BusinessDaily (September 10, 2013)

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao

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Market Indicators As of 5:57 pm sept. 9, 2013 (Monday)

FOREX

PHISIX

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Briefly ‘No sabotage’ THE contractor in the collection of garbage in Cagayan de Oro City has belied accusations it planned to sabotage garbage collection here to discredit the incumbent administration.

Rolando Ramos, owner of “Basura at Iba, Inc., a garbage collection firm, accused Mayor Oscar Moreno of creating a scenario to justify the city’s move to rescind the garbage collection contract signed between the city and BAI during the previous administration.

“I and my firm are not in the position to sabotage anybody, much more, the city mayor of Cagayan de Oro City,” Ramos said in a statement to the local press.

NGO accreditation DAVAO City -- The Coalition of Development NGO Networks (CODENGO) is pushing for the accreditation of all nongovernment agencies (NGOs) even as it urged government to deal only with NGOs certified by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) to avoid the present pork barrelNGO fiasco.

“It is difficult to pass the certification of PCNC but once you have been certified it is enough proof that the dealings of such NGO are above-board,” CODE-NGO chairperson Andrea Maria Patricia M. Sarenas said.

PCN C ’s we b s i te li s t s down 187 cer tified NGOs nationwide, including Mindanao Land Acquisition Housing and Development Foundation in Davao City, Notre Dame Business Resource Center in General Santos City and popular organizations like Jesuit Volunteers of the Philippines, Habitat for Humanity and Jolibee Group.

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IN-DEPTH

Intensified actions vs banana pests pushed I

By IRENE DAYO, Reporter

N a bid to meet the growing demand for higher quality products in the international market, major players in the banana industry in Mindanao are pushing for intensified actions against diseases affecting banana production.

Worker does manual spraying a banana plantation in Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Banana exporters are pushing for quality output that is free from infestations.

In a resolution adopted during the recent Mindanao Export Congress, they noted that infestation of various diseases such as fusarium wilt and black sigatoka affect the overall quality of their

banana output, thus lowering their profits as well.

To address this issue on such diseases, the Mindanao ex por ters sa id t hat t he Department of Agriculture (DA) should streng then

the provision of support programs. “ T he i nter nat iona l market of banana requires standards and requirements that exporters need to meet,” they noted.

L i k e w i s e , e x p or t e r s underscored the need to undertake more stringent accreditation processes by the private and government sectors on bananas.

This, as while the sectors have aligned accreditation pests/PAGE B11

file photo by mindanews

Mindanao power gets a boost as Steag puts online remaining unit VILLANUEVA, Misamis Or ienta l -- Mi nda nao’s power situation is expected to improve following the successful completion of the maintenance works for Unit 2 of the Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant.

STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) Plant Manager Dr.

Carsten Evers announced that the unit was officially sy nchronized to t he Mindanao grid at 5 p.m. of September 6, more than a week ahead of schedule. Unit 2, which has a net capacity of 105 MW went offline last July 29, 2013 for maintenance.

Steag/PAGE B11 TUNA. A worker sorts out tuna at the Fish Port Complex in General Santos City before they are brought to the factories, exported abroad or sold at the local markets. mindanews photo by jun ayensa

Tuna players seek deferment of ILO Convention ratification

Steag’s coal-fired power plant completes the maintenance work on remaining unit that produces 105mw to the Mindanao grid.

GEN ER A L Sa ntos Cit y -- Cit i ng t he cou nt r y’s fishing fleets are still largely composed of ar tisan or small traditional fishing vessels, tuna industry players here on Monday u rged the national government

to defer its ratification of a n Inter nat iona l L abor O r g a n i z at ion (I L O) Convention that sets new internat iona l sta nda rds on work i ng cond it ions i n c om merc i a l f i sh i ng operations.

Rosa nna Bernadet h Contreras, executive director of the Socsksargen Federation of Fi s h i n g a nd A l l ie d Industries Inc. (SFFAII), said the industry is not yet ready to comply with the Tuna/PAGE B11

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2 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

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Economy

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Jesuits in Mindanao: The Mission Coffee Table Book launched

By BUTCH D. ENERIO, Correspondent

“THEY march and fight and risk their lives, unknown and poorly rewarded,” is how Fr. Miguel Bernad, SJ described the works of priests belonging to the Society of Jesus (SJ) in the early years as missionaries in Mindanao.

The coffee table book, “Jesuits in Mindanao: The M ission” was lau nched

here Friday with no less than the author Fr. Jose Arcilla, SJ and publisher Ramoncito Ocampo Cruz and with host Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City who presented the book to the media.

“The book chronicles the life and joys of Jesuit

missionaries among t he p e o p l e o f M i n d a n a o ,” said Cruz who f inished his elementary at Xavier Un i ver sit y-At ene o d e Cagayan in 1967.

Cr uz sa id t hat t he publication of the book is to honor Jesuits past and present.

Whose lives were dedicated to the transformation of the people in Mindanao for the greater glory of God. The Jesuits were responsible for bringing to Mindanao qua lit y education. They have built Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Davao University and Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

T he 30 0 -page cof fee table book shows a whitecassocked priest riding a water buffalo (carabao) on

its cover and is lavishly illustrated with a pictorial history of the Jesuit Mission in Mindanao, commencing from their return to the Philippines in 1861.

It is excellently laid out and beautifully printed in Singapore.

Muse Books donated the entire print run of the first edition to the Philippine Jesuit Aid Association (PJAA) and proceeds from its sale will go to fund the care of infirm Jesuit priests and the formation of future members of the Society of Jesus.

Fr. Herbert Schneider, PJAA executive director, s a id donat ions for t he book will go directly to the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus through the jesuits/PAGE B9

Fr. Jose Arcilla, S.J., author of the coffee table book “Jesuits in Mindanao: The Mission” autographs a copy for Seda Centrio Manager Lorenzo Tang. photo by mike baños

Sendong-damaged bridges in B’dnon get repair works TWO bridges in Baungon, Buk idnon is set for reconstruction after having been totally damaged the night of the onslaught of tropical storm ‘Sendong’ on December 2011.

T he D e p a r t m e nt of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) region 10, Bukidnon 1st district Representative repair/PAGE B9

Rep. Ma ria Lou rdes Acosta-Alba of Bukidnon together with the of ficials of t he Depa r t ment of Publ ic Wo rks and Highways (DPWH) region 10 and the Local Government of Baungon, Bukidnon laid and buried a time capsule containing agreements and documents for building the bridge of Tumalaong in the municipality on August 30, 2013.

Baungon was also badly hit during TS Sendong in December 2011. (PIA)

Seminar on determining a market set in Davao City DAVAO City -- The Department of Trade and Industry – Davao City Field Office (DTI-DCFO) will be conducting a half-day seminar on September 12 in a bid to identify and widen the market of local entrepreneurs.

The seminar tagged as “Determining Your Market” will be done from 1:00 to 5:00PM at the DTI Conference

Room, 2/F Mintrade Building, Monteverde-Sales Streets, Davao City.

The seminar is open to residents of Davao City who are new in the business or young professionals, students, out-of-school youth (OSY), and overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) who are interested to start their own business.

DTI-DCFO director Teolulo T. Pasawa said this is a chance for start-ups (entrepreneurs who are just starting up) to gain knowledge and skills on how to establish their markets.

“And the fact that this is for free, they should really find time to call up our office and be listed,” he said.

In this seminar, Pasawa said, the participants will learn to figure out who are their most likely customers, or in other words, target market.

“Starting a business and think that their product/ service is for everyone can spell disaster. With limited marketing budget, it is critical to k now you r p otent ia l customers down to the level of their characteristics and interests,” he said.

The seminar will provide the participants with the opportunity to learn about the following topics: 1.

Ta r g e t M a r k e t Identification 2. Understanding Your Target Market (Segmenting, Targeting and

Positioning) 3. Marketing Mix and Styles 4. Product Strategies Since the seminar is for free, slots are limited to only 25 participants. For reservations or i nqu i r ie s , i ntere s te d participants may contact Ivy M. Uy of DTI-DCFO 224-0511 (local 201 or 208) or email at dti.tmsmed@gmail.com.

TUESday | september 10, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

CorporateWorld

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

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Ford sales grow in August

SALES of Ford Philippines picked up in August on a boost from its entire model lineup despite monsoon rains that flooded Metro Manila and surrounding provinces for two days that month, the firm yesterday said in a statement on Friday.

“Despite the impact of the heavy monsoon season in August, we continued to see strong interest for our full line-up of … Ford vehicles at showrooms across the country, helping further drive our performance this year,” Ford Philippines Managing Ford/PAGE B9

ATI eyes more seaborne trade A SI A N Ter m i na l s I nc .

(ATI) says it is exploring more international shipping oppor tunit ies to lin k importers and exporters directly and more frequently to reg iona l a nd g loba l markets v ia its modern Batangas Container Terminal (BCT).

In a recent business gathering at the Bonifacio Global City, ATI highlighted the strategic advantages of Bata ngas Por t whi le expressing optimism in giving additional shipping services via BCT within the year.

The event was graced

by Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Philippine Ports Authorit y genera l manager Juan Sta. Ana, Eu rop e a n C h a mb er of Commerce of the Philippines president Michael Raeuber, Japan Internationa l Cooperation Agency representative Toru Yoshida and key officers of business locators from Calabarzon.

“The time for Batangas Por t is now,” decla red AT I e xe c ut i ve v ic e president Andrew Hoad as he urged Calabarzon shippers, forwarders and manufacturers to capitalize on BCT’s service offerings.

Hoad said lower haulage cost is among BCT’s major adva nt ages a s it of fers shorter distance and time for Calabarzon cargoes to reach the port from factories. “Less road miles, means less cost and less carbon emissions, it’s that simple,” he said.

With modern infrastructure and interlinked road networks, BC T con nec t s loc ators directly with their markets a nd speeds up cargo deliveries. “Road congestion does not exist and there is no truck ban to frustrate traders via Batangas,” Hoad stressed.

Jollibee changes guard; posts 30% rise in revenue A CHANGING of the guard looms in Jollibee Foods Corp (JFC) as the country’s largest fast-food chain today reported its profit growing nearly a third in the second quarter of the year.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, JFC said its board approved the appointment of chief operating officer Ernesto Ta n m a n t i o n g a s t h e c o m p a n y ’s n e x t c h i e f execut ive of f icer a nd president effective July 1, 2014.

Tanmantiong, 55, will replace his brother Tony Tan Caktiong, who founded and transformed Jollibee from an ice cream parlor into one of Asia’s largest food service companies.

Under Tan Caktiong, JFC gained dominant market sha re leadership in t he Philippines and established fast-grow ing businesses in 11 foreign countries in Asia, North America and the Middle East.

Ta n C a k t i o n g w i l l continue to serve as chairman of the JFC board, and will play a role in pursuing new ventures and partnerships, as well as in product research and development for the Jollibee Group of Companies.

“We have been preparing Ernesto for assu ming g reater responsibi lities.

His performance has clearly demonstrated that he is ready to lead the Jollibee Group as its new CEO,” Tan Caktiong said.

“He is the right person to lead our organization in building an even stronger, larger and more successful business in the future here i n t he Ph i l ippi nes a nd abroad. We are ma k ing t he a n nou ncement one

year early as part of our change management in the organization,” Tan Caktiong said.

T he appoi nt ment of Tanmantiong is part of the Jollibee Group’s succession Jollibee/PAGE B9

B3

Hoad noted that BCT was intended to complement Manila ports, which serve a d i f ferent a nd big ger market base, both in terms of geography and scale.

“What BCT can do is draw cargoes which originate or are consigned from south of Metro Manila into a more natural hinterland to the benefit of business, consumers and environment,” he said.

Recognizing the potential of Batangas Port as a gateway for industries within and around Calabarzon, officials of CMA CGM during the same event expressed their ATI/PAGE B9

Smart adopts Ericsson technology for wireless coverage, quality SMART Communications Inc has deployed a technology that would improve the quality of coverage and access as the use of mobile data continues to increase across the network.

In a statement, Smart said it has deployed the AntennaIntegrated Radio (AIR) solution, making the telco the first in Southeast Asia to adopt the technology from Ericsson.

The advanced AIR solution ensures efficient and smooth introduction of elements of GSM, 3G/WCDMA and fourthgeneration (4G) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technologies into Smart’s existing networks, by simplifying and reducing installation lead times while increasing coverage.

With the solution in place, Smart’s wireless network allows subscribers to keep abreast with the rest of the world in a more efficient and timely manner.

Rolando G. Peña, head of technology at Smart and parent Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT), said deployment of the AIR solution once again puts Smart ahead of its peers in the region.

“We expect the vast improvement in coverage and swiftness of installation times to greatly benefit our subscribers, especially as we see increasing usage of mobile Internet in our network,” he said.

PLDT said mobile Internet usage continues to grow strongly among mobile subscribers of its wireless brands Smart and Sun Cellular, with mobile Internet revenues increasing by 49 percent year-on-year at end-June.

The increasing use of mobile data is the result of PLDT’s network upgrade, the telco said, citing it network at least 9,835 cell sites, 15,116 cellular/mobile broadband base stations, and 2,898 fixed wireless broadband-enabled base stations, supported by over 71,000 kilometers of fiber optic cabling, serving over 73.4 million subscribers.

“Network solutions like AIR allow our already supercharged infrastructure to become even more future-proof, and able to serve the demands of present and more advanced technologies, such as LTE-Advanced,” said Peña.

With at least 1,000 LTE sites across almost 180 cities and municipalities including the entire Metro Manila, Smart recently tested LTE-Advanced.

Deployed by operators in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and in South America, LTE-Advanced is a nextgeneration mobile broadband technology that can deliver Smart/PAGE B9

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4 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Editor : Neslon Constantino , e-mail- nelconstant@gmail.com

Banking&Finance

End-July budget deficit up THE national government’s revenue shortfall in the first seven months of the year climbed more than 40 percent from a year ago, as expenditures outpaced tax collections.

I n a s t atement , t he Depa r t ment of Fina nce (D OF) t o d ay s a id t h e gover n ment i ncu r red a budget deficit of P104.51 billion in the January to July period. This was 41.9 percent more than the P73.63 billion fiscal gap in the same period last year.

The deficit is the result of government expenditures outstripping revenues. To make up for the shortfall, the government borrows money primarily through the auction of Treasury bills and bonds. Thus, successive deficits build up the country’s debt.

Government expenditures rose 13.6 percent to P1.089 trillion at end-July, while tax collections and other revenues increased a slower 11.3 percent to P984 billion.

In July alone, the fiscal gap widened by 36 percent

to P53.22 billion from the P39.25 billion in the same month last year. Revenues grew 17.3 percent to P144.62 billion, but expenditures increased a faster 21.7 percent to P197.84 billion, thus the deficit for the month.

Finance Secretar y Cesar Purisima said the government is on track to meeting the P144.4 billion deficit program for the first three quarters. For the entire 2013, the deficit cap is set at P238 billion, equivalent to two percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Our fiscal operations for Ju ly show t hat ou r expenditures have gained moment u m, i nd ic at i ng increased investments in priority infrastructure and social projects,” Purisima said.

“Wit h bot h revenues

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BSP’s financial education expo draws large audience in Bukidnon

By RUBY LEONORA R. BALISTOY, Contributor

and expenditures posting double-digit increases, this marks that the Philippine government is stepping up its efforts to support our growing economy,” he added.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said d isbu rsement s for Ju ly were the highest for a single month so far this year. For infrastructure and capital outlay alone, spending rose 42.4 percent to P150.9 billion in the first seven months of the year.

“From month to month, we’re seeing the sustained improvement of the pace and quality of our expenditures, so that we’re proceeding at the momentum we want and channeling our resources to high-impact projects,” Abad said.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) alone disbursed P82.5 billion or nearly 63

percent of its outlay for the first seven months.

Major beneficiaires of the spending in the first seven mont hs i ncluded resettlement, emergency hou si ng a s si s t a nc e for calamity victims, health faci l it ies en ha ncement, Philippine National Police modernization, and t he creation of new positions for t he Depa r t ment of Education, among others.

“A s w e w o r k o n accelerating public spending in the second half of the year, we look forward to facilitating disbursements t hat w ill ensure continued growth across high-performing and promising industries, as well as the rapid implementation of big-t icket prog r a ms a nd projects, including infrastructure projects and the administration’s banner anti-poverty programs,” Abad said.

MALAYBALAY City -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) financial education expo recently staged at Pine Hills Hotel here has drawn nearly 900 Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their beneficiaries, business owners, students, and professionals.

Delegates from gover n ment agencies, banking community, and the media also participated in the big event widely known as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Economic and Financial Learning Program (BSPEFLP).

The act iv it y of fers various financial learning specifically on monitoring of OFs remittances, credit cards’

safety nets, safeguarding savings and investments, cent ra l ba n k i ng , a nd financial planning.

It also features learning booths with audio-visual pre s e nt at ion s , g r a ph ic displays and interactive activ ities t hat w ill help participants become selfreliant in promoting their monetary welfare.

Pa r t icipa nt s lea r ned not only on the basics of budgeting and investment returns, but also about new f inancial incentives and programs being developed by the Department of Trade and Industr y (DTI) and Department of Agriculture BSP/PAGE B9

Measures pushed to promote a competitive currency

By Danielle Venz

THE Philippines can adopt various measures, without or with legislation, to promote a competitive currency and mitigate the peso strength crucia l in generating employment and higher tax collections, according to a senior economist.

Dr. Victor Abola of the University of Asia and the Pacif ic (UAP) School of

Economics said the local cu r renc y ’s appreciat ion against the US dollar has “very severe negatives”, including output and jobs loss, dollars drain, employment created abroad and significant tax losses. “( T h e r e i s) o v e remphasis on inflation when employment generation and poverty is the main problem,” he said, noting the peso’s weakness has little effect on inflation.

Abola, during the recent annual International Contact Center Conference and Expo in Cebu City, said the 1.1 million new jobs created each year are lower compared to the 1.5 million to two million employment needed to reduce the country’s poverty rate drastically.

Citing a government data, he said that in five quarters to f irst quarter of 2013, average new jobs generated reached 452,000 due to the peso movement.

T he e c onom i s t a l s o e s t i mate d t hat a P1 appreciation could result in P23.5 billion reduction in promote/PAGE B9

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AgriBusiness

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

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Editor : Neslon Constantino , e-mail- nelconstant@gmail.com

Coconut wine, ready for export

A NATIVE coconut wine, or tuba, is making talks with some financial institutions over funding. inroads into the export markets.

Carrying the label Vacal Vino de Coco, founded by Filipino-American George Vacal Paraliza and his wife Tila Paraliza, the premium wine made from fresh saps of selected coconut tree blossoms will soon hit store shelves across China.

Paraliza recently signed an agreement with Fly Dragon International Marketing that will bring his wine products to the huge Chinese market.

“I have a lso some negotiations with importers in the United States and Canada. I can supply them just a matter of time,” he said.

Apart from the overseas markets, Paraliza said his company also aims to supply

big malls and hotels especially the high-end ones in the country.

To meet the growing demand here and abroad for the coconut wine, Paraliza said they are targeting a full production of around 7,600 cases per month by the first or second quarter of next year.

“Right now, we are making (only) 1,875 cases per month.

If we could quadruple our production right now, I could easily sell that. But I don’t have the equipment and the facilities to do that. It will be probably until mid-2014 before I can accomplish that,” he shared.

Pa r a l i z a s a id he i s

“I need a rou nd P50 million to build wineries and achieve full production. Our ultimate goal is (to produce) one container which is 1,120 cases per day,” he noted.

Paraliza said the Depa r t ment of Science and Technology (DOST) is assisting them in procuring wine bottling machines. The coconut winery is located at Tacloban City, Leyte.

“The raw material, the coconut sap, is very endemic in the Philippines. It is around us, we are the number two producer of coconut after I ndonesia . I n fac t , my suppliers are the ones asking if I need more,” he pointed out. export/PAGE B11

Vino de coco is making a worldwide debut, the wine has been already consumed in parts of Africa and South Asia, but now it’s time to get the coconut flavored wine on liquor store shelves around the world. The Filipino-American entrepreneur George Vacal Paraliza is first planning to introduce the coconut wine in China, and hopes to find partners in the Filipino hotel market and export the wine to the United States of America and Canada.

DA distributes farm MisOcc LGUs to come up with Tobacco Control Plans animals to farmers’ coops in Lanao del Sur

By RUTCHIE CABAHUG-AGUHOB, Contributor

By APIPA P. BAGUMBARAN, Contributor

MARAWI City -- The Provincial Office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed eight carabaos and 60 goats to identified farmers cooperatives and associations in the province.

The animal distribution last August 23 was part of the Agri Pinoy Livestock Program of the department to help farmers in the area to be more competitive, said Daud M. Diapar, chief livestock coordinator of DA-Lanao del Sur. He said the carabaos will be used by the beneficiaries in their farm work while the goats will be utilized for milk production in their respective barangays in support to the Kambingan at Gatas sa Barangay program.

DA/PAGE B11

OZAMIZ City -- A Tobacco Control Plan will be crafted by the local government units (LGU) of Misamis Occidental t o pr o v i d e f o r m o r e smoke-free environment and workplaces of their constituents.

The plans will be the output of the Training and Strategic Planning Workshop on Tobacco Control set from September 4-6, 2013, at Royal Garden Hotel and Restaurant, this city, Dr. Rachel T. Micarandayo, Provincial Health Officer, said.

Micarandayo said the three-day live-in activity will be attended in by City and Municipal Administrators, along with the Integrated Provincial Hospital administrators and Rural Health Unit/City Health Office (RHU/CHO) Tobacco Control Coordinators.

The activity also aims to coach ou r LGUs i n preparing for the Provincial Red Orchid Awards 2013 and the DOH Red Orchid Awards 2014 through the comprehensive guidelines set by the World Health

Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Micarandayo said.

Just recently, Misamis O c c id ent a l a nd Nue v a Ecija in Luzon, were the only two provinces in the country that were awarded the Department of Health (DOH) Red Orchid Award 2013.

Among given the same awa rd were t he Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr., Reg iona l Tr a i n i ng a nd Teaching Hospital (MHARSRTTH) in Ozamiz City and the Misamis Occidenta l Provincial Hospital (MOPH),

Misamis Occidental Schools Division (MOSD) of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Misamis O c c i d e nt a l P r o v i n c i a l Health Office (MOPHO), all in Oroquieta City, also received the same award.

Inspired by this ach ie vement , G over nor Herminia M. Ramiro has called on more government offices, and most specially, all LGU’s, to join the bandwagon and strengthen their tobacco control measures and enforce the Smoke-Free Ordinance of the province for more control/PAGE B11

They comfort the forlorn.

They soothe out to the weary.

They sing for the hopeless.

They work for the needy.

They love the unloved.

All this they do without an ounce of regret.

The Mission

Now they need you. Reach out to the Philippine Jesuits in need by reserving a copy of the

“Jesuits in Mindanao The Mission”

Every step counts.

Preserve the Jesuit Legacy.

Reserve you copy now.

Reserve your very own

“JESUITS IN MINDANAO The Mission”

coffee table book and help us continue our mission for the formation of priests, caring for the elderly priests and support for the apostolic works of the Jesuits in the Philippines.

Please contactFr. Herb Schneider, SJ (632) 426-6101 · 585-8531 · mail: hschneider@admu.edu.ph · pjaa@phjesuits.org

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6 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Editor : Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy, E-mail: shaun_alejandrae_uy@yahoo.com

LifeStyle

The

CAGAYANTIMES de Oro

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LIFESTYLE FEATURE ARTS&CULTURE HEALTH PEOPLE

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Cayabyab to hold Songwriting ala Workshop at Rodelsa Hall mode

Y

oung music enthusiasts from Liceo U and other schools in Cagayan de Oro will have the rare chance to be mentored by no less than the music maestro Ryan Cayabyab in a half day songwriting session at Liceo de Cagayan University's Rodelsa Hall this coming September 11.

This special music activity is spearheaded by Philpop Musicfest Foundation, Inc and in partnership with Liceo de Cagayan University and various corporate partners.

The workshop hopes to arouse the musical creativity of young Filipinos all over the country as well make them more appreciative of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Mr. Cayabyab will share his experiences in the music industry

by Owen Jaen

Too early for Christmas?

I

s it too early to hang our Christmas lanterns and turn on the holiday lights? Apparently, nothing is too early for Filipinos when it comes to the most awaited season of all.

These days, signs that Christmas is just around the corner are popping up slowly. We now hear carols on the radio and in select stores the holiday decors are on sale.

I don't want to act like the Grinch here but sometimes this premature celebration is also influenced by the entrepreneurs whose idea of the entire season is just consumerism.

It is indeed cute to unwrap old trimmings tucked in the storage room for months and give them another lease on life but some are so caught up with the idea of Christmas that this early, they are already starting to stress out what to do and how to spend their money on presents, decors and parties.

So, is it really too early to start the revelry? For me, I say yes.

Indeed Christmas is the happiest and the most memorable gathering for us Filipinos but let us be reminded that this too is a very special occasion not to be overdone or the whole essence of the practice is gone and it becomes just another 'requirement' to get done and over with.

I welcome the coming of this magnificent season and I acknowledge the slow shift of people's mindset to merrymaking mode but I just hope that we will not forget the main reason for the season.

We may hold the record of being the country to hold the longest celebration of Christmas but how do we spend it? It is not the length of time that matters or the whole idea of spending more than three months in a joyous state of mind but it should be on the way we become better individuals and take the occasion's essence to heart.

Christmas is the time to reflect how we have spent our lives and this is a moment to collectively gather to give praise and thanks for the blessings and even the challenges that we have overcome.

It is not the amount of money we have spent or the number of gifts we have recieved, so if you cannot help but really start your Christmas this early, make the most out of this moment and spread the truest of good tidings and cheers.

Celebrate with a heart that gives and a hand that helps.

by Irene Joy B. Dayo

of The BWM Group of Newspapers

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ocal arts and music alike were exhibited in a painting display placed at Limketkai Mall, this city which opened last August 29 and continued until September 6, 2013. This exhibit dubbed as “gods” was hosted by three prolific artists in the local arts industry.

The trio composed of Bo Daclan, Marigold Cherrie Ramos-Garrido and Rhyan Casiño.

The exhibit mainly amplified the presence of the Supreme Being as the Master Artist in the lives of the artists.

The artists showcased their then and now masterpieces acknowledging the the omnipotence and omniscience of the Master Artists in their lives.

“The activity composed of gods, not because we are gods but this is in respect sa mga maayo nga artists (to the good artists),” Bo Daclan said.

He is considered as an artist of modern contemporary arts. He had his solo exhibits during 2007 entitled “/32, a Bo Daclan Solo Art Exhibit and another one on 2011.

Marigold Cherrie Ramos-Garrido is the only female artist of the three.

In the display, the paintings she have were acrylic paintings that composed of “Carry Along”, “Iskul Bus” and “Tangerines.”

Rhyan Casiño completed the group. In his biography, he is an artist who believes in the greatness of each

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individual, an artist full of hope for the potentials of the youth and a passionate advocate of the cultural heritage.

His paintings in the display were classified as mixed media and these are “I am Nothing, Jesus is the King” and “Life in Circles (Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life)” which are composed of five series each.

During the display, there was also a on-the-spot painting demonstration conducted and an art workshop was shared together with the invited artists of the industry.

In addition, a local band named as

Puerto Band was invited to provide entertainment to the onlookers.

According to Ms. Garrido, the J U L Y activity is also an avenue to promote local music artists. Featured in the band presentation were songs created locally.

The activity was supported by the NCCA Visual Arts Committee as part of their offshoot activities supporting the city fiesta.

Present also in the opening was Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lordelie Enjambre.

She graced the activity's kick-off activity.

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THE ARTISTS. Bo Daclan, Marigold Cherrie Ramos-Garrido and Rhyan Casiño pose at the “gods” exhibit backdrop during their launch, August 29, at the Limketkai Center, this city. (Photo Supplied)

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and reveal tips and guidelines on songwriting.

He will be joined by other personalities from Philpop Musicfest Foundation.

Ryan Cayabyab has created chart-topping OPM pop songs and

has contributed his craft to notable theater musicals, movie scores, full-length ballets.

He has also created choral and orchestral pieces.

Currently he is the Executive Director of the Philpop Musicfest Foundation, the group behind the Philippine Popular Music Festival, a songwriting competition for amateur and professional Filipino composers that seeks to help elevate the Philippine Music industry.

This activity at Rodelsa Hall is free to young students but with limited seats availability.

To know more about the workshop, please feel free to call the Liceo U College of Music at (088) 8584093 to 95 local 109 or call/text 09176366528.

Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Contact nos.: (088)856-3344, (08822)72-33-44 email: businessweekmindanao@gmail.com website: www.businessweekmindanao.com

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TUESday | september 10, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Editor : Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy, E-mail: shaun_alejandrae_uy@yahoo.com

MOA signed for Ultimate Urban Fiesta at Pueblo de Oro Township ~CdeO’s Premiere Weekend Market

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ut together Unique, Original and Proudly Kagay-anon and Mindanaoan products + A Secure and Strategic location + A Friendly Community Atmosphere, and you’ve got: The Ultimate Urban Fiesta, CDO’s Premier Weekend Market!

This urban tabo concept and destination weekend market drew closer to becoming reality with the MOA signing last September 3, 2013, between Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation and Ultimate Urban Events. Mr. Eduino L. Tan and Mr. Cesar Santiago S. Castillo represented the two principal parties of this pioneering undertaking.

The Ultimate Urban Fiesta will be opening (soft-launching) on September 14, from 7am to 5pm every Saturday and Sunday thereafter.

It will be held at the secured parking lot behind Concentrix, along Commerce St., near SM City. You can also find us on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ UltimateUrbanFiestaCDO, Twitter: @ UrbanFiestaCDO and Google Maps.

This Weekend Market

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Insanely easy and affordable car shopping with BPI Family Auto Loan!

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Ultimate Urban Events Managing Director Cesar Santiago S. Castillo (left) and Pueblo de Oro VP and General Manager Eduino L. Tan (right) shake hands after signing the MOA for the Ultimate Urban Fiesta.

will feature Free WiFi, K-9 Security Units On Site, EMT Personnel On Site, CCTV System On Site, Clean Toilets, Ample Parking Space and Environmentally Friendly Waste Disposal (Segregated Waste Bins + Plastic Bags and Styro products are not allowed in the market) among others.

This fresh, new, foodie, and arts & culture haven in CDO is primed to be a central foodie, arts & culture and social spot for local families and guests alike. You will find Unique and Deliciously cooked food, Farm fresh

products and processed food products, along with ornamentals and artisan made crafts. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the wide open views, the delicious food, the live entertainment and the fun & fresh vibe of a truly Urban Fiesta. Entrance is FREE and here it’s a FIESTA ALL THE TIME! As a social enterprise, a guaranteed share of the profits of the Ultimate Urban Fiesta go directly toward developing and creating Sustainable Livelihood Programs for those relocated by Sendong and to help in building the St. Francis

Xavier Parish Church in Pueblo de Oro through Msgr. Boy Salvador.

Limited slots are still available for high quality and unique items since duplication of items will not be allowed.

For vendor and sponsor inquiries, please contact the Ultimate Urban Fiesta thru email: ultimateurbanfiesta@ gmail.com, Like our page and Message us on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ UltimateUrbanFiestaCDO. Or follow us and Message us on twitter @sarcastillo, @UrbanFiestaCDO.

anting to get a good deal to buy a new car? You need not go far. Rather, you don’t need to go anywhere at all!

BPI Family Auto Loan, once again, holds its much awaited “Online Auto Madness” from September 5 to 27, 2013. This revolutionary car sale provides offers that will surely make you go crazy with: unbelievably low loan rates, free comprehensive insurance with acts of nature coverage, and the convenience of buying a car and getting a loan 24/7.

Best of all, these benefits can be accessed through the website www.bpiautomadness.com easily!

Getting a brand new car has never been this effortless. Traditionally, it takes a couple of days and several trips to various locations to complete the car shopping process. With the BPI Family Online Auto Madness, you simply need an internet access to accomplish three easy steps. First, log on to www. bpiautomadness.com and choose a car from the very comprehensive Car Buyer’s Guide where all car brands and models available in the Philippines are listed. Then, compute for the downpayment and monthly amortization that best suit you. Finally, just fill out and submit a simple application form to complete the entire process. You will be able to get a loan decision in as fast as 3 to 8 hours.

“We live in a fast pace world, and the public demands for something that will meet their needs in the fastest and most convenient manner. BPI Family Auto Loan is always on the look out to give the best services and offerings for our clients by making it easy, accessible and affordable,” says Mr. Pepe Carlos, VP and Head of Auto Loans Division.

"BPI Family is synonymous to the word ‘family’ and when you state ‘family’ the word ‘support’ comes into mind and that is precisely the goal of the bank.

We want to continuously serve as a back bone to our clients for their specific needs and one way we can deliver our promise is through the BPI Family Online Auto Madness. We aim for our clients to have control over what they want," says Mr. Teodoro Limcaoco, BPI Family Savings Bank President.

For more details on how to easily buy your new dream, just log on to www.bpiautomadness.com.

Clients may also visit the launch of the 2nd Online Auto Madness at the Abreeza Mall, Davao City from September 5 to 8 to see the cars on display and avail of the special offers.

Sun Broadband Quest Winner Iktus Officially inks record deal with Sun Broadband, MCA Music Inc scene through our recording contract,” Composed of Carizza Panaligan on vocals, Augusto Mendoza on guitars, Andrei Panaligan on bass and Andrew Panaligan on drums, Christian Band Iktus got its name based on the Greek word “ichtus” which stands for fish, a common symbol for Christianity. The band names Rivermaya, Silent Sanctuary, Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Urbandub, Paramore, Flyleaf, Switchfoot and Run Kid Run as its musical influences.

“This is a great initiative with Sun Cellular, as we’ve always found it exciting to support developments within the local community, 50

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cash prize, and professional coaching through the Sun Broadband Quest-MCA Workshop.

Photo shows on (standing from left) Karen Capellan, Sun Cellular Senior Manager for Postpaid Marketing, Ricky Ilacad, President of MCA JULY Music Inc., Michele Curran, Department Head for Data and International Services for Sun Cellular, Pam Santiago, Head for Broadband Postpaid Marketing for Sun Cellular, (sitting) Andrei Panaligan, Iktus bassist, Carizza Panaligan, vocals, Andrew Panaligan, drums, and Augusto Mendoza, guitars.

Sun Cellular is a member of the PLDT group.

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Music Inc. President Ricky Ilacad.

Meanwhile, Sun Cellular ’s Vice President for International and Data Services Michele Curran

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revealed that this endeavor was pursued by Sun Broadband to give aspiring bands the opportunity to fulfil their dreams of making it big in the music industry.

“Especially with the growth and democratization of digital media, Sun Broadband aims to help these young talents like Iktus to be known in boundless spheres, not only through conventional mainstream media but also through the growing audience of music enthusiasts online,” adds Curran.

Apart from the one-year contract, Iktus, as the grand winner of the Sun Broadband Quest Battle of the Bands, Iktus was given P150,000.00

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especially the youth. We are glad to have discovered this group of promising young people, coming together to express theirselves through good music,” shares MCA

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hristian International School-based band Iktus, which bagged the grand prize at the recently concluded Sun Broadband Quest Battle of the Bands, has inked a one-year contract with Sun Broadband and MCA Music Inc. “We are thankful for this wonderful opportunity of partnering with Sun Broadband and MCA Music, and we are very excited to share our music to a wider audience,” says Iktus. “The competition gave us a great starting point, and now, we are looking forward to enhancing further our craft and maximizing our exposure to the professional music

Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Contact nos.: (088)856-3344, (08822)72-33-44 email: businessweekmindanao@gmail.com website: www.businessweekmindanao.com

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8 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Editor : Nelson Constantino, E-mail: nelconstant@gmail.com

RealEstate

Megaworld to spend P10B more on Iloilo Business Park

ONE MADISON PLACE, a project launched last March that forms part of a condominium cluster in Iloilo Business Park, is shown in this architect’s rendition Megaworld Corp. e-mailed to media late last month.

Condo builder ventures into BPO space L I S T E D c ondom i n iu m builder Cityland Development Cor p. has launched its first business process outsourcing (BPO) structure as it rides on the economic growth driver, according to a statement attached to a disclosure last Aug. 16.

“The Philippines is one of the best locations considered by foreign countries for business process outsourcing due to our economic growth, language proficiency, and low operating cost,” the statement read.

“In line with this new lucrative business venture, Cit yla nd… is proud to announce the launch of its new BPO hub, CityNet 1,” it added.

Located in Mandaluyong City, five-storey CityNet 1 is being posit ioned as a “premiere business technology hub.”

The ground f loor is a llotted for fast food restaurants, convenience stores, banks and shops, while the remaining floors will be used solely for BPO operations, according to the

statement.

CityNet 1 is the first BPO development of Cityland, according to a statement la st Ma rch by C ol l iers International Philippines, Inc., consu ltant for t he project.

Of f icia ls were not immediately available for details, but according to Cityland ’s Web site, the project will be completed o n N o v. 3 0 a f t e r t h e groundbreaking held last Feb. 15.

Cityland noted that its Condo/PAGE B11

TUESday | september 10, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Vista Land expansion binge continues

THE condominium arm of Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc is expanding its footprint in key cities outside Metro Manila.

LISTED Megaworld Corp. Maribeth Tolentino, Vista is pumping an additional Residences president, told P10 billion into its flagship reporters last week that the mixed-use project in Iloilo, company will spend P800 the property developer said million to build three fivein a statement Monday. storey residential buildings “Megaworld announces on a one-hectare lot in t hat it is increasing its Tagaytay. investment in the 72-hectare The project will offer a Iloilo Business Park from P25 total of 400 units that will billion to P35 billion in the generate sales of P1.5 billion. next 10 years,” the statement They will consist of tworead. bedroom units with a floor This makes Iloilo Business area of 48 square meters to Pa rk t he la rgest si ng le be sold at P2 million per investment of Megaworld unit. out side Me t ro Ma n i la , “If the project is successful, according to the company. there are adjacent lots with “We are committed to a total of six hectares that make Iloilo Business Park are also being offered to the largest, most exciting us that can be allotted for business and tourism district expansion,” Tolentino said. spend/PAGE B11 Vista Residences is also

making its foray in Cebu and Iloilo after capitalizing on demand for condominiums in Makati and Bonifacio Global City.

“Of course we will not leave behind Metro Manila where we will soon develop another project in Quezon City,” Tolentino said.

Vista Land has a 300-hectare master planned community in Iloilo that will feature all its brands: Brittany for the upscale market, Crown Asia for the upper-middle income market and Camella Homes for the affordable market.

“There is space allotted for Vista Residences and we’d be happy with two hectares for medium-rise buildings,” said Tolentino.

Vista Residences continues to explore possible sites for expansion in Cebu.

Vista/PAGE B11

Mindanao Daily NEWS

TUESday | september 10, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Jesuits... from page 2

PJAA which serves as the development office of the Province.

“We are grateful to the publisher, Ramoncito Cruz and Media Wise Communications for their kindness and untiring effort to organize photos and stories documenting the mission of Jesuits in Mindanao since 1596. The funds will go a long way to serve our fellow Jesuits who gave their all in mission and would still do so if not for illness and old age,” said Fr. Schneider, “Graduates from the Jesuit universities continue to espouse the ideals of St. Ignatius to become ‘men for others,’ serving society, families, and God,” he added.

T h e Phili p pine J e suit Province hopes to raise PhP 9-million for a minimum donation of PhP 5,000.00 as well as incremental donations arising from companies, people and groups who wish to share more in support of the Province.

The book launch was sponsored by Pioneer Life Inc., represented by Ms. Ruby Trinidad.

Repair... from page 2

Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba and the local government of Baungon led the groundbreaking c e r e m o ny t o s i g n a l t h e reconstruction of these two bridges on Friday, August 30.

These two new bridges include Cabula and Tumalaong.

According to DPWH-10 Project Engineer Leowald L. Pecore, these two new bridges will be two-lane, made of concrete road approaches and concrete bridge design. Further, he said these will cater to all types of vehicles including heavy cargo trucks loaded with farm and industrial commodities from Baungon and other nearby municipalities of the province of Bukidnon.

Representative Acosta of the 1st district of Bukidnon was so pleased saying that finally after two years, this long overdue and most awaited project will be realized. She added that since she took seat this year, this has been one of her priority and urgent projects.

“Naglisod gyud atong mga katawhan diri pag transport sa ilang products, og maski basic transport nga baklay lang og habal-habal og syempre affected ang local economy.”

(Our people here truly have difficulty transporting their produce and even going through their basic commute i.e. walking distances and riding singlemotor and of course, the local economy is affected) Acosta added.

Moreover, she said that she is so thankful for the support of the local government and national leadership of President Benigno Aquino, Secretary Rogelio Singson of DPWH and Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense (DND) for the realization of this project.

Finally, she said that this is a better and stronger bridge; modern and much better bridge that can withstand the onslaught of the likes of TS Sendong.

This project was coursed through the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) prior to its approval since appropriation is from the calamity fund.

According to DPWH, appropriation for Cabula Bridge is P230M and Tumalaong Bridge is P140M both from Special Purpose Fund – Outside Infra – CY 2013.

Ford...

from page B3

Director Kay Hart was quoted in a statement as saying.

The company reported that 826 units were sold last month, 44% more than the 574 vehicles recorded a year ago.

That brought sales in the eight months to August to 8,360 units, up 79% from a year ago.

Sales were particularly boosted by “continued strength in demand” for the Ford Ranger, which sold 323 units last month and 2,774 year-to-date, the company said in its statement.

“The unmatched versatility and capability of this extraordinary truck is helping drive its wide appeal among our expanding base of customers in the Philippines,” said Mr. Hart.

The Ford Everest, meanwhile, sold 167 units last month, bringing year-to-date sales to 1,726 vehicles.

August also saw 99 units of Ford Explorer sold, driving year-to-date sales to more than double to 690 vehicles.

The Ford Focus sold 76 units last month, fueling year-to-date sales to grow 79% to 677 cars.

The statement also noted that 13 units of Ford Mustang were sold last month, bringing sales to 284 cars since the model was launched in the country in July last year.

In a bid to reach more local markets, Ford said it opens this week a dealership in General Santos City that will add to 32 existing outlets nationwide.

“Over the next four months, Fo r d p l a n s t o e s t a b l i s h dealerships in Baguio and Zamboanga, expanding its dealership network to 35 by the end of the year,” the statement read.

ATI...

from page B3

ke e n i n t e r e s t i n l i n k i n g Batangas with major shipping destinations across Asia through the company’s fully integrated subsidiary CNC Line. Initially, the proposal was to study sers to cover Batangas using the BMX service (Xingang-DalianQuingdao-Fuqing-XiamenShantou-Yantian-Chiwan-Hong Kong-Manila-Batangas-Hong Kong-Xingang) and the China 1 Service (Qingdao-ShanghaiNingbo-Xiamen-Hong KongChiwan-Jakarta-SurabayaBatangas-Manila-Hong KongQingdao).

CMA CGM is represented in Manila by CMA CGM Philippines Inc.

Smart... from page B3

deliver data rates in excess of 200-700 megabits per second (mbps), based on trials done in Metro Manila and Davao City.

According to is Peña, “the successful trials prove the readiness of the Smart network for the most advanced

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

technologies, and the AIR solution can only serve to further strengthen this network.”

To date, Ericsson has commercially deployed the AIR solution for both Smart’s GSM and LTE networks, with tests showing an improvement of as much as 73 percent in 3G coverage when using AIR. Ericsson’s AIR has fewer units and fewer interconnections compared to traditional site solutions, allowing a new standard or a new frequency band to be introduced easily.

Elie Hanna, president and country manager for Ericsson Philippines and Pacific Islands, said the market is experiencing a tremendous take off in mobile broadband and user expectations for speed and coverage are increasing the demands placed on networks.

“In order to cope with future capacity demands, Ericsson has a clearly defined small cell strategy that the AIR architecture is part of. When comparing 3G AIR with traditional 3G Radio Base Stations, there is a marked improvement in 3G coverage when using AIR. In addition, AIR simplifies and reduces installation lead times,” Hanna added.

The innovative integration of the antenna unit into the radio unit is the first of its kind in the global telecommunications industry. Compact design and a multi-standard solution ensure the highly efficient and smooth introduction of new technologies in both 3G and 4G. A new standard or a new frequency band can easily be introduced by simply adding AIR and swapping the existing antenna.

Jollibee... from page B3

plan for the organization “as it builds a stronger and larger business for the future.”

Tanmantiong joined JFC in 1978 as a store manager.

He rose to become an area manager, assistant operations manager and then operation manager. He also became vice president for operations while serving as executive vice president. In November 2006, he was named president of the Jollibee business unit.

In January 2012, he was a p p o i n te d C O O o f J FC, strengthening the company’s various brands in the country and improving their profitability and profit contribution to the group. He also helped increase the organization capability of JFC’s Corporate Services Group in supporting the expansion of the business in the Philippines and abroad.

Tanmantiong graduated from the Ateneo De Manila University in 1979 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Management. This year, he attended the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School at Boston, Massachusetts.

Higher sales volume Also today, JFC reported that its net income rose 30 percent to P1.220 billion in the second quarter from P937 million in the same three-month period last year.

This brought the fast-food chain’s six-month earnings to P2.101 billion this year from P1.620 billion last year.

System-wide sales -- a m e a s ure of al l s al e s to consumers from companyowned and franchised stores -- jumped 13.6 percent to P26.07 billion in the second quarter from P22.95 billion a year ago.

For the first half, system-wide sales advanced 12.1 percent to to P49.90 billion from P44.50 billion over the same period.

G l o b a l s t o r e n e t wo r k expansion accounted for five percent of the growth rate, while worldwide same-store sales -- or sales of restaurant outlets that were at least 15 months old -- contributed nine percent mostly from higher volume of purchases by customers.

The Philippine business expanded by 12.6 percent, while JFC’s foreign business rose 17.5 percent with China growing by 18.3 percent, Southeast Asia and the Middle East by 34.8 percent, and the US by 6.3 percent.

BSP...

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KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP MALAYBALAY BRANCH

Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an AUCTION SALE on all items that expired on July 2013 AUCTION DATE: September 19, 2013 Estrada Bldg., Fortich-Don Carlos Sts., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

from page B4

(DA).

Four focused workshops enabled them to explore the vital developments in the Philippine financial system, investing, and borrowing, said Antonio B. Cintura, director of BSP Economic and Financial Learning Center (EFLC).

“This is part of the Bangko Sentral’s advocacy to educate Filipinos on financial issues and protect them from financial scams and frauds,” he said.

Financial education expo is a continuing work of the BSPEFLC that aims to promote greater public awareness and understanding of key economic and financial issues to ensure that a greater segment of the population is able to make informed decisions, which is in line with the government’s effort to increase involvement of people into the growth process in a community, Cintura said.

www.johndprovoice.com

Promote... from page B4

the country’s tax collections.

To mitigate the impact of the peso’s strength on the economy, Abola said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can continue buying dollars, mandate an 18-percent reserve requirement (RR) for foreign currency deposits and raise the RR for both local and foreign deposits.

H e s a i d t h e n at i o n a l government can also buy back dollar debt and replace this with peso debt.

Abola noted that a change in the BSP charter is also imperative to include “maximum or full employment” and “competitive exchange rates” as goals.

The country can also adopt “tobin” tax on foreign exchange transactions and interest rate equalization tax to prevent carry trade, he added.

To alleviate the impact of a strong peso on local industries, Abola further said that the Board of Investments (BOI) can include the business process outsourcing (BPO) and exports below $1 billion among the pioneer industries.

Likewise, the telecommunications and power companies can subsidize rates to these affected sectors, he said.

Pryce Plaza Hotel Carmen Hill, CDO, Tel. No.722791 to93/858-4537 E-mail:reservations@pryceplaza.ph

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10 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Editor : Clifford Santillan, E-mail: santillan.clifford@yahoo.com

TUESday | september 10, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Vin Diesel’s ‘Riddick’ Opens No. 1 With $18.7 Million Vin Diesel’s Riddick topped the domestic box a hostile planet and grows and Oprah Winfrey, has now office as the fall season got underway, grossing ever stronger as he fights earned $91.9 million in North off his enemies. The movie America. a solid $18.7 million.

Diesel now owns the rights to the Riddick character, a n interga lact ic ex-con who can see in the dark.

Riddick was independently financed for $38 million, with Universal picking up U.S. distribution rights. The studio also released the first two films in the franchise.

The weekend after Labor Day is always sluggish in terms of moviegoing. Riddick helped drive revenue up 24 percent over the same weekend a year ago. And Imax theaters saw

big returns, contributing $2.5 million of the total gross from 314 locations. Males and Hispanics made up a large percentage of the overall audience (59 percent and 37 percent, respectively).

“Face it, this is never a great weekend. I was hoping Riddick would get to $20 million, but this is a great result,” said Universal ’s distribution chief Nik ki Rocco.

In t he latest outing, Riddick is left for dead on

Daily

HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) -You need some time to yourself today -- or at least a little privacy. Things are great, but now and then you need the mental space to process everything that has been going on in your life.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - You are finding it easier to get things done today -- so much so that you may close an important deal long before you thought you would! Now is a great time to sign on the dotted line.

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) - Try to take greater care with your temper today -- it’s simply far too easy for you to shake people up when you think you’re just venting. It may be hard for you to relate to certain people for now.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - You are feeling a sense of ownership over something that might not really be yours today -- so try to let go as much as you can. It’s a really good time for you to reconsider how you feel about things and people.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - Today is all about watching and waiting and taking notes. You may feel impatient with the pace of the day’s events, but you should be able to see where things are heading with ease.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - You need to deal with some serious emotional business today, and it might be made even more difficult by someone’s challenge. The good news is that you’ve got more than enough strength to handle it all.

New Line’s R-rated comedy We’re the Millers continued to chug along, coming in No. 3 with $7.9 million and pushing its total to $123.8 million.

Spanish-language film Instructions Not Included grossed $8.1 million as it expanded into more than 700 theaters. From Pantelion and Lionsgate, the comedy has now earned a strong $20.3 million.

At the specialty box office, TWC’s Salinger opened to a strong $90,969 from four

also stars Jordi Molla, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Bokeem Woodbine, Raoul Trujillo, Nolan Gerard Funk and Karl Urban.

R iddick opens in 22 international markets this weekend, including the U.K. and Hong Kong.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler cont inues to do st rong business as it heads into its fourth outing, coming in No. 2 and grossing $8.9 million.

The historical drama, released

by The Weinstein Co. and starring Forest Whitaker

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average of $23,294.

Directed by Shane Salerno, Salinger was likely boosted by its high-profile premiere over Labor Day weekend at the Telluride Film Festival. (the hollywoodreporter.com)

-MovieWatch-

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theaters in New York and Los Angeles for a location average of $22,742 -- the best since The Bully nearly 18 months ago. Bully, likewise released

by TWC, opened to $116,472 from six theaters for a location

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The original cast of the horror movie Insidious reunite Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye and Ty Simpkins - in Insidious Chapter 2, a terrifying sequel to the semisuccessful horror film, which follows the haunted Lambert family as they seek to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world.

The first Insidious was released on April Fools Day 2011 and took in $54 million at the U.S. movie box office.

INSIDIOUS (CHAPTER 2)

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CIRCLE A WORD ends with “y”

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seventy shiny snowy stony surgery tenancy tyranny

SUDOKU How to play the game?

Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition

of the same digit.

Yesterday’s Answer

LEO (July 23 – August 22) - You need to spend some extra time on a collection of some kind -- maybe signatures for a political campaign, maybe antique porcelain dolls. That part of your brain needs some new stimulation!

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - You should do whatever it takes to get at the hidden variables underlying the mystery you are facing today.

You are at your best when you’re filling in gaps and answering big questions.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - You aren’t thoughtless -- you’re just thinking about your own needs for a change! Let others think what they will, because you need to take care of yourself first and foremost for the time being.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) - You are getting every bit of respect you deserve -- and you can feel the change when it happens. Your great energy helps you to push for even greater advantage as you make your way through the day.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) You may feel the need for some alone time -- so go right ahead! You probably deserve it, and it’s likely that you need the mental space to keep everything straight in your head. Go for it!

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) You’ve got people on your side, even if that seems utterly crazy right now. Reach out for help and you are sure to be surprised by the quickness and strength of the response! Things keep getting better.

Amazing Facts!

Did you KNOW?? ..

The deadliest disease was the pneumonic form of the Black Death of 1347-1351. It had death rate of 100%.

CROSSWORD puzzle across 1. British country 6. Pungent taste 11. Come up 12. US state 13. Yes, in Segovia 14. Pouch 16. Created 17. Golf peg 19. Light 21. Chess rank 22. Notice 24. Svenson of Walking Tall 25. While 26. Plural ending 28. Explode 31. Until 33. Bout Ending 35. Big fish 38. Viva Papa 39. Evil 41. Each

42.

44.

46.

47.

49.

51.

52.

Donate Small amount Hello Happening Taints Water grasses Follow DOWN 1. Rubbish 2. Zodiac sign 3. 3et the star 4. Curved letter 5. Stamp 6. Morning 7. Crame 8. Inlet 9. Asian land 10. Judges 15. Taxi 18. Center prefix 20. Cleaning tool 23. The: archaic

27. Move on snow 29. Game extension 30. State university 31. Big cat 32. Green fruit 34. Ancient 36. First Indian prime minister 37. Appear 39. Sell 40. Luxury 43. Bobby the singer 45. _]ovi 48. Elliot’s initials 50. You and me Yesterday’s Answer

Mindanao Daily NEWS

TUESday | september 10, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Pests... from page 1

programs to monitor the quality of banana produced for exports, the number of exporters who ship low-quality bananas are increasing.

“Consequently, this affects the trade of bananas in the international market,” they said.

Expor ters added the accreditation policies and procedures of the Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Services (BPI-PQS) should be reviewed and enforced to ensure that international standards for farms and packing houses are complied.

Ed g ar B ul l e c e r, c h i ef executive officer of agricultural producer Paglas Group of Companies, identified weather and diseases as among the problems and constraints facing banana producers.

Financing and market stability also remain perennial problems of the sector.

“Bad quality bananas that manage to reach the export market compromise the image of overall Philippine banana,” he said during the Export Congress.

To meet the strict requirements of importing countries, Bullecer recommended the holding of training on quality standards and benchmarking, product and technology upgrading and encouraging growers and processors to seek for certification.

Such certifications include the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) accreditation and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

Steag... from page 1

Steag’s power plant at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, has two identical electric power generating units with a combined net generating capacity of 210 MW. It accounts for about 20% of Mindanao’s total power supply.

More than a month ago, Steag’s Unit 1 also underwent a scheduled maintenance shutdown beginning July 27, 2013. The maintenance works were carried out as planned and completed on August 13, 2013, some 34 hours ahead of schedule.

Dr. Evers explained that like any other industries, periodic maintenance works for power plants need to be carried out to ensure the power generator’s ef ficiency and reliabilit y.

“With the two units now in full operations, Mindanao’s power shortfall is expected to improve,” Dr. Evers said.

Since start of its commercial o p e r at i o n s i n N ove m b e r 15, 2006, SPI sustained a remarkable availability rate of 93%. About 9.8 billion kWh of electricity have been delivered so far to the Mindanao grid.

Steag’s power plant is considered as Mindanao’s most modern. The company utilizes state–of-the-art technologies that enabled it to sustain through the years a highly efficient, reliable and responsible power plant operation.

SPI is a leader in highly advanced coal power generation technology. It was established as a special purpose company

to finance, build, operate and maintain Mindanao’s 1st and so far the only coal-fired power plant in the island. SPI is majority owned by Steag GmbH which is one of the largest electricity producers in Germany and an active global player in energy development and services.

Tuna... from page 1

provisions of ILO Convention 188 or the Work in Fishing Convention of 2007 as it would require a major overhaul and upgrading of local fishing fleets.

“We need enough time to study the implications of the ILO Convention because there are provisions that are difficult for us to comply right now. So what’s the use of the law if it can’t be implemented immediately?” she said in a press conference.

Contreras specifically noted the provision on structural standards that set a minimum area or size for fishing boats involved in commercial operations.

She said local tuna fishing fleets, especially those employed by fishing companies based in this city, are mostly composed of small pump boats and motorized fishing vessels.

ILO Convention 188, which was adopted during the 96th International Labor Conference in 2007, mainly seeks “ to ensure that fishers have decent conditions of work on board fishing vessels.”

An ILO briefer said the Convention covers the minimum requirements for work on board fishing vessels; conditions of service; accommodation and food; occupational safety and health protection; and, medical care and social security.

As of last July, the convention was already ratified by Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco and South Africa.

At t h e 15 t h N a t i o n a l Tuna Congress here over the weekend, the delegates adopted a resolution requesting the government to defer the ratification of ILO Convention 188 and its accompanying ILO Recommendation 199.

They specifically sought for the deferment “pending a favorable consensus among all stakeholders has been attained after an in-depth impact assessment and comprehensive consultation process.”

Dominic Salazar, chair of SFFAII’s program and resolution committee, said they are not much concerned about the Convention’s wage and salary provisions as local fishing companies mainly employ a sharing scheme with their workers.

H e s a i d t h e n at i o n a l g ove r n m e n t s h o u l d f i r s t study whether the country, in general, can comply with the Convention’s provisions.

“There are actually provisions that are difficult even for BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) to comply,” he stressed. (PNA)

Export... from page B5

Paraliza’s coconut wine is packaged in three classy varieties: Dry Red, Sweet White, and Sweet Red. It is sold at P338 in the local market; while

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

it will cost $15 to $20 abroad.

The growth of agro-based and forest export products like coconut-based goods have been offsetting the decline in receipts from Philippine manufactured exports.

DA...

from page B5

Recipients of the carabaos were Inungka Islamic Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (M PC) i n Tu bar an town, Micolabo-SCFO MPC in Picong, Ilian-Salipongan Integrated Farmers MPC in Taraka, Catogonan Farmers Association in Buadi-puso Buntong, Ilian Far m er s As so c c iat i o n i n Pagayawan, Tadman Farmers Producer Cooperative in Bubong, Maguing Farmers Marketing Cooperative in Maguing, and Tamlang Producer Cooperative in Pualas town.

The goats, on the other hand, were distributed to Modern Farmers MPC in Ganassi, Mandara R.R. MPC in Ditsaan-Ramain, Kapai Farmers MPC in Kapai, Sugod Farmers Association in Madalum, Rinabor Farmers Association in Bayang, Rainbow Farmers Association in Pagayawan, Kadingilan Farmers Marketing Cooperative in Madamba, Macaorandig Farmers Association in Malabang, and Rockland Agrifarm Producer Cooperative in Balindong.

Diapar also said the DA provincial office is planning to distribute four cattles, four carabaos, 120 goats and 180 native chickens next year to other cooperatives and associations who were not included in the distribution this year.

Aside from animal distribution, Diapar said the Agri Pinoy Livestock program also include animal treatment, artificial insemination, antirabbies vac cination, and seminars and trainings in the different municipalities.

Control... from page B5

smoke-free environment and workplace for their constituents.

The said ordinance envisions to increase public awareness on the dangers of smoking, at the same time, curb the scourge of the tobacco epidemic that continues to be the leading risk factor for premature deaths in the country, Micarandayo added.

Spend... from page B8

in Western Visayas,” Jericho P. Go, Megaworld’s first vicepresident, was quoted in the statement as saying.

Megaworld in May announced the expansion of the project at the site of the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district to 72 hectares (ha.) from 54 ha. “We have exciting plans for the additional 18 ha. that we have acquired. A unique leisure, commercial and residential development concept will soon be introduced to the Ilonggo market,” Mr. Go. said.

Megaworld last month announced the construction of a P1.5-billion Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, the second hotel brand to rise in the township.

The first hotel, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, is expected to start operations by early 2015. Both hotels, which will be linked to

B11

the proposed Iloilo Convention Center, will offer an additional 450 rooms for business travelers and tourists in Iloilo.

Megaworld also plans to offer close to 100,000 square meters of leasable floor area for business process outsourcing companies in the next three to five years. “We will definitely be bringing in new and first-time BPO locators to Iloilo,” Mr. Go said.

Iloilo Business Park is modeled after similar existing projects of the company, among them: 18-ha. Eastwood City; 50-ha. McKinley Hill in Bonifacio Global City; 25-ha. Newport City in Pasay City; and the 25-ha. The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the firm said.

Vista... from page B8

To date, Vista Land has developed only residential subdivisions in Cebu.

Vista Residences recently launched the 25-storey The Loop in the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City. It is the company’s second vertical project in Mindanao after mid-rise condominium project Northpoint along J.P. Laurel Street in Davao City.

Vista Land netted P2.6 billion in the first half, or 18 percent higher than the P2.2 billion in the same period last year, on strong demand for its Camella brand.

Vista Land is the holding company of five business u n i t s , n a m e l y, B r i t t a ny, Crown Asia, Camella Homes, Communities Philippines and Vista Residences.

Spacious Rooms Approx. 4m x 5.5m • Fully Airconditioned • Cable Ready • 21” LCD/24” LED TV • Personal Refrigerator • Hot & Cold Shower • Kitchenette • Intercom • Cabinets/Closets • Free wifi internet • Business Center with Terlephone, Computer & Fax Machine Open for Short Term & Long Term Lease For Reservations Contact Us: 09351842333

facebook.com/jerggyp • jerggy_p@yahoo.com

Condo... from page B8

BPO office is accessible via Metro Rail Transit Line 3, buses along EDSA, and jeepneys plying roads linking Greenhills in San Juan City and Ortigas business district.

The company also noted the development’s proximity to various retail and commercial centers such as Robinsons Galleria Mall, SM Megamall, Shangri-La Mall, Podium, as well as hotels Crowne Plaza, Oakwood, Discovery Suites, and EDSA Shangri-La. Aside from its significant contribution to the economy, the BPO industry is often tagged as the driver of the office property market.

The BPO industry’s work force grew by 21% or 137,066 to 776,794 last year, the Information Te c hno l o g y an d B usines s Processing Association of the Philippines reported early this year.

The industry expects to grow by 15%-20% this year in terms of head count and revenues, targeting revenues to reach $25 billion by 2016 and work force to grow to 1.3 million by then.

Cityland was incorporated in 1978 with a primary purpose of acquiring and developing land for residential, office, commercial, institutional, and industrial use.

The developer has built medium- and high-rise office, commercial and residential condominiums in the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, and Pasig, and has developed residential subdivisions and farms in Bulacan and Cavite provinces.

Its P148.88-million net income last quarter drove profit to P295.15 million in the first half, up by 15.99% from P254.47 million in the same six months last year.

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

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12 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

EDITOR: CHENG ORDOÑEZ , e-mail: cheng.ordonez@gmail.com

Science&Health

TUESday | september 10, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

First in Mindanao:

Better Vision without Eyeglasses with Solid State Laser Surgery It’s another forward step towards global competitiveness for Cagayan de Oro City, recently adjudged “The Philippines Most Competitive City” by the National Competitiveness Council.

The Refractive Laser and Surgicenter of Mindanao (RLSM) recently opened its doors to pat ients at t he Minda nao Eye MD, Inc. (M EM DI) Bldg. at the Madonna and Child Hospital Compound in Jesus Seriña St., Cagayan de Oro City.

MEMDI is composed of a group of ophthalmologists and other medical practitioners in Northern Mindanao. Founded in Feb. 5, 2012, it owns and operates the R LSM, the f irst and only facility in Mindanao which offers state-of-the-art laser vision correction with its Pulzar Z1 Solid State Refractive Laser.

“The high performance CustomVisPulzarZ1 solid state refractive laser is the only commercially-proven solid-state refractive laser system installed in many countries across the globe which offers a cost-effective technology allowing truly customized treatment for a la rge ra nge of v ision disorders,” said Dr. Rustan Hautea, MEMDI President.

“By integrating s ol id s t at e t e c h nolo g y with an innovative mu ltidimensiona leye

t r a c k e r, h o m o g e n o u s beam profile and a high repetition pulse rate, the P u l z a rT M Z1 h a s m a d e possible new heights of reliability, efficiency and customization which are vastly superior to the older exci mer la sers. We a re happy to be afforded the opportunity to make this world-class facility available to the people of Cagayan de Oro City and the Mindanao region.”

Dr. Hautea said laser vision correction uses a refractive laser to modify t he ref rac t ive power of the cornea to permanently improve t he v ision of a visually impaired person.

This is usua lly done on the corneal surface (PRK, LASEK, EPI-LASIK) or in the corneal stroma (LASIK).

Visually impaired persons 18 years old and above who have had a stable refractive status for the past two years w it h no s y s tem ic (e .g. diabetes) or eye conditions (e.g., keratoconus) t hat contraindicate performing t he procedure are idea l candidates for refractive laser surgery.

Among t he v isua l conditions which can be

s u c c e s s f u l l y a d d re s s e d w it h refractive laser surgery are post-cataract extraction refractive errors, primary refractive errors/ a met ropias (eye defects li ke as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, resulting from faulty refractive ability of the eye). and presbyopia (the age-related condition where the eye exhibits a progressively diminished abilit y to focus on near objects).

“In the first situation, p a t i e nt s w h o u n d e r g o cataract surgery sometimes do not attain the desired refractive result afterwards.

That is, they are either undercorrected or overcorrected and hence complain of notperfectly clear vision even after cataract surgery. This can be easily remedied by having them undergo a laser procedure to correct the problem,” Dr. Hautea said.

“In the second situation, some people are just born nearsighted, farsighted or with significant astigmatism.

Thus, they cannot see very clearly without the usual visual aids like eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, some people cannot tolerate wearing contact lenses or si mply wa nt to be f ree f r om t he i r e ye g l a s s e s .

In both situations, laser vision correction can offer

a permanent solution to their problem. In the third situation, people who are more than forty years old and want to be free of their read i ng e yeg la s se s c a n also look to laser vision correction for a solution,” he added.

Contrar y to common perception, Dr. Hautea says refractive laser surgery is a relatively painless and uncomplicated out-patient procedure, is very affordable and with very good and consistent outcomes.

“It is relatively painless and only takes anywhere

from 10-15 minutes per eye. For those who fear that the laser might not achieve its intended result, let me just assure them that the procedure is very safe and can actually be repeated (at no additional cost to the patient) should there be a need to do so.”

“Furthermore, although neither PHIC nor private insurance cover primary laser vision correction,it’s actually very affordable.”

For inquires, v isit the Refractive Laser and S u r g ic e nt e r M i nd a n a o tod ay at t he M E M DI

Bldg., Madonna and Child Hospital Compound, Mayor Jesus Seriña st., Cagayan de Oro City or call tel. (88) 880-0283, (8822) 745-252 or (0917) 726-7098.

B e side s la s er v i sion correction, the RLSM also offers a variety of ophthalmic services including outpatient consultations, surgical procedures for c at a r ac t , g laucoma surgery, corneal surgery, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (including newborn ocular screening) and other minor ophthalmic procedures.

Two-drug therapy for deadly MERS virus effective in monkeys; researchers A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs could be used to treat the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus that causes an acute respiratory illness in humans and has killed about half of the individuals known to be infected, a U.S. study said Sunday.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, showed that the combination of the two drugs, known as interferon alpha- 2b (IFN-2b) and ribavirin, “reduces virus replication and improves cl i n ic a l outcome” i n a recently developed monkey model of the MERS virus infection.

The t wo dr ugs a re routinely used together to treat viral diseases such as hepatitis C, and its combined use has been reported to inhibit replication of MERS virus in cell culture in a previous study, according to the researchers.

Picture shows the preparation of Albert II, the first monkey in space, before his historic flight.

Given the current lack of treatment options, the researchers concluded that the combination “should be considered as an early intervention.”

I n t h e i r s t u d y, investigators at the National Institutes of Health infected six rhesus macaques with the MERS virus and, eight hours later, treated half of them with the two-drug regimen.

Compared to the u nt reated a n i ma ls , t he treatment group showed no breathing difficulties and only minimal X-ray evidence of pneumonia, the

researchers said.

They also found that the treated animals had lower amounts of virus and less severe tissue damage in the lungs.

T he s e f i nd i n gs le nt support to the potential clinical application of the combination for treatment of the MERS virus infection in humans.

“IFN-2b and ribavirin treatment would be expected to provide the greatest benefit early in infection; however, the prolonged disease course in humans suggests t he treatment window may be considerably longer,” they wrote in their paper.

The researchers were a lso quick to point out that the rhesus macaque appears to develop only mild to moderate forms of the MERS disease, making it

Microscopic image of the “MERS” virus.

difficult to extrapolate the outcome of this treatment in severe human cases.

“Thus, it is currently unknown whether i n it iat ion of t reat ment upon progression to

severe respiratory illness would have any benef it, a situation faced in many acute infectious diseases,” they said.

MERS was first described in September 2012 a nd

continues to spread. So far, more than 110 human cases have been reported worldwide while 52 of them have been killed. Presently, there is no effective cure for it. (PNA/Xinhua)

I r a n pla n s to s end it s second monkey into space onboard the home-made rocket named Pishgam ( Pioneer) II within 45 days, Iran Space Agency director Hamid Fazeli was quoted as saying by local media on Sunday.

In January, Iran sent a capsule containing a monkey onboard Pishgam (Pioneer) I into space.

Fazeli said unlike the f i rst rocket wh ich wa s

solid-fueled, the Pishgam II will use liquid propellant, according to Tehran Times daily.

The plan to send living creatures into space is part of the project to send human beings into space within a course of five to eight years, said the Iranian official.

ISA has plans to launch t he Tad bi r (P r ud enc e) research satellite as well as Sharif and Nahid satellites into space by the end of the

Iranian calendar year, which ends on March 20, 2014, he added.

Iran, a founding member of t he Un ited Nat ions C om m it tee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, launched its first domestically-made dataprocessing satellite the Omid (Hope) in 2009.

Iran frequently says that it will push ahead with its space program in the coming years.(PNA/Xinhua)

It’s official! Iran to send 2nd monkey into space