BusinessWeek Mindanao (February 22-23, 2013 Issue)

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Issue No. 167, Volume III •

Cagayan de Oro City

Friday-Saturday

Now every Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

February 22-23, 2013

P15.00

Zamboanga-CDO air link to X boost travel and tourism Briefly T Market Indicators

As of 5:56 pm feb. 20, 2013 (Wednesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P40.65

6,648.57 points

2 cents

X

27.85 points

Convergence program

MARAWI City -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional government has brought its convergence program on health, education, livelihood, peace and program here in a bid to bring regional government services closer to constituents.

The program called ARMM Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy or ARMM HELPS is the banner program of the present regional government that aims to reach out to the region’s constituents by bringing basic services to the ground.

The program was launched in the city on February 13 followed by a similar launching in three other towns of Lanao del Sur, namely, Ditsaan-Ramain, Ganassi, and Taraka, on February 14,15 and 16, respectively.

Rebuilding CDO

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) built partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation Inc. (HFHP) in a “Rebuild CDO” livelihood program dubbed “Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan.” The fund worth P8,150,000 will benefit 500 HFHP home partners in Phase III of Sitio Calaanan.

The program Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan is designed to aid the recovery of 3,355 families affected by tropical storm Sendong, last 2011. The aid will be through assistance and trainings which will equip them with knowledge and skills needed in accessing and developing livelihood opportunities.

“We likewise hope to promote the value of cooperativism among the families to help improve their economic condition and to foster a social cohesion that will help in the emotional healing of the community,” said Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gilda E. Pico.

By MIKE BAÑOS, Correspondent

HE country’s leading domestic airline and the Department of Tourism are working both ends of the new direct air route between the cities of Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro to ramp up travel and tourism between the two destinations.

PDG Tinnex Jaraula leads RCCDO and Nissan executives in awarding the tournament winner for Lowest Gross Score Jets Sajulga (center with trophy). Also in photo are Justine Santos-Sugay, AM for Corp Com of Nissan Universal Motors Corp; Honeymay Limjap, AVP for Sales and Marketing, Nissan UMC; Mar Paano, RCCDO president and Nissan CDO Pres & GM Jeff Rolida. (photo by mike mendoza)

“With the new air route, it is now easy, cheap and convenient for people from both cities to visit each other’s cities for a brief holiday,” noted Mary June G. Bugante, regional director of the Dept. of Tourism for Region IX. “Knowing how different the two cities are, we look forward to more tourists from Region X visiting us in the same manner people from here look forward to visiting Northern Mindanao.”

Cebu Pacific flies from Cagayan de Oro to Zamboanga three times a week every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Before the direct air route was opened last October 20, 2012, commut-

Golf for a Cause breaks Pueblo attendance record

THE Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro’s “Golf for a Cause” drew a 276 registered players over its four-day period last Feb. 14-17, 2013 breaking club records for attendance of a single tournament at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

“We wish to acknowledge the efforts of club members and the support of our sponsors in helping us achieve this milestone,” said PP Caloy Gorospe, project chairman.

“Most of all, we wish to ac-

knowledge the response of the participants to our invitation. Your demonstration of your civic duty for the Sendong victims has encouraged us to redouble our efforts to help our unfortunate fellow Kagay-anon who suffered the fury of Sendong.”

In particular, PP Gorospe cited the efforts of some club members which were crucial to the success of the project including PP Hong C. See, vice chairman; PP Joe Gonzaga, finance, PE

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

Ferdie Bernasor and PAG Manny Aliñabon, awards & socials; PAG Dodie Lagrosas , ways and means; Rtns. Dante Sudaria & Mike Baños, communications and documentations; Rtn. Mike Mendoza, official photographer; PDG Tinnex Jarauala, adviser; Rtn. Joel Bernaldez, Rules; and PAG Dick Aguilar, grounds marshal.

Nissan Universal Motors Corporation and Nissan Cagayan de Oro were the main sponsors for the tournament, providing a Nissan Navara pick-up as a “Hole-in-One” prize in addition to logistics and financial support for the pioneer venture.

Unfortunately, not one participant won the prize including other cash prizes for Par 3’s holes from Rep. Peter M. Unabia (1st District, breaks/PAGE 4

ers had the option of either taking a 12 hour bus ride (with 5-stops in between) or fly some 1,650 kilometers via Manila or five times the 330 kms. that actually separates the two Mindanao cities.

“Even if the direct flights are more expensive than the bus, many would still opt to fly, considering the health and safety considerations inherent in any 12-hour overland trip,” said Catalino E. Chan III, regional director for DOT Region 10. “However , a commuter can secure a fare even lower than the bus if he books early.”

“I booked our flight last December 2012 for our Cenzamboanga/PAGE 7

GATEKEEPERS. Policemen wait outside the gate of the Del Monte Philippines, Inc. compound in Camp Phillips, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon on Feb. 20, the day after the New Peoples Army attacked the facility, killing a security guard and wounding three other persons.

mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

Del Monte beefs up security after attack FOOD giant Del Monte Philippines has doubled its security measures at its pineapple and canning operations in Bukidnon following a simultaneous rebel attack on February 19 early evening.

Del Monte, in a statement, said that it has tapped the

help of government civilian and security forces to “reinforce security measures to ensure the safety of its workers and the surrounding community.”

“Company operations were not affected by the Del monte/PAGE 7

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P28-M farm-to-market road benefits 5 villages in Agusan Norte BUTUAN City -- The Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III (DARARISP III) recently turned-over the completed 6.5-kilometer (km) concrete farm-to-market road worth P28 million to the local government of R.T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.

More than 11,000 residents in barangays Tagbongabong, Basilisa, Balangbalang, Poblacion II, and San Antonio Agrarian Reform Communities (TAGBABAPSA ARC) benefited from the project with 989 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) includ-

ing hundreds of residents from neighboring barangays.

The road project provides better accessibility to three barangays, from national road junction in Poblacion II traversing Brgy. Balangbalang to San Antonio.

DAR Caraga Regional

Director Faisar A. Mambuay, Andre B. Atega also of DAR, and Mayor Nilo D. Soliva led the ceremonial ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker.

Mambuay said, “This project is expected to improve lives and reduce poverty level of agrarian reform beneficiaries, farmers and residents in the community.”

Atega said the project will increase household income and change the way of life among the residents. He

asked the local off icials as well as the residents to take care of the project to prolong its service.

Mayor Soliva lauded government initiatives like DAR’s interventions that dramatically increase productivity and boost economic condition which change not only the landscape but positively ease in commuting and lessen transport cost.

“This road brings rapid growth that lead to the prosperity of my constituents,” Soliva added.

Jeanda Agao, one of the recipients, said the project indeed, is a dream come true to the residents, who endured years of bad road condition, but now, they have an accessible road that greatly improve the mobilization of agricultural products.

“Ang maong proyekto dako og tabang kay dili na kami maglisod sa pagdala sa among produkto ngadto sa kamerkadohan (the project greatly helps because we can easily bring our products to the market),” Jeanda said.

Witnessing the said activity were Vice Mayor Eleuterio R. Enriquez; Denia Jabagat and Virgie Batosalem of DAR; Danilo E. Versola of DPWH; District Engineer Salvador E. Montil Jr., San Antonio Brgy. Chairman Diosdado Enriquez; and some local residents.

The project is jointly funded by government and

by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) implemented under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project, Phase III (ARISP III).

Power firm inks MOA with TESDA for skills training

0917-7154399 088-856-8562/63

BUTUAN City -- A power firm has firmed up its commitment to support a skills training program for indigenous people and for poor residents within the project area of the company’s proposed 30-megawatt Puyo run-of- river hydro-electric power plant in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

First Gen Minda nao Hydro Power Corporation (First Gen Mindanao from the Lopez Group of Company) made the commitment in a memorandum of agreement it recently forged with the local government of Jabonga and the Technical Education and Skills Development authority (TESDA).

The MOA serves mainly as guide for funding and selecting an initial 20 skills training scholars, as well

as designing appropriate training modules for the scholars. The MOA also aims to enhance the employment chances of the indigenous people and other needy residents within the site of First Gen Minadanao’s Puyo hydroelectric power plant project.

The MOA was signed in Jabonga by Glicerio M. Monton, Jr. ,mayor of Jabonga; Mr. Rodrigo de Villa, TESDA director for the province of Agusan del Norte and Mr. Jerome Cainglet, vice-president of First Gen Mindanao.

A number of tribal chieftains and village leaders from within the project area witnessed the signing ceremony along with the representatives from the Department of Education, the provincial government

and the religious groups.

The MOA signing, thus offered another opportunity for the various stakeholders to hold the dialogue. before the actual signing, the salient features of the MOA were explained to the IP chieftains and the barangay captains in the project site.

Under the said MOA, First Gen Mindanao has pledged to support 20 “skills training scholarships”. First Gen Mindanao’s support for the scholars takes care of such expenses or their transportation and allowance, school supplies, uniforms, course fees and training materials.

First Gen Mindanao has also committed to determine the need to set aside funds for additional skills training scholarships in the future. inks/PAGE 4

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 has warned consumers to always be on the lookout for scams in the market.

Linda O. Boniao, officerin-charge of DTI 10, says there are several strategies for scams. She asked the public not to be fooled by pyramid scams, ponzi scams and all other scams.

She said that common features of a scam is that, initially investment promises to double your money, easy money and quick money beyond the income of the present interest rates of the banks. Second, investors will earn after another investor recruits other people without selling value products.

Third, engaged people will

be promised of “risk free” or 100 percent guarantee return of investment and is always persuaded to join immediately.

Sometimes the client will be asked to deposit for “shipping fee” insurance, registration fee of the prize supposedly won or free gift and a contact number is the only information given. The client may be required to provide personal information like bank account number, credit card numbers, PIN and passwords.

Sometimes the company or business could not provide a written agreement or contract. Oftentimes, a person wins in the lotto or raffle that he or she did not join.

Boniao said prior to getting involved in any of these businesses, make sure to check that they are registered under DTI or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) especially if it is marketing an “investment product.”

She added that it is important to keep evidences of these transactions, including receipts, agreements, certificates and related documents.

Public warned against pyramiding scams AMENITIES : ZORBIT * ATV * TREE TOP ADVENTURE BUGGY * BUNGEE * PICNIC GROUNDS PLAYGROUND * CAFE * LUGE * MINI GOLF ROOM

Korean journalists named Toyota Camry Car of the Year THE Toyota Camr y has been voted by the Korea Automobile Journalist Association as the Car of the Year 2013.

The medium-sized sedan earned the highest score of 78.75 points for its value on price, performance, safety and fuel efficiency.

On top of that, Toyota’s Lexus GS and Prius Hybrid were tagged as number one in the performance and greencar categories, respectively.

This is the first time that a foreign model earned this title since the award was introduced three years ago.

Moreover, the Camr y is one of the best-selling

import cars in Korea.

Toyota ’s sales in Korea soared over 200% in 2012 compared to the previous

year. In the Philippines, the Camry has been the best-selling model in its segment since 2001.

FR ANKFURT — German luxury car maker BMW is recalling about 750,000 cars worldwide over potential electrical problems, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

The recall affects mainly about 500,000 cars in the

United States, specifically various versions of its 1-Series and 3-Series cars built between March 2007 and July 2011 and its Z4 model built between March 2009 and June 2011.

Cars sold in Canada, Japan and South Africa were also

affected, the spokesman said.

The recall is the results of problems with a battery cable connector which could break and cause a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, causing the car to stall unexpectedly and even crash.

HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc.’s (HARI) newest model in its line-up, the Accent Hatch CRDi, is now available.

Bu i lt for power a nd

redesigned for exhilaration, the Accent CRDi VGT hatchback is the only one in its class to be driven by a diesel-fed engine.

Two variants are avail-

able: the Accent Hatch 1.6-liter DSL six-speed M/T and the Accent Hatch 1.6-liter DSL four-speed A/T, priced at P768,000 and P868,000, respectively.

BMW recalls 750,000 cars Hyundai Accent Hatch CRDi now available in dealerships

4

Friday - Saturday I Feb. 22-23, 2013

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Maybank targets to Puregold 2012 profit up 75.9% to P2.72-b expand PHL market share by 2-3% MAYBANK, Malaysia’s largest bank in terms of assets, is bullish on its Philippine operations and targets to increase market share to about two to three percent in the near term.

Maybank president and CEO Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, in a briefing for the bank’s 2012 Group performance Thursday, said they plan “to implement transformation to hyper-grow in the Philippines.”

Mayba n k Group has infused a total of US$ 150 million in its Philippines from 2010 to January 2013 alone and this amount will be used for increasing human capital resources and branches.

Wahid earlier said another US$ 100 million are on standby once its Philippine office needs the funding.

To date, Maybank has about 944 employees and Wahid said they plan to grow organically.

It c u r re nt l y h a s 55 branches nationwide and

Wahid said they target to have about 200 branches by 2018.

He explained that Maybank needs to beef up its personnel to scale up operations in the Philippines, one of Asia’s emerging economies.

“With that number it is big enough to be able to create a strong retail base,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maybank reported a 17.6 percent increase in net profit for 2012 to RM 5.74 billion against year-ago’s RM 4.88 billion.

The bank surpassed its 15.6 percent return on equity (ROE) target after it hit 16 percent in end-2012.

The growth in its net profit were primarily driven by its operations in Malaysia and Indonesia and boosted by its business in Singapore, China and the Philippines.

Its Philippine business registered a net income of P690.1 million or RM 60.9 million last year, thrice the 2011 level of RM 23.7 million. (PNA)

Inks...

business and mayor’s permits.

First Gen will also remit share from the revenues of Puyo project to the national government. The additional 30 megawatt to be generated by the Puyo Project will also help ease the power shortage of Mindanao.

First Gen Mindanao is a subsidiary of the First Gen Corporation, the country’s leading clean and renewable energy producer. First Gen’s portfolio of power plants utilizes indigenous fuels such as natural gas, water and geothermal steam. (PNA)

from page 2 The local government of Jabonga, on the otherhand, has assumed the task of selecting the qualified scholars from within Puyo hydroelectric plant project site.

The package will come on top of million pesos in local taxes and fees First Gen Mindanao will remit to the local government units in the province of Agusan del Norte as well as to the host municipality of Jabonga.

The local taxes and fees will include real property taxes,

PROFIT of supermarket chain Puregold Price Club Inc. rose by whopping 75.9 percent in 2012 as stores and acquired ones posted robust sales.

In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Puregold said its net income reached P2.72 billion last year from P1.54 billion the previous year.

It said higher profit was achieved after consolidated net sales jumped by 47.4 percent to P57.47 billion from P39.99 billion.

The company attributed this to the 27.1-percent increase in sales turnover of the 131 Puregold stores.

The six S&R warehouse clubs and 19 Parco supermarkets, which were acquired by Puregold on June 1 last year, also contributed 13.9 percent of the consolidated net sales for the year, it said.

In 2013, the grocery chain operator Puregold has earmarked P3.6 billion to put up 25 more stores and one S&R warehouse shopping club.

Artist’s rendition of the soon-to-rise Puregold Cagayan de Oro City.

It has already acquired 15 stores of the Company E

Corporation, which operates Eunilaine Foodmarts

and Grocer E Supermart.

(PNA)

BSP charges officials of shuttered CdO bank for syndicated estafa THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) jointly filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a syndicated estafa case against the officers of a Cagayan de Oro-based bank and its contractor for faking renovation activities.

In a statement, the PDIC said monetary authorities are suing the chairman and officers of the shuttered Philippine Farmers’ Bank Inc (PFBI), as well as the president of Primebuilder Corp.

Among the respondents are Ronaldo C. Alaya-ay, owner and chairman of PFBI; Rene Tongco, president; Teofilo Garcia, Jr., vice president; Aimee Santelices, head of treasury department; and Tito Ogarte, president of Primebuilder.

On September 17, 2009, the Monetary Board ordered the closure of PFBI, which was placed under PDIC receivership.

The bank is based in Cagayan de Oro City and has branches in Dagupan, Cabanatuan, San Fernando (Pampanga), Lucena, Man-

Breaks... from page 1

Misamis Oriental), Opol Bgy. Capt. Max Seno, MAA General Assurance Phils., Inc., Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corporation and Stronghold Insurance Co. Inc. “The Golf for a Cause by the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and Nissan Universal Motors Corporation with the help of Nissan Cagayan de Oro was a golf “swinging” success—exceeding not only the sponsors expectations but also Club records,” Nissan Universal Motors noted in a statement. “This partnership is only the beginning as Nissan considers Cagayan de Oro to be a key area for growth. Through this partnership, the lives of the Sendong victims will be

daue, Ozamis, Iloilo, Iligan, and Valencia in Bukidnon.

It shared an office in Makati City with Primebuilder.

According to the complaint, BSP and PDIC found that PFBI spent P40.7 million on renovation and purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment for its branches.

Of the total, P30.22 million was found to be “irregular and suspicious” because no renovation was done for the bank ’s branches. The supposed renovation was not supported by bills of materials, project plans and specifications.

The PDIC and SGV & Co. conducted a fraud investigation on the bank and uncovered that Primebuilder’s address, as indicated in its contract with PFBI, was the same as the residential address of the bank’s owner.

The contract between PFBI and Primebuilder was signed

by Tongco for the bank and

by Primebuilder president

Tito Ogarte, who was later found to be Alaya-ay’s personal driver.

Alaya-ay and Garcia, who were both officers of PFBI, were also incorporators of Primebuilder. Equitylink Holdings Corp, the controlling stockholder of Primebuilder, was also owned by Alaya-ay.

Alaya-ay and Garcia allegedly checked and approved the documents for the disbursement and booking of the fictitious renovations.

Santelices reportedly advised that accounts payable to Primebuilder were priority payments.

“The said capital expenditures were allegedly used as a ruse to misappropriate the funds of the bank,” PDIC said.

PDIC has paid almost P1.11 billion in deposit insurance claims involving 10,978 accounts of PFBI.

changed for the better and we at Nissan are filled with joy at the opportunity to be able to be a part of this project.

This partnership shows that Nissan is here to stay. Until Next Year! Cheers!”

Nissan UMC was represented in the project by Honeymae A. Limjap, assistant vice president, marketing and sales and Justine SantosSugay, Assistant ManagerCor porate Communications while Nissan CDO was represted by Jefferson U. Rolida, president and general manager.

The project organizers also recognized the following Hole Sponsors:, Kingston Lodge, Vertical Builders, Mocha Trucking/Triland Management, TThS Golf Group, Kim In Su Enterprise, Hosanna Academy, Puerto

Community Hospital, PDG Tinnex & PP Devin Jaraula, Suvisco Industries Inc., Barangay Nazareth, Galam Music Lounge, WMC Cold Storage, Oropor t Cargo Hand ling Ser v ices Inc., First Gusa Caltex, Shabuway Hot Pot Cuisine, DBP Northern Mindanao, DBP Northeastern Mindanao, King’s Cross Development Corp., Boysen Pacific Paints, DML Trucking, Maxandrea Hotel/8’s Hightime, UCPB Cogon Branch, UCPB Velez Branch, Virginia Food Inc., Cham’s, La Ilongga-Ororama, Colgate-Palmolive Phils. Inc., Pelican Industrial Sales, PE Ferdie & Ja Bernasor, Llanillo - Romero Optical Clinic, Triple Jr, Fours Agritrade Inc., Alegria Hills, Clarenzon Marketing, Messrs. Ed Gulle & Benjie Calo, Engine

Pro Motor Corp. & Denvi and Lito Cabrera, Sterling Savings Bank & Midway White Beach Resort/Minkay Restobar, Leonardo-Vicente Associates & Consolidated Bldg. Maintenance, Inc., Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., Paceman Multi-Purpose Cooperative, We-Fix Construction/Casa Isabella and San Miguel Corporation.

The organizers also acknowledged the assistance received from the following: Star-Ads, Ultra Craft, Seda Hotel, Redbrick, Crocs, Nature’s Spring, Parasat Cable TV and Pryce Plaza.

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Legal Counsels Member: -Philippine Press Institute

What’s Good Enough?

THINK a minute…

Is your voice good enough to sing a solo on T.V. or radio? If you’re like me, you’ll stick to singing in the shower only! So what are you good at? And compared to whom?

If golf is your sport and you can beat your buddies in a round, how good are you compared to Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, or Veejay Singh?

You and I cannot begin to measure up their worldclass standard of golf!

Years ago I had to learn a new language. Af ter 3 months of study and practice, I felt quite good about my progress. Compared to the tourists, I was a whiz and very f luent. But compared to the locals, I talked like

Traversing the tourism hi-way

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

I HAVE come to believe, each time more strongly, that the more freedom one has, the more responsibility he should also exercise. The two cannot and should not be separated.

Freedom is such a tremendous gift that it gives us power to be anything or anywhere we want to be, including to be in the gutteror worse, in hell. That’s why, it has to be directed and conformed to a law that is meant to be good for all of us.

That’s not a limitation of freedom. That actually enhances freedom, since that makes freedom to get engaged with its proper purpose.

That’s when freedom would truly serve us for our own good and the good of everyone else. And that good is none other than ultimately to love God and others in the truth.

The Internet, especially its very popular social networking services, has opened a wide, new and apparently endless and borderless avenue for us to exercise our freedom of expression. It has brought about a quantum leap of benefits and advantages unknown before.

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, the digital social networks are creating “a new ‘agora,’ an open public square in which people share ideas, information and opinions, and in which new relationships and forms of

Hintsandtraces

FR. ROY CIMAGALA

community can come into being.”

He went to the extent of saying that the spaces created by this new technology, if properly handled, can make the exchange of information into true communication, the links can ripen into friendship, and connections can facilitate communion.

That’s why, according to the Pope, all those who make use of them must exert great effort to be “authentic since, it is not only ideas and information that are shared, but ultimately our very selves.”

That’s a statement worth meditating on, if only to make into a strong conviction the truth that in any communication, it is not merely ideas that are exchanged, but ultimately a person-toperson interrelationship is taking place.

Great care therefore has to be done. And it should be made clear that in these Ordonez/PAGE 8

bad people.

But there is only one way that God can accept you and me so we can live in a right relationship with Him. God has to give us the gif t of His ow n per fect goodness. That’s why God the Son became a human being to pay the penalty of death for all our wrongs and sins. Not His, since he has no wrongs to die for. Jesus wants to give you His perfect goodness free, so you can be good enough to become God’s child and enjoy His life with Him—both now and in heaven after you die.

But it’s up to you to ask Jesus for His free gift of forgiveness and new life. Just ask Him to forgive you for

Think a minute

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

all your wrongs and living your own way. Then ask Him to take full charge of your life and start changing your character with His kind of goodness inside every day, for the rest of your life.

Just think a minute…

Revisiting the Caraga region

Marketing Consultants

Internet freedom and responsibility

a 5-year-old little boy.

In t he sa me way, we may look at some really bad people and feel quite good about ourselves. Compared to them, we almost look like saints!

But compared to God, how good do we look? Well, who doesn’t look like dirt compared to our perfect Creator!

Even if we locked ourselves away from all temptation and prayed all day for the rest of our lives, we still could not come even close to being as pure and perfectly good as God is.

So because we want to feel we’re still OK and good enough, we choose to compare ourselves to those really

PED T. QUIAMJOT

THE diminutive and tireless Director of DOT Region 13, Letty Dc. Tan, who have been shuttling around the Caraga coastal regions and the Cities of Butuan, Surigao, Cagayan de Oro and Bislig City meeting special interest group of tourist and would be prospective tourism investors has no let up pushing a beautiful location in the northeastern part of Surigao del Note known as Siargao to world attention as the top wave surfing destination in Asia.

Siargao Island is a place

not well recognized in the Phi lippines but fa mous among the Europeans, New Zealanders and Australians wave surfers who regularly compete in the Siargao Annual Cup during the month of October in General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

As early as September, foreign travelers and local visitors looking for a bit of excitement troop to the island sub province either for a vacation or sports fishing expedition. Siargao has bountiful species of marine aquatics swimming around 13,000 square miles of seawater and its turbulent waves in October generated from the Pacific Ocean is one of the most challenging surfing ride in the world.

Foreign travelers to the Caraga region are jointly fueled by the mining and mineral exploration aside from the growth of ecotourism.

These two sectors do not mix well in our society; one is a source of destruction while the other is a potent force to inspire environmental pro-

tection. They co-exist under a temporary arrangement of love hate relationship that would soon part ways if no demarcation lines are set by the government on sustainable mineral exploration.

Signs of sea water discoloration have shown in the mainland coastal communities from the mountain soils that are slowly eroded downstream. Coastal villages formerly enjoying abundant catch of shellfish are complaining of the declining harvest with the appearance of mud siltation. While populated areas are now frequently visited by flush floods during the monsoon season.

Expanding cities in the Caraga region have welcomed the entry of big subdivision developers. Observed were rice paddy fields and corn lands have passed the conversion process from agricultural to residential erasing the swamp lands, irrigation canals and small creek tributaries in many of the developed areas.

This process displaced the

Fresh Water Crabs, Mudfish and the Crane Herons from their habitat.

The sounds of Frogs mating in the paddy ponds have long disappeared and now replaced by the roaring engines of the Back hoes and Bulldozers breaking the grounds for road and drainage. There is nothing wrong with development as long as it is sustainable.

Liv ing creatures and crustaceans such as Crabs, Mudfish, Herons and Frogs do not contribute to the cuppers of Butuan and Surigao.

The region welcomes instead the mining and real estate developers to create more mineral exports and housing projects to increase its tax revenues and fund various government expenditures to the detriment of the environment. Never mind if we are a signatory to the United Nations General Assembly on Eco-tourism as a key to eradicating poverty by protecting the environment.

The UN protocol calls for member countries to quiamjot/PAGE 8

Fighting money laundering (First of two parts) ALONG with alleviating criminal to enjoy these profits short, criminals turn “dirty” Speaking out poverty, increasing monetary without jeopardizing their money into “clean” money. transparency, and improving the public’s financial literacy, one of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ advocacies is its contribution to the global fight against money laundering.

Before any thing else, let us first determine what money laundering really is.

According to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body bent on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, the goal of a large number of criminal acts is to generate profit for the individual or group that carries out the act.

The FATF defined money laundering as the processing of these criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin.

This laundering process is of critical importance, if successful, it enables the

source.

Examples of criminal activities that can generate large profits and create the incentive to legitimize illgotten proceeds through money laundering are: Illegal arms sales; smuggling; the activities of organized crime, including for example drug trafficking and prostitution rings; embezzlement; insider trading; bribery; and computer fraud schemes.

The FATF explained that when a criminal activity makes substantial profits, the individual or group involved usually finds ways to control the funds without attracting attention to their illegal activities.

Criminals do this by disguising the sources, changing the form, or moving the funds to a place where they are less likely to attract attention. In

So how exactly do these criminal elements launder dirty money? The FATF lists three stages involved: In the initial (or placement) stage of money laundering, the launderer “introduces” his illegal profits into the financial system. The launderer does this by either breaking up large amounts of cash into less noticeable smaller sums that are then deposited directly into a bank account, or by purchasing a series of monetary instruments (e.g. checks and money orders) that are then collected and deposited into accounts at another location.

Af ter the funds have entered the financial system, the second (or layering) stage takes place. The FATF explained that in this phase, the launderer conducts a series of conversions or

IGNACIO BUNYE

movements of the funds to distance them from their source. The launderer may channel the funds through the purchase and sales of investment instruments, or simply wire the funds through a series of accounts at various banks across the globe. In some instances, the launderer might disguise the transfers as payments for goods or services, thus cimagala/PAGE 7

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Press Statement on Dahilayan In light of the negative perception caused by the recent NPA attack on the Del Monte office at Camp Phillips in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Dahilayan Adventure Park operator, Engr. Elpie Paras, disclosed that the famous adventure tourism landmark of Mindanao will remain open to the public and Zamboanga...

from page 1

tennial Alumni Homecoming at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University as soon as the f light was started, “ said Ramon Raciv Escudero, a native Zamboangueño who now resides and works in Cagayan de Oro. “As a result, I paid even less than what I would have paid for a bus.”

Tourism and airline officials have organized trips by travel writers from Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga to benchmark the new air route.

The first group of travel journalists from Zamboanga visited Cagayan de Oro last November 27-29, 2012 while Kagay-anon travel writers returned the favor just last Feb. 12-14, 2013. “ To f ur t her promote inter-regional travel, DOT Northern Mindanao plans to hold its annual month-long Pasundayag sa Northern Mindanao cultural festival in Iloilo and Bacolod instead of Metro Manila as it has traditionally been done in the past,” Mr. Chan noted.

At present, CEB operates 60 domestic and 31 international routes. Two international routes being offered will commence later this year: Manila-Bali on March 16, 2013 and Manila-Dubai on October 7, 2013.

Cagayan de Oro’s Lumbia Airport is the regional hub for air commuters from the four provinces and nine cities of Northern Mindanao (Region X) but serves passengers from as far as the

expects visitor arrivals to return to normal over the long weekend.

To u r i s m f a cilities which include Asia’s longest dual zipline, Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, Forest Park, Saddle Ridge Camp and Dahilayan Gardens are 15 km away from the scene of the incident.

Caraga, Lanao and Zamboanga regions. It is the second busiest airport in Mindanao in terms of air passenger traffic and cargo volume.

CAAP figures show it accommodated 14,644 flights; 1,471,432 passengers and handled 22,244,562 kgs. of cargo in 2011.

Similarly, Zamboanga International Airport is the regional trunkline airport for Western Mindanao, serving passengers as far as TawiTawi and Sulu. CAAP figures show it served 16 percent more passengers than the previous year for a total of 724,128 passengers.

Cebu Pacific is widely credited with sparking the boom in domestic travel and tourism with its drastically reduced fares, encouraging Filipinos to travel all over the country.

Online sales of travel and tourism products and services due to increasing internet penetration and easy access to credit/debit cards by tourists in the 10-30 years age group which makes up the bulk of internet users in the Philippines experienced increasing travel and tourism in 2010.

Western and Northern Mindanao are among the nine priority clusters for investments and development identified under the recently minted National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) based on the “identification of secondary gateways as premier entry points” to these areas, said Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism

Based on media reports, the NPA group only passed via the Camp Phillips to Dahilayan road in their withdrawal to Brgy.

Bagalangit several kilometers away. Civilians including Dahilayan Brgy.

Capt. Sahonlay who were picked up on the road were immediately released unharmed as soon

Planning and Promotions Daniel Corpuz.

Limited flights and seat capacities, including the poor quality and constrained capacity of international and domestic transportation and infrastructure destination, and other restrictions that have limited market access among the constraints which have hampered the attainment of tourism sector targets.

To overcome these constraints, the DOT plans to undertake strategic directions and programs—such as improvement of market access, connectivity and destination infrastructure; The DOT said the implementation of the NTDP would raise the contribution of the tourism sector to 8.1 percent of the gross domestic product from the current 5.8 percent; and “directly employ 6.8 million that will account for 17 percent of total employment.”

The 10 million tourist target of the NTDP is expected to increase the tourism sector’s GDP percentage to 9% by 2016.

Del Monte...

from page 1 cident. Its key assets at the pla ntat ion a nd ca nner y have been safely secured,” it added.

It also said it is unaware of the reasons for the communist rebels’ attack that killed a security personnel onsite, burned 3 heavy equipment units and a personnel bus.

It said 100 heavily armed

as the armed group reached their disembarkation point.

The surprise raid on Del Monte and Dole facilities in Bukidnon was the first of its kind and considering the NPA press statements, the attack was a result of its advocacy against unrestrained large scale agricultural plantation de-

NPA rebels attacked the plantation office and truck yard in Camp Phillips after trying to rob a Caltex gas station along Damilag road.

“The rebels attempted to torch field equipment parked at Del Monte’s nearby plantation office. Though unsuccessful, the attackers fatally shot one guard and wounded two security personnel,” it said.

“Fortunately, Del Monte employees who were trapped in their offices escaped unharmed,” it added.

The company employs 20,000 people across 10 municipalities, conducts many life-improving projects in the province, and has been operating for the last 87 years.

Meanwhile, the armed wing of the communist front justified Wednesday the simultaneous attacks it carried Tuesday night on pineapple and banana multinationals Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) and Dole Philippines as “punitive action” against the expansion of their operations.

“The punitive attacks against the multinational plantations have long been demanded by the indigenous people and peasant masses in Bukidnon and other parts of Mindanao whose ancestral lands have been seized, plundered, despoiled and poisoned by big foreign multinational corporations,” said Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris, spokesman of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao, the umbrella or-

velopment and logging which contributed to the recent flooding disaster in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.

Security measures for the safe ingress and egress to Camp Phillips, Dahilayan and surrounding areas, are now on highest level and tourists should not worry about their safety.

ganization of the communist underground movement.

Madlos said the attack was “a strong message to put a stop to land-use conversion.”

He a lleged t hat bot h pineapple multinationa l companies are “among the root causes of the massive flooding in Cagayan de Oro [during] Typhoon Sendong in December 2011.” “ T h is is one way of delivering justice to the 2,000 people who died in the f loods,” he stressed, adding that the rebel group have been demanding on DMPI and Dole owners and operators to “reorient their business and stop the expansion of their plantations in Mindanao [since] these… have caused grave damage to the environment.”

DM PI a nd Dole a re among the biggest multinational corporations operating in the Philippines.

DMPI has 23,000 hectares of pineapple plantations in the country with its Camp Philips, Bukidnon plantation spanning 9,000 hectares aside from its 5,000-hectare banana plantation in Agusan del Norte. Dole Philippines, on the other hand, operates more than 35,000 hectares of pineapple and banana plantations in various parts of Mindanao.

But Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division based in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag in this city, denounced the NPA raid.

Osias said the attacks were perpetrated to pressure DMPI and Dole to pay revolutionary taxes, which both multinationals repeatedly refused to pay.

“These attacks are not anymore for propaganda purposes. The rebels have been targeting civilians,” he said.

But Madlos denied the military’s claim.

“It is not about money.

This is about exacting justice,” he said.

Elements of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, based in Camp Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon has launched a pursuit operation against the red fighters.

Bunye... from page 6

giving the money a legitimate appearance.

Having successfully processed his criminal profits through the first two phases, the launderer then moves them to the third (or integration) stage, wherein the funds re-enter the legitimate economy. The launderer may choose to invest the funds in real estate, luxury assets, or business ventures.

The international policymaking body warned that if money laundering is left unchecked, organized crimes or terrorist groups can infiltrate and sabotage financial institutions, acquire control of large sectors of the economy through investments, and even use the dirty money to bribe public officials. (To be concluded next week)

8

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Vegetable, fruit industries in Mindanao need more infra investments, says study MORE investments in road and port infrastructure in Mindanao are needed to hasten the production of fruits and vegetables in the island, according to a recent study.

Titled “Strengthening Markets of High-value Fruits and Vegetables: The Case of Transport and Shipping Service Improvement,” the study said better roll-on, roll-off shipping services should be provided for greater connectivity between markets and improved port operations.

It added that accurate and timely market information should also be generated, especially for farmers.

The study is the result of a two-year research project titled “Transport Policy Study: Promoting Efficiency and Productivity of Flow of Goods—A Focus on the Transportation Needs of [the] Mindanao Region.”

Funded by the Australia n Research Center for International Agricultural Research (Aciar), the study was conducted by the Philippine-hosted Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization-Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Seameo-Searca).

Searca, based in Laguna

province’s Los Baños town and headed by Director Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., is one of the 20 regional centers of Seameo, an inter-government treaty organization founded in 1965 to promote cooperation among Southeast Asian nations through activities in education, science and culture.

The research group was composed of Dr. Gilberto Llanto, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Stud ies (Pids) who acted as the team leader; Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, former Searca research and development manager and new agriculture staff director of the National Economic and Development Authority; Karen Quilloy of Searca; and Francis Mark Quimba, Pids research specialist.

Source of agricultural commodities THE study said Mindanao, as the country’s major source of agricultural commodities, produced 1.54 million tons of food and live animals in 2009, of which 1.43 million

tons were shipped to Luzon (49 percent) and the Visayas (44 percent).

It added that about 70 percent of the total volume of the country’s major fruits and vegetables are produced in Mindanao. Of these, more than 90 percent is transported to major urban centers in Luzon and the Visayas.

The study noted, however, that “the movement of highly perishable crops such as fruits and vegetables from key production areas in Mindanao to intermediate and terminal markets within and outside the island-region is hampered by the inadequacy of efficient and effective transport systems, and port and shipping services.”

“This limits the potential gains that supply-chain participants may realize from their produce, given the increasing demand for highquality and safe fruits and vegetables in the Philippines and abroad,” it said.

The study also analyzed the impact of the road and port network on the supplychain players of key fruits and vegetables in Mindanao, and recommended policy directions and development approaches to meet the demand for transportation in-

frastructure in the region.

The study also examined the inter-regional trade of major fruits and vegetables in the Philippines between 1999 and 2009, and identified the factors influencing trade f lows and how these factors apply to Mindanao’s trade patterns.

“Specifically, fruits such as papaya and vegetables such as tomato and lettuce coming from Mindanao were covered in the study to focus on the

importance of improving the transport infrastructure in Mindanao,” said Dr. Bessie M. Burgos, Searca acting program head for research and development.

The study found that a percentage increase in the g ros s reg iona l dome st ic product of the destination region leads to a 2-percent to 3-percent increase in the total trade of the selected groups.

Distance was also noted

to have a negative effect on the inter-regional trade of agricultural commodities, while the length of paved roads in the reporting region was positively related to the trade value of fruits and vegetables.

Moreover, a percentage increase in the number of markets in the destination region boosted total agricultural, vegetable and fruit trade between the regions by 8 percent to 9 percent.

World Bank study: Pre-, post-harvest projects most feasible for farmers THE provision of pre- and post-harvest facilities are the most viable livelihood projects for farmers, while

fish projects are the least feasible, a World Bank quality review study has revealed.

According to the study,

Abraham Oso (second from left) of the San Jose Multipurpose Cooperative in Banga town, South Cotabato province, shows the post-harvest machine his organization availed itself of from the Mindanao Rural Development Program that enhanced its capacity to meet the quality and volume requirements of institutional buyers.

Cimagala... from page 6

exchanges, it is not only about who makes sense or more sense that matters, but rather the ultimate goal and requirements of charity have to be reached and met.

We need to examine ourselves more deeply if we are using the Internet and its social network services properly. While it’s true that these technologies can be used to further facilitate our

ordinary communications, we also need to make sure that they are not used to foster inanities, vanities, waste of time, obsessions or worse, to commit big sins and crimes.

Nowadays, pornography is a common stuff in this environment. Also phishing and trolling. And all sorts of fraud and forms of indignities are committed.

We definitely need to check ourselves frequently to see if our use of these pow-

which was conducted for the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), preand post-harvest facilities provide farmers with instant income, as do food-processing facilities, particularly for rural women.

In contrast, livestock and poultry projects give minimal income because these are usually vulnerable to diseases and animal stress, and fish projects are considered the least viable because these are subject to unpredictable weather conditions.

The study aims to quantify incidences of qualitycontrol slippages in the MRDP’s rural-infrastructure and livelihood projects. It also aims to establish the necessary interventions to improve project viability.

The MRDP is a special project implemented by the Department of Agriculture and jointly funded by the World Bank, the national government and local government units. The project, which was supposed to end last year, was granted a twoyear extension to continue implementing and monitoring projects in Mindanao.

MRDP Director Lealyn Ramos said that after consulting with beneficiaries, the program has identified post-harvest facility projects as among those to be funded to help small-scale farmers improve their products.

“Adequate post-harvest facilities will not only reduce losses and improve [the] quality of produce, but also help farmers establish their own farm-level value-added

processing business,” she said.

Citing the experience of beneficiaries of post-harvest facilities in Banga town, South Cotabato province, Ramos said farmers are now processing cassava into chips and pellets, and regularly supplies these to a leading animal-feed manufacturer in General Santos City.

“After availing themselves of P3.5 million [worth of] post-harvest facilities such as solar and flatbed dryers, chipper, granulator and truck scale, the farmers’ cooperative [has] not only reduced losses, but also boosted their confidence to meet the required quality and volume, paving the way for them to forge a marketing agreement with a private company,” she said.

Another post-harvest facility provided by the MRDP was the sago flour-processing center in Veruela town, Agusan del Sur province, where Manobo farmers are producing flour from sago palm.

“The Kayumbyahan Sago Manobo Corp. was able to access P5 million to expand their sago flour processing.

The amount provided the cooperative an additional machine to hasten the stripping and milling of sago flour and for the construction of a bigger drying facility,” Ramos said.

Reasons for non-viability REGARDING the not-sofeasible livelihood projects, Corazon Aragon, WB consultant for project quality review, said the reasons for their non-viability included world bank/PAGE 10

erful means is on the right track toward our proper goal, if we truly are facilitating authentic communication, if we are all becoming better persons, understanding and loving each other more, aside from understanding issues more deeply, etc.

The digital world should improve our capacity for tolerance to an ever-increasing range of diversity, but it should also sharpen our love for one another and our understanding and ap-

preciation of opinions as well as absolute truths.

These should be the standard and criteria to assess the quality of our use of these means. We cannot remain cavalier in this regard, because these new technologies, while giving us great good, can also cause big and even almost irreparable damage to us.

We also need to understand that there has to be an effort to use these technologies for the ultimate purpose of communication. And that

is evangelization, spreading the Good News about God and ourselves with respect to our ultimate end.

The Pope spells this out quite clearly. “The challenge facing social networks is how to be truly inclusive,” he said.

That means these networks should include God and should be open to all.

Otherwise, these powerful means can be likened to the Tower of Babel that was built for the purpose of reaching heaven merely by human effort.

God destroyed it and made it to cause such confusion of languages that the people could not understand one another anymore.

We need to be most responsible in enjoying the tremendous freedom afforded by the Internet and its very popular social networks. When we use them, are we clearly driven by love for God and for the common good, or are we just allowing our merely human and temporal impulses free play?

Quiamjot...

ing land conversions might have forgotten a maxim that whenever there is a boom a crash will follow.

But all is never too late that a non political and nonprofit organization will hold its conference on the 22nd of February at the Kamagong Hall of Pryce Plaza in Cagayan de Oro to launch concerted informa-

tion and capability building activities in Mindanao related to sustainable development issues and concerns.

The alliance of media owners and publishers, writers and broadcasters all over Region 10 with the support of A. Brown, Vjandep and the Mindanao Business Conference.

Mindanao wide partici-

pants are expected to come for this event for our dear Earth. Registration Fee is at P1, 000 with Conference Kit, T-shirts and meals. The hotel venue, PRYCE PLAZA, is also extending a conference overnight accommodation with breakfast for P2, 555 in a standard room on twin sharing.

from page 6

adopt policies that promote eco-tourism highlighting its impact on job creation and creating opportunities for conservation and sustainable biodiversity. The local government planners who were instrumental in approv-

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Comelec lauds PPI, BWM, Veterans Bank DSWD assures funds, for conduct of polls coverage seminar aid for ‘Crising’ victims

By CHENG ORDONEZ Associate Editor

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Province of Misamis Oriental has lauded the efforts of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), represented by Allan Mediante, editor-in-chief of Mindanao Daily News, the BusinessWeek Mindanao Media Center, represented

by Dante Sudaria, as its chairman, and the Veterans Bank for the successful conduct of a seminar dubbed as “Covering the Elections,” Tuesday, February 19, at the BWM Media Center, along Abellanosa Street in Cagayan de Oro City.

Comelec provincial election supervisor Lawyer Cirilo Nala, who was invited to discuss Comelec rules and regulations, said the seminar organized for media reporters in the region is laudable, particularly in its effort to educate and prepare reporters covering the May 13 Automated Synchronized National, Local and ARMM Regional Elections.

Past Philippine elections have been known as confrontational and bloody, and among those directly affected are members of the tri-media who were given the tasks

Froilan Gallardo of MindaNews speaks during the seminar dubbed as “ Covering the Elections”. photo by shaun alejandrae yap uy

of covering from campaign period to post-election days.

The bloodiest among them all is the Maguindanao massacre that caused the death of 33 media practitioners who joined a caravan of a politician’s wife to file her husband’s candidacy for governor of Maguindanao province. Trial against the suspects belonging to the Ampatuan clan continues up to this time.

Atty. Nala discussed sev-

eral topics concerning the May polls, including Gun Ban, Philippine National Police Supervision and Control, Comelec Checkpoint and the Fair Election Act, among others.

Aside from Atty. Nala, Froilan Gallarado of Mindanews was also invited to talk about “Safety and Conduct in Covering the 2013 Elections” while Richel Umel of Agance France Press shared with the

participants on “Ethics and Reporting Techniques.”

Joe Felicilda, lead convener of MinPressDev and editorin-chief of Mindanao Star, discussed important aspects of the topic, “How to Cover Political Campaigns.” He particularly coached participants on how to appear fair and balance in their reporting and not being bias in their coverage of the campaign.

The seminar is the brainchild of Mediante, program director for the PPI project.

Sudaria, CEO and publisher of the four newspapers under the BWM Group of Publications, supported the undertaking in partnership with Veterans Bank.

Sudaria, in his message, extended his gratitude to all the participants for acknowledging the invitation, even as he thanked PPI for the initiative of holding the seminar with BWM Media Center and Veterans Bank.

Another venture of BWM Media Center comes to fore on March 8, 2013, when it launches the BWM NewsCon, a weekly news conference that will tackle regional issues and concerns affecting Kagay-anons and those in the neighboring areas here in Northern Mindanao.

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured that enough funds and relief supplies are in place for the victims of typhoon ‘Crising.’

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman said that P15.84 million in standby funds, P10.45 million in family food packs, and P42.44 million worth of relief supplies were prepositioned in the DSWD Field Offices IV-B, IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) affected by the typhoon.

In Region X, a total of 644 families composed of 3,220 persons coming from four (4) barangays of Valencia City, Bukidnon were affected and are now staying in five evacuation centers in Batangan, Maapag, Pinatilan, and Catambalon. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Valencia City provided 15 sacks of rice and 10 cases of sardines to affected families. Standby funds worth P607,599.96 and 10,000 family packs worth P2.31 million are available at the DSWD Field Office X in Cagayan de Oro City.

In Region XI, a total of 19,384 families composed of 96,205 individuals were affected by ‘Crising’ in 49 barangays, eight municipalities of Davao del Norte,

Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Eleven (11) evacuation centers were set-up in Region XI providing temporary shelter to 690 families composed of 2,996 individuals.

The DSWD released 9,000 family food packs worth P2.25 million to affected LGUs of Kapalong, Asuncion and Dujali, all in the province of Davao del Norte. More than P22.66 million standby funds and food and non-food items including family food packs were allocated by DSWD for disaster relief operations in Region XI. To date, total number of damaged houses is 84, all partially destroyed in the municipality of Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

In Region XII, a total of 2,929 families composed of 14,645 individuals were affected in seven (7) barangays of Kabacan, North Catabato.

Secretary Soliman directed the DSWD Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams in the regions affected by typhoon ‘Crising’ to monitor the extent of damage brought about by the weather disturbance, particularly the flashflood and landslide prone areas and to assist LGUs in disaster relief operations.

Transcending classical accents in Obra Mestra 2013 Cag. de Oro implements web-based InfoBoard IN its commitment to position sets ablaze yet support the up and coming talents of the interior design industry the 18th Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition - WORLDBEX 2013 draws the curtains for its intercollegiate interior design competition for burgeoning interior designers.

The leading events and exposition organizer in the Philippines, Worldbex Ser vices International (WSI) in par t nership with Wilcon Depot and in cooperation with the Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE) presents OBRA MAESTRA, TR A NSCEN DENCE: Classical Accents in Contemporary Settings at the Philippine Trade Training Center this March 13-17, 2013.

WOR DLBE X 2013, t he cou nt r y’s biggest construction trade ex-

another scene stealing show through the third year run of Obra Maestra.

This year’s competition features the combination of the classic era’s the timeless charm and the experimental appeal of todays’ contemporary design.

Classic details from period styles will serve as accents to be incorporated in this year’s merging of “then” and “now” interiors.

Students from MAPUA Institute of Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines, Philippine Women’s University, St. Scholastica, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East and Philippine School of Interior Design will try to outrun each other as they come up with the perfect blend of the past and present.

POTTY TRAIN. Another finalist from last year’s Obra takes textures as edge in University of Santo Tomas’ design.

Last year, UST proved to be the best innovator bagging the grand prize, while UE was hailed as the runner up.

Judging will be based upon the following criteria, Interior Design 40%, Planning 15%, Theme 15%, Furniture Selection 15% and lastly Color Scheme 15%. Obra Maestra grand winner will be receiving P40, 000.00 cash prize, P20, 000.00 cash prize for the department, Obra Maestra trophy and an internship grant in one of the top interior design firms in the country. One runner up winner on the other hand will be receiving P20, 000.00 cash prize, P10, 000.00 cash prize for the department and trophy.

The People’s Choice Award will be given to the finalist with the most TONED AND TANNED. In last years’ runner up piece from University of the East gives every bath a beach votes garnered though online and onsite voting. like feel.

Starting March 13, 2013 entries from the finalists may be viewed and liked in WSI’s official Facebook page for online voting, alternatively, voting may also be done onsite where drop boxes will be available. Last day of voting will be March 16, 2013, 12:00 PM, where the winner will be announced on the same day at 6PM So save the dates, get your ideas ready and experience how the country’s budding interior designers take the exciting challenge that is - Obra Maestra TR ANSCENDENCE: Classical Accents in Contemporary Settings at WORLDBEX 2013 the Philippine Trade Training Center this March 13-17, 2013. Obra Maestra is once again brought to you by Worldbex Services International the leading events and exposition organizer in the Philippines.

CITY Hall will soon implement a web-based application called the InfoBoard which will allow particular offices or departments to instantly communicate with its constituents in Cagayan de Oro City.

The InfoBoard is a communication solution made possible through the city’s partnership with Smart Philippines. It is currently being effectively used by Ateneo de Manila to keep their students informed in real time about important school activities and updates.

Laurence Dadua of Smart Philippines conducted an orientation last February 18 with some City Hall personnel, headed by Assistant City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Officer Eng’r.

Armen Cuenca, regarding the InfoBoard and its uses for the city.

The InfoBoard requires however that its users use

World Bank... from page 8

wrong technical assumptions, poor selection of project sites and lack of proper guidance for beneficiaries.

She cited a beekeeping project near a banana plantation as an example of the poor selection of a project site, saying that it will be difficult for bees to increase its population because of their location.

Regarding wrong technical assumptions, Aragon cited a native-chicken project where beneficiaries bought an incubator worth P40,000, but they were not able to use it since native chickens

Smart or Talk n Text SIM cards in order to enjoy the 30,000 allocation of free messages per month. Messages sent to non-Smart users will be billed P0.70.

Among its uses is as an early warning communication tool for the people of the 80 barangays in the city in case of emergencies such as incoming typhoons, possible flooding, or any disaster for that matter.

With the InfoBoard, the 80 barangay captains can receive timely text messages through their cellphones from the City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (content provider) giving them updates and specific instructions, all at no expense to the city or its subscribers.

Aside from the CDRRMO, the City Information Office, the City Council, and other key offices may be tapped as additional content providers.

do not lay eggs daily.

“Wrong technical assumptions can be avoided if [the] project beneficiaries were given proper guidance. Implementation of non-viable projects can be avoided if there is proper evaluation and appraisal,” she said.

The consultant also said most of the livelihood beneficiaries need further training on doing feasibility studies and business plans.

“Part of the social preparation should include addressing organizational problems and conduct of leadership and entrepreneurship training including simple bookkeeping,” Aragon said.

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O

Friday-Saturday Feb. 22-23, 2013

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

Arts & Culture

RODELSA HALL:

11

GOLF for a CAUSE

Home of theArts in Mindanao

Photos by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

Ceremonial Tee Off

W

hen one thinks of music, culture and the performing arts, only one venue comes to mind- Rodelsa Hall.

Established exactly eight years ago this month, Rodelsa Hall has become the center for quality entertainment and groundbreaking performances in Mindanao. Theater Productions like Liceo U’s King and I, Sound of Music, Cinderella, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver, and Romeo and Juliet became unforgettable hits that blazed the trail in the school based productions.

Not just that, Rodelsa Hall became the center for showcasing quality European films as it partners with the European Union (EU) in bringing to the community award-winning films via Cine Europa, a free exhibition of around 21 films from the member states of EU. The festival is now on its fifth year at the hall.

Classical music concerts also became more accessible as Rodelsa Hall premiered memorable performances from great artists like pianists Ingrid Sala Santamaria, Dr. Abel Galang, Peter von Wienhardt, Carmencita Aspiras among others. Other renowned artists that had the chance to grace the hall were tenors Sal Malaki and Dave Clark Sibonga, sopranos Evelyn Mandac,

Antoni Mendezona and Daylinda Dagondon.

The Kabayao Family Quintet also had the chance to perform and wowed the crowd with their engaging performances. Others include Diomedes Saraza, the violin prodigy from Juilliard School and violinist extraordinaire Joseph Esmilla , Cellists Victor Coo and Emily Duffil (Australia).

After quite some time, Cagayan de Oro music lovers also had the rare moment to experience an orchestra concert when Manila Symphony Orchestra graced the stage with international pianist and the pride of Cagayan de Oro, Rudolf Pelaez Golez as soloist in an SRO performance last 2010.

This year, Rodelsa Hall celebrates the 58th Founding Anniversary of Liceo de Cagayan University and the National Arts Month with another groundbreaking performance courtesy of the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra, Unites the World Project Orchestra of Japan and international pianist Rudolf Pelaez Golez in a one night engagement on February 16, 2013.

The special event is for the benefit of Safer River Life Saver Foundation, Inc. This will be the first time that the hall gathered together 50 musicians in one stage.

To know more about upcoming performances at Rodelsa Hall, please feel free to call 09176366528 or (088) 8584093 to 95 local 109.

See you at Rodelsa Hall!

Past President and Golf for a Cause Chair Caloy Gorospe tees off during the Ceremonial Tee Off for the project held 16 Feb 2013 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

PDG Tinnex Jaraula tees off.

Pres. Mar Paano tees off.

PAG Joe Gonzaga on the tee.

The man behind Nissan Cagayan Jeff Rolida on the tee.

Honeymae A. Limjap, AVP for Sales and Marketing of Universal Motors Corp.