BusinessWeek Mindanao (September 24, 2014)

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Volume V, No. 47

Market Indicators

As of 6:10 pm sep. 23, 2014 (tuesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P44.52

7,271.62 points

8.24 points

X

5 cents

X

Briefly Grassroots funds THE Department of Trade and Industry, Misamis Oriental (DTI-MOR) Provincial Office released on September 19, P620,000 for the implementation of the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) formerly known as Bottoms Up Budgeting (BUB) in the municipality of Gitagum in Misamis Oriental, September 19.

Gitagum’s municipal treasurer, Anilie Salvador and municipal budget officer, Herminia Katipunan upon the order of Gitagum mayor Rodolfo Buray came to DTI Provincial Office to claim the check.

The amount is intended for the conduct of skills and entrepreneurial trainings as well as product development initiatives in food processing, bamboo decorative handicraft and bamboo furniture.

Mobile loan DAVAO City -- The Land Bank of the Philippines is expecting to grow its mobile loan facility -- targeted at workers who have a payroll account with the bank -- by P10 billion annually in the next five years.

Company officials made the announcement here over the weekend as the government-owned bank signed up about 20 government offices in Mindanao with the “Mobile Loan Saver,” a partnership with telco giant Smart Communications Inc. Jocelyn DG Cabreza, Landbank executive vice president and head of the Branch Banking Sector, told BusinessWeek Mindanao the electronic salary loan facility will also be opened to private companies by next month.

“This will become more exciting in October when we start offering this to the private sector,” Ms. Cabreza said.

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Wednesday | September 24, 2014

P15.00

Railway system pushed for Mindanao’s growth M

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Correspondent

INDANAO leaders are pushing for the installation of a Mindanao Railway System as well as other infrastructure needed to improve the supply chain in the region, especially with the development of growth corridors in the southern mainland.

S e c re t ar y Luw a l h at i R. Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said several foreign firms have expressed interest to conduct a feasibility study on the system, with at least one company ready to commit to the project.

Ms. Antonino said a railway system in Mindanao

-- with its agriculture-driven economy -- will provide a faster means of moving goods between the farms to the ports.

Mindanao is the country’s top producer of rubber, banana, and pineapple for export and among the biggest producers of corn, coconut, and cassava.

Railway/PAGE 11

Improved income, welfare key to peace in Mindanao

By H. MARCOS C. MORDENO, MindaNews

MAKATI City – Improving people’s income and welfare within the first few years of the implementation of the Bangsamoro will play a crucial role in sustaining peace in Mindanao, an expert said Tuesday.

Dr. Fermin Adriano, senior policy advisor to the

World Bank Peace Building Fund Project, said measures should be undertaken to increase the productivity of farmers and fisherfolk, the majority of the population in the proposed Bangsamoro, the political entity that will replace the Autonomous peace/PAGE 11

2 Days More to GO before Sept 26!

Are you ready, Mindanao?

FISHING AND MINING. A fisherman and his nephew carry a net towards the shore of Carac-an River. The fishing and farming communities in Madrid town in Surigao del Sur have been worrying over the approval of a mining operation in the town. mindanews photo by erwin mascarinas

Tuna industry wants unhampered operations in Bangsamoro waters

By MINDANEWS

GENERAL Santos City – Tuna industry players here urged Congress to ensure that tuna fishing activities in the seas off western Mindanao and the nearby areas will not be hampered once the proposed Bangsamoro region would be established.

Joaquin Lu, president of the Socsksargen Federation of F i s h i n g a n d A l l i e d Industries Inc., said the Senate and the House of Representatives should set

some mechanisms that will guarantee the safe and free passage of fishing vessels in fishery areas that would be covered by Bangsamoro waters.

He said such arrangement should be included in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is now known as House Bill (HB) 4994.

“The Bangsamoro waters, as part of the territorial waters of the Philippines,

(should) remain available to all Filipino citizens for fishing subject to the regulation by the Bangsamoro government and the respective local governments with respect to their municipal waters,” he said.

The House of Representatives referred HB 4994 on Monday last week to the newly-created ad hoc committee on the B a n g s a m o r o, w h i c h i s chaired by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. tuna/PAGE 11

Local malls expand branch networks in Mindanao DAVAO CITY -- Two mall and supermarket operators, one homegrown and another Cebu-based, are opening more branches in Region 10 before the end of the year and are looking at expansion expand/PAGE 11

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2 DTI puts weighing scales, price watch billboard in markets wednesday|September 24, 2014

By JASPER MARIE OBLINA-RUCAT Contributor

THE ceremonial turn-over of Timbangan ng Bayan and p ost ing of B ant ay Presyo billboard of the Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental (DTI-MOR) in Cogon Public

Market on September 19, 2014 upholds not only consumer protection but fair price to all.

During the turn-over, DTI-MOR provincial director Maria Eliza A.

Pabillore s aid t hat t he purpose of putting at least four “Timbangan Ng Bayan” or DTI calibrated weighing scales in strategic locations in the market is to allow shoppers to check whether they were sold fairly by the vendors. After paying for a good or item, they can go directly to the “Timbangan ng Bayan” to check accuracy.

DTI-MOR also provided test weights from one kilo up to 10 kilos to make sure that

the Timbangan Ng Bayan and weighing scales in the market are correct.

Also, the Bantay Presyo (price watch) Billboard was set up reflecting prevailing price of the basic commodities, grocery items, vegetable, meat, and all other items sold in the market.

According to Pabillore, this is renewed thrice a we ek dur ing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by DTI and Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA) as guide for price comparison.

City Economic Enterprise Development (CEED) he ade d by Eng r. Peter Abejuela advised consumers to check prevailing price in the billboard prior to buying.

Raul Balibay, president of the meat section, expressed that this project is indeed to protect consumers. This is to make sure they are not deceived by the items they buy.

A total of 20 sets of the mechanical scales and housings; and, five sets of the test weights will be distributed to five of Cagayan de Oro city’s public markets namely Agora, Bulua, Carmen, Cogon and Puerto. Each shall have four weighing scales and housings and one complete set of the test weights. A Bantay Presyo billboard will also be opened along the unveiling of the Timbangan ng Bayan.

Tourism Week opened, anchors in community development

By JASPER MARIE OBLINA-RUCAT Contributor

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) region 10 opened the National Tourism Week on September 22 in SM City Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City focusing on community development through the tourism industry.

DOT regional director Catalino E. Chan III welcomed

guests and participants from the business sector, academe and government agencies who witnessed the opening. He explained that the theme “Tourism and Community Development” is an international theme for World Tourism Day on September 27, focusing on the

ability of tourism to empower people and provide them with skills to achieve change in their local communities.

As partner in tourism, s e n i o r s u p e r i nt e n d e nt Graciano Mijares, Cagayan de Oro city police office (COCPO) chief also expressed message of peace to the community.

Guest sp eaker Engr.

Elpidio M. Paras, owner of Dahilayan Adventure Park, a famous tourist destination in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon emphasized the importance of tourism to elevate the local economy of the community.

He said that in Dahilayan, he has hired Indigenous People (IP) and even residents in nearby barangays.

He believed that the Adventure Park also contributed in making Manolo

Fortich mark its post in the National Competitiveness in the municipal category.

He stressed that if we could make tourists stay one more day in Cagayan de Oro or region 10 then that would make a big difference in boosting the local economy.

DOT will be celebrating the entire week from September 22 to 27 as National Tourism Week and will provide various activities.

There will be an exhibit of local products and services in the entire Nor thern Mindanao throughout weeklong celebration at SM Atrium. Everyone is invited to see and choose products that they want.

Also, DOT will have e x h i b i t s a t Vi n e y a r d Polyte chnic C ol lege, tourism/PAGE 10

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CorporateWorld

Vista Land achieves 55% sales for Shaw tower VISTA LAND & Lifescapes, Inc., a Villar Group company, said the first tower of its condominium project Vista Shaw Residences is now 55% sold, citing strong demand particularly from families of overseas Filipino workers and residents of nearby central business districts.

T h e 3 8 - f l o o r, t w o tower project is located on a 6,386-square-meter (sq.m.) property along Shaw Boulevard.

Construction is ongoing for tower 1, which costs P1.6 billion, following its groundbreaking on Aug. 29 and launch in November 2012.

“We hope to sell the entire [first tower] this year,” Vista Land Chairman and former senator Manuel B. Villar, Jr. said in a briefing on Saturday in Mandaluyong City. He added that turnover is scheduled for 2018.

T he 8 5 - u n it

condominium costs P110,000 per square meter.

A studio unit will have a floor area of 22-24 sq.m.; a one-bedroom unit, 30-34 sq.m.; and a two-bedroom unit, 60-64 sq.m. The project cost is estimated to reach P1.6 billion.

“Its quick access to Shaw Boulevard and EDSA, not to mention to the MRT line at Shaw, makes Vista Shaw an i d e a l a d d re ss for professionals who are

mindful of their time and would rather spend it with their family or on their p ers ona l pursuits t han driving or being on the road,” the company said in a statement.

Vist a L and’s c apit a l expenditure for 2014 is expected to reach P21.6 billion, with the bulk or P 1 3 . 2 bi l l i on goi ng to construction, P4.6 billion to land development, and P3.8 billion to land acquisition.

AboitizPower to seek partners for solar expansion THE Aboitiz Group plans to further expand its power generation business by venturing into solar energy through a partnership with another firm, an official said in a recent interview.

“We are trying some solar -- very small-scale -- just to understand it,” Stephen G. Paradies, senior vicepresident and chief financial officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV).

Imported cars post robust 26% growth in August SALES of imported vehicles grew 26 percent in August on strong sales of light commercial vehicles, the Ass o ci at ion of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reported.

In a statement, AVID said that sales performed against the odds with laudable 26 percent growth totaling 3,302 units sold in August. Yearto-date, AVID’s sales tallied 23,970 units, reflecting a solid 17 percent growth. AVID’s upward sales trajectory was boosted by the combined efforts of Passenger Car (PC) and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments.

O n t h e L C V f ront , August was marked by an exceptional 28 percent yearon-year sales growth to a total of 1,337 units compared to the 1,043 units sold in August 2013. Sustaining its upbeat performance was The Covenant Car Company Inc. (Chevrolet) with another outstanding sales growth of 124 percent in August to a total of 529 sold units.

Following behind was CATS Motors with a recorded 111 percent year-on-year growth in LCV sales.

The association’s PC sales, on the other hand, managed to keep its positive sales stride with August sales totaling 1,695 units, up by 24 percent versus August 2013 sales figures of 1,368 units. Hyundai Asia Resource Inc.’s PC sales roared during the ghost month with sales up by 21 percent to 1,526 units, making the biggest contribution in the AVID’s PC sales. Strong growth was seen across majority of the members with PGA Cars Inc. hitting the highest sales growth for the month of August with 213 percent increase in sales. Solid sales performance for the segment

pushed the year-to-date PC sales to a total of 12,347 units, reflecting 17 percent increase.

“The country’s sustained economic growth points to a continued rally in the automotive industry. On the back of the growing economic robust/PAGE 10

“We think solar has a good future and we would like to be part of that. We are doing some small ones and trying to understand the technology and the dynamics of solar power,” he added.

A solar project will be under Aboitiz Power Corp.

(AboitizPower), which is the power generation and distribution arm of AEV. But Mr. Paradies said the company has yet to determine the capacity of a project as it still depends on the ongoing study.

“We are experimenting on few things now. We’re doing solar on rooftops,” he said.

Asked if the company is open for joint ventures in this project, he replied:

“Yes. We’re partnering with somebody that’s in the business already.”

AboitizPower is keen on expanding its presence locally. The company is also exploring potential power projects in Southeast Asia.

Chief Executive Officer Erramon I. Aboitiz told reporters last week that the AboitizPower is interested at all state-owned power assets that will be auctioned off by the government.

Currently on its radar are the independent power producer administrator contracts for three assets that will be soon privatized by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

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RESORTS, HOTEL & RESTAURANTS DIRECTORIES

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4 Davao marks as coffee production hub Rubber seed farming wednesday|September 24, 2014

COFFEE Month, which is held every October, will be brought to Davao City, seat of the country’s coffee production, to push for further awareness on the economic potential of this high-value crop.

Part of the highlight is the bringing of Coffee Origins after 12 years of celebration in Makati City.

Coffee Origins celebration, which is spearheaded by the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCIB), starts on October 1317 at Abreeza Mall, another Ayala property in the south.

Another coffee event, the 7th National Coffee Summit will also be held in Davao this October 15 at the SEDA Hotel in cooperation with the Peace and Equity Foundation, another NGO whose main fo c us is cof fe e, cacao, coconut, cane sugar and

climate-smart agriculture.

Back in 1997, even before the PCBI was born Ayala Malls already supported the coffee events when then President Fidel V. Ramos declared October as coffee month.

Since then, the festival was held in Glorietta or Greenbelt Malls — free coffee is served for the duration of the event.

“There was a time we served 11,000 cups in one month all for free,” said PCBI President Chit Juan.

Consumers have already b e e n e d u c at e d i n t h e different tastes of coffee from Cordillera to Jolo. They have also shaped the palate of today’s consumers to be more discerning about coffee blends, flavors and origins.

About 21 million cups of coffee are consumed every year, and the Philippines still remains as a net importer.

“The efforts of all coffee advocates like PCBI, Nestlé and NGOs have kept our production levels even if not decreasing,” Juan said.

But t he advo cates and stakeholders continue to promote coffee farming especially in Mindanao.

The industry estimates that coffee imports still amount to about 75,000 MT annually costing the country about P6 billion. “ This amount could very well go to Filipino coffee farmers whose age is increasing at 67 years old and farmlots are decreasing in the CALABARZON area, due to urban development,” Juan said.

Mindanao is being promoted as the land of promise for coffee. “The land is virgin, cheaper than in Luzon and there are many

mountains waiting to be planted to coffee,” said PCBI Chair Nicholas A. Matti.

Davao has Mt. Apo, Cotabato has Mt. Matutum and Bukidnon has Mt. Kitanglad. All these mountains have elevations favorable for coffee growing.

It is estimated that farmers need to plant 8 million seedlings to address the present domestic demand for coffee.

The PCBI is enjoining Land Bank and the Development Bank of the Philippines to create bank products that will cater to coffee farmers, processors and even coffee shop operators.

“There is much demand, and no supply,” Matti said.

“We hope we can engage the farmers to continue or to start coffee growing,” he said.

AGRARIAN reform beneficiaries in the municipalities of Cabanglasan and Baungon in the province of Bukidnon will undergo training to harness their entrepreneurial skills.

The program is being implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as part of the Agrarian Reform Connectivity and Economic Support Services Project, a program of DAR designed to create a sustainable rural growth through enterprise

development.

The DAR-Bukidnon office recently formalized a partnership with the Institute for SocioEconomic and Development Initiative (Isedi) and Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao (Freedom) to provide skills training to members of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in the two towns.

Bukidnon Provincial

Agrarian Reform Program Officer Julio Celestiano Jr said Isedi and Freedom would provide participating ARBOs services, such as development of business enterprise and market, financial and organizational management to prepare them for greater responsibilities of good governance.

The purpose is to teach farmers and their ARBOs how to manage day-to-day business transactions

and show them the proper way to sustain the business units in the community.

Under the agreement, Isedi will train 10 ARBOs in Cabanglasan, while Freedom will take care of three ARBOs in Baungon.

Celestiano said these ARBOs will also serve as the convergence areas for the delivery of support services, not only for their memberfarmers’ own needs, but also for other organizations in the area.

Bukidnon farmers set to undergo skills training

push ensures income for ComVal town

MARAGUSAN, Compostela Va l l e y — T h e c a p a c i t y building on rubber-farming technology with soil and water conservation approach radiated a sense of optimism to the farmers of New Manay, Maragusan town in this province.

In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, farmers participated in field exposures in rubber plantations and trained on proper planting of rubber seeds and managing rubber seedlings.

Rubber trees are known to prevent landslides and one tree holds up to 75,000 liters of water. “Rubber is more sustainable in nature, though we still have to wait for six years before we can utilize it,” shares farmer Welencio T. Magbutang.

Farmers were taught to implement intercropping rubber with other farm produce such as corn, vegetables, coffee and b anana. Wit h t his technology, farmers can earn an estimated income of P200 a day while waiting for the crop to grow.

To date, there are 80 beneficiaries cultivating a total of 500 rubber seedlings through the help of Kapit-

Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan– Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service Pay ap a at Mas ag anang Pamayanan (Kalahi-CIDSS Pamana). They now have four model farms in the area for residents to learn from in terms of proper ways of planting and growing rubber seeds.

Kalahi-CIDSS Pamana is a program developed to improve access of conflictaffected barangays to quality basic social services and responsive, transparent a n d a c c ou nt a b l e l o c a l governments. The project invests in emp ower ing people and in advancing peace-promoting community initiatives.

Having undergone the d i s t i n c t Ka l a h i - C I D S S social preparation phase which involves orientation, community assemblies, p ar t i c ip ator y s itu at i on analysis, and validation, residents agreed on a project that would provide them a long-term income and help preserve the environment at the same time.

Aside from the income from the rubber seeds, this project helps secure the community’s safety from upcoming calamities.

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Foreign debt remains manageable in 2Q, says BSP THE Philippines’ foreign debt remains mangeable in the second quarter, with key indicators improving from the previous three month period and from a year ago.

“Major external debt i nd i c ators re mai ne d at comfortable levels at the end of the second quarter,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said in a

statement issued yesterday.

The external debt ratio -- when measured against the country’s gross national income -- fell to 17.6 percent in the April-June period from 18.3 percent in the same three months of last year and 17.9 percent in the first three months of this year.

When measured against gross domestic product, this ratio, which compares

BSP clears Puregold owner’s investment in PBCom THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has cleared the entry of businessman Lucio Co into Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom).

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, PBCom said the Monetary Board approved last week P.G. Holdings Inc’s su b s c r ipt i on to 1 8 1 . 0 8 million newly issued common shares of the lender at P33 apiece.

The subscription enables Co to gain a 37.7 percent interest in PBCom, making him the bank’s single biggest shareholder.

After securing BSP approval, PBCom and P.G. Holdings will now execute the necessary agreements

for the subscription, the lender said.

Co’s initial P5.98-billion capital infusion into the bank culminates the capitalraising activities the bank pursued earlier this year.

“As w e t u r n 7 5 , w e are keeping our sights on how we can make PBCom bigger and stronger in the ye ars to c ome. Hav i ng major investors such as Mr. Lucio & Mrs. Susan Co, who sit at the helm of an expanding, diversified enterprise, provides us with a strong platform upon which to build the next 75 years and beyond,” PBCom president Nina Aguas said in a statement.

Ap ar t f rom t he ne w bsp/PAGE 10

a countr y’s foreign debt to its income -- also fell to 21.2 percent this year from 21.8 percent last year.

The external debt s e r v i c e r at i o - - w h i c h m e a s u re s f ore i g n d e bt p ay me nt s v is - a - v is t he country’s export receipts and income transfers -- also improved to 6.8 percent in the second quarter from 7.2 percent in the first quarter and 8.1 p ercent a ye ar

ago. This ratio measures a country’s ability to service its foreign debt using its foreign exchange receipts.

T h e c ou nt r y ’s g ro s s i n t e r n at i o n a l r e s e r v e s (GIR) of $80.7 billion at e n d - Ju n e w o u l d a l l o w repayment of short-term debt 8.4 times over.

The Philippines closed the second quarter with $58.1 billion in foreign debt, slightly lower than the

end-March figure of $58.3 bi l lion, but unchange d from the $58 billion last year.

At least 83 percent of the country’s foreign debt will mature in more than a year, with the average maturity at 19.9 years. Government debt wi l l mature much later, averaging 22.1 years as against the 9.2 years for private-sector liabilities.

Foreign donor loans,

which carry concessional rates and more generous terms, comprise 39 percent o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s t o t a l amount of foreign loans, roughly the same as the amount of debt in the form of bonds and notes, which pay market interest rates.

More than half of the Philippines’ foreign debt is denominated in US dollars, with less than a fifth in Japanese yen.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has amended certain policies and procedures in the issuance of importer and customs broker’s clearance certificate t h at s e e k s d i s c o u r a g e unscrupulous traders and brokers.

In its revenue memorandum order 33-2014 dated September 11, 2014, the BIR ordered applicants to present certificates of registration issued by the c o n c e r n e d i nv e s t m e nt promotions agencies (IPAs) should their businesses are located at free ports or special economic zones.

B I R s a i d t h e I PA s certificates are in addition to the regular requirement of the tax bureau.

Likewise, the BIR requires

applicants for importer’s clearance certificate (ICC) a n d Cu s t o m s b r o k e r ’s clearance certificate (BCC) to submit printer’s delivery receipt and proof of filling tax returns. “[It will be submitted] through BIR’s electronic filing and payment system for at least two consecutive months.

Proof of single importation done shall no longer be required from applicants who are considered new importers/customs brokers,” the BIR said.

Certified true copy of business name registration, meanwhile, will not be required from a customs broker who has no trade name when he or she registered with the BIR. The BIR also amended

some of its other policies to allow individual applicants with severe medical condition to be represented by an appointed “attorney-in-fact,” as long as he is supported by a duly notarized “special power of attorney” and a medical certificate.

Meanwhile, all importers

and customs brokers which are in the Customs list as of February this year and were able to file their applications on or before July 31, 2014 are qualified to be issued provisional ICC/BCC. Should tax verification compliance has yet been bir/PAGE 10

BIR amends importers accreditation rules

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LIFE’S INSPIRATION: “…

Train the child in the way he should go, and he will not depart from it if he grows old…” (Proverbs 22:6, the Holy Bible).

-ooo FOR LACK OF DISCIPLINE, DISBAND N C A A , UA A P : I s a i d it before, and I will say it again: we should immediately disband the existing collegiate basketball associations among colleges and universities in Metro Manila, notably the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The September 22, 2014 brawl between the athletes of the competing teams in the NCAA games that day (and similar brawls in the past in the NCAA and UAAP) proved, beyond reasonable d ou bt on c e m ore , t h e truth that our colleges and universities and their athletic associations have miserably failed in imparting moral values, and good manners and right conduct, on their students and athletes.

The NCAA and UAAP games are meant to develop sportsmanship, camaraderie, and turn students into wellrounded citizens. Yet, it is clear that these games have become fertile training

T

the problem actually is caused by a family environment where the father and mother themselves lack discipline and moral moorings, where children are no longer taught about the fear and love of God but, owing to their exposure to visual and online media, imbibe instead views, perceptions, and conduct that are often disrespectful, violent, immoral and downright evil.

-ooo INSISTING ON THE ONLY STANDARD OF BEHAVIOR: It is no wonder then that when these children go out of their homes and attend schools, or when it is already time for them to join society as adult citizens, they exhibit the lack of discipline and lack of spirituality and lack of righteousness that they grew up with. This is the reason why there is a general breakdown of discipline, and peace and order, in the country right now.

What can we do about this? For those who are still children at this point, it is time to immerse them once again on the fear and love of God, by a sustained instruction on good manners and right conduct that is based on spirituality and godly principles, principally from the Bible. For the grown-ups, they could do

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

By Atty. Batas Mauricio

the same thing, but this can be achieved only by engaging in Bible reading and meditation and obedience, on a daily basis.

The call therefore is for parents and school authorities to aggressively pursue a program for spiritual birth among our children, and even among other more adult members of the family, of our neighborhood, of our workplaces, and everywhere we may find ourselves in. This can be done by insisting on the Word of God as the only standard by which we think, talk, and act.

-ooo REACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 4396. Email: melaniolazomauriciojr@ o u t l o o k . c o m , mmauriciojr111@gmail.com, batasmauricio@yahoo.com.

-30-

When the Blind Can See

Good Grief hink a minute…You may have heard the expression, “Good Grief.” It actually seems a bit strange, doesn’t it? Grief usually comes with death and terrible sadness, especially when death takes away the people we love the most.

But the thing that probably makes death and grief the worst is regrets. Regrets that you didn’t say the things you should have to the people you love. Regrets that you didn’t ask their forgiveness and make things right with them. And now, you can never tell them how much you love them because they’re gone forever. Maybe you regret you didn’t spend more time with your children, your wife or husband, or your parents. Once your loved one dies they’re gone, and so is your chance to make things right with them. Our regrets sometimes follow and haunt us for the rest of our lives.

But did you know there is such a thing as good grief?

We cannot prevent our family members from dying, but we can prevent ourselves from living with painful regrets after they’re gone. We can keep ourselves from experiencing terrible guilt, if we will simply choose today to start loving them like we know we should.

We can begin right now to change. We can choose to forgive those who’ve hurt us,

grounds for selfishness and self-glorification, where victory should be achieved at all cost. The money that schools have been spending on these games are clearly wasted, and should now b e ch an n e l e d to m ore productive endeavors.

-ooo WHY ARE ATHLETES RUDE? The bigger question here is this: why are our students and athletes behaving rudely? If one looks closely enough, lack of disciple and unruly behavior are no longer the monopoly of student-athletes. More and more of our present day students across the country h ave b e c om e w ay w ard likewise, whether male or female.

Indeed, par t of this problem could be attributed to a breakdown of school discipline, which breakdown on the other hand could be traced back to the removal of subjects like religion and good manners and right conduct from their curriculum, and to the castration, as it were, of the power of teachers and administrators to impose discipline on account of laws like the Juvenile Justice Law which punishes disciplinary measures with stiff penalties.

Come to think of it, however, the bigger part of

THINK

A Minute

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst

or ask them to forgive us for hurting and wronging them.

We can start changing to become the husband or wife we know we should be, as well as the father or mother our children need us to be.

You and I can have peace of mind, not only that we’re ready to say goodbye to our loved ones who die, but we ourselves are also ready to face our Maker when we die. If we simply start to live Jesus’ way every day, we can enjoy God’s kind of real, lasting peace.

If you want to be free from painful regrets and guilt, both now and after you die, just ask Jesus. He’s the Lord of life and death Who will forgive you and take full charge of our life. Jesus is the only One Who can help you change so you can experience good grief on the day you say goodbye to those you love.

Just Think a Minute…

Also vice versa, when those who claim they see become blind. There is an intriguing passage in the gospel about the cure of the man born blind. I believe it’s worth going through it again, and slowly, to highlight a particular point we need to understand well and live better.

The passage is in St. John’s chapter 9, in that part when Christ sought the blind man who was cast out of the synagogue for attributing his cure to Christ, even if he did not know yet who Christ really was.

The passage goes this way: “Jesus heard that they had cast him (the blind man with restored sight) out, and when he found him, he said to him: Do you believe in the Son of God? He answered and said: Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?

“And Jesus said to him: You have both seen him, and it is he that talks with you. And he (the blind man) said: Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. Jesus said: For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”

This is classic divine logic, paradoxical in character, similar to Christ’s other statements about exalting the humble and humbling the proud, the last will be

first and the first last, etc.

It i s a l o g i c t h at corresponds to our wounded human condition that many times leads us to think, judge, reason, speak and behave in ways we consider as proper to us when in reality they are contrary to our dignity as God himself, our creator, intended for us. Christ’s paradoxical statements seek to undo this problem of ours.

We need to be more aware of this predicament of ours and start to develop and use the appropriate means to correct, if not avoid, that delicate situation. We need to be humble and always feeling the need to be with God even in our most intimate thoughts, let alone, our words, deeds and public interventions.

There is actually no other way to correctly and properly understand and react to things and events in our life.

We have to be wary of our tendency to rely solely on our human estimations of things, quite independent, if not contrary to the way God understands them.

In fact, not only should we b e guarde d against this tendency. Rather, we should also actively fight it, converting it into what is our proper way of thinking, judging and reasoning. And that is to do all these spiritual operations with God as the

main guide and inspiration.

The story of the man born blind does not end there.

The coup de grace still had to come. It continues: “Some of the Pharisees near him heard this, and they said to him, Are we also blind? Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no guilt, but now that you say, We see, your guilt remains.”

We have to be most careful because perhaps of our education, our experience, our position, among other reasons, we feel that we would already have enough reason to make ourselves our own standard of what is true, good and beautiful.

We always need to be like the man born blind, and resist the attitude of the Pharisees mentioned in the gospel. That is simply because it is when we acknowledge our blindness, deficiency and inadequacy to tackle our temporal affairs that we attract God’s grace, God’s light, his wisdom, his strength.

That is when we would know how to live by the ideal of pursuing the truth in charity. Especially in our contentious issues, like in politics, we need to see to it that our views and opinions, no matter how strongly we feel about them, should always be given with utmost delicacy.

HINTS

and

Traces

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

We would be quick to understand others in their opposing positions, and would know how to derive some good and benefits from them. We would know how to be open-minded and tolerant even as we express our opinions too.

To be like the Pharisees mentioned in the gospel is to make ourselves and no one and nothing else the standard of truth and fairness. We become rigid and closed-minded, prone to dogmatizing opinions, absolutizing what only have relative value.

No matter how strongly we feel we are correct in our views, we cannot help but sooner or later fall into the subtle traps of pride, vanity, envy, greed, lust, avarice.

It is always go o d to acknowledge our blindness so we can see things clearly through God’s grace.

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wednesday|September 24, 2014

7

Primavera marks Tower 2 construction milestone with topping off ceremony

W

ith the construction of Primavera Residences Tower 2 nearing its completion, developer Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI) is set to celebrate the milestone with a Topping Off Ceremony on September 26, Friday, 10:30 am at the Primavera Residences Tower 2 roof deck. To date, construction is already at 70% and has reached the concrete topping off of the rooftop.

After the success of its first tower, Primavera Residences Tower 2 completion is scheduled P r i m a v e r a at the end of the year, Residences is the first with turnover of the units slated at the first eco-friendly building in Mindanao. Designed quarter of 2015.

The Topping-Off Ceremony will be graced by key members of the company including Chairman Dr. Jose P. Leviste, Italpinas President Atty. Jojo Leviste, and CEO Arch.

Romolo Nati, and will be attended by various stakeholders. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno is set to attend as the guest of honor.

P r i m a v e r a Residences is an ecofriendly mixed-use development located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro. It is composed of residential, commercial and office spaces available for rent and purchase.

For with smart features friendly real estate Development Award for inquiries, visit: www. that reduce energy developments in the the Philippines in the primaveraresidences. consumption, it has set country and has recently Asia Pacific Property com or call 0917-794the standard of eco- won the Best Mixed-Use Awards.

2221/(088) 880-5002.

Why The Loop is the right property investment As the landscape of Cagayan de Oro takes shape as a bustling city with a booming construction industry, investing in real estate has become more attractive than ever. And, there is no better investment than The Loop, the landmark condominium development of Vista Residences in CDO. A key factor that makes The Loop the right property investment is its location.

This two-tower, 25-storey development will rise along Rosario Crescent in Limketkai Center, within the city’s central business and commercial district.

Situated on a prime location, The Loop's value stands to appreciate parallel to the growth and development of its locale. The more vibrant and attractive the location, the higher chances of the property value to appreciate and yield a long-term profit. This means a higher resale value should the unit-owners opt to sell their properties in the future.

The Loop is right at the heart of the city, where all the actions in business, commerce, and leisure take place. It is proximate to public transport, public utilities, as well as places of work and commercial centers.

It is within walking distance to malls, banks, cinemas, supermarkets, stores, coffee shops and restaurants. Within a few minutes’ drive or ride are hospitals, places of worship, terminals, public markets, schools and universities.

Having all these within easy reach, people will find The Loop an attractive place to live in. The convenient, hasslefree living it offers is ideal to a lot of people, whether they are businesspeople, newlyweds, young families, out-oftowners, students, even retirees or empty-nesters.

On top of its location, The Loop’s world-class facilities and amenities are also advantages over other developments. The Canopy at the ground level will house a multi-function hall, an adult swimming pool, a kiddie pool, and a fitness gym. The Sky Gardens at the roof deck offers another place to hang out, with a lounging area adorned with live plants and an expansive view of CDO’s cityscape.

With these features, finding tenants will not be a problem. CDO is also expected to have an influx of people, being declared as the second most competitive city in the country this year. The more people coming in, the higher the demand will be for rental properties.

The Loop is a very desirable home location and will be in high demand for those looking for a vibrant city life. It will, therefore, provide investors a regular rental income that can cover repayments with some extra for their pockets.

With its great potential for capital growth and rental income, The Loop is clearly the right investment property for veteran and rookie investors alike. Whether they rent out their units or choose to live in them, their investment will be worth it.

To discuss more of the next best investment, Investors are urged to join The Loop Investors’ Day, happening today, September 26, 2014 at The Loop Business Hub, Rosario Crescent St., Limketkai Center Special outright discounts and treats will be given to new unit owners and a chance to win a trip for 2 to Boracay! For more information you can reach The Loop marketing at telephone numbers 0917-8102445 or 880-3088.

You could also check more of the project at http://www.theloopcdo.com.

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8 Murder & Mystery: wednesday|September 24, 2014

Arts&Culture

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

TXS presents Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians

T

he seemingly innocent title, which is also a famous nursery rhyme, is rather misleading – considering the author is English crime novelist, short story writer, and playwright Agatha Christie.

Agatha Christie’s tale of 10 people invited to an isolated place only to find that an unseen person is killing them one by one was also brought to life by British director George Pollock in a 1965 film adaptation.

The Xavier Stage (TXS) kicks of its Theatre Season Production with its own adaptation of Ten Little Indians. This time, as translated by Don Pagusara and Directed by Hobart P. Savior, which premiered September 20, at the Xavier University Little Theater.

Xavier Ecoville Project (XEP) coordinator Ryan Madrid gives us an overview of the adaptation: “Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie, as translated by Don Pagusara, revolves around the intertwined stories of ten seemingly normal individuals: a previously alcoholic but successful doctor, a cold and imposing judge, an attractive and self-confident secretary, an old and mentally unstable former major, a self-assured and adventurous police, an inquisitive and judgmental detective, a cocky and thrill-seeking young adult, a stubbornly conservative and prudish old maid and a hardworking but grouchy husband and wife house help. All strangers have crossed paths in an island resort in Davao Oriental upon the invitation of a certain Mr. and Mrs. Dalisay. Everything was set for a perfect summer holiday. Except, there was no Mr. or Mrs. Dalisay. A strange recorded voice incriminates the ten guests of criminal acts, setting into motion an interrogation that revealed dark secrets and haunted pasts. A supposed fun party turns dangerously bloody as one by one, the guests mysteriously fall to their death to the tune of the ‘Ten Little Soldiers’ nursery rhyme.

As the guests realize the danger they are in, they begin to suspect one another. And

then it became clear: the madman on a killing spree is one of them! The story evolves into an expanse of thematic suspensions to include guilt, conscience, disbelief and righteousness. As the story develops with its societal undertones in the present day context, the audience will begin to question the thin line between cruelty, justice and the common good.”

Director Hobart P. Savior explains the concept of this year’s TXS season: “Misteryo is The Xavier Stage’s detour from its original plan of staging the absurd. The company feels that it has to prepare first its artists as well as its audiences. Staging mystery theatre play is a convenient resort that serves as a better transition before leaping to and engaging with the absurdist’s constructs. Misteryo holds audiences in suspense. A careful rendition of ‘who has done it’ and inquisition leads the audience in finding out who the murderer is and who’s next – a gripping technique that glues the audience makes Misteryo a terror delight. This move aims at approximating their plots into our contemporary murder mystery possibilities. All the productions in this season are written in the Sebuano language.”

Misteryo is part of Siete Artes: Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts’ 7th Cultural Season.

The Xavier Stage's production of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, as translated by Don Pagusara and Directed by Hobart Savior runs from September 20 - 30, 2014 at the Xavier Unviresity Little Theater.

Misteryo will also feature Joseph Kesselring’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” as adapted by Roger Garcia in December this year and Frederick Knott’s “Dial M for Murder” as adapted by Don Pagusara in February of 2015.

Dr. Sim Gonzalve (Roger Garcia), Margot Isidro (Michelle Dollaga) and Lieutenant Bong Clamor (Kenneth Sabijon) in one of the scenes in The Xavier Stage’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Ten little Indians which premiered September 20 at the Xavier University Little Theater. Photo courtesy of Bob Castillo

Tony Marahan (David John Lañas), Willie Fiel (Rosell Velez), Clara Amorata (Rhea Arroyo) and Lieutenant Bong Clamor (Kenneth Sabijon) in one of the scenes in The Xavier Stage’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Ten little Indians which premiered September 20 at the Xavier University Little Theater. Photo courtesy of Bob Castillo

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

Environment

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9

Power corporation in Iligan supports nat’l greening program

By Lorry V. Gabule

Greening MindaNOW. Olie B. Dagala of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) briefs partner agencies and institutions on the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW challenge, which is set to break the record for the Most Trees Planted Simultaneously in Multiple Locations by India. (PIA 10)

ILIGAN CITY -- Anchored to its anniversary theme: “Mapalad ang Karagatan n a P i n a n g a n g a l a g a a n ,” Mapalad Power Corporation (MPC) supports the national greening program by planting mangrove seedlings in Sitio Fuentes, Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City, recently.

Ruben B. Ramilo, MPC plant manager, said they planted around 1,000 seedlings in celebration of their First Anniversary, which served as the corporate s o cial resp onsibility in

Greenpeace campaign for ecological agri continues

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The advocacy for saying “Yes to Ecological Agriculture,” of Greenpeace Philippines (Greenpeace), continues.

This was emphasized by Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace country manager, during the Media Forum on Ecological Agriculture held at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City, on Sept. 18, this year.

At t e n d e d by m e d i a practitioners all over the region, the forum discussed issues on the Ecological Agriculture Situation of the region, Rice Diversity and the

Challenges Faced by Farmers, among others.

Baconguis said Greenpeace is an independent, global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behaviour to protect and conserve the environment and promote peace.

Particularly, Greenpeace campaigns for ecological agriculture that advocates for healthy and safe food, sustainably produced without harming nature, she said.

Me anw hile, D aniel O camp o, Gre enp e ace SAGE Campaigner said ecological agriculture is a

farming system that works in harmony with nature. It taps into ecological and natural processes to produce food, and is beneficial not only to the environment, but also to the livelihood of farmers.

Ecological Agriculture protects and keeps the soil healthy by using organic fertilizer, mulching and cultivating other plants as natural fertilizers. By not using harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that contribute to greenhouse gases, ecological agriculture helps in Climate Change Mitigation, Ocampo said. ( RC A / PIA 1 0 - Mi s am i s Occidental)

Emergency responders undergo basic life support training MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Camiguin Council conducted a 10–day training workshop on Basic Life Support (BLS) at five municipalities in the province earlier.

Dr. Luis S. Bollozos, provincial chair of the PDRRM-Camiguin, said the workshop aimed to revisit and reorient the accredited responders of the Municipal D i s a s t e r C o ord i n at i n g Council (MDCC) on the Basic knowledge and tools on Community-Based (DRRM) and to equip themselves on the Basic Guidelines on Disaster response embedded in the Philippine Disaster Management System.

A total of 145 participants compose of responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Rural Health Workers, School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Coordinators, identified Barangay Officials participated in the training workshop. training/PAGE 10

DENR 10 Regional Executive Director Ruth Tawantawan welcomes partners to the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW meeting on Tuesday, September 2 at the DENR regional office. The activity aims to plant 6,636,00 trees in multiple locations covering a total of 9,200 hectares in just one hour on September 26. (PIA 10)

support to the National Greening Program of government.

The pl ant i ng of t he propagules was completed in one hour and a half. It was participated by 200 planters which included Mayor Celso G. Regencia, who planted 100 mangrove seedlings in an hour. With him were other city officials, City Councilor Merlene Youg, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chair on Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Local Government Unit Officials, the Fuentes Fisherfolks Association, barangay officials of Maria Cristina, the Iligan for Children (i4c) Environmental Program,

Mapalad staff and employees, and members of media organizations.

Seedlings came from the mangrove nursery developed in collaboration with MPC, the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI), Barangay Ma. Cristina and the City Mayor’s Office.

Seedlings at the nursery are sold at seven pesos each and the fisher folks are given two pesos for every mangrove seedling planted at the MPC/CLAFI target sites. Another incentive of two pesos and fifty centavos (P2.50) will be given to fisher folks, for every mangrove seedling that will survive after a year. This is to ensure that they will take care of the planted seedlings on a regular basis.

To sustain mangrove reforestation, the members power/PAGE 10

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PRINT MEDIA TRAINING MODULES Print Media 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Column Writing Editorial Writing Editorial Cartooning Feature Writing Fact-sheet Writing Feature Writing First Aid During Media Coverage and Other Emergency Situations 8. Headline Writing 9. Investigative Reporting 10. Keeping Media Practitioner’s Family Safe

11. Layouting 12. Low-cost Media 13. News/Press Conference Organizing and Facilitation 14. News Paper Editing 15. News Writing for Print 16. Photography 17. Print News Release Preparation 18. Securing the Newsroom 19. Specialized Writing : Sports, Business, etc.

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GENDER AND HEALTH TRAINING MODULE

1. Adolescent and Youth Health 2. Gender and Reproductive Health 3. Gender Sensitivity for Couples, Women and Men 4. Gender Sensitivity in Media 5. Gender Sensitivity Training for Lupon 6. Gender in Waste Management 7. Violence Against Women and Children

INFORMATION, EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION (IEC) and ADVOCACY MODULES 1.

2.

3.

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Brainstorming and Project Presentation Building a Constituency for Support Communicating with the Adolescents, Handicaps Community Organizing and Planning Community Public Address System (ComPAS) Conducting an Advocacy Campaign Designating Spokespersons Data Gathering Defending Against and Addressing the Opposition Development Communication Educating Colleagues Establishing Goals, Objectives and Activities Expanding Your Base of Support Enhancing Your Public Education Efforts Establishing Hotlines Framing Issues and Shaping Your Message Going Public/External Relations

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KIDS’ GRATITUDE – Pupils from San Francisco Elementary School (SFES) show their gratitude to VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ by giving him their thank you letters during a book distribution in the said school. The books were donated by Children International Philippines, Inc. (CIPI). SFES is a hinterland school in the Municipality of Balingasag with less than 200 pupils. With the help of CIPI, Vice Governor Pelaez aims to distribute the books to all public schools in the province.

Tourism... from page 2

Southern Philippines College and Lourdes College on September 23, 24 and 26 respectively. They have also scheduled film showing and craft demo at Vineyard.

Finally, they will have a search for 2014 DOT-10 Singing Ambassadors on September 26 at SM Atrium and closing program with the Kagay-an Performing Arts on the 27th.

Robust... from page 3

prospects and bright consumer sentiment, AVID is confident about setting another stellar performance for the remainder of 2014,” said AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

Agudo further cited the Philippine economic growth, which rebounded to 6.4% in the second quarter coming from a sluggish start of 5.7% in the first quarter.

“The Philippines has repositioned itself as one of the fastest growing economies in Asia backed by robust domestic demand, revived m a nu f a c t u r i n g s e c t o r, and improved business environment. As the economy remains on solid footing, the automotive industry is set to push forth another

stellar performance for the remainder of 2014 helped by improving consumer sentiment and higher autobuying intentions,” Agudo said.

BSP...

from page 5

shares, Co also acquired an additional 59.34 shares in PBCom from ISM Communications Corp at P33 per share, bringing his holdings in the bank to just under 50 percent.

PB Com is leveraging on Co’s retail operations to build up its small and medium enterprises (SME) business to roug h ly 30 percent of loan book in the next 3-4 years.

Co, through listed Cosco Capital Inc, has interests in retail through Puregold Pr i c e C lu b In c , l i qu or distribution, oil storage and real estate. The listed holding firm recently ventured into non-food retailing with the acquisition of Office Warehouse Inc and Liquigaz Philippines Inc, the country’s second largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas.

BIR...

from page 5

completed, the BIR sets another criteria that need to be satisfied including certificate registration, absence of

delinquent account, any pending criminal case and not tagged as a “cannot be located” taxpayer.

BIR’s ICC/BCC requisite for accreditation at the Bureau of Customs.

L a s t F e b r u a r y, t h e Department of Finance issued Department Order No. 122014 requiring importers to be cleared by the BIR before they are accredited to import through the Customs.

Power... from page 9

of Fuentes Fisher Fol k As s o c i at i on w i l l p l a nt additional 4,000 seedlings on September 7 to 26, 2014.

The mangrove tree planting is a multi-year environmental program to preserve marine resources in Iligan Bay. Its major projects under the Total Integrated Approach (TIA) for the Protection of the Iligan Bay is the fabrication and deployment of 5,000 Artificial Reef Domes (ARDs) in 13 coastal communities

and the reforestation of mangrove sites with about 50,000 mangrove treesto be planted in identified coastal areas of the City. (PIA-10 LDN/MRMDevero/MPC/ Iligan Web)

Training... from page 9

The training workshop also served as way to participants to be acquainted and learn the required skills on rescue and retrieval operations cause by man-made and natural calamities and debriefing management styles for the victims of the said calamities.

Provincial Governor of Camiguin, Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo, graced the opening and closing activities and instilled the minds of the participants with inspiring words that the province should always be ready since it is prone to natural calamities thereby disaster trainings should be given foremost priority. (Ian Roy Genelsa, CGH/PIA)

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Railway... from page 1

MinDA, with funding assistance from the Asian Development Bank, has started drafting the Mindanao Development Corridors, a program that will identify and group areas in the island that are to be considered growth zones.

Janet M. Lopoz, MinDA executive director, said they have so far finished drafting the western corridor, which will cover Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) and the island provinces of Tawitawi, Sulu and Basilan under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

T h is c ou l d l ate r b e adjusted pending the creation of the new Bangsamoro territory, which will replace the ARMM. “We need to finalize its (Bangsamoro) inclusion,” Ms. Lopoz told BusinessWeek Mindanao.

The agency is now working on the northern and southern corridors.

Another component of the program that the agency is considering -- although it has yet to be finalized -- is, if the Bangsamoro Basic Law is finally approved, making the ARMM as one growth corridor, with the region becoming the core of the Bangsamoro area.

Ms. Lopoz noted that three of the provinces of the region are already identified with the western corridors.

She noted that in case the region becomes a single corridor, a mechanism must likewise be developed to either include these three provinces or for them to remain with the western corridors.

The corridors program is also looking at the realization of several infrastructure projects other than the railway system, including the P5.2-billion Panguil Bay Bridge, the completion of the P9.874-billion Zamboanga International Airport, the P3.06-billion Malssa Port Development in Tawi-Tawi, the development of the Polloc port, the development of the P959-million Gensan Aerotropolis, the P2.675b i l l i o n Ta g u m C i t y General Santos City high standard highway, and the improvement of the newly built Laguindingan airport in Cagayan de Oro. The development of the corridors program, said Ms. Lopoz, is part of the Mindanao 2020 and the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.

Peace... from page 1

Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Speaking at the Forum on Development O pp or tu n it i e s and t he Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Intercontinental Hotel, Adriano stressed government should also provide better basic services.

He cited in particular the need to extend health services

to mothers and infants as well as potable water system. He said it should at least be a Level 2 water system. “Forget Level 1.”

Level 2 water supply is when there are public water faucets serving a community, while in Level 1, the only sources of water are wells or springs. Level 3, on the other hand, is when water is supplied through faucets in the households.

Adriano said the region should focus on products with comparative advantage as shown by their respective outputs.

Adriano cited that based on a study in 2011, the region has shown potentials in the production of tropical fruits, raw materials like minerals and cereals except for rice.

He said this finding should make government build an irrigation system that is cropneutral or one that is not designed for rice alone.

He added that short-term training in vocational skills needed attention. However, he cautioned that such intervention should take note of a labor market study by the International Labor Organization that there was a discrepancy in skills training vis-à-vis available jobs in the region.

Adriano also clarified t hat investors will not come in droves right after the passage of the BBL. He said it will take time before investor confidence is fully established.

He said that at the onset of the Bangsamoro the other regions would be the first to benefit from it.

Investors would pour in capital in neighboring areas while maintaining a waitand-see attitude toward the Bangsamoro, he explained.

Tuna... from page 1

The establishment of the B angsamoro region is the key feature of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace deal between t he G over nment of t he Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The Bangsamoro region will be entrenched with t he passage of t he BBL a n d it s r at i f i c at i on by t he const ituents in t he proposed territory.

Under t he CAB, the new Bangsamoro government will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The CAB contains the annexes on Revenue G eneration and Wealth Sharing, Power Sharing, Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, and Normalization.

Lu noted that an addendum on Bangsamoro Waters and Zones of Joint Cooperation to the annexes on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, and Power Sharing provided that the Bangsamoro waters shall extend up to 22.224 kilometers (12 nautical

miles) from the low-water mark of the coasts that are part of the Bangsamoro political entity.

Municipal waters extend up to 15 kilometers from t h e c o a s t s . Mu n i c i p a l waters are therefore part of the Bangsamoro waters.

“Zones of Joint Cooperation will be created for the purposes of protection of traditional fishing grounds, creation of opportunities to benefit from the resources, and interconnectivity of the islands and the mainland parts for the free movement of vessels, goods, and p e ople,” he s aid, cit ing a briefer released by the Office of the Presidential A d v i s e r o n t h e Pe a c e Process (OPAPP).

OPAPP said the Zones of Joint Cooperation are the bodies of water, particularly the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf, which are also within the territorial sea of the Philippines and are not part of the Bangsamoro territory.

In these areas, the Bangsamoro government and the central government shall cooperate on matters such as fisheries and marine development, environmental protection, and enhancement of the movement of vessels, goods, and people, it said.

T h e O PA P P s a i d the cooperation and coordination between the central government and the Bangsamoro Government within the Zones of Joint Cooperation shall be maintained through the joint body and the other intergovernmental relations mechanisms.

Lu said the BBL should prov i d e t h e d e t a i l s on h o w t o o p e r at i o n a l i z e the exercise of joint cooperation between the central government and the Bangsamoro government within the Zones of Joint Cooperation.

He added that they fully support the passage and enactment of the BBL but it should “ensure the safe and free passage of fishing vessels going through the Zones of Joint Cooperation in the Sulu and the Moro Gulf.”

Expand... from page 1

opportunities in other parts of Mindanao.

Gaisano Capital of the Gaisano family from Cebu is opening a Gaisano Grand mall in Nabunturan town in Compostela Valley province

by November, according to Mary Grace CastillonAg usto, t he c omp any ’s mall leasing manager for Mindanao.

Ms. Agusto also BusinessWeek Mindanao the company is considering opening another branch in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur by December and in Calinan, Buhangin, Bayugan, Zamboanga, and Mati by next year.

Recently, Gaisano opened its 25th branch in Tibungco, Davao City.

Aside from its branches in the Visayas, the Gaisano chain has two other branches in Davao City and Tagum City.

The Gaisanos also own the Grand Regal Hotel in the cities of Davao and Bacolod.

Meanwhile, LTS Pinnacle Holdings, Inc., known for its NCCC chain in the Davao Region and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, is opening three more retail outlets in Davao City within the year in addition to its existing 20.

The company is also scouting for more store locations within the four provinces in the region, namely: Davao del Norte, D av a o d e l Su r, D av a o Oriental and Compostela Valley. “ ( We ) h a v e b e e n evaluating the prospects of the areas that have been identified,” Jojo N. Canda, LTS Pinnacle director of operations, said on the sidelines of the company’s annual three-day Kanegosyo Congress for more than 200,000 customers, majority of whom are owners of small neighborhood retail stores.

Tjader P. Regis, assistant vice-president for marketing, added that the Lim familyowned company is also “looking at all possible options (for expansion),” with population and the presence of other stores the main factors in location decisions.

Aside from the NCCC Supermarket brand, LTS Pi n na cl e a ls o op e r ate s the smaller Choice retail outlets, HB1 stores which includes a pharmacy, Bread Factor y, Hardwaremaxx, and City Foods and Munchies for ready-to-eat items. -- CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

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