Yaman Gensan Vol. 3

Message from the Chairman

Table of

contents 5 6

Why Magandang Gensan?

Gensan’s Best Behind the Scenes Know About

t

he

simple:

What

is is

the reason behind

the

Want to Invest in Pangasius?

question

Yaman

Gensan

celebration? The answer

Pangasius Hypothalmus 2nd Hito Conference

is equally simple: the

Information & Communication Technology

reason is to celebrate l b victory!

Investment Forum on Outsourcing and Offshoring in Accounting

Victory against vulnerability brought by an economic crisis, whether national or global.

Victory against the evils of poverty like crime

7

th

5 Yaman Awards

and illiteracy. Victory against idleness. Victories

And the Winner is ...

What’s NEW?

that the annual conduct of Yaman Gensan has afforded the City of General Santos.

Despite

8

the

financial

slump

experienced

everywhere, the wheels of our local economy

Vegetable Congress

continue to turn as our development spirals

Issues and Concerns Productivity & Competitiveness

upwards, new businesses continue to open, and fresh investments pour in -- providing more

Franchising

employment and livelihood opportunities for the

4th Mindanao Franchise Expo

Generals, and in turn resulting to an increased capability to provide for the family’s necessities,

9

especially education. Because of the growing

Invest in Region XII

industry competition and market demands,

Agri & Aquaculture Engineering & Design Tourism

our entrepreneurs become more skilled, more ingenious, more creative and more determined.

Today, the Yaman Gensan celebration has

Writers/Contributors Doris Delima Arnel Sayco Edgar Soguilon Mina Perlas Christi de la Rosa

Milda Dela Peña Mary Jean Sapalo Regie Demonteverde Riza Lipata Raymund Diaz

evolved to mean more than just a recognition Rochelle Otoc Coralynn Espinosa Joaquin Tiongco Egay Cadiente Pilar T. Afuang

Maria Theresa Pacheco Ping Aponesto Allan Loi Villanueva Armando Nicolas P J

of small businesses’ triumphs into a tradition of cultivating small potentials and nurturing small talents into majestic pillars of progress.

Photographers Jing Velos Henry Jugarap

Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. City Mayor General Santos City

4 Message from the President

Magandang Gensan!

Truly, YAMAN Gensan has become one of the most anticipated events in this city and the SOCCSKSARGEN region. Since 2003, YAMAN Gensan has been opening doors to allow the MSMEs to reinvent themselves, ascend the ladder of society, and realize their big dreams.

Indeed, YAMAN Gensan once more proved to be highly profitable, providing our entrepreneurs and the Generals with the linkages and openings to pursue successful business endeavors.

The theme behind this year’s commemoration -- “Negosyo… Kaya Mo!” -- is a challenge that encapsulates the rugged determination, competitiveness and can-do spirit of the Gensan MSME community.

This year’s month-long YAMAN Gensan celebration featured such activities as trade fairs, entrepreneurship awards, exhibits and seminars, skills and technology transfer training, The SMED Council and the YAMAN Gensan cooperators, standing from left: Mrs Kanda (MBF), BFAR, Edna Simon (GSCCCII), Charito Quinco (DA-Lagao), Dominica Millan (DOLE), BFAR, Fely Lim (SFFAII), Virgilio Romero (NDBRCFI), MBF, Ramon Fredeluces (OCEMCD), Henry Franial (BSP), Mary Jean Sapalo (SMEDCI), Juris Cerbo (OCEMCD), Marie Chris Buñag (ISA XII), Christi de la Rosa (DTI); seated from left: Edgar Soguilon (DTI), Edgar Cadiente (OCEMCD), Maria Theresa Pacheco (CBAGS), Bro. Bob McGovern (NDBRCFI), Arnel Sayco (DTI), Police Superintendent Marcelo Pintac (PNP)

competitions, and related events which were envisioned to promote job creation and entrepreneurship, provide basic information and innovative ideas, and facilitate access to technology and approaches that are aligned with the needs, opportunities and strengths of Gensan’s economy.

On behalf of the GSC SMED Council Inc., I would like to thank the City Government of General Santos under the leadership of our SME advocate, Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr, the Department of Trade and Industry - General Santos City Office, as well as this year’s cooperators, such as DTI Region XII – NERBAC, Office of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development, GSC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Dreamwork Ventures, GBB Artist Unlimited, ICT Solutions Association XII – GSC, K101 FM, My Stuff Your Style, Notre Dame Business Resource Center Foundation, Inc., South Cotabato Catfish Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 12, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology , Public Employment Service Office , Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – SARGEN, and all the participants for making this year’s YAMAN Gensan celebration a very successful one.

Certainly, the synergy between the public and private sectors in implementing laudable projects for the benefit of our MSMEs as well as the business community is one attribute that could be seen and appreciated by the Generals here in our City. The awards garnered by the GSC SMED Council Inc. as the 2009 Most Outstanding One Town One Product Partner in General Santos City, as well as in Region 12, are a testament to this synergy.

Last but nott least, we give e thanks to ourr colleagues and peers for collaborat-ing with us to put out the Yaman Gensan Magazine through the years. These pages serve as a testament to e our collective efforts and ac-complishmentss e as one force e -- bound by the same aspirations and goals, and the drive to help promote the MSMEs and Gensan’s economy as a whole.

Mabuhay!

ENGR. MARIA THERESA S. PACHECO President SMED Council, Inc.

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2nd HITO CONFERENCE

Bright Pangasius Prospects Revealed

P

angasius farming faces a bright future with the support it has now been getting from different sectors. According to DTI 12 Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel, both private and government sectors have pledged their support.

He said that inputs from the participants during the one-day Hito Conference are very important to the development of the industry, especially in the areas of productivity, access to market, and finance. He also acknowledged ARD Dorecita Delima as a Pangasius Champion for her great contribution in promoting Pangasius.

Other government agencies such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, as well as the City Government of General Santos are extending their support to the hito industry and its stakeholders through the holding of the 2nd Hito Conference on July 21, 2009.

Resource speaker Daniel Cabrera disclosed that there is a big potential for Pangasius farming. He stressed that the Philippines has an advantage and possesses better prospects than Vietnam, the number one producer of Pangasius, adding that the former can still access Europe and the United States as export markets. “But first we have to develop the local market by unmasking the Pangasius para makilala sa (to become known in the) market, and we should ensure its availability in the local market,� he pointed out.

Cabrera also emphasized that the value-added products for Pangasius (Catfish) are substantial, considering that it has good meat and fresh quality, which could be a good substitute for Lapu-Lapu (Grouper).

Meanwhile, other resource speakers discussed access to markets for fresh/frozen, whole/sliced, and filleted pangasius.

The speakers represented food chain establishments and restaurants, fish brokers, and a fish processor/exporter.

Representatives of the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines also talked about financing options for the local hito farmers. (JPA)

Investment Forum on Outsourcing & Offshoring in Accounting

S

everal entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs attended the Investment Forum on Outsourcing and Offshoring in Accounting and Finance Services held on July 17, 2009 during the Yaman Gensan Celebration.

The accountants, accounting students and businessmen in attendance were introduced to a new venture of outsourcing or offshoring services in the field of accounting and finance.

Ms Alfe Ligtas Castroverde, an accountant and manager of BlueCheck Global Services, Inc. shared her stories and expertise in the field, which opened the eyes of all present to the new venture. The discussion focused on outsourcing different financial and accounting services like computerized bookkeeping, payroll services, on-line accounting, corporate services, and property administration services.

She said that their company started as Rent-A-Team Outsourcing Services in 1998 with only 3 employees. Now as BluCheck they have grown into a larger company that offers outsourcing and offshoring services not only in the country but also elsewhere in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Furthermore, she emphasized that offices and companies that hire their services would lessen their expenditures compared to maintaining an accounting clerk or bookkeeper in an office.

She made clear, on the other hand, that they do not intend to eliminate work for clerks and bookkeepers; instead, they just want to provide alternatives for businesses that spend much for these services.

Ms Ellorence D. Cruz of the Board of Investments told participants of the potential and benefit of investing into this technological advancement. She revealed the vast market for this sector.

The forum ended with a business matching, where interested participants were guided and engaged in a round table discussion. This year’s forum was undertaken by the Office of City Economic Management and Cooperative Development headed by Ms Coralynn Espinosa, and the SMED Council. (ALJV)

Outsourcing refers to the process of subcontracting a business function or process to a third-party. Since the 1980s, transnational corporations have increased subcontracting across national boundaries. Offshoring, on the other hand, describes the relocation by a company of a business process from one country to another -- typically an operational process, such as manufacturing, or supporting processes, such as accounting. The term is sometimes used broadly to include substitution of a service from any foreign source for a service formerly produced internally to the firm. In other cases, only imported services from subsidiaries or other closely related suppliers are included.

2nd HITO CONFERENCE INVESTMENT FORUM OUTSOURCING & OFFSHORING in Accounting

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5th Yaman Awards

K

uya Chito’s Takuyaki was named Entrepreneur of the Year (Single Proprietorship Category) for the third time in the 2009 Yaman Awards, the grandest awards night in SOCCSKSARGEN held on July 18, 2009 for the entrepreneurs of Gensan.

Together with her daughter Ehlaiza, Mr Chito Bogayong proudly waved their trophy in their triumph of this quest to bring home the plum as this year’s biggest winner. Currently, Kuya Chito’s Takuyaki have 85 franchise outlets all over the country.

This yearly search, undertaken during Gensan’s Business Month, provides an avenue of recognition for starting and flourishing small and medium enterprises in the city.

Mayor Jun Acharon offered a toast to the winners during the awards night, which was also attended by the Department Heads of the Local Government, the academe, the business sector, and the SMED Council.

Tuna Exporters Multi-Purpose Cooperative bagged the Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Juridical Category. Ariel dela Cruz, TEMPCO’s General Manager received their trophy and the P100,000 prize from Mayor Acharon and SMED Council President Tess Pacheco.

Other awardees were Caumeran Native Products (Loyal Company of the Year), Kimkyts Food Products (Emerging Enterprise), Cargill Phils., Inc. (Local Taxpayer), KM Food Products (Product Innovator), MCM Villamor Marketing Corporation (Employer of the Year).

Yaman Awards is a red carpet event being closely watched and followed by the business community in the city. On top of the list of prestigious awards and cash prizes, the awards night has become an event that raises a lot of expectations.

Since its first staging, the production has continued to amaze the spectators and awardees as well. The 2009 Yaman Awards Night was held at the KCC Convention Center.

The Yaman Awards serves as the highlight of Yaman (short for Yabong, Maliit na Negosyo) Gensan. Its battlecry being Negosyo… Kaya Mo, Yaman Gensan 2009 was a rich mix of activities and seminars. Also referred to as the Gensan Business Month, Yaman Gensan is a yearly endeavor of the local government of General Santos, in cooperation with the General Santos City SMED Council and the Department of Trade and Industry General Santos. (ALJV)

Clockwise from left: Edmund Caumeran of Caumeran Native Products receives the Loyal Company of the Year prize from historian Jong Ramirez (right); Yaman Awards Night emcees Joana Grace Banting-Lapore and Glenn Gonzalez; TEMPCO general manager Ariel dela Cruz receives the Entrepreneur of the Year - Juridical Category award from Mayor Jun Acharon and SMEDCI president Tess Pacheco; Eduardo Villamor of MCM Villamor Marketing receives the Employer of the Year award.

Entrepreneur of the Year (Juridical) Tuna Exporters Multi-Purpose Cooperative Entrepreneur of the Year (Single Proprietor) Kuya Chito’s Takuyaki Employer of the Year MCM Villamor Marketing Corporation Product Innovator of the Year KM Food Products Emerging Enterprise of the Year Kimkyts Food Products Loyal Company of the Year Caumeran Native Products Local Taxpayer of the Year Cargill, Phils, Inc.

5TH YAMAN AWARDS

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7th National Vegetable Congress and Exhibit

Vegetable Stakeholders Discuss Industry Issues

H

undreds of vegetable growers, farmers, and other industry stakeholders attended the 7th National Vegetable Congress, and took the opportunity to discuss current problems and issues.

Resource Speakers provided updates on the state of the country’s vegetable industry, particularly the Philippine Vegetable Industry Situationer, Programming Gulayan ng Masa, Prospects for Philippine Vegetable Industry under WTO Regime, Bio-organics Technology with Emphasis on Bio-N, Role of Vegetable in the Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases, and the Benguet Vegetable Industry.

New approaches to enhance Productivity and Competitiveness were also tackled during the plenary session. Topics. include Industry Clustering Approach & Special Production Support Facilities; Organic Vegetable Production; Integrated Crop Management; and GAP & Quality Standards for Vegetables. Also discussed extensively were the Strategies to improve Market Access focusing on the Dynamic of the Local Vegetable Market; Vegetable Marketing System, Private Sector Approach; Current Issues on Shipping and Logistics; Air Transport of Vegetables; and Presentations of Selected Vegetable Buyers.

G

eneral Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr welcomed the delegates from different regions to the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. He also thanked the organizers, the Central Mindanao Vegetable Industry Development Council. He stressed that the gathering will boost government and vegetable growers partneship and further enhance the development of the vegetable industry.

Mayor Jun Acharon

Also gracing the three-day gathering were Gov. Migs Dominguez (Sarangani), Rep. Nicanor Briones (Batangas), conference director Edgardo Codilla, chairman of the 7th National Vegetable Congress Jose Victor Santos, and Regional Executive Director of DA-RFU 12 Tommy Ala. Invited speakers were DA Secretary Arthur Yap, Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio (South Cotabato), and Gov. Daisy Fuentes (South Cotabato). (JPA)

4th Mindanao Franchise Expo

F

ranchising is very new in the Philippines compared to other countries, but without our realizing it, we have been doing this kind of business since our forefathers were doing business in our country.

When franchising was introduced to Gensan, people wondered what kind of business this was. Little did we realize that we can grow our business by lending our business plan to those who have capital and seek businesses to get into. Lending your trade name is one way of expanding your business. Your trade name can be a stamp to being known elsewhere, e.g., Kuya Chito’s Takuyaki, which is already known in major cities in the Philippines, and is really sought by many. This is how franchising can help a small business grow to a multi -million peso business in the future.

There are lot of opportunities in franchising, such as helping others go into business with little capital, generating more employment, making your business known here and abroad, and tapping wider markets to introduce your product.

In June 2009, the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. went into a partnership with Rudulf Kotik, a consultant who is an expert in this kind of business. He boldly asked us to hold the 4th Franchise Expo here in Gensan because Rudolf Kotik (RK Franchise), Jan Ced he believed that Gensan Treasurer), Tess Pacheco (SMEDCI has a lot of small businesses (SMEDCI President) and Mayor Jun Acharon at the that need to expand Franchise Expo ribbon-cutting ceremony. their companies through franchising. And thus, the Expo was held at Gaisano Mall on June 26-28, 2009.

The Expo was a success with the attendance of 40 franchisors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It introduced new products that people appreciated, and helped entice investors to put up franchises not only in Gensan but also the in SOCCSKSARGEN. The latest franchise that opened in Gensan is Mama Maria’s Pizza Parlor at Quirino Avenue.

If you are an entrepreneur looking for growth, franchising may be the answer to your dreams. (PTA)

7TH NATIONAL VEGETABLE CONGRESS & EXHIBIT 4TH MINDANAO FRANCHISE EXPO

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OTOP Conference

F

or a number of years now, the General Santos City Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, Inc. (SMEDCI) has been successfully conducting business-oriented events in the city. One of them is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Project, in partnership with the local government of Gensan.

R12 Investment Conference

Region 12 Promotes Investment Opportunities Channeling substantial resources towards investments SMEDCI President Tess Pacheco (right) receives the Regional Outstanding OTOP Partner cash prize, with (from left) DTI XII Assistant Regional Director Doris Delima, Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel and SP Jun Falcon on August 13, 2009.

On July 27, 2009, coinciding with the 7th Yaman Gensan celebrations, the OTOP Conference was held at Phela Grande Hotel. One of Yaman Gensan’s key activities, the conference serves as a venue for the formal recognition of the collective efforts of the different stakeholders, as well as the OTOP Program’s exemplary projects. Here SMEDCI was awarded the city’s Outstanding OTOP Partner, receiving a trophy and P10,000 prize. It was then automatically nominated for the region’s Outstanding OTOP Partner award, which it subsequently won on August 13, 2009. SMEDCI bested the provincial nominees to win Region 12’s Outstanding OTOP Partner prize, and received a trophy and check worth P20, 000. In turn it became the region’s bet for the National OTOP Awards in Manila in February 2010.

Chosen based on the resources provided to the OTOP Program, the projects initiated and implemented, MSMEs assisted, participation in OTOP activities, and support to other partners -- SMEDCI eventually made it to the finalists roster for the 2010 Most Supportive Partner Organization award.

At the OTOP Conference, B-LY Fish Frozen Hauz won as Most Outstanding OTOP MSME. Both B-LY and the Gen. Santos local government made it to the Regional OTOP Awards as finalists.

One Town One Product OTOP is a priority program of Pres. Gloria Arroyo, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs. Through OTOP, local chief executives of every city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service, which has a competitive advantage. OTOP Philippines supports micro, small and medium enterprises in manufacturing, offering and marketing distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

T

he 1st Region 12 Investment Conference held July 22 through 23, 2009 paved the way for the Department of Trade and Industry to promote the region’s leading areas for investment. These include investment opportunities in aquaculture, fruits, alternative energy sources, and ICT. Resource speakers during the two-day gathering talked about Coconut Sugar, Sap and Honey, Honey Bee Production, Barako Coffee, Sunflower Farming, Freshwater Shrimp (Ulang) Production, Malunggay (Moringa), Engineering and Architectural Designs, Eco-Tourism Site Development, and Cardava Banana.

Break-out sessions were conducted to address problems and issues on technology, financing and marketing. Business matching were also arranged between potential investors and buyers.

Vice Mayor Flor Congson, in her message on behalf of Mayor Jun Acharon, said that the purpose of the conference is to make the participants well-informed on business opportunities in the region. She also pointed out that successful business ventures are nurtured, adding that investments come in various forms, namely, money, time, people, and resources, among other.

DTI 12 Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel, in his message, talked about the region’s resources such as corn, pineapple, banana, rubber, coffee, asparagus, hogs, and tuna, among others. He said that they have invited buyers who are interested to engage into business in the region.

The gathering was attended by participants from the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and North Cotabato, and the cities of Tacurong, Koronadal, Cotabato, Kidapawan and Gen. Santos City.

The theme of the conference was, “Channeling substantial resources towards investments.” (JPA)

OTOP CONFERENCE REGION 12 INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

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3rd Young Entrepreneurs Fair

Young Entrepreneurs Fair Held: Towards Positive Growth Amidst Global Challenges

T

he youth and the new generation are the agent of innovation, ideas, and creativity. As far as the creative industry is concerned, it is necessary not only to innovate and find solutions amidst challenges, but also to create opportunities. It is based on this premise that the Young Entrepreneurs Fair is born.

The Young Entrepreneurs Fair (YEF) is aimed to unleash positive potential from the young, with the hope that one day they will become leaders in national and global business through every creative innovation they undertake.

It also aimed to provide opportunities for students to apply the knowledge they have learned in school.

A total of 25 booths were set up within the atrium area of Gaisano Mall, wherein

9 were allocated for food products and 16 for non-food exhibitors.

The students and teachers expressed their gratitude for the recognition given to their talents and creativity, hoping their products can reach the countrywide, even worldwide level. They were thoroughly inspired by the young entrepreneur speaker Charlene Coroza Enriquez.

YEF is a three-day activity intended to showcase product exhibits, a product competition, business plan preparation workshop and jingle contest. Already on its third year, the fair featured the display of unique food and non-food products made by students from the six participating tertiary schools in General Santos, to wit: Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) as the

lead school for this year, Holy Trinity College (HTC), Mindanao State University (MSU), Ramon Magsaysay

Memorial College (RMMC), AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) and South Ranex College.

BEST PRODUCT (FOOD CATEGORY)

1st Place – SQUASH POPPIES (HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE)

2nd Place – PASTRIES AND CHEEZE (NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS UNIVERSITY)

3rd Place – WE ARE GOING BANANAS (RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL COLLEGES)

BEST PRODUCT (NON-FOOD CATEGORY)

1st Place – MUGNA ARTS (HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE)

2nd Place - ART MANAGER (MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY)

3rd Place – ROACH COOKIES (HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE)

BEST DRESSED BOOTH

1st Place – ART MANAGER (MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY)

2nd Place – MUGNA ARTS From right: Dr Romel Fieldad (Dean, NDDU, lead school YEF 2009), Coralynn Espinosa (past acting department head, CEMCDO), Tess Pacheco (President, SMEDCI), guest speaker Charlene Coroza Enriquez (owner, Beestop and Pleasures Salon and Spa), and DTI Gensan Caretaker Engr Arnel Sayco (far left) at the Young Entrepreneurs Fair ribbon-cutting ceremony.

3RD YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS FAIR

(HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE)

3rd Place – COCO YUM (MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY)

Events for 2010 8th Yaman Gensan Opening ......................................................... June 23, 2010 YG Trade Fair & Exhibit ......................................................... July 2-4, 2010 Jobs Fair ......................................................... July 3-4, 2010 Young Entrepreneurs Fair ......................................................... July 20-22, 2010 GSC OTOP Conference ......................................................... July 14, 2010 Entrepreneurs Forum Business Opportunity Seminar Livelihood Trainings & Fora Hotel Expo (Schedule of activities subject to change. Keep tab of updates.)