BusinessDaily Mindanao (April 18, 2013 Issue)

INSIDE LOOK

PH investment to boost economy

A tribute to Love Naces: Coca-cola earnings on Europe ExportBank up for market sales liquidation

Iron Lady of the Cooperative

More projects for farmers

BusinessDaily Economy

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Corporate World

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Volume III, No. 194

Market Indicators

As of 6:05 pm apr. 17, 2013 (Wednesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P41.25

6,850.26 points

13 cents

X X Briefly 63.93 points

Stalls rate cut

ACTING upon the recommendation of Mayor Vicente Y. Emano, the City Council during its regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas enacted Ordinance No. 12570-2013 reducing the rates of the stall rentals in the Rice and Corn Section of the Carmen Public Market.

From the rate of P11.20 per square meter per day, the rate is now P9.10 per square meter per day.

The ordinance, amends Section 173 (2) of Chapter 42 (Stall Rental and Market Fees) of Ordinance No. 4373-94 otherwise known as the Codified Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City, as amended by Ordinance No. 11383-2009.

This is in response to the request of the Carmen Integrated Market Vendors Association (CIMVA).

Entrepreneurship

MALAYBALAY City -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here will hold free training and seminars for new, existing and would-be entrepreneurs in the province.

It will run every third week of the month starting this April at the DTI provincial office, Manuel Building, San Isidro Street, Malaybalay City.

DTI Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said the training includes the following topics: costing and pricing, visual merchandising, email appreciation, Business Expense Savings Training (BEST Game) and small and medium enterprise (SME) caravan.

“These trainings are very vital as business experts speak about helpful tools and other resources to help existing entrepreneurs enhance their operational capabilities.

Likewise, these would help individuals who want to start their own business,” Abang said.

Banking&Finance

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Agri-Business

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Feature

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IN-DEPTH

‘Delay necessary’ Cagayan de Oro City

Thursday

By BONG FABE Associate Editor

Filinvest signs lease contract for coal plant project

W

H I L E ex pressing his elation over the government d e c i s i on to move the opening of t he L a g u i nd i nga n International Airport from April 30 to June 15, reelectionist Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd district) on Wednesday insisted t hat t he gove r n m e nt mu s t ensure public safety of plane passengers and that the postponement is necessary.

Rod r ig uez , who had earlier written to President Aquino to defer the opening of the multi-billion-peso airport, said that the decision of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) moving the airport’s opening to June 15 is “an expected…event.”

“With so many expressing vehement opposition to the scheduled April 30 opening Delay/PAGE 11

P15.00

April 18, 2013

By BONG FABE Associate Editor

Media practitioners inspect the almost complete tarmac and main building of the Laguindingan International Airport. Stakeholders hailed the postponement of the airport’s opening. photo by shaun alejandrae yap uy

Execs say postponement is P-Noy’s adherence to the will of his ‘bosses’

MISAMIS Oriental officials hailed the government’s decision to delay the airport’s opening as a triumph of President Aquino’s obedience to the will of his bosses, the people.

Gov. Oscar Moreno, who is seeking Cagayan de Oro City’s mayoralty post against the incumbent Vicente Emano, has repeatedly said that he would rather have the airport opening postponed

than put plane passengers in danger.

“The postponement is a logical response to the airlines’ concerns, as summarized in DOTC’s statement bosses/PAGE 11

THE FDC Misamis Power Corporation coal-fired power plant project in Misamis Oriental takes one step forward with Wednesday’s signing of a 28-year lease contract with the Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA) for an area within PIA’s estate in the municipality of Villanueva.

FDC Misamis Power Corporation, a subsidiary of the Filinvest Development Corp.

Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI), will be investing P30 billion to the energy sector in Mindanao by putting up its own 405-MegaWatt circulating f luidized bed (CFB) coalfired thermal power plant in an 84-hectare area within the Phividec Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

The signing of the contract with PIA involves a total of 84.4 hectares spanning the barangays of Balacanas, Filinvest/PAGE 11

POWER OUTLOOK

Coops told to ensure supply during polls

By NELSON V. CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

Children seem playing ‘rock climbing’ at the Press Freedom Monument located inside the Misamis Oriental Capitol grounds unmindful of possible damages they may cause to the structure. photo by gerry gorit

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

THE National Electrification Administration Tuesday directed a l l electric cooperatives in Mindanao to coordinate with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to ensure adequate power during the midterm elections.

In its memorandum, the NEA also directed all power cooperatives to monitor the demand of their customers and provide NGCP status updates regarding t he power situation of their respective areas for next month’s elections.

In the same memorandum, NEA directed all power cooperatives to maintain back-up generator sets in

poll centers on election day in order to augment the supply from the grid outlook/PAGE 11

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Persons with disabilities stage protest vs Cenro

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Regional Editor

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur— Some 200 persons with disabilities along with their family members have picketed since Monday night the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office to demand for the release of apprehended logs intended for the production of school armchairs project with the Department of Education.

The protesting members of San Francisco Association of Differently-Abled Persons Multi-Purpose Cooperative (S A F R A -A DA P M P C ) vowed to continue to camp out w it hin t he CENRO compound until the 2,000 board feet of lauan logs placed inside a closed van will be released.

T he prote sters have to stay longer inside the compound since their vigil on Monday night as CENR Officer Melvin Bustillo is on official trip outside the province and there was no word yet as to when he will return to his office.

Roland Ordona, president of SAFRA-ADAP MPC, said CI DG pla i nclot he smen assisted by the police in Prosperidad town seized the logs after he refused to let them open the closed van filled with the logs taken

from a private land in nearby village.

Ordona claimed the CIDG operatives apparently just wanted to extort money again from him so as not to cause any troubles about the logs they transported but he declined that led to the seizure of the wood products.

Inspector Aldrin Salinas, deputy police chief in Prosperidad, said they seized the logs they believed were illegally cut after they were able to secure a search warrant from the local court.

Ordona however found an irregularity in the issuance of the search warrant which came out a day after he continued to refuse to give in to the police request to open the van in the absence of court order.

He admitted the same operatives have a lready extorted him some P3,000

cash in April 4 as he was assured that apart from being free from apprehension , t hey wou ld even escor t the transported logs to the SAFRA-ADAP sawmill. “ Our only fault was just to earn a decent living,” Ordona said even as he further admitted some of the logs they bought from nearby private lands already released under Certificate of Land Ownership Award lack some transport documents.

S A F R A-A DA P i s a thriving wood processing cooperative which employs about 100 workers mostly members as persons with disabilities and some others physically normal persons who are former New Peoples Army rebels.

The cooperative started to develop after they were awarded by the national government to produce t housands of school armchairs under “Silya ni Gloria sa Eskwela” during the administration of former president Gloria MacapagalArroyo of which the wood products are seized illegal logs by the Department of Environment and Natural protest/PAGE 11

The upgrading of the Philippines to an investment status by Fitch is expected to boost the country’s economy. file photo

PH investment grade status to boost economy, says solon DAVAO City -- Davao City Rep. Isidro T. Ungab (Third District) on Wednesday said the investment grade status granted by Fitch Ratings to the Philippines will bolster t he cou nt r y ’s economy since it will attract local and foreign investors.

“The upgrade can also lower the financing cost of both government and the private sector as the new status guarantees cheaper cost of interest,” he said.

He described t he investment grade status granted by Fitch Ratings to the Philippines as landmark achievement of the Aquino administration.

“The investment upgrade

is clearly a recognition by a n i nter nat iona l cred it rating institution of the inroads of the Philippines in fiscal management, anticorruption programs and good governance,” Ungab said, Ungab is one of main authors of the Sin Tax Law and also a sponsor of the recently signed law granting reciprocal tax exemptions to international air and sea carriers whose countries of origin grant Filipino airlines and shipping companies the same privileges.

Ungab said the investment grade aside from bolstering the Philippine economy will also place further the country

in the global map thereby resulting to more investors coming into the country.

Ungab’s assessment is similar to that of two Davao City business leaders.

Vicente T. Lao, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council, and Daniel T. Lim, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., said that the investment grade rating is the first ever earned by the Philippines.

They both described the rating as beneficial to the country and its people.

Lao said the investment grade status will result to cheaper cost of money for economy/PAGE 11

‘Bottom-up-budgeting’ okayed THE Cagayan de Oro city government has allocated P65 million for its priority projects under the “bottomup-budgeting” policy of the 2014 national budget.

Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Nacaya said Wednesday said the city council has adopted Ordinance No. 12566-2013 t hat l isted t he pr ior it y poverty reduction projects of the city government.

He said the list of the poverty reduction projects was submitted by City Mayor Vicente Emano which the city council has unanimously approved.

The list includes the op en i ng of Biga s a n s a Barangay in the 80 barangays, school repairs, renovation and improvement of comfort rooms and water sanitation project in schools, Gulayan

sa Paaralan; mobile school for street children; mangrove reforestation and watershed rehabilitation project, farm to market roads, expansion of level of water supply system for CDORSHP- Phase 3, Calaanan; IP and Cultural Commu nit y projects in d ressma k i ng, ta i lor i ng, food packaging and labeling facilities. okayed/PAGE 11

ABOUT 132 compa nies would join t he two-day “mega job fair” here starting today, City Mayor Vicente Emano said on Wednesday.

He said that a report from the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) also estimated a total of 35,000 ava i lable domest ic a nd overseas jobs during the job fair.

Emano said that 22,390 vacant overseas jobs would be available while 12,460 would be available for local placement.

Jobs avai lable for

local employment are for a c c ou nt i n g g r a du a t e s ; agricu lturists; cashiers; electricians; graphic artists; lab analysts; management trainees; machine operators; c i v i l e n g i n e e r s ; pr o of readers; full time lecturers; pharmacists; data encoders; bookkeepers; tellers; and web/publication developers; among others.

Ema no sa id t hat 32 recruitment agencies would be hiring nurses; x-ray and laboratory technicians; hotel staff; architects, caregivers, manicurists/pedicurists;

barista/bartenders; administrative staff; welders and others for companies overseas.

Juvy Paza, head of the PESO, said that job seekers should pre-register with the office and should bring four sets of resume, transcript of records, and employment certificates if any.

She said that the PESO continues to receive the registration of companies and applicants who would be participating in the job fair until Wednesday afternoon.

(PNA)

35,000 jobs available in Cag. de Oro ‘job fair’

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Globe and Bayan will jointly file an “amended rehabilitation plan” for the Lopez-led company “in the coming weeks,” Globe Chief Financial Officer Alberto M . de L a r r a z aba l told reporters after the company’s stock holders meeting in Makati City.

“We have said that we intend to put Bayantel on a more solid footing, and that would entail conversion of debt into equity,” Mr. De Larrazabal said.

“The intent or desire is to end up with a majority stake.”

Globe became Bayan’s la rgest creditor a f ter pu rcha si ng t he lat ter’s debts totaling “around $400 million” in December last year.

Asked if Globe wants buy out the Lopez family from Bayan, Mr. De Larrazabal

replied: “That is one of the options that is being discussed.”

“Right now they (Lopezes) own 97%. It depends on the amount that the court will allow us to own,” he explained.

Mr. De Larrazabal noted that Globe is allowed to own only up to 40% of Bayan under the existing rehabilitation plan.

He said Globe hopes to complete the investment under the new rehabilitation plan by yearend.

Officials of Bayan, which has been under corporate rehabilitation since 2003, did not respond to requests for comment. “ We w i l l i nt e g r a t e operations but they will be separate entities,” Mr. Larrazabal said when asked what will happen after Globe takes control of Bayan.

Coca-Cola Q1 earnings plummet on sagging US, Europe market sales WASHINGTON - Soft drinks king Coca-Cola reported a fall in earnings for the first quarter Tuesday as sales sagged in the key US and European markets and restructuring costs hit North American profits.

Coke’s net income for the quarter to March 31 fell 14.8 percent to a lower-thanexpected $1.75 billion, compared to $2.05 billion a year earlier.

Operating revenues fell 1 percent to $11.04 billion, while operating income fell 4 percent to $2.41 billion.

Earnings per share fell six cents to 39 cents.

Coke said operating income in the crucial North American region fell 24 percent, mainly due to investments in the ongoing productivity and reinvestment program.

Sales in Latin American grew 4 percent, to a level surpassing Europe, where sales edged lower amid the ongoing recession.

Sales in the Eurasia and Africa division jumped 9 percent, but mainly due to the company’s acquisition of Saudi Arabia bottler Aujan.

The company “once again delivered solid growth against

the backdrop of a still uncertain global economy,” said Coke chairman and chief executive Muhtar Kent in a statement.

“Guided by our 2020 Vision, our roadmap for winning together with our global system bottling partners, we enter 2013 and the fourth year of our journey to 2020 focused and on track to reach our goals.”

The company also announced a major effort to better carve up territory with five major US bottlers for the company’s beverages: Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., Swire Coca-Cola USA, Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country and Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works, Inc. The effort “might include an outright territory sale, a territory swap, or a sub-bottling arrangement, under which the bottler would make ongoing payments in exchange for exclusive territory operating rights,” Coke said.

The effort is aimed at “allowing each bottler to better service local customers and provide more efficient execution.” — Agence France-Presse

The rehabilitation court last month allowed both firms to jointly use the 1800 megahertz frequency assigned to Bayan.

FUND RAISING Me a nw h i le , M r. D e Larrazabal said Globe is poised to raise around $120 million to partially fund its capital expenditures (capex) for this year.

“We have raised about $200 million so far. We need about $120 million more,” he said.

“This is something that we will more likely close towards the end of the first

half of the year.”

Last month, the company said it had secured approximately $195 million in loans from Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. Globe has programmed $450-500 million capex this year, nearly a fifth less than “around $600 million” in 2012, Mr. De Larrazabal had said in February.

Around $160-210 million of t he c apex ha s been allocated for “transformation initiatives” while $290 million will be spent for “business-

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thursday April 18, 2013

Globe set for controlling stake in Bayan GLOBE TELECOM, Inc. is positioning for a controlling stake in Bayan Telecommunications, Inc. after becoming the largest creditor of the troubled telephone company, a senior official of the Ayala-led firm said.

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as-usual investments,” which include a “provision for fixedline data investments and international cable facilities,” the company said.

The company early last year embarked on a $790-million net work modernizat ion

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program, which is expected to be completed this year.

G lob e ’s ne t i nc ome plunged by 30.21% to P6.86 billion last year from P9.83 billion in 2011, according to the company’s audited financial statement.

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Edited at the Office of the President of the Philippines pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 638 as amended by the Administraticve Code of 1987

Speech of President Aquino at the ceremonial contract signing of PHIVIDEC and FDC Utilities Inc., April 17, 2013 Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Philippines At the ceremonial signing of PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority and FDC Utilities Inc.

[Delivered at Malacañan Palace on April 17, 2013] Thank you. Good morning. Please sit down.

Secretaries Icot Petilla and Voltaire Gazmin; Mr. Jess Alcordo; of course, executive director, Mr. Leo Magno, a person who represents his family who if they have not the vision to help us in this strive to make Mindanao really the “land of promise fulfilled”; Mr. Jonathan Gotianun; of course, honorable Mayor Juliet Uy, instrumental in seeing this project really carried out; officials and staff of the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation Industrial Authority and FDC Utilities Inc. and their financial partners; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen: Hingi na muna ako sa inyong paumnahin. Aabot ho ng seven pages itong talumpati imbes na lima. [Laughter] It has been said that in the Philippines, public officials are of two molds: On one hand, there are those who focus their energies solely on the next election; on the other hand, there are those who think of the next generation. This contract signing today demonstrates a new face of Philippine governance: We are witnessing a great step in our shared pursuit of bequeathing to succeeding generations a Philippines that meets its full potential. Through the collective efforts of forward thinkers in public service, and of our partners in Filinvest, we are showing our commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth whose impact will be felt by Filipinos even decades from now.

Since we assumed office, our intention has been clear: No longer will Mindanao be known merely as the Land of Promise; it will become the Land of Promise Fulfilled. The contract being signed today is a concrete symbol of our progress towards that goal; it is a strong statement of our administration’s belief that long standing problems can be solved not simply by choosing the easy solution, but by embarking on the right solutions—which require a thorough understanding of the problem, and careful consideration of all factors involved.

As you may know, the energy situation in Mindanao did not arise overnight. Trouble began brewing when—and I am sorry to say this—a number of legislators from the region, and other leaders, wished to be exempted from the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. This divorced Mindanao from the Republic Act that allowed NAPOCOR to sell its plants to private investors, using the proceeds to reduce its debt. It would allow—and it has allowed—our power sector to be influenced by sound business policies, referring to EPIRA, and not merely by political expediency. EPIRA abolished the system that once allowed politicians and other officials to simply undertake what was politically convenient, that is: to artificially lower electricity rates just to gear up for coming elections. But the system—however and due to this—has remained the same in Mindanao.

Back then, leaders from Mindanao sought to continue taking advantage of the massive hydro resources in the area, with, unfortunately, the dangerous assumption that the cheap hydro power could last forever. They neglected the fact that the hydropower plants are machines that need to be maintained, improved, and if not replaced, especially if they are to meet the increasing demand. Much more, instead of actively protecting the source of hydropower, illegal logging was allowed to continue, watersheds were lost, which, compounded with the effects of climate change, significantly limited the amount of power that could be produced. This focus on maintaining cheap power in an unsustainable manner also scared away investors, who did not have the confidence to set up alternative power resources in Mindanao. In short, temporary convenience trumped preparedness for the future, and, ultimately, the people of Mindanao lost.

It would be ideal if a problem of this magnitude would be or could be fixed overnight, but problems that evolved over decades can only be solved through a clear strategy, and many days and nights of hard work. Those of you here would know: these things take time, and must be done correctly and carefully. In fact, it takes three years to build a coal-fired power plant. So, when we stepped into office, we knew that we had to start working immediately. We began making the structural changes that encouraged the private sector to come in and put up power plants. And last year, Aboitiz began a project to build two coal-fired power plants in Davao, which will provide a total of 300 megawatts. These will be finished by late 2015. By then, with all the projects we have lined up, we fully expect that this problem will be a thing of the past.

And hopefully, the thinking that led us to this problem will also be a thing of the past.

The confidence we are enjoying is palpable even in the international community. In fact, as mentioned by the Sultan of Brunei yesterday, they are very serious about their intention to bring natural gas to Mindanao. The memorandums of understanding have already been signed for this project.

These plants that Filinvest is committing to is a reaffirmation of this confidence. They are a significant part of the long-term solution. This signing gives us peace of mind that the permanent solutions are being put in place. By 2016, these three plants, by themselves, will be providing 405 megawatts of coal power to the Mindanao grid. (The figures, I think, should be checked a little.) With the energy these plants will be producing, by 2016, we expect production capacity to be almost 470 megawatts above peak demand. Nakaktuwa po ng puso ‘pag angyari na nga po ‘to, kaysa ngayon na four megawatts above demand ‘pag sinuwerte.

Moreover, these will diversify the energy mix, and more importantly, they will provide a more robust base load capacity for the region.

In other words, we are not just increasing Mindanao’s maximum capacity. Beyond that, we are

reinforcing their entire energy supply with more reliable and stable sources. We are making their energy infrastructure much more competitive. We should also not forget that in constructing these power plants, Filinvest will be injecting 29-30 billion pesos into Mindanao’s economy, while giving jobs to two thousand workers in the process.

This development comes at a critical time. In the coming years, the economy of Mindanao is set for explosive growth. You all know that we are working steadily with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to move forward a peace agreement that will lead to both peace and prosperity in the region. When that happens, we can fully expect that more investors will turn to Mindanao—in addition to those that have already found places like Davao and Cagayan de Oro to be lucrative centers of business. Consistent and fairly priced energy will be the factor that will tip the scales in Mindanao’s favor, and ensure its growth—and the well-being of its people—in the years to come.

Today’s contract signing gives us more reason to be optimistic about Mindanao’s prospects; and I extend my gratitude to those responsible for making this happen—to PHIVIDEC, to Filinvest, and, of course, to Secretaries Rene Almendras and Icot Petilla and their respective staffs, who have worked with great energy, withstood tremendous abuse to bring about lasting change and unimpeded progress to Mindanao.

I hope that you are aware of exactly what you are doing for the region. At the end of the day, you are not just entering into another business venture—you are not just increasing the energy generation capacity of Mindanao. You are helping Filipinos live better, more dignified lives; you are fortifying the backbone of their economy; ultimately, you are increasing the capacity of Mindanaoans—and all Filipinos—to hope for brighter futures.

I wish this project all the success in the world; and I am extremely hopeful that this will serve as an example of the benefit that partnerships such as this can bring not just to your companies, or to government-owned companies, but most importantly, to each and every Filipino.

And before I end, I just really have to emphasize this: May problema po tayo sa kuryente sa Mindanao, obvious. ‘Pag naghanap tayo ng solusyon, kada solusyon na mungkahi mo, mayroon ka sigurong sampung mas magaling sa iyong kontra nang kontra. Kailangan nating pasalamatan ang butihin nating Mayor Uy dahil alam ko pong may geothermal na project na clean energy na sana, na makakatulong na sa Mindanao eh pininsala ng LGU at umatras na po ang private company sa pagtatayo ng plantang ito. Kailangan po ng kooperasyon talaga. Gusto natin ng clean energy—sana, kailangan naikabit kahapon ang ating generating capacity. Sana. Ang problema nga ho, ang pagkaintindi niyan, halos walang nangyari simula sa buong termino ng ating pinalitan hanggang dumating na nga ang panahon na ‘yong kakulangan sa paghahanda sa kinabukasan ay pinagbabayaran na natin ngayon.

Sa, salamat po sa pamilya ni sir Jonathan Gortianum. Alam n’yo, ‘yong binanggit sa akin ng iyong ina na handang-handa kayong umabot hanggang 600 megawatts, sabi ko, “Two million dollars per megawatt at kayang-kaya n’yong pondohan ito. Grabe naman ang confidence ang binibigay n’yo.” Eh talaga namang nakakapuno ng ating kalooban na maganda ho ang prospects ng Mindanao.

PHIVIDEC, I really have to–and especially Leo Magno who brought up the idea—there are advantages to putting it up on PHIVIDEC, and there are certain bureaucratic niceties that had to be attended to to have a, in a sense, really make PHIVIDEC a very progressive component of this country. And we’d like to thank Leo of this vision and his perseverance, and calling our attention to this. Put in mind: The investors represented by the Gotianun family at this point in time are not—not to be insulting—businessmen normally would tend to be a conservative lot.

But here, they are actually placing the other sources to a commitment not in terms of a demonstrated market that is already there but rather this is really a commitment of theirs to share in building a future, which is to invest when it is not exactly clear. Everything will materialize in the best light. So, it is a boat of confidence on their part, and this should be encouraged. And, we should help those who are actively helping to solve the problem instead of grandstanding.

Madali hong magreklamo pero—pati naman ho sa Garden of Eden nagkaroon ng problema eh. Madaling magreklamo pero para malaman natin ang totoo, hanapin natin ang magbibigay ng solusyon at hindi nagpapa-cute lang. At, itong mga kasamahan natin ngayon araw na ‘to ay talagang sumama sa paghubog ng solusyon. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo. Asahan po n’yo na handa ang gobyerno na talagang tumulong sa inyo. Baka magsabi naman, “Bakit naman hindi na lang gobyerno ang magtayo nito?” Mayroon po sa EPIRA, bawal na po ang NAPOCOR na magtayo ng sariling generating plants. So, pasalamatan ko rin ang ating dalawang kalihim, una, Secretary of Energy Rene Almendras na pinagpatuloy ni Icot. Alam n’yo iyan po’y isa sa mga thankless jobs sa gobyernong ‘to. ‘Pag tumaas ang presyo ng krudo sa ibang parte ng mundo, kasalanan nila. [Laughter] Tumaas ang presyo ng kuryente, kasalanan nila. ‘Pag kulang ang kuryente, kasalanan nila. May mga araw na gusto nila sigurong maging pahinante at sila na magtayo ng power plants para masabi nilang “pati nga paglalagay ng semento sumali na kami para mapabilis iyan.” Pero, we are fortunate we have people like them who, again, have had to withstand tremendous abuse but are doing the right thing so that we do leave a country and bequeath to the next generation a country definitely better than what we found.

Thank you.

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ExportBank up for liquidation

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BANK regulators have decided to liquidate ordered EIB closed on April 26, 2012 after the bank deExport and Industry Bank (EIB).

In a statement, state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp (PDIC) said the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ordered the liquidation of the shuttered lender.

The BSP’s policy-making body issued the order after PDIC reported that rehabilitation of EIB was no longer possible.

The state deposit insurer on March 20 declared a failure of bidding for EIB after no third-party investor came forward with a plan to rehabilitate the bank. This was

the second failed auction after October 18, when PDIC likewise received no bids for the bank.

According to the state deposit insurer, EIB’s assets are worth P13.65 billion, or P11.02 billion short of its P24.67 billion in liabilities at end-2012.

On the basis of the BSP order, PDIC will soon file with the court a petition for assistance in liquidation of EIB, which would involve the collection of outstanding loans and the sale of assets.

The Monetar y Board

clared a holiday on account of its inability to service withdrawals.

Before the bank holiday, Banco De Oro Unibank (BDO) was poised to acquire EIB. Both parties had secured BSP and PDIC approval of the takeover, but BDO cited pending legal issues that prevented it from pursuing the deal.

EIB was dragged into a case involving its brokerage unit. The case stemmed from the alleged unauthorized sale of securities entrusted by companies owned by businessman William Gatchalian.

After a failed bid for its rehabilitation, shuttered ExportBank is now subject for liquidation by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

SSS posts 42% net income growth in 2012 THE Social Security System (SSS) recorded a net income of P36.20 billion in 2012, up

by P10.65 billion or 42 percent from the P25.55 billion that it earned in 2011, primarily due to double-digit growths in contribution collections and investment earnings alongside SSS’ tight monitoring of expenses for operations and benefits.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said contribution collections, which made up 74 percent of SSS’ gross revenues last year, rose by 10 percent to P94.21 billion, while investment and other income grew by 13.49 percent to P33.89 billion.

Citing SSS’ 2012 financial statement, De Quiros said that total SSS revenues jumped by 11 percent to P128.10 billion

from P115.84 billion in 2011, in sharp contrast to the two percent increase in total expenditures from P90.28 billion in 2011 to P91.90 billion last year.

“The SSS is doing what it can to keep the fund viable by taking advantage of investment opportunities and carefully managing benefit payouts and operating expenses. Our initiatives to enlighten more workers on the value of SSS coverage and the importance of active membership also helped boost contribution collections, which is the lifeblood of the SSS fund,” he added.

Among SSS’ performance highlights last year was the formal launch of the “AlkanSSSya” program, which aims to promote active SSS membership among informal sector workers, who are identified as economi-

cally vulnerable due to their irregular income and lack of social security protection.

De Quiros noted that SSS attracted close to 50 informal sector groups with an estimated membership of 11,000 self-employed workers to the AlkanSSSya program in 2012 alone, adding that it continues to offer the innovative microsavings scheme this 2013 as “a major driver to cover the unregulated sector.”

“With tricycle drivers and operators as our initial market, the AlkanSSSya has now evolved to include market vendors, garbage pickers, barangay employees, and even golf caddies,” he said. “This attests to how easy it is for workers to adopt the program to help them save for SSS contributions using a communal piggy-bank with individual

compartments.”

On the investments front, the SSS earned P26.45 billion from private equities and

government securities that brought in P15.54 billion and P10.91 billion, respectively, due to a higher level of portfolio

and stock market gains last year. The two comprised 78.05 percent of SSS’ investment and other income last year.

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Acceptance and abandonment

I

n t his life, we need to acquire a good, healthy and Traces sporting spirit, because life

By Fr. Roy Cimagala is actually like a game. Yes, life is like a game. We set out to pursue a goal, we have to follow certain rules, we are given some means, tools and instruments, we are primed to win and we do our best, but losses can come, and yet, we just have to move on.

Woe to us when we get stuck with our defeats and failures, developing a loser’s mentality. That would be the epic fail that puts a period and a finis in a hanging narrative, when a comma, a colon or semi-colon would have sufficed.

We need a sporting spirit because life’s true failure can come only when we choose not to have hope. That happens when our vision and understanding of things is narrow and limited, confined only to the here and now and ignorant of the transcendent reality of the spiritual and supernatural world.

An indispensable ingredient of this healthy sporting spirit is the sense of acceptance and abandonment that we need to deliberately cultivate. This does not come automatically, as if it’s part of our genes. We have to develop them.

We have to learn to accept things the way they are or the way they can be. Yes, it’s true that we can shape things and events in our life. We can even shape, to a certain extent, persons.

There’s a certain validity to the saying that “life is what we make it.” But this cannot be true all the time.

We cannot succeed in all our plans all the time, no matter how pure our intentions and heroic our deeds. Life has aspects outside our control.

It would be wrong to fall into anguish and bitterness just because of these frustrations. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, we are already warned to be ready to accept all kinds of possible situations and predicaments.

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” What does it a profit if one works or not, is wise or not, if he succeeds or loses.

Cimagala/PAGE 7

HINTS

Start a new relationship with someone you already know

recent study of fathers and their children was done in America with shocking results. The study showed that the average father spends only 37 seconds each day actually talking and listening to his child. Inside our family, we can live separate lives in our own world. Even though we live together, we don’t really know each other and what each of us is feeling and going through. A teenager’s gravestone read: “Couldn’t you see that I was dying?”

Dad and Mom, sometimes we can read the weather signs better than we can read our own kids. Often we don’t know what they’re facing and feeling. We don’t know their fears, hurts, or frustrations. Are we really listening and understanding each other? Or do we just go through the motions every day, but actually close our ears and hearts to them?

Is it because we’re not really interested? Or do we simply not want to know the truth because we’re not sure how to handle it. We don’t want to be confused with the facts! Sometimes we parents choose to put our time and energy into our job and career because it’s easier than really dealing with our kids or our spouse. But the more we escape from each other and our relationship challenges, the more distant and lonely we become.

Why not start a new relationship with your mate and

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T

A Minute

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst

children? Today, you can start changing. You can start tearing down the walls between you and your loved ones, and start building a new, closer relationship with them. First, we have to let go of old hurts and anger toward each other.

We must choose to forgive them and begin again. We also must stop having such unfair, high expectations of our kids, wife or husband, so they feel that we’ll only love them if they do what we want.

You see, it all begins with starting a new relationship with the One Who gave us each other. In fact, Jesus died just so you and I could be forgiven of all our wrongs and enjoy a daily, personal relationship with Him. So why not ask Jesus to forgive you and take charge of your new life with Him? He’s the One Who can give you His kind of love and power you need every day to start building and enjoying the close, happy family you want.

Just Think a Minute…

Gripping joblessness

he Philippines unemployment rate rose to 7.1 percent in January of 2013, from 6.8 percent in October of 2012. The continued deterioration of the labor market sector showed that the number of unemployed and underemployed reached an all-time high: 2,894,000 and 7,934,000, respectively. If we multiply these two sets of numbers by 5 persons to take into account the dependents, then millions are going hungry these days. There are more than 10 million Filipinos today who do not partake of the economic growth of 6% that the National Economic and Development Authority have churned out.

In economics, this scenario is called jobless growth or unemployment drag.

Specifically, the number of unemployed workers rose by 2,000 while the number of underemployed soared by 812,000. The Philippines has registered the highest unemployment rate among ASEAN-5 countries. The Aquino administration has pledged to meet its goal of reducing unemployment rate to between 4% and 5% by 2016. At the rate of a minimum investment of P250,000 pesos to produce 1 job, the country needs billions of pesos of investments to hire the 14.6 million jobless. There is another challenge of 1.1 million new entrants to the labor force every year that the government needs to account for.

The goal that should keep the Malacanang officials sleepless at night is to provide jobs for 14.6 million unemployed Filipinos. If President Aquino is in search of a lasting legacy, this goal is worth it. After all, the media communications group of Malacanang has been harping that we are the President’s “boss”. Jobs need to be created inside the Philippines as soon as possible. The muchvaunted Private-Public Partnership flagship projects need

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By Amparo Pamela Fabe to go beyond sound bites and press releases.

The search for overseas work has become challenging. The exacerbated political conflict in the Middle East and Africa, the persistent economic doldrums in Europe and the deep economic cuts in the United States leave a limited set of work possibilities abroad for Filipinos. Even the jobs open to seamen has become fraught with dangers due to attacks by pirates on the high seas.

The goal of reducing unemployment may possibly become an empty promise in the Aquino Administration when no big government project is ready for implementation soon.

Government consumption is the main engine for economic expansion and the one with the largest multiplier effect.

The President must pressure his Cabinet to start bidding the major infrastructure projects.

The jobless outlook can be addressed in two approaches.

The first approach is that the Aquino Administration has to fill up the vacant positions in the government departments after the May elections. Many government positions remain vacant resulting in the inefficient and poor delivery of public service in the rural areas. The second approach is for the government to encourage the private sector to support and pursue major infrastructure projects by offering them adequate financial resources and financial packages and a stable regulatory environment.

The time to act is now.

Thrift Banks - for broader horizons SPEAKING O (Last of two parts)

D

uring the recent Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) annual convention, BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. and former CTB President Gigi Montinola, had these words of advice for the CTB. Specifically, the chamber could broaden its horizons by elevating its vantage point. In other words, thrift banks should see the big picture.

Let me paraphrase Governor Tetangco.

As market opportunities expand, we need to also work together so we can maintain strong credit discipline and avoid imprudent lending and investments.

In a low-interest-rate situation, according to Tetangco, banks may be tempted to chase after higher yields. This should not distract banks from maintaining, even tightening, their credit underwriting standards not just for real estate activities (as the BSP recently mandated) but also for auto loans, credit card receivables and other consumer loans.

“This is to ensure that we don’t end up financing lemons.”

Tetangco also urged the chamber to also “actively participate in the culture and practice of financial education and consumer protection.”

“These are not just fancy buzz words. In fact, in the BSP, we take these twin advocacies seriously. We undertake outreaches to raise the awareness of the financial consumer so that each of them can make informed saving and investment choices.

“Thrift banks need to consider lending more to the MSME economic segment. A healthier MSME sector will

ut

By Ignacio Bunye

help ensure our economic growth is broad-based and inclusive.

“Thrift banks, however, must not just lend more in terms of nominal amounts.

The challenge to the industry really is to ensure that such lending continuously creates further opportunities.”

For his part, Montinola said that if he were still a president of a thrift bank, he would always keep the following in mind: “Product performance is now as important as personal relationship, and multi bank banking is becoming the norm, and not the exception.

“Therefore, thrift banks must invest in analyzing customer needs, developing products to suit their needs, and training their staff to appropriately sell their products.

“Second, bank owners in the Philippines must commit to professionalize their banks or fall by the wayside. Bank owners should stick to their other businesses and let the professionals run their banks.

“Third, unless banking is your main business, I think that there are merits in either partnering with a number of other banks or even going in the merger and consolidation route. The alternative will be to keep the bank small and well managed, focusing on a particular niche area.”

Points very well taken, indeed.

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Everything will just be the same in that everything ends and is thrown into Sheol, that is, into darkness and oblivion.

Of course, this Old Testament wisdom has a limited validity. It is imperfect and incomplete, in that it has not yet known the liberation and perfection brought about

by Christ, the Son of God who became man precisely to save us.

But it is basis enough for us to develop an attitude of acceptance in life, which also has to be accompanied by an attitude of abandonment in the hands of God. This latter attitude is rooted on a richer truth that comes from our faith, our belief that there is God, our Creator and Father, who loves us and provides for us everything that we need.

We need to enliven our faith, detaching ourselves from the suffocating grip of our senses and reasoning

alone that can only discern things to a certain extent, but not all the way. We need faith to put ourselves in the omniscient and omnipotent system of God. As Pope Benedict said in his Letter, Porta fidei (Door of faith), that proclaimed the Year of Faith for 2012 to 2013, “t here is no other possibility for possessing certitude with regard to one’s life apart from self-abandonment, in a continuous crescendo, into the hands of a love that grows constantly because it has its origin in God.” (7) Only the doubters and skeptics, the agnostics and atheists subjectively exclude themselves from the all-embracing providence of God, who governs everything out of wisdom and love.

A certain sense of abandonment is needed in life. It surely is not the type where we just do nothing. It’s an active, intelligent abandonment, driven by faith and love for God. We can know God, and

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know him a lot. We can cooperate with him, and cooperate with him a lot.

But we cannot know him completely, nor cooperate with him 100%.

Someone said t hat if

Turnover of Medical Apparatus in Agusan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Rep. Benjo A. Benaldo announces that he has now a total of 168 projects for the first congressional district of Cagayan de Oro City, a significant increase from the 100 or so projects since last year.

Benaldo made the announcement even as some of the projects are still ongoing and would be turned over to the barangays as soon as completed.

All 24 barangays in the city’s first district are benefiting from these projects include school buildings, water systems, roads, medical missions, cov-

ered courts, drainage systems, scholarship, milk feeding and livelihood activities for farmers and women.

Benaldo’s biggest ongoing project is the flood control system being constructed along the Carmen bank of the Cagayan River below the Ysalina Bridge.

The Cagayan de Oro congressman is the Assistant Majority Floor Leader in the House of Representatives.

He said that this gives him a certain privilege in coming up with infrastructure and other projects because he can be more heard in Congress.

According to his chief of staff, Andrew Bascon, should Benaldo win another term in

transcends our ways. So trust, a sense of abandonment, is unavoidable.

Christ, the fullness of divine revelation, himself taught us to live a certain sense of abandonment. And

he lived it to perfection when he abandoned himself to the will of his Father by accepting his death on the cross.

Let’s meditate on his passion and death often.

Cong. Rufus Rodriguez turns over to Agusan Health Center some medical apparatus like Aneroid Type Omron Blood Pressure, weighing scale for infants, weighing scale for adults, nebulizer machine and digital thermometer that cost P30 thousand pesos. Also in photo are Barangay Kagawad Catalina Ordiz, Department of Health Regional Director Arestides Tan, Barangay Chair Bebot Rodriguez, in-charge of medical team; Midwife Roumila Oro, Midwife, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and the Barangay Health Workers of Agusan.

Benaldo announces completion of more projects

By GERRY LEE GORIT

anyone claims to know God completely, and by corollary, to cooperate with him completely, we can be sure that that God is not the real God, for God, while knowable and relatable, always

7

the May 2013 mid-term elections he would be able to get additional projects for the first district of the city.

In the meantime, Benaldo has been going around the barangays to campaign along with the Padayon Pilipino party candidates of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano.

Accompanying Benaldo in meeting the people is Brazilian model and actress Diana Menezes who is said to be his sweetheart.

Benaldo and Menezes have been seen shaking the hands of local residents and listening to their concerns as his constituents.

Re-electionist Congessman Benjo A. Benaldo shakes hands with supporters in a barangay of the first congressional district of Cagayan de Oro City. Benaldo is going around the 24 barangays of the district to meet with his constituents and campaign for the coming May elections. photo by gerry lee gorit

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SoCot eyes more projects for farmers A series of project-proposal sessions with members of these associations, specifically those in the Marbel Banga River Irrigation System, was launched recently, he added.

“We’re teaching them [to identify] the projects their community or group needs and we help package them [as] proposals for DA funding,” Legaste said.

According to him, this initiative was launched to take advantage of the considerable increase in the budget allocation for the department this year.

The DA has a P74.1-billion

budget this year, a 20-percent increase from its 2012 budget. Similarly, the DA in Region 12 (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces and General Santos City or Soccsksargen) saw its budget increase by about 62 percent to P1.28 billion in 2012 from about P795 million the year before.

Amalia Jayag-Datukan, DA-Region 12 executive director, said her office would use its budget to fund and implement projects benefiting local farmers and distribute more farm equipment to them. (DA)

‘Monsanto Protection Act’ bad for PHL agriculture

ASEAN to revive coconut industry

TRADE PARTNERSHIP. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Iraqi Ambassador Wadee Batti Hanna Al-Batti discuss trade partnership on sugar, long grain aromatic organic rice and other agricultural products during a courtesy visit at the Department of Agriculture this month. Iraq has expressed interest in buying a huge volume of sugar under a US$300 million budget allotted for some 2,500 projects. According to Alcala, the country is open to Iraqi investors who might be interested in farm mechanization and farm processing technologies. photo by kathrino resurreccion/da

GENERAL SANTOS CITY— Agriculture officials in South Cotabato province are pushing for the implementation of more community-based agricultural projects this year by assisting local farmers and irrigators in making proposals.

Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculturist, said he and other agriculture officials are helping farmers’ organizations and irrigators’ associations in the area avail themselves of some projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA) through several capabilityenhancement programs.

By BONG D. FABE

THE government, especially the Agriculture department must make a stand now on the issue of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and/or genetically-engineered (GE) seeds especially with the recent signing of the so-called “Monsanto Protection Act” by the American president.

Businessman Mike Plana, second nominee of the Aksyon Magsasaka-Partido Tinig ng Masa (AKMA-PTM) partylist said that the “Monsanto Protection Act” is very dangerous to Philippine agriculture and may undermine the government’s food self-sufficiency program.

Plana, owner of EuroAsia Pharmaceuticals, said there is an urgent need for the government to make its stand known now because Filipinos are prone to copying America.

“The national leadership [of the Agriculture department] should make a stand…We must not keep silent or else we will wake up one day with GMOs and GE already on our farms and ultimately on our dining table,” he told Business Daily.

“Monsanto Protection Act” is the name opponents labelled on Section 735 of the US’s Agriculture Appropriations Act or HR 933 as it effectively protects the biotech giant [Monsanto] from litigation.

Section 735, opponents said, is very terrifying because it (1) effectively bars US federal courts from being able to halt the sale or planting of GMO or GE seeds, no matter what health issues may arise in the future; (2) was apparently written in collusion with Monsanto; and (3) sets a terrible precedent as its message is that corporations can get around consumer safety protections if they get Congress on their side.

Monsanto is the producer of leading seed brands in the world. Its business is structured in two segments: seeds and traits, in which it uses genetic

technology, biotechnology, bio-engineering, among others; and crop protection, in which it formulates and manufactures various chemicals such as the world’s best-selling herbicide “Roundup.”

Anti-GMO advocates alleged that the advent of GMOs was largely because of the unrelenting push by Monsanto; that GMOs and GE seeds now proved to be a huge boon for Monsanto’s profits.

Plana said the government must institute measures to safeguard the country’s agriculture sector or else we will wake up one day with foreign biotech giants dictating our agriculture sector through its copyrighted GMOs and GE seeds.

“The agricultural affairs and destiny of our country should be in the hands and decided by the Filipino people, not by the Americans or Obama or Monsanto...We should not keep silent baka magising tayo nakapasok na ito sa ating bansa,” he stressed.

“There are harmful side effects to GMOs. And Filipino farmers should be informed about GMOs. Our government must spend money to inform our people, our farmers the full truth about GMOs,” he added.

US President Barack Obama signed HR 933 (2013 agriculture budget) with the so-called “Monsanto Protection Act” embedded in it on March 26, 2013.

That day was described by Greenpeace International as “a very sad day for democracy and the future of our food.”

G.E. SEEDS. A farmer shows some genetically-engineered soybeans to make them “Roundup ready.” photo courtesy of glen stubbe /zuma press

“The signing by President Obama of this legislation will effectively bar US federal courts from being able to halt the sale or planting of genetically engineered (GE) crops even if they failed to be approved by the government’s own weak approval process and no matter what the health or environmental consequences might be. Groups have rightly called this legislation the ‘Monsanto Protection Act’ as it enables Monsanto and other companies to continue to sell GE seeds even when declared illegal by the courts,” said Eric Darier, senior campaigner on sustainable agriculture at Greenpeace International.

Darier said that the “Monsanto Protection Act “should also be a reminder to all of us across the world of the ability of some corporations like Monsanto to influence policymakers to adopt measures that are against sustainable agriculture, farmers, consumers and the environment.”

Greenpeace had repeatedly urged the Aquino administra-

tion to declare GMOs “unsafe” as it only harm the environment and public health as well as promote agricultural monopoly by giant agro-chemical companies.

It also urged the Department of Agriculture to follow India, whose Supreme Court ordered in October 2012 a 10-year moratorium on all field trials of GM Bt food crops “due to serious safety concerns.”

The India Supreme Court report said that the moratorium was necessary because of the potential harm GM crops can cause to human health, and biodiversity. They also warned of the possibility that field trials will contaminate regular crops and other food supply.

The expert body believes that India’s current regulatory system to assess the safety of GM crops is inadequate and raises questions about the ability to safely conduct field trials.

“This official unanimous declaration on the risks of GMOs, by India’s leading biotech scientists is the latest nail

on the coffin for GMOs around the world,” said Daniel M. Ocampo, Sustainable Agriculture and Genetic Engineering campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“It is yet another proof that GMOs are bad for the health, bad for the environment, bad for farmers and bad for the economy. The Philippines should learn from this expert recommendation and use it as a guide for more stringent policies concerning these transgenic crops,” he added.

The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has approved 67 GMOs for importation as food, feed and processing, since 2004. And the most worrisome GMO approvals the DA had done are for rice, the country’s staple food.

To date, the Philippines has approved a total of 67 GMO crops. Greenpeace put the government’s approval rating of GMOs at 1.5 GMOs per month since 2004.

THE ten member-countries of the geo-political and economic organization known as Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have forged an agreement to revive what many have dubbed as a “sunset industry”—the coconut industry.

During its meeting last week (April 10 to 12) in Pasig City, delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines agreed to “promote the development of the coconut industry with ASEAN.” They also committed to “aim high and forge closer and stronger alliances to continue the innovation and dynamic ideas to promote the growth of coconut in the ASEAN community,” said Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Euclides G. Forbes.

Agriculture Secretary Proseso J. Alcala, whose message was read for him by Forbes, urged the delegates to put “more investment support toward enhancing the growth of business opportunities [for the coconut industry] within the ASEAN.” The meeting was the first ever by the National Focal Point Working Group on Coconut on ASEAN Cooperation in Agriculture and Forest Products Promotion Scheme, which was chaired

by PCA Deputy Administrator for Field Services Branch Roel M. Rosales.

The delegates discussed strategies on how best to implement the Specific Plan of Action for coconut, which focused on training for the production and marketing revive/PAGE 11

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The Working Children of Cagayan de Oro: A Sight to Ponder By: Emmanuel B. Alingig, P-III South City Central School These past months, much have been said about children who were abused, molested, and victimized not only by their friends, peers, relatives but also by their own parents and family. Different reactions from individuals, civic organizations, and government agencies who/ which care into the welfare of children can be read and heard all over the country. Nonetheless, can we tell ourselves that we have done something regarding these predicaments? Can we truly say, that we have given our share in answering to the needs of these kids?

In many developed countries, it is considered inappropriate or exploitative if a child below a certain age works (excluding household chores, in a family shop, or school-related work). These working children are part of those under the age of 18 who work full or part-time.

Summer vacation has started and as an educator and school administrator, I can not help but be sorry for the sight of working children who are a part of the abused and “utilized” children at their early age. While it is true that children should be loved and cared, a lot of them have been forcefully exploited not only by other people but by their own parents. Even during school days, many children can be seen selling wares, fruits, candies, and other items which can provide them with some earnings.

These working children do any low-skilled job that they can in order to help their families survive. Generally, they work as ambulatory vendors; being forced to sell vegetables and cellophanes/plastics ; provide labor in sweatshops and markets; made as conductors in jeepneys, or even drivers in “trisikads and motorelas”.

Sometimes, they do menial jobs like peeling potatoes and carrots in the markets, labor for baskets of vegetables, carry sacks of flour and rice which make their delicate bodies susceptible to harm and danger.

Some children in our schools often incurred absences because they were being asked by their mothers to be their “sidekicks” in the market, or being used as errands or houseboys by their neighbors for them to earn money and help their parents. They either work alone or in groups which sometimes make their jobs enjoyable though..

For this reason, many of them have not had the mental stimulation to be at the level of intellectual development that their non-working peers easily obtain. Also, many of them do such mundane, repetitive jobs (such as peeling potatoes), that they also have not developed proper motor skills (http//www.workingchildren.org.)

The working children in Cagayan de Oro have multiplied in a great extent since I moved to this place 23 years ago. Passing by the “basurahan” at Upper Carmen everytime I go to school as early as 4:00 o’çlock in the morning , makes me wonder, how these children who are already scavenging infront of mountains of garbage (which have started to diminish ) are being cheated of the luxury of sleep. Aren’t they supposed to be in bed enjoying their dreams and comfort at the wee hours of the day?

Children represent hope and the future in every society. Yet, in many parts of Asia and the Pacific (www. wikepedia.childlabor), children and their futures are at risk. Because these children are working, they are without proper protection. This vulnerable group can suffer undernourishment, poor health, and intellectual underdevelopment which can have lasting impacts on their persona.

Working children face a myriad of problems. Because

they spend most of their lives working on the streets and markets, they are much more vulnerable than non-working children to sexual and physical assaults by strangers, the temptations to steal, prostitution, and gang pressure aside from health problems from working on the street (such as poor-hygiene induced problems like scabies and lice, malnutrition, lack of access to clean water), environment stresses, and drug addiction. The children, who generally live with their family and work on the street and in the markets, suffer from many problems.

Although proliferation of working children is not desired and encouraged by DepEd, still our department has provided these working children with programs in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) which can help them continue their schooling even while working.

There are livelihood and entrepreneurship programs offered for them to develop skills and make them better- equipped especially those who dropped out from formal schooling by forced of circumstance. This alternative curriculum can still give them a chance to earn a living and at the same time continue and finish school in another program.

As an adopted Cagay-anon, I know our local government units have programs that might be able to minimize the influx of working and street children in our city. Nevertheless, these programs need to respect their rights as children and protected work opportunities for street youth, although families must need to recognize their own duty to provide for children’s rights and welfare. Our street educators, and street-based social workers, need to prove that they have the best ways of making contact with the street and working children in assessing their needs without compromising children’s independence and family responsibility (eba’13).

Today’s HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) - Before you dive head first into a new endeavor make sure you are aware of the expectations. When you know exactly what you are responsible for you can eliminate any chance of error. You may have to figure out the details on your own, but you aren’t one who needs instruction anyway. Do what you do best and take the lead of your professional life.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - When love is what you want to attract it is wise to first know what you want from love. The expectations you set determines how satisfied with a relationship or partner you are. Spend time deciding exactly what you want and who you want it with before you go about trying to get it.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - You are your number one priority and although your heart wants to help everyone else, you have to be your focus. If you aren’t totally aware of another’s intentions they can get one over on you. Don’t abandon your common sense or intuition.

If someone or something seems too good to be true it probably is.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - Confidence is a cornerstone to success, Pisces, and you must make an effort to build yours. Selfesteem can be bolstered by uplifting thoughts and by eliminating self-disparaging thoughts. Take stock of all your outstanding qualities and put them to good use. When you do what you’re good at it can amplify the positive effects on your self-confidence.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - Be realistic about the timeline of a proposed project. If you don’t anticipate the amount of time a certain endeavor will require you could come up short. Plan a strategy and a deadline for each task. When you have a plan you can avoid many obstacles just by preparing and pre planning for them.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) -Your focus has been consistently on work for some time now, but it is time for a change. The universe is ripe with love energy right now making it possible for you to meet your match. Make it a point to get out and socialize and you very well may be connected to someone who makes your heart sing.

LEO (July 23 – August 22) - A new and exciting endeavor promises to provide you with unexpected rewards. It may be scary to attempt something totally new to you, but you thrive off the excitement it brings. Think through your options carefully and set off down a path of discovery and promise. Your professional life can be totally reborn.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) - Channel your energy directly into making your dreams a reality right now. You can be determined when it comes to achieving a particular purpose and forget there are other aspects of life. This can be to your advantage right now as you feel inspired to go after your goals. Try not to take on too much at once, but rather take one step at a time.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - You may feel uncertain about the future right now, but circumstances will stabilize soon. An influential contact can assist you when you need it most. Even if it feels as though you have no control of the events occurring you will soon be able to manage them adeptly. You’ve got what it takes to excel you just need to believe that.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) - Instead of reinventing yourself overnight, try a more steady approach. You work as part of a team and if you decide to implement immediate changes you could throw the whole group off kilter. Make changes to one area at a time and you’ll allow everyone to keep up with the alterations without compromising quality.

ARIES (March 21- April 19) - You work to the highest standards of quality no matter what the fiscal gain associated with the task is. The problem with this is you can use all your energy and effort on a job that won’t pay your bills. Before you agree to a job make sure the return will be worth the effort.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - You maintain a healthy balance of instinct and intelligence. These two qualities can combine for effective decision making. When you are in doubt of which direction to go in stop and take a moment to check in with your intuition. You may get a feeling that one particular option will be the best.

CROSSWORD puzzle

CIRCLE A WORD On the rocks

appeal boat cabin care choppy crew deck

deep float foam fog fund harbour help

launch lifebelt lifeboat mist overboard pick up pilot

across 1.Cultured (8) 5.Cauliflower head (4) 7.Dumbfound (5) 8.Completely (7) 9.Senior citizen (9) 13.Fashionable (4) 16.Islamic name (3) 17.Insect (3) 18.Eternally (4) 21.Smoothing material (9) 24.Carribean island (7) 26.Snap (5) 27.Wall bar (4) 28.Largest moon of Jupiter (8) DOWN 1.Very sad (6) 2.Prawn dish (6) 3.Ogle (3,2) 4.Illuminated (3) 5.north America indian tribe (8) 6.Laundry machine (5) 8.Vase (3) 10.Andrew Lloyd Webber musical (5) 11.Black (5) 12.Irish Gaelic (4) 14.Hawaiian dance (4)

15.high-ranking clergyman (8) 19.City of canal (6) 20.Irk (6) 21.Boxer, Ray Robinson (5) 22.Legume (3) 23.The Horror Picture show, musical (6) 25.Excavate (3)

Answers for Yesterday (April 16, 2013)

A C R O S S : 1 . B a n k n o c k , 7. D i a r y, 8 .Tor ture, 9.Gang up, 11. S ho ot, 13.Puff, 14.Enhance, 15.Warn, 16.Affix, 17. System, 21.Turmoil, 22.Marr y, 23.Verdure DOWN: 2.Apothecary, 3.Nitrogen, 4 .C o r k , 5. L i r a , 6 . D r u g , 9.G i a n t , 10.Unfamiliar, 12.Therm, 13.Perfurmed, 18.Soak, 19.Eire, 20.Mule

BusinessDaily

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Protest... from page 2

Resources.

Last year, the group was also awarded by the provincial government for the “Pinoy Armchair” project consisting of 10,000 armchairs worth P5 million. In the last three years, SAFRA-ADAP was given a contract by t he Department of Education to supply the arm chairs for Caraga region, Region 9 and 10.

Economy... from page 2

bot h public and private sectors and more government savings that can be used in providing basic services.

It wou ld a lso a llow t he Philippines to obtain loans f rom foreig n f u nd ing institutions at a lower cost.

Lim, the newly-inducted president of t he Davao Chamber of Commerce said “Ratings firm like Fitch, Standard and Poor, and Moody’s are world renowned firms that assess the capacity, capabilities, progress, or performance of an economy or a company.”

He said the ratings system identifies whether a country’s macroeconomic policies or structures are sound enough to carry on economic and business growth.

Okayed... from page 2

Acenas said that susta inable liveli hood programs for persons with disabilities and assistance to disadvantaged youth through training programs would also be given priority next year.

He said that the city government wou ld a lso purchase lands for indigenous people in the community which would be managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Acenas said the list of projects would be submitted to the national government for review and validation a s st ipu lated i n DBMDILG-DSWD-NAPC Joint Memor a ndu m Ci rc u la r No. 3, series of 2012 dated December 20, 2012. (PNA)

Revive... from page 6

of virgin coconut oil.

They promised to consult with the private sector in their respective countries.

Many have dubbed the Philippine coconut industry as a sunset or dying industry because many of the country’s coconuts are senile or unproductive aside from the myriad problems afflicting it, like the imbroglio affecting the Marcos-era coco-levy fund.

But President Aquino is bent on reviving the coconut industry.

In his visit to Davao last month, Aquino disclosed that his administration has designed interventions to revive the industry, like the improvement of the production of coconut water for the

international market.

Known as “the tree of life” because of its myriad uses, the coconut is used for food and non-food uses such as industrial raw material and even pharmacological applications.

About 27% of the country’s agricultural land is planted to coconuts even as coconut export earnings continue to be the biggest in terms of commodity exports.

Some 68 provinces of the Philippines are coconut areas.

Directly and indirectly it is the livelihood of more than two million farmers, or about 10 million Filipinos depend on the industry. (BDF)

Delay... from page 1

of the Laguindingan Airport, we really expected this event to come and now the DOTC has finally spoken,” he said.

“I hope by that time, all the needed instruments and equipment needed for the smooth operation of the airport, especially those that ensure the safety of passengers — the navigational instruments, are already installed,” he added.

T he Bu s i n e s s D a ily learned that procurement and installation of the airport’s instrument landing system (ILS), precision approach lighting system and precision approach path indicator, distance measuring equipment (DME), and VHF omnidirectional range, among others will only be completed in May 2014.

But Raul Glorioso, chief of the Aerodrome Development and Management Service of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), said that the ILS will be installed before June. The ILS is a crucial instrument, without which pilots will have to rely on visual flight rules.

Rodriguez said that aside from passenger safety, the government should also take into consideration the effect of the premature opening of the airport on the business sector.

Without the crucial navigational instruments, air flights in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental would be served only from 8:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon, CAAP said earlier. This would mean cutting eight regular flights including night f lights to Cagayan de Oro City, which will have debilitating effect on the local economy.

Mike Joseph Ignacio of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) said that “reducing the number of daily flights to and from the city/ province will really hurt our business.”

Outlook... from page 1

and for emergency use.

N E A a l s o u r ge d t he power coops to come up with an incentive program for consumers who would be cut off from the grid to secure supply for the elections,

organize a quick-response team for any line or equipment brea kdown, and assign a roving crew to conduct line patrolling and surveillance during election day.

NGCP, which managed the country’s electricity traffic, earlier assured consumers of uninterrupted transmission of adequate electricity a week before, on election day, and a week after election day.

However, NGCP corporate c om mu n ic at ion s of f ic er lawyer Cynthia P. Alabanza said NGCP cannot guarantee that there would be enough electricity from the power generation and distribution sectors for the week prior to, on, and days after the May 13 election.

Alabanza suggested that to augment supply from the grid as well as for emergency use, cooperatives maintain a back-up generator in poll centers on election day, the NEA memo said.

They should also identify customers in their franchise a rea s t hat have st a ndby generators that may be called upon if needed.

NGCP said that despite their assurances of adequate transmission of power, without the cooperation of the other members of t he “Energ y Family,” its preparation would be useless.

Bosses...

from page 1 and I found it reassuring, as it reiterated that the Laguindingan Airport is safer than the Lumbia airport, said Moreno in his text message to Business Daily yesterday.

“Government is listening to the pulse of the public. President Aquino’s government is not deaf to public pulse,” Vice Gov. Norris Babiera also said.

Babiera, who is seeking the gubernatorial post against Rep. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano, said that the postponement shows that the Aquino government put a premium on public safety.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, a native of Bukidnon, praised the postponement, but expressed dismay over the delay of the completion of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LADP).

“Sen. Zubiri said that the delay of the opening of the Laguindingan Airport only shows that it is not really a priority; Mindanao is really not a priority of President Aquino unlike Luzon,” said Rolly Pelinggon of the Migs for Mindanao Movement (3M).

The Laguindingan Airport, Pelinggon said, was started much much ahead of the redevelopment of the LRT system in Manila. But because of lack of funds, the airport is not yet complete.

“If Mindanao really is a priority of the Aquino government, I have no doubt the Laguindingan airport is operating right now,” he told the Business Daily.

Various groups and personalities, led by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., have expressed vehement opposition to the April 30 opening of the airport as ordered by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Citing passenger safety

because the airport has no takeoff and landing facilities and equipment yet, the Oro Chamber wrote Aquino several times asking for his intervention and to order the postponement of the opening.

Instead, Aquino himself told Kagay-anons when he was here February that they “will have a new airport in two months’ time.” He also rode a chopper that landed at the airport in Laguindingan to signal its soft opening.

On Tuesday, however, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) moved the opening to June 15 citing airline companies’ wishes.

“Based on news reports about the postponement, the reason cited was business and not the interests of the people.

This means that, contrary to claims of Babiera and other Liberal Party members, public safety is far from the mind of the Aquino government, business is,” a concerned citizen who asked not to be named told the Business Daily.

But, like a good lieutenant, Babiera said the stand of the Liberal Party as well as that of the Moreno administration is that “we will not compromise public safety.”

The multi-billion-peso Laguindingan Airport was began under the Moreno administration despite Emano’s claims that he was responsble for its funding, through his auccessful negotiation for a loan with the Korean Eximbank.

The airlines which operate at the Lumbia Airport

are Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, and Zest Airways. They serve a combined total average of over 2,000 passengers daily, the department said.

The airport, which was built by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd., was funded by an official development assistance from South Korea, previous reports showed.

The Laguindingan Airport sits on a 4.17-square kilometer site in Barangay Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, and is located 46 kilometers from the city center of Cagayan de Oro. The department said the Laguindingan Airport is a key infrastructure project, which is crucial to unlocking the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan corridor to more tourism- and agriculture-oriented activities. (with a report from ERCEL MAANDIG)

Filinvest... from page 1

Tambobong and San Martin in Villanueva.

FDC said its first two units of 135MW each will start operating in early 2016 while the other 135MW will be online in 2018.

“Investment in power facilities in Mindanao is essential to ensure that economic growth is equally enjoyed in the island as the country gears up for a more robust economy. With a total of 405-megawatts of power, FDC Misamis becomes a key player in helping address Mindanao’s need for more stable and affordable electricity supply. Moreover, the Villanueva power plant is expected to help the local economy by propelling

11

socio-economic development through jobs creation, expected increase in business activity in the area, and remittance of taxes, among others,” FDCUI said in an emailed statement.

FDC said that its CFB coalfired power plant will use the latest in “clean coal technology”, such as the adoption of a CFB boiler technology which will reduce emission of sulfur dioxide (SOX) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) to negligible levels.

“The stereotype of ‘dirty coal’ is overcome by the CFB given the CFB’s efficiency in burning coal, and given limestone injection in the furnace. A whiter coal ash is generated which is a useful by-product often utilized for gypsum and cement production.

Furthermore, FDC Misamis intends to use an electrostatic precipitator that ensures 99.9% removal of total solid particulates or dust,” it said.

The plant will also adopt a 24/7 continuous emission monitoring system.

“The FDC Misamis ‘clean coal approach’ is not only adopted to the process of handling and processing coal but also in the company’s total approach to power plant operations with the goal of observing the highest levels of operational efficiency, measures to recycle waste, use of covered handling systems and empowerment of a multistakeholder team to help manage and monitor environmental compliance and the company’s community-based programs,” it added.

FDC has also tapped the services of a local non-government organization to help implement needs-based community programs.

The plant, which will be in operation for the next 25 years, will source 80 percent of its coal requirement abroad and 20% from local coal mines.

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A tibute to Love Naces:

Iron Lady of the Cooperatives

By Anselmo B. Mercado, Contributor

Joseph Epstein has written and his words resonate well and aptly as I remember my very dear friend and colleague Love Naces. He says:

“

We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents or the country of our birth. We do not, most of us, choose to die, nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death.

But within the realm of choice, we do choose how we live.

Lovenia Parcon Naces (“Love” or “Nenette” as she was fondly known to many), was first of all, God’s choice of a gift to all of us.

And what a wonderful gift she was! She herself chose to live out that gift of life in the service of God by serving other people.

And what a fulfilling life it must have been because the very choices she made had formed the person she had wonderfully become.

The choice of Romy to be her husband, and her choice to be a wife and mother -out of their bond they had produced a wonderful family, beautiful and smart children and grandchildren who I am sure will carry on her legacy.

nd Love Naces with husba

The choice of a profession and career – as an educator she had made a positive impact among countless students and young people.

I am sure they will remember her not only for her scholarship and for her many good qualities, but more so for the moral values she had taught them or they had learned from her.

The choice of organizations to belong and social involvement – among several, she was a staunch champion of the Cooperative Movement.

Her involvement in the cooperative movement was no fluke or a stroke of fate or an accident. It was her choice -genuine, firm, steady and deeply heartfelt. She became a leader of the Cooperative Movement, like a rising star (first from the local and provincial levels, then to the regional and national).

She did research works for the cooperatives. One of them was the history of the cooperative movement in Mindanao.

”

Her latest publication came out not too long ago.

It was the history of the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO).

Many stories may be told about the cooperative movement in our country, but very few have been written about the interesting experiences. This is the significance of Love Naces’ research works. We are grateful to Love for her invaluable contributions to the Cooperative Movement in the Philippines.

Someone has said: “Sometimes one’s choice not only changes the direction of our lives, but that of many, many others.” I know that many people have been touched somehow by the way Love or Nenette had chosen to live her life. I consider myself most fortunate to be one of them. And I am deeply grateful to her for the positive impact she has had on me. Let us continue to pray for Love, for Romy and for the family.

Autograph Session Left to right Neri Lopez, Fr Ben Jayoma, Lucy Furo and author's husband Romy Naces

Romy

READ!

www.businessweekmindanao.com

One of Love Naces books

DOLE, partners continue saving the Oro river banks

By Karen Mae Eduave Liñan, Liceo U MassComm Intern

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 10, Cagayan de Oro River guides and Vendors Associations, GlobalChips Technologies Co., Barangay Mambuaya and other partners collaborate to conduct a tree growing activity at Brgy. Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City.

Attorney Johnson G. Cañete regional director of DOLE-10 said they aim for each person to plant 10 trees. About 11,000 bamboo stalks have already been planted in key barangays in the city since the start of the program.

Mr. Agustin “Otic” Bagongon barangay chairman of Mambuaya was disappointed last year.

and still growing.

“Dako ang ikatabang sa pagtanom sa mga kahoy labaw na sa tanan sa atong barangay kay nahimo kining tourist destination, makatabang og tsada na talanawon ang daghang kahoy. Magtibangay kita para mauli ang atong kinaiyahan kini usab makatabang sa global Attor ney Johnson G . Cañete, DOLE-10 warming og dili lang Brgy. regional director affix his handprint on the Mambuaya kong dili kitang Memorandum of Cooperation to signify his tanan labi ang mga official pledge to help rehabilitate the Cagayan de sa barangay na maoy Oro River. Photo by Roquesa Mae Bersabal, leader sa kaayohan” said Liceo U MassComm Intern the Barangay Chairman.

Director Cañete adds that they are targeting 3 They planted 500 bamboos Million bamboos to plant together with the help of for 3 straight years in order DOST, DOLE, DepEd and to rehabilitate the Oro river other agencies but due banks and that would be to typhoon Sendong and possible to achieve if we all Pablo, only 13 of the 500 start to plant. bamboos planted are left