BusinessWeek Mindanao (April 21, 2015)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO Your daily business paper

2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

Volume V, No. 147

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JobStart DAVAO City -- The JobStart Philippines program, piloted in Luzon last year, was rolled out last week in the cities of Davao and Tagum, expanding the number of “at-risk” youth who are targeted to join the work force.

At-risk youth are those currently not working or enrolled in school or training, with less than one year or no working experience. They have at least a high school diploma and are between the ages of 18 to 24.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz said the department is seeking to implement JobStart in 14 Public Employment Services Office (PESO) nationwide with 3,200 beneficiaries for the first and second batches.

“Up to 50% of the country’s three million unemployed are youth belonging to the 15 to 25 age brackets,” Ms. Baldoz cited.

High School summit THE city government of Cagayan de oro is now ready in hosting the Senior High School Summit slated today, April 21, in partnership with the League of Cities of the Philippines and Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Cagayan de Oro. The summit’s theme is “Uswag Kagay-anon! Yes to Senior High School.” Cagayan de Oro, along with 10 other cities in the entire country, was chosen as a pilot area for the implementation of senior high school program.

Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, President of the League of Cities in the Philippines, and other local chief executives are expected to grace the event.

Tuesday | April 21, 2015

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

M

INDANAO leaders have pitched several projects to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for funding, including an economic development program for the future Moro territory under the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

At a meeting between ADB officials and Mindanao leaders at the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) office last week, Richard Bolt, ADB country director for the Philippines, s aid t he prop os a ls are b eing re v ie we d by t he bank in consultation with stakeholders.

The BBL, initially timetabled for passage by Congress by the end of the first quarter this year, has

been pushed back to endJune at the earliest following the Jan. 25 Mamasapano raid which resulted in a deadly firefight between police and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces, among others.

M r. B o l t d i d n o t categorically say whether the discussions for the Bangsamoro program involve the pending approval of the BBL, which will create a new fund/PAGE 11

OFF TO FISH. A fisherman prepares to board his boat for another day of fishing as the early morning sun slowly illuminates the horizon in Medina town, Misamis Oriental. mindanews photo by erwin mascarinas

OIC backs Bangsamoro peace process

Tax law A LAWMAKER thanked members of the city council for supporting reforms in the country’s tax system.

In a letter to the City Council here, Senator Sonny Angara expressed gratitude to the city councilors for supporting the lawmaker’s advocacy to reform the country’s current tax system.

Angara is pushing for the adjustment of the individual tax bracket and reducing the rates of individual income tax.

In the same letter, Angara assured the City Council that he would continue to push for genuine legislative reforms that would lower the tax burden of the Filipino working class.

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ADB’s help sought to fund Bangsa projects www.businessweekmindanao.com

PUSO. Vendors of puso (rice cooked in coconut leaves) and other food items station themselves at a beach resort in Opol, Misamis Oriental to take advantage of the presence of hundreds of vacationers. mindanews photo by h . marcos c . mordeno

DAVAO City – The head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) formally re af f ir me d t he g roup’s support for the Bangsamoro peace process and expressed optimism over its success despite challenges it had faced in the past few months.

OIC Secretary-General Iyad bin Ameen Madani declared after a meeting with officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)

Rufus urged not to undermine BBL’s passage

By BONG D. FABE Editor-at-Large

AS the adhoc committee hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) begins, a grassroots network of indigenous peoples, Bangsamoro and Christian communities in Mindanao are u rg i ng c om m itte e chai r man, R ep. Ruf us R o d r i g u e z , to re f r ai n from unduly preempting the decision of the other committee members by refraining from giving his personal opinions on some provisions of the BBL. “The Mindanao Peoples Caucus and its allied civil society organizations and grassroots communities appeal to Chairman Rufus Rodriguez to immediately

stop issuing statements over the media that preempt the democratic processes in the legislative work on the Bangsamoro Basic law,” the

MPC said in a statement.

The adhoc committee on the BBL resumed its hearing on the controversial bill rufus/PAGE 11

that the OIC is encouraged by the “sincere desire and the serious effort” displayed by all parties involved in the peace process.

Madani also announced that the OIC will invite re pre s e nt at i v e s of t h e Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) in the upcoming 42nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Kuwait on May 27. The BCF is an OICsponsored body that was formed to harmonize and settle differences between

the MILF and the MNLF. Madani said the people and the government of the Philippines will make the final decision on the fate of the peace process, but the OIC hopes “this political process will continue.”

“We feel -- on both sides (the Philippine government and the Moro fronts) -- the sincere desire, and the serious effort to reach a conclusion,” he said, adding that “We are opt imist ic. We are backs/PAGE 11

More groups eye Steag’s IPPA

By MYRNA VELASCO, Contributor

MORE investor groups are vying for the Independent Power Producer Ad m i n i s t r a t o r ( I P PA ) contract of the 210-megawatt Mindanao coal plant, according to st ate-r un privatization firm Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.

The companies with advanced interest on the

asset include Conal Holdings Corporation, FDC Davao del Norte Power Corporation, First Gen Northern Power Corporation, GDF Suez Energy Philippines Inc., Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd., Meralco Powergen C orporation, Nexif Pte Ltd., SMC Global Power Hol d i ng s C or p or at i on , ippa/PAGE 11

Groups supporting the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) are urging Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd district) not to unduly preempt the decision of other members of the adhoc committee which he chairs. photo by froilan gallardo , mindanews

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Visit Philippines showcases this year’s Pasungko S’g Misamis Occidental O

ROQUIETA City -The “Pasungko S’g Misamis Occidental” has been made officially part of the “Visit Philippines 2015” program, as announced by Catalino E. Chan III, director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in northern Mindanao.

“In fact, the festival has been accredited by

the regional and national D OT, as next to t he ‘Sinulog’ Festival of the Santo Niňo de Cebu, Chan said.

The inclusion of the “Pasungko” is welcomed

by Misamis Occidental, as “great events, like this, bring more trade and prestige, thus, we expect more visitors, locally and abroad and

more potentials for the prov i n c e ,” G ov e r n or Herminia M. Ramiro, said.

Ramiro describes the “Pasungko” as the festival of all festivals in the province, as it brings all its 17 local government units (LGU’s), that is, 14 towns and three cities to a celebration in November, each year, for the last five years.

Meanwhile, “Pasungko” is a Subanen word for “t h a n k s g i v i n g ,” a n d that is precisely why the celebration is held i n N o v e m b e r, t h e thanksgiving month, “as we anxiously thank the Lord for all the blessings since the start of the year and ask for more blessing for the incoming year,” the Governor said.

Part of the celebration is the weeklong agroi n d u s t r i a l f a i r, t h at showcase all the agricultural and industrial products of the LGU and a dance showdown of the culture of the people who live along the numerous “suba” or rivers, after which they are called “Subanens,” inside the Mt. Malindang Mountain Ranges Natural

Park (MMRNP), on the foot of which, Misamis Occidental is located.

Among the e vents portrayed during the dance competition are the Subanen culture in various events, like, harvesting, baptism, wedding, hunting, welcoming visitors, enthronement and war. (RCA/PIA10Misamis Occidental)

Operators who volunteer to dismantle DA, DOE work to address illegal fishing structure will get govt aid concerns over dry spell

By RUTCHIE CABAHUG-AGUHOB, Contributor

TANGUB City – Only those “sanggab” operators who will volunteer to dismantle their illegal fishing structures in the city portion of Panguil Bay, will get government assistance.

This was clarified by Atty. Philip T. Tan, city mayor of Tangub, during the press conference held af t e r t h e c e re m on i a l removal of “sanggab” in the city, last April 17, attended by Atty. Asis G. Perez, Agriculture Un d e r s e c r e t a r y a n d Nat i on a l D i re c tor of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the members

of the Panguil Bay Development Council (PBDC).

Tan said this was also the agreement arrived at during the consultative meeting, last February, w it h t he memb ers of the City C ouncil and the filter net operators and their workers, from the city’s seven coastal barangays: Maquilao, Mig kanaway, Maloro, Mantic, Garan, San Apolinario and Silanga.

These barangays reportedly had a total of 1,817 illegal fishing gears, of which 1,219 were filter nets or sanggab’s and 598 were fish corrals or

“bungsod,” which the city validated, considering that the first inventory revealed only more than 700, but bloated when they learned of the assistance coming from the government.

As of the latest i n v e n t o r y, h o w e v e r, t h e s e b a r a n g ay s h a d only a total of 923 filter nets, owned by about 2 3 8 o p e r at o r s , a f t e r t he t ag g i ng m a d e by the “sanggab owners,” themselves, accompanied by the local government unit (LGU) and BFAR representatives, Tan said.

Meanwhile, the removal of the illegal f i sh i ng st r u c tu re s i n Panguil Bay was approved

by PBDC, in an effort to bring back the bay’s marine wealth, which have dwindled due to illegal fishing, pollution a n d p r o l i f e r at i o n o f illegal fishing structures, particularly, “sanggab.”

Panguil Bay used to b e a ver y pro duc t ive are a and a s ou rc e of habitat of indigenous fisheries species, to include, among others, t he bre e de rs of t i ger prawn (P. Monodon), marine water shrimps, mud crabs, window pane and various kinds of shells to include the ‘agihis’ that ser ves as indigenous food for prawns, and many other fish of commercial value.

THE Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energ y are both working to address the concerns in their respective sectors brought about by the onset of summer.

Some provinces are asking government assistance because of t h e i mp a c t of t h e summer on their farmlands that threaten their production. “ K a y a’ t p a t u l o y po ang pagtutok ng Department of Agriculture at mga ahensya nito sa sitwasyon ng tagtuyot n a n ap a n s i n s a i b a’t ibang lalawigan, at ang pokus ng kanilang mga

ginagawa ay tulungan ang mg a mag s as a k a ,” P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office S ecretar y Herminio Coloma Jr said.

A m o n g t h e D A’s initiative is providing seedlings as well as intro ducing alter nate crops to farmers w ho want to remains productive even during the summer months.

“Doon naman sa mga lugar na mayroong maitutulong na patubig o irrigation resources ay nagde-deploy din ng tulong ang at i n g D e p a r t m e nt o f Agriculture at iba pang mga ahensya,” he said.

Wit h regards to the power shortage in Mindanao that is feared to also affect Metro Manila, Coloma said the DOE is already addressing the problem.

“Ginagawa ng Department of Energ y ang lahat ng nararapat na hakbang upang maagapan at matugunan ang anumang maaaring kakulangan sa supply ng kur yente,” he said.

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

AirAsia increases frequencies for Manila-Banda Aceh flights AIRASIA, the truly Asean airline will be increasing flight frequencies from Kuala Lumpur – Manila (MNL) from twice to 3x daily, as well as Kuala Lumpur – Banda Aceh (BTJ) from daily flights to 10x weekly.

The Kuala Lumpur – Manila added frequency will commence on 12 July 2015, while the Kuala Lumpur – Banda Aceh added flights will begin operations on 16 July 2015. Both flights will be operated by AirAsia Berhad with the flight code AK. In conjunction with this exciting news, AirAsia is offering a special promotion with all-in-fares from as low as RM216 (Php2,634) one way from Kuala Lumpur to Manila for all bookings made from 20 April 2015 until 26 April 2015 for the travel period from 22 April to 30 September 2015.

All-in-fares from as low as RM119 (Php 1,451.20) one way are also available for Kuala Lumpur – Banda Aceh flights, and the booking period will be from 20 - 26 April 2015, for travel period from 16 July – 30 September 2015. Guests can also book their flights via AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as its mobile site mobile.airasia. com.

AirAsia also connects Malaysia to the Philippines with daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Clark and Kalibo - gateway to Boracay, as well as to Cebu with 3x weekly flights. While guests from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah can connect to Manila with daily flights, and Cebu with 4x weekly flights via flights operated by AirAsia Zest in the Philippines. Apart from that, guests can take a dv ant age of A i r As i a’s network domestically in the Philippines; and connect onwards to nearby cities of Puerto Princessa - Palawan, Tagbilaran, Kalibo, Tacloban and Cebu via flights operated

by AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Zest.

AirAsia operates more than 250x weekly flights connecting Malaysia and Indonesia covering 16 cities throughout the archipelago.

Direct flights available from various hub in Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang and Kota Kinabalu to Balikpapan, Bandung, Bali, Lombok Ja kar t a, Me dan, B anda Acheh, Jogjakarta, Padang, Palembang, Pekanbar u, Pontianak, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya, and Makassar.

Banda Aceh is known as the land of friendly smiles, untouched natural beauty miner/PAGE 11

CorporateWorld

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Nickel miner TVI rethinks timing of IPO M I N E R T V I R e s ou rc e Development (Phils.) Inc (TVIRD) on Friday said it will likely postpone its planned initial public offering (IPO) originally targeted this year, as it waits for commodity prices to rebound and for “certainty” in the government’s mining policy.

“We are studying the possibility of listing in the fourth quarter this year. But right now, I would not be advising the board that we do it,” TVIRD Chairman Clifford M. James told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Mining Club luncheon at the Manila Polo Club.

“Obviously, if you want to take something to the market, you want to have the best valuation you can get,” he said. “We would need to see

commodity prices go up. And we want to see some certainty in government policy.”

Asked if the IPO can be pushed back to 2016 or 2017,

he replied: “Absolutely. When market conditions are good, that’s when we’re going to list.

We’re not committed to any time frame.”

The company has yet to decide on how much it wants to raise, but is already having discussions airasia/PAGE 11

Megaworld to borrow for land acquisitions P R O P E RT Y d e v e l o p e r Megaworld Corp. said it will tap the debt market this year to raise P15 billion for potential land acquisitions.

“We w i l l rais e debt because we don’t want to lose the opportunity -- if there is a good opportunity to acquire a land bank,” Megaworld Senior Vice-President Jericho P. Go told reporters on the sidelines of the FIABCIPhilippines 2015 Property

& Real Estate Awards at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Friday night.

The group earmarked P65 billion in capital expenditure (capex) this year for the construction of residential and hotel projects, office buildings as well as malls and commercial centers inside its integrated urban townships.

Seventy-four percent of the capex will go to development, while the remaining 26% will

be for land acquisition.

Mr. Go said Megaworld already has P50 billion for development, and it would only raise funds for the remaining balance in case there would be an opportunity to increase its land bank.

“Even if we don’t raise debt, we’re good. Our capex for development is already covered. If we will raise debt, we will just raise P15 billion,”

he said.

Mr. Go also cited the prevailing low-interest rate environment and said the Megaworld group has a lot of legroom to raise debt.

“O ur debt-to-e quity [ratio] is so small that we can raise so much more,” he said. “This is the best time to go to the debt market and fix your debt at a very low rate so we will take advantage of that.”

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Mass murder of babies for dole-outs?

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IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…`Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57, the Holy Bible).

-ooo MASS MURDER OF BABIES FOR DOLE-OUTS? Buhay Party List Rep. Lito Atienza, the former Manila Mayor, is fuming mad at the Aquino government over its requirement that for poor Filipinos to continue receiving their monthly dole-outs from the so-called “Pamilyang Pilipino Pantawid Program”, they must agree to the implantation of a metal gadget that would prevent women from becoming pregnant.

In a Facebook post, Atienza said he will ask the House of Representatives to investigate this requirement of implants when it resumes its sessions on May 04, 2015.

In that Facebook post, Atienza is shown talking to women who were protesting the implants which are allegedly called “implanon”.

Atienza claimed that the implants requirement comes from the Department of S o c i a l We l f are an d Development (DWSD), the office under Secretary Dinky Soliman which is tasked

THINK

A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst debt to Him for all our sins. We don’t need justice, we need mercy! None of us can ever reach God’s standard of perfect goodness in everything we think, say, and do.

That’s why God the Son became a human being to do it for us. Jesus said that our only hope is His mercy, because He has already paid the penalty for all our sins by giving His own perfect life for us on the cross. We just have to ask and believe that He will give us His free gift of forgiveness and new, eternal life. Then we can start life all over again, loving Him and living His right way that He plans for us to enjoy. So today, won’t you ask Jesus for His free gift of forgiveness and new life? Then ask Him to start changing you so you can live His successful and satisfying way He created you for.

Just Think a Minute...

with implementing President Aquino’ dole-out program (called the 4Ps program), with the special cooperation of the Department of Health (D OH) under He alt h Secretary Janet Garin. This is mass murder of babies, if you ask me!

-ooo E I T H E R J U D I C IA L CORRUPTION IS PROBED , OR C RIT IC S C E ASE TALKING ABOUT IT: I really think it is about time that an honest-to-goodness investigation of allegations of corruption in the judiciary, particularly at the Court of Appeals, be conducted, to either put a stop to these allegations if they are not really true, or to unmask the judges and justices whom former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada called as “hoodlums in robes.”

I mean, if there is really no evidence of judicial corruption, talks about corrupt judges and justices should now cease, for they only tend to erode the people’s trust and confidence in the judicial system of the country and encourage them to either take the law into their own hands with respect to their problems, or to become bolder in committing crimes, knowing they could get away with it by paying off judges and justices.

So I say, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III and Sen. Antonio

Trillanes IV must go ahead in carrying out their Senate inquiry on the matter. If at all, the inquiry could help a lot in determining what laws should be passed to put a stop to judicial wrongdoings, or to come up with new guidelines in the appointment of judges and justices to make sure only those morally fit will be installed.

-ooo WA Y T O M A K E LAWYERS TALK: Then, if we all want lawyers to be more active in exposing judicial misfits, let us do something to remove them from the “life and death” control and super vision which the Supreme Court exercises over them under the present set-up. I say let us allow the lawyers, through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, to exercise that control and supervision over its members.

Then, we can expect them to “talk” and be more courageous in publicizing those who would be asking money or any other favor from them, either from t he ju d i c i a l br anch of government, or from the executive branch, under the prosecution service of the Department of Justice, in consideration of winning their cases.

L awyers cannot be expected to talk now because it can happen, as it happened several times already, that

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio those whom they will expose will find a way of getting back at them, not only through their decisions or dispositions in the cases of whistleblowing lawyers, but in castigating lawyers with either suspension or other more serious penalties.

-ooo PLEASE LISTEN: DZEC1062 kHz Manila, 1080 kHz Dagupan City, 711 kHz Naga City, 1260 kHz Lucena City, 1224 kHz Davao City, and www.eaglenews. ph Mondays to Fridays, 6 a.m.; DYKA 801 kHz Panay Island, Yes Radio 88.3 FM, Barobo City, Surigao del Sur, Yes Radio 93.9 FM, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m.; 92.7 Smile FM, San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur, Kiss 101.1 FM, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Mondays to Fridays, 12 noon; 107.5 Win 107.5 FM, Roxas, Isabela, Saturday, 5:30 a.m., Sunday, 7 a.m.

-30-

Progress should not spoil us

Justice and Mercy

hink a minute…Have you ever missed a bus or plane because you were just a little too late? Recently I had to catch a plane for a very important meeting, s o I got to the air p or t early and waited for the announcement to board the plane. The announcement never came. When I finally went to the gate, I was shocked to see it was closing and the airplane engines had started! I panicked and tried to get the airline worker to let me on. I had nothing to lose and was desperate so I told her I wasn’t asking for justice, I was begging for mercy. Well, she did not give it to me.

You know that terrible feeling when you’ve done something wrong and you know you deserve to suffer the consequences? Every religion, except Christianity, has certain rules or rituals and good deeds that people must do to try to earn their god’s forgiveness for their wrongs. Some religions even make people torture and punish themselves to pay the penalty for their own wrongs.

But Jesus Christ showed that there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn or deserve God’s forgiveness for all the wrongs we’ve done. Not even our religious prayers, duties, and deeds come close to paying our

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es, any step of progress, of advancement and d e v e l o p m e nt , w h e t h e r material or spiritual, technical or moral, should not spoil us. Any advantage, convenience or privilege that progress gives us should not lead us to wallow in self-indulgence.

R a t h e r, a l l t h o s e wonderf ul gadgets and other perks that the new technologies and discoveries provide us should make us more humble, more eager to serve others, more prayerful and grateful to God, more self-effacing. This is the only way to escape the tremendous temptation of getting spoiled by our earthly progress.

If we happen to be more gifted and endowed, in possession of more power and authority, more fame, wealth, health and all that, let’s see to it that the urge to serve, to give and be most generous is sharpened. This is the proper way to react to all this goodness.

Let’s always remember that if we follow God’s will to love and to give without counting the cost, we actually gain a lot more than what may seem to be lost by our giving and sharing with others. This will trigger an upward spiral of more and more blessings.

Everything good that we enjoy in life is always a

gift from God, no matter how much we feel we are responsible for it. Since it is freely given to us by God, we should also freely give it back to him and to others.

This is the language of love, the language of grace and gift.

We have to be guarded when new benefits and advantages due to some progress come our way. We should resist the more or less spontaneous response of glee when these come.

Obviously, we can enjoy these things, but we should not forget to be thankful to God and to others.

We should dodge the intoxicating impulse to simply enjoy the blessings without thinking of what we can do in return. We should not lose the dynamics of love, which will always involve the act of reciprocating to whatever we have received.

We should avoid getting sucked into the vortex of self-indulgence.

Let’s be wary of the tricks and wiles of our flesh, the world and the devil who always try to deceive us, or at least would give us an incomplete, distorted and false picture of things.

The pleasure we get from enjoying the blessings without putting it into the dynamics of love is a dangerous pleasure. It has no other purpose than to

blind and deaden us from our objective responsibilities toward God and others. It has the bizarre power to intoxicate us and to imprison us into our own world to the point of addiction and bondage. For sure, it will not last, much less, bring us to our eternal life.

Let’s remember that we always have to contend with the usual enemies of our soul–the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. We should always be wary of them and be ready to do battle with them or to contain them away from us.

This is not to mention that the world, which has ab s or b e d mu ch of t h e sinfulness of men, plus of course the devil will do ever ything to pander to our weaknesses, our whims and caprices. We have to learn how to identify their deceitful ways. This is not to be paranoid, but rather to be realistic.

We need to be discerning and prudent in dealing with the advantages of progress. We need to see to it that we are in good control of our instincts and emotions which are the first ones to respond to any development, but which can only “understand” a very small part of the whole reality.

We have to be wary of

HINTS

and

Traces

Fr. Roy Cimagala our most subtle tendency to rationalize our reactions that often lead us to certain undue compromises. That’s why, it is always a necessity for us to submit to what Christ himself indicated so clearly–that to follow him, we need to deny ourselves and carry to the cross.

Let’s be generous with our sacrifices and mortifications, which are precisely the offering of our own selves and the purification of our body. These will clear the way for us to see things more clearly and to behave accordingly.

This is the proper way to flow with the times without getting lost and always with the proper and ultimate end in sight. Our immersion in the world should not be at the cost of our immersion in God and in the lives of everybody, with love as its driving force. roycimagala@gmail.com

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Lake Manguao:

5

An avian treasure chest

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- With their dusky crowns, napes, shadowy eye stripes, bluish-g re y mandibles, thin brown legs, and rusty cinnamon-colored heads and necks radiating under the heat of the golden morning sun, nearly two dozen Philippine ducks (Anas luzonica) can be witnessed frolicking and winging their ways over Lake Manguao in the once monarch-ruled town of Taytay in northern Palawan.

This duck which has been listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because of “rapid and continuing decline” in population due to “extensive hunting and widespread c onve rs i on of we t l an d habitats,” is one of the avian jewels of the 6.7-square kilometer inland sea that is said to have a 44-square kilometer conforming catchment area.

In addition to the wild duck species in the Anatidae family of birds, Joie Matillano of Western Philippines University (WPU), whose avian photos were published online on January 30, 2010, noted that there were also Oriental dwarf kingfishers ( C e y x e r it ha c a ) ; Blu e eared kingfishers (Alcedo meninting); C ommon f l ame b a ck s ( D i nopiu m javanense); Hooded pittas (Pitta sordida); Common kingfishers (Alcedo atthis); A s hy - h e a d e d b a b b l e r s (Malacocincla cinereiceps); Grey-cheeked bulbul (Alophoixus bres); Grey herons (Ardea cinerea); Great egrets (Ardea alba); Western osprey (Pandion haliaetus); Spangled drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus); and Pin-striped tit babblers (Mixornis gularis) that reside in the only freshwater lake in the province’s mainland.

One of the caretakers, who operates a motorized dinghy that takes tourists to sightsee on the lake, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a visit before the Holy Week that around 5:30 a.m., Palawan hornbills (Anthracoceros marchei) or talusi can also be witnessed in flocks of eight to about a dozen hopping and settling on tops of trees, and leave before 7:00 a.m. when the sun has completely risen.

“Too bad you were late; they were here very early.

They fly early to land on the trees near the entrance to the lake; sometimes, they are noisy,” said Gerry, whose family mainly subsists on catching the cichlid fish tilapia from the lake.

Manguao’s avifauna In a survey conducted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic,

and Natura l Res ources Research and Development (PCAARRD) sometime in 2007, it noted that there were “a total of 126 species of birds recorded in the lake, wherein 24 were migratory, 76 residents, 14 restricted to range Palawan-endemics, seven Philippine-endemics, and five had both resident and migratory populations.”

Eight of the species are under the IUCN’s vulnerable category: the Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes); Falcated ground babbler (Ptilocichla falcate); Palawan flycatcher (Ficedula platenae); Palawan hornbill, Palawan peacock phe as ant (Polyplec tron emphanum); Blue-headed racquet tail (Prioniturus plateni); Grey imperial pigeon (Ducula pickeringii); and the Philippine duck. Five species were recorded as near-threatened.

The year of the survey, the PCAARRD said, “constituted the f irst record of the Philippine-endemic duck in northern Palawan. “ “Matagal na ako dito, mga kulang-kulang 15 years, at mas marami sila noon.

Kumunti na ngayon (I’ve stayed here for nearly 15 years, and before, there used to be a lot of wild ducks. Their number has greatly reduced),” Gerry, who does not want his full name mentioned, stated.

His testimonial seems to prove what PCAARRD reported that “threats to birds included hunting for local consumption and curiosity, rampant poaching of the critically endangered species, slash-and-burn farming, and selective illegal logging,” which could lead to homegrown extinction.

The PCAARRD survey result then said that due to Lake Manguao’s “high avian species diversity, its

catchment can qualify as an important bird area for conservation.”

Conservation efforts Unlike before when no tourists would come due to the difficulty of reaching Lake Manguao, these days it has become popular to the few foreign visitors, who take interest and love to do less traveled itineraries in the first class town of Taytay.

Gerry said the ideal time of the day to appreciate the birds’ beauty in their natural habitat is around sunrise by using paddle boats that make less noise.

Binoculars, or cameras with telephoto lenses, are the best tools to use when bird watching. ”But what birds will there be if focus on the protection, conservation, and preservation of Lake Manguao is not taken into mind by the local government unit (LGU)?” asked Rommel Cruz, one of the founders of Birdwatch Palawan (BP), a member of the Palawan Ornithological Society (POS), and who organizes bird tours under BirdingPal.org.

Cruz said he knows Lake Manguao is protected “in paper,” but does not remember when this happened.

He does not also know i f t he bi rd l a ke has a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), “a multisectoral body responsible for the administration and management of a protected area created through the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (NIPAS).

This Board decides on budget allocations, approval of funding proposals and planning on matters concerning the ecology, particularly the protected areas.

“I know there is none, I know there is none,” Cruz replied, feeling somewhat

unhappy over what fate may become of the avian residents of Lake Manguao.

He is also not aware if the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) has the lake in its protection radar considering how vital it is as a habitat for various species of endemic and non-endemic birds, flora and other wildlife.

Philippine duck Lake Manguao, said Cruz, is a critical habitat, especially for the Philippine duck that is protected under the law because it is an endemic and listed as vulnerable.

“In Palawan, the only record of the Philippine duck, is in Quezon in southern Palawan, and Lake Manguao,” he said, adding that the duck species only stays there and does not migrate.

According to Birdlife International, the Philippine duck “is endemic to the country, being recorded from all the major islands and eight smaller islands. Records since 1980 derive from 30 localities say they’re mostly in Luzon and Mindanao.”

“Records from Siquijor an d t h e Su lu s re m ai n unsubstantiated. A steep population decline was evident by the mid-1970s, with high numbers recorded at only a few sites in the fol l ow i ng d e c a d e, l i ke Candaba Marsh (Luzon) which probably supported many thousands in the early 1980s.”

Palawan, particularly L a ke Mang u a o, i s n ot even included in Birdlife International’s list of where they can be seen.

“The Philippine duck is a resident there; the lake provides habitat to it, and other wildlife that can only be found in Palawan. Looking at the profile of the lake… since it is low-land forest… there are large trees… trees

that are cavity forming,” he said.

This means these trees provide nesting territories to birds like the Palawan hornbill, wo o dp eckers, parrots, cockatoos, and the likes.

Since there is no clear protection effort for Lake Manguao, Cruz stated it is prone to encroachment of squatters, illegal loggers, slash-and-burn activities, and others that can affect it as a biodiversity area.

Recently, he heard that some people want to stake claims over vital portions of the lake. If this happens, and intrusion will not be stopped, the Philippine duck might flee the area, where they can never be seen and appreciated closely anymore, and where they might be more in danger of being hunted.

For someone, who arranges birding tours like he does, Cruz knows what will be the long-term effects for Lake Manguao if “focused protection” is not imposed.

Cruz wants the lake protected, “there is no doubt,” he said. However, right now, their stand is somewhat uncommitted since when after they showed interest last year, the local government of Taytay responded without urgency.

“There was a response, but we didn’t see the urgency; Lake Manguao’s protection doesn’t seem to be in the local government’s list of priorities.

They said they were busy,” he furthered, though what were said were relayed verbally.

Manguao’s eco-tourism potential Cruz group’s interest offered to the LGU of Taytay the conduct of an avian survey in the lake and the surrounding areas, as well as bird watching basics to expand tourism potentials that will be beneficial to its

caretakers.

The survey will generate an estimate of what kinds of birds are in Manguao, their population size and the changes that affect them, as well as the collection of the causes of these changes in population or species diversity.

The bird watching basics, on the other hand, will familiarize locals on the understanding of the birds that can eventually turn them into bird guides.

Bird guiding, said Cruz, can be a source of livelihood for the residents in the area, or the 16 families that serve as caretakers of the lake.

“We proposed that while we’re conducting the avian survey, local guides are being trained simultaneously so, they can have additional livelihood,” the bird expert in Palawan said, supplying that they should be the one benefitting.

Birding tours, he said, can definitely provide income, and is one way of encouraging the protection of sites where they can be found.

“If they do not take care of the birds, then what is there to see?” he asked. “If we only talk conservation, and not see it happen, then what comes next? There should be balance; they benefit at the same time they protect.”

Lodging places for potential bird tourism are also a must, according to Cruz. This can be set up near the lake site, and made of sturdy indigenous materials that will not cause harmful effects to the environment.

This is because birding enthusiasts sometimes stay three-five days to appreciate the avian residents in their natural environment.

Although he is unable to provide any estimate as to how much the LGU treasure/PAGE 11

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DENR, PIA distribute Broadcaster’s Manual on Climate Change

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opies of the Broadcaster’s Manual on Climate Change were distributed to various media outlets in the city through a dissemination forum conducted with a theme, “Nagbabago Na Ang Panahon; Panahon Na Para Magbago.”

The manual serves as reference material on the National Greening Program, Geo Hazards, Climate

Change, and Solid Waste Management, and was made by the collaborative efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Region 10.

The local dialect was used in the manual to ensure a common understanding. Included are information about climate change, its causes, effects, and ways to prevent it.

DENR-PIA region 10 holds a dissemination forum of the Broadcaster's Manual on Climate Change in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, April 17. It is printed in dialect and will serve as reference materials for broadcasters on the National Greening Program, Geohazards, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management. (PIA 10)

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Public Affairs Office (DENR-RPAO) Chief Lina G. Calvez welcome the participants from various media agencies in Cagayan de Oro during the Broadcaster’s Manual on Climate Change dissemination forum on Friday, April 17. She said through the manual, partners in the media can help prepare communities to adapt mitigation measures in response to climate change. (Lorena Ann Arcayra/PIA 10)

“We believe that media are a potent force in the advocacy campaign,” said DENR region 10 Chief Regional Public Affairs Office Lina D. Calvez during her welcome message.

She stressed on the role of the media in disseminating information and help prepare communities to adapt mitigation measures in response to climate change.

Calvez and Elaine Ratunil, PIA

Misamis Oriental Information Center Manager distributed the manual to the representatives of all media outlets present.

One of the forum’s main highlights was an overview on the DENR-PIA Climate Change Advocacy Campaign, presenting the activities and programs conducted with the collaborative efforts of the two agencies.

(Jose Angelo Lorenzo S. Gomos, XU/PIA)

Be one of the first to experience Marvel’s

Avengers: Age of Ultron with Globe Register to GoSURF or get a Tattoo Home Consumable Plan or a Samsung Galaxy S6 on myLifestyle Plan and get a chance to win tickets to the special advanced screening of one of the year’s biggest blockbuster movies Be one of the first to experience Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, the epic follow-up to the biggest super hero film of all time, as leading telecommunications company and purveyor of digital lifestyle Globe Telecom gives its customers another exclusive experience with a special advanced screening of Avengers happening on April 22, 2015 at 12MN in select IMAX theaters in SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and SM Southmall.

Following the success of the biggest Super Hero movie The Avengers, which premiered three years ago, the earth’s mightiest heroes including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, will now be put to an ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in balance because of the villainous Ultron. It is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances

and unexpected action pave the way for an epic global adventure.

Register to any GoSURF promo, avail of the Samsung Galaxy S6 on myLifestyle Plan or subscribe to any Tattoo Home Broadband Plan to get first dibs to this muchawaited movie of the year.

“Globe is making another pioneering move in the entertainment scene as it brings Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron to the Philippines with a special advanced screening in select

IMAX theaters. We want to give our customers access to wonderful experiences this summer by giving them the exclusive privilege to watch one of the biggest films of 2015 just by using their favorite Globe services. Just register to your Globe product of choice and get a chance to win passes to summer’s most exciting entertainment, music, and sporting events and together, let’s take over summer with Globe,” says Rina Siongco, Globe Director for Content and Value Added

Services.

All Globe and TM customers who will register to any GoSURF promo and Tattoo customers who will get a Tattoo Home Broadband Plan from April 5 to 17, 2015 will get a chance to win 2 movie tickets to the special advanced screening of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Number of raffle entries is based on the value of the promo and the monthly service fee of the plan. Raffle draw will be on April 18.

Meanwhile, postpaid

customers who will avail of the Samsung Galaxy S6 on myLifestyle Plan from April 8 to 18, 2015 will automatically get 2 tickets to the special advanced screening in IMAX theaters at SM Aura and SM City Cebu plus premium Avengers collectible items.

Finally, Tattoo Home customers who will subscribe to any of the new Tattoo Home Broadband Bundle such as the Regular Home Broadband (Plan 1299 to 2999) or Platinum Home Broadband (Plan 3749 to 9999) from April 19 to 24, 2015 will automatically get 4 tickets to the free movie weekend screening that will happen on April 25-26 at select IMAX theaters.

Existing Tattoo Home customers who will upgrade to the new Tattoo Home Broadband Bundles will also get 6 free tickets to the screening.

For more information on the promo mechanics on Avengers, visit www.globe. com.ph/avengers.

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Primavera Residences to host Free live broadcast of Pacquiao-Mayweather fight

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his May 3, Primavera Residences together with Primavera Residences Condominium Corporation (PRCC) will be offering free live broadcast of the PacquiaoMayweather fight at the La Rondine Hall of Primavera Residences.

“We always want our residents to be happy.

Through this free live broadcast of the fight of the century, we give our residents an opportunity to bond with their neighbors and other guests to enjoy the fight we’ve waited for so long. At the end of the day, as Filipinos, we share Pacquiao’s success with everyone,” Gladys Magadan-Echano, ITPI Sales Director, said.

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are the two most widely-followed and accomplished boxers in this generation. Pacquiao, at 36, has fought longer and more often than Floyd.

5 of his 57 bouts have been losses, two of them were draws. On the other hand, Mayweather, at 38, has encompassed 47 fights for 47 wins over 19 years.

“This fight is one of, if not the most talked about fight of Pacquiao.

As a proud supporter of Pacman, giving our unit owners, renters, and other guests the chance to watch this momentous event is just one of the many treats we will be offering this May. Together with the management of Italpinas, PRCC hopes to see everyone rejoice with Pacquiao,” Jelly Galleto, PRCC Manager, expressed.

The fight will be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As part of the much talked about negotiations, Mayweather will receive the lion’s share of a 60-40 money split in a fight that could gross up to $400 million. For the split and billing, Mayweather’s name will be first on the fight bill, “Mayweather-Pacquiao”.

He will also walk to the ring second and be introduced second.

“Win or lose, we will always be proud of Pacquiao. Together with PRCC, we are inviting everyone to pre-register

to avail the FREE live viewing of the PacquiaoMayweather fight on May 3, Sunday,” Echano declared.

To pre-register for limited seating, you may visit the multi-awarded green building’s sales office at the 2/F of Primavera Residences in Pueblo de Oro Business Park. You may also pre-

register by sending your name, address, and contact details via email at christine@italpinas.com or text 0917-794-2221 on or before April 30, 2015.

Primavera Residences, the flagship project of Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), is a 10-story, two-tower

building located at Pueblo de Oro Township offering residential, commercial and office spaces for lease and purchase. All units in the first tower are ready for occupancy while the second tower is slated to be completed later this year. Buyers may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

DOH launches new anti-pneumonia campaign The Philippine Information Agency in partnership with the city government of Gingoog conducts on 14-15 April 2015 a two day seminar workshop to the city’s information officers on basic journalism, photography and radio broadcasting. (PIA10)

Information Officers of Gingoog City learn the roles of Governnment Information Officers and how they can affect change in the community through the Philippine Information Agency and Gingoog City Basic Journalism Seminar on 14-15 April 2015. (PIA10)

CAGAYAN de Oro City -Department of Health (DOH 10) launches on April 15 the “Laban Niyo.Mo.NiyaLibreng Bakuna Kontra Pneumonia” at the Andres Bonifacio Shrine, this city.

The launching is simultaneous with all other nine cities and five provinces in northern Mindanao, highlighted with the ceremonial immunization of babies with pneumococcal vaccine (PCV 13).

DOH 10 Chief Local Health Support Division Dr. Ellenietta N. Gamolo noted that every year, thousands of Filipino children die due to pneumonia, the government has already subsidized the vaccinations for elderly, this time was expanded to cover

infants aging 6 weeks to 11 months.

“There is a need to lessen the risk of this disease not just for kids but for everyone, the vaccine does not guarantee 100 percent protection so it’s best for mothers not to completely let down their guard,” she said.

Gamolo also called on mothers to avail now of the free vaccines because it can be very expensive if availed in private hospitals.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno, for his part, urged public health servants to aspire and make a difference in the lives of other people.

(Ma. Paula Bianca Vallestero/JCV/PIA 10)

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DAVAO BETS INVADE CDO FOR MR & MS OLIVE-C MINDANAO WIDE SEARCH For the very first time Psalmstre Enterprises Inc., makers of New Placenta and Olive-C soaps is staging a Mindanao wide search for Mr & Ms Olive-C Campus Model happening on April 15, 2015 at SM City in Cagayan de Oro. Winners of which will have the right to represent the southern islands in the finals night on May 23, 2015 at the Skydome, SM North Edsa, Quezon City.

Davao shall be represented by 5 outstanding candidates from prestigious colleges and universities and who have passed a series of screenings. Davao is home to MMOC big winner Joefel Alas who brought home the most coveted title as Mr Olive-C 2013 grand winner.

However, this time Davao candidates would have to pass a major hurdle as they will have to compete first with Cagayan de Oro candidates. By far, this is the biggest regional finals ever organized for MMOC where 28 male and female students outshine each other and prove they are worthy to represent Mindanao to the national finals in May. Davao’s proud delegation includes Jayson Castino of University of Mindanao; Nessie Joy Ogayco of Ateneo De

Davao University; Edmar John Jabanes of University of Southeastern Philippines; Alexie Marie Ibabao of Davao Central College; and Alejandro Dejan Jr. of University of Mindanao. Together they will strive to continue to bring honor to their city and join the roster of Davao’s smartest teens such as Nisreen Khuishid, Sinag ng Davao 2015 and was herself an Olive-C 2013 finalist; Minette Macaraeg, reigning Pagasa ng Davao 2015 and MMOC 2012 finalist; and of course Joefel Alas, the first ever Davaoeno to be crowned as Mr Olive-C in 2013.

This year’s Davao contenders are actively participating in the promotion of the search as well as elicit support from their fellow Davaoenos via social media. A closer look at each of them and one would not be surprised how deserving they all are. For Jayson Catino, 18, and a BS Tourism student, he is all out with his effort and discipline as this is his first biggest competition so far. He is focused on his talent, charm, and confidence to excel in the regional finals and to be one of the toughest national finalists.

For Business Management student Nassie Joy Ogayco, her

experience, confidence and wit will serve her to shine and clinch the title.

Nassie is a veteran in local pageants and an aspiring model.

Edmar John Jabanes is a 5’11 stunner who really stood out during the screening. Edmar is a BSBA student from USEP and is remarkably the perfect epitome of a classic hunk that is, tall, dark, and handsome.

His dream to become a professional model someday has been his biggest motivation in joining the MMOC

search.

Not to be outdone is an HRM student and 19-year old lass Alexie Marie Ibabao. While considered a veteran in local pageants, she has admitted MMOC search is her most challenging so far but nevertheless feels confident to be crowned for her talent, wit and confidence.

And lastly, Masscom student Alejandro Dejan Jr. whose smart confidence had lingered on the minds of pageant judges long after the event has concluded. He

has joined personality searches in the past and is thrilled to represent his school and hometown with the same level of fierceness and confidence during Q&A portion.

Five Davao contenders may have different traits and assets but they are one in their objective to bring honor to Davao and be a source of pride for their schools.

Together they will travel to CDO on April 13 after promoting MMOCMindanao 2015 locally and having participated in pageant related activities.

Meantime, MMOC local organizers in Davao are poised to celebrate their victory as they are truly confident that their delegation will dominate the regional search.

They have prepped and motivated their candidates to stay focused on the major win and come home to add their names to Davao’s roster of finest teens.

Witness the Mindanao-wide search for Mr & Ms Olive-C! Come and support your Davao bets on April 15, 2015 at the SM City-CDO.

Graduates’ dreams:

Breaking chains of poverty

By Leilani S. Junio

Children benefiting under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who graduated in high school t h i s y e a r h av e p r ov e n that poverty is truly not a hindrance to success and there is indeed a way to reach for their dreams.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon J. Soliman said these high school graduates are proof that the poor, when given a chance, can make it.

S o l i m a n n o t e d t h at several children who benefited from the program had graduated with honors, excelled in d i f f e r e nt s u b j e c t s a n d received various special recognitions in their studies.

“I am pleased to know t h at Pant aw i d Pam i ly a children-beneficiaries have excelled in their academic endeavors. This proves that with a little help from the government, the poor can

become instrumental in their own success,” said Soliman.

Some 9,000 4Ps children that benefited from the poverty alleviation program of the government became t he f i rst b atch of h i g h school graduates of the program who are now on their way to defeat poverty through a promising future.

Praising chi ldren of poor families who showed determination and beat the obstacles, Soliman cited t he ac compl ishment of Shaira Perez, a 16-year-old beneficiary from Barangay Laiya in San Juan, Batangas.

S h e s a i d S h a i r a’s accomplishment as a valedictorian in her class is proof that a poor man’s dream will not remain a dream “if you work hard for it.”

Shaira topped her high school batch of 287 g r a du ate s of t h e L aiy a National High School.

With the feat, Shaira is

positive that she is a step closer towards her dream of lifting their family from poverty.

4Ps is a human development program that invests in the health and e du c at i on of p o or households, primarily those with children aged 0-18.

The program provides cash grants to partnerbeneficiaries who comply w it h t he c ond it i ons of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).

In 2 0 1 3 , t he D S W D exp ande d t he coverage of Pantawid Pamilya to include the 15-18 age bracket to ensure that the children-beneficiaries will graduate from high school and have a higher rate of being employed.

To ensure enrollment in college, Shaira is already busy completing her documents for possible scholarships, even one day

after her graduation.

Sh e h op e s to e n rol l at the University of the Philippines after passing its entrance examination.

Shaira shared that motivation to go to college is fueled by her family’s current living condition.

She recalled how difficult life is as a poor child whose parents are not e ar n i ng e nou g h to meet the needs of their three children.

“Life for our family is difficult as we are often f i n an c i a l ly - ch a l l e nge d.

Even with a scholarship, there is no guarantee that I will b e able to f inish college,” Shaira shared.

Her parents are both working as helpers in a beach resort in Laiya and t h e i r e ar n i n g s are n ot enough to provide for the needs of her other sister w ho has cerebra l pa lsy which takes a lot of the family’s earnings to keep up with her medical needs.

S h a i r a’s m o t h e r, Rowena, 38, said becoming a beneficiary of Pantawid

Pamilya in 2010 is a big blessing.

For a family who barely earns enough income during summer season, and who has a mentallychallenged child to attend to, the cash grants became a big help especially in ensuring that Shaira’s needs in school are provided for.

With the inclusion of her mother as beneficiary of the program in 2013, Shaira was able to join school contests and paid other school needs.

Shaira witnessed her parents borrow money from neighbors whenever she needed to join activities in school.

Able to freely join most school activities opened opportunities for Shaira to excel in class.

As she became more inspired with the assistance f rom t he gove r n me nt’s poverty alleviation program, Shaira became more determined to free her family from their p o or l i v i n g c on d it i on .

She le ar ne d to b a lance

her academic and extracurricular performance, which produced good results in the end.

Shaira now wants t o pu r s u e a c ou r s e on Accounting or Engineering.

During her graduation ceremony last March, Shaira shared her success with her fellow graduates and urged them to continue pursuing their dreams, work hard for it, emphasizing that poverty should never be a hindrance but a challenge.

She was thankful that there is a program like 4Ps which help “poor children” like her to see and prove that there is a “bridge” that will connect them to a better future.

She hopes that other graduates of the program can also help their respective families by getting jobs and pursuing other government trainings available towards becoming “productive members of society” as the government invested in them to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty.(PNA)

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territory that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We will ensure that all sectors are consulted,” he said.

The Mamasapano mission resulted in the death of five civilians, 18 members of the MILF, and 44 members of an elite police unit that was on a mission to capture terrorist suspects.

OTHER PROJECTS Another proposal involves the enhancement of rural enterprises as well as employment as part of MinDA’s inclusive growth program, a collaboration between government and the business sector that aims to identify areas that are outside the mainstream investment sites in the southern island and specific products that can be developed there.

MinDA and the Philippine Business for Social Progress launched the inclusive growth program in September last year.

The modernization of Davao City’s public transport system is also on the table, for which ADB earlier funded a study that looked into the viability of setting up mass transport such as a rapid bus transit system (RBTS).

The city government has been pushing for the RBTS, but transport groups have been opposing it on the basis of potential loss of livelihood among public utility vehicle drivers.

Other proposed projects are the improvement of n at i on a l ro a d s an d strengthening inclusive growth through road infrastructure improvement, additional financing for social protection support, and small-scale technical assistance on strengthening institutions for investment in Mindanao.

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supportive.”

Madani, who presided over the meeting of the BCF in Davao City, said the group discussed the current legislative process involving the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that aims to legalize the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Philippine government and the MILF in March last year.

“We had an agenda that includes the peace process that is taking place now – the CAB and the BBL,” he said.

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SPC Power Corporation, TeaM (Philippines) Energy Corporation, Therma Southern Mindanao Inc. and Vivant Energy Corporation.

A total of 12 prospective bidders are e yeing t he selection and appointment of IPPA for the 200MW Mindanao coal-fired thermal

power plant,” PSALM said.

All the 12 parties have complied with the initial bidding requirement deadline last March 30, including the execution of a confidentiality agreement and undertaking and the payment of nonrefundable participation fee.

The pre-bid conference for the Mindanao’s IPPA selection is slated May 6 this year; while the bid submission date will be on September 23.

The sale of the Mindanao coal plant via IPPA appointment for the remaining duration of its power supply contract is seen among the last commitments of PSALM at the auction block prior to the end of reign of the Aquino administration.

Despite being in ‘hot water’ for various transactions that the company had entered into, PSALM president Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. is still carrying out his work self-assuredly that he will eventually get off the hook on all those allegations.

Relative to the Mindanao coal supply deal’s pr ivat i zat i on, L e des ma averred that the company is “delighted with the number of prospective bidders, which is more than our first bidding for the Mindanao region.”

He added that they can somehow raise expectations for a successful outcome of the undertaking.

The Mindanao coal plant is being operated by Steag State Power Inc. but its power supply agreement on generated electricity has the National Power Corporation (NPC) as counter-party based on their 25-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement.

Rufus... from page 1

yesterday (Monday, April 20).

But in the interim, Rodriguez kept on repeating during media interviews that some provisions of the BBL are unconstitutional.

Ac c ord i ng t o M P C , his pronouncement on his own personal opinion is tantamount to “undermining the process by preempting the votes of each and every member in the 75-member ad hoc committee.”

Pastor Reu Montecillo, MPC co-chair representing the Christian settlers in Mindanao said that “all the proposed amendments including perceived constitutional issues are still subject to voting at the committee level. Rufus Rodriguez is just one vote there so he should stop talking to the media as if his legal opinion is already the vote of the committee.”

MPC is working to help resolve the age-old armed conflict in Mindanao through negotiated political settlement that contains the essentials acceptable to both negotiating panels and that addresses the historical oppression and forced marginalization of the native inhabitants and indigenous peoples of Mindanao.

D u r i n g t h e “p e a c e conversation” Rodriguez h a d w it h c iv i l s o c i e t y organizations (CSOs), led

by Tulay Kalinaw Mindanaw (Tulay KaMi or Bridge of Peace in Mindanaw), that was hosted by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D. on April 11, Rodriguez enumerated eight provisions that will be deleted from the BBL draft because these are unconstitutional.

“What is the basis for such statement? Until Rufus Rodriguez convenes his own committee and puts the BBL to voting, whatever opinion he has on the BBL is his own personal opinion only,” stressed Matigsalug chieftain, Bae Magdalena Suhat.

Suhat added: “I believe that the media pronouncement of the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, Rufus Rodriguez is creating more confusion to the public and is disrespectful of the 75-members of the committee.”

The MPC said that if there are provisions that will not be approved by the 75-member adhoc committee, Rodriguez should just let the process take its democratic course.

MPC chairman Mahdie Amella also accused Rodriguez of playing God with the BBL when he announced before the media that Congress will not pass the proposed law unless the MILF surrenders the killers of the fallen SAF. “Rodrigues cannot play God with the BBL by suspending the committee hearing and impose conditions there that are not even demanded by Malacanang,” Amella said, who added: “As a son of Mindanao and as representative of Cagayan de Oro City, which pride itself as the City of Golden Friendship, Rodriguez is yet to demonstrate that he is a friend of peace and of the Bangsamoro. The least that he could do is to do his job as a lawmaker.”

Amella advised Rodriguez to let the process take its due course.

“If you do not like it, so be it but do not drag the name of the 75-member committee with you as if what you say over media is already the vote of the committee,” Amella said.

During the April 11 “peace conversation,” CSO leaders urged Rodriguez and congressmen to extend some liberality in interpreting the BBL and not be shackled by legalities.

Bibing Mordeno, executive director of Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) which serves as secretariat of Tulay KaMi, asked for more liberality in the interpretation of these provisions since it said in the BBL that the Bangsamoro versions of these “constitutional commissions” are still under the supervision of their national counterparts and not separate bodies.

“It is ou r mor a l obligation to journey with the Bangsamoro in the implementation of the BBL. We believe that this is it,”

she said.

A pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) said that these eight provisions are part of what the Bangsamoro, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), is fighting for at present — the right to be trusted.

“These eight provisions are the essence of the right to be trusted…Moingon kita nga kini ang babag sa constitutionality sa BBL, pero atong hinumduman nga ang esensiya niini mao ang gipangayo sa Bangsamoro.

Ang esensiya nga magdumala sila sa kaugalingon nilang lugar, sa pamolitika. Kung wad-on kini, mao ra lang gihapon nga kita ang gakapot kanila; mao ra lang gihapon ta og gahikot ta sa ilang liog ug ato silang gipatuyok-tuyok bisan asa. Lisud ni nga atong walaon,” he said.

For his part, Tulay KaMi lead convenor Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, said that these provisions “can be interpreted in a different way.”

“In the present BBL, there is also that respect for the Constitutional bodies and in fact there is a middle ground,” he said.

Ledesma also pointed out that even the surviving framers of the Constitution “said they have not seen anything objectionable to the BBL and that it adheres to the core spirit of the Constitution, which is social justice.”

“The draft BBL represents the reasonable, practicable, and carefully crafted formula for attaining a just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” he stressed.

A representative of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) also pointed out the BBL is already the “minimum compromise entered into by both peace panels” to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and as such should be passed untouched.

“It is already the minimum of what the Bangsamoro people have been fighting for. Deleting these provisions might make the BBL like other laws — very much lacking in terms of solving the root of the conflict and showing respect to the Moro,” he said.

Best...

from page 12

an d S m ar t e - Mon e y vice president and head of Financial Innovation, Digital Inclusion and Alliances Lito Villanueva.

The Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Summit and Awards is the premier conference produced for and attended by senior executives from the retail b an k ing and consumer finance organizations in Asia. The Retail Banker International is the only global publication focused on the analysis of the retail banking sector. It provides indepth analysis and insights on financial product innovation, marketing strategies,

multichannel distribution, and competitor analysis against more t han 100 banking and macroeconomic metrics, among others.

Miner... from page 3

and rich heritage located at the westernmost point of the Indonesian archipelago. It provides visitors with a wide range of experiences from idyllic beaches, outdoor & nature activities, to culture and heritage tours. The Banda Aceh mini travel guide can be downloaded via AirAsia’s travel guide page at http://www.airasia. com/travelguides.

AirAsia... from page 3

with investment banks and potential underwriters.

He noted, however: “We don’t need the money. But it would be nice to have the money so we can accelerate our growth.”

Proceeds of the IPO will be used for working capital, primarily to put up a nickel processing plant and to acquire new projects, Mr. James said.

TVIRD plans to export more than 2.5 million wet metric tons of nickel ore this year.

T V I R D is t he l o c a l affiliate of TVI Pacific Inc., a publicly-listed Canadian mining company primarily engaged in the exploration and production of precious and base metals from districtscale, large-system, highmargin projects located in the Philippines, according to its official Web site.

The comp any’s f irst operating mine is located on a 508-hectare site in Canatuan, Siocon in Zamboanga del

11

Norte, where it established gold and silver operations from 2004 to 2007. It then moved to copper and zinc from 2008 to 2013. It has produced 105,200 ounces of gold, 1.8 million ounces of silver, 199,778 dry metric tons (dmt) of copper concentrates and 30,558 dmt of zinc concentrates from that mine in Southern Philippines.

TVIRD also has a 60% st ake in Agat a Mining Ventures Inc., the operator of a nickel mine resource in Agusan del Norte.

Treasure... from page 5

could earn in environmental protection fees, local taxes, and others, Cruz believes Lake Manguao is not only an avian treasure chest, but can be a source of livelihood too, for the locals.

When it comes to Taytay, he claime d t hat except for the historical Fuerza de Santa Isabelle and the islands, there is nothing else to call its own since there are also the same in El Nido and Coron.

“Taytay is a very, very important gateway to El Nido; just one hour or so, you’re here. Tourists there can come here if they’re intereste d in t he avian residents of the lake.”

If L a ke Mang u a o i s p r o t e c t e d , Ta y t a y c a n truly claim it “its own,” like Narra that has Estrella Falls to boast; El Nido that has the secret lago ons; Puerto Princesa that has the underground river, and Coron that has Kayangan Lake.

“The initiative should come from the LGU; it is theirs, we are here to help protect the lake and its wildlife,” he said. (PNA)

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

BusinessWeek MINDANAO THE BUSINESSMEN’S NEWSPAPER 2013 PPI’S BEST IN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC REPORTING

DISTRICT 3870 DISCON MAY 7-9, 2015 @ PRYCE PLAZA HOTEL

Smart, Landbank mobile MONDAY | APRIL 20, 2015

editor: SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

PAGE 12

loan service is best in Asia T

he Mobile Loan Saver program of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and Smart e-Money, Inc., the digital financial subsidiary of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) received global recognition anew for the Mobile Loan Saver during the 6th Retail Bankers International Asia Trailblazer Summit and Awards held at the Carlton Hotel in Singapore.

Winning the Process Excellence in Loans Origination award, the LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver, powered

by Smart e-Money, is a mobile-based savings-

linked and insurancebacked loan facility that provides a fully digital loans system. Since it was launched in September 2014, it has released more than P1.4 billion in loans to over 10,000 borrowers nationwide with more than 300 government agencies participating in the program.

The award was presented by Timetric Regional Director Ruben Kempeneer to LANDBANK executive vice president and Branch Banking Sector head Jocelyn dG. Cabreza, LANDBANK president and CEO Gilda Pico, BEST

Page 11

The award was presented by Timetric Regional Director Ruben Kempeneer (third from left) to LANDBANK executive vice president and Branch Banking Sector head Jocelyn dG. Cabreza, LANDBANK president and CEO Gilda Pico, and Smart e-Money vice president and head of Financial Innovation, Digital Inclusion and Alliances Lito Villanueva. (Supplied Photo)

“BLESSING AD” 1/2