BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO (Nov 23-24, 2012)

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Issue No. 130, Volume III •

Cagayan de Oro City

Friday-Saturday

every Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

November 23-24, 2012

P15.00

Market Indicators

As of 5:58 pm Nov. 21, 2012 (Wednesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P41.14

5,543.18 points

X X Briefly 3 cents

33.60 points

Truck ban

CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano has ordered the Roads and Traffic Administration to strictly implement an ordinance which bans the entry of trucks in the central business district of the city during specific hours.

This, after he received complaints regarding traffic problems especially along the national highway.

The mayor ordered the impounding of trailer or cargo trucks, container vans and other such vehicles found violating the law. The mayor likewise directed the RTA to impound vehicles that use the road as a garage causing traffic problems.

Completion of the study expected first quarter next year

I

N a bid to provide a short-term solution to the power shortage in Mindanao, the private operator of the country’s power transmission highway on Wednesday said it would fast tract the completion of a study that would interconnect Leyte and Mindanao.

COLA hike

WORKERS in agriculture and retail service sectors in Soccsksargen Region will receive P4 to P6 per day additional cost of living allowance (COLA) beginning December 1.

Jesse dela Cruz, secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12, said the increase comprises the second tranche of the COLA mandated in the Wage Order No. RB XII-17 that became effective on April 18 this year.

Workers in the plantation agricultural enterprises will receive P4 daily allowance while those in the non-plantation agriculture sector will get P6 increase.

P3-B BEAM project

Education Secretary Armin Luistro, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, and AusAid DirectorGeneral Rod Brazier recently signed the Memorandum of Subsidiary Arrangement (MSA) for the implementation of Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM).

With project cost of P3.927 billion, funding source of the five-year BEAM-ARMM include the Australian Aid (AusAid), United Nations Childrens’ Fund (UNICEF), GIZed, Fit for School, Cardno, and BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) for literacy programs and projects in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

By IRENE DOMINGO, Reporter

OFW AND FAMILY SUMMIT 2012: Villar Foundation Managing Director Cynthia Villar announces the holding of the 2nd OFW & Family Summit 2012 which was held yesterday, Nov. 22, at the World Trade Center in Manila. The summit enables the families of Filipino overseas workers to learn about entrepreneurship, and gain business ideas and livelihood opportunities. With Villar are GoNegosyo Founder Joey Concepcion and GoNegosyo Exec. Director Ramon Lopez.

Advertorial

National Grid Corp of the Philippines spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza said the company is looking at two interconnection points: Dumaguete-Dipolog or LeyteSurigao.

Aside from the route, NGCP is studying the technology required and cost of pursuing any of the two options, she said.

Mindanao suffers from

a 200-300 megawatt shortfall in electricity, which according to Alabanza can be sourced from either Luzon or the Visayas.

Once it completes its feasibility study on the interconnection project, NGCP will present its report to the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Alabanza said the comgrids/PAGE 9

SYSTEM operator and transmission service provider National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) clarified that there has been no increase in transmission charges amidst reports that there will be an NGCP rate hike this November.

“NGCP’s annual maximum allowable revenue (MAR), which is billed in the form of transmission rates, is

being fixed and approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on a yearly basis,” Spokesperson and Adviser for External Affairs Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza explained.

Alabanza put in context reports that the higher cost of electricity is caused in part by higher transmission charges, particularly ancilrate/PAGE 9

Villar Foundation braces for No transmission rate 2nd OFW & Family Summit increase, NGCP says

AFTER the successful ‘1st OFW & Family Summit 2011: Kabuhayan Para sa

Kinabukasan’ that attracted over 5,000 participants, the Villar Foundation and

GoNegosyo will hold the ‘2nd OFW & Family Sumsummit/PAGE 9

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Economy

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DOLE eyes implementation of two-tiered wage system before 2016

By DANILO E. DOGUILES, Contributor

KORONADAL City -- Campaigns and consultations regarding the proposed two-tiered wage system has been intensified since May this year, labor and employment officials here confirmed.

Chona Mantilla, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 said their advocacy strategies to clarify this ground-breaking scheme and gather reactions from both the management and labor

sectors include seminars, orientations, consultative meetings, and even media campaigns.

“Through these gatherings and approaches we also look into the appropriateness and suitability of the system

to conditions in Region 12.”

Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12 secretary Jesse dela Cruz told members of the media that “Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has given us until 2016 to implement the two-tiered wage system.”

Mantilla explained the two-tiered wage system consists of a “floor wage” or a minimum wage common to all private sector workers in the region as well as

additional compensation based on productivity and gain-sharing.

“Although we still advocate setting minimum wage across industries, the new scheme provides for a wider opportunity for labor and management to negotiate for productivity-based incentives.”

Emphasize the advantage of the wage reform, Mantilla said that with the present system of determining wages, many workers are left without choice but to wait for wage orders to be implemented when they have wider opportunities to bargain for more incentives based on their performance.

“At times, the present scheme of setting acrossthe-board wages demoralizes and disincentivizes workers because both the productive and under-performing workers receive equal pay,” Mantilla said.

Enforcing the new scheme could be initially received with indifference from both sectors but Mantilla believes, continues campaigns among stakeholders could result in a common ground beneficial to both parties.

“But this has yet to go through a long process and many heated discussions,” she said.

Meanwhile, dela Cruz explained that the two-tiered

system encourages management and labor to work together “by establishing a productivity committee a council or other mechanisms where they could discuss the system that should be followed.”

Implementation of the two-tiered wage system is being endorsed by the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council.

In the entire country, only Region IV-A (Southern Tagalog) has enforced twotiered wage system.

Setting of productivitybased wage system, gain sharing, and collective bargaining is provided in Republic Act 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act.

By BEN D. ARCHE Correspondent

of North Sulawesi-Mindanao Business Council; Daniel S. Pesik, chair of North Minahasa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; Paul Y. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Asian Marine Transport Corp.; and the representative of Enrique C. Castillo, president of Supply Chain Management of the Philippines, Inc. Exchange of commodities between Davao City and Bitung would become more fast and easier through the Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)

service which is one of the main aims of the cooperation deal.

“The business communities in North Sulawesi and Mindanao agree to cooperate for the successful implementation of this route,” the memorandum said, citing that Davao-Bitung is considered one of the key RoRo routes in Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines-Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga).

The Davao-Bitung route which is about 350 miles will be serviced by the Super roro/PAGE 9

deal which involved the use of the Davao seaport as transshipment port for imported products from Malaysia dur-

ing the second Davao Investment Conference (Icon) here recently.

The linkage signing was one of the major accomplishments of the investment conference including the forging of agreement between the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) and the North Sulawesi Chamber of Commerce in the Sulawesi Province of Malaysia.

Sebastia n Anglionto, DCCCII chair said that all these agreements will open Davao City to some other neighboring countries in the next few months.

Manado is a municipality of Sulawesi.

The transshipment port will shorten the travel of Manado’s imported products from China to only few days since shipment from Jakarta, Malaysia’s capital city to Manado would take three days already.

But with the Sasa Port as transshipment, Davao to Manado would only take 19 hours.

Manado’s imports of varied goods are transported by an average of 300 ships in a month, according to Angliongto.

Davao seaport’s capability to accommodate more docking ships will still be under study which is the concern of the national government.

For this year, there are at least four focused areas of investments in Davao which include connectivity, trade/PAGE 9

Davao-Bitung RoRo route deals signed

DAVAO City – Stakeholders for the opening of the Davao City and Bitung in Indonesia route have finally signed the memorandum of cooperation during the second Davao Investment Conference at SMX Davao Convention Center recently.

Signing the memorandum were Maria Lourdes G. Monteverde, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII); Dionisio P. Pacional, secretary general

Davao, Manado trade linkage inked

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By BEN D. ARCHE Correspondent

DAVAO City – Davao and Manado have signed a trade

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Motoring

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Car sales up 18% as of October SALES of automobile importers saw an 18% increase as of October as the passenger car segment and newly released models boosted sales, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) said in a statement Tuesday.

AVID members were able to sell 24,004 units from January to October this year from 20,340 units in the same period last year.

This as the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) posted sales of 126,663 units from January to October, an increase of 7% from 118,762 reported during the same period last year.

The growth “can be attributed to strong sales in the passenger car segment, which went up by 29% and in

the light commercial vehicles sales that grew by 5%,” AVID said.

NEW MODELS AVID added that the launch of new models in the light commercial vehicles segment provided an extra boost in sales.

“The positive sales performance was steered by British United Automobiles, Inc., The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI)’s newly launched models. Each member registered an overall increase of 41%, 23%, 13%

respectively,” the group said in its statement.

For the month of October alone, sales of AVID members fell slightly by 1% to 2,241 units from 2,254 units compared to the same period last year.

This is as CAMPI sales for the month grew 12% to 15,081 units.

HARI was able to sell 1,662 units for the month, followed by TCCCI with 321 units sold and Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. with 170 units sold.

“Sustained positive economic outlook continues to bolster consumer spending as 2012 draws to a close,” said AVID President Ma. Fe Perez- Agudo said in the statement.

“Moreover, w it h t he

positive sales performance and recent honors reaped

by AVID members from the country’s respected car awards bodies, we expect a steady, if not brisker, pace for our sales at yearend,” she added.

AVID said the optimism for the industry’s growth is driven by the country’s strong economy “despite lurking global economic threats.”

Earlier this month, CAMPI said its members sold 15,081 units for October 2012,up from 13,456 units reported a year earlier.

“CAMPI’s performance can be attributed to the normalization of supply and the aggressive promotions being launched by most automotive brands,” the group said in car/PAGE 7

Hyundai’s Philippine sales skid 9% in October SALES skidded by almost a tenth in October for the Philippine importer and d ist r ibutor of Hy u nd a i vehicles as arrival of some models were delayed, the company said on Monday.

In a statement, Hyund a i Asia Resou rces Inc said it sold 1,662 units last mont h, 9-percent lower than the 1,822 sold in the same month last year.

The delay in shipments brought down passenger

car sales by a fourth to 941 from last year’s 1,257.

Sales of light commercial vehicles, however, jumped 28 percent during the same month to 721 from 565 last year “due to the timely arrival of units of the all-new Santa Fe,” HARI said.

From January to October, HARI’s sales reached 18,818 units, up 13 percent from 16,705 in the same 10-month period last year.

The passenger car seg-

ment posted end-October sa les of 11, 593 u nits or more than a third higher than last year’s 8,474, following “impressive sales of the Accent and EON.” The light commercial vehicle segment however saw end-October numbers slide by 12 percent to 7,225 from 8,231 last year.

Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI president and chief executive said, the company is conf ident of susta in-

ing its year-to-date sales grow th until the end of the year.

“The sustained bullish outlook of the Philippine economy along with the overwhelming raves and reception that our newly launched models received, i nclud i ng t he ac colade given our recently introduced all-new Santa Fe, augurs positive year-end sales for Hyundai in the Philippines,” she said.

Vehicle sales are on their way to recovery as supply stabilizes.

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Cebu Pacific names Bali its 20th international destination

Stores selling Christmas lights asked to put up correct stickers

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental Provincial Office conducted on Thursday its annual inspection of 35 establishments in the city selling Christmas lights.

DTI inspected compliance of establishments to the standards set for selling Christmas lights particularly on the correct Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers mark which should be on the displayed Christmas lights in various markets and stores in the area.

DTI said it only allows and authorizes selling of

these lights with years 2010 to 2011 ICC marking. If no ICC sticker is seen and years indicated are prior to the abovementioned ICC, consumers should report this to DTI. These items will be confiscated and retailers will face penalties for the violation.

Almer Masillones, Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist and head of inspection team in the city said the 2009 ICC stamped Christmas lights are subject to retesting. If retested products still qualify for the requirements of the Philippine National Standard on Christmas lights, then they will be issued new certificate

and new ICC stickers.

Beyond the ICC stickers, buyers must check physical condition of the item including plugs and wires to make sure they are not lousy or too thin, she said. Prices must also be compared. If a store sells at a very low price than the other, then it may be they are not selling quality products.

There were 20 boxes of Christmas lights confiscated because of violation of said rule by the department.

Penalties for violators will range from the lowest and first offense of P25,000 while the highest and 3rd offense is P300,000. (Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat/EOR/PIA10)

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) announced it will soon fly to Bali (Denpasar), Indonesia, its 20th international destination.

“CEB will launch its direct service from Manila to Bali on March 16, 2013, just in time for peak summer travel in the Philippines,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

CEB’s Manila-Bali (Denpasar) twice weekly service will be every Tuesday and Saturday. It will depart Manila at 4:00am and arrive in Bali (Denpasar) at 7:50am.

The return flight will depart Bali (Denpasar) at 8:35am, and arrive in Manila at 12:25pm.

The most popular tourism destination in Indonesia, Bali has been ranked by BBC Travel, Lonely Planet and Travel&Leisure Magazine as among the world’s best islands. Visitors often go to Kuta for the shopping, night life, surfing and beach activities, and then go to the arts and cultural center of Ubud in the center of the island.

Bali (Denpasar) is CEB’s 2nd destination in Indonesia, aside from Jakarta where CEB operates a four times weekly service.

To introduce this route, CEB offers an P888 seat sale from Manila to Bali (Denpasar) from November 20 to 23, 2012 or until seats last. This is for travel from March 16 to June 30, 2013.

After the sale period, lowest year-round fares for Bali (Denpasar) start at P3,499, which is up to 38% lower than other airlines.

“Passengers now have more choices when traveling on CEB’s extensive Southeast Asian network, since we are also the only airline flying from Manila to Hanoi and Siem Reap, and the only low-cost carrier flying from Manila to Kota Kinabalu,” she added.

Presently, CEB flies to 19 international destinations: Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong,

Incheon, Ja karta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Xiamen.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 22 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 40 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is the largest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

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Subanen tribes demand ancestral domain papers VOL. 2, 2, No. No. 131 131 VOL.

Cagayan de de Oro Oro City City Cagayan

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NESTLÉ, DA10-NOMIARC TO BRING THE LATEST COFFEE Malnutrition Continues to Decline in Opol Nutrition Council awards Opol FARMING TECHNOLOGIES CLOSER TO BUKIDNON FARMERS YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

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By SHAUN UY of Cagayan de Oro Times and GERRY L. GORIT of Mindanao Daily News (with report from Christine Cabiasa of The CDO TIMES)

MISAMIS Oriental–– The National Nutrition Council cited the local government unit of Opol in Misamis Oriental under the leadership of Mayor Dexter B. Yasay for its successful nutrition program among children of the municipality.

PARTNERSHIP TO HELP EXPAND COFFEE-RESOURCE BASE TO ADDRESS THE SUPPLY-DEMAND GAP FOR COFFEE

By AL AL JACINTO JACINTO of of Mindanao Mindanao Daily Daily News News By

ZAMBOANGA City––A City––A group group of of SubSubZAMBOANGA anen tribal leaders have called on the Aquino government to temporarily halt all mining operations in Zamboanga del Sur province province in in the the southern southern Philippines Philippines Sur until Manila Manila acts acts on on their their legal legal claims claims until over aa vast vast tract tract of of ancestral ancestral lands. lands. over

The Subanen Subanen leaders leaders are are lio lio Promon Promon represented represented Opol has been effectively The claiming some some 23,800 23,800 hecthect- the the 3,000-strong 3,000-strong Council Council implementing its municipal claiming ares of of lands lands in in the the town town of of of of Pigsalabukan Pigsalabukan Guhom Guhom nutrition program as seen in ares the continuing decline of its Bayog where where several several mining mining de de Bayog.

Bayog.

Bayog malnutrition rate in the last companies and and small small scale scale “Our present present ancestral ancestral companies “Our three years. It registered at miners are are operating. operating. It It domain domain claim claim in in Bayog Bayog is is TAGALOG TAGALOG miners 3.69% in 2009, to 2.72% in also sought sought the the assistance assistance just just aa fragment fragment of of our our origiorigialso 2010 and further to 2.12% of Amnesty Amnesty International International nal nal homeland homeland which which has has of last year. to bring their cause to the been slowly grabbed from bring theirRemoquillo, cause to the Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, DA High-Value Crops Development Programto Head Jennifer and been slowly grabbed from Mayor YasayNPI received the Head Arthur Baria, led the tour and discussed the progress of the Nestlé’s coffeeauthorities. authorities. us. Six Six years years after after we we applied applied Agriculture demonstration area within DA us.

10-NOMIARC. NOMIARC into a demonstraFirst Maintenance Award of Through its partnership with DA 10-NOMIARCH, Nestlé has converted a 6-hectare field inThe The group held news for for aa title title of of our our ancestral ancestral group held aa news tion farm comprised of a mother plant garden, a Robusta coffee nursery, a composting facility and conference an R&D stationon with the Center. the NationalAmnesty nutrition Award Monday in domain domain (with (with the the National National Monday in Amnesty International-Philippines Board Member Member Francis Francis Marcial Marcial poses poses with with Subanen Subanen conference on International-Philippines Board 2012 at the tribal PICC leader in Manila Zamboanga City where Commission on Indigenous Zamboanga City where Commission on Indigenous tribal leader Timuay Basilio Promon and his son during a courtesy call on the MindTimuay Basilio Promon and his son during a courtesy call on the MindDEMAND page last November 9 from Presi- Newspaper tribal leader Timuay Timuay BasiBasiMayor Dexter Yasay of Opol in Misamis Oriental his award fromtribal the National Nutrition Council at the PICC in Manila last22November 9 from DEMAND || page anao Examiner Newspaper andB.Television Television in Zamboanga Zamboanga City on onshows Monday, Oct. 15, 15, leader anao Examiner and in City Monday, Oct. 2012.

PHOTO BY AL JACINTO dent Benigno Aquino III. President Benigno Aquino III . NNC cited the local government unit under his leadership for its successful nutrition program in the By municipality.

2012. PHOTO BY AL JACINTO

By GERRY GERRY L. L. GORIT GORIT the potential of Bukidnon spond to the demand, outlining further DA-10 NOMIARC outlines how these The awarding ecognizing ceremony pol has been effectively implementing its municipal nutrition program as seen in of Mindanao Daily New of Mindanao Daily News as a top coffee-producing province, the reason behind tapping key agricul- agriculture developments in coffee farm He said keyrate factor why Furthermore, Yasay says was also graced by Agriculture thePhilippines continuing decline of itsareas malnutrition It ofregistered Nestlé Inc. (NPI) has tural such as the Bukidnon toin its the base last ing three benefit years. thousands coffee-depenthere are poor people in the nutrition program, Secretary Proceso CAGAYAN de de Oro Oro City– City– partneredAlcala, with the “Kining Northern Mindanao of coffee suppliers.

CAGAYAN at 3.69% inta2009, to in 2010 and isfurther to 2.12%dent lastfarmers year. in Bukidnon. “Bukod sa community that to they have wala niingon nga2.72% wala nay Health Secretary Enrique Agricultural Research Centre (NOMIEmbarking on a road expand its mabibigyan natin sila ng quality [coffee] The chief of staff of th th The chief of staff of By JOEmalnourished DELof PUERTO FELICILDA ofbeen Mindanao Daily Newsthat planting materials, natutulungan sila By JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA of Mindanao Daily News not given an opportu(this nutrition ARC) of the Department Agriculture coffee-resource base, Baria emphasized Ona and National Nutrition Moro National Liberatio Moro National Liberatio Backyard and zonal food production, micronu- think mao kana ang makapawala sa among kakapoy, Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) in the itand is imperative thateducated, key coffee-producing paano mag culture ng coffee sa to be anddoing that well program, we not saying Council Assistant Secretary ofare the clergy and laynity leaders, Front (MNLF) (MNLF) forces forces ii has been doing well for mabuting SURIGAO del Norte––The Norte––The of the clergy lay leaders, Front has been for SURIGAO del ug makahatag ug kadasig sa among kaugalingon.” trient supplementation, food fortification, feeding production and distribution of high-quality areas accessdon’t to coffee kanilang mga sari-sariling bahay (Aside children wantfarming to goyears tobestnow, that there are no more mal- have Maria Bernardita Flores. headed by Diocesan Bishop Northern Mindanao saysth th almost two years now, but Iglesia Filipina Indepenheaded by Diocesan Bishop Northern Mindanao almost two but Iglesia Filipina IndepenYasay adds.

Robusta plantlets and cuttings, bringing including effective and adaptable from sharing with them quality [coffee] DA 10-NOMIARC Center Manager Juanita Salvani at thesays and other initiatives contributed topractices, the reduced Nestlé school if their stomachs are nourished [kids]), the recog Yasay was accompanied Rhee Timbang, the ‘Role of Government of the Philip we do need to improve and diente (IFI), Diocese of Rhee Timbang, the ‘Role of Government of the Philip we do need to improve and diente (IFI), Diocese of the high-yielding coffee plants closer to technologies, to help thousands of small planting materials, we are able to teach Nursery in the Center. According to Salvani, with the help of From the 1,714 provinces, cities and municipaliprevalence oftapped under-nutrition among preschool nitionthe given by thein national

by Vice Mayor Chizarina M. Radio in Church Mission pines quality shouldcoffee have consulte consulte strengthen it by enhancenhancSurigao, has the Radio Church Mission pines should have strengthen by Surigao, has tapped thousands of small-farmers in Bukidnon growersempty. realize sustainability andit profitthem how to better culture coffee in their Nestlé, the Center is able to share planting ties,the Opol is among thefields).

22 LGUs awarded the children.

“We are intensifying our government through the in training Ortigoza, municipal health and Development’ training thewell people of Mindanao Mindanao ing the capability ofown our services of BusinessWeek and nearby provinces within the region. ability coffee farming, and eventually With the presencein of Nestlé, materials to the local farmers as as teach them how toii and Development’ the people of ing capability of our services of BusinessWeek advocacy on program backyard gardenCouncil various national nutrition thisofyear thebe- better culture coffee in their own With this inwas nutrition, Opol becomes officer Dr. Mercado, MNAD fields before Speaking atachievement the National sidelines of the 19th the gap in supply-demand. they are awards also assured the and market was held athelp theaddress Rodriguez general before signing signing oo program production staff,” Mindanao Media Center Nutrition held at the Rodriguez general production staff,” Mindanao Media Center ing,” Yasay said. indicates that we are on the DA-NOMIARC Farmers’ Field Day and “Through this partnership which cause they are planting quality materials Edgar Napinas and some only one in Misamis Oriental. a recipient of its 1st Year Consistent Regional OutBeach Resort, Placer town.

Monday the Framewor Framewor said Bishop Timbang.

(BWM-MC) in the conduct Monday the (BWM-MC) in the conduct Beach Resort, Placer town. said Bishop Timbang.

Technology Forum ininMalaybalay City, started in 2010, have converted of producing quality beans.”

Backyard zonal food right track things as Mainteemployees of the municipal “Our church-run radio we and Agreement with with the the Mor Mor He added, “I aam amcapable very among of two-day training on on doing Reducing malnutrition children is among standing Winner Nutrition (CROWN) “Our church-run radio Agreement He added, “I very of aa two-day training on Bukidnon, NPI Agriculture Head Arthur 6-hectare field in NOMIARC into a Salvani, in another interview during production, micronutrient far as resolving the so-called government. program, which is being confident that this particuIslamic Liberation Fron radio broadcasting to its program, which is being confident that this particuIslamic Liberation Fron radio broadcasting to its of Mayor Dexter Yasay in reducing nance Award.

Mayor Dexter with his Baria said they are looking to tap Yasay, Bukid- together demonstration farm.the Westrategies have mother the Forum, further explains the “beauty” supplementation, fooda that formalnutrition”.

“This recognition shows carried byplant 10-kilowatt lar training that focuses oncooperation between Nestlé and DA. (MILF) at at Malacanang.

Malacanang. church-based broadcasters, carried by aa 10-kilowatt lar training focuses on (MILF) church-based broadcasters, non as a “coffee basket” where Nestlé garden where farmers can get highof the poverty.

Municipal Health Officer and Municipal Nutrition tification, feeding and other The mayor said Opolmodulated keeps that we are on the right track frequency modulated (FM) radio hosting and Lt. Gen. Samie A. A. October 8 and 9 this year. frequency (FM) radio hosting and Lt. Gen. Samie October 8 and 9 this year. can directly source high-quality Robusta quality Robusta coffee cuttings; a coffee “Nestlé obviously has the capacity in terms Action Officer, personally the plaque of rec- contributed to the on lookingreceive for answers to initiatives in serving our constituents,” coffee beans.by which as a trial site for|| page of resources; they can implement projects station innursery, Surigao City,servesMEDIA Attended by43 43members members VIEWS || page page MEDIA CENTER page station in Surigao City, Attended VIEWS CENTER 22 today thefor2012 National reduced of undercommunity problems sodifferent that Nutrition Yasay said, ognition noting that “There is the greatduring potential coffeetypes ofprevalence Robusta coffee plants; outright when you need the resources. nutrition among preschool they can appropriate theanecAwarding Ceremony at the the Philippine International farming in Bukidnon with province composting facility for organic fertil- Public institutions like the Department first time they were awarded having a firm backbone in coffee izer; and a Nestlé R&D station within of Agriculture cannot do the pushing of children. essary budgetproducto solve these. was last year.

Convention Center. tion since the early 60’s,” said Baria. “In NOMIARC,” Baria adds. agriculture development alone; we need MayortheYasay states “Kining nutrition program, addition, province is conducive to Nestlé is also sharing its technical our private partners to help6th us. Runner It’s reallyup in the Search for 2011 National Outstandwala ta niingon walasoil, nay malnourished, ing Barangay Nutrition C. Bongcas coffeeBy growing withnga its rich ideal expertise in the coffeeJoel planting the (PESO) a good thing Nestlé hasis us.”P10,500 TESDA Secretary Joel Vil- with By PAT SAMONTE SAMONTE Office (PESO) held that an orienorienischosen alloted P10,500 for Scholar the 34 34 Ms Arlyn The remaining remaining P2.8 millio millio TESDA Secretary VilPAT Office held an alloted for the The P2.8 of Poblacion I, Malaybalay City and 2011 Outstnding altitude, and well-suited climate the Center through different coffee With Nestlé currently the biggest lanueva said the program program was training of Mindanao Mindanao Dailyby News tation for for participants participants in the the TESDA TESDA training days. of the the program will be be used used fo fo recognition given the for national government lanueva said the was of Daily News tation in training days. of program will Nutrition Scholar for Region (2nd from production of National quality Robusta coffee programs, enable to for buyer of Robusta coffee in Barangay theUpon country, “exclusive” fordesigned this city citytoin in rec-farmers Training for Work Work Scholarship Upon completion of their their theXsecond second batchright) of scholars scholars wh wh “exclusive” for this recTraining Scholarship completion of the batch of through the Nutrition Council indicates (from left) Dr. Dennis Sanggalang – City beans. Bukidnon is help rightly apt to be get hands-on exercises on the various purchasing an estimated poses 80% ofwith the ognition of theasefforts efforts exerted BUTUAN City––To families here Monday. courses, the scholars scholars will rere-City, will undergoDirector training in in course course of BUTUAN City––To help families Monday. courses, the will will undergo training that we are right track onognition doing things far Health Officer of Malaybalay Regional optimized in on the the coffee supply chain to ways to the better plant exerted coffee. Thehere Coffee entire Philippine coffee produce, Baria displaced by the logging ban, the by Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. For the first batch, P1 milceive a certification for National involving construction such aa displaced by the logging ban, the by Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. For the first batch, P1 milceive a certification for National involving construction such Aristides Concepcion Tan of DOH-CHD x, RNPC Zeny respond to the current supply-demand Monocropping System and the SAIN noted that Nestlé is planning to establish as resolving the so-called malnutrition” NPI Agriculture Head Arthur Baria at Nestlé’s Mother Plant Technical Education and Skills for his constituents dependent lion has been allocated for 75 Competency Assessment and Heavy Equipment Operation Technical Education Skills constituents dependent has been allocated for Competency Assessment and Heavy Equipment Tondares of National Nutrition Council X, City NutritionOperation gap“bahala’g in coffee.”

(Sustainable Initiative lion System) more partnerships with75the public sector, unsa kaand kapoy, unsafor kahis tedious angAgriculture reGarden in DA 10-NOMIARC. According to Baria, Bukidnon has Action Officer Ms. Maria Rica E. Raguro of Malaybalay Development Authority has on the logging industr y for scholars of Shielded Metal Arc will be included in the Skills Masonry, Electricity, and oth Baria explains that while annual loare taught in the Center, all backed by establishing other demonstration farms Development Authority has on the logging industr y for scholars of Shielded Metal Arc will be included the Skills Masonry, Electricity, oth great in potential for Robusta coffee farming with itsand rich soil, solving the so-called malnutrition in our municipality City and Regional Director Jose Llacuna of DOH –asCHD cal demand for coffee is currently practical demonstrations at demo plots like thecourse one in and DA-NOMIARC in key released some P3.8 beans million for livelihood. livelihood.

Welding NCII course and 20 20 Registry Registry System under PESO ers to toclimate start after the first batch released some P3.8 million for Welding NCII System PESO ers start after the first batch ideal under altitude and well-suited and such rightly apt Region IVA during National Nutrition but seeing the parents those malnourished kids this pegged at 64,000 tons,of the country by this Nestlé agronomists. coffee-growing areas in thefor country to (MIMAROPA) to befor optimized in the the coffee supply chain to With respond to the scholarships ofmetric children of the For this purpose, this city’s city’s others others for for Gas TungstenArc TungstenArc for application for local and repo 34-day training.

With a repor repor scholarships of children of the For purpose, Gas application local and 34-day training. a Awarding (NNAC) atsupply-demand the Philipinegap Convention Center only produces 20,000 metric tons to reSalvani, Manager of training. reach otherEach untapped small coffee farmers. current in coffee. helping the government in running theJuanita program, I Center affected wood industry workers.

Public Employment Service vice Welding training.

Each scholar overseas employment. from Ritchelle Encabo affected wood industry workers.

Public Employment Ser Welding scholar overseas employment. from Ritchelle Encabo

R IFI-Surigao taps BWM Media Center services O

Mnlf leader airs views on Framework Agreement

P3.8m Tesda scholarships for displaced woodworkers’ children

(PICC) last November 9, 2012. NNAC speaker was His excellency President Benigno S. Aquino.

Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar Arlyn C. Bongcas received a Plaque of Recognition and a netbook from AGHAM partylist Congressman Angelo Palmones.

Editorial: 72-33-44, 72-33-44, e-mail: e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com mindanaodailynews@gmail.com •• Advertising: Advertising: 0917-7121424, 0917-7121424, e-mail: e-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editorial: “When children see their parents’ plant and eat vegetables then there is a strong possibility that the children will follow their parents in doing what is right to eat,” he said.

Yasay states that the municipal nutrition council, municipal health office and barangay health workers are doing their best to control malnutrition in Opol.

“Bahala’g unsa kakapoy, unsa ka tedious ang resolving the so-called malnutrition in our municipality but seeing the parents of those malnourished kids helping the government in running the program, I think mao kana

ang makapawala sa among kakapoy, ug makahatag ug kadasig sa among kaugalingon.” Yasay adds.

For this latest achievement, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano praised Mayor Yasay and the local government unit.

Emano supports the propoor programs of Opol, one of the municipalities under the second congressional district of Misamis Oriental.

From the 1,714 provinces, cities and municipalities, Opol is among the 22 LGUs awarded in the various national nutrition awards this year and the only one in Misamis Oriental.

6

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 23-24, 2012

Opinion

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The Main Thing THINK a minute…

I heard a funny, true story about this guy who goes to the gym to exercise several times each week.

Each time he takes 15 minutes to change his clothes and get ready. Then he walks around the gym talking with different people. After that he reads the newspaper.

Finally, he does a few stretches and 5-10 minutes of exercises. Then he takes a hot steam bath before going home.

So in the entire 2 hours he’s at the g ym, he only spends about 10 minutes exercising! One day someone heard this man say: “I don’t understand it. I go to the gym almost everyday, but I never seem to lose weight.”

Of course, everybody at the gym knows why. They see this guy there doing

ARCH. OSCAR V. CRUZ (Ret)

THERE are the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

And there also are the accompanying serious and continuous objections raised against the over-all plan, programs and/or projects of the said economic entities.

They may vary in their ideological persuasions but have the same vested interests.

There are those who say – with amply reason and evidence – that the Philippine government is sadly on the side of neo-liberal capitalism.

Liberation has certain economic advantage. But the Philippines being a “developing” Country – not to mention its long standing title as a “Third World Country” – it has but little economic leverage.

This reality has particular relevance with the International Monetary Fund “IMF”.

It is not only difficult but

gaged in “leveling the playing field” when dealing with a “developing” country such as the Philippines.

There are at least three signal questions that come to fore: Can it be said with sincerity and candor that the Philippines – by and large engaged in agricu ltura l economy – is treated fairly by developed countries specifically in conjunction with the trading of farm products in general? This is not asking for trading done in heaven but simply looking for equity not only in trading but also in agricultural production as well. The truth of the matter however is that even in the world of business and industry, international politics has a big say.

Has the rather hasty drive towards industrialization and the liberalized entry of foreign capital in this country in fact exacerbated rather than ease the Philippine economic situation? To answer in the affirmative with honesty and sincerity would either belittle if not deny the OFW phenomenon of long standing. Such an exodus of Filipino workers not only denies national socio-economic development but also destroys a good number of families.

Does the root cause of the present Philippine economic crisis – all declamations and panaceas respectively cruz/PAGE 7

just cleans and polishes his car, then at the end of the day that’s all he’ll have—a clean car with no money!

Successful people don’t just stay busy and work hard, they work smart! They put first things first by doing the most important things that will make them a success.

But many people have heaps of money or positions of respect and power.

They’re highly educated, healthy, even good-looking, but they’re still unhappy and poor in real wealth.

That’s because unless you have this one main thing, your life will be neither successful nor satisfying. So what is the main thing? It is peace with your Maker.

And you can only get it from having a personal relationship with Him where He’s in charge of every area of your

Think a minute

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

life every day. Only then can you have real peace of mind and success that lasts.

But it can start happening right now! All you have to do is ask Jesus to forgive you for living your own way. Then ask Him to help you keep the main thing the main thing: live His way every day for the rest of your life.

Just think a minute…

Saving tips in a Season of Giving we give presents to just our shopping and gift-giv- of giving possible: Speaking out tide nephews and nieces, instead ing activities, the Financial Make a gift list

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

Economics also somehow ridiculous to that the so-called “First Viewpoints say World Countries” are en-

everything except the main thing: exercise!

It’s very important that we keep the main thing the main thing. If we want to be successful in our job, business, school, or having a happy family, we must always get the main thing done.

We should not spend more time and energy on things that are less important than the main thing. We often get distracted and sidetracked doing other things that might be easier or more fun to do, and we fail to ‘take care of business’ with our main responsibilities and priorities.

For example, a taxi driver’s main thing is to make money by getting passengers.

That means he must be working, driving around looking for passengers.

But if most of the day he

IGNACIO BUNYE

IT is indeed ironic that the jolliest time of the year has often become also the most stressful.

While the true spirit of gift-giving should be preserved and remembered at all times, the exercise has — more often than not — turned into a source of stress and financial worries.

In light of the busy Yule-

Consumer Affairs Group (FCAG) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reminds everyone to be prepared at how quickly their funds and savings may be depleted amid all Christmas-related expenses.

In its weekly e-leaf let entitled the Weekly Wealth Watch, the FCAG, headed by Deputy Director Ma. Belinda G. Caraan, stressed: “The Christmas season is certainly one of those times when we need to implement as many money-saving tips as we can and make a conscious effort to spend less, save more for our future and that of our families, and enjoy Christmas and its true meaning.”

The FCAG also issued a few very helpful ideas to make saving in the season

It would be very beneficial to the gift-givers to list the names of the people to whom they would be giving gifts, what gifts they plan to give, what gifts they gave the previous Christmas, and what gifts they themselves received from the recipients.

This way, according to the FCAG, the gift-givers would be able to check the prices of the items that they plan to give, shop around for places that sell these items for less, and save a few more pesos if they buy them in bulk.

Making a list would also enable the gift-givers to avoid giving someone a gift which, embarrassingly, would be the exact same gift that was given the year before.

Reduce gift-giving The FCAG suggests that

of giving gifts to each of our married siblings. We could also propose to our relatives that instead of giving gifts to each family member, each family could just prepare a single present to be raffled off to another family.

Buy the gifts early Remember, the FCAG stresses, that we may not get any bargain if we do lastminute shopping. We may not be able to get what we really want and just settle for what is available because we have no time left to go to other stores.

The real wise shoppers, according to FCAG, would have already taken advantage of mid-year sales and tiangges.

Consider bazaars bunye/PAGE 7

Big and beyond WHILE we need to be properly engaged with our daily routine of work, usually the ordinary little duties attached to our profession and the other conditions of our life, we should remember that we have to aim also at the real big thing which is our holiness that requires going beyond the prosaic of the here and now.

We need to make this reminder because many of us are falling into complacency and confusion, lost in the flow of daily events and unable to connect to the ultimate goal we all are meant to reach.

In fact, many now think we just have to live from moment to moment, from day to day, denying any importance to any concern for the future and much less to eternity. Eternal life holds no meaning to many of us.

There’s nothing after death.

Everything is transitory.

Nothing remains forever.

The inquisitiveness of that

rich young man who asked Christ, “What good must I do to have eternal life?” is all but gone in the mind and heart of modern man. We seem contented and thrilled only with what we have at hand—the new technologies, fashions, etc.—that appear to capture our dreams and fantasies.

This time-and-earthbound mentality is actually dramatized abundantly in the gospel. There’s that parable, for example, of a man who in trying to insure his temporal security decided to build larger barns to store his possessions, and said to himself: “Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years. Take your rest, eat, drink and make merry.” (Lk 12,19) The lesson Christ wanted to impart from this parable is the following: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things (the earthly, temporal and material things we need)

shall be added unto you.”

(12,31) Christ wants us to make “bags which do not grow old, a treasure in heaven that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth corrupts.” (12,33) We have to get out of this time-and-earth-bound outlook, and enter into an exciting adventure that God offers us in his providence, in his abiding governance of his whole creation, in his continuing intervention in our life. It’s an adventure that cruises through time and space but also transcends them to bring us to eternal life and joy.

We just cannot make our life the way we want it to be. We have to live it with God. In fact, only with God would we be able to live our life to the full. Without him, we would be out on a limb, prone to all sorts of danger and harm, inside and outside us.

What this means is that

Hints and traces

FR. ROY CIMAGALA

we need to fall in love to be able to connect the material with the spiritual, the temporal with the eternal, the human with the divine.

But we have to love with the love of God who is the author, essence, means and end of love. We have to be forewarned of the many fake forms of love we tend to get tricked into.

With this love of God, we can link the small ordinary events of our life to the big cimagala/PAGE 7

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By Christine H. Cabiasa

C AG AYA N DE ORO --- In l i ne w it h t hei r corporate social responsibi l it y i n advocat i ng the delivery of quality education, SM Foundation Inc., in partnership with SM Primeholdings Inc., and the BDO Foundation turns over onestorey-four-classrooms to Grade Six pupils of Lumbia Central School, November 16.

SM Foundation Executive Director Linda Atayde states that this is in response to the Donatea-School program under the Department of Education.

“Lu mbia Cent ra l School is the third beneficiary school here in Cagayan de Oro after Macasandig and Mambuaya in which we had an initial approach to the DepEd and had data from them, in which it showed also that this school needs rehabi litation since it was greatly affected by t y phoon Sendong last December, t he reason also why we chose this school”, Atayde adds.

The one-storey-fourclassrooms are equipped

Bunye... from page 6

Aside from Divisoria and Baclaran, shoppers could also go to weekend bazaars, which usually have everything they need in one big, air-conditioned place.

Get ready for the carolers The FCAG suggests that we exchange our bills for coins, which would come in handy when young neighborhood carolers knock and sing outside our doors.

Buy your gifts in cash, instead of credit cards Swiping our credit cards might tempt us to overspend and use our cash to buy non-essential items. When our credit card statements arrive in January, we may not have enough money to pay our total amounts due — leading the credit card companies to impose finance and other charges during our next billing cycle.

Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com.

Cimagala... from page 6

and beyond of our earthly life. And this love of God is none other than obeying God’s commandments.

Christ himself said so: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (Jn 14,15) T h is i nd ic at ion wa s precisely reinforced in that

Car...

from page 3

an earlier statement.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the market

with one toilet each, 200 pieces of armchairs, desk sets, teachers’ tables, and electric fans. “This is also for the convenience of the Grade Six pupils, so that the time they will enter their new classrooms they w i l l have big smi les”, Atayde shares.

After typhoon Sendong, the pupil population of Lumbia Central School doubled since sett lers from Xav ier EcoVil le, some from Macasandig and Indahag, transferred to LCS. Accord i ng to Conniebel Nista l, Lumbia Central School principal, their pupil population doubled and t his mea ns t hat t hey need more classrooms a lso. ”We are very lucky that SM Foundation and BDO Foundation chose us as their recipient, it is a big help for us especially to our Grade Six pupils”, Nistal stressed.

“We hope they will build memories here and that they will take care of these so that the next generation will still benefit. May they enjoy the facilities and maintain cleanliness in the classrooms”, Atayde said. episode of the rich young man. Christ told him that to enter into eternal life, he has to follow the commandments. And when the young man said he was doing all the commandments, then Christ told him to sell all he had and to come, follow Christ.

We cannot exaggerate this need to follow Christ as closely as possible even to the point of leaving behind everything that we have (relictis omnibus). Following Christ would always involve a continuing process of selfdenial. It’s a denial that would leave us increasingly empty of ourselves to fill ourselves more and more with Christ.

This is the love of God that would enable us to properly immerse ourselves in our earthly condition and to transcend it as well to bring us to our ultimate destination. This is the love that makes the little things of our day big and acquire an eternal value.

God does not want us to get out of this world. He put us here, in the first place. But he wants us to live our life here properly, that is, with love that usually is manifested by offering everything to God and serving others.

Bill Board

Dr. Conniebel Nistal - Principal, Lumbia Central School, Dr. Rowena Paraon - Education Supervisor, Department of Education, Mr. Wilhelmino Mendoza - First Vice President, Area Head for Mindanao, Banco de Oro, Atty. Adrian Barba - City Councilor, Cagayan de Oro City, Mr. Jesus Tirona - Member, Board of Trustees, BDO Foundation, Mr. Hans Sy - President, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and the son of the son of Henry Sy, Sr. , Ms Maureen Abelardo - President and Member, Board of Trustees, BDO Foundation, Ms Debby Go - Assistant Vice President, SCMC, Ms Linda Atayde - Executive Director, SM Foundation, Ms Clara Elizaga - Mall Manager, SM City Cagayan de Oro, Mr Constantine Arce - Assistant Mall Manager, SM City Cagayan de Oro. Photos by Roslyn Paglinawan

SCHOOL TRURNOVER

SM foundation and BDO Foundation Inc Turn Over key to Lumbia Central School during the TurnOver Ceremony SMPHI- BDO Foundation-SMFI School Building to Lumbia Central School.

November 16, 2012 From right to left: Ms Maureen Abelardo - President and Member, Board of Trustees, BDO Foundation; Ms Debby Go - Assistant Vice President, SCMC; Atty. Adrian Barba - City Councilor, Cagayan de Oro; Mr Jesus Tirona - Member, Board of Trustees, BDO Foundation; Ms Linda Atayde - Executive Director, SM Foundation; Dr. Rowena Paraon - Education Supervisor, Department of Education

PSF maximizes LGUs’ resources for development

By BONG FABE

CAGWAIT, Surigao del Sur— This municipality’s mayor has expressed his gratefulness to President Aquino for giving the chance to local government units to maximize their meagre resources for programs toward the improvement of the lives of their constituents without fear of budgetary constraints in mitigating/adapting to climate change.

President Aquino signed on August 17 Republic Act 10174 or the Peoples Survival Fund Law, which would help LGUs’ climate change adaptation programs. It amended certain provisions of R.A. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009.

The PSF has an initial budget of P1 billion which

LGUs can access to fund their adaptation activities (Section 20a) in the areas of land and water resources management, agriculture and fisheries, health, infrastructure development, and natural ecosystems.

Other uses of the Fund, as specified in Section 20, are (b) improvement of the monitoring of vector-borne diseases triggered by climate change, and in this context improving disease control and prevention; (c) forecasting and early warning systems as part of preparedness for climate-related hazards; (d) supporting institutional development, for local governments, in partnership with local communities and civil society groups, for preventive measures, planning, preparedness and manage-

said and undertaken by the incumbent administration

– go back to the year 1992 when the then government encouraged American dollar borrowings with but much speculative economic advantage? To answer to the contrary would be to deny the start realty of the progressively lower exchange rate of the Philippine peso – courtesy of the IMF. Thus it is that in the Philippines, there are now not really few and timid voices heard here and there

literally shouting the following primary agenda for the economic salvations of the Filipinos: Stop paying for the meantime, the enormous debt of the Philippines to the IMF. Engage in local energy production rather than depend mainly on imported oil. And grow as much food as possible in accord with the attributes of the land and environ of the country. Are these so hard to understand?

leader with a 42% share, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with a 22% share and Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. with an 8% share.

Rounding out the top

five were Isuzu Philippines Corp. with a 7% share and Ford Philippines with a 5% share.

CAMPI, which saw supply chain issues limit sales to

141,616 units in 2011, aims to sell 185,000 units this year.

The target was increased by 5,000 units in August, following strong sales earlier this year.

Cruz... from page 6

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 23-24, 2012

ment of impacts relating to climate change, including contingency planning, in particular, for droughts and f loods in areas prone to extreme climate events; (e) strengthening existing; and where needed, establish regional centers and information networks to support climate change adaptation initiatives and projects; (f) serving as a guarantee for risk insurance needs for farmers, agricultural workers and other stakeholders; and (g) community adaptation support programs by local organizations accredited by the [Climate Change] Commission.

Mayor Bonifacio Ondona, a Galing Pook awardee for his efforts to connect environment al issues to the improvement of the living conditions of his constitu-

ents, said all these provisions in the use of the PSF allow LGUs to maximize the use of its budget to fund other programs and projects not related to climate change.

“Since climate change is a new issue, as far as LGUs are concerned, local chief executives and other elected officials do not really give it much thought since we just depend on the national government to address it.

But with the enactment of the PSF we are now realizing that LGUs have duties and responsibilities in addressing climate change right in our own backyards,” he told this reporter.

The PSF is critical to communities as it will enable them to access funds to cope with the anticipated impacts of climate change without resources/PAGE 9

CAGAYAN DE ORO Main Branch P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers – Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN Branch B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES Branch Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA Branch Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN Branch Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739a

8

Agri News

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 23-24, 2012

MisOcc gets state farm assistance THE NATIONAL government has committed hundreds of millions of pesos worth of production inputs, equipment and facilities for local governments in Misamis Occidental to help farmers and fishermen among their constituents boost production, the Agriculture department said in a statement on Wednesday.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala handed over certificates of assistance to Misamis Occidental Governor Herminia M. Ramiro last Nov. 14 during ceremonies marking the province’s 83rd foundation anniversary, the department said.

The amount consists of P70 million worth of farm-tomarket roads and a hanging

bridge funded under the department’s Mindanao Rural Development Program, P35 million for the provincial government, as well as P32 million for the municipalities of Panaon (P18.8 million) and Tudela (P13.5 million) for rehabilitation and construction of such roads.

Specific assistance the department cited included:

• farm inputs and equipment worth P8 million under the department’s Agri-Pinoy rice program, as well as two corn mills worth P300,000 each under the department’s national corn program; • a P10-million multispecies fish hatchery for the town of Sapang Dalaga provided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; • P2.6 million worth of fishery inputs, equipment and projects for fisherfolk groups in coastal towns; as well as • P2.1 million worth of small water reservoirs to be

built by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management.

In a forum held as part of celebrations mark ing the province’s anniversary that was attended by 1,000 farmers, fisherfolk and local government officials, winners of a raffle won P1.1 million worth of farm equipment like hand tractor, rice thresher, collapsible dryers, backpack sprayers; 300 bags of certified rice seeds and open-pollinated variety corn seeds; 700 pouches of vegetable seeds; five heads each of carabao and cattle; and 25 head of goats, the department added.

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Green nut production in Region 10, grows 37.2% in 2nd quarter

By RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Contributor

A TOTAL production of 460,230 green coconuts was noted in region 10, during the second quarter of the year.

This, as coconut farmers in the region have chosen to harvest their young coconuts rather than wait for them to mature to answer the market demand for young coconuts.

One of the ingredients for “buko” salad/ice cream and juice-making, young coconuts had become more popular, during the the holiday season and even summer vacation months, each year.

Meanwhile, the production of young coconuts, during the quarter was actually higher by 147,825 or 37.2 percent compared to 335,405 in the same period of 2011, Regional Manager Luis Cruz of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), region 10, said.

The PCA data also show that the highest production of green coconuts was noted in the province of Misamis Oriental with 150,000, fol lowed by Bu k idnon, 119,753, Lanao del Norte, 28,830, Camiguin, 73,247

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and Misamis Occidental, 34,220.

Cruz, however, said the highest growth in green coconut production was noted in Lanao del Norte with 70.9 percent, followed

by Camiguin, 37.8 percent, Misamis Orienta l, 33.9 percent, Bukidnon, 29.2 percent and Misamis Occidental, 18 percent.

Me a nw h i le , a tot a l mature nut production of 436,723,062 was noted in the region during the period, higher by 19,918,879 or five (5) percent compared to 416,804,183 in the same quarter of 2011.

Again, the highest production of mature nuts was noted in Lanao del Norte with 142,680,000, followed by Misamis Occidental, 127,850,000, Misamis Oriental, 125,723,703, Camiguin, 27,280,842 and Bukidnon, 13,188,517.

Howe ver, t he h ig hest growth in mature nut production was noted in the province of Bukidnon with 26 percent, followed

by Misamis Oriental, 9.0 percent, Camiguin, 4.0 percent, Lanao del Norte, 3.0 percent and Misamis Occidental, 1.0 percent, the PCA data also show.

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Grids... from page 1

pany would begin connecting Mindanao to the LuzonVisayas grid once the ERC approves t he company’s proposal.

She said NGCP is already conducting test broadcasts between its Visayas regional system operations control room and its Mindanao substations.

Whatever expenses the company would incur from the project however can be recovered from customers no earlier than 2016, as the ERC already approved NGCP’s projects under its third regulatory period, Alabanza said.

Using 1997 estimates, state-owned National Power Corp had said the LeyteMindanao Interconnection Project would cost $400 million.

Alabanza said the project would remain a short-term respite, as any long-term solution would require putting up additional power plants in Mindanao.

“At the end of the day, NGCP merely transmits available capacity. Dapat sabayan ng bagong power plant at bagong capacity,” she said.

Summit... from page 1

2012: Hanep Na Ang Buhay Dahil May Hanap Buhay’ for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, from 7am to 4pm.

“We have seen how the first OFW summit has helped many of our OFWs and their relatives, so we will keep on doing this. Many of them have applied what they have learned from the talks they listened to, by putting up small businesses such as food stalls or venturing into franchising and direct selling among others,” said Cynthia Villar, Managing Director of the Villar Foundation.

The summit is focused on OFWs and their families, thus every aspect of the event—from the program to the exhibitors, is customized to cater to their interests, requirements and concerns.

Various speakers and Villar herself (as keynote speaker) will provide OFWs and other attendees with insights and tips on entrepreneurship, from the basics of starting a business and to financing. Topics include: spotting business opportunities, financial literacy and presentation on other opportunities such as in franchising, direct selling, real estate salesmanship, product consignments, distributorship etc.

Exhibit stalls and booths would feature different businesses, companies and organizations which will showcase their products, services, business offerings among others, that can give OFWs and their families ideas or examples on where to invest their hard-earned money.

According to Villar, providing OFWs and families

with needed business knowhow can help them better handle their money. “We want OFWs and their families to have an entrepreneurial mindset, so they can invest their earnings or the remittances they get into profitable endeavors. We want them to have success stories, not sob stories that we often hear from distressed OFWs.” OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs are also invited to inspire the audience with their testimonials.

Like last year, one of the main highlights of the event is the raffle prizes. The Villar Foundation will again raffle off a Camella house and lot.

GoNegosyo will give away food cart business packages.

Livelihood or ‘kabuhayan’ packages such as Aling Puring sari-sari store items of Puregold, motorcycles from Motortrade, Kettle Korn franchises, among many more.

The Villar Foundation, through its Sagip OFW program, has been extending various forms of support and assistance to OFWs and their families including repatriation, livelihood packages, medical/burial assistance, scholarships and skills-up trainings.

“We in the foundation through Sagip OFW wants to be there for OFWs, from rescuing them to abusive employers, repatriating them and reintegrating them as productive members of the society. We have a soft spot for OFWs because our first client in our housing business was an OFW family. This will be a life-long advocacy for us,” cited Villar.

Corporate sponsors of the 2nd OFW and Family Summit include Vista Land, Camella Homes, Smart, Isuzu Motors, Motortrade, Kettle Food Corp., Avon and PLDT SME Nation. Institutional partners are Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and Blas Ople Policy Center .

Media partners of the event are GMA, TV 5, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, People’s Journal, Abante, 96.3 EasyRock, Crossover 105.1, Tiger 22 Media Corp. (103.5 Wow FM, Magic 89.9, 99.5RT, Killer Bee, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3), Love Radio, and DZRH.###

Rate... from page 1

lary services costs incurred

by NGCP from generators.

NGCP’s transmission charges are for Power Delivery Service, System Operations, and Metering Services which recover, respectively, the cost of conveying electricity to or from the grid, the cost of SO services like communications and SCADA, and the cost metering facilities including software and hardware.

Ancillary Service (AS) charges, on the other hand,

are pass-through charges that are not part of NGCP’s revenues. “Please note that the 39% increase in AS rates in Luzon (the comparison being made between September 2012 and October 2012 billing periods) is due to the increase in the market clearing prices for this type of service, which is a factor beyond our control,” Alabanza added.

AS, however, does not form part of NGCP’s approved transmission rate as it forms part of the revenue of the generators that provide the AS service.

“NGCP does not earn profits from the provision of ancillary services. While it is NGCP who bills and collects ancillary services charges from end-users, as provisionally approved by the ERC, it remits the collection for ancillary services directly and entirely to the generators, from which these ancillary services are taken.

NGCP earns nothing from this,” Alabanza clarified.

NGCP, a privately owned company, continues to perform its mandate as transmission service provider with the full awareness of its nature as a public utility with attendant responsibilities to the public, and in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the regulator, and existing laws governing its operations.

Asian Marine Transport Corporation (AMTC).

Shipping operation on the route will start next year af ter complying all the necessary requirements, mak ing Davao City as a transshipment point to Indonesia with reduced travel time from 10 days to one and a half day.

ATMC is now setting up charges for traders to ship goods from Davao to Bitung and vice-versa.

B a s e d on t he re c ent study of Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Davao-Bitung route ranked among the top three priorit y routes, according to Enrico L. Basilio, president of Research Education and Institutional Development Foundation and chair of the transport committee of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. “The door-to-door cost of RoRo is 20% lower compared with conventional shipping; 70-80% cheaper than air,” Monteverde said.

In 2010, North Sulawesi’s exports to Philippines amounted to $6.844 million from commodities such as crude coconut oil, copra, dessicated coconut, crude palm oil, coconut charcoal and frozen fish. The imports from the Philippines to North Sulawesi valued at $7.725 million.

Robinsons...

Trade...

this development,” explained Trina B. Cipriano, Robinsons Land assistant vice-president for leisure and retirement.

Robinsons Land had said last April that it was confident it can sustain growth of its business in Ortigas Center, where bulk of office properties were developed by the company.

“We continue to be very bullish about Ortigas. We started here, we’ve grown here, and we know the market quite well. We are confident our projects will continue to sell,” Ms. Cipriano said.

FUNDING Robinsons Land, incorporated in 1980, is the property arm of listed conglomerate JG Summit Holdings, Inc. The property developer has built 32 malls, 33 residential projects, eight office buildings, and nine hotels to date.

For the 2012 fiscal year, the Gokongwei-led company has allotted P13 billion for capital expenditures -- just a little over the P13.9 billion the previous year -- which will be sourced from cash operations and debt, Frederick D. Go, Robinsons Land president, had said last April.

More than 60% of the funding will go to malls, office buildings, and hotels, while the remainder will be earmarked for residential condominiums and housing units, he explained.

tourism, property & real estate development, as well as information, communication & technology (ICT).

Earlier, the first investment conference successfully pushed the passage of private-public partnership ordinance in Davao City, including the opening of the Clark-Davao route with the signing of Sister Airport Agreement, and the launching of a new sea transportation to support the city’s growing tourism industry.

The Davao Icon is organized by DCCCII with hundreds of delegates attending this year’s conference including local and foreign delegates.

from page 12

Roro... from page 2

Shuttle Roro, the subsidiary of t he Cebu-based f irm

from page 2

Rufus... from page 11

drawn up to ensure that the tax is imposed on as much gold as possible, and to guarantee compliance with the law requiring all small-scale miners to sell their gold to the BSP. A joint effort among the BSP, the BIR, local government units, the DENR, the customs bureau, and even the Philippine National Police is in order.

President Benigno Aquino III recently issued an executive order on mining that aims to regulate smallscale mining by limiting it to especially designated zones where the government plans to build oreprocessing facilities. Efforts should also be rushed in this direction.

9

Villar slams reclamation intrusion into ecology habitat FORMER Las Piñas City Rep. Cynthia Villar slammed government and a private contractor for allegedly failing to consult concerned groups before pursuing the reclamation of 635 hectares of foreshore areas in Manila Bay, which are beside the 175-hectare protected mangroves, lagoons and ponds known as Las PiñasParañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area.

Villar, in a briefing before the House committee on natural resources, said the Public Reclamation Authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Environmental Management Bureau, the city government of Las Piñas, and Alltech Contractors Inc. did not hold consultations with stakeholders.

She said the P14-billion reclamation project would destroy a critical habitat in the area and will lead to massive flooding in Las Piñas City.

“The proposed Manila Bay reclamation project will damage the 175-hectare mangrove forest and marine habitat at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area. It will also impede the natural river flow in Las Piñas, and will cause severe flooding in many barangays: 37 in Bacoor, 11 in Parañaque and 17 in Las Piñas,” Villar told the panel.

Last March 16, Villar filed a petition for a writ of kalikasan. The Supreme Court granted her petition the following month. The justices have clarified that what they issued was a writ and not a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) which Villar has also sought.

The SC said that with only a writ of kalikasan and without a TEPO, the government and contractor AllTech Contractors Inc. (AllTech) could still push through with the project, as the issuance of the writ is merely procedural.

Last September, various groups asked the high court

to be allowed Villar’s petition as intervenors. They are the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) represented by Fernando Hicap and Salvador France, Pamalakaya-Bulacan chapter, Anakpawis and Bayan Muna party-list led by Reps. Rafael Mariano and Teodoro Casiño, the Koalisyon Kontra Kumbersyon ng Manila Bay, the Bacoor-based Alyansa fisherfolk group, Sagip Manila Bay Movement, Save Freedom Island Movement, Center for Environmental Concerns, Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment, Earth Island Philippines, and the Alliance for Stewardship and Authentic Progress.

Villar said a study conducted by Tricore Solutions Inc. shows that 65 barangays in Las Piñas, Parañaque and Bacoor will be submerged in f loods from 0.15 meter to 5.12 meters deep, if a storm or typhoon like “Ondoy” would hit.

She also said the reclamation will adversely affect families who rely on fishing for livelihood as it will demolish fishing communities and cause the destruction of mangroves.

She said urban renewal instead of reclamation should be considered, noting there are other traditional methods of urban development that are worth considering, and which t could decongest the city without the severe environmental risks of reclamation.

These include enhancing mass transportation systems that can provide the public with faster and more convenient access to cheaper land at the outskirts of Metro Manila, she said.

The hearing was called after several resolutions were filed at the House, including HR No. 1558 of Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez who wanted to inquire into reports that the project could destroy one of Metro Manila’s last nature reserves and birds sanctuaries.

Resources...

the PSF Law to ensure that sustainable livelihoods of small rural producers are protected and resilient from natural and human-induced disasters Surigao del Sur is facing the Pacific Ocean. And according to the Natural Disaster Risk Profile created by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), the province is prone to earthquakes, storm surges, floods, and tsunami.

Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda urged for the inclusion of the P1 billion PSF budget in the 2013 National Budget as it will help ensure significant improvements in the disaster resilience of communities in the country.

“We must immediately implement the People’s Survival Fund Act as it will help local governments’ adaptation activities,” she said in a statement.

from page 7

waiting for the occurrence of climate-induced calamities.

Most funds of the LGUs, which have already been earmarked for programs and projects for the improvement of the lives of the people, are often diverted to respond to disasters and calamities, thus leaving their plans and programs unimplemented and consequently retarding the community’s development, Ondona explained.

But with the PSF, communities can already address climate change issues in their locality without spending their own resources.

According to Oxfam, coastal communities in Surigao del Sur like this municipality are in danger of rising sea and tidal levels.

Oxfam is among those that pushed for the enactment of

10

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International Film Expo opens in Davao City CII).

The Expo will feature exhibitors particularly film equipment suppliers, production and post-production companies, independent production groups, broadcast outfits and top film academic institutions.

They will be joined by local government units like the Province of Davao del Norte and the City Tourism Office of Davao which will be promoting some sites in their localities as film loca-

DAVAO Cit y -- Leading players of the local and international film industry have converged in Davao City for the International Film Expo (IFX) which will run from November 23 to 24 at the brand new SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premiere.

The IFX is spearheaded by the Film Development Council of the Philippines in partnership with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc (DCC-

tions.

Teddy Granados, FDCP executive director said that the latest film technologies and equipment will be featured in the expo. Aside from the expo there will be symposium and lectures relevant to today’s film industry which will be conducted by respected speakers from around the world.

Among the topics include “Maximizing the Philippine Potentials for international Filmmaking to be conducted

by Lope Juban, president of the Philippine Film Studios; Juban bought Hollywood productions like Apocalypse Now and the recently produced Bourne Legacy here to the country.

“With the latest development in the peace initiative in Mindanao, the FDCP sees the mounting of the IFX 2012 as timely; it is sending a positive signal for stakeholders in the film industry that Mindanao and the Philippines is open for

business.” FDCP chairman Briccio Santos said in a statement.

Aside from exhibits and lectures, two special movies will be screened during the IFX, the first movie would be the digitally restored

version of Manuel Conde’s 1950 epic “Genghis Khan” and the Philippine premiere of Brillante Mendoza’s “Thy Womb”that was shot in TawiTawi and which stars Philippine cinema’s legendary superstar Nora Aunor.

jie Baguio and Vice Mayor Perlito Gonzaga, with the support of the Association of Barangay Captains through ABC president Barry Baguio, the lantern contest is not simply about celebrating Christmas in

this town but also paves the way in making Kapatagan the indigenous-inspired Christmas lantern capital in the tourism map through its Community-based Rural Tourism approach initiative.

Feature :

PASKOhan sa Kapatagan 2012: Showcasing indigenous-inspired Christmas lanterns

By LORRY V. GABULE Contributor

for the lanterns would be aligned with this campaign, as lanterns will now be properly disposed of after the Christmas season.

Rice husks, leaves, coconut and corn parts are just a few examples of the materials that can be used to design lanterns with a creative touch. Unlike plastics and other nonbiodegradable materials, lanterns made from indigenous materials when ha nged w i l l not cause health hazards.

Another cause for worry that has to be addressed is the threat of fire from various Christmas decors.

And who says Christmas is not felt in rural areas?

Definitely, the town’s lanterns represent Christmas season. People from each barangay who create these works of art in an inexpensive way would be proud of their accomplishment.

Instead of buying lanterns amounting to thousands

CHRISTMAS spirit is up in the air and part of the Filipino culture is the hanging of lanterns to signify that Christmas is fast approaching along with the cold breeze.

The Kapatagan town of Lanao del Norte province will celebrate Christmas this time with something unique – an activity dubbed “PASKOhan sa Kapatagan 2012.”

It will showcase different lantern designs made from indigenous materials in each of the 33 barangays.

This explains why celebrating Christmas in this town need not be expensive but environmental-friendly as well.

The local government is working hand in hand with the community in the campaign for proper garbage and plastics disposal, which is a priority. The use of indigenous materials

of pesos would now have local lanterns at a cheap cost for a change.

These creations will provide an opportunity as a source of livelihood.

Spectators are now flocking to the Kapatagan Municipal Hall to witness various ar t works and t hey can place orders right there and then and bring home lanterns for display in their homes.

The local government unit is now seeing an option in coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for this new opportunity to build a cottage industry out of it.

Lampakanay or cat’s tail is a wild sea grass abundant in the coastal areas of Kapatagan, particularly Barangays Lapinig and Margos. They are now us-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF Tubod, Lanao del Norte

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF Tubod, Lanao del Norte NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF No.: 170-07-2012 Upon the Extra Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135 / 1508, as amended, filed by the 1ST Valley Bank Inc., Baroy, Lanao del Norte against JOEL G. BUHISAN, Baroy, Lanao del Norte to satisfy the indebtedness which as of October 2, 2012 amounting to FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php 430,000.00) excluding penalties, changes, attorney’s fee and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on 27th day of December 2012 at 10:00 AM or soon thereafter at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 07, Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-16709 “A parcel of residential land known as Lot No. A-3-A, Psd-123503020279, situated in Upper Sagadan, Municipality of Baroy, Lanao del Norte, Island of Mindanao, Philippines, containing a total area of One Thousand One Hundred Ninety Eight (1,198) square meters, more or less including all improvements found thereof and particularly bounded as follows; Lot No. A-3-A, Psd-123503-020279 Bounded on the North, along line 2-3 by Lot-A-3-F, both of the subdivision plan, Psd-123503-020279 on the South East along line 3-4 by property of Bernardino Alvia. On the South West, along line 4-1 by Lot A-3-E of the subdivision plan. (Road Lot) “All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, this November 6, 2012.

BWM: NOV. 16, 23 & 30, 2012

For the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Sheriff CONRADO V. HINGCO, JR.

ing this material in their lanterns.

Kapatagan has been exporting ropes and waste baskets made from lampakanay since last year.

In these disaster-stricken barangays, lampakanay has provided value added to the lantern products as a livelihood project.

This provides bigger income to the people in the community who now have another source of income aside from being farmers and fishermen.

The official launching of PASKOhan and first judging of the lantern contest are scheduled for December 2 during the celebration of the town’s Kahumayan Festival Street Dancing competition. Criteria in the lantern contest include the use of indigenous materials, ingenuity, creativity and artistry, and the lantern’s overall look and feel.

Initiated by Mayor Ben-

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF No.: 171-07-2012 Upon the Extra Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135 / 1508, as amended, filed by the 1ST Valley Bank Inc., Baroy, Lanao del Norte against EDDIE A. AVILA, Bag-ong Dawis, Baroy, Lanao del Norte to satisfy the indebtedness which as of August 2, 2012 amounting to ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php 1,500,000.00) excluding penalties, changes, attorney’s fee and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on 27th day of December 2012 at 10:00 AM or soon thereafter at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 07, Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-22,930

“A parcel of residential lot situated at Bag-ong Dawis, Baroy, Lanao del Norte. Containing an area of One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty (1,380) square meters, more or less including all improvements found thereon more particularly described and bounded as follows; Lot No. 986, Pls-13

Bounded on the NE, line 6-1 by Lot 1960-G, Csd-10-000091-D, SE., line 1-2 by Lot 6441-J-1, line 2-3 by Lot 6441-J-2, line 3-4 by Lot 6441-1-3 all of Psd-10-046241; SW., line 4-5 by Lot 644-1 Psd-12-015100; SW., Line 5-6 by Lot 6441-H Psd-12-015100.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. CLOA-11,306 “A parcel of Irrigated Riceland situated at Bag-ong Dawis, Baroy, Lanao del Norte. Containing an area of Ten Thousand Two Hundred Thirteen (10,213) sqm. More or less including all the improvements found thereon more particularly described and bounded as follows; Lot No. 1960-G, Csd-10-00091

Bounded on the North along line 1-2 by Lot No. 1960-F, Csd-10-000091; on the East along line 2-3 by Lot No. 1957, Pls-13, on the South along line 3-4 by Lot No. 1960-H, Csd-10-000091 and on the West along line 4-1, by Lot No. 1960-E, Csd-10-00091.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, this November 6, 2012.

For the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Sheriff

CONRADO V. HINGCO, JR.

BWM: NOV. 16, 23 & 30, 2012

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 44 Initao, Misamis Oriental IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION SPEC. PROC. NO. 2012-1124 FOR THE CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE RECORD OF BIRTH AT THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR; CHANGING THE ENTRY FOR THE SEX OF THE PETITIONER FROM FEMALE TO MALE, LYN JHIE C. ACASO Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF LIBERTAD, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Respondent. x------------------------------------------------------- / ORDER Let this case be heard on February 8, 2013 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at this court sitting at the Hall of Justice, Poblacion, Initao, Misamis Oriental. The Civil Registrar concerned and any person having or claiming any interest under the certificate of live birth whose cancellation/correction is sought may, within fifteen (15) days from notice of the petition, file his or her opposition thereto.

At the expense of the petitioner, let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental.

Further, let a copy of this Order and the petition be posted at the bulletin boards of the entrance door of this court, Hall of Justice, Initao, Misamis Oriental and Municipal Hall, Libertad, Misamis Oriental.

Finally, let a copy of the petition and this Order be furnished to the Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the Civil Registrar concerned.

SO ORDERED. Initao, Misamis Oriental, October 19, 2012.

(Sgd.) ARTHUR L. ABUNDIENTE

Acting Presiding Judge BWM: NOV. 9, 16 & 23, 2012

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Congress watch

Rufus tells BIR to keep tax on gold LAWMAKERS calling for the scrapping of the tax on gold are barking up the wrong tree. Just because small-scale gold miners or the traders who buy their output do not pay the tax, the Philippine government should simply scrap the impost and the problem gets solved?

At least four lawmakers last week urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to scrap, or suspend, the tax on gold sales after reports that the volume of the precious metal sold by small-scale miners to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) or central bank fell drastically to 17,389 kilos in 2011 from 25,232 kilos in 2010 when production should have increased as prices rose.

The culprit, according to the lawmakers, is the 7-per cent tax on all gold sales to the BSP. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources had noted that the decline in the BSP’s gold purchases began in the second half of 2011 when the BIR imposed a 2-per cent excise tax and a 10-per cent creditable withholding tax (CWT) on gold sold by small-scale miners and traders. Effective April this year, the CWT was halved to 5 per cent. The tax payments are deducted at the BSP’s five buying stations in the cities of Baguio, Davao, Zamboanga, Naga and Quezon, and later remitted to the BIR. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has called on Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares to immediately scrap the tax, while Sen. Gregorio Honasan suggested that it be suspended until the BIR has plugged all the loopholes in the system.

“The gold tax is a glaring case of bad taxation. It is doing more harm than good because it is a big f lop in raising government revenue

and it is hurting our financial stability,” Rodriguez claimed.

Honasan, a member of the Senate ways and means committee, said: “I don’t think we should continue with something that is clearly not working as expected. I agree that gold should be taxed, but I don’t think it should be done this way.”

The law requires smallscale miners to sell all their gold to the central bank.

What does the substantial drop in the BSP’s gold purchases from them indicate but smuggling?

“Obviously, smuggling accounts for the low gold inventory [of the BSP],” Isabela Representative Giorgidi Aggabao, vice chair of the House ways and means com-

mittee, said, adding: “But the trouble with lifting the tax is it will benefit equally the big-time gold mining companies.” He also said that while he believed that the tax should stay, the solution was stricter oversight, especially on small-scale mining activities.

The most plausible proof of the smuggling is the reports citing Hong Kong data showing that Philippine gold shipments to the territory averaged 81,000 kilos in 2010 and 2011. On the other hand, data from the Philippines’ National Statistics Office showed legal gold exports to Hong Kong in 2010 and 2011 at just about 3 per cent of the total volume recorded

by Hong Kong authorities.

It’s quite clear that the problem is smuggling, not the tax on gold sales. We agree with the BIR chief’s position that the argument that the tax is pushing small-scale miners to sell gold to buyers outside the country is not sufficient reason for the government to stop collecting taxes. What is

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 9-10, 2012

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Friday-Saturday I Nov. 23-24, 2012

11

needed is strict enforcement of the law so that small-scale miners will stop turning to smugglers who take the gold out of the country, Henares correctly pointed out. “ Sma l l-s c a le m i ner s should sell gold to the BSP because it is what the law states,” the BIR chief said.

“If they don’t do so, then they commit a violation. The Bureau of Customs should require gold exporters, par-

ticularly small-scale ones, to show documentary proof that the gold they are trying to bring out of the country was bought from the BSP. It must stop any shipment of gold that has no certification from the BSP and hold the exporters for questioning.”

Indeed, it is the obligation of small-scale miners to pay taxes just like everyone else. A mechanism should Rufus/PAGE 9

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Robust growth for real estate SUPPLY AND DEMAND levels for the country’s residential and office sectors are expected to continue to grow next year on the back of a bullish local investment climate, particularly in the growing BPO (business process outsourcing) sector, local real estate services firm CB Richard Ellis Philippines, Inc. (CBRE Philippines) reported.

“We are now experiencing the best real estate market in the last 20 years. Suffice it to say that if you build it, they [the buyers]will come -- be it office, residential, or leisure properties,” Rick M. Santos, CBRE Philippines chairman and chief executive, said.

Optimism in the local property sector is being driven by the numerous investments coming in as a result of an attractive business climate.

“The confidence in the Philippines from an investment standpoint is very high, and will pervade in 2013. The Philippine real estate sector will have bright prospects in 2013,” Mr. Santos said.

Joey M. Radovan, CBRE Philippines global corporate services vice-chairman, said that the office market, for one, continued to enjoy robust pre-leasing commitments across major locations, with demand coming from BPOs.

Earlier this year, CBRE Philippines noted that preleasing activity, defined as initial payments between tenant and landlord prior to the payment of actual rent, was beginning to grow to pre-Asian Crisis levels due to the economy’s stability.

CBRE Philippines identified Quezon City, particularly Eastwood City and the UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub, as the next emerging office growth district in Metro Manila.

“The office sector will continue to perform well in Asia Pacific as it is one of the most cost-effective out-

sourcing destinations in the region. The country provides a conducive environment for foreign investors,” Mr. Santos explained.

An optimistic outlook is also seen for residential sector: “While demand for the high-end market will be sustained in 2013, developers will focus more on mid-income residential market segment within the P45,000- to P80,000-square meter range, reflecting the demand created from the growing population of families and young professionals,” CBRE Philippines said in its statement.

Robinsons Land pushes mixed-use development

GOKONGWEI-LED property developer Robinsons Land Corp. has moved to broaden its mixed-use development portfolio, launching on Tuesday The Sapphire Bloc, an upscale project that was described as the company’s biggest development in Ortigas Center yet.

Robinsons Land unveiled The Sapphire Bloc in a press briefing at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, a four-tower complex that will rise on an 8,400-square-meter property bounded by Sapphire and Garnet Roads in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

“This is our biggest project to date in Ortigas,” May L. Precilla, Robinsons Land vice-president for sales and marketing, said during the briefing.

Ms. Precilla noted in an interview after the briefing that Robinsons Land’s biggest development in the area had been the 5,000-square-meter Robinsons Galleria complex at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue.

LIFESTYLE BLOC Robinsons Land said that as a so-called lifestyle bloc, the 38-storey The Sapphire Bloc will be a “centrally located, integrated development close to office and commercial institutions, a showcase of unique dining and retail conveniences, and complemented by a residential enclave.”

The Sapphire Bloc

The Sapphire Bloc will offer 30- to 37-square-meter, one-bedroom units at P3 million-P4.16 million each; 45.50- to 60-square-meter, two-bedroom units at P5 million-P6.74 million each; and 97-square-meter, threebedroom units at P10.59 million-P10.77 million each, a statement read.

“The first building is expected to bring P1.6 billion in sales, with turnover in 2016,” Mybelle V. AragonGobio, Robinsons La nd vice-president for business development and financing, said at same the briefing. “[W]e have yet to estimate (sales from) the three other buildings, but the other buildings will be taller and have more units, so they will

fetch higher sales.”

Ms. Gobio declined to cite investment cost.

Robinsons Land has also allotted a 2,000-square-meter area at The Sapphire Bloc’s ground level for retail tenants.

UPBEAT The Sapphire Bloc will absorb Robinsons Land’s Sapphire Residences --- currently under construction -- after the company bought additional properties toward Onyx Road which crosses Sapphire and Garnet Roads from Meralco Avenue.

“We were fortunate to be able to acquire the properties beside that (Sapphire Residences). We expanded that lot and we now have robinsons/PAGE 9