Asian nations, which had from US$10 billion to US$50 billion. China alone had a 2012 FDI of US$254 billion.

Last March, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s upgraded the Philippines’ investment rating to “BBB-” from “BB+”, with a stable outlook because of the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals.

But a l l t hese good news, Rodriguez said, is being pulled rufus/PAGE 11

A Brown to build hydro plant in Surigao del Sur

By BONG D. FABE, Associate Editor

A F TER mov i ng notches i nto implementing its fossil fuel-based power projects, listed firm A. Brown Company Inc. (ABCI) is changing lane into renewable energy venture with its planned 25-megawatt hydropower facility in Surigao del Sur. The company, in a statement to the media, announced that this will be undertaken by its whollyowned subsidiary Hydrolink Projects Corporation.

ABCI said its subsidiary recently signed a service contract with the Department of Energy (DOE) “for the development of the Caran-an river in

Cantilan.”

The DoE gave Hydrolink Projects Corp. the exclusive rights to explore, develop and utilize the hydropower resources of the Carac-an River in the town of Cantilan, an A Brown statement said.

The statement quoted Walter Brown, chairman of ABCI, as saying that Hydrolink decided to undertake the Cantilan project as an alternative power source for Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative to meet the power requirements 12 municipalities and one city. hydro/PAGE 11

ENDEMIC LIZARD. Edenson Canete of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division shows to reporters an injured Philippine sailfin lizard or Philippine Iguana turned over to them by a resident.

Sailfin lizard (hydrosaurus pustulatus) was endemic throughout the Philippines except Palawan. It lives near rivers in tropical forests. It can usually be found along the riverbanks in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. photo by gerry lee gorit

J.P. RIZAL - CRUZ TAAL STS., (NEAR SHANGHAI BAKERY) DIVISORIA, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

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P93.5-M traffic light projs probe on Davao Norte to auction tax delinquent real properties

THE Cagayan de Oro City Council’s Committee on Public Utility is examining the processes behind the approval of the P93.5 million traffic light project during the incumbency of former City Mayor Vicente Emano.

TAGUM CITY— The provincial government of Davao del Norte is set to conduct public auction of delinquent real properties in the province this year.

Provincial treasurer Regina Ricafort said the province will start this month the process of auctioning the overdue properties regardless of the amount of delinquencies.

“We are set to issue this month the demand letters, as well as, publish the sale or auction of the first batch of tax delinquent real properties in the province,” she said.

Ricafort revealed the Provincial Public Auction Committee (PPAC) has scheduled the first auction of delinquent real properties either on the last week of October or on the first or second week of November this year.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario created the PPAC through Executive Order No. 03 in order to assist the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO) in intensifying the proper collection of overdue taxes, fees and charges imposed in the real property tax delinquents. auction/PAGE 11

City Councilor Rogelio Abaday, who heads t he committee, said t hat his committee wants to determinewhet her t he awarding of the traffic light project to the MicroTrade, the company that won the bidding, was above board.

T he M icroTrade ha s sta r ted i mplement i ng t he traf f ic light project in Cagayan de Oro City sometime last month where

the inclusion of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas in the city’s street corners were part of the add-ons.

Abaday said that there were other bidders who failed in the bidding process but “I have not seen the contract between the winning bidder and the city government and the corresponding City Ordinance that would have firmed up the awarding of

contract.”

“This traffic light project appeared to be questionable.

That is what the committee wou ld tr y to f ind out,”

Abaday said.

Howe ver, C ou nc i lor Alden Bacal, former head of the City Committee on projs/PAGE 10

COTABATO CITY—The D e p a r t m e nt of P u b l ic Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWHAR MM) will implement emergency reconstruction of the dilapidated MatanogMalabang section of the Don Narciso Ramos Highway.

DPWH-ARMM Regional Secretary Emil Sadain said that a public bidding process has been conducted for the implementation of the reconstruction program based on transparency and open governance under the ongoing reform agenda of

the government.

Frequent rains and flash f loods, Sadain explained, have destroyed a number of infrastructure projects including t he MatanogMalabang portion of the Narciso Ramos Highway.

T h e massive reconstruction of the 64-km Parang-Malabang national road would cost P450 million and will be implemented through coordinative efforts of DPWH Regions 9, 10, and 12 being the joint custodians of the P2.6 billion allocated to the agency out of the P8.5 billion Stimulus Fund

intended for ARMM, Sadain said.

Under the set-up, Sadain said, DPWH-ARMM would serve as the monitoring body in the implementation of Stimulus Fund infrastructure projects in the autonomous region.

Expected to be completed by year-end, the project involves repair and road widening and includes the construction of a drainage system that would protect the road from soil erosion especially during heavy rains and flash floods. dpwh/PAGE 11

Government troops during a clearing operations of the Don Narciso Ramos Highway during the 2000 All-Out War against the MILF.

DPWH to repair Malabang-Matanog portion of Don Narciso Ramos Highway

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Complement your lifestyle with the best smartphone SMARTPHONES have become an essential and useful part in the way most people live today. From keeping them connected through its usual call and text functions, smartphones have helped people organize their schedules and get important updates from the internet while on the go.

Mobile network provider Sun Cellular recognizes this.

Even better, it raises the bar in providing good choices to its subscribers by empowering them to own a smartphone that not only responds to their needs, but also reflects their unique lifestyle at Sun Plan 600.

Be stylish as you can be with the Alcatel One Touch Idol, the thinnest smartphone in the market today; or be the walking entertainment hub with the help of a phablet such as the Alcatel One Touch Scribe. If you prefer, you can showcase your personality and stand out from the

crowd with the Windows 8 Phone, Nokia Lumia 520; or maximize your productivity with the tablet-smartphone bundle of Alcatel Touch T7 HD tablet and Alcatel One Touch Glory 2.

Aside from the fabulous free gadgets under this plan, you also get what your connectivity needs in one of the most affordable offering in the market. Sun Plan 600 also includes unlimited Sun calls and texts, P250 worth of consumable amount and 350 texts to other networks.

Needless to say, staying connected doesn’t get better than this. You get to experience the full power of a smartphone without having to turn your wallet upside down. And with the loaded service inclusions from Sun Cellular, you can contact your friends regardless of their network provider and stay connected via mobile Internet.

PAB clears extension of Philex mining permit PH I L E X M i n i n g C or p has secured the Pollution A d j u d i c a t i o n B o a r d ’s (PAB) clearance to extend the company’s temporary permit to operate the Padcal copper-gold mine in Benguet province.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ph i le x c h ie f e xe c ut i ve Eu la lio Austin said t he company received a copy of the July 5 order extending the temporary lifting of the cease-and-desist order involving a water pollution case lodged with PAB. “The Board resolved to extend the temporary lifting

of the issued cease and desist order last November 28, 2012 to allow respondent to implement its pollution control program by filling the void with fresh tailing as well as the reconstruction of the offset dike under the same terms and conditions,” PAB said in the order.

A quasi-judicial body, PAB is tasked to enforce Republic Act No. 9275 or the Clean Water Act of 2004.

The PAB order comes on the heels of a Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recommendation that Philex be allowed to continue operations while

the government rev iews the progress of the Padcal ta i lings storage faci lit y rehabilitation.

A c c o r d i n g t o PA B president officer Demetrio Ignacio, Philex committed three violations of the law, as follows: - Failure to comply with eff luent standards set by DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No 35 for the period August 3 and October 17 last year; - Violating the water quality criteria for the same period, for which Philex was fined P30.4 million; and - Two counts of violating

Section 27(a) of RA 9275 for the period August 3, 2012 to July 9, 2013.

PAB said Philex already met the conditions of DAO 34 and 35, but has yet to secure clearance from MGB a nd t he Env i ron menta l Management Bureau that the Balog Creek and Ango River had been cleaned up.

The Clean Water Act penalty of P280.2 million is on top of the P1.034 billion meted against Philex for violating the Mining Act of 1995.

To r e c a l l , P h i l e x v o lu nt a r i l y s u s p e n d e d PAB/PAGE 10

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Cebu Pacific load factor climbs to 86% at end-May THE operator of Cebu Pacific said passenger traffic grew by six percent in the first five months of the year, as load factor improved for its domestic flights.

Data from Cebu Air Inc (CEB) showed that it f lew 6.28 million passengers in the January to May period from 5.93 million in the same period last year.

Of the total, 4.85 million were domestic passengers, up 5.4 percent from 4.6 million last yea r. Inter nat iona l passenger grew by 7.6 percent to 1.43 million from last year’s 1.33 million.

The carrier’s load factor also improved to 85.8 percent from 85.4 percent in 2012.

Load factor per tains to number of seats occupied per flight.

The domestic load factor was higher at 86.9 percent than the 82.3 percent for international flights.

In May a lone, C ebu Pacific f lew 1.39 million passengers, or 8.4 percent higher than last year’s 1.28 million. Domestic passengers rose by 9.8 percent to 1.09 million from one million in 2012, while international passengers went up by 3.4 percent to 294,677 from 284,877 over the same period.

Cebu Pacific’s load factor for the month stood at 87.6 percent, also up from 87.3 Load/PAGE 10

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CongressWatch

‘Too many existing laws’

By LIRA DALANGIN-FERNANDEZ

MANILA—Elected to make laws, a new member of the House of Representatives complained that there were already too many laws, but lacking in implementation.

“We have too ma ny law s . T he problem i s implementation, so among the things we want to see in the next 10 years is a revisit of these laws,” Representative Silvestre Bello III of the 1 Banat and Ahapo Partylist (BAP).

Bello, together with 44

other neophyte lawmakers attended the executive course on legislation organized by the House of Representatives and the University of the Philippines-Diliman, which started Monday and will last up to today.

His remarks were part of the results of a group

Solons wait President’s signature on toy safety act

CONGRESSMEN-authors of House Bill 6529 or the “Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2011” have urged President Aquino to sign it, or its Senate version, into law and mete appropriate penalties to persons who fails to comply with the appropriate provisions on safety labeling and manufacturer’s markings found in the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for the safety of toys.

The House of Representatives had adopted the Senate Bill 3367, HB 6529’s Senate version, known as “Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013” authored by Senators Manuel Villar, Jr. and Miriam Defensor-Santiago, shortly before adjourning sine die, doing away with the bicameral conference committee. This means the bill could be submitted directly to the President for his signature.

Once signed by Aquino into law, persons who fail to comply with the PNS will be fined P50,000 or a jail term of not more than 2 years.

Rep. Rufus Rodriuguez is among the congressmen who authored HB 6529, along with Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo (2nd District, Pampanga) and Rep. Diosdado M. Arroyo (2nd District, Camarines Sur).

Under the bill, packaging of any descriptive material, and in case of bulk sales, bins, containers for retail display or vending machines from which the unpacked toy or game is dispensed, shall bear the cautionary statements Solons/PAGE 10

workshop that asked the law ma kers to list dow n the legislation they want passed, the qualities of a House member that they envision, among others.

Bel lo, former just ice secretary, said the executive department should be pushed to implement the laws passed

by Congress. He added that Congress should also use its functions to repeal laws that are “irrelevant.”

He cited a provision in the Revised Penal Code that lowers the penalty for the

killing of minor daughters and spouses caught in the act of sexual intercourse.

Article 247 states that “Death or physical injuries inflicted under exceptional circumstances. — Any legally married person who having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act or immediately thereafter, or shall inf lict upon them any serious physical injury, laws/PAGE 10

Paez proposes capital infusion to invigorate ailing coop banks REPRESENTATIVE Cresente Paez of the Coop-NATCCO partylist has proposed the establishment of a Provident Endowment and Viability Enhancement Fund for the rehabilitation of cooperative banks in financial distress.

“The proposed program seeks to transform cooperat ive ba n k s i nto progressive economies of scale through the infusion and provision of capital and regulatory incentives that shall be included in my proposal,” he said.

Paez said cooperative banks are part of the rural banking system and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) classifies them as rural banks.

“As one of t he v ita l sources of f ina ncing in the countryside, the rural banking sector continues

to deliver sustainable and market-driven f inancia l services to the agricultural sector and the enterprising households,” he said.

Paez expressed apprehension over reports that some cooperative banks are in trouble and also under t he “Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) by the BSP due to capital deficiency.”

Paez said the government stands to lose millions of pesos every time a cooperative bank is foreclosed by the BSP due to a PCA failure.

He proposed to economica lly inv igorate cooperative banks through the provision of technical guidance, financial assistance and other services.

“In my proposa l, a Cooperative Bank Enhancement and coop/PAGE 10

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ABAMIN proposes ‘freedom parks’ STRESSING on the importance of the freedom of assembly, Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. is urging the government to create and institutionalize “Freedom Parks” to provide a venue for Filipinos in the exercise of their constitutionallyguaranteed right to peaceably assemble.

Rodriguez, representative of the Abante Mindanao (ABAMIN) partylist, said that the curtailment of the freedom of assembly has an impact that transcends far beyond those whose rights were restricted, but it goes and strikes at the very heart and core of the country’s democratic system.

“Let us learn from our history, let us learn from our obstinacy,” he said.

His elder brother, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), said that their proposed Public Assembly Act will fortify the constitutional provision on the right to public assembly, one of the liberties vital to the nation’s democratic survival.

The proposed law will mandate the State to designate a freedom park, which is defined as “any place or location such as parks, roads, public buildings and premises where public assemblies are usually held in which no permit is required for the holding of the same.”

The elder Rodriguez said that it has been 18 years since the restoration of the long and hard fought democratic form of government has been installed in the bureaucracy.

“And yet, the nation seems to be manifesting palpable and ostentatious symptoms of deterioration in our freedom of speech, press and assembly, which are the harbingers and hallmarks of our democratic rights and privileges,” he said.

He said that compared to the lifespan of every democratic system, this is the period when all paramount values of democratic existence are at its formative years.

“We are in the period when the government should be cultivating the very foundation beneficial to its development and stability. But frustratingly, the opposite is shown in recent events like the disturbing documented reports of harassment and violence committed against protesters exercising free speech,” he said.

The proposed law provides that the procession, rallies, parades, demonstrations, public meetings and assemblages for religious purposes shall be governed by local ordinances.

ABAMIN/PAGE 10

Magna Carta for power cooperatives pushed A NEOPHYTE lawmaker has moved to strengthen electric cooperatives and guarantee the fulfillment of their mandate for total rural electrification.

Rep. Edgardo Masongsong ( P a r t y - l i s t , 1- C A R E ) f i led House Bi l l 677 to institutionalize the processes a nd op e r at ion s of t he electric cooperatives with definite and autonomous system of sustainability and performance of its functions a nd re sponsibi l it ie s i n the current field of rural electrification.

“Being service-oriented, cooperat ives shou ld be afforded the immediate relief for its problem of corporate restructuring to continuously go along with the current trend of the power industry

being the government partner on rural electrification,” Masongsong said.

Masongsong said the total electrification of the countr y is t he u ltimate objective of the government since the creation of the electric cooperatives. Such goal can only be achieved if the electric cooperatives a re g iven t he abs olute discretion in its operation with less interference from the supervising government agency.

“The current operational s y s t e m of t he e le c t r ic cooperatives is too restrictive and repressive which proved to be counter-productive and non-developmental, such that there is an urgent need to strengthen the electric power/PAGE 10

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Acer delivers “inTENse”-ity for its 10th year bash Amid an immensely “inTENse” ambiance, Acer Philippines celebrated its 10th year in the country with a bang, simultaneous with the launch of its newest and most exciting line-up of IT products that feature new benefits for today’s modern-day explorers.

These new breed of IT users—professionals, students, businessmen—continue to reinvent themselves, and Acer’s new products perfectly complement their need to lead their lives in an enhanced yet simplified way. This is Acer’s answer as it emboldens itself to be more aggressive, imaginative and future-looking in an even more inTENse way.

The new products, launched via a heart-pounding and fashion-inspired fashion show, introduced the touch-friendly Aspire R7 notebook, the Aspire P3 Ultrabook for inTENse freedom and f lexibility, the Acer Iconia W3-810 for an inTENse mobile experience, and Acer’s Iconia A1-810 tablet that delivers an inTENse performance.

Aspire V5-122P Notebook (Gray)

A1-810 Tablet

Next in line were products that fit everyday explorers who look at inTENse play so definitely, the Acer Liquid E2 smartphone fits the bill while the ultrathin and super light Aspire V5-122P notebook delivers an inTENse charisma. The other products held showcased were the Acer Aspire V5-472P for those with an inTENse personality while inTENse brilliance is provided by the Acer K335 LED projector. The Acer TravelMate P245 & P255 and the Acer Veriton Series of desktops, finally, round out Acer’s inTENse breed with its promise of inTENse productivity in powering up the new and leading-age enterprises of today.

It was an evening that featured not only products and “inTENseity” but also more fun as Manuel Wong, General Manager of Acer Philippines, was featured taking on several challenges to mark their 10th year. One was as a counter person at the Acer Service Center in Manila, where he received customers like those with problems about their Acer units. Next were being a receptionist at the Acer head office in Makati City, and finally as sales staff at the Acer Concept Store. It was a fun and rip-roaring video, particularly for the media in attendance who enjoyed the fun, reality-show type of challenges that captured the amiable Acer

Veriton N

executive in his most genuine and sincere yet hilarious demeanor.

But more than anything else, it was truly a night to remember as Mr. Wong promised to deliver, together with the entire Acer team, a lineup of better, more innovative and quality yet affordable products, complemented by a more inTENse customer-focused brand of service.

ABOUT ACER Established in 1976, Acer is an information and communication technology company dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale and support of innovative products that enhance people’s lives. Acer’s green supply chain delivers environmentally friendly PCs, displays, projectors, servers, tablets and smartphones — tools our customers need to explore beyond limits and experience more. Ranked No. 3 for notebooks globally (IDC 2012), Acer employs 8,000 people, and 2012 revenues reached US$14.7 billion.

Please visit www.acer.com for more information. © 2013Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners.

See more of Acer and its line of inTENse products at www.acer.com.ph. Follow Acer Philippines on Facebook and Twitter.

‘Geeks on a Beach’ tech, startup meet set in Boracay THE most promising startup communities, design, telecommunications, and gaming innovators will converge in the world’s best island of Boracay for the very first “Geeks on a Beach” event on September 26-27, 2013.

This two-day conference -- the first in the Philippines organized by TechTalks.ph who brought Startup Weekend to Cebu and Davao -- will be a techfest, featuring the world’s most-promising tech leaders who will talk about instructive and useful topics on gaming, mobile apps, and graphic design.

The gathering will be held against the soothingly beautiful backdrop that Boracay offers -picturesque sunrise and sunset, soft white sand, and clear blue ocean, among many ot her natural wonders distinguishing Boracay as “the world’s best island” by Travel+Leisure.

It w i l l a lso be a g reat oppor tu nit y for sta r tup communities to pitch innovative ideas and create a network of partners, enroute to building new products and launching businesses that would attract investors to the Philippines.

The ‘Geeks on a Beach’ confab is very timely for startup enthusiasts as the Philippines has just been given another credit ratings upgrade, following its first investment grade from Fitch Ratings and favorable growth prognoses from various institutions.

International credit-ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P)

said in a statement on May 2 that it had raised the country’s credit rating to the minimum investment grade of BBB- from BB+ and assigned a “stable” outlook on the country’s new rating.

The Philippines’ improved credit ratings is an affirmation that the local economy is sound and at par with higher-rated countries.

Speakers for “Geeks on the Beach” will be Bowei Gai, founder and chief ambassador of World Startup Report; Jojo Flores, co-founder and vice president of Plug & Play; Ron Hose, founding partner of Innovation Endeavors and co-founder of Tokbox; Maria Ressa, CEO and executive editor of Rappler; and many more successful startup leaders.

Gai was recently in the Philippines for the 8th stop of his World Startup Report tour that started on New Year’s Eve this year. Gai’s project is aimed at connecting with local entrepreneurs around the world and pooling together best business practices and knowledge.

“The Philippines has a huge pool of talents,” Gai said. “I just can’t wait to see where and how this country ends up

in the next five to 10 years.”

Gai’s bullish projection is also shared by Mr. Hose, who recently moved to the Ph i l ippi ne s f rom Si l ic on Valley to focus on emerging tech startup opportunities in Southeast Asia..

“The Philippines has been overlooked for a very long time,”

Hose said. “The economy is great, the culture is great, the weather is great, and there are lots of `white space’ especially in technology.”

“White space means areas open for opportunities where no one is competing,” Hose explained.

The “Geeks on a Beach”

event also features fun-filled geek games, film showing, and exhibitions for participants to enjoy.

Technological background or mastery is not a requirement for admission. One can simply attend “Geeks on a Beach” armed with interest and wicked ideas.

To reg ister, i nterested parties may visit the official event website at http://www. geeksonabeach.com/ and enjoy 50 percent discount off the registration fee which is being offered until July 20 only. The first 20 early registrants will get the chance to have a group lunch with the speakers.

The event is also supported by the Digital Commerce Association of the Phlippines, Brain Gain Network, and Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), with Webgeek, e27, istorya.net, Newsdesk, Business Mirror, and SGEntrepreneurs as media partners.

For more information and details, log on to the official “Geeks on a Beach” Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/GeeksOnABeach, and follow developments on Twitter @GeeksOnABeach.

Organized by TechTalks.ph and co-presented by SMART and DOST, “Geeks on a Beach” is sponsored by SMART Bro, SMART DevNet, Ideaspace, Megaworld, Freelancer.com, Airbnb, Microsoft Philippines, Island Souvenirs, Lenovo Mobile Philippines, and MetroDeal.com.

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Mama’s boys

T

THINK

hink a minute…In 1946, the United States Army A Minute showed to the public its brand By Jhan Tiafau Hurst new 30-ton computer called the ENIAC. A ll the credit for this invention was given to 2 men, John Mauchly and J. Eckert.

But it was actually a group of 6 women who programmed the computer and made this complex machine work.

None of those 6 women were recognized for their amazing work and achievement.

Not until today, have historians showed this injustice and given these women the credit they earned.

Sadly, throughout history women and mothers have often not been given the honor and recognition they deserve.

Yet the great French leader and conqueror, Napolean, said: “The future of a child is usually the work of the mother.”

And history proves it! In fact, many of the greatest men and leaders of the world have proudly admitted that they became strong men because of their mothers’ teaching and example.

They were proud to be “mama’s boys!”

Some of these great men were American Presidents, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and we could go on and on.

George Washington, the first President of the United States said: “All that I am I owe to my mother…I credit all of my success in life to the moral and intellectual training I received from her.”

It’s clear throughout history that women and mothers are some of the most important, powerful people in the world. hurst/PAGE 7

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J

uly 16, 2013 marks the initiative of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on its private-public partnership for transportation and regulation as has been the case since time and again.

The 2013 PUBLIC LAND TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS SUMMIT: “Moving towards a More Responsive and Responsible Transport Sector” is staged at the Mandarin Hotel with invitees originating from the qualified transport sector and government.

Blazing the Trail: Overview of DOTC’s Plans and Actions is scheduled for Secretary Jun A. Abaya, Secretary, DOTC. A More Organized: Integrated Transportation System by DOTC Resource Person. LTFRB in Action: Programs for Improving Public Land Transportation by Atty. Bobbit P. Cabrera, Executive Director/OIC-Board Member, LTFRB - “Respeto sa Bawat Pasahero”: by Responsive and Responsible by Engr. Ronaldo F. Corpus.

Unity Towards a Responsive and Responsible Transport Sector by Atty. Winston M. Ginez and Chairman, LTFRB. I will host the program events as enumerated and will be master of ceremonies.

Interestingly enough this public-private partnership has always been the arrangement when it came to public transportation.

Querying on this arrangement, the response was government never endeavoured to take over public transportation since the birth of the Republic possibly due to financial constraints.

However the question begs is it best for the private sector to maintain this opportunity or for government to own and operate whist the strategy to privatize has been

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

The Business Daily is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Advertising and Promotions daily with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certificate No. 00875701, and with Business Permit No. 2013-10946, TIN No. 946-396-807 – Non VAT. Tel. Nos.: (088)8578447, 745380, 0923-432-0687, 0917-7121424

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am in favor of amending the akampi Constitution, as Belmonte Mo A ng Batas is proposing. But while he

By Atty. Batas Mauricio is desirous of removing the Charter’s “restrictive economic provisions” which, he said, prevent the entry of more foreign investments and capital in the Philippines, I am more interested in removing from it its so-called “people power” provision under its Section 16, Art. XIII. Why am I proposing the deletion of this “people power” provision? With due respect to its originators, it is clearly an instrument authorizing the people to meddle in government and ultimately fight their leaders, which clearly riles against the basic belief of those calling themselves Christians (followers of Christ) as enshrined under Romans 13:1-2 of the Bible.

Since there is a provision in the Constitution which is anti-Biblical, the curse talked about in Romans 13:1batas/PAGE 7

Public-private partnership & LTFRB

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Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St.,CDO Legal Counsel

Constitutional issue in PNP leadership

IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves…” (Romans 13:1-2, the Holy Bible).

-ooo CHARTER ALLOWS LAWMAKERS’ AMENDMENTS: Is the bill filed by Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. seeking the amendment of several provisions of the 1987 Constitution in accordance with the Constitution itself?

The answer is yes, it is. Sections 1 and 4 of its Article XVII allow the amendment of the Constitution through a bill filed by any congressman or senator, under the so-called “constituent assembly”.

Section 1 in part says: “Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by… Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members…” Section 4 in part says: “Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite…”

-ooo OK, LET US AMEND THE CONSTITUTION NOW: I

Crystaline pino Cell No: 09352379999 (088) 857 3599

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T

preferred. Regulation is key for government for the private B randing sector to toe the line.

By Harry Tambuatco Discipline and implementation have been the stumbling blocks over the decades with an increasing traveling sector be it for the general population or the commuting public.

The issues for public safety are always held in priority however many other issues come to play. For example, commerce; as much as the driving and commuting traffic hate the density of the lories that ply the streets at odd hours during the day – without these deliveries our commerce as we know it will suffer.

There are numerous issues of illegal and unauthorized franchise operators that continue to ply our busy streets as the regulators continue to be vigilant however continues to be challenging.

Similar to many public utility concerns the government has left this for the private sector obviously to allow for the opportunity as well as for an efficiency perceived by the public to date.

The water concessionaires to date have controversial issues very much like the power generation sectors.

Regulation is the role government plays when to comes to public utilities and is as well limited if not restricted. tambuatco/PAGE 11

SUPER

Small business: Words of advice

he book featured 10 microentrepreneurs who have received the “Citi Microentrepreneur of the Year” Award since the program was conceived 10 years ago.

“Their compelling stories lend a face to our philanthropic investment in the field of microfinance and microenterprise development,” said Sanjiv Vohra, Citi Country Officer for the Philippines.

Vohra added, “From their humble beginnings, these men and women are now shaping the future of their communities.”

In this week and next week’s column, allow me to share with you some pearls of wisdom from these amazing microentrepreneurs: • Jennilyn Antonio, peanut butter entrepreneur Problems are there to make us think. Learn from them.

Trials are part of life. Also learn from them.

Always do what is pleasing to the Lord, who gives you strength and guides you on the right path.

If you borrow money, do everything you can to pay it back.

Never forget the people who helped you succeed, especially those who trusted you with their money.

• Corazon Bautista, RTW (ready-to-wear) businesswoman Have a budget for your daily needs.

Use any business loan solely for the business.

Do not mix personal and business funds in order to keep track of how the business is going.

Give opportunities to others.

Maintain a good relationship with your workers.

O ut •Dionesia dela Peña, suman By Ignacio Bunye entrepreneur Be nice in your dealings with everyone.

Help the jobless by hiring them.

Do not skimp on ingredients.

Never mess with the taste that your customers like.

• Orlando Dulay, buko pie businessman Learn as much as you can about the business you are getting into.

Find out where to source your raw materials.

Make sure you always have enough basic supplies.

Know your target market.

Study your product’s marketability.

Respect your workers’ rights.

• Nolie Estocado, Christmas decor entrepreneur Devote a lot of time to your business and do not leave it to others.

Find out as much as you can about a new client before accepting a big order from him or her.

Talk to your creditors when you are having problems bunye/PAGE 7

SPEAKING

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VG Joey Pelaez elected as VP for Mindanao in League of Vice Governors of the Philippines Misamis Oriental- Newlyelec ted Vice Governor Joey G. Pelaez of Misamis Orienta l was elec ted unopposed as Vice President for Mindanao in the just concluded League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) election of Officers as provided by Article IX Section 1 of the LVGP Constitution and By-laws during the 58th National Assembly on July 4-6,2013 at Solaire Hotel, Pasay City.

VG Pelaez, along with the other newly-elected officers, took his oath before DILG Secretary Manuel A. Roxas on the said venue. At the National Assembly,Vice Governors Joey G. Pelaez of Misamis Oriental and Enrique Coquangco of Tarlac are the only newcomers elected for the position in the league, the latter elected as Vice President for Luzon.

T he L ea g ue of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), has been in existence since 1997, is a cohesive national organization of dy namic and pro-active Vice Governors who aim to institute policy reforms and authentic local autonomy nationwide.

Also, the League shall have primary purpose of ventilating, articulating, and crystallizing issues affecting prov i nc i a l gover n ment administration specially t hose concer n i ng loc a l legislation and securing, through proper and legal means, solutions thereto.

As t he L eag ue’s per policy in electing the officers The Chairman, National President, Executive Vice President, Vice President

Hurst... from page 6

Proving true the saying: “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”

Jesus Christ Himself clearly showed that women are just as important to God as men.

So won’t you ask your Maker to help you see and value yourself the same way He does?

Then, whether you’re a woman or a man, ask Jesus to forgive and help you change so you will start showing honor and respect to your mother, or wife, by the way you treat her.

Just Think a Minute…

Batas... from page 6

-the penalty and judgment against those who fight their leaders---will stay with all of us, as a people and as a nation. This explains why many of our people continue to wallow and be mired in poverty and difficult lives.

-ooo C ON S T I T U T IONA L ISSUE IN PNP LEADERSHIP:

representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Secretary General, Treasurer, Auditor, and Public Relations Officer sha l l be elected by t he members at large. During the 58th National Assembly, there were 79 Vice Governors in attendance who represented their respective provinces.

For the years 2013 to 2016, t he newly-elected officers for the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines are as follows: Chairman of the National Executive Board- Humerlito A. Dolor of Oriental Mindoro; National

President- Leonides N. Fausto of Cagayan; Executive Vice P re sident- Vic tor io R .

Suaybaguio Jr. of Davao del Norte;Vice President for Lu z on- En r ique D. Cojuangco, Jr. of Tarlac; Vice President for VisayasCarlo P. Loreto of Leyte; Vice President for Mindanao – Jose Mari G. Pelaez of Misamis Oriental; Secretary General- Vicente Homer B. Revil of Masbate; Treasurer – Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo of Aklan; Auditor- Jonah G. Pimentel of Camarines Norte; Public Relations Officer-

Antonio S. Leviste, II of Batangas; Regional Directors for Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 4-B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, CAR, ARMM and Caraga As provided in Section 5 of the league’s constitution, VG Pelaez having elected as Vice President for Mindanao is to directly supervise the implementation of programs, projects and activities of the League in the geographical areas he represents in cases when such representation may be necessary. He is to represent the National President or

the Executive Vice President in any occasion and matter on the geographical areas they represent in cases when such representation may be necessary and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the National Executive Board.

The election of VG Pelaez, a neophyte Vice Governor, is a welcome development for the said organization.

N o r m a l l y, t h e s a i d organization composed of re-electionist and last termer officials are more inclined to elect senior members.

His infusion to the national structure w i l l cer tainly bring fresh perspectives and vigorous advocacies in the implementation of the League’s various mandates.

VG Pelaez believes that his election will bring honor not only in Misamis Oriental, where he is the current Vice Governor, but in the island of Mindanao as well. He said that he will responsibly use the opportunity and the trust of being elected to bring the genuine situation of the people in the island to the national perspective and the collective voices of Mindanaoans to be heard by the national board.

“I will be the voice of Mindanao. I can continue my advocacy for education to the League. Apart from my persona l advocacies and programs I relentlessly implemented when I was still the Executive Director of DepED, my position in this league provides me with more ample reasons to further extend, institutionalize, and implement effectively these advocacies and programs through relevant and timely legislations ”, VG Pelaez added.

At present, VG Pelaez is the Chairman of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Loca l Executive BoardMisamis Oriental Chapter.

Prior to his election as Vice Governor, he held the positions as Executive Director, Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs of the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office and National Executive Board Regular Member of the Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP).

Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, e r s t w h i le c h ie f of t he Philippine National Police (PNP), is right: unless there is no one else who graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy who is capable and competent to lead the PNP, no graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) should ever be allowed again to become PNP chief.

This is not only morally right, but is even mandated by the Constitution.

The fact is that, under its Section 6, Art. XVI, the Constitution requires that the police force shall be nationwide in scope and civilian in character. Based on this, PMA graduates can never be Constitutionallyqua lif ied to become policemen and PNP chiefs because they are part of the military establishment, trained for war and “search and destroy” tactics, which has no part in a civilian police force.

Section 4 of the same Art. XVI confirms this “military” nature of PMA graduates in this manner: “…The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be composed of a citizen

armed force which shall undergo military training…”

Clearly, any PMA graduate w ho a s su me s t he PN P leadership as its director general would be violating the 1997 Constitution. Only those coming from the PNPA must become PNP chiefs.

-ooo OF Ws F U L F I L L BI BL IC A L PROPH EC Y AGAIN: Once again, the modern-day heroes of the Philippines, its overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are facing danger and harm, and even possibly death, as the countries where they have been deployed get embroiled in war. In all these, there is nothing anyone---even the government---can do to help them, fulfilling once more the Biblical warning in Deuteronomy 28:15, 32.

This is ironic because, they that have been keeping this countr y af loat, are now sinking, and are beyond assistance.

-ooo REACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@gmail.com.

Bunye...

customers think and like about your product.

-Strive to learn how to improve your business.

-Read books and surf the Internet for pointers on how to be successful.

-Keep pursuing your goals.

Felicidad Kalalo, copra products dealer -Without trust and honesty, your business will never grow.

-If you borrow money, you must pay it back. Be regular with your payments so you can borrow again to grow your business.

-Be alert to how your business is going. If it is too slow and you’re losing money, look for another business.

-Do not be afraid of starting over.

-Most important, work handin-hand with your spouse.

Ester Lumbo, pandan products entrepreneur -W i t h o r w i t h o u t competition, work hard on your business and never give up.

-Make sure that production is on schedule and all orders are delivered on time.

-Give your customers beautiful and original designs to choose from.

-Careful planning is the key to a successful business.

Consuelo Valenzuela, sabutan products entrepreneur -Never borrow what you cannot afford to pay back.

-Do not take too many loans at one time, especially if your business is seasonal.

-Know when it is the right time to make a loan.

-Follow your repayment schedule strictly.

-Keep a list of things you have to do and complete each day.

Cherry Yack, Sr., cassava cake businessman -Avoid all vices because they take away from your time, your health, and your money.

-Do not let your workers do all the work for you, but make sure the people you hire are as hardworking as you.

-Always persevere and believe that God will lead you to your goal.

Note: My book “Central Banking for Every Juan and Maria” is now available at the following Fully Booked outlets: Bonifacio Global City, Powerplant Mall Rockwell and Katipunan Avenue and also at Power Books, Alabang Town Center.

Vice Governor Joey G. Pelaez of Misamis Oriental, elected as Vice President for Mindanao of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), took his oath before DILG Secretary Mar A. Roxas along with other newly elected officers of the said league during the 58th National Assembly on July 4-6, 2013 at Solaire Hotel, Pasay City.

from page 6

making payments.

Treat your workers fairly and honestly.

Believe in yourself and do not allow others to rule your destiny.

These businessmen and women have been recipients of the Citi Micro-entrepreneur of the Year Awards (CMA) in the last 10 years since the program was created.

T he CM A Prog ra m, according to Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc., Chairperson Mila Mercado Bunker, is “a celebration of economic triumph amidst great odds at the grassroots level.”

“We have s e en t he transformation of these microentrepreneurs – from budding handicraft-makers to producers of world class quality products,” Mercado Bunker said.

She added: “They have become responsible employers and role models of good citizenship – local economic heroes in their own right.”

Here are more great tips from these local economic heroes: Carina Gonato, lumpia seller -Update yourself on what

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Rescued sailfin lizard turned over to DENR

by GERRY LEE GORIT of Mindanao Daily News

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A tired-looking Philippine sailfin Lizard is now recuperating at the rescue center of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10 after a concerned citizen brought it to a local television station.

This is the third sailfin lizard to be brought this year to the DENR rescue center, according to Protected Areas and Wildlife Division staff member Edenson Canete.

Canete said this kind of lizard can usually be found along riverbanks in Northern Mindanao, particularly in Jasaan town, Misamis Oriental.

Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) prohibits the catching and killing of the sailfin lizard, a threatened species.

Canete said the sailfin lizards that have been brought to them have ranged in length from 2 to 3 feet long, although these can grow to as much as 1 meter long.

He said the third specimen needs veterinarian care after it fell from a height and now looks very tired.

The omnivorous lizard will be rehabilitated at the rescue center before it is released back to the wilds.

Canete said it has to be taken back to its habitat to perform its role in nature.

He warned people not to eat this particular The Philippine sailfin lizard is a threatened species found mostly along riverbanks. This is the third such lizard brought to the rescue center of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10. Northern species because the lizard may contain bacteria Mindanao hosts a number of habitats for the lizard, especially in the town of Jasaan in Misamis Oriental. that might cause disease.

Photo by GERRY LEE GORIT

From greenhouse construction to hand-woven products:

Benguet student leaders do their share for the community

Forest Management Services Regional Technical Director Agustilo Obsioma stresses the objectives of the Stakeholders Capacitation Seminar which was conducted by DENR 10 on June 28, 2013 in Cagayan de Oro City.

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Student leaders from various Benguet universities may be busy working on their diploma yet they are also embarking on various environmental and livelihood projects designed to benefit their respective communities.

Projects include the construction of trellised greenhouse, creation of environment-friendly water bottles, learning innovative ways to recycle plastic materials, livelihood management training, and establishment of handwoven product outlet.

They are the result of the Leadership Communities (LeadCom) program of the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) in cooperation with Globe Telecom and youth-oriented non-government organization Active Aid Partnerships. Select students from universities in Benguet were chosen to participate in a three-day workshop to develop, inspire, empower and nurture them into becoming future leaders of the country.

Benguet is one of the Communities of Practice (CoPs) of Globe, the company’s way of giving back to the community where it operates. CoP brings together various advocacies and initiatives of Globe delivered through partnerships with community-based non-government organizations, barangay leaders, and youth beneficiaries.

“Globe is committed to helping transform the youth into future leaders.

We believe that our youth possess the creativity and energy to bring change in their respective communities. So we expect that through these activities, students would be encouraged and equipped to become servant leaders which the country could be proud of,” said Yoly C. Crisanto, Head of Globe Corporate Communications.

At the end of the workshop, LeadCom participants were tasked to translate their leadership learnings into project proposals, which will benefit their chosen community or school. Small grants were given to leadership teams to help

Greenhouse for organic farming built by students of the University of Cordilleras to protect crops from climate change.

them mobilize, plan and implement their project.

From the University of the Cordilleras, students built a weather-barrier and structurally-sound greenhouse within the context of organic farming to protect crops from erratic climate change, with the hope of encouraging other farmers to practice, maintain, and sustain organic farming.

On the other hand, University of Baguio students are offering environmental friendly water bottles to minimize the use of plastic bottles and Styrofoam cups. The student leaders are also conducting a massive information dissemination campaign to inform the academic community about the initiative.

Similar to what UB is doing, Benguet State University-Buguias Campus students are focusing on skill building among alternative learning system students, barangay women’s association, and community residents to find innovative ways of recycling plastic materials. It also involves an information campaign

to create awareness on how community members could creatively lessen their plastic wastes without burning them.

Meanwhile, students from Benguet State University – Main Campus decided to give their attention to livelihood projects. Indigent students of the university are given the opportunity to earn extra funds for their financial needs by establishing a partnership with Kabayan which is behind the hand-woven products sold within the Cordilleras. The plan is to provide a product outlet within the locality to address unnecessary capital outlay while at the same time prevent overpricing. The end-goal is to attract more buyers that will eventually bring about better return on investment.

At the same time, BSU is training high school student leaders on livelihood project management to enable them to implement income generating projects for their school. They are also being encouraged to utilize readily available raw materials in La Trinidad, Benguet in promoting micro-entrepreneurship.

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Laws... from page 4

shall suffer the penalty of destierro.”

It added that “If he shall inflict upon them physical injuries of any other kind, he shall be exempt from punishment. These rules shall be applicable, under the same circumstances, to parents with respect to their daughters under eighteen yea rs of age, a nd t heir seducer, while the daughters are living with their parents.”

As for the qualities of a legislator, the neophyte solons said they should be accessible, consu ltative, eff icient, pro-poor, propeople, pro-environment, pro-nation, humble, collegial, real representatives of the people, and should live up to the title “honorable.”

“A n g d a m i n i t o , parang babarilin na ito (congressman) sa Luneta,” said Edna Co, dean of the UP-Nationa l Col lege of Public Adninistration and Governance.

Co said that the executive course on legislation aimed to help the first-time lawmakers towa rd s “mea n i ng f u l legislation.” (Interaksyon)

ABAMIN... from page 4

“But such ordinances shall only regulate the time, place and location of the proposed mass action and shall not in any way deny the lawful exercise of such right,” he explained.

As for when a permit is required, the bill states that a written permit shall be required for any person or persons to organize and hold a public assembly in a public place. However, no permit shall be required if the public assembly shall be done or made in a freedom park duly established by law, ordinance, implementing rules and regulation or in a private property in which case only the consent of the owner is required.

The measure also prohibits the holding of any assembly by any leader organizer without having first secured that written permit in areas where a

permit is required from the appropriate office concerned.

Another prohibition is the arbitrary and unjustifiable denial or modification of a permit in violation of this Act by the local chief executive of his official representative.

The unjustified discharge of firearms by a member of any law enforcement agency or any person in an attempt to disperse the public assembly as well as the carrying of a deadly or offensive weapon or device such as firearm, bladed weapon, pillbox, bomb and the like, among others, are also prohibited.

Persons found guilt y violating any provision of the proposed law shall be punished with imprisonment of not more than 12 years and a fine of not more P100,000.

(BDF/HoR)

Solons... from page 4

with corresponding graphics intended for the use of children below 14 years old includes a small part and is manufactured for sale, offered for sale or distributed in commerce in the Philippines.

It provides protection to children against potential hazards to their health and safety by setting standardized labeling requirements for certain toys and games of children.

T h e D e p a r t m e nt of Health (DOH) is mandated to publish every six months the list of all misbranded or banned hazardous substances the sale, offer for sale and distribution of which shall not be allowed subject to the requirements of this Act. The bill provides for a safety and quality standards for consumer products by requiring that a consumer product for children be marked with or accompanied by clear safety warnings or instructions. (HoR)

Coop... from page 4

Rehabi litat ion Prog ra m (CBERP) should be provided and a Cooperative Bank Security and Rehabilitation Fund should be established for this purpose,” Paez said.

Paez said the program

i ntend s to sol id i f y t he economic and institutional structure of the Philippine Cooperative Banking System by encouraging the strategic merger and consolidation of elig ible i nd iv idua l cooperative banks thereby pooling their resources into a larger, more unified and stronger cooperative.

Under the proposal, an amount of P500 million shall be appropriated by the National Government as initia l f und t hrough the joint participation of the BSP, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance C or porat ion (PDIC) a s partner-benefactors in the accompl ish ment of t he program. (HoR)

cooperatives are mandated to set-up a consumer’s social amelioration fund, which can be used in times of calamities.

The fund shall be sustained through the inclusion of P1.00 per connection per month.

Cooperatives may also organize and create a League of Electric Cooperatives with regional, inter-regional and national chapters to oversee the needs of the members of the league.

The bill seeks to amend the Presidential Decree 269, Presidential Decree 1645, Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of the Philippines and the Republic Act 10531 otherwise known as “An Act Strengthening the National Electrification Administration.” (HoR)

from page 4

from page 3

Power...

cooperatives,” Masongsong said.

Masongsong underscored t he need to consolidate and augment the current legislations governing the electric cooperatives if only to attain the government’s objectives.

Masongsong said empower i ng back t he Nationa l Electrif ication Ad m i n i s t r at ion ( N E A) in the grant, alteration, amendment, modification of the franchises of electric cooperatives is designed for convenience of cooperatives concerned, whose status are non-stock and non-profit.

Under t he bi l l to be known as the “Magna Carta for Electric Cooperatives,” cooperatives shall be under the supervision of the NEA pursuant to Presidential Decree 269 on ly to t he conduct of t ra inings, sem i na rs a nd f i na ncia l assistance, through loans.

Cooperatives shall be autonomous in its operations to afford them to be self reliant and genuine partners of the government in its goal for total rural electrification.

The power to grant and repeal, alter or amend new franchises, or repeal, alter or amend all franchises is delegated to NEA. It is also authorized to promulgate rules and regulations.

Under t he me a su re ,

Load...

percent last year.

Lance Gokongwei, CEB president, had sa id t he airline was likely to miss its 15 million passenger target this year after one of its aircraft overshot the Davao International Airport early June. While no one was harmed, the accident caused the cancellation and diversion of flights not only of Cebu Pacific, but also other carriers.

Last year, Cebu Pacific c a r r ied 13. 3 m i l l ion passengers, up from 11.9 million passengers in 2011.

The Gokongwei-owned budget airline f lies to 20 international destinations, na mely Ba ng kok, Ba l i, Beijing, Br u nei, Busa n, Gua ngzhou, Ha noi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon (Seoul), Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Xiamen.

In the Philippines, the carrier flies to 32 destinations from hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, Kalibo and Davao.

Cebu Pacific operates 10 Airbus 319s, 25 A320s and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 43 is one of the most modern in the world.

Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 17 more A320s and 30 A321neo aircraft orders.

PAB... from page 3

operat ions at Padca l in August 1 last year af ter torrential rains caused its tailings storage pond no.

3 to overf low, dumping non-toxic mine waste in Ba log Creek a nd Ag no R iver. T he gover n ment thereafter ordered Philex to halt operations and fined the company at least P1 billion for violation of its environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and of the Clean Water Act. Last March 8, Philex secured a four-month permit to operate Padcal so the company can complete filling the tailings pond before the rainy season begins. Days before the temporary permit expired, the MGB approved an extension.

Projs... from page 2

Public Utility, said that the bidding of the P93 million traffic light projects was done above board. “There

was no fa i lu re of t he bidding,” Bacal added.

He sa id t hat “a l l t he processes had been followed, from the procurement to the awarding of the project.”

“The price was marked down and the bid was won at P91 million,” Bacal said.

Meanwhile, in C o m m i s s i o n o n Au d i t (C OA) 2 012 a n nu a l report said that the P93.5 mi l lion was pa r t of t he P 2 6 0 . 0 8 9 m i l l ion lo a n f rom La nd Ba n k by t he Cit y government for its two f lyover construction projects and procurement of traffic signal system and heavy equipment.

COA said that with the plan, the City Council, in its regular session on May 10, 2011, passed Ordinance No. 11996-2011.

Ordinance No. 119962011 appropriated the sum of P93.5 million from the city’s loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines for the installation of Traffic Signal System with CCTV, the COA report said. (PNA)

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Auction...

Hydro...

The Local Government Code has authorized the PTO to sell tax delinquent real properties at public auction.

The governor said the levy on property and public auction is a wake up call for property owners to really settle their back taxes.

He urged the property owners to immediately pay their unpaid taxes so they would not be included in the delinquent taxpayers’ list.

As much as he doesn’t want any real property to be forfeited, Del Rosario, however, said that the public auction will redound to the benefit of the province.

Aside from generating more revenues for loca l gover n ment u n it s , t he gover nor ent hu s e d t he measure will make the idle lands, particularly those ow ned by t he absentee landlords, to be productive.

He stressed the importance of collecting the back taxes to secure more income that would fund the development programs and projects of the province.

“The bigger the collection, the better the income and the better services we can provide to our people,” he said. (PNA)

The National Power Corp. has reduced its power supply contract with Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative recently. And projection shows that the power demand on the province, like the rest of Mindanao, will increase in the coming years.

“We would like to help them in this undertaking, and as a sign of our full and sincere intentions, we immediately commissioned a hydropower technical team to study the power potentials of the rivers in Surigao,” Brown said. “The results of the study show that Carac-an river has the best potential for development.”

T he C a r ac-a n R iver Hydropower Project is now in the pre-development stage following the conduct of a pre-feasibility study by Hydrolink, said Roel Castro, Hydrolink president and ABCI vice president for Business Development.

“We have already identified the most viable strategies for its development,” he said, adding: “We will now proceed to processing the necessary permits and coordinate with Surigao’s local officials for their support of the project.”

T he C a r ac-a n R iver Hydropower Project is a part of ABCI’s plans to provide additional power capacities to the electric cooperatives in Mindanao.

from page 2

DPWH... from page 2

He said, when completed, travel by land of motorists and commuters from Parang, Maguindanao to Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan Cit y and ot her par ts of Mindanao v ia Pagadian City and vice versa as well as transport of goods would be safer and faster. Economic activities in the area will also be improved. (PIA)

Tambuatco... from page 6

While issues for commerce and profits are driven for the private sector, the government is required to regulate public safety concerns and as of late – the traffic.

I am told issues are not necessarily franchised to the national government but with the local governments CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH getting path.

P & Jin Limits Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 TheTelefax fiefdoms that *govern # (088) 856-1947 the citiesCAMIGUIN and municipalities BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, by themselves are standCamiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 alone authorities that usually CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City become troublesome. But DIVISORIA BRANCH Bldg., Don A.e wAtty. hatErasmo toB. Damasing do wit h #61t hes Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. #whose (088) 857-3631 oligarchies authorities LAPASAN BRANCH become all encompassing?

Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 Only a national political will CARMEN BRANCH (meaning an Cagayan iron hand) Vamenta Blvd., de Oro Citycan Tel. # (088) 231-2011 only possibly over rule them.

from page 1

Rufus... from page 1

down by no less than the country’s basic law, which restricted foreign ownership of property to 40%.

“We have good growth, low inf lation, good credit ratings. But we have 7.5 percent unemployment, and among the lowest, if not the lowest foreign direct investments in Southeast Asia. We could be overtaken

by Cambodia and Myanmar if we do not act and remain paralyzed by unfounded

fea rs on a mend i ng t he Constitution,” he said told Business Mirror. “We need an investment revolution if we want true and inclusive growth.”

Rod r ig ue z s a id t hat amending this particular “protectionist clause” – Article XII—in the 1987 Constitution will leapfrog the Philippines into the league of developed nations never before seen in the country’s recent economic history.

“The way to do it is through Constitutional Convention,” he said, explaining that this Con-Con will only have a lifespan of one year with which to amend the economic provision in Charter.

“President Aquino need not fea r a mend i ng t he Constitution because he has the power to stop or rein in other amendments outside t he economic provisions. What we are proposing is just to amend the economic provisions in our Constitution and nothing else,” he stressed.

Rodriguez said that now is the good time to amend Article XII of the Constitution because of the good economic growth of the country and the good investment ratings it garnered from Fitch and S&P’s.

“Removing the protectionist clause and improving access of foreign businesses will ultimately leapfrog the Philippines’ economic growth as it will hasten in FDIs,” he said.

He also stressed that this is the only way to go to prepare the Philippines for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

By t hat yea r, Sout heast Asia will have one market, like the European Union.

And FDIs will sure pour in, especia l ly since t he Philippines have so much investment opportunities in manufacturing, real estate, agriculture, infrastructure, retail, and tourism, among others.

CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

11

Alsons acquires Thai partner’s stake

By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contribiutor

PUBLICLY-listed Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR) has purchased the 40-percent equity held by its Thai partner EGCO International in its subsidiary Conal Holdings Corporation (CHC), the holding firm of the Alcantara group’s ventures into the power sector.

“With the acquisition of EGCO B.V.I.’s share in CHC, ACR will own 100% of the power holding company,” Alsons has noted in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The cost of the buyout was not made public, but the Alcantara firm stated that such acquisition will be “increasing (its) net income attributable to the parent in ACR’s earnings.”

In a separate statement, EGCO Group president Sahust Pratuknukul noted that the “disposal of (its) interest will allow EGCO to deploy the proceeds and its resource on new investment opportunities in the Philippines.”

The Thai firm’s equity in Conal Holdings covered two power facilities and the management company Alto Power Management Corporation. The plants are the 55-MW diesel facility of the Southern Philippines Power Corporation; and the 110-MW diesel plant of Western Mindanao Power Corporation.

EGCO added that the sell-down was decided “considering the expiry of PPAs (power purchase agreements) of such assets is approaching and additional capital is needed for new project investment.” The Thai company has been eyeing to expand its 460-megawatt coal fired plant in Mauban, Quezon, with the intent of adding 500MW. Meanwhile, Alsons emphasized that “upon completion of the agreement, ACR will require full control of CHC.” It stressed that such buyout will enable Alsons “to consolidate its ownership and control of the Mapalad Power Corporation’s Iligan diesel power plant”, being a valuable addition to its power generation portfolio.

“The agreement will give ACR the opportunity to continue pursuing the development of new projects in Mindanao and other areas,” the Alcantara firm stressed.

Visitors from neighboring provinces and cities came to see the most-awaited performances of the participating contingents in this renowned provincial cultural dance of Lanao del Norte, the Sagayan Festival. It showcases the war-dance of the proud Maranao tribe. (PIO-LDN)

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Complement your lifestyle with the CEB supports TravelXchange in Bacolod best smartphone at Sun Plan 600 The Philippine’s leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB), once again with the Province of Negros Occidental, the City of Bacolod and the Department of Tourism Region 6 to present the 7th TravelXchange at the Robinsons Place Bacolod from July 19 to 21, 2013.

Now in its sevent h yea r, t he t hreeday travel fair will showcase of the best tourist destinations and attractions in the Philippines.

CEB has been the official airline partner of the TravelXchange since its inception in Bacolod City in 2007. The airline was instrumental in opening up Western Visayas to va r ious domest ic a nd i nternat iona l markets. Today, CEB f lies from Bacolo to Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. It a l s o f l ie s f rom ne a rby I loi lo to Singapore, Hong Kong, Ma ni la, Cebu, Davao, Puerto Princesa, General Santos, Tacloban and Cagayan de Oro. CEB also serves other airports in Western Visayas, namely Kalibo, Roxas and Caticlan.

“Through events like the TravelXchange Cebu Pacific continues to actively promote B ac olo d a nd t he P rov i nc e of Ne g ros Occidental as a tourism and trade center.

We hope everyone can take advantage of our direct f lights and trademark lowest fares at the CEB TravelXchange booth for their leisure and business travel,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

T he orga n i z er s of Tr avel Xc ha nge , Selrahco management acknowledges the continuing suppor t of Cebu Pacif ic in the travel fair series. “We are extremely grateful for the support CEB has given us as organizers and also to the region for initiating f lights to promote intra-regional travel connections,” sa id Cha rles Lim, Founder of the TravelXchange.

“Also with CEB’s year-round low fares, our participants and sellers are confident of promoting their respective hotels and destinations,” he added.

Aside f rom t he CEB bot h, ot her TravelXchange exhibitors include Resorts World Manila, TIEZA, PAGCOR, Enchanted Kingdom, Go Hotels, Microtel by Wyndham, Department of Tourism Region 6, 9 and 13 and Sun Cellular.

The 7th TravelXchange is open to the public for free. Other activities include daily travel product presentations and top-class entertainment acts.

Smartphones have become an essential and useful part in the way most people live today. From keeping them connected through its usual call and text functions, smartphones have helped people organize their schedules and get important updates from the internet while on the go.

Mobile network provider Sun Cellular recognizes this. Even better, it raises the bar in providing good choices to its subscribers by empowering them to own a smartphone that not only responds to their needs, but also reflects their unique lifestyle at Sun Plan 600.

Be stylish as you can be with the Alcatel One Touch Idol, the thinnest smartphone in the market today; or be the walking entertainment hub with the help of a phablet such as the Alcatel One Touch Scribe. If you prefer, you can showcase your personality and stand out from the crowd with the Windows 8 Phone, Nokia Lumia 520; or maximize your productivity with the tabletsmartphone bundle of Alcatel

Touch T7 HD tablet and Alcatel One Touch Glory 2.

Aside from the fabulous free gadgets under this plan, you also get what your connectivity needs in one of the most affordable offering in the market. Sun Plan 600 also includes unlimited Sun calls and texts, 250 pesos worth of consumable amount and 350 texts to other networks.

Needless to say, staying connected doesn’t get better than this. You get to experience the full power of a smartphone without having to turn your wallet upside down. And with the loaded service inclusions from Sun Cellular, you can contact your friends regardless of their network provider and stay connected via mobile Internet.

So don’t be left behind, go now to the nearest Sun Shop and stay connected in the most affordable way with Sun Cellular.

For more information on Sun Plan 600, visit www.suncellular. com.ph or Facebook page:www. facebook.com/suncellularph. Follow @suncelldeals on Twitter.

Globe Telecom forges exclusive partnership with Viber Offers unlimited Viber services in call, text, and mobile internet bundles Globe Telecom seals an exclusive partnership with global technology firm Viber to offer its subscribers call, text, and mobile internet services bundled with Viber.

Globe Prepaid GoUNLI25 is a bundled prepaid offer with unlimited texts and unlimited calls to Globe/TM plus unlimited Viber Chat services without the need for Wi-Fi or additional data charges.

Available for only P25 valid for 1 day, GoUNLI25 allows subscribers to connect with contacts in any Globe network as well as with other users subscribed to other networks both in the Philippines and abroad, for as long as these contacts have Viber accounts. With Viber, subscribers can enjoy a richer messaging experience and express themselves in more exciting ways through group conversations, use of fun stickers, sharing of photos, videos, and more.

Subscribers who want a full Viber experience can also avail of unlimited Viber Calls and Chat for only P20 a day and get access to Viber’s high-definition voice calls and best sound quality. For as low as P10, the budget-conscious subscribers can still enjoy a whole day of Viber Chat with friends. To register to any of the Viber mobile browsing promos, subscribers can dial *143# for free.

“We are happy and excited to collaborate with Viber as their exclusive Philippine telco partner to expand their presence and user base in the country,” said Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business at Globe Telecom. “The partnership is in line with our strategy to explore new revenue streams beyond call and text services, becoming a full-fledged digital brand.”

Bithos added, “Another first in the

Philippines, our Viber bundles and promos will allow our customers to enjoy Viber however they want – whether bundled with their call and text services, or as a separate Viber data promo, to connect with their families and friends, not only within the same network, but also with other networks here and abroad. Our prepaid subscribers can use Viber allthey-want, anytime, anywhere, worryfree – and that’s a Globe Guarantee. “ “Viber is excited to partner with Globe Telecom as we endeavor to grow our footprint in the Philippines.

Globe understands how the needs of its consumers evolve and is very aggressive in leading the digital lifestyle of its subscribers. With Viber’s revolutionary features that Filipinos love, it is definitely a refreshing experience to use the application without having to wait for Wi-Fi. With the innovative offers from Globe, every Filipino will now get a chance to explore the Viber experience,” said Talmon Marco, Viber CEO. Viber lets everyone in the world connect. Freely. Viber users can send free text messages, photo messages, video messages and share locations anywhere in the world, as well as make free, HD-quality calls on iPhone®, Android,™ Windows Phone, Blackberry®, Windows®, Mac and other devices over 3G/4G or WiFi connections.

With more than 200 million users in 193 countries, Viber is constantly innovating by introducing new platforms and adding fun new features including stickers and emoticons.

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