BusinessWeek Mindanao (April 18, 2018)

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Briefly Filipino Food Month TO further promote the vast culinary tradition and treasures of the Philippines, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed a proclamation declaring April of every year as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or “Filipino Food Month.”

Through issuing Proclamation No. 469, signed on April 13, Duterte emphasized that the country’s culinary tradition should be “appreciated, preserved and promoted to ensure their transmission to future generations and to support the various industries, farmers and agri-communities”.

“Now, therefore, I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the whole month of April of every year as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or “Filipino Food Month,” the proclamation read.

Mindanao budget DAVAO City -- Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the government is commitment to pump-prime Mindanao’s growth by increasing its share in the national budget, with the main southern island historically being allocated a 13% share.

“Mindanao will receive at last P17 billion or 38% of the total infrastructure projects of the entire Philippines for 2018. It will get 33.8% of the total capital outlays for the whole country, so that’s more than one third,” Mr. Diokno said in an interview with the media before his scheduled talk at last Friday’s launch of the “Philippines Mindanao Jobs Report: A Strategy of Mindanao Regional Development” in Davao.

“We are committed to increase investments, both infrastructure and human capital so that we can pump-prime Mindanao’s economy and help it realize its potential,” he added.

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M’danao corridors gets $100-M in ADB funding www.businessweekmindanao.com

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Correspondent

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HE Mindanao Development Corridors strategy, with the south-central Mindanao area and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as pilot sites, will receive $100 million worth of funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Undersecretar y Janet M. Lopoz, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) executive director, said the funds will “complement our efforts to attract and retain more inclusive investment in Mindanao.”

“When we embark on this administration’s agenda for Mindanao, we are looking at holistic and sustainable development with dimensions on peace and security, human development, governance, and funding/PAGE 11

LOTUS POND. A resident harvests lotus fruits (‘sawa’ in Maguindanao, ‘kawati’ in Ilonggo) in Bugabungan, North Upi, Maguindanao. It is easier to harvest the fruits in summer because the water is shallow. mindanews photo by ferdinandh b . cabrera

Bambi backs beleaguered Misor water resort owners

By GERRY LEE GORIT, Reporter

BEACH and inland resort owners in the Province of Misamis Oriental have found an ally in the person of Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano who has vowed to composed a legal

team in case a proposed dialogue with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) bogs down.

backs/PAGE 11

MSU-IIT’s board top notcher among CebuPac’s 1st cadet pilots SMALL CATCH. A fisherman from the coastal barangay in Cagayan de Oro City grumbled after going home with a few catch of varieties of small fishes from Macajalar Bay. photo by gerry lee gorit

THE Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) recently sent off its first batch of Cadet Pilots for an intensive aviation training program at Flight Training Adelaide

(FTA), Australia.

The first of 16 Cadet Pilots were culled from over 12,500 applicants after a rigorous screening, series cadet/PAGE 10

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2

Economy

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

Gov’t allocates additional funds for Caraga IPs

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UTUAN City -In line with the conduct of the twoday Indigenous Peoples (IP) Leaders Summit held recently here with guest speaker Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), local officials and government agencies committed to provide additional funds for the priority programs and projects for the IPs in the region.

Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza committed a P5 million fund for the priority programs and projects intended for the IPs. Apart from that, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente

Lagnada also committed P2 million, while the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga will allot funds worth P15 million.

On educational assistance program, the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has already given P8 million through NCIP. For Caraga region alone, 200 slots are allotted for the 2018 scholarship to be granted to indigenous peoples.

As venue host of the two-day IP Leaders Summit, Mayor Lagnada, expressed that the said summit was one way of recognizing the presence of the IP communities in the region. This will also create good linkage with

the private sector, not only with the government.

“We take note of all your issues and concerns and we will see to it that thru our concerted efforts, we would be able to address these,” he said.

Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chair and Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba is committed to support the programs and projects for the Indigenous Peoples of Caraga region.

Meanwhile, Sec. Jesus Dureza, underlined that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wanted to ensure by all means that the welfare of the IPs are provided to them through the programs

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of the government that would directly address their concerns. He also emphasized that Caraga has a diverse culture, thus, everyone should be respected of their rights.

Sec. Dureza further underscored the aspiration of Pres.

Duterte to preserve the indigenous peoples’ culture and individual identity. Indeed, an IP convergence group was created to keep abreast of

the issues and concerns for the government to act appropriately on them.

“Be more actiondriven and participative in realizing the proposed programs and projects to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.

The administration is really keeping a friendly atmosphere among all IP communities in the country to come and work together in improving the IPs way of living,”

expressed Sec. Dureza.

Also, as an outright action of OPAPP Sec. Jesus Dureza upon knowing the pressing concerns of the Lumads in Caraga region, he led the appointing of a point person/group through the heads of government agencies with the help of LGU officials to lead, look into and focus in taking actions involving the titling of ancestral domains. (JPG/ VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Itik Pinas to boost poultry industry in Agusan del Sur AGUSAN del Sur -- Duck and chicken raisers are expected to experience increased income in the next few years in Agusan del Sur after the province was identified as recipient of the “Itik Pinas” project.

This was revealed by Dr. Ronnie D. Domingo, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) during the oneday advocacy seminar titled “Back to Basics – Scientific and Sustainable Livestock and Poultry Development” held recently at the Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The “Itik Pinas” project is a joint effort of BAI, National Swine Poultry Research Development Center (NSPRC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the

Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

With this project, farmer-beneficiaries will receive genetically superior breed of multiplier ducks and chicken.

Dr. Rene C. Santiago, center chief of NSPRDC explained that the breeder ducks have higher average productive period of 70 percent as compared to the old breeds which are only at 55 percent. This translates to an increase in egg production and additional income.

Moreover, eggs produced in Itik Pinas weigh an average of 65 grams a piece, meeting the requirements of the ‘balut’ industry.

Over 600 participants were present during the seminar who were oriented about their responsibilities and

benefits of the project.

They also listened to the lectures on Free Range Chicken Production by Dr. Ma. Asuncion G. Beltran (Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tarlac State University) and Duck Egg Production

by Dr. Santiago.

Also, as part of the repayment scheme, offspring from the dispersed animals will be rolled out to the next-inline beneficiaries.

According to Dr. Ruth S. Miclat-Sonaco, center director of the International Training Center for Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), the number of Itik Pinas recipients throughout the country is targeted to reach five million by the end of 2022.

Aside from those mentioned above, other itik/PAGE 11

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

CorporateWorld 3 PLDT partially divests from Germany’s Rocket Internet PAL recovers P900-M in specific tax payment Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Wednesday|April 18, 2018

LOCAL telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. has divested part of its shares on German-based Internet company Rocket Internet. to help finance its capital expenditures for the year.

In its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Monday, PLDT announced that its subsidiary PLDT Online Investments Pte. Ltd. has accepted the offer of Rocket Internet to purchase at least 6.8 million shares or approximately 67.4 percent of the total number of Rocket shares directly held by the company.

“Rocket earlier announced the buyback of up to 15,472,912 Rocket

shares through a public share purchase offer against payment of an offer price in the amount of EUR 24 per share,” PLDT said.

The final number of PLDT Online tendered shares accepted by Rocket will be determined after the offer period which is expected to end on May 2, 2018. “If greater than 15,472,912 Rocket shares are tendered, the Rocket shares to be sold by PLDT Online will be reduced proportionally,” it added.

PLDT currently has a 6.1 percent ownership stake in Rocket. The telco bought 10 percent of Rocket Internet for 333 million euros or $445 PLDT/PAGE 10

Puregold posts P5.84-B net profit PUREGOLD Price Club, Inc. reported a 5.7 percent improvement in consolidated net income to P5.84 billion in 2017 from the P5.53 billion earned in 2016 as consolidated net margins stood at 4.7 percent.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Puregold said it registered better than expected same store sales growth (SSSG) of 4.4 percent and 6.5 percent for S&R stores in

2017 which were driven by the strong consumer demand and the sustained economic growth of the country.

Puregold consolidated net sales increased by 10.6 percent to P124.5 billion in 2017 due to the continued strong consumer demand from its existing Puregold, S&R Membership warehouse clubs and S&R New York Style Pizza stores. profit/PAGE 10

T

HE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has instructed the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to refund the Philippine Airlines (PAL) almost P900 million in specific tax the latter paid for the importation of aviation fuel.

The court’s decision reversed its earlier resolution finding the

airliner liable to pay the tax for importing the fuel product in 2003 and 2004.

In granting the airliner’s motion for reconsideration, the Third Division of the court said PAL has complied with the requirements of Section 13 of Presidential Decree (PD) 1590 to get back the advance tax payment.

The decree stipulated that PAL may be exempt

from paying the tax on the importation of jet fuel if the product is not available locally at reasonable quantity and price.

“PAL was able to sufficiently show that the imported fuel was not locally available in reasonable quantity and price at the time of the importation,” the court said in its 23-page

decision.

The court noted that cost per liter of both Petron and Pilipinas Shell was higher compared to imported.

The court added that both the Air Transportation Office and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines had allowed PAL to bring in the aviation fuel.

AirAsia Philippines to mount Cebu-Shenzen flights PHILIPPINES AirAsia, Inc. is set to launch direct Cebu-Shenzhen flights on May 9, marking the budget carrier’s first route between Cebu City and China.

The local unit of the AirAsia Group said in a statement over the weekend that it will be launching daily flights from Cebu to Shenzhen, China.

Philippines AirAsia CEO Dexter M. Comendador said the route is part of strengthening operations outside Metro Manila and connections from the

Philippines to China.

“The addition of our first China route from Cebu hub enables us to further strengthen our network outside Metro Manila and open up new and exciting places to visit this summer.

Cebuano travelers would be delighted to experience Shenzhen’s modern metropolis and marvel at how the southern city that links Hong Kong to mainland China built the world’s largest electric bus fleet, massive malls, contemporary buildings and amusement parks,” Mr. Comendador said in a

statement.

Shenzhen in Guangdong Province is located in the Pearl River Delta metropolitan area. It is known as “China’s Silicon Valley,” home to some of the top global start-up and tech businesses from China including Huawei, BYD and ZTE. AirAsia is eyeing to introduce Manila-Osaka flights in the second semester of the year, which will be the first Philippines AirAsia route to Japan.

Philippines AirAsia launched daily flights to the Indonesian cities of

Bali and Jakarta in January this year.

The airline has also re-assigned Clark International Airport as its hub.

The airline expects to have 70 planes in its fleet in 10 to 15 years.

Mr. Comendador had said last month that the plan of Philippines AirAsia to launch an initial public offering within the second half of this year may be pushed back given the government’s plan to close Boracay island for six months due to environmental concerns.

4

Opinion

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Corridor or backdoor?

HOTLINE Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

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Ruffy magbanua THE use of the word corridor has been ‘prostituted’ many times over by the so-called economic planners all the way from the time of Fidel Ramos and up to the present dispensation.

Remember the IliganCagayan de Oro Growth Corridor? There never was enough growth along this so-called corridor supposedly aimed at improving the infrastructure, enhance connectivity and ensure balanced growth in Northern Mindanao.

To make the story short,

Kakampi mo ang batas

Philippine Press Institute

Batas Mauricio

Climate-controlled family think a minute

jhan tiafau hurst T h i n k a mi nute…What kind of climate do you enjoy living in? Did you know t hat you can live in the exac t climate you w a n t ! I ’m n o t t a l k i n g about the weather climate, but the more imp or tant c l i m at e o f y o u r h o m e .

The daily mo o d of your marriage and family. Just like a garden or plantation lives and grows best in a cer tain kind of climate, so does your marriage and family.

Your wife or husband and children live happiest when you control the climate of fe elings and emotions in your home.

We do this by the way we talk and treat each other.

The way we react to the daily problems, mistakes, or disagreements we may have. Do you wish your

family was more peaceful and happy? That you and your wife or husband did not argue and f ig ht so much? That your kids were more happy and conf ident?

Well, no one is forcing you and your family t o l i v e i n t h at k i n d o f unhappy atmosphere. It’s y o u r c h o i c e . Yo u mu s t decide to be the first to change and control your own hear t, mo o ds, a n d a n g e r. Yo u c a n’ t have a p e a c e f u l, happy marriage and family until you you rs el f f i rst h ave p eace and happiness in your own heart. Jesus can give you that kind of p eace, p ower, and s elfcontrol you need. Then you can help create the loving, happy climate in your home. It’s ne ver t o o l at e t o c h a n g e . S o today, why not ask Jesus to forgive you for your p a s t a n g e r a n d l a c k of self-control with your family? Then ask Him to take charge of your heart, m a r r i a g e , a n d f a m i l y, s o you can f inally star t enjoying a satisf ying, peaceful climate in your home e ver yday—for the rest of your life.

Just Think a Minute…

affected areas.

The challenge is now up for Mindanao -- to pursue socio-economic development initiatives through the four d e velopme nt cor r i d ors identified by the Report: the Northern Mindanao Development C orridor, Southern Mindanao Development C orridor, We s t e r n M i n d a n a o Development Corridor, and the Bangsamoro Development Corridor.

Supposedly designed to improve infrastructure, enhance linkages between growing and lagging regions, and ensure balanced growth, these growth corridors are perceived as it were to provide greater connectivity that can reduce transportation costs and improve t he competitiveness of farmers and producers.

So far, 35 infra projects consisting of ports and airports improvements, inter-regional and intermodal roads, bridges, and roll-on,

roll-off shipping facilities – are given priority for national government funding.

The Mindanao Report says that a total of 21 of these priority projects already have funding, amounting to Php17 billion.

The Mindanao Report believes that by unlocking the island’s potential, it could help sustain the country’s growth momentum, create more income opportunities for the poor, and help strengthen the prospects for peace.

Currently, 15 percent of the country’s GDP and 40 percent of agricultural production comes from Mindanao, but armed conflict in some areas, constrains Mindanao’s aspirations to accelerate inclusive growth.

Just how to address these issues that fuel conflict is another thing to be considered very seriously.

These are land ownership disputes, historical injustices, and weak governance at the hotline/PAGE 10

Misfortune from court cases led to blossoming of AND KNK

Member:

Oro Chamber

t he env isione d g rowt h corridor was not convincing enough.

And again, this time under an era of change, a comprehensive economic blueprint has recently been laid out called Mindanao Jobs Report: A Strategy of Mi nd ana o R e g i ona l Development.

Accounting a third of the country’s poor, Mindanao, it has been said, has to unlock its full potential to bring down poverty.

How to unlock the island’s great potential, the Mindanao report has identified three areas with which the need to address is urgent and most pressing: raise the productivity of Mindanao’s farm and fisheries sector by improving connectivity and access to local and global markets; invest in health, education, skills training, and social protection for the poor; and address the drivers of conflict by strengthening institutions in conflict-

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Holy Bible).

-ooo CAN ANY PERSON DO SOMETHING TO “BE CAREFUL” OR TO “TAKE CARE” OF HIMSELF OR HERSELF? Once in a while, when I am not doing anything important and I am simply w hi ling my t ime away

(especially when I am waiting for my court hearings to start, or waiting for my plane to take off for some local or international destination), I derive amusement from closely observing things that are happening around me, convinced as I am that many of what I see depict the many colorful aspects of Filipino lives.

Take for example the conversation I personally overheard and witnessed between a lady security guard and an old man on April 13, 2018 at the front entrance of the Hall of Justice in Diliman, Quezon City.

As they finished their short exchange, the lady guard told the old man “be careful” (or, perhaps, “take care”)---a statement that is often uttered by many Filipinos, from Jolo, Sulu to Aparri, Cagayan, to almost everyone they come in contact with.

This has become highly

noticeable to me, on account of a question that keeps popping up in my mind every time I hear one person say to another “be careful” or “take care”. The question is, can anyone by himself or herself really do something to “be careful” or to “take care” of themselves or of their loved ones? Does any person have the power to prevent the occurrence of events that have been slated to happen in his life on account of God’s will?

-ooo WE MUST ACCEPT WHATEVER IS HAPPENING IN OUR LIVES BECAUSE T H E Y A R E U SUA L LY “BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE”: If we think about this more seriously, it should not be difficult to understand that man does not have the capability to stop events which have been mandated

by God to happen in his life, pursuant to His will. It is said

that anything that God willed to happen will happen, and there is no one or anything who or which can stop that will. Because of this, there is really nothing we can do but accept things as they happen.

But aside from simply accepting the events that are happening in our lives, it would do us well to thank God all the time for these events, even if at times we are of the perception that whatever is happening to us is not good for us. The truth is that, God’s thoughts are much higher than man’s thoughts, and His ways are far superior than man’s ways.

Thus, on many occasions, those which we consider to be prejudicial or injurious to us or our loved ones would, at the proper time, become “blessings in disguise”.

Those which we believe to be sufferings or grave problems would, at the misfortune/PAGE 9

Beware of fake forms of holiness hints and traces

roy cimagala THAT’S one of the things Pope Francis mentioned in hislatest Ap o stol i c E x hor t at i on , Gaudete et exsultate. We have to reallyknow what true sanctity is, how it is attained, where to find it, howto sustain it and make it grow, etc.

We cannot deny that there are many fake forms of holinessbesetting our world

today, and we have to know how to identify themand avoid them. One of the fake forms is what he called as Gnosticism,actually a very old heresy that continues to hound us today but invery subtle ways.

In p ar a g r aph 3 6 of the document, the Pope describesGnosticism as “a purely subjective faith w hos e on ly interest is acer t ain exp er ience or a set of ideas and bits of information which aremeant to console and enlighten, but which ultimately keep oneimprisoned in his or her own thoughts and feelings.”

Then in paragraph 37, he points out the consequence ofthis erroneous approach.

“Throughout the history of the Church,” hesaid,

“it has always been clear that a person’s perfection is me asure dnot by t he information or knowledge they possess, but by the depth oftheir charity.

“Gnost ics do not understand this, because they judgeothers based on their ability to understand the complexity of certaindoctrines. They think of the intellect as separate from the flesh, andthus become incapable of touching Christ’s suffering flesh in others,locked up as they are in an encyclopaedia of abstractions. In the end,by disembodying the mystery, they prefer ‘a God without Christ, aChrist without the Church, a Church without her people.”

We need to be clear about

this. While knowledge of thedoctrine of the faith is indispensable, it should not be separatedfrom the most important element of sanctity which is charity.

That’s why St. Paul said: “These three remain: faith, hopeand love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13,13) Earlier,he said: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do nothave love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I havethe gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, Iam nothing.” (1-2) And this love, let’s never forget it, should be the loveshown and lived by Christ fake/PAGE 10

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5

Banking&Finance

WB sees PH sustaining 6.7% GDP growth THE World Bank (WB) expects the Philippines to sustain stable economic growth this year and the next, noting the country should invest more in infrastructure and human capital to achieve further growth.

In its East Asia and Pacific Economic Update released on Thursday, the Bank said

the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to maintain its growth rate at 6.7 percent in 2018 and 2019.

“The country is expected to benefit from the global recovery during 2018,” it said.

However, the Bank said export growth is expected to level off this year compared to its

strong expansion in 2017, while imports are projected to remain elevated due to a high demand for intermediate and capital goods.

The outlook report noted that medium-term growth prospects depend on the sustained pick up in both public and private investment.

“Investment growth hinges on the government’s ability to effectively and timely implement the Build, Build, Build public investment program,” it said.

The Duterte administration has earmarked P8-trillion infrastructure investment until 2022 to boost economic growth.

Apart from infrastructure,

the Bank said sustained investment in human capital such as in education, skills and health, can also “push the economy beyond its current potential output.”

“The sustained overall growth would support the continuous poverty reduction,” it added. (PNA)

BSP tightens licensing for EMI, VC exchanges THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is keen on requiring entities applying for licenses as electronic money issuers (EMI) to also apply for a license as a virtual currency (VC)

exchange.

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said monetary officials are currently reviewing business models submitted by some entities since

some of these require another layer of authorization and not simply for VC exchange or EMI operations.

She said some proposals have “some kind

PH’s ‘hot money’ inflow still strong in Q1 GLOOMY news overseas and other factors dampened investors’ riskon appetite, yet foreign portfolio investments to the Philippines continue to post net inflows.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed that as of the week ending March 24, 2018, hot money, socalled due to the speed with which it comes in and out of the economy,

registered a net inflow of $727.81 million, a big turnaround from the $447.17 million net outflow in the week ending March 24, 2017.

Total inflows to date reached $4.907 billion, higher than the $3.186 billion in the same week last year.

Outflows reached $4.179 billion, also up compared to the $3.633 billion for the

corresponding period in 2017.

Monetary officials remain optimistic on the continued inflows of foreign investments to the Philippines supported by the sustained strengthening of the domestic economy and its proven resiliency against external shocks.

Last year, the country registered USD205.03 money/PAGE 10

SSS lowers compulsory retirement age of racehorse jockeys The Social Security System (SSS) has reduced the compulsory retirement age for professional racehorse jockeys, from 60 years old to 55 years old, in compliance with Republic Act 10789 or the Racehorse Jockeys Retirement Act. Based on RA 10789, the reduced age is to protect racehorse jockeys from the “inherent dangers of their profession which causes life-threatening injuries, permanent disability or even death.”

“Considering the danger the racehorse jockeys encounter, the new policy will allow them to enjoy their retirement benefit five years earlier than other SSS members,” said SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc.

In the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Order No. 169, the new compulsory retirement age covers those who have been employed and certified as a racehorse jockey by an employer licensed by the Philippine Racing Commission.

In addition, they must have also worked as a racehorse jockey for at least five years, either continuous or intermittent, prior to the semester of retirement which actual date falls not earlier than May 24, 2016, the effectivity date of the Racehorse Jockeys Retirement Act However, the DOLE order emphasized that the compulsory retirement age of 55 is applicable only in the absence of an approved retirement plan by the employer.

Aside from the requirements given

by DOLE, a racehorse-jockey SSS member must have paid at least 120 contributions to qualify for monthly retirement benefits under the SSS otherwise, the member will only receive a lump sum benefit. The member, however, has the option not to file the SSS retirement benefit claim application and instead continue to contribute to complete the required 120 contributions lowers/PAGE 10

of variation in the business model that is why we are carefully looking at that and now we might require (them), apart from being a VC exchange, (to) also (have) an EMI license.”

“We will require them to obtain a license as an electronic money issuer,” she told journalists at the sidelines of the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) convention in Makati Shangri La Tuesday.

EMI applicants are required to have a capital of about P100 million.

Earlier, Fonacier said they are currently assessing 29 applications as VC exchanges.

On February 6, 2017, the central bank issued Circular No. 944 requiring companies that intend to transact VCs to register as remittance and transfer companies (RTCs).

Before this, the central bank issued a warning in March 2014 urging the public to be cautious in using VCs as these remain unregulated.

To date, the central

bank has approved the operations of two entities involved in Bitcoin exchange, both of which are considered as remittance companies and are therefore required to meet rules on anti-money laundering, among others.

BSP data show that latest transaction data from these two companies, namely Rebittance and Bitour or Coins.ph, showed a big jump in VC transactions in the domestic economy, from about $2 million per month in 2015 to around $6 million a month the following year.

VCs were introduced around 2009 and most famous among these is Bitcoin, which remain unregulated since no central bank in the world has ever issued it. licensing/PAGE 9

Sports 6 Calabarzon, NU off to hot start; Tay Tung stunned in Palaro HS hoops C Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Wednesday|April 18, 2018

alabarzon began its road to redemption in the Palarong Pambansa secondary basketball tournament with a 30-point rout of Zamboanga, 82-52, in the first game of the tournament at the San Juan Municipal Gym here on Monday.

With one reinforcement joining NCAA juniors stronghold San Beda-Taytay this time around, the team

from Region 4-A quickly turned the match into a rout in just one quarter, outscoring the Region 9 boys, 28-8, in the opening period and never looked back.

NU, representing NCR, also made quick work of Eastern Visayas, 86-51, later in the day to begin its title defense.

The Bullpups broke away from a close start by limiting the Golden Stingers to 13 or less in each of the last three

periods.

Meanwhile, a highscoring encounter between Central Luzon and Soccsksargen ended up with the former winning, 99-96.

It was actually a game of quarterly brilliance as Central Luzon, banked on a core of Pampangueño players, blasted off in the first quarter with a 36-point output while limiting Soccsksargen to just nine in the third quarter.

Soccsksargen, which outscored Central Luzon, 26-19, in the second quarter to go up, 57-55, by halftime, actually had a fine showing in the fourth quarter, but still fell short.

On the other hand, Cagayan Valley posted the first upset of the tournament after downing last year's runner-up Tay Tung Thunderbolts, 68-63.

MJ Joson's 16-point output, which included a two-handed jam in the third quarter to delight

Clad in Ernz Huiso, models strike the runway during a catwalk show for Women's Month last March 25 at SM CDO Downtown Premier. photo by mark francisco

the fans, helped the men in green pull the upset against the Thunderbolts, representing Western Visayas.

Mimaropa played two games on Monday,

beating Bicol, 85-76, in the morning game and bowing to Northern Mindanao, 70-78, in the afternoon.

In the main game, Ilocos turned back Caraga, 83-77. (PNA)

NCR, Cagayan Valley joint leaders after Palaro Day 1 Cagayan Valley made an early statement in the first day of the Palarong Pambansa here on Monday.

As of 9:56 p.m., the Green Hawks scored two gold medals through Rahied Burdeos' successful conquest in the elementary girls shot put, where she made a 10.13-meter throw, and Algin Gomez's 6.96-meter long jump in the secondary boys division that bettered the rest of the field.

NCR also got two golds courtesy of Christian Ampong (secondary boys javelin throw) and Adrian Samudio (secondary boys triple jump).

Western Visayas was the most bemedalled

team after Day 1 with five -- one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes.

The lone gold came in record-setting style as Ann Quitoy broke the secondary girls javelin throw right in front of erstwhile record holder Sylvian Abunda, who settled for silver.

Abunda's runner-up finish is one of Northern Mindanao's two medals, both silvers, after Day 1. Bicol and Calabarzon each have one gold medal already with the former also taking a silver.

Mimaropa walked home with two silvers and one bronze in its pocket, while Soccsksargen got three bronzes after Day 1.

Central Luzon is the only other team with a medal, a bronze. (PNA)

GO FOR GOLD. Region V's Lheslie Delima (170) clocked 10:06.54 in the girls' 3000-meter run and captured gold while Camila Tubiano of Region X clocked 10:07.07 for silver at the Palarong Pambansa held at the Quirino Stadium in Ilocos Sur on Monday (April 16, 2018). (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

Bicol scores Palaro’s first gold; javelin throw record broken BANTAY, Ilocos Sur -- A Bicolana got the privilege of winning the first gold medal in the Palarong Pambansa 2018 at the Quirino Stadium here on Monday.

Lheslie De Lima took the top spot in the 3,000-meter steeple chase after beating Camila Tubiano of Northern Mindanao in a close race.

De Lima maintained her stride in the final 100 meters to edge Tubiano by just nearly a half-second. De Lima came in at 10:06.54, while Tubiano stepped on the finish line at 10:07.02.

Grace Tejones of Western Visayas took the bronze with the time of 10:52.99.

On the other hand, Ann

Quitoy of Western Visayas did not only dethrone Sylvian Abunda as the secondary girls javelin throw champ but also shattered her old record in style.

Quitoy’s throw went 45.72 meters, way longer than the previous record of 42.85 set by Abunda last year in Antique.

Abunda, representing Northern Mindanao, was actually far from her gold medalist self this time as her throw was only good for 41.28 meters, still enough to capture the silver.

Soccsksargen’s Marizel Buer took the bronze with a throw of 39.44 meters. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

Billboard

DOST-FPRDI testing labs support the forest-based and related industries The country’s furniture, pulp and paper, and plywood industries have found a partner in their bid to make it in the world market - the FTL or FPRDI Testing Laboratories of the Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) thru the Philippine

Accreditation Bureau (PAB), the three laboratories (one each for furniture, pulp and paper, and plywood) conducted 1,394 tests for 515 customers last year, and earned an income of about Php 4.07 million.

According to the FTLs’ Quality Manager Ms. Adela S. Torres, “Having their products tested by an ISO-certified lab ensures our clients that they get consistently valid results, and gives them the credibility they need

to access new markets overseas, maintain their presence in old markets, and meet the demands of certain government agencies.”

Customers who had their products assessed by an ISO-certified lab no longer need to have them re-tested since the standards used by these facilities are globally recognized. This saves time and money for exporters.

“One of the the FTLs’ long-time clients

Mr. Freddie M. Ordinario conducts a test at the FPRDI Plywood Testing Laboratory.

is the government’s Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service (DBM-PS),” relates Torres. “ The Service requires all its suppliers to submit samples of their paper products to DOST-FPRDI. Only those companies that pass the tests will qualify for public bidding.

This centralized and direct purchase by the PS saves the government about 30% in the cost of its paper supplies.”

For furniture products, on the other hand, only firms which meet the FTL’s evaluation can take part in the public bidding process of the Department of Education.

The FTLs are ran under the DOST’s OneLab project, a platform which gives broader and more efficient public access to all of the Department’s testing services.

DOST-FPRDI also offers wood identification, chemical, physical and mechanical, and bioenergy testing services for forest-based and related products and is currently working for the eventual ISO-accreditation of these. (Rizalina K. Araral, April 2, 2018) (DOST-FPRDI, S&T Media Service)

7

Pres. Duterte witnesses signing of GSIS, DepEd pact to finance loan of teachers from private lenders President Rodrigo Duterte today witnessed the signing of an unprecedented memorandum of agreement between the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Department of Education (DepEd) that will facilitate the payment of the loans of teachers and other personnel of DepEd from private lenders, through a loan facility from GSIS. “We don’t want DepEd employees to sink deep into debt, so we have proposed a better way for them to manage their finances. The borrowers will pay back the loan to GSIS at easy and affordable terms,” GSIS President and General Manager Jesus Clint Aranas said.

He added that having several loans weakens the employees’ capability to settle their obligations, which include payment of their monthly GSIS premiums and contributions.

“Payment of their GSIS premiums and loans usually take a back seat.

If the practice continues, their future GSIS benefits are bound to suffer,”

Aranas added.

The project reinforces the issuance of DepEd Order (DO) No. 38 on 31 July 2017 reiterating the instruction to prioritize premium and loan payments for GSIS for other loans.

GFAL will be piloted for six months in 12 areas across the country, including Batangas, Bulacan, Dagupan, Naga, Cavite, Manila, Quezon City, Bohol, Ormoc, Koronadal, Butuan and Tagum.

Active GSIS regular members may apply for the loan if they are permanent; with paid premiums for the last three years; are not on leave of absence without pay; have an outstanding loan with DepEd-accredited PLIs; have no due and demandable GSIS loan; and have no pending administrative or criminal case.

If a private lender has filed a case against members for nonpayment of obligations after GSIS loan payments have been prioritized by virtue of DO No. 38, such members are still eligible to apply for signing/PAGE 9

KIWANIS CLUB OF CAGAYAN DE ORO HIGALAAY CHILDREN’S FEEDING PROGRAM LAUNCHING Kiwanis is known for the organization's commitment to "Serve Children of the World". Another successful event has transpired last April 10 when the club launched the 3 Months Children's Feeding Program in partnership of Barangay Puntod held at the Barangay Hall. This project aims to improve the health of the children specifically their weight. Well provided with Manna Rice and delicious food viands prepared by Health Committee Brgy.

Workers.

The launching was well participated by the Barangay Chairman Marvin G. Beja, Barangay Kagawad and Health Committee Chair Tyler Sia, Hon Alexander Dacer, Hon. Henry Dacer and the entire community from the different districts.

On the other hand, the Kiwanis Club of Cagayan de Oro Higalaay was fully attended by the Club President - Maya Boiser Gabule, Club Vice President - Faith S. Valcueba, Club Secretary - Christopher C. Gabule, Club Treasurer Rhanim Jailani G. Jarabe, Board of Directors - Past Lietuenant Governor Manny Domingo and Patricio L. Ollada, Club Feeding Program Chairman - Jeravie De Ocampo, Club Members - Joanna Ruby L. Presente, Carren Ann S. Daguman and Peter Paul T. Plaza.

8

Lifestyle

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

New line-up of Nokia phones launched in the Philippines H

Enjoy the best real-life experiences with the Nokia 7 plus, Nokia 1, the New Nokia 6 and Nokia 8110 4G

MD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today confirmed the availability of the Nokia 7 plus, Nokia 1, New Nokia 6, and Nokia 8110 4G for the Philippines. First introduced at the Mobile World Congress in February earlier this year, these new Nokia phones will go on sale during mid-April and May. Delivering on the promise of durability and reliability you expect from a Nokia phone, each new phone sets benchmarks in design with beautiful craftmanship, without compromising on technology.

Mr. Shannon Mead, Philippines Country Manager of HMD Global, said: “HMD Global is committed to continue the story of Nokia mobile, through the qualities that we first loved such as durability and innovation, designed to suit every need and style. With the new generation of Nokia Android smartphones and our classic but highly upgraded feature phone, we are proud to continue the Nokia mobile story, by giving the best mobile experiences across all price points.

We are committed to bringing the best technology to everyone.

The Nokia 1, with a familiar but refreshing design delivers all your 4G smartphone essentials with the latest Android Oreo (Go edition). The Nokia 7 plus is our flagship hero without the flagship price tag. This means ultimate design and craftsmanship is in the palm of your hand.”

The flagship hero you can rely on Designed to help you create stunning content, the Nokia 7 plus has the screen, power, design and features that make it a true hero of the Nokia smartphone range.

Combining innovative optical hardware and imaging algorithms, the Nokia 7 plus captures moments in photos that are true to life. With its impressive 16MP

front-facing camera with ZEISS optics, the Nokia 7 plus adapts to low light conditions by increasing light sensitivity to guarantee picture-perfect moments. Enhanced Dual-Sight harnesses the front and back cameras simultaneously to capture the ultimate #Bothie and keep it safe with unlimited photo and video uploads to Google Photos.

To enable you to capture and enjoy more content for longer, the Nokia 7 plus is backed by the powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 660 Mobile Platform.

With a large 3800mAh battery, you won’t have to worry about battery life, even when you are broadcasting your #Bothie videos live on Facebook or YouTube.

The phone’s gently curved back and slim edges give you a bigscreen experience in a comfortable, neat package. The vivid 6-inch 18:9 full-HD+ display makes the Nokia 7 plus perfect for browsing, social media consumption, gaming and entertainment with more content in the same width as a traditional 5.5-inch display device.

The Nokia 7 plus will be available in Black/ Copper and White/ Copper from April 27th and will retail for PHP 21,990.

Pre-sale opens online from Friday 13th April through Abenson. com, argomall, and MemoXpress, and soon on Lazada. You can even avail of 0% interest over 9 months via Home Credit, when you apply online through argomall. com.

A 4G smartphone for every Juan The Nokia 1 is a breakthrough in accessible technology, delivering smartphone essentials with the reassuring quality that can be expected of a Nokia phone and a refreshingly familiar design to fans around the world. Giving more people access to technology, the phone comes with Android Oreo™ (Go edition),

HMD Global Oy APAC Head of Communications Nicholas Lim, HMD Global Oy-Philippines Country Manager Shannon Mead, and HMD Global Oy-Philippines Head of Marketing Gilbert Penaflor launched the new lineup of Nokia phones that promise durability and reliability.

a version of Android optimized for devices with 1GB RAM or less.

The Nokia 1 is designed to be smooth and responsive, with full access to the Google Play™ Store. This means you can find all your favorite apps from WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to mobile banking while also highlighting apps that are optimized for Android Oreo™ (Go edition).

You can give your Nokia 1 a makeover, thanks to the addition of the ever-popular Xpresson covers, available in a range of vibrant colors.

Simply press on and off in seconds to express your personal style with these exchangeable covers. Each cover has been built with the same precision and attention to detail as the phone’s original cover.

Inherently colored, the tough two-tone polycarbonate cover is ready to take on everyday knocks and bumps with its durable design.

The Nokia 1 will be available in Warm Red and Dark Blue starting April 13th and will retail for PHP 4,290.

Pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience With a commitment to a pure, secure and up-to-date Android, each smartphone will stay fresh over time with

On April 13, 2018, HMD Global Philippines launched the Nokia 7 plus, Nokia 1, new Nokia 6 and the Nokia 8110 4G.

monthly security updates guaranteed and with no unnecessary UI changes or hidden processes eating up battery life or slowing the device down, so you can enjoy your new phone for longer. By shipping with Android Oreo™ out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest Android features of the Nokia 7 plus, including Picture-inPicture for multitasking, Android Instant Apps to discover and run apps with minimal friction, 60 fantastic new emojis and battery-maximizing features like limiting background app use.

Tailored to devices with 1GB RAM or less, the Android Oreo™ (Go edition) in Nokia 1

comes with a new range of apps from Google, designed to run faster while consuming less data. Optimized to be smooth and fast, these include the Google Go web search app, Google Maps™ Go, YouTube™ Go and Google Assistant for Android (Go edition) to quickly send messages, make calls, set alarms and do more, simply by using your voice.

With fewer preinstalled and much lighter apps on Android Oreo™ (Go edition), you get 2x more available storage out of the box.

Shopping now even more convenient with Lazada Official store HMD Global further announced today the Official Store for Nokia

mobile on Lazada Philippines. You can now avail the full range of Android smartphones and Nokia feature phones with peace of mind.

In addition, you can experience the new generation of Nokia phones at authorized resellers and in Nokia stores, kiosks and exhibits nationwide.

Coming soon: New Nokia 6 and Nokia 8110 4G Today, HMD Global also confirmed that the much anticipated evolution of the successful Nokia 6 and the newest member of the Originals family Nokia 8110 4G will be coming to the Philippines in May.

9

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

Cebu Landmasters books P2.7 reservation sales in Q1, on-track to surpass 2018 target Leading VisMin property developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) is on-track to meet its P7 billion reservation sales target this year after sales rose 24 percent in the first three months. From January to March, the listed company sold P2.7 billion of its ongoing developments, reaching already 38 percent of its full-year goal.

“I’m happy to report that CLI is off to a recordbreaking start in 2018, recording our highest quarterly reservation sales at 2.7 billion," said Jose R. Soberano III, CLI chief executive officer. "This validates that our Visayas and Mindanao expansion has been well-received by the market, and we still see several opportunities to expand in these key VisMin

cities.”

CLI cited strong demand for newly launched projects including MesaVirre Garden Residences in Bacolod City.

Building A, with 294 units sold-out one month since launch . This prompted the opening of Building B with 442 units.

The land for Bacolod’s MesaVirre Garden Residences, as well as that for another ongoing development Casa Mira Coast in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, was purchased with part of the P2.9 billion proceeds raised from the real estate firm's initial public offering last year.

CLI said its ability to employ capital quickly to purchase land and start development immediately is a testament to its fast-

turnaround strategy.

The developer expects sales to remain robust as several big-ticket infrastructure projects in the VisMin region will provide growth opportunities for the real estate industry.

These include Terminal 2 of Mactan International Airport set to open on time in June 2018, the construction of the third bridge connecting Cebu and Mactan, and the Bacolod Economic Highway and flood control projects. All are in the Visayas.

In Davao region, the government plans to build the Mindanao Railway System covering a 102-kilometer stretch that will interconnect Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte with Davao City.

Misfortune...

the AND KNK, or Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo--may not be comparable yet in size and in power with other churches in the Philippines at this point, but God has already impressed upon the collective consciousness of its growing membership that He has given His anointing to it. Indeed, during my suspension as a lawyer, AND KNK slowly found its bearings. I now say, it was good I got suspended from being a lawyer, for otherwise, I would not have found the work God has prepared for me.

-ooo FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, or what we have discussed here, or to consult on any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917 984 24 68, or email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at www.facebook.com/attybatas.

Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

Signing...

from page 4

appointed period, turn out to be God’s way of preparing us for something much more beneficial or great for us.

-ooo MISFORTUNE FROM COURT CASES LED TO BLOSSOMING OF AND KNK: My own personal affirmation of the veracity of what I am writing about here can be taken from what happened to me in the notso-distant past. Because of my efforts to help a family from Obando, Bulacan in 2004, I got sued for 70 criminal cases for libel, even causing my three-year suspension as a lawyer. At that time, I felt this was the bitterest event in my life, and in the life of my family. That notwithstanding, I found myself crying out to God, asking Him what He truly wanted for me.

After 14 years this 2018, I was allowed to see that the cases against me, and my suspension as a lawyer as well, were all a necessary prelude to what I was being asked to do.

For not only was a mutuallyacceptable resolution of all these cases arrived at, which gave rise to their dismissal but, more importantly, this episode in my life allowed the establishment of a Christian Church, the main objectives of which are preaching and saving souls through Jesus.

This Church---the Children of God Blood Kin of the Christ Church, or

Licensing... from page 5

These are being used through online transactions to purchase virtual goods like online gaming environment and social networks as well as real goods and services provided by retailers and restaurants, among others.

(PNA)

from page 7

GFAL. Qualified members may borrow up to Php500,000, provided their take-home pay will not go lower than Php5,000 their monthly o b l i g at i o n s h a v e b e e n deducted.

The loan is payable in monthly instalments for six years at 6 percent interest rate per annum computed in advance. Payments will be automatically deducted from the borrower’s salary.

To apply, members may submit through their agency authorized officers (AAOs) a duly accomplished form, attached to which is an AAO-certified true copy of their pay slips for the last three months; certified documents specifying loan details with PLIs, such as borrower loan agreements and loan vouchers; and GSIS pro-forma statement of account duly accomplished

by PLIs. Interested parties who have inquiries may visit the GSIS website, www.gsis.gov. ph, or Facebook account, @gsis.ph; email gsiscares@ gsis.gov.ph; or ca l l t he GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747 or 1-800-8-8474747 (for Globe [free with minimum Php8.00 load] and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ’N Text subscribers; Php8.00/ call).

10

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

Cadets... from page 1

of tests, medical and physical examinations, and an aviation foundation course at the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training in Clark Field, Pampanga last month.

Among the 16 successful cadets chosen for the first batch of Cadet Pilots is Mindanawnon Darryl Dave G. Ditucalan of Iligan City.

“I wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid,” Dave recalls, remembering how people had a ver y high regard for pilots in Lanao del Norte. “I had a lot of airplane toys, among them an A320 model which I still keep in my bedroom.” Though he says there was no particular person who influenced his dream of becoming a pilot, people around him played a great influence in pursuing his chosen vocation.

“I had really wanted to take up a flying career and even considered joining the Philippine Military Aviation (PMA) just to be an aviator but my Mom did not approve,” he recalls. PMA graduates enjoy perks such as free training to the PAF Flying School though there is a mandatory 12 year service required for all aviators before they are allowed to pursue other flying careers.

Stymied on that track, Dave next looked up what scholarships were available online but they all were abroad so he gave up on his dream to fly to pursue a degree in electronics instead since he was fond of electronic gadgets and his parents couldn’t afford to send him to flying school.

A true-blue Iliganon, Dave was born and raised in Iligan, the second of three children of David Ditucalan, former board member of the 2nd Congressional District of Lanao del Norte and now a Congressional Consultant for the 2nd District, and Letecia G. Ditucalan, Provincial Head of Dept of Agriculture in Lanao del Norte. His eldest sister Lovelle was a Doctor to the Barrio, and is now preparing for her residency at East Avenue Hospital in Quezon City while his younger brother Deaniel Dave is now preparing for his freshman year as a B.S. Bio student at MSU-IIT. Dave finished his grade school at La Salle Academy and high school at the Integrated Developmental School- Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).

He t o o k u p a B . S . in Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) where he was graduated Valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude.

Following his graduation, Dave placed third in both the Electronics Engineering and Electronics Technician Board Examinations. He has also presented his thesis to various national and international conferences.

But after working for almost a year for a semi-

conductor company in Cavite as an IC designer, he found little fulfilment in his work, which was contrary to his expectations to be with people and to serve the people, which he attributes to his foundation from both parents who were both serving the people as public servants.

“My mom worked in the provincial agriculture office of Lanao del Norte and my dad also served as a member of the second district of the Lanao del Note provincial board so I was oriented early by my family to be service of the people,” he noted.

But his dream of flying wouldn’t go away.

When Cebu Pacific issued the call for the first batch of cadet pilots last year, Dave immediately jumped at the opportunity.

“To those wanting to be pilots but are financially or otherwise constrained, take advantage of this opportunity offered by Cebu Pacific,” he advised. “The ten year payback period is ver y affordable compared to what this career can bring to you and your family.”

Asked what qualities he had which had served him best in making it to the first batch of Cebu Pacific’s Cade Pilots, Dave replied “It’s discipline, discipline, discipline!”

“We have to watch our body and mind. We have to be prepared physically, mentally, and psychologically for this kind of career. Any minor problem to our physical or mental capability might be a career-ender,” he stressed.

Cebu Pacific will shoulder the cost of the training, type-rating and licensing, with successful cadet-pilots guaranteed employment with CEB. They will then reimburse the cost of the program through salar y deduction over a maximum of ten years at zero-interest.

Dave and his 15 cohorts will be spending 52 weeks at t he FTA c ampus in Adelaide and would return to the Philippines upon completing their training there to complete type-rating and licensing requirements to b ecome full-f ledged commercial pilots. After successfully completing the program, the cadet-pilots become First Officers at CEB, and join the corps of aviators at Cebu Pacific, flying domestic and international routes.

“Personally, I will help my brother in his studies, especially he will be taking medicine in the future and my parents are all retired by that time,” Dave said in response to his plans for the future.

“I would save and invest my money for my security and I will give back to the community as much as I could. Professionally, I’ll serve the people by serving C ebu Pacif ic w it h f u l l commitment and integrity.

I will support any endeavors by the corporation as much I could specially the expansion plans of the airline.”

CEB undertook the ground breaking program

after noting the dearth of pilots for its growing fleet of aircraft. Between 2018 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of six more brandnew Airbus A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo and seven ATR 72-600 aircraft, hence the pressing need for more pilots to man its growing fleet. These, in addition to its present 62-strong fleet of one Airbus A321CEO, 36 Airbus A320, eight Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500 and nine ATR 72-600 brand-new aircraft.

Hopefully, we will meet Dave and his cohorts again one day soon in one of our flights with Cebu Pacific.

Indeed, now EveryJuan Can Fly! (Mike Baños)

PLDT... from page 3

million.

PLDT has earlier said that it plans to divest part of its shares in Rocket to partly fund its capital expenditures (capex) for 2018.

“To supplement funding requirements this year, we are considering selling part of our stake in Rocket Internet subject to certain parameters and market conditions,” according to the company.

PLDT has earmarked P58 billion in capex for this year to further expand its mobile and broadband networks.

(PNA)

Profit... from page 3

Income from operations grew to P8.65 billion in 2017, up by 6.9 percent compared to P8.1 billion in 2016.

As of end 2017, Puregold group has a total of 372 stores nationwide. These include 309 Puregold stores, 14 S&R membership shopping warehouse, and 32 S&R New York Style QSR, 9 NE Bodega Supermarkets and 8 Budgetlane Supermarkets.

“We will continue to expand our store network by opening 25 new Puregold stores and 2 ne w S&R warehouse in 2018,” the firm said.

Hotline... from page 4

grassroots level.

The government must address these issues through the peace process and other initiatives to improve delivery of social services.

On one hand, the reform policies must support job creation and economic opportunity for all Mindanaoans to ensure success of whatever peacebuilding effort available on the negotiating table.

Easier said, but it can be done. What we need is political will. (ruffy44_ ph2000@yahoo.com)

Fake... from page 4

himself and commanded by him to be the kindof love we have for each other. “Love one another as I have lovedyou,” he said. (Jn 13,34) And what kind of love is shown and lived by Christ? A lovethat goes all the way to offer his own life for our sake, a love thatknows how to bear

all the sins of men. It’s not a love that is veryconcerned about the requirements of justice, because in the end, inspite of our best efforts, we know that we can never fully meet theserequirements.

And so we have to see to it that our growth in theknowledge of the doctrine of our faith should lead us first of all inthe growth of the charity as shown and lived by Christ. If we noticethat our doctrinal knowledge makes us feel superior to others, leadingus to look down on them, to be rash in our judgments, let’s beconvinced that we are on the wrong track toward true holiness.

Wewould be following a fake one.

True holiness should make us always humble, c omp a s s i on at e , p at i e nt , merciful, willing to bear the burden of the others, nevermind if in our human standards, things seem to be unfair. Trueholiness is living the beatitudes as articulated

by Christ.

Email: roycimagala@ gmail.com

Lowers... from page 5

to qualify for a monthly pension.

“If upon reaching the age of 55 and the racehorse jockey has already retired not earlier than May 24, 2016 but has not met the required 120 SSS monthly contributions, he may continue paying the lacking contributions. His retirement date will be the month after the semester of his 120th contribution,” said Dooc.

As an example, Dooc explained that a racehorse jockey who continued paying SSS contributions because he is still not qualified for an SSS monthly pension when he reached his compulsory retirement not earlier than May 24, 2016 and completed the 120th contribution on December 2019 can apply for an SSS retirement benefit

by April 2020.

To date, only underground and surface mineworkers whose actual date of retirement is not earlier than April 27, 2016 have optional retirement at age 50 with mandatory retirement age at 60 years old pursuant to Republic Act 10757.

For more details on the retirement claim application for racehorse jockeys, call the SSS Call Center at 920-6446 to 55 or email member_ relations@sss.gov.ph.

Money... from page 5

million net hot money outflow due to volatilities caused by, among others, the expectations for sustained hikes in the Federal Reserve’s key rates this year.

To date, Fed rate hike concerns remain a main issue after minutes of the March 2018 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting showed a hawkish outlook among US monetary officials.

They remain optimistic that the US inflation rate will continue to rise and stay within the Fed’s two percent long-term target. (PNA)

11

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

Funding... from page 1

social cohesion,” Ms. Lopoz said.

“Public investment in infrastructure, economic growth, and ultimately, poverty reduction come hand in hand in ushering sustainable development,” she said.

ADB-Philippines Principal Country Specialist Joven Z. Balbosa, said during a visit to Davao City last month, said the $100-million allocation is intended to help address the public investment gaps “cutting across local government, across regions that really matter for growth.”

He said ADB is looking at sustainable and consistent inter-regional programs that need larger investments.

“Right now,” he explained, “government agencies and local governments have different priority programs, but what the bank will do is come up with inter-regional mechanisms.”

“The project supports the government’s national spatial strategy, which recognizes the comparative advantages of cities and municipalities and seeks to address spatial and socioeconomic inequalities by linking lagging regions with economic growth centers,” ADB said in a statement.

Ms. Lopoz said under the Development Corridors s t r a t e g y, g o v e r n m e n t investments will be focused

on improving ports and airports or developing new ones.

Ms. Lopoz said among the key projects are the development of the Polloc Port in the ARMM, the “aerotropolis” in the cities of Tagum and G eneral Santos (GenSan), and the improvement of the Davao International Airport (DIA) in Davao City.

The Polloc port, she explained, will serve as a “major gateway in central Mindanao, providing transp or t and logistics supp or t to t he ARMM Regional Economic Zone and will be the main gateway for the proposed Bangsamoro region.”

The Tagum and General Santos aerotropolis projects are mixed-use facilities around airports that would “serve the growing air traffic to and from Mindanao,” Ms. Lopoz said.

T h e Un i t e d S t a t e s Agency for International Development is providing technical assistance to MinDA in preparing the conceptual plan for the General Santos aerotroplis project around the current airport.

“This is really all about bringing progress closer to the people, through connectivity infrastructure.

You see, if we want to invite more investors to Mindanao, then we also need to ensure that all the logistics and connectivity infrastructure

are in place in order to make these investments stay and flourish,” Ms. Lopoz said.

The other zones of the Corridors approach are the Northern Mindanao D e vel opme nt C or r i d or and the Western Mindanao Development Corridor.

In Northern Mindanao, the government has lined up the improvement of the Laguindingan International Airport and the construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge.

In Western Mindanao, a new Zamboanga International Airport is planned and Ms. Lopoz said the feasibility study for the project is ongoing.

Backs... from page 1

E mano, du r i ng a pre ss conference on Monday, said he is willing to mediate and initiate a dialogue between re s or t ow n e r s a n d t h e DENR, which reportedly is planning to close down beach resorts in, at least, three towns of Misamis Oriental province.

Emano said he is not against t he monitor ing of resorts by the DENR for easement and others violations, but insisted that it is improper for DENR to just shut down multimillion resorts, like the Seven Seas Waterpark in Opol town.

Emano said he will put up a legal team to battle with the DENR in court should

closure orders be release against resorts in the towns of Laguindingan, Opol and Initao, which are reportedly the target of DENR for various violations.

Last week, the regional office of the DENR, here, has confirmed that worldclass res or t S e ven S e as Waterpark in Opol town occupies on an estate that is under litigation.

During a briefing, DENR 10 counsel Florenda Yap reported that the Office of the Solicitor General has challenged in 2017 before the court the 2002 titling of a 51-hectare property in barangay Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

Part of the contested property is the 21-hectare S e ve n S e a s Wate r p ar k , which is owned by UC1 Corporation, a family firm established by Engr. Elpidio Paras, who has carved his own name as a pioneer in the ICT industry and inland tourism in Northern Mi n d an a o t h rou g h t he years.

In Friday’s briefing, Yap said that DENR is involved in the matter since they the whole disputed property has been declared by the

RE: Petition for the Cancellation of the Certificate Of Live Birth of JOHN KENNETH EBO DOMANICO.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Rm. 204-205, 2nd flr. de leon Square Bldg., pabayo-cruz Taal Sts., cagayan de Oro city Telephone no. (088) 857-3599 * cell phone nO. 0935-2379999

-versusSaMUel S. BOMBeO, SR.,

Mortgagor.

JOHN KENNETH E. DOMANICO,

- versus – Re: Extra-judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage under R.A 3135, as amended by act 4118.

KaTiBaYan nG ORiHinal na TiTUlO BldG. p-22666 A PARCEL OF LAND, Lot No. 41861, CAD. 237, (Lot 6822-C, CSD-10-011272D) situated at Barrio Molugan, Municipality of El Salvador, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the West, along line 4-1 by Lot 6818; On the NE., along line 1-2 by Lot 41862, (Lot 6822-D, CSD-10-011272-D); On the SE., along line line 2-3 by Road; On the SW., along line 3-4 by Lot 41860, (Lot 22-B, CSD-10-011272-D); All of CAD. 237, Cagayan Cadastre. Beginning at a point marked “1” on the plan being S. 01 deg. 36’W’., 560.50 m. from BLLM. No. 17, CAD. 237; thence: S. 74 deg. 29’E., 122.96 m. to pt.2; S. 21 deg. 41’W., 37.65 m. to pt. 3; N. 73 deg. 57’W., 113.57 m. pt. 4; N. 07 deg. 08’E., 36.77 m. to pt. of beginning, Containing an area of fOUR THOUSand THRee HUndRed SiXTY fOUR (4,364) square meters, more or less.

The undersigned auctioning notary hereby gives further notice that if on May 11, 2018 the minimum requirement of two (2) bidders/buyers will not participate in the auction sale pursuant to the Supreme Court EN BANC Resolution under Administrative Matter No. 99-10-05-0, the sale shall be postponed and re-scheduled on the next working day which is May 14, 2018 at the same time and place without republication.

This Notice of Sale will be pOSTed for a period of twenty (20) days in three (3) of the most conspicuous public places where the subject property is located, specifically in the bulletin boards of: (1) Barangay Hall of Molugan, El Salvador City, (2) Hall of Justice, Opol , Misamis Oriental, and (3) in the Main entrance of the city Hall of el Salvador city, where the sale shall take place, and likewise, a copy will be pUBliSHed in a newspaper of general circulation in Misamis Oriental, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the auction sale.

Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the property and the encumbrances, if there be any.

Cagayan de Oro City, March 14, 2018.

BWM: April 4, 11 & 18, 2018

from page 2

officials who gave their words of encouragement to the participants were Dr. Joriz G. Elevazo, Head of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Agusan del Sur; Nilo Manpatilan, IP Focal Person (ADS); Abel James I. Monteagudo, Regional Director of DA-RFO XIII; and Samuel L. Calonzo, OIC Center Director of ATICaraga. (Jason E. Jampac, ATI/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

SPL. PROC. NO. 335-07-2018

Petitioners,

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF BAROY, LANAO DEL NORTE,

Respondent. x----------------------------------/ ORDER

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Upon verified application for sale under act no. 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee, MaRieTa T. HeRReRa, of #143, Tejero Subd., Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, against the mortgagor, SaMUel S. cOMBeO, SR., of Block 11, Paris Ave., Capitol Homes, Diliman, Quezon City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of One MilliOn Seven HUndRed peSOS (p1,700,000.00) representing the principal amount and interest, excluding the 25% as attorney’s fees, cost and expenses of foreclosure and sale, and all other incident expenses which are likewise secured by the said mortgage, the undersigned notary public will sale at PUBLIC AUCTION, to the highest bidder, FOR CASH and in the Philippine Currency, on May 11, 2018 at 3:30 o’clock in the afternoon or soon thereafter at the Main entrance of the city Hall Building, el Salvador city, Misamis Oriental , the following described real property, together with all its improvement, to wit:

Itik...

Likewise for the Correction of Entry in the Certificate of Marriage of JOHN KENNETH EBO DOMANICO under the entry: Place of Birth of Husband from Baroy, Lanao del Norte to Makato, Aklan.

attorney-at-law

Mortgagee,

before the Office of the Solicitor General to look into the matter.

As counsel of the State, the Office of the Solicitor General ordered DENR to conduct an investigation.

T h at ye ar, t h e Community Environment and Natu r a l R e s ou rc e s Office (CENRO) - Initao whose jurisdiction includes the municipality of Opol, concluded that the then development that has now evolved into a world-class resort that is Seven Seas, is classified as timberland.

T h i s i s t h e b a s i s of the titling nullif ication petition, according to Yap.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12TH Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte

Office Of THe nOTaRY pUBlic MaRiO T. JUni

MaRieTa T. HeRReRa,

government as timberland in 1940.

But in 2002, a juridical entity called LS Properties was able to obtain a land title from the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 39 for the 51 hectares.

In 2012, UC1 C or p oration b oug ht 21 hectares from LS Properties.

In 2016, construction of S e v e n S e a s Wat e r p a r k started.

T he p e t it i on is now pending before the Court of Appeals 23rd Division, here.

The next date of hearing is set in June.

Yap said that it was only in 2016 that they learned that someone already possessed a title of the timberland area in Opol.

This, after UC1 Corporation started deploying earth-moving e quipment in t he are a.

Although titled, LS Properties had left it idle.

Alarmed by the presence of construction workers and aware of the timberland status of the area, the indigenous p e oples lobby ist Tr ib a l Communities Association of the Philippines (TRICAP) immediately appealed

A verified petition for cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of JOHN KENNETH EBO DOMANICO and Correction of Entry in his Certificate of Marriage under the entry “Place of Birth of Husband” from Baroy, Lanao del Norte to Makato, Aklan was filed before this Court on March 26, 2018 by the herein petitioner praying that after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Respondent’s office to effect the correction sought for.

Petition alleges that he is of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Purok 1, San Juan, Baroy, Lanao del Norte where he can be validly served with court orders and processes of this Honorable Court. That respondent Local Civil Registrar of Baroy, Lanao del Norte is impleaded pursuant to Section 3, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court. That petitioner was born to Spouses Sammy T. Domanico and Hazel R. Ebo at Cayangwan, Makato, Aklan on 16 June 1996, however at that time of his birth, his parents were not legally married hence his name was registered at the office of the Local Civil Registrar of Makato, Aklan. That petitioner’s parents were legally married on December 26, 1998 at Tubod, Lanao del Norte. That when he was Grade 5 he transferred school and enrolled at Baroy Central Elementary School, using Domanico as his family name. That petitioner’s aunt Edna Ebo thinking that his in Makato, Aklan was not duly recorded at the office of the Local Civil Registrar of Makato, Aklan, caused the late registration of his birth with the office of the respondent and from then on in all official records he carried the name John Kenneth Ebo Domanico with his birthplace as San Juan, Baroy, Lanao del Norte as reflected in the petitioner’s second Certificate of Birth. Likewise, when petitioner got married to Fatima Ohya David, his place of birth indicated in his Certificate of Marriage was Baroy, Lanao del Norte.

That his wife petitioned him for Certificate of Eligibility with the government of japan, so he can follow her and live with her and be gainfully employed in Japan, a privilege afforded to Filipinos of Japanese descent like his wife, which was granted however when he applied for Japanese Visa, he was surprised that his application was denied without any reason given to him. However, somebody advised him to look into his birth record because usually this happened when one has double entry of Certificate of Live Birth with PSA. That when he inquired at the office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Ozamiz City, he was confronted with the fact that his birth record was duly registered at Makato, Aklan bearing the surname of his mother EBO. His parents are now in the process of complying with the requirements for his legitimation with the office of the Local Civil Registrar of Makato, Aklan so his Family Name will be changed to Domanico. That with the knowledge of the aforementioned he is now constrained to file this Petition to cancel the second Certificate of Live Birth registered with the office of Respondent. That consequently, since the Place of Birth indicated in his Certificate of Marriage is Baroy, Lanao del Norte, he also seek remedy before this Honorable Court, to correct the said entry under Place of Birth of Husband from Baroy, Lanao del Norte to Makato, Aklan. That this petition is filed in good faith and is not intended to conceal the commission of a crime and/or defeat the investigation and prosecution of the same but the sole purpose of the cancellation of his second birth certificate is to avoid confusion and future inconvenience it may cause and in order to support the correction of entry of his place of Birth – to Makato, Aklan, in the different government agency concerned as reflected in all his documents of importance.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case to June 4, 2018 at 8:30 in the morning before the sala of this Court. Furnish copy of this Order to the Office of the Solicitor General, Makati City, to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, to the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Baroy, Lanao del Norte, to the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Makato, Aklan, to Atty. Dorothea Basalo and to the petitioner, in his known address.

Let copy of the Order containing the petition be published in a newspaper of general circulation for three (3) consecutive weeks, at the expense of the petitioner.

So ORDERED. Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

April 2, 2018.

BWM: April 4, 11 & 18, 2018

(SGD.) DENNIS P. VICOY Acting Presiding Judge

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Wednesday|April 18, 2018

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Apple Tree Resort and Hotel

Bohemian Night 2

By Joe Palabao

On a Saturday-April 14 was an evening of nostalgic fancy memoirs, tourists and guests clad in a Boho Chic Attire, with flowing and bucket drinks, gourmet cuisines, tribal songs entertainment, fire dancing, lively tet.a.tet with friends from media, watching ethereal sunset with a glimpse of Kabaybayonan Festival 2018 was the aura of the Grand Opening SalvoBohemian 2 Theme Party to start the exquisite Apple Tree Resort and Hotel

Summertime 2018.

Apple Tree Resort and Hotel Summertime 2018 Opening Salvo is celebrated with either a fantastic aura of a Bohemian2 Theme Party.

With superb entertainment starting with Firedance from Oro Firedance.

Apple Tree Resort and Hotel Summertime 2018 Opening Salvo started with a Mesmerizing Firedance performed

by Oro Firedancers, entertainment numbers from Abrio and the Viajeros with Bohemian Rhapsody music and

beautiful ethnic music from Dhassig Northern Mindanao Ethno Music Band. Great foods were served, flowing drinks to the delight of Tourists and guests.

Hotel staff led by the ever beautiful General Manager Bjanesha Bambam Manigsaca Emphasis with Clement Dampal, Daphne Maape entertained and interacted with the guests and members of the print, radio, rapplers media together with the members of Oro Phographers who took

shots and images of guests “fashionistas “clad in Boho Chic Attires.

Highlighting the memorable exclusive Bohemian2 Theme Party Summertime 2018 Opening Salvo was the selection of the Best Boho Chic Dressed of the Night for Men and Women.

The winners were given Gift Certificates good for two each best rooms accommodation, free breakfast and the use of their Seahorse shaped infinity pool-the one of a kind in the Region.

At dusk before the

Bohemian2 Theme Party Summertime Opening Salvo started was the Sea Dance competition of the 4th KABABAYUNAN Sea Festival happening at the beach front of the premier, 4Star and multi-awarded Apple Tree Resort and Hotel of the emerging Tourism destination-the Municipality of Opol.

KUDOS! And more power in the hotelier and resort industry Apple Tree.

For Summertime spend your vacation at the Apple Tree Resort and Hotel. Come One! Come All!