BusinessWeek Mindanao (April 7, 2017)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE

Volume VII, No. 135

Market Indicators As of 5:45 pm April 6, 2017 (thursday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P50.163

7,540.22

X

0.5 cents

43.99

X

points

Briefly Davao water project ABOITIZ Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) and its joint venture partner target to start in July the construction of a P12-billion bulk water supply facility in Davao City, with the goal of providing services to the area by end 2019, its finance chief said.

“The funding is ready. It’s really just finalizing the permits.

We want to make sure everything is set before we start building,” AEV Chief Financial Officer Manuel R. Lozano told reporters on Monday.

Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., a joint venture between AEV and JV Angeles Construction Corp., in mid 2014 won the right to build the facility for the Davao City Water District, but the project was delayed because of the lengthy government permitting process.

Sitio electrification NATIONAL Electrification Administration (NIA) OIC Henrietta A. Maramot expressed her gratitude to the Cagayan de Oro City Council headed

by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy for supporting the Sitio Electrification Program (DEP) and the Nationwide Intensification of Household Electrification Program (NIHE).

The programs are being implemented by the NEA and the Department of Energy (DOE), respectively, in line with the national government’s electrification program.

It may be recalled that the City Council adopted Resolution No. 12568-2017, expressing the city’s unequivocal support to the projects to uplift the lives and economic well-being of residents especially in the countryside and remote areas.

YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

RELIABLE

IN-DEPTH

P15.00

Gov’t set to unload more T-bonds due to demand www.businessweekmindanao.com

T

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

HE Bureau of Treasury will release next week its 19th tranche of retail treasury bonds open for small investors following the high demand in previous offerings that saw its yield hitting P70 billion mark, more than twice its P30 billion target.

Friday | April 7, 2017

In a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City last Monday, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon announced that the latest batch will mature three years from now.

The public offer period was f rom March 28 to April 6 with both issue and

redemption prices at par at an interest rate of 4.25 percent.

It has a coupon rate of 4.25 percent and bid-to-cover ratio of 2.87. Issue date will be on April 11, 2017.

RTBs are intended for small investors since it can be availed for a minimum of

P5,000 placement.

De Leon said the debt instrument can be availed of by the public through select banks from March 28 to April 6, 2017.

“Now on its 19th issuance, t he RT B has prov i d e d unload/PAGE 11

Mis. Oriental’s PPP code hurdles second reading

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

G O V E R N O R Ye v g e n y Vi n c e nt e E m a n o o n We d ne s d ay l au de d t he provincial board for passing on second reading the PublicPrivate Partnership Code (PPPC) of Misamis Oriental during their regular session on Tuesday.

Emano said that if the PPPC would eventually be approved on third and final reading, it will allow the provincial government to e nte r i nto c ont r a c t with private firms for the development of various properties it owned.

The provincial governor cited the proposed development of the new provincial jail in one of the western towns in Misamis

Oriental, which would entail a development cost of about PHP100 million that could only be realized through a public-private partnership.

He said that the approval of the PPPC would also lead to the privatization of a portion of a prime lot located at the old provincial capitol compound in Cagayan de Oro City.

Emano said that the provincial government owns about eight hectares of prime lot in the city, where the seat of the provincial government is presently located. He added that some of the provinceowned buildings and lots are also leased by regional government offices. reading/PAGE 11

FIXING POWER LINES. Linemen of Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) fix the cables into a newly erected post while downing a broken old post at Barangay 5, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. photo by jun ayensa

Cacao farmers in Caraga region urged to take USAD model

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Contributing Editor

Law on STD/Aids THE proposed ordinance amending the composition of the Local Aids Council (LAC) provided for in Ordinance No. 13019-2015, known as the Cagayan de Oro City STD/AIDS Prevention and Control Ordinance of 2006, is being reviewed by the City Council through the committee on health, sanitation and health insurance.

The committee, chaired

by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, thoroughly discussed with representatives of different agencies the composition of Non -Government Organizations (NGOs) in relation to the amendment of Local AIDS Council based on Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2013-29.

The DILG Memorandum Circular reiterates the role of local government units in response to HIV and AIDS and enjoins all cities to adopt strategies to promote leadership and mitigate the negative impacts of STI, HIV and AIDS in the respective localities.

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur—Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza has called on cacao farmers in Caraga region to take the three-month social preparation model of the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) program of the provincial government which

JOY RIDE. Children enjoy a bike ride around the Energy Park, a top weekend destination in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Mindanews Photo

he believed could help them improve their yield.

Plaza has outlined the success behind his pet USAD program implemented in Agusan del Sur since 2013 of which has now started t o i mprov e t h e l ot of impoverished farmers in the farmers/PAGE 11

special feature

Girl-leader advocates for children’s rights

By LINA SAGARAL REYES, Contributing Editor

ALABEL, SARANGANI -Michelle Baranda, 17, carries, like a luminous amulet in the deep pockets of her thoughts, the words of the renowned educator and rights activist Helen Keller: while it is true that the world is full of adversity; it is also true

that the world is full of the overcoming of adversity.

But it is the lesser-known Johanna Sullivan, Keller’s lifelong teacher, whose perseverance coaxed the best out of Keller, that Baranda holds up as a model. Unlike Keller and Sullivan, who

both became blind at an early age, Baranda grew up enjoying the full powers of sight, hearing and speech. But still, in a way, she explained, she considers herself to have lived a life of adversity but also of overcoming adversity like Keller and Sullivan. ‘’I know what suffering means, what it means to lose

what’s important to me. The very day I was born, my father disappeared from our lives.

My mother lost a husband and together with my elder sister, I lost a father,” she said.

According to her mother, her father was arrested for robbery and carnapping that midnight in 1999 while she rights/PAGE 11

Michelle Baranda, at 17, has lived a life of adversity… and survived!

Editorial and advertising email : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com • Cell Number : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

2

SP speeds up re-opening of Kagay-an Resort THE much-awaited reopening of the Cagayan de Oro city’s very own Kagay-an Resort at Taguanao, Barangay Indahag is expected to take place soon.

The City Council committees on tourism and on ways and means chaired

by Councilors Jay R. Pascual and George Goking favorably acted on the proposal to impose new rates for entrance fees and use of facilities at the resort.

City Tourism Council chair Dorothy Jean Pabayo informed the committee on tourism that all is set for the re-opening of the resort, which under went major reconstruction.

She said the entrance fee used to be only P5 for adults and P2 for children.

The proposed entrance fee is P50 for adults and P30 for children, which is still the cheapest in the city, she said.

Meanwhile, the proposed rates for the use of bamboo huts at the resort is P500, and P2,000 for the use of the gazebo for four hours.

Pabayo said the resort has six swimming pools, for adults, children and PWDs and an Olympic-size pool.

It also has modern comfort rooms and dressing rooms, she announced.

According to Pabayo, the dry-run opening was held the other Sunday, with an overwhelming response of almost a thousand guests.

“Grabe ang response ng mga tao (The response of the resort/PAGE 11

Economy

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

friday|April 7, 2017

Lanao Norte lawmaker bats for livelihood program for women

By LORRY VILLANEA-GABULE, Contributor

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — Congressman Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo of the province’s first district has pushed for livelihood programs for women to make them productive.

Speaking during the culmination program of the women’s month celebration last March 30 at the Mindanao Civic Center here, Congressman Dimaporo said: “President Duterte wants it to be strategic and surgical in implementing the programs for women.”

“In Lanao del Norte, we’re trying to maximize t he i mpl e me nt at i on of livelihood programs for

women in partnership with the government line agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA) and other

agencies,” the congressman added.

Dimap oro explained that “if 50 percent [of the population] is made up of women na walang ginagawa (idle), then the development in the province slows down.

But if we succeed in making our women productive, then we also succeed in effecting development in the province.”

For her part, Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo assured that gender and development program be given priority in her leadership, saying “the women deserve such a program.”

The lady governor also disclosed that each women’s group of the 16 municipalities would be given free livelihood livelihood/PAGE 11

COWD asked to fast track Berjaya water project THE CAGAYAN de Oro City Council committee on public utilities adopted a resolution requesting the Cagayan de Oro Water District to fast track the implementation of the water project at the Berjaya Homes in Barangay Bugo.

This is in response to the resolution of the Barangay Council of Bugo requesting

for the installation of a water pipeline connecting Berjaya Homes.

During the meeting of the committee chaired by Councilor Teodulfo E. Lao, a representative of the COWD said an ocular inspection was already conducted in the area and the program of works has already been prepared.

T h e P OW h a s b e e n submitted to the COWD management for approval.

According to the COWD, the P1.6 million project could be funded from the P6 million fund allocation for local government unit (LGU)-identified projects.

If implemented, the water system will serve over a hundred residents. (SP)

Teaching Humanities and Social Sciences in Senior High RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide CNN Philippines TV-9 Manila CNN Philippines TV-12 Baguio CNN Philippines TV-12 Dagupan CNN Philippines TV-26 Tarlac CNN Philippines TV-10 Iriga CNN Philippines TV-4 Iloilo

CNN Philippines TV-8 Bacolod CNN Philippines TV-9 Cebu CNN Philippines TV-5 Cag. de Oro CNN Philippines TV-5 Zamboanga CNN Philippines TV-7 GenSan CNN Philippines TV-9 Davao

DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos

By NIDALYN TAMBOBOY-JUMAWAN Teacher II Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School

THE HUMSS strand embedded in the Academic track of Senior High may be boring at first glance but if you’re curious about the world, it actually is not.

Here you will know about Philippine Politics and Governance, World Religions and B elief Systems and Social Sciences. Remember that there is a saying that curiousity may have killed the cat but it was satisfaction that brought it back.

Believe it or not, studying HUMSS can actually help you map your future. So these subjects can be handy at times long after you’ve studied them. For instance, Int ro duc t i on to World Religions and Belief Systems is meant to familiarize the student with the range of human exp er iences.

From ancient religions to the newest technological advances, HUMSS students have the chance to predict

the future because they will spend time looking at the past and learning from all the mistakes and successes of humanity since the beginning of time.

And with subjects l i k e C r e a t i v e Wr i t i n g and Creative Nonfiction, students will learn how to write poetry, fiction and drama. For the writers at heart, there’s no more denying that passion. Isn’t that great?

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

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

friday|April 7, 2017

3

4

Opinion

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

friday|April 7, 2017

How to Receive GOD’s Best Part 3: GOD’S DIVINE FAVOR SPOKEN OVER US

Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

ALLAN mario MEDIANTE

Vice President for Corporate Affairs

Joe felicilda

Vice President for Administration

joe palabao

Vice President for Marketing

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

Cheng ordoñez

gilbert y. chao

Executive Editor

Motoring Editor JOEL ESCOL

BONG FABE

Feature Editor

Associate Editor

CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artist

JUN AYENSA

shyne campaner

Regional Editor Caraga

Advertising

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

Cris diaz mike baños Uriel quilinguing Contributing Editors

Cell No: 09352379999

Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., CDO Legal Counsel

manila office: Unit 310 Valero Plaza, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City; lani vallido-Marketing Manager Shiena Shyne Campaner & Wemalyn Garcia Marketing Staff - CDO

The BusinessWeek Mindanao is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Corporation every Monday to Friday with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City.

It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Company Registration No. CS201531633 with BIR Certificate of Registration No. 2RC0000831068, TIN No. 463826-272-000 – VAT. Reg., and with Business Permit No. 201512879. Tel. Nos.: (088)8578447, 74-5380, 0923-432-0687, 0917-7121424 Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com

Member: Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

Cleaning other people’s house Think a minute…A man walked into a crowded store in a small town. It was noisy and full of people. Everybody was talking and going about their own business when suddenly a woman yelled out loudly to a man: “Hey twotimer! Did your wife finally forgive you?” That store which was loud and noisy suddenly became amazingly quiet. Why? Because a nice, juicy bit of gossip was just thrown out and nobody wanted to miss it!

Someone said that when we gossip about others it’s like forcing our way into someone else’s house to clean it for them. We do it not because we’re being kind and helpful, but so we can make them look bad and show everybody else how dirty that person’s life is. The worse we make them look, the better we think we will look in comparison. But it’s usually the opposite. People usually know how good you are by what you say about others, not by what others say about you. Do you remember the rhyme: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?”

It’s not true! Many people have been hurt far more by criticism and gossip than by sticks and stones.

THINK

A Minute

“My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.”- Psalm 89:34 We have come to the third part of a 5-part preaching in How to Receive GOD’s best.

To recall the two previous preaching; the first part was about GOD has already given us His best and we only need to search for it with all of our heart. The second part clarified the difference between miracle and a blessing. We found out that although the two are GOD-given, miracles are temporary. Blessings, on the other hand, are more permanent – something GOD really wants us to receive.

In the third part, we are again shaken by a revelation.

We are once more proven wrong about what we know of blessings. If we were

asked “what is your greatest blessing now?”, we often reply with something tangible, material, and physical.

Some would say their blessing is their work. This is true to many of us in the first few days, months, years maybe of our work. But as time stretches and work piles up, what we thought was a blessing, slowly proves itself as a curse.

Some of us would say our child or children is our greatest blessing. But how can this be when they can be more of a source of stress? Can we call a new car a blessing? We know that in a few months or years it will cost us repairs and maintenance. Even more so a house under mortgage or a mansion subject to taxation.

Do we consider our spouses as blessings? Truly, GOD’s

blessing is not a thing. Our work, our children, our spouses, cars, houses and more are merely byproducts of GOD’s blessing. But they are not the blessing.

The REAL BLESSING OF GOD is GOD’s divine favor spoken over us. We can recall that our previous preaching brought us the revelation that our future is determined by what comes out of our mouth.

This is seen on Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for the necessary edification, that it may IMPART GRACE to the hearers.” If our words have power, how much more GOD’s word?

What does this mean?

This means that GOD’s favor over us is our blessing. With his favors are promises that would benefit us. Knowing

The Ripple

By AMBongay

GOD, His Words cannot be broken. His Word, our blessing was even made flesh – in the person of Jesus, the most beautiful byproduct of our blessing from GOD. But wait! There will be more and rest assured, GOD’s promises are never broken.

This interpretation is based on Ptr. Ron Bayron’s preaching.

Why Christians Should Rethink G12 (Part 2) The concept closely associated with pyramid marketing is Ponzi scheme. Named after Charles Ponzi, the scheme is a sham investment operation where the dealmaker, an individual or organization, pays returns to its investors from new capital paid to the operators by new investors, rather than from profit earned through legitimate sources. In many cases, the dealmakers disappear after a while. No wonder, many nowadays do not want the hook anymore. “I don’t want to be Ponzied,” somebody cries.

But why do some charismatic evangelical churches adopt what is usually becoming Ponzi?

These churches—aware of the marketing approach used around—make their

own version of pyramid marketing through G12.

The church members going t hroug h such prog ram undergo three phases: Preencounter, Encounter and Post-encounter. After several persuasions, the members are “encouraged” or pressured to commit in making 12 disciples. They are called “disciples” because they are not just believers who follow the teachings; they are personally nurtured by the disciplers towards spiritual growth.

Nothing wrong until we see the real picture.

What if some members of these churches who join G12 have the DNA of Mark Zuckerberg, poet Cirilo Bautista, or Isaac Newton and not of a church minister or worker? Do the leaders

of these churches have the temerity to destroy these individuals’ built-in inner voices and impose their visions exploiting God’s name? Church leaders who use G12 usually deny this, but the truth is, not only do they trump their people’s inner vision with “systematic” teachings—they abuse their authority by hampering these individuals’ optimal productivity which affects their influence in the world.

For instance, take away 30 minutes from Warren Buffet’s daily routine and he can lose all. Divert one hour from Michael Jordan’s training and he is no longer the legendary MJ: he unwittingly becomes Mangled Jordan.

Many Christians may not be Zuckerberg, Bautista or MJ, but they are A-1 executives,

lucell larawan lawyers and engineers. Some are yet aspiring to be. By some kind of trickery, however, they can lose all in an instant or give up their dreams. On the other hand, no one can claim monopoly of revelation from heaven (Joel 2: 28-29); lay people also know how to seek God’s voice. Do not be larawan/PAGE 9

Duterte must confront own relative on DAP row Jhan Tiafau Hurst Even if it is true that a teenager got into trouble, or that man committed adultery, or that person said something very wrong, they may have learned from their mistake and changed already.

But our cruel, unkind gossip about them is wrong and evil, and something we ourselves need to star t changing today! The only person’s life you have the right and responsibility to correct is your own. That other person’s life is their own problem. It is not your job or right to talk about it to others. Remember, “What goes around comes around.”

So the same bad things we told about others might also happen to us! Then, guess who people will be gossiping about? You. hurst/PAGE 11

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…`Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly’…” (Leviticus 19:15, the Holy Bible).

-ooo WAS SUENO SINGLED OUT AMONG OTHER CORRUPT OFFICIALS? So, okay, President Duterte lost the requisite presidential trust and confidence that former Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael “Mike’ Sueno must maintain at all times so he could cling on to his Cabinet position.

But isn’t the public entitled to know why the President no longer trusted Sueno?

The fact is that, if it was corruption that caused Duterte to let go of Sueno, many other officials under the Duterte administration should no longer be allowed to remain in their positions, on account of massive reports about their own corrupt activities. Why single out

Sueno then?

In fact, his own men are up in arms even against each other, even if they are the closest allies of the President.

The case of his campaign leaders and contributors from Mindanao who are now trading accusations of gross corruption and immorality against each other is a case in point. Why are these leaders and contributors not being called out by the President, too?

-ooo DUTERTE’S CAMPAIGN FOR REFORMS DOUBTED: Then, some who are still e nj oy i ng g re at p owe rs on account of their lofty positions under the Duterte government are likewise untouched, even if they are no longer protecting the interest of the people, but of the officials who served under previous administrations.

Why the discrimination?

This apparent double standard in dealing with government officials who

are perceived to be either truly corrupt or thickfaced saboteurs who have no qualms about making a mockery of the President’s campaign against corruption by protecting their patrons or those whom they owe great favors from---like appointments that are clearly undeserved---is giving the impression that Duterte’s campaign for reforms is not really genuine after all.

I am s u re t h at t h e President has access to sensitive information about what officials are doing in their respective departments.

I believe he knows what each and every official he appointed, or were appointed under previous regimes, are up to, or what they are trying to protect. He must act against them decisively, in the same way he acted very decisively against Sueno and one other former official, to protect his presidency.

-ooo DUTERTE MUST

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio CONFRONT OWN RELATIVE ON DAP ROW: The president’s rant against the lack of the prop er corruption or, perhaps, plunder charges, against former President Aquino and all those who had a hand in taking over billions in government funds from various agencies under the executive branch for use as reward to lawmakers to oust then Chief Justice Renato Corona should be directed against his own relative batas/PAGE 9

5

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

friday|April 7, 2017

SM Woman presents Summer 2017 line in CDO S Story and Photos by MARK FRANCISCO

M Woman, the in-house apparel brand for women of The SM Store, revealed its Summer 2017 line at a styling event last Wednesday inside The SM Store at SM City Cagayan de Oro. During the styling event, three shoppers instantly won P1,500 worth of gift certificates each after daring to parade around within The SM Store vicinity in their newly bought swimwear from the Summer 2017 collection.

There are indeed lots of beach wear variants good for all sizes and across all ages to choose

from. Also up for grabs are SM GTW clothing as well as intimate apparel.

For the uninitiated, SM GTW clothing is the chic and casual line of SM Woman such as shorts, pants, skirts, dresses and tops.

The April 5 event at SM City Cagayan de Oro was simultaneously held with The SM Store branches in SM Seaside Cebu, SM City Davao, SM City Iloilo and SM City Bacolod.

As espoused in the accompanying pictures, nautical is the theme of this year’s summer boasts of SM Woman. The blues and subtle florals are

indeed come-ons as we beat the summer heat in this tropical island which is home to the most diverse of awesome

beautiful women in the country.

SM Woman celebrate the stylish modern woman – dynamic and

exciting yet casual and relaxed. She is a careerdriven individual who also loves her leisure time. No matter where

she goes, from the city to the boardroom, home and beyond, every day is a completely new experience.

6

Business

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

friday|April 7, 2017

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

friday|April 7, 2017

7

CorporateWorld

San Miguel lines up 3 projects worth $34-B

S

AN MIGUEL Corp.

(SMC) said it is investing at least $33.6 billion in an oil refinery, integrated steel mill and an ocean-tide power plant to be completed in three to five years, its president said.

Ramon S. Ang, SMC president and chief operating officer, said the diversified conglomerate is studying the construction of an oil refinery with an output of 250,000 barrels a day, while also producing petrochemicals and aromatics.

“Iyong partner ’di pa finalized kung sino gusto kasama [The partnership is not yet finalized if anyone would like to join],” he told reporters in a briefing he called late afternoon on Friday.

He said the company is also planning to put up an integrated steel mill that can produce steel from iron ore “all the way down to finished product.”

“Itong planta na itatayo may kasamang [The plant to be built has a] stainless steel plant that can produce

300 series at 400 series,” he said, referring to the grading system for the steel alloy that has greater resistance to corrosion.

Mr. Ang declined to identify the location of the steel mill, saying the company is now in talks to acquire the property.

The oil refiner y and the steel mill will each cost around $15 billion and are expected to be completed in three years.

He said the steel mill is “integrated... from iron ore, nickel, chromite” and later produce stainless steel. “ Ku m b a g a f i n i s h e d product na may high value for export and for domestic [That is, a high-value finished product for export and domestic use],” Mr. Ang said, adding that the mill can also provide materials for other steel mills in the Philippines.

OCEAN TIDE POWER PLANT SMC’s third project is possibly the more ambitious as it is the first time that a local company is venturing

7-Eleven stores report 17% net income growth THE LOCAL LICENSEE of 7-Eleven convenience stores realized a 17% increase in net income to P1.18 billion last ye ar, dr iven by its continued store expansion.

In a statement, Philippine S even C orp. attributed the growth to the opening of 410 new stores dur ing t he ye ar, which offset the closure of 17 branches. “ We c o n t i n u e d t o dominate the convenience retail sector by opening new stores all throughout the country. We capitalized on our first-mover advantage and economies of scale in widening our lead against competitors,” it said on Tuesday.

Philippine Seven ended 2016 with 1,995 stores, of

which 1,633 are in Luzon (with 808 located in Metro Manila), 255 in the Visayas an d 1 0 7 i n M i n d an a o.

Franchisees control 55% of the stores, while 45% are company-owned.

System-wide sales, which pertains to corporate and f ranchis e-op erated stores, grew by 23.2% to P31.8 billion.

In the fourth quarter, system-wide sales grew by 20% to P8.75 billion from P7.29 billion in the same quarter in 2015.

This year, the company is allotting P3.5 billion to fund its store expansion strategy. The bulk of the capital expenditure is set for new store openings, store renovation and equipment acquisition.

STARMALLS, Inc., t he commercial arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., sustained strong double digit growth for the full-year 2016.

Rental revenues was at P4.5, or a 61-percent increase from last year’s P2.8 billion.

Net income posted a 71-percent growth to P1.55 billion from P0.90 billion last year.

“We remain optimistic about the retail industry’s outlook for 2017, as we continue to see continued growth in the disposable income of Filipinos, the r i s i ng m i d d l e cl a ss i n

the countr y, and sound Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals,” said Chairman Manuel B. Villar, Jr. “In addition, we are taking advantage of the synergies that we found as a result of our integration with Vista Land,” he added.

The company’s total consolidated assets at the end of 2016 amounted to P35.8 billion from Php31.8 billion in 2015.

As of end 2016, Starmalls already had 17 commercial assets in its portfolio and is still continuing to expand its starmalls/PAGE 9

Starmalls sustains double-digit growth in 2016

into power development using ocean tidal energy.

Mr. Ang estimated the cost of de veloping the resource at $3 million per megawatt (MW), or around $3.6 billion for the initial 1,200 MW capacity of the project. He said initial studies show the development has the potential to be scaled up to 18,000 MW. The project can be completed in five years, he added. “ We m a y b r i n g i n a partner,” Mr. Ang said about the projects, which in Philippine peso terms will reach more than a trillion,

using an exchange rate of P50 to a dollar.

He describe the renewable energy project as “isang t ay u an l ang [ one - t ime construction] but will run forever.”

The SMC chief declined t o g i v e d e t ai l s of t h e ocean-tide energy project ahead of completing all the requirements before the regulatory application process.

“Para kung gagaya man nila, too late na sila nang kaunti [So that if others will copy it, they will be a bit late],” he said.

He said the company was preparing documents for submission to the Board of Investments, which gives incentives for renewable projects, and the Department of Energy, the industry policy maker.

All three projects will be in the Philippines, but Mr. Ang declined to disclose the exact location, saying he will make the announcement in the next few months.

The new ventures are on top of 14 other projects that the company is undertaking with a total project cost of P643.8 billion. SMC has five

infrastructure projects worth P286.2 billion, four power projects at P156.7 billion, two fuel and oil upgrades and expansion worth P119.9 billion, and one project each in packaging, food and beer with a budget of P10 billion, P56 billion and P15 billion, respectively.

Mr. Ang said the company had spent up to P278 billion as of end 2016 for the existing projects, leaving P366 billion for future spending. Of the remainder, P80 billion is allotted for this year, P90 billion in 2018 and P196 billion in 2019 and beyond.

8

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

friday|April 7, 2017

Hosted by NORTHERN MINDANAO REGION 2 headed by eagle MIGUEL V. ANTON (GOVERNOR, NMR2) “PARTICIPATING REGIONS WITH CORRESPONDING GOVERNORS”

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippine Eagles 38th National Assembly Maria Christina Hotel, Iligan city, March 24 & 25, 2017

1. NCR (EAGLE ALADIN LORENZO) 2. VISAYAN REGION (EAGLE BERT ALVARADO) 3. WMR1 (EAGLE LAURO MENDOZA) 4. WMR2 (EAGLE ZALDY DAMINAR) 5. WMR3 (EAGLE CONSTANTINO SORIANO) 6. WMR4 (EAGLE JEDY SORRONDA) 7. NMR1 (EAGLE CONRADO “junGOV anjun” R. GOMEZ) 8. NMR2 (EAGLE MIGUEL V. ANTON) 9. NMR3 (EAGLE GIOVANNI HERRA) 10. NMR4 (EAGLE NELSON SARAPUDDIN) 11. BUKIDNON REGION (EAGLE JAIME GELLOR JR.) 12. CARAGA1 (EAGLE MANUEL NUYAD 13. CARAGA2 (EAGLE FLORANTE “REN-REN” DUEÑAS) 14. CARAGA3 (EAGLE BALTAZAR ABLAN) 15. ARMM1 (EAGLE MARVIN GALO) 16. ARMM2 (EAGLE SANI JUMDAIN) 17. DAVAO1 (EAGLE CAMPOREDONDO) 18. DAVAO2 (EAGLE DENNIS DENORA) 19. DAVAO3 (EAGLE FREDERICK FERRIDO) 20. SOCKSARGEN (EAGLE JOHNNY TAN) 21. CAMIGUIN (EAGLE IRA BERMUDO) VISITORS: 1). KING EAGLE LUCIO “LOUIE” F. CENIZA (NATIONAL PRESIDENT) 2) EAGLE ERLQUIN LIM (EXECUTIVE NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT) 3). EAGLE ALEXANDER ALAG (NATIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL) 4). EAGLE CESAR Y. YAMUTA (EXECUTIVE PEIL DIRECTOR)) 5). EAGLE BRECIO CORIAS (NATIONAL TREASURER) 6). EAGLE GILBERT B. GILLE (PENAPLE) 7). EAGLE ROBERT SEELIN (PENAPLE) 8). EAGLE IBNOHASHIM UNDUG (PENAPLE) 9). EAGLE SAINODEN BALINDONG (PENAPLE) 10). EAGLE MIGUEL PISO (PENAPLE) 11). EAGLE ANDREW PAUROM (ROSEI, NMR1) 12). HON. JEMAR VERA CRUZ (VICE MAYOR, ILIGAN CITY) 13). EAGLE NOLI PARDILLO (CITY COUNSILOR, ILIGAN CITY) 14). EAGLE ARNEL BABA (GCEC PRESIDENT, NMR1) 15). EAGLE TYRON MACABAYA (BRCEC PRESIDENT, NMR1) 16)) EAGLE DEXTER AGUSTIN (MCNEC PRESIDENT, NMR1) 17). EAGLE NORDION CUSADIO (MGEC PRESIDENT, NMR1) 18). EAGLE DR. FERDINAND D. MIRANDA (RVEC PRESIDENT / CHAIR of HEALTH CARE PROGRAM, NMR1) 19). EAGLE GALMER TABAN (OEC PRESIDENT, NMR1) 20). EAGLE BUENAVENTURA TEJANO (REC PRESIDENT, NMR1) 21). EAGLE GUALBERTO CORTEZ (NATL. ASSEMBLYMAN, NMR1) 22). EAGLE REYNALDO HEMBRADOR (REGIONAL TREASURER, NMR1) 23). EAGLE CLIFFORD COMMANDANTE (REGIONAL PIO, NMR1) 24). EAGLE ANGEL MELGAR (NATL. ASSEMBLYMAN, NMR1 & NATIONAL SGT. AT ARMS) 25). EAGLE RUSSEL MELGAR (MHEC PRESIDENT, NMR1) 26). EAGLE KARL C. UGSOD (EXECUTIVE REGIONAL INFO/ PIO, NMR1) HOSTED BY: NORTHERN MINDANAO REGION 2 1). EAGLE MIGUEL V. ANTON (GOVERNOR) 2). EAGLE ROMEO A. CAHARIAN(VICE GOV) 3). EAGLE REDENTOR O. SEBIAL(EXE SECRETARY) 4). EAGLE HUBERT AGCOPRA(REG TREASURER) 5) EAGLE MICHAEL MACARAMBON(REG PROTOCOL) 6). EAGLE CESAR Y. YAMUTA(EXE PEIL DIRECTOR) 7). EAGLE CARLITO CASIÑO(NATL ASSEMBLYMAN) 8). EAGLE JOVITO BRANZUELA(NATL ASSEMBLYMAN) 9) EAGLE WILLY YAP(NATL ASSEMBLYMAN) 10). EAGLE PAUL ALDRIN ZAIDE(ALT ASSEMBLYMAN) 11). EAGLE ARTURO L. ALIBANGGO(ALT ASSEMBLYMAN)

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

friday|April 7, 2017

SP to act on pro-forma contract with public market stallholders C A G AYA N D E O R O CITY – The entire leased premises of the Cogon, Carmen and Puerto public markets are No Smoking Zones.

This is provided for i n t h e prop o s e d pro forma lease contract by a n d b e t w e e n t h e c it y government of Cagayan de Oro and the 2017 stall awarde es of t he t hre e public markets, which will be acted upon by the 18th City C ouncil headed by Vice Mayor R ainier Joaquin V. Uy during its regular session this afternoon.

The proposed contract also cites that as part of their obligations, stall lessees shall not allow their children who are infants or toddlers to stay within the premises, nor permit anyone to loiter around the section where their stalls are located.

Loafing and introduction of intoxicating beverages, hard liquor drinks and illegal drugs within the stalls will not be allowed, according to the contract.

In addition to this, stall holders are required to promptly and regularly pay stall rentals, as well a s p e r t i n e nt bu s i n e s s permit fees, licenses and taxes that may arise or are due on account of t he business t hat w i l l

be conducted within the leased premises, as provided for under national laws and local ordinances, pay expenses for minor repair of the stalls resulting from wear and tear, among others.

They are also required to keep their stalls in good, clean and sanitary condit ion at a l l t imes and complies wit h a l l t he r u l e s , re g u l at i ons a n d ord e r s i s s u e d by prop e r aut h or it i e s i n connection with hygiene an d s an it at i on i n t h e market.

Und e r t he l e a s e contrac t, a temp orar y c om mon c ol d stor age facilities for meat, fish an d p ou lt r y pro du c t s and a warehouse for e x t r a s t o c k s of f r u it s and vegetables, rice and cor n and ot her st a l ls, when warranted shall be established, the cost of which shall be chargeable against the lessee.

The proposed ordinance, w hich was reviewed and endorsed by t he committe es on e c on om i c e nt e r pr i s e s and laws and rules, both chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nac aya, a ls o authorizes Mayor Oscar Moreno to enter into and sign the lease contract w it h t he st a l l hol d e rs .

(SP)

SP authorizes MoU with parenting group for advocacy on breastfeeding C A G AYA N D E O R O CIT Y -- The advocacy on breastfeeding and baby care will be strengthened in Cagayan de Oro city.

The City Council during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted Ordinance No. 13217-2017, authorizing Mayor Oscar S. Moreno to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, Inc. The MoU covers the implementation of the advocacy on Expanded Breastfeeding Program in the city, as endorsed by Councilor Reuben R. Daba, chair of the committee on social services.

U n d e r t h e M o U, the city government shall collab orate with the Modern Nanays of Mindanao to further advance its advocacies with respect to the promotion of breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diaper changing, and the general welfare of mothers and their children.

It provides that the

city government, with t h e a s s i s t an c e of t h e organization, will adopt measures and programs to further advance the implementation of R A 1 0 0 2 8 , ot h e r w i s e known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, and other pertinent laws, such as but not limited to the drafting of city ordinances, establishment of Lactation Stations, and information and education campaigns.

Both parties will, likewise, conduct research and further studies, research and consultations to further advance the implementation of pertinent laws.

The Modern Nanays of Mindanao is a group of young mothers who come together to share their experiences in MAIN parenting.

CAGAYAN DE ORO BRANCH & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers It is Pone of the Sts., national Kalambagohan Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 finalists of the 14th Search CAMIGUIN BRANCH forB. Ten Accomplished Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Yo u Camiguin t h OTel.r g# (088) a n i387-0491 zation CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de in Oro City (TAYO) awards the DIVISORIA BRANCH country for its continuous Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City advocacy the857-3631 promotion Tel.for # (088) BRANCH o f Lapasan b rLAPASAN e a s t f eeding, Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 babywearing and cloth CARMEN BRANCH diaper changing.

(SP) Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

Larawan... from page 4

guilty of their unmaking.

T hus , s e e G 1 2 as a masquerading Ponzi for that is where it was originally taken: an economic sabotage in-themaking. The government should be vigilant about it— an act that cannot anymore fit in with the religious liberty parameter.

Unless thes e church leaders, who impose G12, come to their senses, they wound entire congregations while inflict it on themselves.

They will wake up seeing famished lives which they cannot really care much.

The wounds will progress into economic paralysis, and when the time comes, they will preach again—this time with guilt-ridden eyes—that Christians must be light to the city or municipality. Or will they go ahead with G12 because the revenue it brings to their organizations is quite promising?

Perhaps, there is no more effective way to snuff out light from Christians—just obscure their inner voices with pious persuasions, just make them think that the voice of leaders always has been God’s voice.

Just intimidate Christians so they do not speak out against oppressive and unethical teachings.

Some shepherds highjack visions exploiting heaven’s name.

Therefore, writing this is someone’s mandate because the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our minds, which means not only with all our strength, heart and soul. “With all our minds” means not submitting to blind obedience and saving some from life wreckers in the guise of the Great Commission. It means exposing G12 of what its founder and followers will not tell Christians because they are afraid Ponzi will just be too scary. For me, however, God’s call is clear enough through my DNA, my competencies and inner witness: it does not depend on others’ opinions—or ambitious lure. I must vigilantly guard my calling.

It is better to be martyred when one is sure it is for the Lord than squander his life for fraudulent leaders.

Let Christians beware.

Batas... from page 4

by affinity, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

Morales, as the Ombudsman, is the only official in government who has the power to investigate and file corruption and

plunder charges against Aquino and his cohorts and political allies who received w h at Aqu i n o c a l l e d a s “disbursement acceleration program” (DAP) fund.

Yet, Morales, who is a relative of a man linked by affinity to Duterte, has clearly made a mockery of her position by refusing to su e Aqu i no, d e spite a cl e ar Supre me C ou r t order to prosecute those responsible for the scam. Is this relation by affinity the reason why there is no one among Duterte’s men who is moving against Morales?

-ooo WAT C H “A N G T A N G I N G D A A N ”, “KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS”, AT FB LIVE: Please watch “Ang Tanging Daan”, a round-the-clock Bible E x p o s it i on a n d pr ay e r session at www.facebook. com/angtangingdaan, and to “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas”, a legal counseling a n d n e w s c om m e nt a r y program at www.facebook. com/kakampimoangbatas.

Reactions: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0 9 7 7 8 0 5 9 0 5 8 . E m ai l : batasmauricio@yahoo.com.

Starmalls... from page 7

leasable space.

C o mp a ny P r e s i d e nt Jerry Navarrete said they were ramping up Starmalls’ expansion program and will deliver additional leasable space in the coming years as they develop their existing 46.9 hectares of commercial land bank and will be taking advantage of Vista Land’s over 600 hectares of land across the country that are suitable for commercial development as future expansion.

“The company’s strong growth rate was sustained as the additional commercial assets opened during the year are already contributing to our financial performance, in addition to the increased rental revenues from our existing malls brought about by higher rental reversions and increased occupancy,” he added.

Starmalls is a major d e v e l o p e r, o w n e r a n d operator of retail malls that target mass market retail consumers in the Philippines and is an early mover in this market segment, focusing on locating in densely populated areas underserved by similar retail malls and within close proximity to transport hubs and key infrastructure.

It also develops and operates business process outsourcing commercial centers. (PNA)

CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

9

BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE

www.businessweekmindanao.com

RELIABLE

Feature

IN-DEPTH

Friday | April 7, 2017

10

Humba de Oro Festival

By Joe Palabao

T

he Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT 10), Flavors of the Philippines Festival, Madrid Fusion Manila, Lim Ket Kai Center and Business Week Mindanao recently held a gastronomic “Humba de Oro Festival” last March 30, 2017 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at the Rotunda of Limketkai Center.

It showcased the different kinds of “Humba” favourite of the Kagay-anons tenderly prepared by the ten (10) participating establishments in the City of Cagayan de Oro. Ah Fong Asian Cuisine, Cagayan Riverview Inn, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Apple Tree Resort and Hotel, Boy Sugba, Kagay-anon Restaurant, the VIP Hotel, Chali Beach Resort and Conference Centre, Grand City Hotel and 4Star Seda Hotel Centrio.

It was a well-attended event by the organizers, the City Tourism Council headed by its Chair and former Regional Director of DOT X, Ms. Dottie Pabayo, City Investment Consultant, Ms. Eileen San Juan, the owners and staff of the different participating hotels and restaurants, the guests, and the shoppers of the Limketkai.

Humba is a stewed dish with similarities to Filipino Adobo.

Although the dishes resemble in terms of appearance, “Humba” is sweet, sour and salty at one taste while Adobo is “sour and salty.”

Although Pork Humba is popular in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao, there are different claims as to the origins of this delicious dish.

One claims that it is a Chinese in origin based on the assumption that the ingredients of soy sauce, brown sugar and tausi were of Chinese by influence. Furthermore, Pork Humba is also

very similar to Chinese Hong-ba recipe in terms of flavour and cooking preparation.

Another claims is that it is indigenous because Humba sounds like Umba (Visayan term) but it contradicts that Humba is using some of the ingredients brought to the Philippines by the Chinese.

Humba is a bisaya recipe and is a common dish found during special occasion and fiesta, a popular Filipino dish in the Visayan and Mindanao region, especially in the City of Cagayan de Oro. Just like the adobo, the Humba recipe was made due to the need for the meat to last longer. Humba lasts for several days without spoiling due to the vinegar present and especially it is immersed in oil.

Thus to have a variation of taste, fusion in pork meat, ingredients and ways to prepare: COHARA presents to the Restaurant Industry this unique Humba Festival: the VIP Hotel showcased its mouthwatering Smoked Humba with Paco Salad, Ah Fong Asian Cuisine prepared their tasty humba coupled with popular Binaki, Kagay-anon Restaurant yummy humba, Humba de Kasoy of Cagayan River View Inn, Boy Zugba delicious Humba, Chali Beach Resort & Conference Center shared their humba with Pandesal, Apple Tree Resort and Hotel Humba with Quail Eggs, mouth- watering Lechon Belly Humba with sauce of Seda Centrio and other restos like Luxe Hotel with their yummy humba.

Thus, the Humba de Oro Festival made a resounding reverberation and COHARA showed to Northern Mindanao that its festivals of gastronomic fusion, food are still the best for the national and international competition and gain recognition. MABUHAY AND COHARA!!!

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

friday|April 7, 2017

Unload... from page 1

invaluable contributions and made the difference,” De Leon said.

De Leon explained that RTBs have evolved as a “staple platform in the Government’s financing program, allowing us to achieve (the) twin objectives of inward bias to take advantage of ample domestic liquidity and reduce foreign exchange exposure.”

RTB issuance also helps “inculcate good money habits by providing access to an affordable and secure i nst r u me nt t hat y i el ds favorable returns to help achieve one’s goals,” she added.

Interest payments will be quarterly subject to 20 percent final withholding tax except for tax-exempt institutions.

The bonds will be negotiable and transferable.

After the public offer period, investors can buy the bonds from the secondary market at prevailing market prices.

In case investors have to sell their bonds prior to maturity, de Leon said that they may sell them through any selling agent authorized by the Bureau of Treasury.

Depending on the prevailing market rates at the time of sale, the bonds may trade at a premium or a discount to face value.

De Leon pointed out that retail treasury bonds are considered having the lowest credit risk because they represent the direct and unconditional obligation of the government, thereby enjoying the highest certainty of payment.

Retail treasury bonds form part of the national government’s program to make securities available to small investors.

They earn fixed interest rate and are targeted at retail and institutional investors.

Reading... from page 1

He said that there is a plan to redevelop the existing provincial capitol site in Cagayan de Oro City once the seat of the provincial government is transferred to a new location.

Top investors such as SM, Ayala and Filinvest have sent feelers on their intention to develop and convert the existing capitol complex into a shopping and financial capital here.

Provincial board member Gerardo Sabal III said that the final passage of the PPP Code on third reading is expected two weeks from now. (PNA)

Farmers... from page 1

hinterland villages in his talk during the Regional Cacao Industry Cluster Roadmap Localization.

The governor said USAD farmers which grow cacao, r ubb er, f r uit trees and other high yielding crops underwent the tedious social preparation stage when they learned proper agricultural

te ch nol o g i e s i nclu d i ng land preparation before the provincial government distributes the high-quality seedlings.

He admitted USAD was the province’s last ditch e f for t t h at e n c ou r age s multi-cropping farming to its enrollees. Enrollees is the term used by USAD program to far mer-b enef iciar ies because of the intensive technology learning inputs from the operation manual that they have to undergo before the actual farming activities.

Plaza takes pride of USAD as a paradigm shift after many other earlier agricultural programs had been introduced in the past which dwelt on output and outcome-based concept using the Community-Based Monitoring System as a tool in determining the real and deserving program, enrollees.

“We are now doing away the old ineffective methods of table sur vey used by government agricultural technologists because USAD delves on shared responsibility and shared accountability concept,” Plaza pointed out.

He admitted the previous farming development program of the provincial government never took off because of the missing link which is the crucial social preparation component.

The gathering of farmers in the cacao industry held at t he HGC Hotel was initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry where they discussed and shared experiences on the situationer of the industry in the local, regional and national levels.

Chris Lindo, Regional Chairman of the Philippine National Cacao Industry Council (PNCIC), said the gathering is important for cacao producers to draw out a roadmap for localization and harmonization of the industry.

Rights...

from page 1 endured labor pains to deliver her, the second daughter.

That and other circumstances had made Baranda endure a childhood in the margins of society. ‘’I grew up feeling vulnerable to discrimination and bullying in school. Being the daughter of an imprisoned man who I had seen but once and raised by a solo parent. Add to these, that we are practicing Muslims in a largely Christian community. But still I grew up assertive.’’

She made use of her gift of gab to find a sense of belonging. ‘’I wanted to be among the respected student leaders in school. So I made sure I won’t be far behind.

Academically, I rank among the top ten. I gave up my hijab and joined a dance troupe.

“Last year, I ran for the student government presidency and won. But I also made sure that despite being articulate, I remain humble, my feet firmly on the ground.’’

A CHILDHOOD DARKNESS

But she recalled a darkness during her childhood: ‘’But because my mother did not know any better, and influenced by the culture she grew up in, I experienced v i o l e n c e at h om e . My family observed old ways of discipline that hurt me and my elder sister,’’ she said.

Baranda’s childhood is not unique though. According to a Pulse Asia 2011 study, 67 per cent of Filipino parents use corporal punishment as a form of discipline.

The same study also noted that the practice has been passed on from the previous generation as 83 per cent of these parents involved in the study recalled having experienced physical punishment when they were growing up themselves. And Baranda’s generation was beginning to continue the generational relay of the bad habit. ‘’The painful thing was we siblings also learned to hurt each other. We became good at hurting each other physically, even with words.

Until I learned it was a wrong practice.’’

NON-VIOLENT PUNISHMENT Baranda’s experience of corporal punishment may soon be banned as the committee on the welfare of children in Congress approved last January a bill preferring to use non-violent methods of disciplining children instead.

E n t i t l e d “A n A c t Promoting Positive and NonViolent Discipline of Children and Appropriating Funds Therefor”, House Bill 516 is authored by Rep. Bernadette Herrera-D y (Par ty-list, Bagong Henerasyon).

In the meantime, f o r t u n a t e l y f o r h e r, understanding the c ons e qu e n c e s of t he s e experiences have turned into inner gifts --- enriching her sensitivity and awareness of the rights and responsibilities of children and adolescents like her undergoing difficulties in school and at home.

CHILD PROTECTION Thus, this 17-year-old Grade 11 student became an ideal representative of her peers to the Child Protection Committee (CPC) of the Alegria National High School in Alabel, Saranggani, about 15 kilometers from General Santos City.

At the high school’s CPC, Baranda and other student leaders meet regularly with school administrators, the guidance coordinator and the prefect of discipline, to implement the year-long program on the protection of the studentry from all forms of violence.

Baranda and Palallio are further tasked to supervise over peer support groups discussing and resolving specific cases of studentto-student bullying and to support students filing complaints over experiences of corporal punishment inflected by teachers against students.

Alegria National High School’s CPC is part of a

national endeavor called the Positive Discipline Project, also known as the Collective Action to Promote NonViolent and Protective Society for Children.

Zolcarnin Palao, Mindanao project officer, said that the Alegria CPC is among the growing number of model mechanisms put up in schools and local government units such as the barangay, municipality or province, where children’s rights are a priority concern and positive discipline is fostered. The project is implemented in at least six regions of the country.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION Basic student-to-student conflict resolution is an important component of the CPC as the Republic Act 10627 known as the Anti-Bullying L aw was implemented nationwide in 2013. The law requires all elementary and secondary schools in the country to adopt an ant i-bu l ly ing policy. It also concretizes the country’s commitment to the United Nations’ 1991 Convention on the Rights of the Child of which the Philippines is a signatory.

An init iat ive of t he Child Rights Network, the Collective Action project is spearheaded by the nongovernment organization Plan International together with the Philippine Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and Lihok-Pilipina Foundation.

Susana Sumagka, the school principal at Alegria Nat i ona l Hi g h S cho ol, attests to Baranda’s effective leadership among the present crop of around 550 students. ‘’Michelle is able to advocate for the assertion of children’s rights. She also mentors other younger students following her footsteps in the student government.’’

Sumagka also noted that Michelle resolved several cases of anti-bullying among students, without having to pass on these complaints to the school’s CPC. ‘’You can see that the students are already capable of handling these complaints among themselves, and in convincing other students to assert and respect every student’s right to study in a violence-free school

environment,’’ she stressed.

Students who are Blaan, a disadvantaged indigenous people in Southern Mindanao, are most vulnerable targets of bullying, specifically the girls, noted Baranda. She often focused her attention to their concerns as they are often timid.

Baranda said that Sumagca and most of the teachers have been supportive of the cause of promoting children’s rights. ‘’The school administrators readily address the issues. The guidance counselor advised and informed us students of our rights. For example, how I can assert for positive discipline so that I can protect myself and also advocate against bullying.”

Holding her rights to an inclusive world that honors non-violence like a lantern in the dark, Baranda is determined to journey on as a student till she’d become an educator herself, like Sullivan, her idol.

Hurst...

11

from page 4

So if you’ve been hanging around with people who gossip and criticize others, you can decide right now to stop. If you will just ask Jesus Christ to forgive you, He will.

Then Jesus will give you His powerful love for others, so instead of hurting them you will want to help them. You’ll even defend and stand up for them when others talk badly about them. Then, someone just might do the same for you when the gossipers are talking badly about you. Just Think a Minute…

Resort... from page 2

people is overwhelming),” she cited.

Councilor Edna M. Dahino said the approval of the ordinance should be fast tracked.

“We want Cagayan de Oro to enjoy,” she added.

Theresortwasformerlynamed Lawndale Spring in deference to a twinning agreement between Lawndale City in California, U.S.A. and Cagayan de Oro City.

In2005,itwasrenamedKagayan Spring through Ordinance No. 9504-2005.

Livelihood... from page 2

training to develop their skills and talents so they become productive members of the mainstream society.

The participants did not go home empty-handed, as there were door prizes raffled off in between the program, according to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Annabelle S. Mendez.

Aos present during the culmination program was Congressman Abdullah D. Dimaporo of the province’s second district, who shared his views about the role of women in the family as well as in the community.

This year’s observance of women’s month has for its theme, “We make Change, Work for Women.”

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

BY SOLE HEIR I, VILLAMOR VENTURA, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single with residence address at Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with the law, do hereby depose and say; That I am the only legal surviving heir of my nephew, ROY ODON VENTURA POBLETE II, who died intestate, single and with no known children on September 18, 2013 at Papua New Guinea (Death Certificate is hereto attached and marked as Annex ‘’A’’ and made integral part hereto.) That the deceased ROY ODON VENTURA POBLETE II left an estate consisting a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-172244 located at Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, more particularly described as follows: A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 23-B, Psd-10-035615, being a portion of Lot 23, Block 1, (LRC) Psd-52342) situated in the Barrio of Patag, City of Cagayan de Oro. Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIVE (205) SQUARE METERS, more or less.

That pursuant to Rule 74, Sec. 1 of the Rules of Court, I hereby adjudicate unto myself the above described real estate by means of this Affidavit and hereby files same with the Register of Deeds and Assessor’s Office with the request that said adjudication be made effective without judicial proceedings as prescribed by the aforementioned Rules of Court.

Under Notary Public of Attorney Melanie B. Ortiz-Rusete; Doc. No. 164; Page No. 33; Book No. 16; Series of 2017.

BWM: Apr. 7, 14 & 21, 2017

12

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

friday|April 7, 2017