BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 3, 2016) by Mindanao Daily News

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

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Volume VII, No. 080

Market Indicators

As of 6:04 pm December 2, 2016 (friday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P49.721

6,886.74

5.3

X X Briefly

cents

21.87 points

Appeal for peace PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte appealed to the Muslim people to help his administration achieve peace in Mindanao that in the end would bring economic prosperity in the region. Addressing the troops in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, the President said he does not want to wage war with fellow Filipinos and this is the reason why the government has embarked on peace initiatives on different fronts. But with the renewed violence in Mindanao, particularly in Lanao provinces as a result of Maute Group’s terrorist activities, the President said he may lose his patience and make harsh response.

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Mindanao biz council backs tax reform plan www.businessweekmindanao.com

By Philippine News Agency

HE Mindanao Business Council Inc. (MBCI) has given its full backing to the comprehensive tax reform program of the Duterte administration, describing it as “the starting point” to the attainment of the Philippines’ full economic prosperity by 2040.

Led by its chairman, Vicente Lao, the MBCI said that President Duterte’s v i s i on of s i g n i f i c ant ly reducing poverty by 2022 and completely eradicating it 2040, or 24 years from now, “is a dream we share and we will commit to working

towards it.” Lao said the MBCI is one with the Department of Finance (DOF) in making the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient, which would be achieved by the first package of reforms it had submitted to the Congress

last September. This first package involves reducing personal income tax (PIT) rates, expanding the tax base and adjusting the excise taxes on petroleum products and automobiles, with certain exceptions. tax/PAGE 11

A CAGAYAN de Oro city councilor on Thursday moved to ban firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve revelries here.

City Councilor George Goking, chair of the city’s committee on commerce and trade, said that firecracker Ban/PAGE 11

Oro councilor moves to ban firecrackers

PDIC takes over operation of rural bank in Misor

Illegal solicitations DAVAO City -- The Department of Energy is reminding the public of illegal solicitations. The Department has received reports that there has been unusual and illegitimate calls from unknown individuals posing as DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi. These unscrupulous persons has been asking for donations, solicitations for certain projects, events or programs to extort money or gain favors. Targeted had been energy participants and stakeholders. The DOE is urging the public to report such illegal acts as these are not tolerated by Secretary Cusi. The public can report such information to the Energy Secretary’s office thru DOE trunkline no. (02) 4792900

P15.00

Saturday | December 3, 2016

PHILIPPINE Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) on Friday took over the management and operations of Xavier-Tibod Bank, Inc.

(A Microfinance Rural Bank) in Misamis Oriental. Under Resolution No. 2133. A dated Dec. 1, 2016, pdic/PAGE 11

BUTIG RETAKEN. Army soldiers watch over the old town hall of the municipality of Butig in Lanao del Sur on yesterday. Government troops retook Butig town a day earlier, after being occupied by the Maute group for days. But it took a day to clear the town of unexploded ordnance. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

Duterte calls for unity at ARMM summit DAVAO City -- President Ro drigo Duter te asked Muslim local leaders for unity to attain peace and development in Mindanao as he pushed for the adoption of federalism in the country which he said could bring

national stability. In his message during his attendance to the Third Local Government Unit summit of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Thursday, Dec. 1, he said there has been suffering

because there seems to be no cohesive action from the Moro people and the national government in the past. The President said he believes that the only acceptable solution today summit/PAGE 11

FRESH HARVEST. A plantation worker loads fresh pineapples to the conveyor of the harvesting machine at the Davao Agricultural Ventures Corporation (Davco) farm in Calinan, Davao City. MindaNews Photo by Keith Bacongco

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Economy 2 City gets P7.6-B DTI-LDN conducts selling Davao for 10 bypass road projects mission to supermarkets

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ILIGAN City -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Lanao del Norte (DTI LDN) conducted a selling mission activity in Iligan City. This is the Department’s initiated program that aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises market and sell their products thru the different supermarkets and mall in Iligan. It s go a ls are to t ap additional market for the food processors of Lanao del Norte and to encourage the existing entrepreneurs to promote and sell their products in Iligan City. The participants were the calamansi juice processor,

boneless bangus and crunchy tilapia processors of Lala, palapa processors of Munai, peanut toron and peañato of Kauswagan, and buko pie and buko tart processor of Linamon, Lanao del Norte; and calamansi juice processor and tocino processor of Iligan City. The group kicked-off their selling mission at Emi li a Sup er market in Iligan, where the purchaser checked all the samples given, asked for the contact details of each, and mentioned that they would be interested to carry the buko tart of Linamon, and tocino of Iligan City. The group also went to

Gaisano Mall Iligan and met with the mall’s purchaser, showed the products and interested to carry their crunchy tilapia, but need to refer this to the Cagayan de Oro branch. The purchaser also asked about the virgin coconut oil (VCO) product of Lanao del Norte since they do not have it in their store. Also, the group went to other establishments like Heavens Bakehaus, and FK Supermarket to present their sample products, and to Jacko’s Kan-anan where some of the employees bought a few tocinos from Iligan City. The group spent the

day into marketing, and went to Cheding’s Peanut where proprietor Cathy Tan gave advices to the food processors. Tan said she will support the local food processors of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte; and shared some tips, and bought the crunchy tilapia brought by the group. The group proceeded to Golden Star in Iligan city, and met the purchaser in their office with the DTI C A R P ( C omprehe ns ive Agrarian Reform Program) staff who introduced them, t h e i r pro du c t a n d t h e municipality they come from. selling/PAGE 11

DAVAO City -- Davao City will have 10 bypass road projects worth P7.6 billion in a bid to alleviate the worsening traffic situation in the city’s urban areas. Department of Public Works and Highways-XI public affairs and information officer Dean Ortiz says the bypass road project will help ease traffic particularly in declogging the north and south gridlocks in the city. The projects include widening of existing roads and road openings in some sections. Ortiz said the roads are aimed at motorists who would want to go through certain areas in the city without having to pass major thoroughfares. Cu r re nt ly a c c e s s t o

different areas in the city is through highways and thoroughfares which leads to congestion and gridlocks. Among these are the Ulas gridlock in southern part of the city and the PanacanTibungco gridlock. Among the bypass roads aimed to decongest these gridlocks include the Bypass Road at Davao-Cotabato Road (Bangkal)-Catalunan Grande Road, Junction DavaoBukidnon Road (Mintal) which aims to unburden traffic decongestion at Ulas. While there are seven bypass road projects to decongest Panacan-Tibungco section of the Davao-Agusan Road. These projects include the following: Reconstruction/ Concreting/Widening of bypass/PAGE 11

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President Duterte, in an interview with the media, said that there’s no more suspicion, it’s Maute group that is responsible of the ambush IED roadside blast in Marawi City last November 29. However, he said he will not cause war and unilateral ceasefire will continue. (JMOR/PIA10)

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Opinion

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Filipinos no longer safe in RP

Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

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in their duties and responsibilities, or terrorists have developed a higher degree of sophistication in their war against the authorities, inflicting injuries or deaths at will, without any fear of being thwarted or arrested. Indeed, the times have become delinquent. And judging from what has been happening, there is no longer anyone who could protect our people---both from the rouges within our society and our country, and from alien forces who want to bring in more terrorists to fight the government, or more smuggled goods and illegal drugs to make them richer all the more. -ooo T R I N O M A’ S “A B E ” RESTAURANT: “Abe” is a Capampangan word which means friend or companion, but on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, I discovered it is also a restaurant at Trinoma Department Store in Quezon City which serves truly good food, cooked intricately with special ingredients and with yummy innovation, and at affordable prices yet. My wife (the former Judge Angelina) and my daughter (Luisa, who is a lawyer with the Office of the Solicitor General now) and I ordered

for their “dinengdeng” (an Ilocano dish consisting of fresh vegetable tops and patola but generously spiced with shrimps) and “adobong lamb” (lamb cooked in vinegar and soy sauce), and did we enjoy everything, literally to the last piece and to the last drop! The “dinengdeng” was recognizably Ilocano, but its sauce was so thick with grated and melted sweet potato that the three of us virtually fought off slurping (yes, slurping) the entire dish. The lamb on the other hand was delicately flavored, not too salty, not too vinegarish, and it was fun eating it all the way. Thanks, “Abe” of Trinoma. -ooo G OD’S HA N D I N NAMING RP AS THE “FAR EAST” IN WWII: The one single act, by those who believed in God, of naming the US forces in the Philippines as USAFFE confirmed that the Philippines is the “east”, the “far-off land” that the Bible referred to, where God’s “leader” and “people” will come from, to fulfill His purpose of “proclaiming” and “saving” during the end time (see Isaiah 46:11, NLT). I mean, why did American and allied forces chose the appellation “Far East” as

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio the place where they put up their military force, instead of “Philippines”? To me, it was God’s intervention and direction that “Far East” was used to identity the US forces in our country at that time, to provide divine proof that the Philippines is indeed the Bible’s “east” and “far-off ” land. There is more to this next time, God willing! -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 (and look for “Ang Tanging Daan” broadcasts). Phone: 0922 833 43 96, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.

Our proper attitude toward the world

Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

Ignorance is Not Bliss Think a minute…During World War II, an uneducated man who lived out in the hills brought this letter to the city to hand deliver it to the United States Army. Since he could not read or write, his wife had written it for him. The letter said this: “Dear United States Army: My husband asked me to write a recommendation that he supports his family. He cannot read. Please take him. He ain’t no good to me. He ain’t done nothing but make trouble and drink beer since I married him 8 years ago. And I got to feed his 7 kids. Maybe you can get him to carry a gun. He’s good at huttin’ squirrels and eatin’. Take him. I need his food and bed for the kids. Don’t tell him I said this, just take him.” Well, I suppose it’s safe to say that husband’s ignorance was not bliss! What he didn’t know did hurt him! A stor y is told of a thief in ancient times who stole a very valuable coat. The coat was made of the finest materials, including buttons of pure silver and gold. When he returned to his friends after selling the coat in the market, they asked him how much money he’d got for the coat.

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… I will call a swift bird of prey from the east---a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding…” (Isaiah 46:11, the Holy Bible NLT). -ooo US FORCES IN RP IN WWII CONFIRMS RP IS THE BIBLICAL “EAST”: During the Second World War, American and allied forces decided to put up a military force in Asia to counter the enemy force. The country they chose to put that up was the Philippines, and they could have named that military force as the US force in the Philippines. Instead, obviously by God’s will, they called it the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), providing proof that the Philippines is the “east”, the “far-off land” in the Bible. -ooo FILIPINOS NO LONGER SAFE IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY: If the elite Presidential Security Command whose duty is to assure the safety of the President at all times cannot even protect its soldiers from bomb attacks as shown by the Lanao Del Sur incident, Filipinos should really worry and take extra precautions. Either our soldiers have b ecome to o inef f icient

THINK

A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst He answered, “A hundred pieces of silver.” His friends were shocked and upset. They said: “You only got a hundred pieces of silver for that rare, valuable coat!” The thief looked surprised and asked: “Why? Is there a number higher than 100?” You see, if you don’t know there’s more, you won’t ever get it. There’s so much in life for us to enjoy, just waiting for us to get it. If all you’re used to eating is bread and water, then you don’t know you could be eating steak and lobster! There’s one person who can show you everything there is to be enjoyed in life. Naturally, that is the one who created life. Jesus Christ came to show us what it means to be fully hurst/PAGE 11

How should our attitude be toward the world in general? It is to love it the way God loves it. We have to embody that attitude articulated in the gospelof St. John: “For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.” (Jn 3,16) It definitely is not a love based on “feel-good” emotions alone. It certainly is not a love springing from naivete, or from the other extreme of convenience, practicality and many other worldly values. It’s a love that takes the world as it is,its good and bad sides, its lights and shadows, its beauty and scars, its joys and sufferings. It’s a love that knows the origin and purpose of the world in so far as we are concerned. It’s a love that carries out what God, its creator, commanded our first parents to do: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it…” (Gen 1,28) “To subdue the earth” does not only mean to master and dominate it, or merely to make use and take advantage of it, although all these go into that divine command. In fact, we have to develop as much as possible the good potentials of the world.

“To subdue the earth” also means that we have been given the responsibility to keep the earth a creation of God through us. It has to be returned to God, giving him glory since with our sin, the world has somehow been detached from its creator. The world comes from God and it also belongs to God. It has to give glory to God through us. Thus, to the extent that we manage to order the world to God, giving it its proper soul, we would be fulfilling our responsibility toward it. We should not therefore be afraid of the world, nor treat it with some disparaging or merely tolerant attitude. We need to love it, and in fact, to love it passionately, because it is there where we engage God directly and where we fulfill the purpose of our life. It is where we are supposed to develop and prove our love for God. To be sure, our way to God and to heaven is through this world. It cannot be any other way. To think that we can know, love and serve God by separating ourselves from the world is to fall into a false spirituality. Yes, God is supernatural and is beyond what the world can offer. But we cannot get to him without engaging the world. Of course, a wellestablished spirituality that

espouses the “contemptus mu nd i” has it s prop e r place also, since it precisely addresses that part of the world that is wrong, that needs to be purified, that needs to be eliminated as much as possible. Those who live that spirituality are somehow also immersed in the world in a different way, because in their material detachment from the world, they effect a closer spiritual closeness to the world because of their love for God and for souls. But for the laity who are mostly in the middle of the world, they are not any less called to holiness and to apostolate in their active engagement with the things of the world. In our relation with the world, we need to learn how to infuse the Christian spirit in it, never allowing ourselves as much as possible to be dominated by the worldly spirit of materialism, secularism, relativism, and many other -isms. For this the Church has articulated the social doctrine to guide us-clergy, religious and laity. It shows us how to deal with the world in ways proper to each one. Everyone of us, according to his own state and possibilities, should do all he can to engage the world in all its affairs in a

HINTS

and

Traces

Fr. Roy Cimagala Christian way. Here are some relevant words about the Church’s social doctrine taken from the presentation page of the Church’s Compendium of Social Doctrine: “To the people of our time, the Church offers her social doctrine. In fact, when the Church fulfills her mission of proclaiming the Gospel, she bears witness to man, in the name of Christ, to his dignity and his vocation to the communion of person. She teaches him the demands of justice and peace in conformity with divine wisdom.” This prophetic mission of the Church has to be done in a more consistent way especially these days when we are faced with all sorts of issues, controversies and challenges in the areas of business, politics, environment, culture, etc. roycimagala@gmail.com.

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CorporateWorld

Johndorf reports fast take up at Montierra

BOUT a third of the 600 townhouses planned at Montierra in the highlands of Cagayan de Oro City have been sold out, reported its developer Johndorf Ventures Corp. (JVC). “We are overwhelmed by the takes in Montierra mostly

from rising professionals and emerging entrepreneurs,” said Michele Chiu-Bacungan, sales and marketing manager of the company. Most of the new homeowners work as sup er vis ors and young managers in companies op e r at i ng i n n or t h e r n

Cebu Pacific sees record passenger volume this year CEBU AIR, Inc. expects to hit record passenger volume this year, its chief executive officer said, driven by the airline’s low-cost long-haul services and increased frequencies in key domestic markets. T h e G o k on g w e i - l e d carrier Cebu Pacific is seen flying 19 million passengers this year, higher than the 18.4 million passengers it carried in 2015 and also up from the 16.9 million passengers flown in 2014. On average, its flights were 83% full last year.

“Nineteen million this year. Baka 20 million next year,” Cebu Air President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Y. Gokongwei told reporters when asked for passenger volume outlook at the sidelines of a recent event. As of the nine-months ended September, Cebu Pacific said passenger traffic was up 6% to 14.48 million, as capacity inched up by 0.4%. Cebu Pacific said in June that the upsurge in cebupac/PAGE 11

Mindanao, while the rest run their trade in and from the city, she disclosed. Bacungan also noted that some are professionals working abroad, mostly in nearby Asian counties and some in the Middle East, who can afford homes priced between P2.8 million to P3 million. “They are relatively young who have already reaped successes in their fields,” she remarked. She said it is pleasing for them to note that the you ng ge ne rat ion now

already invests in residential properties, even when they have yet to get married, than in depreciating properties. The sale of at least 150 townhouse units come from blocks one, two and three at phase one of the 7.5-hectare property, disclosed Angel Va l d iv i a , t he ass ist ant marketing manager. “We can already turnover the first townhomes by the first quarter of 2017,” she disclosed. Asian theme Montierra is a subdivision of Asian-themed townhouses

for economic to middle-class families. It is lo cate d in Panginuman, Upper Balulang near what was Lumbia airport, a few meters ahead from Rosevale School, and near SM City and Xavier University. Launch last summer, it has attracted many Cagayanons and those from elsewhere in Mindanao and in Cebu who seek for a second home in the city. Montierra is the only economic housing project in Mindanao with amenities

and facilities usually built in mid-to-high end subdivision, a new trademark by Johndorf in this market category. Residents will enjoy the use of a grand clubhouse with a spacious swimming pool, landscaped parks and playgrounds, basketball court and jogging trail. Each townhouse is designed to be spacious than usual at 64 square meters in floor area and stands on 54 to 108 square-meter subdivided lot, each with three bedrooms and two toilet-and-bathrooms.

SM plans to upgrade 100 of their cinemas SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., a unit of SM Prime Holdings Inc., handling the malls’ cinemas and other amusement facilities, is planning to undertake a major renovation of about 100 cinemas with the aim of making the more upscale and modern. “Next year, we will start making changes in the look, set-up and concepts of our cinemas in 12 of our malls which includes the 30-yearold SM City North, EDSA, SM Megamall, Mall of Asia,

and other big but older malls,” said SMLEI President Edgar Tejerero. The other malls include SM Pampanga, SM Clark, SM Fairview, SM Marikina, SM Sta. Mesa and SM Cebu. Among these new concepts will be the country’s first café cinemas which will allow moviegoers to be served and dine inside the theaters instead of just buying snacks outside. They will also be opening children’s cinemas, even sm/PAGE 11

Tinabuan Arts & Crafts and 2N Handicrafts are just two of the exhibitors in the ongoing Kahimunan sa Northern Mindanao at SM City Cagayan De Oro. The showcase located at the ground level, west lane will last until December 10, 2016. PHOTO BY Mark Doña Francisco

Apple Tree lights up Christmas feminine style By MARK FRANCISCO

FEMINITY is the theme of this year’s edition of the Christmas tree at Apple Tree Resort and Hotel. Three mannequins were decked in elegantly floralmade cocktails to form one giant Christmas tree. For three years in a row,

Apple Tree Resort and Hotel has pioneered its stylized Christmas trees for each annum. (In 2014, the theme was dedicated for kids and in 2015, it was made of indigenous materials.) This year, Apple Tree Resort and Hotel manager

Byanesha Emphasis decided that the Christmas celebration in as far as the hotel is concerned would be dedicated to women. “She can be your mother, sister, daughter, teacher. She is someone who will be there for you no matter what. She is woman,” the poetic Ms. Emphasis said as hotel female

employees dance to the tune of Little Mix’s Salute in front of the Christmas tree. Apple Tree Hotel and Resort is only 30 minutes ride away from Cagayan de Oro City proper with lots of amenities such as unique formation of its two swimming pool for Children and adult, this summer

they offer Buffet with lots of curses and deserts with Free swimming for only Php400.00 every Saturday until the management would decide to cease the offer since its only a Summer Promo. Aside from being very near to the heart of the city; coming and relaxing at the hotel, you will indulge

the breathtaking view of Macajalar Bay while overnight staying in their classy room can accommodate your whole family in a restful and enjoyable experience. Function rooms for weddings, birthdays, team buildings and other occasions are also available in a wide range variety of good ambiance.

Feature

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LoveYourself and Partners Provide LegislatHIVe Testing and Ideas at the Senate

nderscoring the importance of the early detection of HIV for the commemoration of World AIDS Day, LoveYourself in collaboration with the Pasay City Social Hygiene Clinic conducted an HIV testing campaign at the Senate of the Philippines on 29 November 2016 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00p.m. This is in response to the initiative of the Office of the Senator Risa Hontiveros being the Senate Committee Chairperson on Health and Demography, who is also thrusting for the amendments of the Republic Act No. 8504 or also known as “Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998.” According to Sen. Hontiveros, the HIV testing day at the Senate aims to encourage more people to look at HIV test as a regular diagnostic tool, such as, blood pressure check-up and urinalysis, to know one’s health status and live a healthy lifestyle.

“An HIV test could spell difference between life and death,” relayed Sen. Hontiveros, while emphasizing the need for such a procedure to generate information that would support a progressive, humanrights-based and gender sensitive policy and programs to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS in the country. Sen. Hontiveros emphasized that Filipinos can avail free and confidential HIV test from any social hygiene clinics and community centers like LoveYourself. Allaying fears to those who wanted to undergo an HIV test, the Senator quickly responded that lack of awareness, strong stigmatization and discrimination are among the factors that scare people, particularly the key populations, to avail of the free health service offered by the government. As an encouragement, Sen. Hontiveros underlines “Bawasan o tanggalin natin totally ang diskriminasyon [to

Senator Risa Hontiveros (center) together with Senate Secretary Atty. Lutgardo B. Barbo posed with the LoveYourself Volunteers led by Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan (5th from left).

key affected populations] at mas itaas natin yung health consciousness at solidarity sa isa’t-isa, [and enrich] moral support and mutual support sa paghahanap natin ng isang healthy lifestyle.”

HIV TESTING AT THE SENATE: Senate Committee Chair for Health and Demography Senator Risa Hontiveros is being readied by Kahel Jay Sta. Maria, a LoveYourself Volunteer, for an HIV test during the HIV Testing Day at the Senate on Tuesday morning (29 November 2016) in creating awareness towards the disease.

LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan said “More than offering a free and confidential HIV screening, LoveYouself is also aggressive in equipping its clients with proper and nondiscriminatory education to ensure positive behavioral change to further prevent the spread of HIV.” Moreover, while HIV has been decreasing steadily all over the world, LoveYourself Senior Director Christopher M. Lagman informed that “the Philippines today is the only country whose numbers are not only increasing, but are increasing exponentially.” Based on the latest DOH data covering the period July-October 2016, there were 3,112 newly diagnosed people living with HIV, in which the National Capital Region posted an alarming rate of

41% followed by Region 4A (Calabarzon) at 15%. Also, the current data showed that young males ages 15-24 and MSMs have a high infection rate. This is the reason why LoveYourself also supports the amendments to the Republic Act No. 8504, including the adjustment on the range of age, particularly allowing young people to access HIV as a lifesaving procedure. The Senate HIV testing day draw 72 clients in which none has been diagnosed to be living with HIV. Last Sunday alone (27 November), the advocacy group has tested 211 individuals to know their HIV status during its free, anonymous and fast community-based screening dubbed as LoveYourself Incognito 2.0 at the Victoria Court Malate in Manila. Of the total participants, the organization has

diagnosed 13 individuals to be living with HIV and immediately referred to the organization’s HIV treatment program. LoveYourself is a local non-government organization providing free and confidential HIV testing, counseling, education, and recently treatment. It has currently two clinics: LoveYourself Anglo in Shaw near Starmall and LoveYourself Uni in Taft-Gil Puyat near the LRT station. These clinics are open on Wednesdays-Saturdays (12:00nn-7:00p.m.) and Sundays (9:00a.m.2:00p.m.). For more details on LoveYourself ’s services, individuals may visit the group’s official website at www. loveyourself.ph or follow and like its social media channels: Facebook- @ loveyourself.ph, Twitter@loveyourselfph, and Instagram- @loveyourself. ph.

Banking&Finance S&P says PHL to remain an outperformer in Asia

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TANDARD and Poor’s (S&P) continues to see the Philippines outperforming other Southeast Asian economies despite risks from the a d m i n i s tr ati on of U S president-elect Donald Trump, among others. In its latest credit outlook re p or t , t h e d e bt r ate r maintained its 6 percent to 6.9 percent growth outlook for the Philippine economy this 2016. The 2017 outlook is a range of 5.6 percent to 6.7 percent and the 2018 projection is between 5.7 percent and 6.7 percent. “The Southeast Asian economies are seeing stable

growth with the Philippines outperforming the region, given its growing middle class, a business process outsourcing boom, and expansionary fiscal policy with emphasis on public infrastructure,” the report said. In the third quarter this year, the domestic economy posted the highest output for the period in the region at 7.1 percent. This growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), brought the average growth in the first three quarters of the year to seven percent, the upper end of the government’s six to seven percent target for this year.

In general, the credit rater said growth in the Asia Pacific is steadying amid recent volatilities in the financial markets caused by concerns on uncertainties of policies of the incoming Trump administration. “Rising US stock markets, a sell-off in global debt markets, and t he significant strengthening of the US dollar show that markets are already testing a scenario that incorporates key features of the Presidentelect’s campaign: fiscal stimulus through increased infrastructure spending and tax cuts; rising inflation; and a tightening monetary policy,” it said.

The last two factors may result to higher interest rates, it added. S&P projects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) key policy rate to end 2016 at three percent and at 3.75 percent until end-2018. To date, the central bank’s overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is three percent. Baseline forecast for inflation is at 1.6 this year, three percent in 2017 and 3.6 percent in 2018. As of last October, average inflation rate in the country stood at 1.6 percent, below the government’s two to four percent target range for 201518.

RCBC won’t compensate Bangladesh for $81-M heist PHILIPPINE lender RCBC is not liable to compensate Bangladesh for tens of millions of stolen dollars that went missing in Manila, RCB C’s lawyer said on Tuesday, pinning the blame on the central bank in Dhaka for being “negligent”. Unknown cyber criminals tried to steal nearly $1 billion from the Bangladesh Bank in February, one of the biggest bank frauds ever. They succeeded in t r ans fe r r i ng s ome $ 8 1 million via an account at the New York Federal Reserve to four accounts in fake names at a branch of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC) in Manila. Most of the money was laundered through casinos in Manila and remains missing. RCBC external counsel

Thea Daep urged Bangladesh Bank to be transparent and produce the results of its own investigation to shed light on who was behind the heist, saying it was the least Bangladesh’s central bank could do. “RCBC is not the proximate cause of the theft. They have no case against us. BB (Bangladesh Bank) was the one who was negligent,” Daep said in a statement, adding the local lender will not pay Bangladesh Bank anything. Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes was quoted in a newspaper as saying his government would seek compensation from RCBC. Gomes did not respond to a request for comments. Daep said RCBC received the funds after they went

through three layers of highly protected financial institutions. “ Nu m e r o u s r e p o r t s quoting high Bangladeshi officials and the initial f i n d i n g s o f B B’s o w n investigation indicated that the heist got help from BB insiders. Shortly after, BB decided to abort its investigation which raises a lot of questions, to say the least,” Daep said. Subhankar Saha, spokesman for Bangladesh Bank, told Reuters in Dhaka “halt payment” instructions were sent to RCBC both by Bangladesh Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York but that RCBC did not comply. “The payment in cash was also abnormal,” he said. “...The mechanism of

transfer of money was also not transparent. So all these are questionable.” Only about $15 million has been recovered and returned to Bangladesh, with a further $2.7 million frozen. A Bangladesh delegation is in Manila to meet with Philippine authorities and speed up the recovery of the rest of money. RCBC has been fined a record one billion Philippine pesos ($20 million) by the Philippine central bank, about one fifth of its net profit last year, for its failures to prevent the Bangladesh Bank money from being transferred through accounts at the bank. An anti-money laundering body last week filed charges against five officials of RCBC in connection with the heist.

Gov’t debt ratio improves in Sept. THE share of debt to the country’s economy slid further as of September this year as the gross domestic product (GDP) continued to grow faster than government liabilities, latest data from the Department of Finance (DOF) showed. Following a series of liability management measures of the DOF, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran reported that the government debt-to-GDP ratio further improved to 44.2 percent by end-September from 44.7 percent in the same month last year. “ D e b t m a n a g e m e nt measures led to the continuing drop in the debt-GDP ratio to 44.2 percent as of September 2016, an improvement from end-2015 ratio of 44.7 percent,” Beltran, who is the DOF’s chief economist, said in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. The debt-to-GDP ratio is

projected to sustain the yearly decline until falling to about 35 percent by the end of the Duterte administration. The national government debt as a proportion of GDP had continually dropped from 52.4 percent in 2010 to 44.7 percent in 2015. The Bureau of the Treasury earlier reported the national government’s outstanding debt reached P6.087 trillion as of September, higher compared to the previous year, primarily because of the weaker peso against the US dollar and other currencies. But despite the increase in nominal terms, Beltran expected the debt-to-GDP ratio to remain very manageable for the final three months of the year as the economy expands at a faster pace than government liabilities. “Strong fiscal fundamentals will continue to underpin robust economic growth during the

rest of the year,” said Beltran. In the first three quarters of 2016, Beltran noted that increased public spending contributed 0.87 percentage points or 12.4 percent of the 7.0 percent GDP growth. A large bulk of the expenditure growth went to public works construction, which rose 30.5 percent in real terms, he said. The proportion of the government’s interest payments to its total expenditures likewise dropped to 13.4 percent during the period from 13.9 percent in 2015. With heightened public spending, B eltran said government expenditure exceeded nominal GDP growth in the first nine months of the year. The country’s GDP grew by 7.0 percent in January to September, but government expenditures increased by 14.1

percent during the same period. Likewise, expenditure effort rose to 17.96 percent of GDP from 17.09 percent last year. Meanwhile, the tax effort of the national government remained at 14.21 percent at end-September, while revenue effort slid to 15.9 percent from 16.83 percent last year. “Excluding oil and rice taxes, revenue effort would have declined by only 0.16 percentage point,” Beltran said. “Tax effort stood still at 14.2 percent as oil revenues continued their downward plunge. However, netting out the effects of the oil price decline and rice, tax effort rose by 0.11 percentage point,” he added. The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s tax effort improved to 11.31 percent from 11.27 percent, while the Bureau of Customs’ figure slightly fell to 2.78 percent from 2.81 percent. (PNA)

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How can patients prevent medication errors?

n the Philippines, 79 percent of patients experienceat least one error during their medication period. Such e r r or s m ay c au s e t h e patients to experience adverse drug reactions, aggravation of illness or worst, death. Given this risk among p at i e nt s , PharexHealthCorp.—the most prescribed unibranded generic medicines— encourages them to be aware of the prevalent medication errors, such as incorrect f re qu e nc y and t i m i ng , improper administration, discrepancy in dosage and intake of the wrong drug,

among others. Such lapses in medication are caused by three factors. First is poor communication between health care providers. This happens when a patient visits different health care provider, but does not inform the new provider of his medication history. Secondly, medication error also happens when a physician do es not clearly make his patient understand the prescribed medication. Finally, there are medication names and m e d i c a l a b b r e v i at i o n s that soundalike, causing confusion and incorrect usage. “Medication errors make

the condition of the patients even worse. Such errors could causehospitalization that will result in lost productivity and money that could be used for other household expenses like food, house rent, or education. This is the reason why patients and their caregivers need to understand how vital it is to prevent medication errors,” said Tomas Marcelo Agana III, President and CEO of PharexHealthCorp. To h e l p p a t i e n t s properly adhere to their prescribed medications and avoid errors that could worsen their conditions, PharexHealthCorp. developed the Pharex CP15.

It is a 15-day compliance pouch intended to make intake of medicine simpler as quality medicines good for two weeks are sealed together in a water-resistant pouch. Agana concluded, “Fi lipino p at ients may count on us as we are dedicated to innovate and provide solutions that will help decrease the risk of medication errors.It is our mission to assist them in improving their conditions and have a healthy life.” Pharex CP15 are all available in any leading drugstores. For more details, kindly contact 433-8088 (local 820).

Mindanao SME Disaster Resilience forum held in CDO As one of the activities identified during the National Business Forum in Makati City on July this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 10 gathered 200 participants to a forum on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development and Disaster Resilience in Mindanao. DT I Und e rs e c re t ar y Zenaida Maglaya in a media interview said that this forum was launched to make sure that SMEs are prepared whenever disaster hits. “We want to be more prepared this time,” she said. She explained that Mindanao specifically region 10 is not exempted from typhoons anymore. Typhoon Sendong and Senyang in the past incurred a lot of losses, a lot of business opportunities lost where MSMEs also got affected. Maglaya explained that the roadshow which started in Visayas in October also has planning where the region will plan on how to best prepare. “We don’t want to end with just an awareness session. This plan should include an action agenda, what do we do to prepare, what kind of training programs, what kind

of session should we give, to our MSMEs, what kind of financing program should be made available, what kind of insurance should we give,” she said. For agriculture there is crop insurance but MSMEs right now do not know the importance of insurance to their business. Because of the magnitude of disaster

in 2013 in Visayas and some parts of Luzon because of Yolanda, the government has seen the importance of Business Resiliency. MSMEs should be more aware of the importance of being more prepared. We learned it the hard way, Maglaya stressed. To be prepared means less cost to our business

community, she added. The for um, held in Cagayan de Oro City on 22 November 2016, was in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense region 10, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and Philippine Exporters Confederation region 10. (JMOR/PIA10)

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Tax...

from page 1

In a st ate me nt , t he M B C I s a i d t h a t , “A s partners for change, we, the Mindanao Business Council, fully support the Duterte Administration’s comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP), spearheaded by DOF.” “We believe that the program, comprising several packages beginning with the first package submitted to Congress in September 2016, will simplify and correct the inefficiency and inequity of our tax system. More importantly, we believe that the CTRP is fiscally sound, responsible, and will address the development needs of our country, which are particularly acute in Mindanao,” the MBCI said. “ The long-delayed development of Mindanao can be attained by securing peace and investing in the future, particularly rural development. These are at the heart of President Duterte’s economic policy, which we continue to support and seek to advance,” it added. The MBCI said that, “We applaud the vision and substance of the proposed comprehensive tax reform, and we call on every Filipino to support it. Change is here, and with this proposed reform that change will become economically transformative.” It pointed out that the proposed PIT reductions “is immediately needed and rightfully deserved by the Filipino taxpayer” as “this will provide due relief for the middle and lowerincome classes and spur consumption, the effects of which we hope to feel immediately in Mindanao.” Lao said the Mindanao business community is also backing the DOF’s proposal to broaden the VAT base by reducing unnecessary exemptions and “insidious sources of revenue leakage.” “Ma ny o f o u r VAT exemptions aim to protect vulnerable sectors, but we are in agreement with the DOF that these sectors must be protected through more targeted and effective means, and not through the tax system, which benefits the rich far more. Most importantly, rationalizing VAT exemptions will improve compliance and contribute to ease of doing business,” the MBCI said. Keeping in mind the need to exercise fiscal prudence and responsibility in instituting tax policy reforms, the MBCI said it is supporting too the DOF proposal to adjust the excise taxes on automobiles and fuel. “Studies have shown both excises to be highly progressive and not inflationary, as evidenced by studies of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP),” it noted. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has assured the public that the tax reform plan will not only raise revenues to fund the countr y’s infrastructure

requirements and investments in human capital, but also aims to protect vulnerable sectors, comprising the poorest 50 percent of the population, from the impact of the government’s revenueenhancing measures. The countr y’s strong economic fundamentals, along with a low price regime that is projected to stay in the medium term owing to China’s slowdown and ample supply from shale oil producers, allows our economy to absorb the increase in fuel excises, which have not been adjusted since 1997. T h e c o u n t r y ’s p a s t experience with the VAT reform and the oil price shock proved that it can well manage the more moderate increase in oil prices. In proposing to expand the VAT base, the DOF wants to reduce the lines of exemptions to the tax and confine these only to essential goods and services, such as raw food, education and health care, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), DOF undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said. Chua noted that medicines will remain VAT-exempt, and that the elderly would still continue to enjoy their 20 percent senior citizens’ discount under the DOF proposal. Ac c ord i ng to C hu a , Thailand, with a VAT rate of only 7 percent but with only 35 lines of exemptions, manages to collect revenues representing 4.2 percent of its GDP from this tax system, while the Philippines, with a higher rate of 12 percent and with 60 lines of exemptions, also collects the same 4.2 percent. To plug the massive leakages in the system, Chua said the DOF is proposing that VAT exemptions for g ro c e r i e s , re s t au r a nt s , amusement, and travel, which are enjoyed mostly by rich seniors, would be removed and the tax savings generated channeled to expand social pensions for indigent seniors and better health services for PWDs.

Ban...

from page 1 explosions were the main cause of accidents and injuries on Christmas and New Year’s Eve revelries. He said that while there is an existing law that regulates the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, some unscrupulous traders violate the law in a bid to gain profits. “The profit motivated attitude of pyrotechnic traders is practiced at the expense of the safety of the consumers and buyers,” Goking said. He said that the indiscriminate sale and up su rge of f i re c r a cke r explosion was also the main cause of fire during Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations. Goking also underscored that there are irresponsible gun holders who fire guns indiscriminately along with the burst of firecracker explosion, which oftentimes

results in “death” due to stray bullets. He said that with the complete ban of firecrackers and a well-defined law on the allowing “pyrotechnics” for “display only” purpose, the health and physical safety of the Holiday celebrants is assured. (PNA)

PDIC... from page 1

the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) directed PDIC as Receiver to proceed with the takeover and liquidation of the bank. Xavier-Tibod Bank is a two-unit rural bank with Head Office located on Pabayo St., Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City (Capital), Misamis Oriental. Its other banking office (OBO) is located along National Highway, Brgy. Poblacion, Salay, Misamis Oriental. B a s e d on t h e B a n k Information Sheet filed by the bank with the PDIC as of June 30, 2016, Xavier-Tibod Bank is owned by Milamdec Foundation, Inc. (40.70 percent), Milagros P. Ortigas (15.41 percent), Robert L. Tan (12.36 percent), Teresita L. Barcelon (9.09 percent), Salay Handmade Paper Industries, Inc. (6.15 percent), Anselmo B. Mercado (3.62 percent), Alejandro P. Ortigas (2.96 percent), and Ma. Isabel R. Veloso (2.96 percent). The Bank’s President is Milagros P. Ortigas and its Chairman is Edgardo D. Layug. Latest available records show that as of Sept. 30, 2016, Xavier-Tibod Bank had 918 accounts with total deposit liabilities of Php 7.9 million. Total insured deposits amounted to Php 7.7 million involving 97.8 percent of total deposit accounts. PDIC assured depositors that all valid deposits and claims shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of Php 500,000. Depositors with valid d e p o s it a c c ou nt s w it h balances of Php100,000.00 and below shall be eligible for early payment and need not file deposit insurance claims, except accounts maintained by business entities, or when they have outstanding obligations with the bank or acted as comakers of these obligations. Depositors have to ensure that they have complete and updated addresses with the bank. They may update their addresses until December 9, 2016 using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be distributed by PDIC representatives at the bank premises. For d e p o s itors w h o are required to file claims for deposit insurance, the schedule of claims settlement operations will be announced as soon as possible through posters in the bank premises and in other public places, the PDIC website, www.pdic. gov.ph, and official Facebook account. PDIC also reminded borrowers to continue paying their loan obligations with the closed bank and to transact only with designated PDIC

representatives at the bank premises. For more information on the requirements and procedures for filing claims and settlement of loan obligations, all depositors and borrowers of the bank are enjoined to attend the D e p o s i t o r s - B o r r o w e r s’ Forum on December 14, 2016.

Summit... from page 1

is the implementation of a federal form of government that should be crafted and implemented immediately. “Alam mo sa totoo lang ang pinaka-structure na acceptable aside from the extremist is really federal set up,” he said. But there are worries especially from some members of Congress about extremism in the Philippines that could undermine the administration’s plan to shift to federalism, according to the President. He called on the Muslim people to unite and shun violence as some radical Muslims in Mindanao sow chaos in some communities. The President reiterated his promise to step down from power once an effective federal system of government is passed. He also vowed to vigorously campaign for the adoption of federalism in the country. Declaring martial law, as his critics have been saying, is not in his mind he said, noting the country gained nothing during the years of martial rule. At t h e s a m e t i m e , the President expressed his interest in bringing development to the region, telling local Muslim leaders that he would prioritize pouring development fund to Mindanao particularly development aid from Japan. He mentioned giving land to the poor Muslim population, open Jolo for trade and provide farm implements such as tractors especially once there is successful land distribution. Attaining a lasting peace in Mindanao must be handled with great sense of urgency, he said, adding it has nothing to do with the personal alliances or loyalty because he does not need it. “But what you should understand from me, at believe me, na gusto ko talagang mangyari ‘yung dapat mangyari and that is semblance of your territory, your governance and the happiness of the Moro people,” the President said. (PND)

Selling... from page 2

The purchaser and owner asked the participants about their products and ended up with signing of Purchase Order (PO) good for the Golden Star and Golden Dragon Supermarkets, amounting to P15,690 as a start. At the end of the selling mission, the participants were satisfied as they were able to sell their products and had a new market linkage in Iligan City.

Bypass... from page 2

Slaughter House Road up to F. Torres Bridge with bridge widening worth P469.4-M; Construction/Widening/ Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Davao City Diversion Road-CommunalCabantian-Tigatto Road worth P472.4-M. Second district projects include Construction/ Widening/Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Davao City Diversion RoadTigatto Road-Jct. Davao City Diversion Road worth P1.01-B; Reconstruction/ Widening/Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Daang Maharlika-Eliong-Jct. Acacia Road worth 244.9-M; Reconstruction/Widening/ Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Daang MaharlikaLicanan-Bunawan-MahayagIndangan-Cabantian-Jct. Davao City Diversion Road (Buhangin-Lapanday Road worth P1.7-B; Construction/ Concreting of Bypass Road at Jct. Mamay Road-La VernaDavao City Diversion Road worth P432.2-M; Concreting/ Widening/Improvement of 31.803-kilometer of Bypass Road at Buhangin-TigattoMandug-Callawa-Fatima Road worth P1.3-B; Concreting/Widening/ Improvement of 7.8-kilometer Bypass Road at Jct. Daang Maharlika Road-MudiangMalagamot-Jct. Indangan Road worth P507.09-M; and, Concreting/Upgrading/ Wi d e n i n g o f F a t i m a Malabog Road-MabuhayPañalum-Paquibato Road for 12.4-kilometers at P633.6-M. Ortiz said the project is made in coordination with the local government of Davao City which identified the road networks to be made into bypass roads. The road network is e q u i v a l e nt t o 1 0 7 . 9 2 3 kilometers. The funding has been included in the 2017 national budget. (PIA/RG Alama)

Hurst... from page 4

human and fully alive, so we can live our lives to the fullest! He also knows the dangers that can trick and trap us. He’ll protect you from the pain you and your family will have if you don’t live your Maker’s way that He designed for your happiness. So why not ask Jesus to forgive you for living your own way, and ask Him to take charge and start showing you how to live His satisfying way? It’s the only way you won’t miss out on every exciting, good thing He has planned for your life. Just Think a Minute…

Cebupac... from page 5

p a s s e nge r vo lu m e w a s primarily driven by popular domestic destinations and key international short and long-haul destinations. The airline currently operates across 36 local and 30 international destinations with a fleet of 58 aircraft.

Mr. Gokongwei said they expect the delivery of 48 additional planes in the next five years to 2021. Cebu Air, operator of budget airline Cebu Pacific Air, saw its profit double in the first nine months of the year to P7.1 billion from P3.56 billion a year ago, led by strong passenger volume, higher ticket prices and lower fuel costs during the period, it told the stock exchange in its quarterly report. Demand remained strong during the nine-month period as Cebu Air reported its total revenue hit P46.69 billion, up 10.5%. Passenger revenue rose 10.1% to P35.36 billion while ancillary revenue -- from non-ticket revenues such as baggage fees and onboard meals -- was up 14.9% to P8.79 billion.

SM...

from page 5

some slides as entrance to the auditorium, more upscale directors’ club cinemas, and 4D theaters. Some cinemas will also have games outside such as e-darts. “All these renovated cinemas will become stadium type theaters where there is only one level of seats instead of the old model which has an orchestra and balcony,” said Tejerero. SMLEI will also open more cinemas as SM Prime opens more malls in Palawan, Cagayan de Oro City, and Urdaneta as well as the expansion of the Podium. Tejerero said SMLEI will also be opening a performing arts theater by 2018 or 2019 with construction slated to start next year. It will have a seating capacity of 1,800. SMLEI will also be starting construction of an arena in their new Cebu mall with a seating capacity of 14,000. The firm is opening today SM Cinemas and Director’s Club Cinema together with the opening of SM East Ortigas SM Cinema’s digital theatres are equipped with top-of-the-line surround sound systems. Each of its 4 new theaters houses more than 250 seats. Director’s Club Cinema are equipped with automatic recliners furnished with spacious side tables for food and drinks that may be ordered through a call buzzer and delivered by a butler service.

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saturday|december 3, 2016