BusinessWeek Mindanao (June 2, 2014)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO Best in Business and Economic Reporting Philippine Press Institute Civic Journalism Community Press Awards 2013

Volume IV, No. 109

Market Indicators

As of 5:01 pm may 31, 2014 (Saturday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P43.76

6,647.65 points

X Briefly

29.02 points

X

14 cents

Biomass plant BUTUAN City– Eastern Petroleum Corporation, a Philippine-based company that provides world-class and environment-friendly energy through its subsidiary Caraga Renewable Energy Power Corporation (CARE Corp.), will soon build a 23.5MW module of a planned 47MW wood-based Biomass Generated Power Plant amounting a total investment at P4.190 billion in a 20-hectare area in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

As revealed during the Biomass Power Generation and Short Rotation Tree Plantations Forum, the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the project stands at around P2.931 billion which includes the electro-mechanical, civil and site works, 69kV TX line and capacity injection SS. Other project cost is at around P1.258 billion which covers capitalized interests and financial fees, professional fees, construction all risk insurance, equipment taxes/duties, start-up costs, land, proponents costs and contingency equity.

No Collection policy TANDAG City – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Surigao del Sur reiterated anew its reminder to all concerned public school heads that “no collection policy” has continued to be in effect.

However, Schools Division Superintendent Teofila Cabatuan said that starting August, authorized but voluntary contributions for organizations like the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), AntiTB Fund as well as collections agreed upon by PTA (parentteachers association) may start to be accepted but no school officials are allowed to get involved.

Also, Cabatuan clarified that DepEd Order No. 41 s. of 2011 and DepEd Order No. 18 s. of 2008 state that no fees shall be collected from kindergarten to grade four pupils throughout the school year.

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Monday | June 2, 2014

Misor coal-fired plant back in full capacity Steag’s coal-fired power plant completes repairs of two units

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By GRACE MAE BEBER, Staff Writer

ILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental – Steag State Power, Inc. (SPI), Mindanao’s biggest supplier of coalfired power, finally puts into operations on Friday its second generating unit giving a boost to the island’s depleting electricity supply.

Steag has two identical electrical generating sets with capacities of 105 megawatts ( M W ) e a ch , prov i d i ng Mindanao grid with a total of 210-MW of power. Both units underwent maintenance repairs since February 27, this year.

“We are p l e a s e d t o announce that Unit 1 has resumed operations and we hope that this added capacity will help improve the critical

power supply condition of Mindanao,” SPI Power Plant Manager Dr. Carsten Evers said in a statement Saturday.

The latest unit synchronized to the Mindanao grid Friday at around 3:28 pm is Steag’s Unit 1, which was originally targeted to be online yesterday, June 1.

Its other generator, Unit 2, went on line last May 7, 2014. plant/PAGE 7

BACK ON TRACK. Steag State Power, Inc. (SPI) completes the maintenance repairs of its two units and are now supplying the Mindanao grid with its full capacity of 210 megawatts of coal-fired power.

Media health advocates hone skills in radio, print newswriting

By CHENG ORDONEZ, Associate Editor

A REGIONALLY competitive and vibrant media workforce gain an informative edge, following the successful conduct of a newswriting seminar on Friday, May 30, 2014, at the BusinessWeek Mindanao Media Center in Cagayan de Oro. Addressing the gaps and needs for news-writing and heath updates among media practitioners and information dissemination stakeholders, the Media Health Advocates Group of Region 10 (MHAG 10), headed by Mr. Joe Felicilda, in coordination with BusinessWeek Mindanao, under Mr. Dante Sudaria, organized the “Seminar on Broadcast and Print Newswriting.

M r. F e l i c i l d a s a i d the seminar was jointly organized by BusinessWeek Mindanao Advertising and

Promotions and the Media Health Advocates Group 10, with support from various media/PAGE 7

Transfer of state-run power barges to Mindanao sought

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Correspondent

DAVAO City -- Mindanao lawmakers have asked the Energy department to study the possibility of transferring three state-run power barges from the Visayas to Mindanao in an effort to ease, if not solve, the prevailing power problem in the region.

This came about after members of the energ y committee of the House of Repres entatives and

other government officials from Mindanao met with re p re s e nt at i v e s of t h e department on Wednesday, said Romeo M. Montenegro, public affairs head of the Mindanao Development Authority.

Mr. Montenegro said, however, officials of the department told the lawmakers that aside from power/PAGE 7

MEDIA TRAINING. Media Health Advocates Group-10 conducts training on Broadcast and Print News Training at the BWM Media Center. Resource persons include MHAG-10 president Joe Felicilda, BWM editor-in-chief Nelson Constantino and DOH-10 spokesperson Emiliano Galban Jr.

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2 MSMEs urged to ‘be different’ to survive Asean integration monday|June 2, 2014

By MICHAEL L. UY, Contributor

DAVAO del Norte -- “If you want to stay in the market, be different.”

Amidst the implementation of the ASEAN Integration on 2015, Edwin Banquerigo,

provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), posed this challenge to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the Kapihan

sa Kapitolyo.

In explaining his statement, Banquerigo said MSMEs have to stand different from the rest in terms of product quality, competitive pricing and uniqueness.

Banquerigo encouraged the MSMEs, especially those in the manufacturing and processing businesses, to continuously improve their products.

He said that only through continuous product innovation, the MSMEs can gain competitive advantage over industries in the same field in other countries.

Banquerigo said that there are a number of government agencies such as the DTI and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which could help them improve their products.

Banquerigo said that one of their programs is the Shared Service Facility, which aims to improve the efficiency and productivity of the MSMEs. He revealed that last year the DTI Davao del NOrte Field Office distributed a total of P 13-million worth of facilities and another P 5 million worth of facilities will be given this year.

Banquerigo also said that the DTI is conducting a roving academy to capacitate the MSME in entrepreneurship, marketing and product enhancement.

He urged MSME to visit DTI at the Provincial Government C enter in Mankilam, Tagum City to avail DTI services designed to assist MSMEs flourish and survive in their ventures.

Mindanao state universities, colleges to offer DRMM, climate change courses DAVAO City -- Mindanao’s state universities and colleges are stepping up efforts in making the island-region and its people more adaptable to climate change by integrating disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) in their curriculum.

The curriculum integration includes the proposal to offer short-term

courses on DRRM and CCAM to students, employees of local government units (LGUs) and other interested individuals.

Part of the initiative is the move to designate DRRM and CCAM as compulsory subjects for all courses or to include these in the existing subjects such as the National Service Training Program (NSTP), the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), and the Reserved Officers

Training Corps (ROTC).

A m ong t h e s c h o o l s that have committed to integrate DRMM and CCAM in their curriculum include the University of Southeastern Philippines, the Compostela Valley State College, the Davao del Norte State College, the Sultan Kudarat State University, the Mindanao State UniversityGeneral Santos City Campus, the University of Southern

Mindanao, the Cotabato Found at i on C ol le ge of Science and Technology and the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College.

Other schools such as the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquat ic S cho ol of Technology (SPAMAST), the Davao Oriental State C ollege of Science and Technology (DOSCST) and courses/PAGE 7

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Aboitiz buys majority shares of Vietnamese feeds maker ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc (AEV) has acquired one of the biggest aqua feed pro ducers in Viet nam, marking the group’s maiden investment overseas.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, AEV said its Singaporeb as e d af f i liate Pi lmico International Pte Ltd bought 70 percent of Vinh Hoan 1 Feed JSC (VHF) from Vinh Hoan Corp (VHC) for $19.60 million.

Pilmico International has the option to purchase the remaining 30 percent of VHF from the other shareholders in five years, bringing the total transaction value to $28 million.

As part of the deal, the Aboitiz group inked a long-term agreement for VHF to supply aqua feeds

to the pangasius farms of VHC. VHC is one of the top Vietnamese processors and exporters of pangasius or cream dory. “ T h e a c q u i s it i on i s aligned with AEV’s strategy of expanding its core feeds business and expanding into the Vietnamese market,” the listed holding firm said.

Nearly two weeks ago, Pilmico Foods Corp president Sabin Aboitiz s ai d t he c omp any w as eyeing acquisitions as a template for its overseas expansion, capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the Asean economic integration.

Pilmico Foods completed its first flour shipment to Vietnam in December 2013.

It is also opening an office in Indonesia by end of May

developer of the 22-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang. Half of the property group’s capex will be deployed to boost the recurring income business while the balance will be for trading assets and landbanking initiatives.

Another P9 billion would go to the construction of FDC Utilities Inc’s (FDCUI) 405-megawatt coal plant in Misamis Oriental scheduled to come on stream in 2016.

The remaining P4 billion will be spent on the hotel, banking and sugar operations.

FDC Hotels Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of the conglomerate, is building a 192key five-star Crimson Resort and Spa development in Boracay set to open in 2018. This will be the latest after Crimson Resort & Spa in Cebu, Crimson Hotel in

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RESORTS, HOTEL & RESTAURANTS DIRECTORIES

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or early June, after which it will also make its foray to Thailand.

Pilmico Foods is the food unit of AEV, which has interests in power generation, banking and real estate.

AEV’s earnings dropped 29 percent year-on-year

to P4.9 billion in the first quarter, dragged by the weakness of its power and banking units.

For this year, AEV is earmarking P88 billion for its capital expenditures, higher than the capex of P59 billion in 2013.

Filinvest Group allots higher capex to buy growth for next 5 years FILINVEST Development Corp (FDC) is hiking its capital spending this year, as the Gotianun-led holding firm lays the groundwork for growth in the next five years.

In a briefing yesterday, FDC chairman Jonathan Gotianun said the company earmarked P38 billion in capital expenditures this year, higher than its spending program in 2013.

“With the continuing strength of the Philippine economy and the recent ratings upgrade, we are optimistic that these investments will sustain the growth of FDC,” said Josephin Gotianun-Yap, the company’s president and chief executive.

Of the total capex, P25 billion would go to the company’s real estate business comprising of listed Filinvest Land Inc (FLI) and Filinvest Alabang Inc, the

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

Alabang and the Quest condotel project in Cebu.

EastWest Banking Corp is at the height of its store expansion this year as it targets to end 2014 with 400 branches from the existing 376.

“We expect 2014 to be the worst year in terms of expansion cost because it takes some time for infrastructure to bear fruit...

We’re buying our future. We’re cementing our place in the industry,” said EastWest Bank president Antonio Moncupa Jr. Yap said the capex will support the medium-term growth plan of FDC, which saw its earnings and revenues double in the last five years.

“Going forward, EastWest Bank is expected to see its network become mature and productive as it is already at

the apex of its aggressive store expansion program in 2014.

Meanwhile, FLI will be undertaking a robust program into recurring investment properties over the next few years. And our utilities arm, FDCUI, is building the 405 megawatt Misamis plant due for completion in 2016. These investments will in turn drive earnings growth for the next years,” she said.

The capital spending plan will be supported by its P8.8 billion debt sale at the start of the year and internally generated funds, FDC chief operating officer Eleuterio D. Coronel said.

FDC’s earnings fell to P701.29 million in the first quarter from P966.34 million in the same period last year as the weakness of its banking unit weighed on the holding firm.

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The VIP Hotel 726080 / 8562505 Fax: 726441

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Let Go Of The Controls

T

hink a minute…A pilot was flying his small airplane, a Cessna 150, when suddenly he lost control. His plane began spinning and falling to the ground! He panicked and began doing everything he could think of with the controls. Finally, after a few seconds, he remembered his teacher’s words of instruction: “If you ever go into a spin and start falling in this plane, the Cessna 150, just let go of the controls! This kind of plane will stop falling and fly straight again by itself.”

But letting go of the controls and trusting the plane to fly straight and save him was the hardest, scariest thing for this pilot to do. Finally, he pulled his hands off the controls and waited. After many seconds of his Cessna plane spinning and falling, it returned to just normal, level flying and he was safe again! Even though the plane fell more than half a mile, the pilot survived because he trusted the plane enough to let go.

If you’re in trouble or going through a major problem, decision, or crisis in your life.

You may be feeling like you must do all kinds of things to fix it. But nothing you’re doing is working, so you’re frustrated and worried. You know the best thing you can do is what that pilot finally did. Just take your hands off

Reducing Income Taxes Would Benefit the Country

R

educing the income tax rate of individuals to 15 percent from the current 32 percent will translate to higher “take home” pays for income earners which would help workers cope with the higher costs of living and make local employment more attractive.

Higher take home pays for income earners will ease some of the burden from our people and diminish the need to look for employment outside the country, the proponents of the measure claimed.

For many ye ars, t he country has been experiencing

THINK

A Minute

M

y article last week entitled “ Should priests be allowed to marry?” drew persuasive arguments for and against the proposition.

Allow me to reprint or at least paraphrase some of the comments.

For the status quo – Do not allow priests to marry: Reader Ching D. Aunario argues as follows: Yes, celibacy is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures but it is part of tradition which should be given its due respect and obedience.

Ms. Aunario quotes St. John who said: “There are, however, many things that Jesus did; but if every one of these should be written, not even the world itself, I think, could hold the books that would have to be written.”

She continues: “We learn about His life in Sacred S c r iptu re s an d S a c re d Tradition. Assisted by the Holy Spirit, the Magisterium

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst

the migration of skilled labor looking for better-paying employment abroad.

As movements to increase salary levels have shown to be minimally productive because of the opposition primarily of the private sector, it is necessary that the government seeks other ways of making our countrymen’s lives easier, thus making local employment more attractive.

The advantages of having 15 percent income tax rates are enormous, among them it will stimulate the economy by providing individual taxpayers more after tax income or disposable income which they can either save or spend in the engagement of services or purchase of goods that they are subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT).

Reducing the income tax rate of individuals from

of the Church preserves the deposit of revelation and is her authoritative teaching office. It was entrusted by Christ to the Roman Pontiff and all the bishops in union with him. Following Sacred Tradition, priests have remained celibate. Christ is the same yesterday, today, and always. His teachings are not subject to popular survey, human tendencies and inclination.”

She concludes by quoting the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Tradition and Sacred Scripture are bound closely together and communicate one with the other. Each of them makes present and fruitful in the Church the mystery of Christ. They flow out of the same divine well-spring and together make one sacred deposit of faith from which the Church derives her certainty about

revelation”.

Reader Manuel Acosta argues as follows: “For ordained ministers to marry or have a family is quite complicated. It’s a reality that the parishioners will have to support a married priest. What if he doesn’t get enough support from his parishioners? …. For me, celibacy is a gift. And that celibacy is possible. And I can prove it.”

Reader Honorata Vicencio thinks otherwise: “Yes, allow priests to marry and the offspring(s) will be fed by the community……

There is an age-long tradition among married Protestant Ministers… Indeed, why not (allow) the Catholic priests?”

Reader Rico Agcaoili (brother of my former Ateneo classmate Noni Agcaoili) batted for selective lifting of celibacy: “My wife of 42 years, Stella, who has a Masters

SPEAKING

O ut

By Ignacio Bunye

Degree in Pastoral Ministry at the Ateneo has advocated for limiting celibacy to the priests who are with religious orders like the Jesuits, Dominicans, etc.

“Diocesan priests may marr y and need not be celibate. Reason: the former have their own community of religious. The latter do not (have) their own community and need the support and companionship bunye/PAGE 6

Here’s How To Perform Marriage

L the controls and stop trying to change and fix that situation or person yourself. It’s hard to do, especially if you feel you’re the only person who is trying to do anything about it.

But why not just let go and ask Jesus to forgive you for living your own wrong way. Then, ask Him to take full charge of your whole life, including your problem. Put every area of your life into God’s hands: your future, schooling, job and family, all your worries and problems. It’s only then that Jesus can start making everything in your life work together for your good and happiness. Every day, Jesus will help you know what you should do, and also how to trust Him to always do His part. It’s only then that you’ll finally have real peace and confidence, even while you’ve got problems.

Just Think a Minute…

editorial

the present 32 percent to 15 percent would benefit the country with investments from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration in 2015 and thereby help the country’s workforce cope with inflation and the higher costs of living.

The tax rates for those earning P20,000 to P70,000 would be lowered from the present 32 percent to 15 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2015, then 13 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2016 and 10 percent staring on Jan. 1, 2017.

Should Priests Be Allowed To Marry (Part 2)

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IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh…” (Genesis 2:24, the Holy Bible).

-ooo TA R L A C J U D G E AGANON & JUDICIAL MARRRIAGES: Executive Judge Cesar Aganon of the Tarlac Regional Trial Court, and the presiding judge of the court’s Branch 63 as well, showed a unique way of performing “judicial marriages” last May 26, 2014.

I happened to be in his court room on that day, on account of an appearance for a client, and was I thankful that I witnessed how he did it!

T h e f a c t i s t h at , I have already seen church marriages and marriages by mayors of towns and cities, but they seemed to me mere so-so ceremonies, harping merely on the voluntary union between man and woman. Judge Aganon, however, focused on the Constitutional and statutory bases of a marital union, and the legal consequences of violating those laws by

anyone of the spouses.

It was a lecture on the laws on marriage and on the rights and obligations of the marrying couple, alright, but Aganon was correct in giving that lecture, for it is important for husbands and wives to be informed of the legal effects of entering into a marriage.

Those interested to see photos of Aganon performing the ceremony, please go to my Facebook timeline, under the account name “Melanio Lazo Mauricio Jr.” -ooo JUDGE EMPHASIZES CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS OF MARRIAGE: What I particularly liked in Aganon’s wedding ceremony was his emphasis on the nature of marriage as “an inviolable social institution”, and the C onstitutional and the Family Code protection that surrounds marriage.

I think that men and women must really be made to understand that a marriage is not a mere instrument or subterfuge for a man and a woman to be together, that it is not simply the end result of two people being in

love, but is a status that the State has a right to meddle with, in more ways than one, especially when there is an abuse by the husband against the wife.

Too often, marriage is resorted to by our people without a real understanding that a marital union is not just being together as husband and wife, but is actually the first step towards building a family, which is the most basic political unit of our country. Since the family that results from a marriage is a political unit, the State has a right to see to it that the family is protected, too.

-ooo MY LAW STUDENTS ARE NOW MAKING GOOD, THANK GOD: Talking about court appearances, I was at the Makati City Regional Trial Court last Friday, May 30, 2014, for another hearing when I bumped into Atty.

Richard Libatique, a former student of mine at the San Sebastian College of Law in C.M. Recto, Manila. I missed his name at first, but he reminded me that he was my student in at least two law

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

By Atty. Batas Mauricio

subjects in the early 1990s.

Then, Richard proceeded to tell me that among his classmates, my students, there is already a judge, a prosecutor, and many practicing lawyers, both in government and in private.

He said the class he belonged to produced good lawyers, and all because of the good training they got from San Sebastian College of Law. Well, I have always been convinced, long after my stint as a professor of law courtesy of then Dean (and now Cagayan De Oro City) senior Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, that good lawyers could only batas/PAGE 6

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What is the role of community in education?

By DIOSCORA P. CAGOD MT-1 Camp 3 Elem. School in Daligdigan PS District of Salvador Division of Lanao del Norte

Community plays an important part in the education system.

Students, teachers, and parents agree that the community support is vital to the success of schools and individual students.

How can communities or negatively affect the students’ individual experiences with school and schooling. Many students were encouraged by individual community members, but at the same time felt let down by their elected community leaders.

Students take responsibility for their own education, but recognize their dependence on the community to help them achieve their goals.

They believe that their very own community is where their heritage lies. Where they grow up and who they grow up with has a huge influence in the outlook they have on life. How they speak, and how they view the people around them. They can see the influence of their

community at work in their lives.

They expect someone in their neighbourhood telling them that they can reach their goals if they worked hard enough.

When other people tell you that you can do whatever you put your mind to, it makes you feel like you don’t have to carry everything at once. You know that there is someone willing to help, and thus you want to do your best because you feel those who help and encourage you deserve nothing less.

The students expect that if they are morally supported by their school and communities , anything

cagod/PAGE 6

School administration and politics

BY FE N. TEJADO MT-1 Simpak Elem. School District of Lala South Division of Lanao del Norte

Undeniably, administrators of some public solicit financial support from politicians sustaining their school projects.

There is nothing wrong with this.

However, if the support given by politician must be equated by some favors from school officials, this becomes a major concern by everybody. There are cases where principals, supervisors and even superintendent of schools and divisions are appointed because they are recommended by well known senators, congressmen, governors and even mayors. This practice extends even down to the lowest level.

Politicians recommend their relatives to be hired as teachers and other school staff. And if the principal has some debt of gratitude to the politician because of the support he is giving to the school, his recommendation cannot be refused. This practice defeats the purpose of screening applicants for teaching positions because even if you are first in the ranking, but you do not have a political back up, you will be the least priority in hiring.

Although we cannot totally

separate politics in education, it is of great import that objectivity, fairness and justice must be observed. It is very ironic that schemes like these happen in an institution that is expected to teach and inculcate good moral values and virtues among the young people of our society.

As educators, what then can we do to transform the image that the educational system had propagated through the years. As an educator, I believe that total transformation must be implemented in the education sector of the country. Transformation of the education sector I refer to the total re orientation of the system which would start from policy transformation.

Education policies and programs, including the curriculum must be carefully evaluated and studied whether they are attuned to the needs of the people and the country. Review of the provisions must be done in all levels and participation of the stakeholders must be solicited. Experts must be realistic in coming up with more attainable policies,

that will address not only the educational problems but more so to contribute to economic growth and development of the country.

The values reorientation of the Filipinos is needed as a key to national development. The present integration of values education in the curriculum, is still not enough to address this need. Values become more permanent in the minds and hearts of the pupils and students when they are taught, modeled by their mentors, rather than being discussed as abstract concepts in the classrooms.

Thus, there is an urgent call for teacher transformation, in terms of their values orientation. I believe that teachers cannot become effective models of good moral values unless they undergo some process of values transformation.

It is always wise to say “follow what I say and do,” rather than “follow what I say, do not follow what I do.”

It is only when pupils and students concretely observe their teachers consistently practice these good values that they will be able to replicate these in themselves. These, I believe is easier said than done. But unless we start doing it, we cannot claim that we tried.

Modern classroom technology

By JOYLANE S. PAGHASIAN T-1 Camp 3 Elem. School District of Salvador Division of Lanao del Norte

Computers are creating new opportunities for writing and collaborating. The Internet is constructing global bridges for students to communicate, underscoring the need for rocksolid reading and writing skills. By changing the way that information is absorbed, processed, and used, technology is influencing how people read, write, listen, and communicate.

Although technology promises new ways to promote literacy, educators’ reactions to it have been mixed. Yet the growing influence of technology has caused many educators to acknowledge that they need information on teaching literacy skills in the Digital Age. To serve that need, mentors must be compelled to study and do research for best practices, and resources that support integration of new technologies into classroom instruction.

Literacy instruction traditionally refers to the teaching of basic literacy skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

In today’s digital world, however, technology has contributed to an expanded understanding of literacy. Besides having basic literacy skills, today’s students also need technology skills for communicating, investigating, accessing and using information, computing, thinking critically about messages inherent in new media, and understanding and evaluating data. Thus classrooms today must be provided with computers and internet access.

Here are some tools for enhancements on modern technology for classrooms: Internet access must be accompanied with the ability to access and use information, analyze content, work with ideas, synthesize thought, and communicate results.

Digital Literacy is the ability to attain deeper understanding of content by using data-analysis tools and accelerated learning processes enabled by technology.

Also needed is computer literacy programs to upgrade the students skills and abilities to accurately and effectively use computer tools such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation and graphic software.

Students must have the ability to look at the meaning and purpose of written texts, visual applications, and spoken words to question the attitudes, values, and beliefs behind them. The goal is development of critical thinking to discern meaning from array of multimedia, visual imagery, and virtual environments, as well as written text.

Media Literacy is the ability to communicate competently in all media forms—print and electronic—as well as access, understand, analyze and evaluate the images, words, and sounds that comprise contemporary culture.

5

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Primavera Residences holds workshops for art enthusiasts in CdO

C

Bunye... from page 4

in their parishes and other missionary assignments. This new celibacy policy may even increase vocations because married men may also apply for ordination after study and training.”

What does Pope Francis have to say on the matter?

Returning from his recent trip in the Middle East, Pope Francis was interviewed by journalists who accompanied him in his flight back to Rome.

Here is a report by the Associated Press: “…. Pope Francis said Monday that the celibacy of priests is not a matter of Church dogma, while defending its value amid calls among some Catholics for the requirement to be dropped.

“Talking to reporters on his return flight from the Middle East, Pope Francis said ‘there are married priests in the Church’, citing married Anglican ministers who joined the Catholic Church, Coptic Catholics and the priests of some Easter churches.

“The celibacy of priests ‘is not a dogma’, the pontiff confirmed, apparently leaving the door open to debate on the subject.

“The Church, and notably the current pope’s predecessor Benedict XVI , had previously said that the celibacy issue was not a matter of unbendable church dogma unlike, for example, the resurrection of Jesus Christ”.

My conclusion: Al l things said, celibacy may be lifted. But don’t expect this to happen tomorrow or day after tomorrow. Pope Francis has his sights on other more urgent reforms.

For feedback, you may email us at totingbunye2000@ gmail.com.

Batas... from page 4

come from good students.

The school doesn’t really matter, even if San Sebastian is a good law school. What matters, at the end of the day, is the determination of the students to be good. Thank God for my good students!

-ooo REMINDERS: Pleas e tune in: “Tambalang Batas at Somintac sa DZEC”, at 1062 kHz on the AM band, Mondays to Fridays, at 6 a.m., simulcast, real time, over www.eaglenews.ph; “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas sa Radyo Trabungko FM”, at 103.7 mHz in Don Carlos, Bukidnon, Mondays to Fridays, at 7 a.m.; and “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas sa DYKA” at 801 kHz on the AM band (Panay Island), Mondays to Fridays, at 10 a.m.

Cagod... from page 5

can be accomplished no matter what type of environment they are in. The community definitely needs to nurture the interests of the students rather than constantly shutting them

down because eventually the students will begin to give up hope.

They may not expect that it is the job of the community and the educational system to supply everything that they need to fulfill their dreams because most of that is the parent’s responsibility, but the community and the schools have to realize that they are a type of support that the student yearns for. Even in comments only from teachers or neighbors saying, ‘good job,’ or, ‘you’re well on your way’ and others like that.

Also, politicians, educators and community leaders need to emphasize that today’s generation is tomorrow’s future, and that if we don’t increase funding and inspire critical thinking in today’s students, what hope is there going to be for the future?

Challenging our students should be a priority in public, private, and alternative schools around the country.

agayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental - Primavera Residences was transformed into a place of learning arts and crafts last May 24 as participants gathered for a whole day of workshops and seminars on flower arrangement, interior design and photography. Primavera Residences, a green condo complex in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, played host to the two events – Prima de Mayo and Pick Your Passion Photography Workshops.

Prima de Mayo was a flower arranging workshop and interior design seminar held at the inner courtyard of Primavera Residences. It aimed to teach participants on the basics of flower arrangements and maximizing small spaces.

Both workshop and seminar were conducted

by Anna Christina Sagarbarria, a local licensed interior designer who specializes in renovations and home makeovers.

During the workshop, participants learned how to mix and match colors when arranging flowers, and were taught the basic terminologies in color harmony. The participants were also treated to a crash course on interior design, with Sagarbarria providing tips on how they can get the most out of small spaces.

The Pick Your Passion Photography Workshop sought to teach promising photographers the techniques in street photography and lighting. The whole day workshop was conducted by Cagayan de Oro professional photographers, Glenn Palacio and Gian James Maagad. There was a special participation by CdO cos-

player Shoji Daradal as she modeled for a photo shoot session in the afternoon.

The photography workshop coincided with the unveiling of Palacio’s photo exhibit at the function hall of Primavera Residences called “Exhibit X” featuring several of his best works using Fuji X Series cameras. Palacio is a brand ambassador of the Fuji X Series cameras.

The Prima de Mayo workshop was organized in partnership with Truly Wealthy Corporation, one of Cagayan de Oro's property brokers and Primavera Residences' top performing realty broker in 2013. The Pick Your Passion Photography Workshop was also organized in partnership with Colours Digital Foto and Fujifilm Philippines.

Primavera Residences is an award-winning, mixed-use development in Cagayan de Oro. It is a twin-tower, 10-storey ecofriendly property with residential, commercial and office spaces for rent or purchase. Units are ready for occupancy. The condo complex was recently awarded for Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines by the prestigious International Property Awards during its Asia Pacific Property Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

In 2011, Primavera Residences was also awarded by the Southeast Asia Property Awards (SEAPA) for Best Condo Development in the Philippines.

For inquiries on events and activities at Primavera Residences, call (088) 3108173, 0917-7921078 or visit the website at www.primaveraresidences.com.

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) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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

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

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

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

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

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

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Plant... from page 1

With the two units in full operations, power supply is expected to improve further after weeks of rotating brownouts which lasted up to 10 hours in some parts of Mindanao.

SPI is one of the major power producers in Mindanao. Since start of its operations in November 2006, it has delivered more than 10 billion kWh of power to the grid representing about 18% of the island’s electricity supply.

SPI is principally owned by the German company Steag GmbH, with Aboitiz Power Corporation and La Filipina Uygongco Corporation as shareholders.

Media... from page 1

personalities and agencies, among them Senator Aqui lino Pi mentel III, Vice Governor Joey Pelaez, Representative Juliet Uy (2nd Dist., MisOr), Villanueva Municipa l Mayor Julio Uy, Filinvest Development Corporation Utilities Inc., National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, FuelDirect Philippines, Del Monte Philippines, Nestle, A Brown Co. Inc., VjANDEP Bakeshop and Kangen (Alakaline) Water.

The event is part of the activities of the Press Freedom Week celebration, which culminated Saturday, May 31.

Prior to the lectures on newswriting, Mr. Emeliano G a l b a n , J r. , r e g i o n a l information officer of the D e p ar t m e nt of He a lt h Regional Office 10, talked about the prevailing situation of the region on Human Immunodefficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency

Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), in relation to Tuberculosis (TB).

M r. G a l b an w ar n e d against complacency and urged seminar participants to continue the advocacy in helping DOH strengthen surveillance for sexually transmitted infections. He said HIV has become a chronic disease condition and requires a change of approach from an infectious disease to a chronic disease condition.

Mr. Galban said it is re c om m e n d e d t h at a l l people with HIV with active tuberculosis or with hepatitis B disease receive antiretroviral therapy. This is based on a World Health Organization recommendation on evidence that treating people with HIV earlier, with safe, affordable, and easier-tomanage medicines, can both keep them healthy and lower the amount of virus in the blood, which reduces the risk of infecting someone else.

Mr. Sudaria, publisher of t he BWM Group of publications said, with the aim to increase awareness on HIV/AIDS, in relation to TB, they have decided to incorporate the topic to the newswriting seminar, in partnership and support of the Media Health Advocates Group 10.

“We recognize the role of media as the dominant driver for communication and information dissemination.

We hope that in our effort to seek new approaches to effective communication and developments, we are able to help agencies and people in maximizing the contributions inherent in us and the media sector,” Mr. sudaria said.

M r. F e l i c i l d a , w h o specializes on broadcast, hopes to develop coherent media services’ policy by tapping key stakeholders of t h e s e r v i c e s s e c t or

through partnerships and sponsorships of media events.

“This kind of event seeks to help people, particularly media practitioners, understand situations not just learn. This is an event to help fight not just write,” Mr. Felicilda said.

Mr. Nelson Constantino, BusinessWeek Mindanao editor-in-chief, tackled basic newswriting and practical tips in business and economic reporting.

Power... from page 1

being costly, bringing the barges from the Visayas to Mindanao will take time that it might be impractical to do so as the coal-fired p ow e r proj e c t s of t h e Aboitiz Power Corp. and the Sarangani Energy Corp. are both scheduled to be completed early next year.

“The lawmakers wanted to know the cost and the time in bringing the barges to Mindanao as well as the impact of operating these plants (on the power rates),” Mr. Montenegro told BusinessWeek Mindanao in an interview.

OLD AGE This is because of the problematic power situation as the National Power Corp.’s Agus and Pulangi hydropower complexes have reduced their respective capacities due to old age of the plants and the problematic water levels in the respective dams.

Each of the three barges the lawmakers want to bring to Mindanao has a capacity of 32 megawatts (MW).

However, there are reports one of the three, the one moored in Estancia, Iloilo was damaged when typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) hit the Visayas in November last year.

Thes e p ower b arges

were among those placed under the care of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management. Aboitiz Power bought two state-run barges in 2009 for $30 million, and brought the two to Mindanao.

The power barges, now under Aboitiz Power subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc., have become the baseload supplier to the Mindanao grid since 2010 when the island was in need of power.

Jose Venancio P. Batiquin, Therma Marine chief operating officer, said that since the Feb. 27 power problem when the whole of Mindanao went into blackout following the collapse of the grid, the power barges have been operating for 24 hours.

The Energy department earlier said that Mindanao will need to wait for the completion of the power projects in 2015, to stabilize the situation.

Among these projects is the 300-MW coal-fired power plant being built by Therma South, Inc. on the boundary of Davao City and Davao del Sur.

Courses... from page 2

the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University have already incorporated DRMM and CCAM in their CWTS and NSTP subjects. “ The countr y’s state universities and colleges play critical roles in integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the education sector,” said Dr. Irvin Generalao, SPAMAST president.

Majority of the students enrolled in SPAMAST come from poor families “who are considered as among the most vulnerable sector to climate change,” he added.

“By integ rat ing and offering DRRM and CCAM

in our programs, we intend to equip our students the appropriate skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for them and their families to adapt to climate change, and eventually cope with its impacts,” he said.

G enera lao s aid t hat s tu d e nt s w h o re c e nt ly completed the s cho ol’s NSTP underwent series of trainings on first aid and disaster preparedness.

S PA M A S T also implemented projects on climate change, including the Regional Disaster Science and Management (RDSM) funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry and Energ y Research and Development (PCIERD).

The RDSM maps out the earthquake-prone areas in Davao del Sur and disseminates these information to concerned local government units and authorities.

The school also manages two automated weather stations that are located in Digos City and Matanao, Davao del Sur. The weather st at i ons c ol l e c t t i mely information on meteorological conditions such temperature, amount of rainfall, and relative humidity, which are being forwarded to Ateneo de Davao University for consolidation.

“We hope to contribute to President Benigno Aquino III’s programs on DRRM and CCAM in our own little way.

7

SPAMAST sees to it that all of its academic programs, including agriculture, environmental science, and engineering must include awareness on climate change among its courses,” Generalao said.

During roadshows with higher education institutions in Regions XI and XII conducted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), SPAMAST and the other 10 state universities and colleges in Mindanao also pledged to undertake researches on climate change aimed to aid policy and decision-making bodies.

“These studies are crucial and we would like to maximize the expertise of our homegrown academic institutions,” said Janet Lopoz, MinDA executive director.

She added that MinDA regularly submits policy briefs to the members of Mindanao lawmakers’ bloc in Congress while adding “the agency lobbies for Mindanao-related policies that are supported by thorough research.”

The Mindanao 2020 or the island-region’s 20-year peace and development roadmap for 2011-2030 stressed that Mindanao must position itself to adequately meet the challenges of climate change.

“We are glad that our s t a ke h ol d e r s f rom t h e education sector are now rallying for this cause. The government and private sectors must work together in implementing DRRM and CCAM initiatives,” she said.

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The Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) Northern Mindanao Chapter will be holding the “Dagan Lung for a Healthier Lung” FUN RUN on July 27, 2014 @ 5 AM in Limketkai Center as the Start and Finish Area.

Categories and Registration Fees are as follows: 1. 1Km Fun Walk – P350 with Jersey and Race Bib 2. 3Km Fun Run – P350 with Jersey and Race Bib 3. 5Km Fun Run – P450 with Jersey and Race Bib 4. 10Km Fun Run – P550 with Jersey and Race Bib There will be top 10 winners for every race category: winner will be entitled to a medal. Registration centers will be at La Cabana Spa, Limketkai Center. Proceeds of the fun run will be used in various projects for the promotion of disease-free lungs.

The DAGAN LUNG FOR A HEALTHIER LUNG FUN RUN is organized by the Circle Productions, Inc. For more inquires you may contact the CIRCLE Hotline: 09153753-117 or visit http://circleproductionsinc.com.

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THE

FOUR-WAY TEST

of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Scintilla Legis marks 40th year www.businessweekmindanao.com

MONDAY|June 2, 2014

Section Editor: Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

By Atty. Robert N. Gumaling

T

he law fraternity Fraternitas Scintilla Legis marks its 40th Founding Anniversar y and 14th National Congress this Saturday (May 31, 2014) at the Grand Caprice, Lim Ket Kai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, with the theme: “The Spark of the Past Reignited Today to Forge the Future.”

Fr ate r n it as S ci nt i l l a Legis, which translates as “brotherhood of the spark of law” was born through the conviction of raising the bar examination passing rate of the Xavier University-Ateneo

de Cagayan College of Law. The formula chosen was surprisingly simple as it was effective - each founding member vowed lEGIS/PAGE B3

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Best in Business and Economic Reporting Philippine Press Institute Civic Journalism Community Press Awards 2013

Arts&Culture

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Liceo U High School is 4th PASCH School monday|June 2, 2014

T

he Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany approved Liceo de Cagayan University’s High School to be its official partner in the Philippines within the worldwide initiative “Schools: Partners for the Future” (PASCH).

Liceo U is the fourth school in the Philippines in this illustrious short list of partner schools.

In a letter sent to Dr. Teresita T. Tumapon, Liceo’s VP for External Relations and Internationalization, Herr Falk Schleicher, Head of the Language Program of the Goethe Institut Philippinen, made the announcement last April 10, 2013 on behalf of the institute and its director Dr. Petra Raymond. With its emphasis on training young people with interest and enthusiasm for modern-day Germany and the German language.

Liceo de Cagayan U n i v e r s i t y, a s a n official partner and as a PASCH school, supports Germany’s aim to create and to strengthen a global network of some 1,500 partner schools especially The facade of the newly-inaugurated Deutsche Sprache Raum (DSR or German Language Room) at the Liceo de Cagayan in priority regions.

In Herr Schleicher’s University High School, May 27. letter, this partnership hopes to foster longlasting links with the country and inspire teachers and students to enjoy an open exchange of views and engage in

Liceo de Cagayan University President Dr. Mariano M. Lerin and Frau Petra Raymond, Director – Goethe Institut Philippinen, in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to formally open the doors of the Deutsche Sprache Raum (DSR or German Language Room) at the Liceo de Cagayan University High School, May 27.

cooperation.

It also envisions building structured learning and qualified teaching of German as a Foreign Language at Liceo U for a deeper involvement in German culture in Cagayan de Oro City and Mindanao.

The landmark partnership between the Federal Republic of Germany through the Goethe Institut Philippinen and the Liceo de Cagayan University has further been solidified by a one-month study grant to Germany given to AVP Finance Herr Jose Z. Valdehuesa and high school faculty member Herr Michael S. Villamor.

Mr. Valdehuesa and Mr. Villamor are both teaching German language with the former learning B1 Level of the language and the latter immersed in the A2 Level. There are six levels into the said language proficiency ladder.

They were schooled in one of the many language institutes of the Goethe Institut network located in Bonn, the former capital of Germany

and interestingly, the birthplace of music genius Ludwig van Beethoven.

At present, the University has over 250 students learning the German language in different levels under the instruction of the mentioned teachers, with two others – Mrs. Jasmin C. Lagumbay from the high school and Ms. Revian C. Mangubat from the College of Education.

The partnership bears another fruit with the opening of the state-ofthe-art Deutsche Sprache Raum (DSR or German Language Room), May 27, at the Liceo de Cagayan University High School and is all funded by the Goethe Institut Philippinen. The DSR is envisioned to give students an arm’s-reach on a feel of Germany within the university grounds.

“To have become a strong partner for our activities in Germany, we send teachers and students to Germany, you (Liceo) are a member of a network of 1,500 PASCH schools worldwide and the language which we communicate in this network is German. It’s a big family, the three students from Liceo have met different students f r o m o t h e r PA S C H schools all over the world, it is the seed that we plant

and they will grow, these connections they have started will continue to grow. This is a very good example how a vision of a dream, through all the efforts which were made, has become a reality” says Frau Petra Raymond, Director – Goethe Institut Philippinen in her speech during the formal inauguration of the Liceo U Deutsche Sprache Raum.

In his reply, Liceo University President Dr. Mariano M. Lerin said, “Thank you for all this, thank you also for giving us the opportunity to be of service to Cagayan de Oro City and to Northern Mindanao by making us the center of excellence in German Language.

The beautiful room that you are giving to us is accepted with open arms, because this is one way of serving the community of Cagayan de Oro City

by Liceo de Cagayan University. Please be assured that we will be working with you, we will be collaborating with you in this program, in order that the two countries will be working together and we will be happier when we will be training our students, our people to speak German, to know German culture and for the two (countries) to be friends forever.”

The Schulen: Partner der Zukunft plaque unveiled.

Liceo de Cagayan University President Dr. Mariano M. Lerin, Frau Petra Raymond, Director – Goethe Institut Philippinen, and Herr Falk Schleicher - Head of Language Program unveils the Schulen: Partner der Zukunft plaque at the Liceo de Cagayan University High School, May 27.

Photos by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

LICEO U Inaugurates Deutsche Sprache Raum (DSR or German Language Room). (from left) Liceo U Vice President for External and Cultural Affairs Rudolf P. Golez, VP for External Relations and Internationalization - Dr. Teresita T. Tumapon, Liceo University President Dr. Mariano M. Lerin, Dr. Petra Raymond - Goethe Institute Philippinen Director, Ms. Aisha Guatno - PASCH Project Coordinator and (standing) Mr. Falk Schleicher - Head of Language Program pose for posterity inside the newly innaugurated Deutsche Sprache Raum (DSR or German Language Room), Liceo de Cagayan University High School, May 27.

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LEGIS...

from Page B1 to dedicate himself to survive the study of law and conquer the bar examination not only for himself, not only for his family but for the preservation of an institution which will mold the bulk of legal professionals in Northern Mindanao.

The combined nobility of the aim and feasibility of the means has spawned a ripple effect that waded through four decades and has developed into a tidal wave with a splash which will be felt for multitudes of decades more.

FSL focuses on the role of the law in the process of protecting life, liberty and property and the inevitable involvement of a student of law in that process. This is the motivation of FSL, the realization that engaging in the study of law is a privilege which is married to the responsibility of using knowledge acquired for the betterment of all.

Early on in their legal career, FSL members are shaped to internalize that though morality and legality are not alike they, however, do not belong to opposing sides, for FSL members are always guided by Article 19 of the New Civil Code, thus

“Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith.”

FSL has journeyed four decades of inspiring academic resilience, cultivating respect for law and developing passion for justice and now it celebrates its ruby anniversary wielding the theme “the spark of the past re-ignited today to forge the future”.

After 40 years of rearing law students, FSL now envisions to introduce its own brand of community service through free legal clinics and symposiums on recent legislation thereby promoting workable understanding, deep rooted adherence and intelligent obedience to law among members of the community particularly those who lack the resources to gain access to legal assistance and education.

FSL proves that fraternal bonds can be based on a unified pursuance of honorable objectives and ideals. It all started with a humble spark which through small but certain steps has inflamed hundreds to academic and professional excellence and given a little more time the same spark will serve as a beacon of legal enlightenment to society.

Shop For Dad, Win For Dad at The SM Store!

C

elebrate Fathers' Day this June at The SM Store.

Giving you exciting offers for your Dads with: Shop For Dad, Win For Dad Promo on June 1 - 15.

Win P1,000 Shopping Coupon for a minimum P2,000 purchase from M e n ' s We a r, M e n ' s Shoes, Luggage, Men's Accessories, Gadgets, and Men's Gro oming and Scents at Watsons using your SM Advantage (SMAC), SM Prestige, BDO Rewards or Mom card.

Men's Month for Belts on June 12 - 30.

Avail a limited edition belt for P75 exclusive for SM Advantage members, for ever y purchase worth P700 in the Men's Accessories Department.

Men's Month SMAC additional discounts on June 13 - July 13.

Selected 20% and 50% items will have an additional 20% off for SMAC customers. Items will var y per week, Week 1: Wallets, Bags, and Novelties; Week 2: Novelties; Week 3: Jewelry and Eyewear; Week 4:

Combination of week 1-3.

Branded items on Men's Month SMAC Exclusive discounts on June 6-8, 12, 20 -22 & 27-29.

See posters for details.

SM Men Specials up to 50% from Men's Wear Department on June 1 -30.

SO SHOP NOW! Avail these exciting treats this month of June.

Feature

BusinessWeek MINDANAO Best in Business and Economic Reporting Philippine Press Institute Civic Journalism Community Press Awards 2013

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B3

Del Monte Ladies Golf Team at Hacienda Binitin, Bacolod City during the 2013 Luzvimin WGAP Championship. (from left) Annika Michelle Mendoza, Rhea Mae Langgamin, Martina Miñoza, Rainstar Roque and Starlyn Roque.

CdeO to host WGAP ladies golf championship

by Angela Marionne Mendoza, Contributor

P

ueblo de Oro Golf Club officially hosts this year’s 2014 Infinity Luzvimin Golf Tournament organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP).

A total of 30 teams from all over the Philippines has been set to join the said tournament, from June 4 to 6, including the Del Monte and the Pueblo de Oro Golf Ladies Team

representing Northern Mindanao.

Del Monte competes in the Class A Diamond Division, led by Team Captain Starlyn Roque and top local amateur Pamela

Pueblo de Oro Ladies Golf Team at Hacienda Binitin, Bacolod City during the 2013 Luzvimin WGAP Championship. (from left) Anna Roa, Chit Lastimosa, Lotty Inson and Teri Solitaria.

Mariano. They will also be joined by Rainstar Roque, Annika Michelle Mendoza, Martina Miñoza and Rhea Mae Langgamin.

Pueblo Ladies Golf will be led by Anna Roa and Nimfa Sasaki and will compete in the Pearl Division.

Last year’s champion Villamor Ladies Golf Team will defend their title in June, where the group fended off the ladies of Manila Southwoods

during the 2013 edition of the Luzvimin Golf Invitational at the Bacolod Golf & Country, Hacienda Binitin, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Manila Southwoods, Bacolod, Manila Golf, Alabang, Riviera, Negros, Davao City Golf, Forest Hills, Apo Golf, Sta. Elena, Camp Aguinaldo, Ilo-Ilo, Valley Golf and Baguio are also slated to compete in this year’s edition of the tournament.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

B4

Best in Business and Economic Reporting Philippine Press Institute Civic Journalism Community Press Awards 2013

monday|June 2, 2014

Environment

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776 Editor: Cheng Ordoñez

Mambajao town starts saying no to plastic MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - A local government unit here begins to enforce the plastic less policy following the review and amendment of its Solid Waste Management (SWM) ordinance, early this year.

Mambajao municipal government now strictly prohibits use of plastics or cellophanes on dry goods while regulating its use on wet goods.

An executive and deputation order was likewise

released for the creation, organization and training of a task force dubbed as TF Kalikasan, to guard and ensure the enforcement of the ordinance in coordination with the local police.

This was after holding a

series of consultations with the store owners and vendors operating especially in the town’s public market.

Thousands of improvised bags made of rec ycled sacks and papers were also distributed by the LGU prior

the enforcement.

According to the LGU, the campaign will serve as a springboard towards achieving its vision for a “Clean and B eautiful Mambajao.”

Cu r re nt l y, the

administration is bringing the campaign to the barangays, assisting them in crafting their own SWM ordinance, organizing the SWM board, and in the formulating the SWM plant.

(JCV/PIA)

Miss Earth beauties step up Iligan environmental awareness ILIGAN CITY — Four Miss Earth titlists were in town to promote conservation of mother Earth.

The Environment Online (ENO) peace messengers on environment visited Iligan City with Kalaimani Supramaniam, Eno Asia Coordinator, who brought along Miss Earth Philippines 2014 Jamie Herrell; Ms Earth Indonesia 2013 Nita Sofiani; Miss Earth Nepal 2013 Rojisha Shahi Thakuri; and Miss Earth Indonesia 2011 Inez Elodhia Maharani.

The Miss Earth beauties’ Environment Tour in Iligan City lasted for three days from May 27 to 29, 2014.

Activities lined-up were tree planting at the Tropical storm Sendong devastated area in Bayug and other environmental awareness forum in public schools as well as in the academe.

Miss E ar t h b e auties joined the more than 1,000 participants in planting 4,000 propagules at the Bayug mangrove area, this city, early 5:30 a.m. on May 29. This was spearheaded by the Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines (SCAAP, Iligan City Chapter), Department of Education (DepEd), Iligan City. Huge participation came from the city clubs, academe, DepEd, Jollibee staff and crew including Jollibee mas cot, t he Philippine Army, City of Waterfalls on line group, Red Cross staff and volunteers. Likewise, Department of Environment and Natural Res ources (DENR) representatives conducted a briefing before the planting.

Students in the high school and college levels had interaction with the Miss Earth beauties in an open forum where they were asked on waste segregation, particularly the 3Rs (recycle, reuse and reduce), and other environmental concerns.

Further, DepEd Science teachers had an audience with them in their tour to some schools here. The Miss Earth beauties also visited some plant industry in the city.

ENO Asia Coordinator Kalaimani Supramanian and Miss Earth Manager for International Franchises

Astrud Schuck, as well as Dr. Sherlita L. Daguisonan, ENO Philippines Coordinator, who escorted the ‘Beauties for a Cause’ all throughout their three-day stay in Iligan, express e d t heir gratitude by the response of the Iliganons especially the young generation who pledged to plant trees in ENO’s Plant A Tree program.

E N O i s a p l at f o r m through which we can serve and share for a better and eco greener world for our coming generations. So, let us put our hands together to make this globe green and healthy by planting more and more trees, said Miss Earth Philippines 2014.

Miss Indonesia 2011, on the other hand said, having an ‘environment talk’ with different groups is a venue where people all across the globe join hands to put their share for a better and greener world, with an aim targeting one billion trees under the ENOs Tree Planting program.

The Miss Earth beauties also joined the Iliganons in the country’s simultaneous celebration of the National Flag Day on May 28 in Iligan, held at the Freedom Park, where they witnessed the Evolution of the Philippine Flags through a display of f lags made of f loral arrangement. They met city mayor Celso G. Regencia and Vice Mayor Ruderik Marzo, including some members of the city’s legislative council.

They also witnessed the induction and oathtaking of the officers and members of the City Tourism Council and was welcomed by regional director Catalino E. Chan of the Department of Tourism, region 10 who graced the occasion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jennifer Wee-Tan, chairman, Northern Mindanao Regional Tourism Council, who inducted the set of officers and members of the Council, acknowledged the presence of the ENO and the Miss Earth beauties.

Making our environment clean and green is one way of attracting visitors here and abroad to come and visit your place, said Tan. The Miss Earth beauties will fly back to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta on May 30.(LVG/ PIA-10 LDN)

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DENR 10 holds a mangrove clean-up in Barangay Taytay, El Salvador City last week in preparation for the World Environment Day cum launching of the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign with the theme ?Nagbago na and Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago? on June 5, which targets to plant some 5000 mangrove propagules.

(Ma. Leona Felice Echeveria/PIA 10)

Interfaith confab on climate change gather religous leaders in CDO CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -Leaders and representatives of various faith-based and religious organizations of Mindanao will gather on May 29, in Cagayan de Oro to address the challenge of climate change in the 1st Regional Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change.

This was announced by Climate Change Commission (CCC) Commissioner Heherson T. Alvarez, coconvenor of the conference, who said that the focus will be on attaining energy, water and food security.

With the theme “Earth i n Pe r i l ,” t h e on e - d ay conference will be held at the City Tourism Hall.

According to Alvarez, t he he a d s of d i f fe re nt denominations have always express their concern about the unabated rise of carbon emissions that cause global warming and climate change which bring about strong storms and disastrous floods.

Mindanao has been hit by two of the most destructive typho ons S endong and Pablo in 2011 and 2012,

respectively, that claimed more than 2,000 lives and combined damages of almost P40 billion.

The religious leaders are alarmed of the impacts of climate change and they understand that as a manmade disaster, it needs our collective efforts to address and, being leaders of their flock it is their moral duty to prepare them and protect them from these disasters caused by climate change, he added.

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, conference coconvenor and a member of the Catholic Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP), stressed that the poor are the worst affected since they do not have the land, the means and resources to hurdle the impacts of climate change, of one typhoon after another. There should be intergenerational justice for all, decisively and immediately.

Bishop Efraim Tendero of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches

(PCEC), conference director, said that as people of faith we have a distinct role in addressing climate change.

We have to remind people of various faiths that the Earth is a gift given by the Creator to all mankind, and as stewards of God’s creations, of all living creatures and the natural environment, it is our right to protect them.

Meanwhile, President Benigno S. Aquino in a written message addressed to the participants during the Second National Interfaith Dialogue held in Malacañang last March 14, 2014, said, “ The Fi lipino spir it is unyielding for it is anchored in faith and solidarity.

Even the most daunting of storms could not bring our countrymen to their knees and disrupt the promise of our resurgence. It has become imperative upon our country to raise awareness on sustainability and engage the greater community of nations in committing to intergenerational progress.”

Resource speakers from the government, religious,

and private sectors in the region will address the challenges of climate change, especially the significant c utt i n g of g re e n h ou s e gas emissions - within the context of sustainable development, social justice, and religious teachings.

“Climate change is the great moral challenge of the 21st Century. As religious leaders add their powerful voices to protest the rising tide of carbon emissions, there is immense hope that mankind will prevail,” said Alvarez.

The 1st Regional Inter fait h Dialogue on Climate Change is sponsored by the City of Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro Basin Management Council, Xavier University, Canon Market ing Phi lippines, Inc., The Honorar y Consulate of Georgia to the Philippines, Philippines Uncut, Integrated Laser and Complementary Medicine, Qatar Airways, Seda Centrio Hotel, and Mario D’Boro, Cardams. (Climate Change Commission/PIA)

MisOcc Water District prepares contingency in case of El Niño OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Misamis Occidental Water District (MOWD) has laid out its contingency plan in preparation of El Niño.

The plan includes the designation of the Molicay Pumping Station in Barangay Molicay, this city, as its standby reserve station in case water will go scarce due to the phenomenon, Samson N. Naranjo, MOWD Executive Assistant B, said.

He said the expected long

drought brought about by El Niño may result in the decrease of water level, low water production, increase in water demand, salt water intrusion in pumping stations, and possible deterioration of water quality.

He said the frequent power interruptions can also lead to increase in operational water production cost, thus, MOWD will make sure that there is enough supply of reserve diesel fuel for their electric generator sets

to ensure an uninterrupted service.

Naranjo, however, said no reports of parched lands, dried up farms or scarcity of water in the households have been monitored and reported to MOWD, as of press time.

But just the same, MOWD will monitor closely the level of water extraction among its other stations, located in barangays Bacolod, Carangan and Bagakay, and its reservoirs in Barangay Segatic and

Bukagan, Malaubang, he said.

Meanwhile, MOWD has planned to launch an information and education drive for the public on how to conserve water.

On the other hand, Naranjo assured that all the pumping stations of MOWD have been insured with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to warrant their immediate repairs in case of damage, if any.

(RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)