BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 15-16, 2015)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

Volume VI, No. 076

Market Indicators

As of 5:20 pm December 15, 2015 (tuesday)

FOREX

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Butuan City budget BUTUAN City -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) recently approved the budget for calendar year 2016 in the total amount of P883,675,754.02 covering the various expenditures for the operation of the provincial government and P6,505,467 as support for the economic programs and projects of the province.

Said budget came from various sources including local tax revenues – P14,375,027.00, permits and licenses – P1,770,00.00, service income – P28,837,906.00, hospital fees – P72,897,698.00, interest income – P 1,000,000.00 and external sources – P764,795,123.02.

The approved budget is a 5.73 percent increase from the 2015 annual budget.

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P15.00

Roadmap to development www.businessweekmindanao.com

Tue-Wed | December 15-16, 2015

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

M

EMBERS of the Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth (BIMP-EAGA) have drawn up an updated framework for development initiatives in the sub-regional grouping in line with the roadmap of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In a joint statement released Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the venue for the 19th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial meeting, the

signing ministers of the four countries said the BIMPEAGA Vision 2025 aims “to develop a resilient, inclusive, development/PAGE 11

Sasa port DAVAO businessmen are questioning what they perceive as a rush to bid out the P19billion modernization project for the Sasa Port under a publicp ri v a t e p a r t n e r s h i p ( PPP) scheme despite some issues raised against it.

“There is no need to convert Sasa Port to a container port. The container shipping requirements are already met by the existing private ports,” said Anflocor Management and Investment Corporation President Alexander Valoria.

This private ports include Davao International Container Terminal (DICT), Terminal Facilities and Services Corp.

(Tefasco), Sumifru, Unifrutti, Dole/Pacinter and the planned Hijo International Port Services, Inc. (HIPS).

FISHKILL. Dead fish are found floating in Lake Mainit in Mainit, Surigao del Norte on Saturday (Dec. 12, 2015).

Lake Mainit, the fourth largest lake in the country, is the lifeblood of fishing communities around it. mindanews photo by roel n . catoto

Four years after Sendong, families still await relocation

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

IT’s been four years since tropical storm Sendong struck Cagayan de Oro City but 6,000 families are still to be relocated.

During the fourth year commemoration of Sendong held yesterday at Gaston Park in Cagayan de Oro City, Aksyon sa Kahandaan sa

Kalamidad at Klima (Akma) CDO secretariat head Nestor Banuag said that the families are temporarily living with their relatives but they are entitled to homes because they are victims of the calamity.

Akma CDO is a federation relocation/PAGE 11

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Economy

DOE promotes energy resiliency for energy consciousness month DAVAO CIT Y -- Wit h the Philippines being one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters, the

D ep ar t ment of Energ y (DOE) is pushing “Energy Resiliency for Sustainable Growth” for the National

Energy Consciousness Month (NECM).

On the average, about 19 typhoons hit the Philippines e ver y year, which als o consequently bring about flash floods, storm surges, and landslides. The country,

energy systems not only in the Philippines but also among neighboring and trading nations around the world, in international conventions, such as the ASEAN Ministers Energy Meeting in Malaysia, Singapore Energy Week, and

which lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, is also prone to earthquakes.

It is in this light that for 2015, the government, through the DOE, is aggressively pursuing the thrust to ensure resiliency of

the 21st Conference of the Parties in Paris.

The DOE also led the hosting of the Asia-Pacific E conomic C o op erat ion (APEC) 12th Energy Ministers’ Meeting (EMM12) energy/PAGE 11

Lanao Norte guidance counselors mull market labor information BROADCASTING DAILY AT 1368 ON AM BAND AND ON PARASAT CABLE TV AT CHANNEL 5

ILIGAN City -- The Iligan City-Lanao del Norte Career Counselors Association (IC- LDN CCA), through the Department of Labor

cum learning session on 16 October 2015 in Iligan city.

DOLE-X LDN PFO Head, Remegio D. Cabañog said that the IC-LDN CCA is a group

and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10) – Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Office (LDN PFO) held its 3rd Quarter meeting

of guidance counselors and career coaches from different schools in Lanao del Norte that was organized by DOLE market/PAGE 11

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A Good Infection Think a minute…Imagine you are walking through your town or village. Suddenly, you notice how red everyone’s eyes are and that many people are wearing sunglasses—indoors!

You don’t have to be a genius to know that a bad eye infection is spreading, infecting people who in turn infect other people.

You and I can catch many different kinds of infections from other people, especially from those with whom we spend a lot of time, such as our mate and close friends. And we do not just catch physical infections of our bodies. We catch other people’s attitudes, priorities, way of thinking and living. This is the meaning of the well-known saying: “People are known by the company they keep.” That’s why we should choose the person we marry and our close friends very carefully. Like it or not, sooner or later we’re definitely going to be infected and influenced by their way of thinking and living. We will become like them in varying degrees.

Imagine there was someone whom you wanted to influence you with the best character, thinking and lifestyle. Someone you could be with all day every day. A person who understood and accepted you, yet who also

THINK

A Minute

Opinion

Christmas and vacation D u r i ng t h e C h r i s t m a s holidays, we tend to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, that we sometimes forget the essence of Christmas. We even remove Christ from the word Christmas reducing it to X’mas or substituting it with a name of a product or a shopping center.” Yes, guys, honestly, that’s it... I really don’t enjoy received “XMAS GREETINGS”... .

Somehow, I am glad looking forward to a two weeks vacation “between the years” - meaning to say between December 23 and January 7. No teaching at University of Southeastern Philippines, although most students wish to be prepared for their January exam in Manila. I might spend only a very office hours in my agency office.

A rest from some occupation, business and other stressful activities is waiting for me. Strictly

speaking, vacation concerns those who are in school or studying in colleges and universities. “Furlough” would be the appropriate term... .

Christmas and vacation: Speaking about myself - I want to bring back Christ to the holiday season and indeed wish to share my blessings with the less fortunate. One of the best-known religious poems is “The Hound of Heaven” written by Francis Thompson, who tried to run away from God. He wanted to have a vacation from God. In reality it is Thompson’s own life. His poem shows clearly the fact in this world that we can have a vacation from physical and mental activities, but never from God. As I s t at e d b e f ore : according to the book of Genesis, after God created the universe in six days, he rested on the seventh day.

In other words, he took a

vacation. So if God rested after working for some period of time, there is no reason why man, who is finite and limited in his physical strength, should not take a vacation.

Vacation is freedom or release from tension or pressure of work. And, believe me, I learned already from my students, that they will enjoy Christmas and vacation. Many of us feel tired and weak. We are stressed, overwhelmed, depressed and worried about the future - the enumeration, in any order whatever, could be incessant.

Relaxation, meditation, and reinv igorat ion are badly needed for most of us nowadays. Life, affected by the “burnout syndrome” needs to be animated with energy and strengths.

Yes, Christmas has always been equated with all these worldly ways. Sure, there is indeed nothing wrong with this. Let’s don’t only focus

H ave M y Say

Klaus Doring

on non-stop merrymaking and countless gifts. Let’s take a break, and let’s try to imagine and enjoy the real meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas again to everyone - also from this corner... . +++ Email: dor ingklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com .

All RP presidents were failures LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands… the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God…” (Deuteronomy 28:12, the Holy Bible).

-ooo I S I T R E A L LY IMPORTANT WHETHER MAR GRADUATED FROM WHARTON OR NOT? Is it really important whether Mar Roxas graduated or not from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania?

To me, that is not really important. What is really important is this: whether one is a graduate of this or that school, what matters is his heart and spirit for service.

If he has a heart and spirit that strive to help our countrymen get out of the poverty and destituteness

Jhan Tiafau Hurst challenged and helped you improve daily in every area of your life. Soon everything about you started to change: your attitudes and character, your job and career success, your relationships, lifestyle and habits. All because of this one successful, exciting person you spent time with every day.

Well, Jesus Christ came to do just that. He came to infect and start changing you with His character so you can start enjoying real satisfaction and success everyday. So why not ask Him to forgive you for your wrong heart, relationships and lifestyle? Then ask Him to take charge of your character and way of living. Only then can you catch His divine infection that will change your life permanently.

Just Think a Minute…

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they have been languishing in for so many years already, he should be given a chance to lead this country and prove his worth.

For all I care, even if an aspiring president does not have a degree, he can still be a good leader if he knows what to do to help many of our poor people attain some degree of economic upturn, and allow them to live a more decent life, or a life that is no longer anchored on begging, criminality, and lack of spirituality.

-ooo WHOEVER WINS IN 2016 WILL HAVE ONLY SIX YEARS: What is lost in the growing frenzy over the 2016 presidential elections is the fact that whoever wins next year will not be president forever, but would be serving only for six years.

Whether it is Mar Roxas, or Digong Duterte, or Miriam Santiago, or Grace Poe, the next president will have a

very limited time to be the leader of this country.

Consequently, the most important question to ask these candidates now is this: in this short span of six years, what are you going to do to lift our people from poverty, stop criminality and corruption, and put the Philippines on the road to real change?

The presidencies that have come and gone since 1986 have shown us that there is not much that any president can do within a period of six years to really transform the country. Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo have all gone, and the current Aquino will also be gone in a few days, yet we have remained poor and divisive despite claims by each of these presidents that they succeeded to turn around the country.

-ooo ALL RP PRESIDENTS WERE FAILURES: Indeed, all our presidents are failures.

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio And from all indications, whoever gets elected in 2016 will be another failure. No change substantial enough to propel this country towards economic boom had been introduced by anyone of them, and the incoming presidency would appear to be no exception.

So, what should be the formula to initiate much needed changes in our country? My take is this: the next president, side by batas/PAGE 10

Our best can still be better We need to digest this point well. Our best efforts can still be made better. In fact, it should be the case, otherwise we stand to get spoiled ourselves. This is doable because, in the first place, we are actually meant, designed and equipped to do it.

While we have limits in the physical and material aspects of our life, we have to realize that there actually are no limits in our spiritual life.

In that area, we can always do more and better, even if that would mean our death.

We need to understand that this is a basic law of our life which is always a work in progress, a journey toward our ultimate goal who is God, from whom we come

and to whom we belong. In this life, we can and should never say enough. We just have to move on, not only keeping and defending what so far we have achieved in our spiritual life, but also improving on it.

We can never say we are already humble enough, prudent enough, chaste enough, holy enough, etc. We have to continue aspiring and improving in these virtues, because they themselves somehow attract and create new frontiers to be crossed.

Christ himself has given us the exemplar. When the time for his total self-giving finally came, he gave himself to it without fear, all the way to the last drop of his blood.

“Now before the feast of the

Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

(Jn 13,1) In his priestly prayer just before his arrest, he reiterated that total selfgiving in these words: “For their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.” (Jn 17,19) And finally, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (Jn 19,30) Christ gave himself to us from beginning to end of his earthly life in a crescendo of self-giving. This is the pattern that we also have to follow in

HINTS

and

Traces

Fr. Roy Cimagala our life. The driving force is the power of love that has God as its source and end. This is the only love that knows no limits. It can even include our enemies in its scope. It is the very substance of human and Christian perfection. cimagala/PAGE 10

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AgriNurture sells Freshness First for $2.5M

L

ISTED AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) on Monday said its Hong Kong unit sold its Australian business, Freshness First Ltd. Pty., to an offshore investment firm for $2.5 million, as the group seeks to focus on its core business in Asia.

“AgriNurture, Inc.’s whollyowned foreign subsidiar y Agrinur ture HK Holdings Ltd. (ANI HK) entered into an agreement for the sale of the entire interest of ANI HK in its wholly-owned subsidiar y, Freshness First Ltd. Pty., in

favor of Organic Path Limited,” the listed parent firm told the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Freshness First is par t of the group’s Australian business, w hich is main ly engage d in the pro cessing of f r uits and vegetables for distribution to fo o d pro cess ors, s cho ols, restaurants, mining sites and airlines, according to ANI’s latest annual report.

“The total consideration of the sale is $2,500,000 paid in cash.

The purchase price represents approximately four times the

Globe keeps lead in mobile data biz

GLOBE Telecom remained the dominant player in the country’s mobile data business as its mobile browsing and other data revenues reached P15.1 billion for the first nine months of 2015, up by a solid 48% from P10.2 billion a year ago. Mobile data users grew by 126% year-on-year, while mobile data traffic increased by 89% from previous year’s level.

On a sequential basis, mobile browsing and other data revenues grew by 9% from the P5.1 billion posted the prior quarter to P5.6 billion. Mobile browsing and other data revenues accounted for 24% of total mobile service revenues.

“Our mobile data revenues have once again exceeded our expectations, maintaining its robust double-digit growth in revenues and traffic, as well as triple-digit growth in user base. We are confident that we can sustain this growth momentum towards the end of the year as the demand for data connectivity during the holidays is expected to soar. This shift to the digital lifestyle is part of

our commitment to drive the country’s position as the world’s next social media capital,” Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan said.

To sustain leadership in the mobile data space, Globe continued on with partnering with internet and device providers to give customers a differentiated experience.

Globe worked closely with internet giant Google to bring Chromecast to the country, giving users a new way to stream their favorite entertainment content at home. The thumb-sized media streaming device will allow customers to get instant access to quality entertainment experience at home as they get to see their favorite content and apps from the small screen to the big screen.

Further boosting smartphone and internet penetration, Globe tied up with device manufacturer O pp o t o g i v e pre p a i d customers availing of the devices a free Globe Prepaid SIM loaded with internet globe/PAGE 10

net book value of Freshness First Ltd. Pty.,” ANI said.

Details about Freshness First’s buyer were s carce, although AgriNurture President and Chief Executive Officer Antonio L. Tiu said in a mobile text message that Organic Path is an offshore investment firm.

The transaction, which was approved by ANI’s board on Dec. 11 and was executed on the same date, aims “to strengthen the Company’s working capital and to focus in the Company’s core businesses in the Asian Region.”

T h e g r o u p’s b u s i n e s s i s divided into two segments. The Philippine operations are made up of exports, local distribution, retail and franchising, banana plantation or farming involving its main products: fresh banana, fresh mango and coconut water.

Meanwhile, foreign operations are mainly on fruits and vegetable trading to Hong Kong and China, as well as Australia and Spain.

Also on Dec. 11, ANI’s board of directors approved the issuance and listing of 30 million stock warrants in favor of Solveigh

Philippines Agri Investments 2 B.V., at an exercise price P5 per share for A period of three years.

Incorporated in 1997, ANI began as an importer, trader and fabricator of post-harvest ag r ic u ltura l machiner y t hat improve the productivity and income of Filipino farmers. It was the first to bring into the Philippine market the MegaSun brand of grain dryers and established itself as a supplier and manufacturer of conveyor systems and other rice mill equipment.

Crown Asia Chemicals supplies pipes to malls CROWN Asia Chemicals Corporation on Monday said it is supplying pipes to several mall projects of Ayala Land and Star Malls, as well as other health care and leisure developments.

In a statement, the publicly listed manufacturer of plastic compounds, pipes and fittings said it has started supplying PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes to Ayala Land Inc.’s commercial developments,

namely Sunrise Paradigm in Pasig City and the Bonifacio Stopover in Taguig City.

Crown Asia Chemicals said it is also providing PVC pipes to former Senator Manuel B. Villar’s Star Malls

in Bataan, Bulacan, Las Piñas and Laguna.

Aside from malls, Crown Asia Chemicals is also supplying pipes for projects such as the University of pipes/PAGE 10

This is one of the entries of the Paskorela competition held last December 12 at Kiosko Kagawasan in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City. photo by mark francisco

Philippines AirAsia launches restaurant in the sky Brand new in-flight meal features gourmet Filipino dishes and Asean-inspired creations Craving for sisig from 35,000 feet above? AirAsia guests flying to, from, and within the Philippines are in for a wonderful treat as Philippines AirAsia today officially started serving hot meals from its newest in-flight menu concept themed “Santan” which replaces AirAsia Café as part of the airline’s latest offerings to enhance customer experience while flying.

Fresh new items include Bangus Sisig, a Filipino dish made of chunks of boneless milkfish sautéed in onions seasoned with salt, pepper and spices.

Buffalo Chicken Strips and Barbeque Cola Beef are tasty versions of grilled meat with smoky sauce

paired with tomato rice or roasted potatoes. Those who are watching their calories, meanwhile, must try the new Vegetarian Chickpea Curry or the classic Maan’s Pasta Arabiata. New dishes are available for on-board and pre-book purchase in all Philippines AirAsia flights to/from Manila, Kalibo/ Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea.

Other delectable dishes also pay tribute to ASEAN flavours such as Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, Beef Caldereta and Adobo hence the menu is titled: Santan, an essential ingredient in Malay cooking which refers to the liquid obtained from

pressing shredded coconut meat. Santan is thick, creamy and often use as a substitute for butter, cream or soup stock in Asean cooking.

Apart from the new hot meals, guests will be able to choose from variety of sweets with choices such as Lemon Torte, Banoffee Cake, Sinful chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies from as low as P80 for on-board purchase and at discounted price for pre-booked.

All AirAsia guests are encouraged to pre-book their meals to save up to 20% as compared to purchasing their meals on board, with a guarantee that their preferred meals are available during their flights. Guests who have

booked their flights without meals, meanwhile, can easily add them in via the ‘Manage My Booking’ option after logging in to www.airasia.com.

Philippines AirAsia Commercial Head, Gerard Peñaflor said, “We value customer experience at all points of the journey – from the purchase of the ticket to leaving the airport, on board, and onto the destination.

This latest enhancement in our in-flight menu makes flying with us also a delightful dining experience.”

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotions and activities via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh) and Facebook (facebook. com/AirAsiaPhilippines).

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AgriBusiness

Banana growers appeal for prioritization of Mokillo’ in DA’s research THE Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) appeals to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to include “Mokillo” as part of its priority research areas and to allay fears about the impact of this banana disease.

Stephen Antig, PBGEA’s e xe c ut ive d i re c tor, on Monday stressed that to sustain growth, “there has to be collaboration among the pillars of ef fective participatory governance.”

The appeal came in the face of the perceived threat of “Mokillo” or finger tip rot,

a minor disease that affects “Musa” species like bananas and plantains, including the heavily traded Cavendish banana cultivars.

“Mokillo” is caused by an aerobic bacteria. This bacterium is a plant pathogen and does not pose any risk to human health.

Being an aerobic bacterium, it cannot survive to infect humans when ingested.

This banana disease does not have any significant economic implications to both backyard and commercial banana plantations. It rarely infects bananas and if it does it is

only during the wet season.

PBGEA found that the best way to control “Mokillo” is through decontamination of cutting tools and farm equipment using a third level disinfectant.

“Removal of infected fingers is also being strictly implemented during processing in packing houses of all PBGEA members,” Antig said.

The Philippines is one of the strongest banana producer and the second largest banana exporter in the world.

The country has been

recognized as the most efficient producer of quality bananas with a high yield of 6.5 metric tons (MT) per hectare per year contributing over USD 1-billion in revenue making the banana industry a consistent top dollar earner and a generous income generator for farmers.

According to the 2014 Report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), banana remains the country’s major agricultural exports, second only to coconut oil having shared 15-18 percent of the total top 10 agricultural banana/PAGE 10

SPORTS EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION IN BARANGAY MINSAPINIT, GINGOOG CITY – VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ donates sports equipment which include basketball backboards, basketball rims, basketballs, volleyball nets and volleyballs to Barangay Minsapinit, Gingoog City. The sports equipment were part of Vice Governor Pelaez’s advocacy on youth empowerment by developing and honing the skills of the youth in sports and, at the same time, keeping them away from drug abuse and other vices. The equipment were turned-over to the Barangay Council headed by Barangay Chairman LILIA A. BORROMEO. photo provided

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El Niño, typhoons bring down 2015 palay, corn production

By CIELITO M. REGANIT, Philippine News Agency

PALAY and corn outputs for the whole of 2015 may be lower than their respective 2014 levels due to the adverse effects of natural calamities and the El Niño phenomenon in the second half of the year, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Sunday.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna, the National Rice and Corn Program coordinator, said that palay output for the whole year is forecast at 18.30 million metric tons (MMT), or 3.54 percent below the 2014 output of 18.97 MMT. Meanwhile, expected corn production for the year is at 7.55 MMT, which is lower by 2.8 percent than the 2014 level of 7.77 MMT. “The downtrend was largely attributed to the substantial losses incurred during typhoons “Egay: and “Ineng” on the JulySeptember 2015 crop and typhoon “Lando” during the last quarter harvest,” he said.

“The adverse effects of El Niño, which started to manifest as early as the second quarter of the year also resulted to huge foregone damages incurred due to unrealized planting of crops because of severe water shortage,” De Luna said.

Meanwhile, authorities have also anticipated a decrease in production areas due to the aforementioned factors.

Ac c o r d i n g t o t h e P h i l i p p i n e S t at i s t i c s Authority (PSA), palay harvest areas may have contracted by as much as 1.58 percent -- from 4.74 million hectares last year to 4.66 million hectares this year -- mainly due to the El Niño phenomenon.

All regions except for Bicol Region reported reductions in production

and harvest area.

These were attributed to unrealized plantings as a result of delayed release and inadequate irrigation water, late occurrence of rains, and some areas left in-fallow.

Typhoons Egay, Ineng, Kabayan and Lando caused damages in the production areas in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Western Visayas.

There were also reports of damages to palay farms due to pest infestation in the province of North Cotabato.

On the other hand, the Bicol Region saw increased production due to the recovery of damaged areas caused by typhoon Glenda last year.

For corn, the PSA said harvest may have shrunken to 2.57 million hectares, 1.73 percent lower than last year’s 2.61 million hectares.

Decrease in production in Cagayan Valley is seen due to unrealized planting intentions in Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya caused by the dry spell; damaged areas due to typhoons “Ineng” and “Lando” in key production areas of the region; and shifting from corn to cassava and mongo.

On the brighter side, De Luna said that palay and corn jarvests are expected to rebound in the first quarter of 2016.

He said that based on f ar me rs’ pl ant i ng intentions, the JanuaryMarch 2016 palay and corn harvests may exceed their respective records in 2015 by 0.31 percent and 0.48 percent, respectively.

The Januar y-March 2016 forecasts for palay indicate an increase in production from 4.37 MMT in 2015 to 4.38 MMT in 2016. el niño/PAGE 10

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“Kapag may itinanim, may aanihin”. This was the message underscored by Pres. Aquino, which was rendered by DA Sec. Alcala, as he recognizes the 2015 Gawad Saka honorees as living proofs of reaping fruits from one’s labor during an awarding ceremony, held at PICC, Manila. The national winners, including region 10’s pride: Dr. Dargantes (center, left photo) and (4th from L, right photo) were awarded for their significant and unquestionable support to the efforts of the national government in attaining food security and self-sufficiency.

Dargantes, Buhian honored as nat’l. Gawad Saka awardees T wo i n d i v i d u a l s f r o m Northern Mindanao, who have displayed exemplary contributions toward the development of the agricultural sector, have been honored by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through its yearly Gawad Saka Search, in a simple ceremony, at the Philippine International Convention Center, of the state’s capital.

Besting other finalists nationwide are Dr. Alan P. Dargantes, a dean from the College of Veterinary Medicine of Central Mindanao University, Maramag, Bukidnon and Engr. Edgar C. Buhian, a coconut farmer from Initao, Misamis Oriental, to bag the coveted award for Outstanding Agricultural Scientist

and Outstanding Coconut Farmer, respectively.

In President Benigno S. Aquino III’s message, which was delivered

by Honorable Proceso J. Alcala, DA Secretary, he expressed his utmost appreciation for the ingenuity, sacrifices and perseverance of the honorees, who are major propellers of agricultural development as well as commendable persons worthy to be emulated.

“Kayo na nagpamalas nang natatanging sipag at husay sa p a g p ap au n l a d n g s e k t o r n g pambansang sakahan at pangisdaan, ang inyong tagumpay ay halimbawa at inspirasyon para sa iba pang mga magsasaka at mangingisda na patuloy nagsisikap na mapaunlad

ang kanilang pangkabuhayan,” his Excellency remarked.

Complementing the President’s statement, the DA chief also uttered that there is a need to broaden the reach of conveying knowledge to the cultivators of land and catchers of sea, to attain similar triumphs of those Gawad Saka honorees.

“Ang kaalaman ay napipisil lang sa iilang lugar at iilang tao.

Kailangan natin i-expand, kailangan nating palawakin ang mga ganitong kaalaman, kailangan natin mas payabungin pa ang ating mga natatanaw sa ating mga ehemplo na nakikita sa ating mga awardees,” the DA official added.

Accordingly, he likewise urged the crafting of a directory of all the

Gawad Saka luminaries since the search stared in the ‘70s to have better access to their success stories.

“Nasaan na po ba ang ating mga nanalo? Ano po bang nangyari noong sila ay kilanlin? Sila po ba’y umasenso?

Patuloy ba silang nakikipagtulungan sa ating pamahalaan? Higit po sa lahat, sila po ba’y naging dahilan para ma-expand ang kaalaman sa ating kanayunan?

Ipagpatuloy natin ang magandang komunikasyon sa pamahalaan at gagawin kayong mga ambassador sa lahat ng magsasaka at mangingisda,” Sec. Alcala further said posing a challenge to the new set of winners.

Handing-in the awards to the victors is Sec. Alcala and Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate

Committee on Agriculture and Food, who was assisted by Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries and 2015 Gawad Saka National Executive Committee Chairperson and Edilberto M. de Luna, Assistant Secretary for Field Operations/National Coordinator of Rice and Corn Program.

For bagging the said honors, Dr. Dargantes was conferred a P2 millionworth research project grant, P100,000 cash prize (Bureau of Agricultural Research), a presidential citation and trophy while Engr. Buhian received a cash prize amounting to P200,000 (Philippine Coconut Authority), a presidential citation and trophy. # (JLOlson, DA-RFO 10)

B anking&Finance 8 BSP: Foreign portfolio investments drive net outflows in November BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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T

R ANSACTIONS for November 2015 resulted in overall net outf lows of US$69 million, in contrast to the net inflows recorded last month (US$28 million) and a year ago (US$370 million), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported Thursday.

Registered foreign portfolio investments for November 2015 declined to $1.1 billion from $1.6 billion in October (or by

34.1 percent) as investors reacted to: • Weak third-quarter corporate earnings reports; • Renewed concerns on the prospect of interest rate hike in the US by December 2015; and • T h i n volu m e of transactions brought about by trading holidays. The level is also lower by 39.4% compared to the $1.8 billion recorded a year ago.

Total outflows for the month amounted to $1.2

BDO looking to build on ONB’s core strengths after acquisition ONE NETWORK Bank, Inc. (ONB) will remain focused on maximizing its presence in its current market and area of operations, months after BDO Unibank Inc.’s (BDO) takeover, as part of plans for the major regional player previously owned by the Consunji group.

B D O Un i b a n k , t h e countr y’s largest bank, completed the acquisition of ONB last July, making it the latest member of the BDO group. It secured regulatory approval to proceed with the purchase last March.

BDO Unibank President and Chief Executive Officer Nestor V. Tan said ONB “will not go or stray beyond what [it] is doing right now.”

“It will focus on its core business which is the underserved and some of the salary loans,” Mr. Tan told reporters last Friday when asked for BDO’s plan for ONB. “We’re just trying to pull them into our [operations]...

We’re not going to go or stray beyond what they are doing right now. Just try to bdo/PAGE 10

billion - lower compared to $1.6 billion in October 2015; and $1.4 billion for the same period last year (by 28.7% and 18.7%, respectively).

About 78.1% of investments registered in November were in PSElisted securities (mainly pertaining to holding f ir ms ; b an ks ; prop e r t y companies; food, beverage and tobacco firms; and utilities companies) and 21.5 percent in Peso GS; the rest of the investments

were in other peso debt instruments (OPDIs) (0.4%).

Transactions in Peso GS and OPDIs yielded net inflows of $16 million and $4 million, respectively, while those for PSE-listed securities resulted in net outflows of US$89 million.

The United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Luxembourg, and Belgium were the top five investor countries for the month, with their combined

investments accounting for 82.8% of the total.

T h e Un i t e d S t a t e s continued to be the main destination of outflows, receiving 80.6% of the total.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral is voluntary under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions.

The issuance of a BSP re g i s t r at i on d o c u m e nt entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign

exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment.

Without such registration, the foreign investor can still repatriate capital and remit earnings on his investment, but the foreign exchange will have to be sourced outside the banking system.

SSS allots over P6B for 13th month pensions IN time for the Christmas season, the Social Security System (SSS) has earmarked a total of P6.34 billion for the 13th month pensions of over two million SSS pensioners for retirement, disability and death, scheduled for release to the pensioners’ bank accounts and via mail this December.

With the 13th month pension, SSS pensioners would receive double the amount of their regular monthly pension this month, according to SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Division Agnes E. San Jose. The 13th

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month pension is an SSS yearend tradition that started in 1988.

“The allotted funds for the 13th month pensions were already disbursed to SSS partner banks in November.

As in previous years, SSS pensioners can expect to receive their 13th month pension at the same time as their regular December pensions,” San Jose said.

Over 99 percent of SSS pensioners are enrolled in the Pension Payment through the Bank Program, formerly known as the Mag-Impok sa Bangko Program, which enables them to receive their monthly pensions directly at their designated savings accounts. S ome 12,500 pensioners opted to receive

pension checks sent through the mail due to reasons such as lack of automated teller machines in their area.

“Almost P6.31 billion for 13th month pensions are scheduled for release through pensioners’ bank accounts. The remaining P34.61 million would be in the form of checks mailed to the designated addresses of the other pensioners,” San Jose said.

The SSS deposited the 13th month pension funds to the respective banks of pensioners two weeks before December. SSS partner banks would then credit the money to pensioners’ bank accounts, and these pensions are allowed for withdrawal in accordance

with the member’s date of retirement, death or disability.

“Given a member who retired on January 15 and whose spouse, who was also an SSS member eligible for pension, passed away on March 20 would able to withdraw his SSS retirement pension every 15th day of the month, and SSS death pension every 20th day of the month,” San Jose explained.

The SSS provides pensions for retirement, death and disability under the Social Security (SS) Program, and for disability and death under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program which offers additional benefits for workrelated contingencies.

SSS retirement pensions pensions/PAGE 10

DSWD facilitates first Municipal Talakayan in Bukidnon Written by: Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy (DSWD FO X)

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Malitbog, Bukidnon -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP) together with the Local Government Unit here initiated the first Municipal Talakayan in the municipality, November 23, 2015.

Anchored on the theme “Measuring and Learning Together Towards Results”, the Municipal Talakayan was participated by officials of the local government unit, barangay officials, Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers, and the Malitbog community.

DSWD Field Office 10 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Aldersey M. Dela Cruz said that the "Talakayan features the inspiring stories of Malitbog, some of the best and brightest success stories in its history; Talakayan is not the story of DSWD, this is the story of Malitbog, Bukidnon.”

Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP which features a community-driven development approach empowers communities to participate in governance and community development while local governments become more effective in responding to the needs of the community, especially the poor.

In Malitbog, there are 28 community volunteers who have worked through the program.

Dela Cruz said that the Talakayan is to “facilitate paghisgut-hisgot sa mga kalambuan diri sa munisipyo sa Malitbog

(facilitate discussions on the developments here in the municipality of Malitbog), bringing new hopes to everybody.”

Municipal Mayor Osmundo Dela Rosa, through his wife and Municipal Administrator Aida Dela Rosa, said that “Many times over the past few years, we have been able to demonstrate our unity, we continue to work together, no challenge we cannot overcome, no problem we cannot forebear, through the Kalahi-CIDSS, we deepen our relationships towards uplifting all the lives of our people especially the poorest among the poor.”

Dela Cruz acknowledges this statement saying that she knows how the LGU of Malitbog exerted efforts so to see to it that the municipality will achieve and sustain their developments.

“Gusto ko mubisita sa kada barangay (I want to visit each and every barangay), because this is my work, in order to know that we invested the money, that this is the people’s project” enthused Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz concludes by saying that the programs of the government are intended to really help the people especially at the community level, she also adds that the DSWD programs are getting bigger and more projects are in place and Talakayan helps facilitate these discussion at the community level,“ang katawhan maoy makigbisog alang sa kalambuan sa munisipyo, mao kini ang tumong sa talakayan” (the people must help in the development of the municipality, this is the essence of talakayan).

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Batas... from page 4

side with all the grandiose plans for the development of the Philippines, should strive to entice Filipinos to return to God by a daily reading of, and obedience to, the Bible or any other Holy Book for those who are not Christians.

This is not going to be an impossible or a novel task. Even now, the judicial branch of government, led by the Supreme Court, is now inculcating spiritually and deeper faith in God by daily recitations, in all courts of the Philippines, of an ecumenical prayer which recognizes a Supreme Being who can touch hearts of litigants to aspire for truth, justice, peace, and righteousness. It can be done.

It should be done!

-ooo PLEASE LISTEN: “Ang Tanging Daan” (The Sole Way): a Bible study and prayer session online could now be heard, 24 HOURS a day, in the Philippines and the world at www.facebook.com/ angtangingdaan or www. facebook.com/ANDKNK (For ANDKNK, look for “Ang Tanging Daan” broadcasts).

Phone: 0922 833 43 96, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058.

Email: batasmauricio@yahoo. com.

Cimagala... from page 4

We should always be wary of our tendency to be contented with whatever good we may already have a c c ompl i s h e d . We c an easily fall into complacency, e nj o y i n g o u r c o m f o r t zones, and expecting more privileges, perks and other entitlements. And so, what was good in the beginning becomes spoiled and bad in the end.

We need to demand on ourselves more and more.

For this we would need tremendous humility, that self-emptying that reflects the self-emptying of Christ himself, for it is only with humility that we can accept the hard reality that we need to give ourselves more, that we can still demand more on ourselves.

It’s pride that blinds us to this necessity that is motivated by love and facilitated by humility. To the extent that we are willing to fight against pride and grow in the virtue of humility, can we convince ourselves that we can and should demand on ourselves more, and that it is possible and doable.

Real love would make us feel sharply that we should never rest on our laurels. It would convince us that it is dangerous to do so. It will always spur us to do more.

If we don’t feel this urge, we have reason to suspect the authenticity of our love. We may just be ‘loving’ our own selves, which is precisely what love is not, since love has God and others as its proper object.

This is where the ascetical struggle is needed, that

lifelong combat with our own selves who tend to be self-satisfied and selfabsorbed. That is why Christ recommends to us that we deny ourselves and carry the cross. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mt 16,24) And he continues, somehow indicating to us that we should never get contented with our achievements, and just continue improving: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Mt 16,25) That is why, even as we do our best in any endeavor, we should never forget that our best can still be better. roycimagala@gmail.com

Globe... from page 5

access. Customers availing of the Oppo R7 series in a prepaid kit get a free Globe Prepaid SIM loaded with 100MB per month for 2 months.

As part of its drive to strengthen its foothold in the prepaid market, Globe also ventured into a co-branding agreement with Cherr y Mobile to launch the Cherry Prepaid SIM and phone bundles. The prepaid offering, dubbed as Cherry Prepaid powered by Globe, aims to be a game-changer in mass market mobile connectivity that combines high quality mobile phones and prepaid service into one affordable package. Customers can choose between a P399 Lite Bundle, a P999 Big Time Bundle, and P1699 Partner Bundle. Users can also avail of the SIM-only option for only P29. All phone bundles come with a Cherry Prepaid SIM and a roster of freebies.

Hor an s e e s t h e c o branding agreement as a strategic move for the telco to attract at least 2 to 3 million additional prepaid customers as it expands its reach in the mass market segment, enabling their digital lifestyle with call, text, and data offerings that give value for money.

Pipes... from page 5

Sto. Tomas Hospital: Ace Medical Hospital Facilities in Quezon City , Valenzuela City and Pateros, Rizal; Medical City in Iloilo and Unihealth Hospitals in Parañaque and Biñan, Laguna.

Crown pipes are also being provided to New San Jose Builders’ resort Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan.

“We are proud to be part of a cultural project as ambitious as the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. It shows that aside from being a preferred brand because of our proven product quality, Crown pipes is also establishing its versatility in wider applications,” Crown Asia Chemicals General Manager of Pipe Division Derrick P. Villanueva was

quoted in the statement as saying.

Last month, the company s aid it in ke d a supply agreement to provide Citicore Power, Inc. with HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipes for its 25-megawatt (MW) solar power plant on a 40-hectare (ha) land in Negros Occidental.

It also said it will provide the P2-billion power plant project of Next Generation Power Technology Corp. with HDPE pipes. The 20MW power plant is rising on 37.5-ha lot at the Freeport Area of Bataan.

Banana... from page 6

exports revenue.

To ensure that Philippine bananas are of utmost quality and safety, PBGEA said it is continuously putting in place measures to safeguard superiority of produce and adopts accepted agricultural practice by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“Each member company is implementing a comprehensive biosecurity measure in their respective plantations,” said Antig.

Biosecurity is defined as a set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious d i s e a s e s i n c rop s an d livestock, quarantined pests, invasive alien species, and living modified organisms.

Banana production and exporting industry continues to see vast growth and success as banana growers such as PBGEA has always been proactive in battling constant challenges from all fronts and has always been willing to work with the government to ensure the quality of their bananas.

Currently, Philippine fresh bananas are exported to Japan, the Gulf countries -– United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain -- China, South Korea, Iran, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, New Zealand, US, specifically in San Diego, Mongolia, Ukraine, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, and in the neighboring Asean countries such as Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

There are also niche markets in Europe. (PNA)

El Niño... from page 6

For corn, the JanuaryMarch 2016 is forecast to increase from 2.37 MMT in 2015 to 2.38 MMT in 2016.

The PSA note d t hat almost all regions expect increases in corn production with probable higher outputs seen in SOCCSKSARGEN, Ilocos Region, Davao Region and Northern Mindanao.

In SOCCSKSARGEN, more farmers intend to plant earlier due to the pronouncement of a stronger El Niño in the succeeding quarter.

In Ilocos Region, shifting from palay to corn, utilization of in-fallow areas

due to availability of seeds, movement of cropping from the 4th quarter and usage of high quality seeds may contribute to increase in production.

In Davao Region, shifting from banana and r ai n - fe d p a l ay to c or n and availability of seed assistance from the local government units (LGUs) may boost production in the first quarter of 2016.

In Northern Mindanao, movement of planting from 4th quarter to 1st quarter, seed subsidy from LGUs thru “plant-now-pay-later” program and shifting from cassava to corn may bring about higher production.

The agriculture official said that the early 2016 rebound could be attributed to the immediate actions of the DA to mitigate the losses this year.

“The DA immediately distributed 150,000 bags of seeds to Lando-affected farmers to replace their damaged crops. Likewise, pro-active interventions by the agency to mitigate the impacts of El Niño will be felt by the first quarter of next year,” he said.

Among the interventions instituted by the DA include training farmers on the alternate wet and dry (AWD) irrigation technique, pests and diseases management as well as early planting of crops.

Farmers in areas serviced by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) also benefited from the early release of irrigation water on Nov. 15 instead of the usual Dec. 15 release date.

“We are also happy to note that a PhP 2.1-billion fund for El Niño mitigation would be released by the national government before the year ends,” De Luna said.

The fund would be administered by the DA for w at e r m an a ge m e nt programs, repair of smallscale irrigation facilities, cl ou d s e e d i ng an d t h e procurement of high quality seeds, among others.

The DA is also expecting t h e re l e a s e of an ot h e r PhP 900 million for the rehabilitation of Landoaffected areas.

But despite these, De Luna said the government is still anticipating decreased yields per hectare due to the adverse effects of a prolonged El Niño phenomenon.

“There will be losses, especially in rain-fed areas.

The only way is to lessen the impact to lessen the losses,” he said.

“Since land area planted to rice and corn basically remains the same, one of the major growth drivers would be the utilization of good quality seeds,” he said. “ The establishment of a more effective and efficient irrigation system to impound water during the rainy season for use during prolonged dry spells is also necessary,” De Luna said. (PNA)

BDO... from page 8

maximize their [operations],” he added.

The acquisition of ONB, a leading rural bank with 105 branches and micro-banking offices in the Mindanao and Panay areas, will expand BD O’s pres ence in t he fast-developing markets of Southern Philippines and will give the bank access to new market segments in the area, the bank earlier said.

NO SURPRISES Regarding expansion plans for ONB, Mr. Tan noted that BDO will just be implementing what it “inherited” following its acquisition of the Mindanaobased rural lender.

“When we acquired them, we already have a few licenses in the Visayas and Panay areas and in Davao... we already have some expansion plans which we inherited when we acquired them -we’ll just follow through,” Mr. Tan said.

Meanwhile, BDO Chairman Teresita Sy-Coson said separately on Friday that ONB will be BDO’s vehicle for financial inclusion through microfinance.

ONB, which has 80% of its branch network in Mindanao, the country’s second biggest island, and in Panay island in the Visayas, had total assets of P28.1 billion, net loans of P19.7 billion, and a deposit franchise amounting to P17.9 billion as of Sept. 30, 2014.

ONB spr ung f rom a management consolidation of three rural banks in 1997.

In 2012, ONB entered Panay Island when it merged with the six-branch Rural Bank of San Enrique in Iloilo.

The rural bank earlier said the acquisition has provided ONB with a huge financial backing which could “create more opportunities for its growth in the countryside.”

ONB President Alex V. Buenaventura said last year that the bank will not be dissolved and will carry on operating as an independent company after its acquisition

by BDO. BDO, which is also the country’s largest bank in terms of loans, deposits, capital and trust funds, has earlier made several smaller bank acquisitions in its bid to expand to further expand its network and client base.

The bank took over GE Money Bank in 2009 and Rural Bank of San Juan’s

banking business in 2012.

Last year, it acquired Citi Savings Bank, The Real Bank (A Thrift Bank), Inc., and the trust business of Deutsche Bank AG, Manila branch, data earlier requested from BDO showed.

The Sy-led bank has earlier said the combination of ONB’s regional presence and BDO’s financial muscle i s s e e n t o c re at e n e w opportunities for growth.

BDO booked P17.6 billion in net income in the first nine months of the year, up by over 5% compared to the year-ago level of P16.7 billion as it reported continued expansion of its core business.

The bank, in an earlier regulatory filing, attributed the profit rise to the “solid expansion of its core businesses despite the challenging operating environment.

The latest earnings result put the bank’s year-to-date net income just P7.5 billion short of its P25.1-billion earnings guidance for this year.

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with over 1,000 consolidated operating branches and over 3,000 automated teller machines nationwide.

Pensions... from page 8

of PHP4.01 billion accounted for over 60 percent of the funds allotted for 13th month pensions. Meanwhile, P2.06 billion was disbursed for SS death pensions, PHP200.30 million for SS disability pensioners, P52.71 million for EC death pensions, and P5.21 million for EC disability pensioners.

“With 2016 just around the corner, we call on pensioners to already mark in their calendars their respective schedules for the ACOP ( A n nu a l C on f i r m at i on of Pensioners). We have made it easy for pensioners to remember their ACOP schedule since it is now based on the member’s birthday,” San Jose said.

U n d e r t h e A C O P, pensioners are required to make a once-a-year visit to the nearest SSS branch or depository bank to confirm their continuing eligibility for pension. Those unable to make a personal visit can send the required ACOP documents to the SSS, or request for a home visit. PNA

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Development... from page 1

sustainable and economically competitive sub-region.”

Vision 2025 will replace the Implementation Blueprint 2012-2016 and will “support and complement” the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together, the roadmap for the region’s economic integration that formally starts this month.

“We endorse the guiding framework for ‘BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025’ and call upon all BIMP-EAGA stakeholders, especially the private sector and the local governments to take advantage of this opportunity to bring their views, inputs and projects that will generate economic growth and development in the sub-region,” said the statement signed by six ministers, three representing Malaysia and one each from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Detailed projects and action points of the BIMPEAGA Vision 2025 will be presented during the 12th BIMP-EAGA Summit to be held in the Philippines next year.

The officials also commended the implementation of priority

infrastructure projects (PIPs) in their respective countries, citing in particular roads, seaports and airports.

“We continue to recognize that improvement in connectivity is vital for the seamless movement of goods and people from EAGA and for its integration to ASEAN and the rest of the world,” they said.

They also called on their respective “senior officials and clusters in consultation with the private sector and development partners to identify the 2nd generation of PIPs for inclusion in the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 projects to further enhance connectivity and elevate the connectivity agenda beyond 2016.”

TRANSPORT LINKS The transportation ministers of the four countries were also cited for amending the memorandum of understanding that specifies the expansion of air linkages to “provide more flexible approach to facilitate the sustainability of sustainability of services on existing routes and the entry of new routes.”

A pending action plan on connectivity involves the drafting of another memorandum of

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 25 Cagayan de Oro City

understanding on nonconvention sized ships to f aci l it ate t rad e and commercial activities within the sub-region.

“We express continuing support for the establishment of safe, efficient, and reliable shipping routes, in particular the Bitung-Davao / General Santos shipping services which will further improve sub-regional trade, enhance people-to-people contact as well as give greater impetus to the multimodal transport connectivity of the subregion,” they said.

The Philippine’s Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) recently reported that a local shipping company is now finalizing plans to service the route.

The signatories were Luwalhati R. Antonino, M i n DA c h a i r, f o r t h e Philippines; Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second minister of foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei; Dr. Rizal Affandi Lukman, deputy minister for International Economic Cooperation, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia; Senator Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Malaysia; Datuk Raymond Tan, minister of

Industrial Development, Sabah, Malaysia; Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Hj Openg, minister of Tourism and Housing, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Formed in March 1994, t he BIMP-EAGA cluster is intended to boost development and linkages in areas that are outside the four member nations’ capitals.

Recently, several other economies have expressed interest in linking up with the sub-group, among them the Northern Territory of Australia and China.

Relocation... from page 1

of almost 40 homeowners associations in what used to be gated subdivisions that were washed out by Sendong.

On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, Akma CDO called on the government to fasttrack their relocation.

Banuag said that the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating C ouncil (HUD CC) had already allocated hectares of land in barangays Indahag, Balubal, Pagatpat and Lumbia and even one portion in the municipality of Opol in Misamis Oriental.

OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF Tubod, Lanao de Norte

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF File No. 2015-273

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF No. 200-07-2015

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 filed by BALIKATAN PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC., Mortgagee/assignee with office at 22/F RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th & 25th Sts., Bonifacio South, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, against SPS. MA. VENCI D. SANCHEZ & ALVIN E. SANCHEZ, Mortgagors/ Debtors, with known address at Lot 27, Blk 2, Promiseland Subdivision, Brgy. Poblacion, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, and TRANS-BUILDERS RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT CORP., to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 17, 2015 amounts to TWO HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED TWO PESOS & 50/100 (P264,402.50), exclusive of interest and penalty charges, attorney’s fees and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or her duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on January 27, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Branch 25, City Tourism Hall, City Hall Compound, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all improvements found, to wit:

Upon the Extra Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135/1508, as amended, filed by the 1st Valley Bank Inc., Baroy, Lanao del Norte against CAROLINA BIRONDO CABALLERO, Sto. Niño Village, Baroy, Lanao del Norte to satisfy the indebtedness which as of December 27, 2014 amounting to TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php 250,000.00) excluding penalties, changes, attorney’s fee and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on 7th day of January 2016,at 10:00 AM or soon thereafter at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 07 Provincial Capitol of Lanao del Norte, Pigcarangan, Tubod,Lanao del Norte, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-15135 “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 27, Block 2, of the Cons.

Subd. Plan, PCS-10-001152, being a portion of Block 1-9, Road Lots 1 & 2 of the Psd-104324-017657. Situated in the Barangay of Poblacion, Municipality of Tagoloan, Province of Misamis Or. Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the x x x. Beginning at x x x. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY SIX (146) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Registered in the name of Ma. Venci D. Sanchez, married to Alvin Sanchez.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated date, time and place.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date for whatever reason, the public auction will proceed on the next working day, without further notice, posting and publication.

Prospective buyers/bidders may investigate for themselves the title herein-above described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

December 11, 2015, Cagayan de Oro City FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROVINCIAL SHERIFF: (SGD.) LOVE M. VERDADERO

Sheriff IV

TCT No. T-23,886 A parcel of Land Lot 1983-B-6-H Psd 10-049871 being a portion of Lot 1983-B-6, Psd-10-040703 situated in Barangay Sto. Niño, Mun. of Baroy. Province of Lanao del Norte, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the NE., along line 1-2

by Lot 1983-B-6G, of the subdivision plan Psd-10-049871; SE., along line 2-3 by Lot 1983-B-5 Psd-10-040703; SW., along line 3-4 by Lot 1983-B-6-I; NW., along line 4-1 by Lot 1983-B-6-J (ALLEY), also both of the subdivision plan Psd-10-049871 (over). Beginning from a point marked “1” on plan being N. 45 deg. 08’W., 623.55 m. from BLLM No. 109 Pls-13, Lala Public Land Subdivision.

1-2 2-3 3-4 4-1

S.36 deg. 10’E., 24.04 m.

S.45 deg.07’W., 16.00 m.

N.38 deg. 45’W., 25.62 m.

N. 50 deg. 54’W., 17.00 m.

Containing an area of FOUR HUNDRED EIGHT (408) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground points all are Ps Cyl. Conc. Together with all improvements found thereon.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, this 12th day of November, 2015 For the Clerk of Court and

Ex-Officio Sheriff (SGD.) CONRADO V. HINGCO, JR.

Sheriff IV

But until now, they are just that – vacant land.

“Wala pa gyud nasugdan ang pag-construct sa mga balay. Ang uban tuod existing nga mga relocation sites naan a tuod nagpuyo pero walay insaktong agas sa tubig,” Banuag said.

With this, Banuag is hoping that before the survivors would commemorate the fifth anniversary of Sendong, all of them should be relocated to their new houses.

Almost a thousand people in Cagayan de Oro died during the onslaught of Sendong, most of them living near both banks of Cagayan River, after floods spawned by the tropical storm hit the river midnight of December 16, 2011.

Energy... from page 2

held last October 12-14 in Cebu in which member economies committed to build energy resilient communities to sustain growth.

“C a l a m i t i e s d o n o t only impede continuous flow of energy, but have a larger impact to economic growth and stability,” Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said.

In line with the NECM’s theme, the DOE will be hosting a series of activities in line with the NECM: Safety and Health Association of the Philippine Energy Sector (SHAPES) sharing of Best Practices and Awarding Ceremonies 2015 (Dec 3); Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards (Dec 4); Oil and Gas Security Exercise (Dec 7-9); DOE-Gender and Development Energy Toolkit Launch (Dec 9-10); Philippine Electricity Summit 2015 (Dec 11); and the Presentation of Fuel Economy Run Results (Dec 17).

The DOE Field Offices will also hold different activities in various provinces: Calibration Training for LGUs in Bohol (Dec 2-3); Energy 101 for Engineering Students in Bacolod (Dec 8); IECs on Energy Conservation and Forum on Renewable Energy in Negros Occidental (Dec 9); IECs on Students Exposure for Comprehensive on Renewable Energy Technologies and Downstream Oil Industry

BWM: December 2, 9 & 16, 2015

and Energy Conservation in Davao City (Dec 21).

The D OE attached agencies will also be holding the following activities in supp or t of the NECM: Philippine National Oil Company-Renewable Corporation’s Solar Expo (Dec 4); National Electrification A d m i n i s t r a t i o n’s E C Milestones and Recognition Ceremony (Dec 2) and the Ceremonial Switch-on for 11 Millionth Consumer Connection (Dec 15).

The NECM, an annual month-long celebration in accordance with Proclamation No. 1427, is spearheaded by the DOE. This event aims to increase public awareness on energy related campaigns, activities and programs, strengthening the government’s policy on energy efficiency. (DOE)

Market... from page 2

to conduct career advocacy to their respective students to prevent jobs-skills mismatch in the future.

Cabañog further said that the meeting was attended by 22 participants from its private and public educational institutions members, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) managers.

“This is considered as an effective tool in coaching students on their appropriate career choices later on and at the same time, a venue for the counselors and coaches to be updated of the latest trends on Labor Market Information (LMI),” DOLE-X Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante said. “ The memb ers als o discussed matters on the full implementation of the Department of Education’s (DEPED) K to 12 Program,” Cabañog said.

Meanwhile, the set of officers of IC-LDN CCA for Calendar Years 2015- 2017, Joan B. Cañeda, Ph. D., of the Iligan City National High School is the President; Vice President Evelyn Dominguez, Secretary Florimae Adame; Treasurer Judelen Valencia; Auditor Teddy Veloso, PIO Rhoda Grace Arimao; Social Managers Reynalo Bontilao and Jeanne Walid. (Joseph Nathan Fabrega/DOLE-X LDN PFO)

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 10th Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro City OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE NOTICE OF HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for Notarial Commission of the following Notaries Public shall be held on January 4, 2015 at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Office of the Executive Judge. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto, received by the undersigned before the date of the summary hearing.

1.

ATTY. CHARMAINE MAY C. AMINAO

2.

ATTY. JEZA MAE SARAH C. SANCHEZ

3.

ATTY. MARYANNE ENTERIA

4.

ATTY. OLEGARIO C. MARBELLA, JR.

Let a copy of this notice be published once in a newspaper of general circulation prior to the hearing, per A.M. No. 03-8-02-SC, at the expense of the petitioner/s.

Given this 14th day of December, 2015 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

BWM: December 16, 23 & 30, 2015

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(SGD.) DENNIS Z. ALCANTARA Executive Judge

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

1st Mindanao Daily News Physique Fitness Competition a success Story by MARK FRANCISCO Photos by GERRY GORIT

B

usinessWeek Mindanao, Reload Gym and Dansalan Fitness Center successfully held two back-to-back events last December 12 at Liceo Civic Center – the 1st Mindanao Daily News Physique Fitness Competition 2015 and a Zumba Party.

The Zumba Party which was held earlier at 3:00 p.m. was facilitated by the CDO ZIN or Zumba Instructor Network. It was led by Zin Winston Fuentes, Jonathan Ruelan, Ryan Romano, Robert Lopez, Christine Sotto, Zin Elvira Tabamo, Gemma Arandid and Jessa Van Lon. Belly instructress Evabeth Malu Boluhan had a special segment during the event.

For the physique fitness competition proper,

it was divided into three categories – short, tall and masters. In the short category, Paul Delez emerged as champ and went home P5,000 richer.

For the second to fifth placers, they got home P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 cash prizes respectively.

In the tall category, Karym Saripada was the champion who also got P5,000 as cash prize. In the master category with the equivalent amount of prize, Marlon Tajale was hailed as champion.

Champions of all three categories then faced off for a so-called Battle of Champions with Saripada emerging as the big winner who went home with an additional P8,000 cash prize. For Miss Fitness, it was Cindy Gonzaga who was recognized as such.

All the champs in the

four categories, including the Battle of Champions winner, were also awarded an overnight stay at Apple Tree Resort and Hotel.

That means Saripada had two overnight stays since he was the overall winner of the night.

The 58 contestants wowed the judges with their front lat spread, front double biceps, side chest, rear lat spread, rear double biceps, side triceps, abdominal and thigh and most muscular poses. They were judged according to mass, definition, proportion, symmetry and stage presence.

The 1st Mindanao Daily News Physique Fitness Competition 2015 was conceptualized by event organizer Dante Sudaria and event director Jerry Ebarle for fitness enthusiasts in the city who will have the chance to show off their healthy, fit and strong bodies.

“This only goes to show how really progressive Cagayan de Oro has become with the proliferation of many body building gyms and studios in the city as well as Cagayanons becoming

active in national and international body building competitions,” Sudaria said.

Sudaria is looking forward for another physique fitness competition in 2016,

opening more doors and avenues for fitness enthusiasts and in the case of the Zumba event, making body wellness more popular for people in terms of seeking for better health.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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Mitsibishi unveils All-New Montero Sport in Oro Dec. 18 Aussie agency gives All-New Mitsubishi Montero Sport 5 stars in safety rating

DUST MITE ALLERGENS CAN RUIN PLAYTIME.

F

AST Autoworld Philippines Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi automobiles in this part of the country, will showcase the All-New Montero Sport this Friday, December 18, at its Cagayan de Oro City showroom along Gusa highway and at Limketkai Rotunda.

The following color variants of the All-New Montero Sport will be available for appreciation and pre-booking: deep bronze metallic, sterling silver, savannah white, Pyrenees black, Sedona red, Virgil grey and mystic blue.

Elevate your expectation with the All New Montero Sport. It’s

got a forward collision mitigation system, sophisticated and spacious interior, new 8-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, dynamic shield concept fascia, new 2.4L clean diesel engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system and super

C

M

Y

CM

MY

select 4WD-II with offroad mode.

The all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport is engineered to provide you the utmost driving excitement – a perfect combination of power, comfort, efficiency and value.

Meanwhile, Fast Autoworld Philippines full story/PAGE B2 CY

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Mitsibishi unveils All-New Montero Sport in Oro Dec. 18

F

Aussie agency gives All-New Mitsubishi Montero Sport 5 stars in safety rating

AST Autoworld Philippines Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi automobiles in this part of the country, will showcase the All-New Montero Sport this Friday, December 18, at its Cagayan de Oro City showroom along Gusa highway and at Limketkai Rotunda.

The following color variants of the All-New Montero Sport will be available for appreciation and pre-booking: deep bronze metallic, sterling silver, savannah white, Pyrenees black, Sedona red, Virgil grey and mystic blue.

Elevate your expectation with the All New Montero Sport. It’s got a forward collision mitigation system, sophisticated and spacious interior, new 8-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, dynamic shield concept fascia, new 2.4L clean diesel engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system and super select 4WD-II with offroad mode.

The all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport is engineered to provide you the utmost driving excitement – a perfect combination of power, comfort, efficiency and value.

Meanwhile, Fast Autoworld Philippines Corporation is standing by the statement of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines. Using current and available technology, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has not found any defect or malfunction that would result in an alleged sudden unintended acceleration. (See related announcement to customers).

Nonetheless, Fast Autoworld Philippines Corporation is committed to consumer safety and earnestly request owners of Montero Sport in this part of the country, regardless whether they’ve purchased at their dealership or not, to contact them at 09058186706 or visit them at National Highway, Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City, if they have concerns about any safety issue. Fast Autoworld Philippines Corporation provides free checkup and qualified personnel will also provide tips on the best and safest way of operating the vehicle.

FULLY REDESIGN Known as the ‘Pajero Sport’, ‘Nativa’ and

‘Challenger’ elsewhere, this is the Montero Sport’s full re-design in seven years.

CarGuide.PH described the new Montero Sports as one that is designed around “Stylish & Comfortable Off-road SUV” concept. It said that the Montero Sport inherits the attributes of the luxurious Pajero nameplate. Upfront, it features Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield front face design. LED headlamps with daytime running lights also allow for a slim and memorable headlamp design. At the sides, the new high belt line design with the hard upper body crease, first seen in the Strada, continues over on the Montero Sport creating a robust and sturdy stance. Across the line, it sports 265/60R18 tires with the 4WD model gaining a two-tone design.

The back is dominated by a controversial but unique tail light design that dips down the tailgate. It’s illuminated by LEDs to give it that unique glow at night.

“Inside, it has a T-shaped high center console that’s more befitting a larger SUV. Filled with stylized silver finishes and black piano black inserts, it’s sporty and dynamic. It’s also quite luxurious with features such as dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen AV system with rear monitor (and wireless headphones), leather seats, and a tilt/telescopic multifunction steering wheel as available equipment.

Unique to the Montero Sport is an electric parking brake (EPB) system that helps slim down the transmission tunnel giving it more knee room, CarGuide.PH,” said.

Improved top-tobottom, the all-new Montero Sport features better stability, ride, and quietness through the optimization of the suspension system as well as improvements to the body mounts. Additional and revamped sound insulation also help in reducing interior noise, it said.

“Under the hood, the 2016 Montero Sport has a

KEY SPECIFICATIONS Length x Width x Height (mm): 4,785 x 1,815 x 1,800

Compression Ratio: 15.5:1

Wheelbase (mm): 2,800

Max. Power: 181 horsepower @ 3,500 rpm

Front / Rear Track (mm): 1,520 / 1,515

Max. Torque: 430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm

Turning Radius: 5.6 meters

Fuel Tank: 68 liters

Engine: 2.4 MIVEC VG Turbo Diesel Engine

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Sport Mode, Idle Neutral Control + G-Sensor

Bore x Stroke: 86.0 x 105.1

sole engine: the 2.4-liter MIVEC turbo diesel engine. It peaks out at 181 horsepower at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. The engine, called 4N15, features an all-aluminum design and is designated as a ‘clean diesel’ capable of at least Euro 4 emission levels.

Paired with this engine is an all-new 8-speed automatic with a built-in sport mode, INC (Idle Neutral Control), and G-Sensor. All-in-all, Mitsubishi says the 2016 Montero Sport should achieve up to 17 percent better fuel efficiency over its predecessor. In terms of its four-wheel drive system, it comes with the Super-Select 4WD-II system now featuring a new off-road mode which gives better all-terrain performance and stability as the road surface requires. It also has hill descent control.

Mitsubishi is taking the pole position with the Montero Sport. Aside from the RISE or Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body, it has a total of seven airbags for full occupant protection. In terms of active safety features, aside from the prerequisite ABS with EBD, the all-new Montero Sport features a lot of firsts for the Japanese brand including: Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS).

And helping it slot into small parking spaces, it has a multi-around monitor that gives a 360-degree Bird’s Eye view around the car.

Mitsubishi hopes that its all-new 2016 Montero Sport will broaden its market base around the world, especially since the outgoing Montero Sport cumulative unit sales

reached 400,000 at the end of June.

As this developed, TopGear Philippines annouced that the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) recently bestowed a five-star safety rating on the Pajero Sport (Montero Sport in our market), along with two other SUVs. According to TopGear PH, the agency described the Montero Sports and the two other vehicles to have exhibited exemplary crash protection when subjected to various tests pitting them in frontal and front offset collisions.

Montero Sport was described as one of the newest players among the vehicles tested, having been introduced to the world only last August.

The midsize, seven-seat SUV was a significant step up in terms of occupant and pedestrian protection

over the model it replaces.

Apart from the rigid body and frame, the SUV likewise boasts classleading tech like Forward Collision Mitigation and Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation, which help keep the driver out of harm’s way.

The materials provided show the Mitsubishi Triton pickup -- called Strada in the market -- being crash-tested. Apparently, ANCAP considers these two vehicles to be exactly the same in terms of crash data.

The ANCAP is an independent body that tests all makes and models of motor vehicles sold in and around the Australian and Asian regions. Its findings are highly regarded by industry players, and help assure the public that the cars they’re buying are truly safe.

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

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Globe Telecom brings country’s biggest Star Wars play hub to BGC Fans to enjoy a complete galactic experience at the Bonifacio High Street Central amphitheater complete with game booths and merchandise displays on December 12-13, 2015 Globe Telecom is bringing surprises in galactic proportions as it sets up the country’s biggest Star Wars play hub at the Bonifacio Global City in

Taguig, taking the Star Wars experience beyond the cinema as Filipinos gear up for the much-awaited international release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars projection mapping at The Globe Tower

on December 17, 2015.

With its comprehensive and multiyear collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia whose brands include Star Wars, the leader in digital services and the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle is launching the Globe-Star Wars Galactic Celebration, which transforms the Bonifacio High Street Central amphitheater into a big Star Wars playground on December 12-13, 2015.

Open to the public for free, the Globe-Star Wars Galactic Celebration will allow Star Wars fans and onlookers alike to spend the weekend playing at the game booths, taking photos of famous Star Wars icons and characters, purchasing retail collectibles from participating fashion brands, and enjoying the different treats and offers of Globe brands.

“The Globe-Star Wars Galactic Celebration will be one of the biggest weekends for all Star Wars fanatics in the Philippines. This is our way of bringing the Star Wars experience outside the cinema to get all fans of the movie franchise excited about the release of the

Officially opening the Globe and Star Wars Galactic Weekend at the Wonderful World with Globe event were The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia’s General Manager for Studio Entertainment and International Distribution, Amit Maholtra, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, and Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan

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latest Star Wars movie. The Galactic Celebration will be a wonderful bonding activity not only for fans but for the entire family as well with all the games, interactive activities and booths, photo-worthy installations, exciting prizes and treats, and retail collectibles. We would like to invite everyone to spend their weekend with us as we experience a wonderful galactic celebration only from Globe,” shares Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan.

The two-day galactic fair will highlight one of its major activities, the Galactic Challenge, a specially-designed obstacle course where one’s skill, insight and courage will be tested through a series of challenges. Anyone can join the Galactic Challenge with two categories to choose from – Light Side or Dark Side. Every hour, Globe will be awarding those with the best finish time. The participant with the fastest time after the 2-day event will win the coveted Sphero BB8 droid which is offered

by Globe in its GEN3 Stores as Sphero’s exclusive telco

partner.

The Star Wars Game Hub will also keep everyone on their toes as they enjoy various video games together with the exclusive Star Wars Battlepod arcade game. Kids will surely enjoy the Sphero Challenge where they can navigate the BB8 Droid through a maze for a chance to win prizes. Exclusive Star Wars merchandise is also on display from participating merchants and retail brands such as Havaianas, Folded & Hung, HP, FilBars, Toys ‘R Us and Hobbes and Landes.

In keeping with its commitment to providing learning opportunities for the youth in the public school sector, Globe, in partnership with The Mind Museum and Teach for the Philippines, is also implementing corporate social responsibility efforts during the Galactic Celebration weekend that lets more people enjoy the Star Wars activities while making a change in the lives of others.

Alongside Teach for The Philippines, volunteers will be selected to be big brothers and sisters to 100

public school kids as they tour the museum and join the Read-Along activities.

Horan adds, “Through these efforts, Globe is able to engage student beneficiaries and enable them to have an unforgettable Star Wars experience, while increasing their appreciation and understanding of science and technology, ensuring that the entire Star Wars experience is enjoyed by the greater majority.” Special screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in different cities across the country will also give more underprivileged kids the chance to watch the movie.

Special giveaways are also up for grabs with a just a few taps with the Star Wars Everyday Promo.

Customers get a chance to win major prizes including a Star Wars adventure in the U.S.A., exclusive movie invites, Star Wars items, and a whole lot more! All they have to do to subscribe is text FORCE <name/ address> and send to 2363 for free. Customers can earn raffle entries by availing of any Globe or Tattoo promo or plan. Every P5 is equal to 1 raffle entry.

Stormtroopers from 501st Legion join Globe guests in anticipation of the projection mapping on The Globe Tower façade

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tue-wed|december 15-16, 2015