BusinessWeek Mindanao (February 27-28, 2014)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

Volume IV, No. 70

Market Indicators

As of 6:12 pm feb. 26, 2014 (Wednesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P44.61

6,322.60 points

2 cents

X X Briefly 27.05 points

Dairy research center AGUSAN del Norte -Representative Erlpe John M. Amante of the second district of the province is pushing for the creation of a Caraga National Dairy Cow Research Center to be housed inside the Caraga State University (CSU), Ampayon Campus in Butuan City.

Amante is lobbying for this in congress so that there will be a research facility for the raising, reproducing and milking of Dairy Cows in the said region.

The creation of this facility is in connection with the Philippines’ Dairy Road Map 2010-2016 which is projecting the rise of the local dairy industry, which will provide affordable milk and jobs to the people, and make an impact in the agricultural sector.

In a recent research, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) also projected that in 2014 there will be a demand of 98.02 million liters of ready-to-drink milk, but the existing supply is only 89.10 million liters with 59.08 million of this is imported from other countries amounting to P3.9 billion.

www.businessweekmindanao.com

FREE TV CH. 21 SkyCable Ch. 16 | Global Destiny Ch. 28 Cablelink Ch. 14 | Cignal Ch. 10

Thursday-Friday|February 27-28, 2014

P15.00

Industry player says Epira gaining ground

T

By Philippine News Agency

HE head of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) believes that the objective of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (RA 9136) is slowing gaining ground despite recent issues on the country’s power sector. epira/PAGE 15

‘BAGSAKAN’. Market goers pick bell pepper, which is sold at P40 per kilo, in Bankerohan market, Davao City. Bankerohan market is a known ‘bagsakan’ of vegetables mostly coming from Kapatagan, a mountainous barangay in Digos City. mindanews photo by keith bacongco

CdO’s coastal highway up for completion THE first phase of the five-kilometer Cagayan de Oro City coastal highway is up for completion next year, a congressman said on Monday.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, 2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City, said that the first phase covered the Lapasan-Gusa portion which started construction four years ago.

Rodriguez said that the four-lane coastal highway was conceptualized sometime in highway/PAGE 15

Energy Plan BUTUAN City -- A total of 92 participants from the different government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, students and electric cooperatives of the Caraga region participated the whole day public consultation on the Mindanao Energy Plan 2013-2030 and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on Energy Efficiency and conservation on Wednesday here.

The event, initiated by the Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), is pursuant to the overall thrust and direction of ensuring energy security, achieving optimal energy pricing and developing a sustainable energy system in Mindanao.

During the activity, MinDA Planning and Research division chief Estrella Turingan said based on the Mindanao Development Plan, energy is vital to economic progress because “it fuels our development.”

Turingan further said that Mindanao is contributing 14 percent to the Philippines economy in the year 2012.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

power outlook MORNING BATH. Perhaps already feeling the heat of the oncoming summer, aA boy enjoys a bath from a manual water pump in Dalipuga, Iligan City on Sunday, courtesy of a friend’s help. mindanews photo by bobby timonera

Demonizing the Electric Power Industry Reform Act

By DAVID A. TAULI

IN a series of opinion pieces published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, David Celestra Tan demonizes the Electric

Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA (actually, “dragonizes” is what David Tan does, but it means the

same thing), and blames it for everything that is wrong today in the Philippine electric power industry.

It boggles the mind how David Tan, who was once a president of the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA), could get so many things wrong about the EPIRA, and it is difficult to decide which among his misunderstandings (or are these attempts to mislead?) are more important to correct. outlook/PAGE 15

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

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

Economy

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

2 SSS Ozamiz effects new rate of contribution New set of PMAP THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

By RUTCHIE CABAHUG-AGUHOB Contributor

OZAMIZ City -- The new rates for monthly contribution of the Social Security System (SSS) members took effect in Ozamiz City, starting January, this year.

The rates are shown i n t he Ne w S S S Tabl e of Contributions or C ont r ibut i on S che du l e containing the range of compensation, the Monthly

No.: 09161714813 (GLOBE)

Salar y Credit (MSC), t he resp e c t ive rates to be paid by the employer (ER) and employee (EE), the amount of employee’s compensation (EC) to be paid by the employer and the total amount to be paid

as monthly contributions.

The table serves as guide for all ER’s and EE’s, including the self-employed (SE), voluntary members (VM) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) on the amount of SSS/PAGE 12

officials installed

By JOJO ORTIZ, Contributor

A NEW set of officers of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Cagayan de Oro Chapter was installed to office on February 5 in a simple induction ceremony.

The event was graced by its National President Atty.

Josephus B. Jimenez who was the inducting officer, Mayor Oscar Moreno and representatives of the industry, academe and the small and medium enterprises.

Inducted into of f ice after being charged by Dr. Josephine Go were Dr. Wilma Magdale of STEAG State Power, president; Ma. Soledad Amir of Xavier University, vice president; Jhonadyn Gere of COCPhinma, secretary; Priscilla Capitan, treasurer; and Aida May de Guzman, immediate past president; Jocelyn Gogo of PROIS International Christian School; Emannuel Gapuz of Philippine Sinter Corporation, Dulce Corazon Esperon of Minergy and Vivien Lawansa of A Brown, Board of Trustees.

Also inducted into office were the chairpersons of various committees, Josette Cellona, General Membership Meetings; Ma. Theresa Omnos, Ways and Means;

Atty. Panfilo Paracuelles, Industrual Relations; Lyra Ma e Ab a d ay, I nt e r n a l Communication; Rosario Palingcod, Special Projects; Ja n D a r y l Vi l l a nu e v a , Membership; Marla Alva Espiritu, Fund Management and Julalee Mae Empedrad, CSR and Fellowship.

During the occasion which carried the theme “HR Readiness for the ASEAN Integration”, Atty. Jimenez congratulated the chapter for winning the prestigious “Chapter of the Year Award’ for 2013.

Jimenez said the award w a s at t r i b u t e d t o t h e excellent leadership of the 2013 officers headed by Aida May de Guzman and the good teamwork by the whole membership.

He has great trust in the new leadership, though, to keep up the good work.

STEAG Power Plant Manager Dr. Carsten Evers, in his impression speech, also praised the chapter for the award saying that bagging the “Chapter of the Year Award” seven times in 13 years is an evidence of professionalism and excellence measured in terms of efficiency and sustainability. pmap/PAGE 12

0917-7154399 088-856-8562/63

www.dahilayanforestpark.com

AMENITIES : ZORBIT * ATV * TREE TOP ADVENTURE BUGGY * BUNGEE * PICNIC GROUNDS PLAYGROUND * CAFE * LUGE * MINI GOLF ROOM ACCOMODATIONS

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

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

3

www.businessweekmindanao.com

thursday|february 27, 2014

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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

C orporateWorld 4 Robinsons Land to launch Jollibee expands to UAE record number of malls this year YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

Philippines, Hong Kong, ROBINSONS Land Corp Manila area. We’re ver y JOLLIBEE Foods Corp (JFC) will soon sell the UAE. Macau and Japan) at 70 and (RLC) is aiming to launch a excited. It’s not very often

JFC operates the largest its “Chickenjoy” in the United Arab Emirates 12 Sabu (China) at 8. record-number of shopping that we have a Metro Manila food service network in (UAE).

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the homegrown fastfood giant said subsidiary Golden Plate Pte Ltd inked a joint venture agreement with Golden Crown Foods LLC (GCFL) to put up a company that will operate Jollibee stores in the UAE. GCFL will control the joint venture company with a 51 percent stake, while the JFC unit will own 49 percent.

Both firms will share control and management of the firm with initial funding pegged at $80,000.

All of the Philippine firm’s 42 outlets in the Middle East, which hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are franchised stores composed of 16 Jollibee outlets in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait and 26 Chowking stores in Qatar, Oman and

the Philippines with 2,181 stores at end-December 2013, including the flagship Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal and Burger King. The Jollibee Group has 583 stores abroad, including Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, San Pin Wang and Chow Fun. JFC has a 50 percent interest in joint ventures for Highlands Coffee (Vietnam, Philippines) at 84, Pho 24 (Vietnam, Indonesia,

JFC’s earnings rose 24.50 percent, the fastest pace in seven years, to P4.64 billion in 2013 from P3.73 billion in the previous year, as sales surpassed the P100-billion mark for the first time in the company’s 35-year history.

The listed firm hiked its capital expenditures to P6.3 billion this year from P4.1 billion in 2013 to roll out new stores and renovate existing outlets in the Philippines and abroad.

centers this year to bring the company’s net leasable area beyond the one-million square meter mark.

On t he sidelines of Monday’s Robinsons Malls Tenant Conference, RLC president Frederick Go told reporters that the company will open two shopping centers in Antipolo and Las Pinas by September to expand its mall count to 39 nationwide.

Wit h t he l au nch of Robinsons Place Antipolo and Robinsons Place Las Pinas, the Gokongwei-owned property firm will begin the commercial operation of seven malls in the fiscal year ending September compared to the annual average of 3-4 malls previously.

“These two new malls will be in the greater Metro

mall,” Go said.

From October to February, RLC opened new shopping centers in Malabon; Malolos, Bulacan; Butuan; Roxas, Capiz; and Santiago, Isabela.

For next year, the property developer is planning to expand its malls in Novaliches and Ilocos Norte.

Arlene Magtibay, RLC senior vice president and general manager for the commercial centers division, said the Antipolo and Las Pinas shopping centers will be located in mixed-use projects, which also feature residential segments under Robinsons Home s and R obi ns ons Communities, respectively.

Both malls will have a total of 350 tenants, including anchor tenants Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons robinsons/PAGE 12

Alternative Learning System of Division of Tangub City Releases the Results of Accreditation and Equivalency Test 2013

By RONALD L. LOMPAYAO ALS Mobile Teacher

The following learners who are successfully passed the 2013 Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A&E) conducted by the Bureau of Alternative Learning System, Manila, last October 5, 2013. Congratulations to;

ELEMENTARY LEVEL 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

Alferez, Alvin Anciano, Jiramie S. Angcon, Ariel B. Bwergosa, Jeshtony I. Cabanday, Relly P. Calimpong, Reymund P. Candia, Nilo Dayunot, Valdimier Clint E. De Jesus, Cee Jay D. Dela Torre, Vincent James Espante, John Paul A. Espante, Jhonrey Espra, Ella Mae U. Etic, Richard O. Fernandez, Riche Ian A. Fernandez, Richel Mae A. Griego, Jasmine N. Nulot, Kimberly M. Omandam, Jamarie A. Ongcol, Noven D. Pat, Ian Jerome R. Quizon, Baby Boy L. Salinas, Emmanuel T. Villafuerte, Gelan C.

SECONDARY LEVEL 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

Aligado, Angel G. Amistoso, Mary Ann Q. Anib, Eberto S. Anog, Analyn N. Apao, Rodrigo Jr. C. Apilan, Elizabeth P. Arnaiz, Marifel N. Bajura, Joven C. Balarote, Joel S. Baldesanso, Janine O. Baloro, Rherick R. Baltonado, Cristina N. Barimbao, Jessel Barrientos, Jenalyn M. Biadnes, Josue A. Billones, Jesson Khen C. Bularon, Irish C. Bulaybulay, Yelly T. Calatrava, Margen P. Cariaga, Ermelito P. Centino, Rodheza V. Cortes, Mark Rogil M. Cubero, Darren D. Cuervo, Arvin B. Dahili, Jackie Lou O. Dahili, Rael Kim O. Dela Torre, Rogelio Jr C. Demecilio, Manuel R. Dignos, Jessel P. Edullantes, Antonio Jr. G. Ente, Elena M. Entera, Merlyn S. Escalante, Junjie B. Espinosa, Carmela M. Evidientes, Solanje R.

36. Fuentes, Carline C. 37. Fuentes, Nora Fe S. 38. Gpul, Shenie A. 39. Gazo, Jessica C. 40. Gordove, Dennis R. 41. Guarin, Glenda R. 42. Guiñasan, Girly B. 43. Jacosalem, Juliet A. 44. Jornales, Joven P. 45. Librador, Mary Delia A. 46. Lapastora, Renz Ryan M. 47. Maaba, Alboy R. 48. Mag-usara, Jeff D. 49. Magallano, Marivic F. 50. Maghinay, Amelita A. 51. Mahidlawon, Bonjovi O. 52. Mahidlawon Oliver O. 53. Maribao, Edmund 54. Mediana, Prebert D. 55. Megriño, Ariel M. 56. Mellanar, Manuel C. 57. Mendez, Roldan P. 58. Miñon, Archie Mae 59. Mission, Neljone P. 60. Montealto, Fernando Jr. C 61. Morcillos, Clyde A. 62. Naranjo, Marven C. 63. Narciso, Reynaldo T. 64. Navares, Dennis C. 65. Neri, Mark Alexander P. 66. Obien, Anito Q. 67. Omandam, Danilyn H. 68. Ondoc, Ailyn M. 69. Opamen, Elisa J. 70. Opeña, Mielgreg Y. 71. Pacaro, Sheila P. 72. Palma, Gretchen B. 73. Palongpalong, Myrna G. 74. Penote, Rogene F. 75. Pitogo, Angie E. 76. Pondoc, Elisa D. 77. Praiz, Maria Fe A. 78. Pugay, Rea Jean P. 79. Raboy, Rosemarie G. 80. Rasonable, Jojo T. 81. Retuya, Ruvilyn P. 82. Roble, Amie M. 83. Rubi, Junesa O. 84. Rupinta, Cherryl M. 85. Sala, Symon B. 86. Sampilo, Jenie Rose A. 87. Sampilo, Junfil S. 88. Saroay, Glenn N. 89. Sejesmundo, Mary Joy R. 90. Senining, Daniel C. 91. Sia, Mark Axel B. 92. Suerte, Glory P. 93. Tagaan, Ilde June D. 94. Tanghal, Noel P. 95. Tayros, Malou N. 96. Tortogo, Jonalyn O. 97. Trazona, Alex I. 98.Villario, Dawlish Deron B. 99. Villaruz, Sherly

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

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

5

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

Warmest Felicitations to

Mayor OSCAR “OCA” S. MORENO

on his 63rd Birthday

Greetings from:

photo by JB Leonardo

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

6

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

Banking&Finance

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

DOF rejects proposed Metrobank posts record P22.5-B income in 2013 income tax relief THE Department of Finance (DOF) has expressed strong reservations towards the proposed measures that aim to provide income tax relief to taxpayers by raising the ceiling on the 13th month pay and other benefits.

In a statement, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said that the proposed bills, once enacted into law, will w ip e out gover nment’s revenue gains from the sin tax law and jeopardize social spending commitments.

S ome lawmakers are proposing to increase the current P30,000 ceiling on tax-exempt bonuses to a range of P40,000 to P75,000, which Purisima said would result in foregone revenues of P10.3 billion to P61.7 billion.

According to the DOF, w it hout c ou nte r v ai l i ng re v e nu e m e a s u re s , t h e proposed bills will severely curtail the administration’s bid to improve tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to 16 percent by 2016 and rob important social spending commitments of much needed funding.

“The Philippines is still on deficit spending. The passage of these proposals will derail DOF/PAGE12

Metropolitan Bank & Trust C omp a ny ( Me t ro b a n k ) on We dnes d ay s aid its consolidated net income surged 46% to a record P22.5 billion in 2013.

Metrobank’s total resources jumped 32% to P1.38 trillion in 2013, while its deposit base broke the P1-trillion mark.

The bank saw strong deposit growth, rising 38% to P1.02 trillion.

“The strong deposit growth brought down the Bank’s overall funding cost, which in turn helped cushion the impact of continued pressure on asset yields,” the bank said.

Metrobank said it posted

P611.1 billion in net loans and receivables, 16% higher than the previous year, as it saw strong demand for credit across all segments.

The bank’s total operating income went up 38% to P78.9 billion, on the back of 24% growth in net interest income

to P38.3 billion, and a 55% growth in non-interest income to P40.7 billion.

Metrobank said it “sustained high growth rate in net interest income from strong volumes and relatively healthy margins.” Growth metrobank/PAGE12

Consumer loans fuel double-digit increase in PSBank profit in 2013 THE thrift arm of Metrobank grew its net income by double digits in 2013 on the back of brisk consumer lending.

In a statement, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) said its earnings rose by 29 percent to P2.9 billion last year from P2.3 billion in 2012.

The bank’s loan portfolio, which consists largely of consumer credit, grew by 17 percent to P85.9 billion.

This was backed by a 13 percent year-on-year increase in deposits to P106.5 billion.

Net interest income increased by 18 percent to P6.7 billion last year from P5.7 billion in 2012.

“In 2013, we focused on expanding our core assets to sustain our growth in the

coming years and we are happy with the results. Our auto and mortgage business continue to strengthen, backed up by an aggressive retail deposit campaign,” PSBank president Vicente R. Cuna said.

D espite t he lending growth, PSBank kept its nonperforming loans (NPL) ratio manageable at 0.2 percent.

Its NPL coverage ratio meanwhile was more than ample at 100 percent.

The lender ended 2013 with a capital adequacy ratio of 16.9 percent, higher than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) minimum requirement of 10 percent.

PSBank has 224 branches and 551 ATMs nationwide.

10 Things That Brings Success 1. Making right choices no matter how difficult 2. Being Generous 3. Working Hard at something you like or that is required of you.

4. Starting over after making mistakes.

5. Choosing Good Friends.

6. Loving others in spite of their faults.

7. Living peacefully with others 8. Believing that God loves you unconditionally 9. Talking to God in prayer.

10. Discovering Gods purpose for your life.

12 Reasons to Pray 1. It encourages others.

2. It reminds you of spiritual values.

3. It gives hope.

4. It helps you feel better.

5. It allows you to let go of situation.

6. It relaxes and reduces anxiety.

7. It provides comfort.

8. It builds faith.

9. It deepens character.

10. It broadens your perspective.

11. It brings you closer to God. 12. It works you.

Quotations “Thou who can’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it” “Mathematics possess not only truth but supreme beauty” “Education is life and not preparation for life” “Happiness is found neither in Material Things nor in the Earthly Pleasures of life but in making like God.”

By NANCY A. LASMARIAS

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

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

7

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

8

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, Ph.D. General Manager

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

ALLAN mario MEDIANTE Executive Editor

Alejandrae Uy

cHENG oRDOñEZ

Lifestyle Editor

Associate Editor

SHIELA gosanes

CLIFFORD SANTILLAN

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

Cris diaz mike baños Uriel quilinguing Editorial Consultants

Layout Artist

Advertising

Cell No: 09352379999

Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., Cag. De Oro City Legal Counsel

The BusinessWeek Mindanao is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Advertising and Promotions every Friday to Sunday with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certificate No. 00875701, and with Business Permit No. 2013-10946, TIN No. 946-396-807 – Non VAT. Tel. Nos.: (088)8578447, 74-5380, 0923432-0687, 0917-7121424

Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Member: Philippine Press Institute

T

Opinion

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

Mercy: What A Gift THINK

hink a Minute…There’s a story about a very poor A Minute family who inherited $100,000.

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst The mother knew this was their only chance to buy a nice little house and a better life. The daughter saw the money as her only chance to go to medical school and become a doctor.

But the older brother wanted the $100,000 to start a business with his friend. He promised his mother and sister that he would soon pay back the money.

Well, the mother decided to give her son the one chance he needed to start a business and become successful. But just a few days later, that son’s business friend took all the money and ran. That family’s only hope for a better life was completely gone.

You can imagine how terribly guilty the son felt. His sister was so angry she hated him for what he had done. She called him the worst names she could think of. But her mother stopped her and said to her daughter: “Don’t you know that the time to love somebody is not just when they’re doing well. That’s not real love. Real love is loving someone when they’re at their worst and failed. When they can’t believe in themselves. It’s now that your brother needs our love and acceptance the most! And if you haven’t learned that, then you haven’t learned anything!”

That’s the kind of love and mercy God has given you and me. There’s no possible way we can ever earn or deserve God’s love and forgiveness. We’re like the soldier in Napolean’s army who was being punished for a crime he had done. His mother begged the great leader Napolean for mercy on her son. Napolean said: “Woman, your son does not deserve mercy.” And the mother answered: “I know, sir. If he deserved it, then it would not be mercy.”

You see, it’s God’s mercy and love that Jesus Christ died to give us. Because He knows it’s our only hope for a better life both now, and after we die. So won’t you ask Jesus right now for His gift of mercy and new life? Just ask Him to forgive you for all your wrongs in the past, and to help you start changing with Him in charge of your life today, and every day.

Just Think a Minute…

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

Any Airline Company in Danger Must Run for Shelter

P

AL Express announce stoppage of 35 domestic flights to various destinations to include among others the Cebu to Cagayan de Oro route and the Cagayan de Oro to Davao City and vice versa starting March 1, 2014.

The reason it gives to the riding public is “restructuring” When an airline company has to go to this process it also mean in corporate language, “seeking for an acquirer and if not found, go to restructuring” which was done by PAL last year when it bid goodbye to the Cagayan de Oro skies and return later with a tarnished image. Does it mean it has not made progress over the last twelve months of flying the missionary routes which is also served by the other local airlines. Is PAL throwing money in a bottomless pit that they need to reorganize or streamline the framework of their company?

The deregulated airline industry with the entry of more players aside from the Cebu Pacific has Zest Air, Air Asia and Tiger Air. The industry is nearing over capacity of aircraft’s flying in the Philippine skies affecting pricing and yield recovery with the high fuel prices. Company liquidity and tightening of credits among lenders must have drained Mr. Ramon Ang’s cash flow with its payment to the Lucio Tan shares it recently acquired. Is PAL up to date with the aircraft lease from Airbus? Are there brewing labor problems demanding more money from a losing company?

Cebu Pacific as a low cost career have dominated the market over the last eight years. It has brought in more new aircraft’s with ease in financing since many units were bought in cold cash by the Gokongwei’s.

Cebu Pacific Air has a better balance sheet compared to PAL. With the entry of Air the Tourism H i - way Asia which brought in new

By Ped Quiamjot aircraft’s of the A330 class that were previously serving the Malaysia to Indonesia routes , more passengers were taken away from the legendary airline through advance seat sales.

Digital marketing must have shot down the domestic sales of PAL when Cebu Pacific and Air Asia started selling in the internet their low fares. Legendary airlines have classic examples of an obsolete 20th century marketing plan overtaken in the net by the 21st century strategic marketing scheme.

The business leaders and tourism stakeholders of Cagayan de Oro will be quick to react on this latest PAL move that will disrupt air travel frequencies and affect the growth of tourism in Northern Mindanao. The connecting flights of tourist and other foreign passengers using PAL from the international routes to their domestic destination will suffer the inconvenience. March brings back home the students to the city and the local convention schedules.

Whatever wisdom in PAL management’s restructuring will forever erase what the airline company have shined thorough in the past.

TRAVERSING

A Matter of Desire

A

beautiful thought crossed my mind the other day as I was reading some writings of St. Augustine, that revered Church Father whose works have left a great, if not indelible impact on Christian believers through the centuries and up to now.

I thought of sharing it, with the warning that, yes, it is indeed theological and therefore requires a theological mind. After all, especially nowadays, we need to understand that we all need to do theology.

Theology not only has a rightful place in the sun. It actually has to occupy the pride of place in our vast and ever-growing field of knowledge and the sciences. Not that it is going to do away with common sense and the regular operation of our reason.

The contrary is true. Theology will always be in need of common sense and reason. It always has to relate with our existing sciences and arts, and pace with them. Its distinctive contribution is to put in more substance, give meaning and direction to all of them according to the light of faith that brings things to a supernatural order.

We need to overcome our fear or bias against theology.

Such fear has no basis since, whether we like or not, or whether we affirm or deny it, we actually cannot avoid doing theology.

We are creatures of belief, even if the object of such belief is just our own selves, or nothing transcendent. But the moment we try to understand, explore and explain

HINTS

our beliefs and apply them to our life, we would already be and Traces doing at least some theology.

By Fr. Roy Cimagala We might as well develop our theology as fully as we can!

Now back to St. Augustine.

He was talking about heaven, the be-all and end-all of Christian life, when he made a very succinct conclusion that: “The entire life of a good Christian is in fact an exercise of holy desire.”

He said that since we don’t see heaven now and yet we long for it, we need to keep on desiring it to prepare ourselves for it. That desire not only has to be maintained. It also has to increase as time passes. The time of our life, the time of waiting to see our ultimate end, God, is a time to cultivate our holy desire to the max.

His argument for this is beautiful. “Suppose you are going to fill some container and you know you will be given a large amount. Then you set about stretching your container.” It is to make room for the tremendous amount we will receive-God himself.

The idea of stretching or enlarging the container to receive Cimagala/PAGE 12

Wickedness of A Man Separated from God

L

IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… For God so loved the world He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life…” (John 3:16, the Bible).

-ooo AGONY OF JESUS, AS THE FIRST SORROWFUL MYSTERY: After the Joyful Mysteries and the Mysteries of Light, the Holy Rosary of Roman Catholic Christians deal with the so-called “Sorrowful Mysteries”, which depict the parts of the life of Jesus that culminate in His death on the cross.

The first of these “Sorrowful Mysteries” is the “Agony of Jesus”, which is the story of Jesus agonizing at his impending crucifixion and death on the cross, and which is found in Matthew 26:36-45, Mark 14:32-42 and Luke 22:39-46 of the Bible.

In this story, Jesus is portrayed as being sorrowful and troubled, knowing as He did what was going to happen to him in just a few hours, even prompting Him to say “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”

Certainly, this is a powerful picture of Jesus in his human attributes, especially when this is viewed in the light of His subsequent statement, which shows Him placing completely His trust and confidence in the Father with the words “My

Father, if it is possible, may this cub be taken from me. Yet not ak ampi Mo A ng Batas as I will, but as you will.”

By Atty. Batas Mauricio The question is, if Jesus is the Son of God, why would he be troubled, and why would he say that, if possible, “this cup be taken from me”? The answer, I believe, is that, it is necessary to show that in his human attributes, Jesus could agonize just like ordinary men, so that humans will not really despair when problems come to them, no matter how great those problems maybe.

There is a solution to the agony that everyone feels, and the solution is precisely what Jesus did: placing complete trust and confidence in the will of God. -ooo SCOURGING OF JESUS AT THE PILLAR: The “Scourging of Jesus at the Pillar” is the second mystery in the “Sorrowful Mysteries” of the Holy Rosary of the Roman batas/PAGE 12

K

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

Feature

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

9

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

The Power to Save Tomorrow Today:

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle with Centrio Mall’s Recyclables Fair It’s all systems go for Ayala Centrio Mall’s Recyclables Fair at 10:00 o’clock in the morning on Sunday, March 2 at Cagayan de Oro’s premiere shopping mall.

A joint project of Ayala Centrio Mall which is managed

by Cagayan de Oro Gateway Corporation and Ayala Property Management C orporation (APMC), the Recyclables Fair will be held every last Sunday of each month from 10AM to 5PM to allow mall goers the opportunity to sell or dispose of their recyclable

wastes. “ The rationale for this project is sustainability,” said Eric Emmanuel F. Gabiana, Property Manager, of Centrio Mall. Our tagline is ‘ The Power to Save Tomorrow Today: REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE.” Mall goers and mall tenants can simply go the Recyclables Fair booth to dispose or sell items like used lead acid batteries; busted or old electronic or electrical appl i anc e s ; p ap e r w aste s (Used paper, old newspapers,

cartons, magazines, obsolete books and posters); plastic and metal wastes (e.g., bottles, containers, sando bags, plastic furniture, aluminum cans, tin cans and other metals); obsolete computer monitors, CPUs and peripherals; and used ink and toner printer cartridges.

Us e d t a r p a u l i n s a n d streamers; used dry cell batteries, mobile phones, batteries and chargers; polystyrene packaging, and tetra pak cartons are for proper disposal only.

Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC) is a

wholly owned subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc . engaged in integrated property management services including building administration and maintenance, lease administ rat ion ac t ivit ies, commercial center and subdivision maintenance, and special technical services. It continues to provide property management s er vices for shopping centers, residential villages and condominium buildings, office buildings, parking structures, waterworks operations and other properties

developed by Ayala Land and its subsidiaries.

APMC is best known for managing strategic parking facilities, office and residential towers in the Philippines’ premier business district, Makati City. It pioneered in automating parking operations and continues to introduce similar innovations in its other areas of operation such as recycling water from households for non-potable uses.

Its Rec yclables Fair is an integral program of its Environmental Management

Services which includes Energy Conservation, Solid Waste Management, Pollution Control and Wastewater Treatment.

Its Solid Waste Management focuses on waste segregation where polystyrene plastic materials (e.g. cups, polystyrene packages) are separated from paper and food waste. This pro g r am i s i mpl e m e nte d throughout all Ayala Malls.

For more infor mation regarding the Recyclables Fair, please contact the Centrio Mall concierge at tel. no. (088) 3244024.

The Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro (RCWESTCDO) Steering Committee led by Past President Lito Busgano (7th from right), Club President Rommel Esguerra (left) posed with the winners of the 14th Oro Open Golf Tournament sponsored by First Valley Bank, Ford Cagayan de Oro, Global Chips Technologies, Pioneer Insurance, Cong. Peter Unabia, Mr. Eugene Unabia and members of the RCWESTCDO. Business Week Mindanao Publications is the official exclusive print media partner.

14th RCWestCDO’s Oro Open: Beyond Golf

T

By Rotarian Clifford Jose Garrido Roa

he staging of the biggest and the longest running golf tourney in its kind - held ground recently as the Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro (Rcwestcdo) spearheaded the 14th Oro Open Golf Tournament at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

It became even bigger with the major sponsorship of 1st Valley Bank (A Development Bank) and the able support of Congressman Peter Unabia, Mr. Eugene Unabia, Ford Cagayan de Oro, Country Bankers Insurance Corporation, Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation and HP & Global Chips Technologies.

GMA Northern Mindanao is the official and exclusive broadcast media partner while this publication’s flagship brands Business Week Mindanao and Mindanao Daily are the official exclusive print media partner.

Just like the 13 other episodes it held, it proved to be more successful as more than 200 golfers enjoying the 3-day event.

“As has been our objective, playing golf with our tournament equates each player to contribute directly to our community projects”, Architect Lito Busgano, the tournament chair said.

“The proceeds of this tournament will help us continue our flagship projects”, Mr. Busgano added.

Rcwestcdo once again showed why it envisioned being the premier Rotary Club and proactive in the delivery of excellent service by showing leadership in District

3870 of Rotary International in terms of fund-raising events and raising even further a higher bar of public relations campaign of what rotary can help and do in the community.

“Our club believed in our role as an agents of development thru big-time literacy programs, hence, aside from providing scholarships, donating books, and career orientation, we thought that fusing golfing, wining and dining will help us inform the general public of what a cohesive and potent rotary club can do”, Incumbent Club President Rommel Esguerra.

For fourteen years, with the brilliant inception of Club Past President Rolly Uy and then Club President Demosthenes “Boy” Du, a project that rolls playing, working and serving the community is merged.

The 14th installment held last February 7-9, 2014 enticed players from Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis, Oroqueta, Dipolog, Iligan, Butuan and from the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte & Lanao del Sur. Although no one from the golfers hit any of the (5) hole in one in the 3-day event, an HP high-end laptop sponsored by

Global Chips Technologies Co. was instead included as a major raffle prize during the awarding ceremony on February 9, 2014 at the city’s latest and posh ballroom venue, the Limketkai Luxe Hotel.

Awarding and recognition night were hosted by past presidents Noel Nalzaro and Pueblo Golf Tournament Chair Edu Alaba.

They also invited a performing band to enliven the capacity crowd waiting to be awed by the prizes and cheer for the winners.

Incoming President Dante Briones prepared various prizes ranging from appliances to tech products which were raffled off between the awarding of the tournament winners from ladies division and men’s division categorized in classes A, B, C and D including lowest gross and lowest net scorecards.

What the golfers realized is

the objective of their participation were not only to enjoy, have fun, connect with old friends and buddies but to help realize the dream of Rcwest to promote a sustainable literacy programs.

Another past president, Engr.

Ferdinand “Edong” Espiritu said that the part of the proceeds will be to build the club’s 7th ferrous cement tank that can house 10,000 liters of rainwater.

The officers, directors and members of the Rotary Club of West CDO would like to thank the following sponsors: HS BUSGANO Architect Studio, PELICAN Industrial Sales, Land Bank of the Philippines, KAKING Shopping Center, Cebu Tristar Corporation, Crystal Sugar Corporation, De Oro Pacific Homes and Stoneworks.

Cagayan de Oro Hardware,

Cagayan Modern Trading, ALROSE Management Development Corporation, MILLENIUM CARS, INC, ANCO Merchandising, Oro Solid Hardware, MAZDA Cagayan de Oro, MGM Motors Mindanao, Inc, JULMAR Commercial, Cagayan Republic Glass, Botoy’s Chicken, ZAGRO & Mr. Anthony Tan, Cagayan Corn Products, 8’s High Time Drive Inn, F4J Ventures, Inc., SAGREX / BETAFOAM, GV Du & Sons, ORO HAM, Engr.

Ben & Camella Du and Friends in USA, STRONGHOLD Insurance, SOLIDMARK, Primavera Residences, Architect Serafin Ray A. Magracia, McKline Enterprises, Coca-Cola FEMSA, CABICO Enterprises, Glorieta Marketing, VIP Hotel, McDonald’s – Xavier U. Hole sponsorships were entitled to the following mileage

and freebies: Complimentary registration for one (1) player per P10,000.00 donation; One (1) raffle ticket for every 5,000.00 donation (for sponsor’s only); Company streamer/banner at Pueblo de Oro Golf & Country Club; Company Logo/Ad in TV, print media and posters; Recognition during Awards Night & Fellowship Program.

Registration fee was only P 2,000.00. Game was on modified Stableford format. 36 holes to count for lowest gross and lowest net champions.

Aside from the Oro Open Golf Tournament, the Rcwest is known for holding the search for the Most Outstanding Public School Teacher Award (MOPSTA), now on its 26th year, sponsored by the “Gigi Borja Endowment Fund” and other key Rotarians and Inner Wheel Members.

Members of RCWESTCDO Edong Espiritu, this writer, Ann Medes, Lito Busgano, Dante Briones and Adi Co posed with the crew from GMA Northern Mindanao and staff from Primavera Residences

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

10

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

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

P1-B released for flexi-loan program for farmers, fishers THE Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) has designed a “flexible credit facility” that will provide agricultural loans to more or less 40,000 marginalized farmers and fishers from the poorest provinces around the country.

Dubbed as Agriculture and Fisheries Financing Program (AFFP), the scheme was launched on Friday, February 14, 2014 in Quezon City.

During the event, DA and ACPC turned over to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and People’s Credit

and Finance Corporation (PCFC) P550 million and P450 million, respectively.

The LBP will lend directly to farmer and fisherfolk borrowers, while PCFC will lend to its accredited borrower organizations, to be accessed by farmers and fishers.

DA Un d e r s e c r e t a r y for Administration and Finance Anton io Fl e t a said that the amount will be used exclusively for the establishment of a lending facility which will be made available to small farmers and fisherfolk who are presently unable to access credit due to stringent requirements and payment terms.

For her par t, ACPC Executive Director Jovita Corpuz said that the program aims to enhance “financial inclusion” of the rural poor flexi-loan/PAGE 12

AgriNurture unit leases land

A SUBSIDIARY of AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) has gained access to land in Davao del Norte to develop into a banana plantation, the listed agribusiness firm said in a disclosure on Feb. 11.

“A g r i N u r t u r e , I n c . received confirmation that its wholly owned subsidiary, B est Choice Har vest Agricultural Corp., through the latter’s subsidiary, Tagum Resources Agri Industries, Inc., executed a contract of lease for long-term lease of a 2,943,254-square-meter parcel of land in Tagum City ... for purposes of developing and operating a banana leases/PAGE 12

AirAsia Zest continues to innovate with new self check-in service kiosks at NAIA Terminal 4 and prov’l airports - New service allows free, simple and quick check-in exclusive for AirAsia guests only AirAsia Zest, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for five consecutive years, launched a new self check-in service kiosks at NAIA Terminal 4 and provincial airports of Kalibo (Boracay), Cebu, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Puerto Princesa (Palawan) today, as part of the airline’s latest innovation to enhance guest experience.

The re d kiosks are conveniently lo cated inside the airport and available for check-in on all domestic AirAsia Zest and Philippines AirAsia flights. Self check-in service allows guests to print their own boarding pass using touchscreen computer – a process that essentially reduces time spent queuing at the counters.

AirAsia Zest Executive Vice President and Chief Op erating Of f icer Joy C aneb a s aid, “We are pleased to offer this free, simple and quick check-in service exclusive for our guests. As summer vacation draws near, many people will be travelling, our red kiosks will sure relieve them from long waiting times.”

As part of AirAisia Zest’s continues effort to introduce innovative products and services, the airline has also recently started its Boracay Island transfer ferry service for passengers to seamlessly connect from Kalibo airport and directly to their hotel in Boracay via exclusive and comfortable land and ferry rides for only P520, one way.

“We are constantly investing in technology and innovation to make flying easier, more enjoyable and comfortable for our guests.

We have more exciting services and products for mobile devices and online enhancements coming your way.” Caneba said.

Guests are able to perform self-checking in up to 1 hour before their scheduled departure.

Baggage drop counters are open 3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights, and 2 hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights.

Find out more about our self check-in service by following us on Facebook (facebook/ airasiaphilippines) and Tw i t t e r ( t w i t t e r. c o m / airasiaph).

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Vice Governor JOEY G. PELAEZ initiated another rounds of Book Donation in the Municipality of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental last February 11-12, 2014. Here shown are the beneficiaries of the book donation drive from Mandahilag Elementary School of the said municipality. The book donation is part of Vice Governor Pelaez’s advocacy of uplifting the competence of every student in the province. Vice Governor Pelaez is the Chairman of the Committee of Education in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY-ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE CAGAYAN DE ORO PRESS CLUB! JERRY ORCULLO

MARICEL RIVERA

REY MARAUNAY

JOEL JACOBO

FROILAN GALLARDO

FRED SORIANO

Past President/4 terms COPC Pres.

CDO City Infromation Officer

Program Director-RMN/DXCC Magnum Radio-Anchorman

ALLAN MEDIANTE

COPC Past President, Editor in Chief-Mindanao Daily News

PHILIP JAUDIAN

Publisher The Reporter Mindanao

RAFFY MAGBANUA

MindaNews-PhotoJournalist Radio Announcer

Community Relations Manager-A Brown

JOEY NACALABAN

BINGO ALCORDO

MARK MARTIREZ

SunStar CDO-PhotoJournalist Bombo Radyo Anchorman Radio Commentator Columnist

HERBIE GOMEZ

COPC Past President, Editor In Chief, Mindanao Gold Star Daily

RICHARD VALLAR

Past President-COPC

GREETINGS FROM:

HON. MAX SENO

Municipal Mayor

Municipality of Opol, Misamis Oriental

BUTCH BAGABUYO

Lawyer, Columnist

Pryce Plaza Hotel Carmen Hill, CDO, Tel. No.722791 to93/858-4537 E-mail:reservations@pryceplaza.ph

---------------------------------

CHANANTHON BED & BREAKFAST CM Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. #: 856-81-89 / 309-3095 / 231-2103 Email ad : chananthonbb@yahoo.com Room @ P800.00

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

CONTACT PERSON: RAYLYN LANTACA

---------------------------------

NEW DAWN PENSIONNE Velez-Macahambus Sts, CDO Tel Nos. 8571776, 721776 email : gchreservation@yahoo.com

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

11

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

photo by JB Leonardo

Warmest Felicitations to

Mayor OSCAR “OCA” S. MORENO on his 63rd Birthday

Greetings from: CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY WATER DISTRICT Cagayan de Oro City

Do you know that a 0.8 mm diameter hole (ballpen point) in your pipe could lose up to 900 liters of water daily? Save water. Repair leaks promptly.

A Tipid-Tubig Tip from the Cagayan de Oro City Water District

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

12

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

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

SSS...

from page 2

their monthly contributions based on their monthly compensations, Anna Pearl Fuentes, General Manager of SSS-Ozamiz City, said.

Fuentes said the additional 0.6 percent in the contribution rate is equally shouldered by the ER and the EE and the current SSS monthly contribution rate is 11 percent of the MSC, of which the ER’s pay a share of 7.37 percent, and the EE’s pay, as personal share, the remaining 3.63 percent.

An EC of P10 will then be paid by the ER for the EE’s whose MSC’s are from P3,000 with increment of P500, up to P14,500 and P30 for those whose MSC are P15,000 and above.

Meanwhile, the maximum MSC has been increased from P15,000 to P16,000, and no EC is required of the SE and VM, who pay the full 11 percent of the MSC, based on the monthly salary earnings declared at the time of registration, as no EC is required of the OFW’s, whose minimum MSC is pegged at P5,000.

For the non-working spouse, the contribution is based on 50 percent of the working spouse’s last posted MSC, but in no case shall it be lower than P1,000, Fuentes added.

PMAP... from page 2

He also lauded the people managers of Cagayan de Oro for addressing not only the development needs of big corporations but also the small and medium enterprises, the academe and the government sector.

Cagayan de Oro Chapter won the Chapter of the Year award in the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2011 and

2013 taking the chapter to the Hall of Fame.

In her speech, newly installed President Wilma Magdale, took it as a challenge to sustain, if not surpass, the recognition that PMAP has gained, so far.

“With the challenges at hand, we do not just need support and cooperation from one another; equally important, we need to s t re n g t h e n o u r w o r k relationship and inspire one another to gear–up, level– up and lighten–up for the realization of the association’s business goals and to get ready to the 2015 ASEAN Integration,” Magdale said.

Robinsons... from page 4

Department Store, Robinsons Bank, Robinsons Appliance Center, and Handyman.

Robinsons Movieworld will operate four digital cinemas, including one 3D cinema, in each shopping center.

Located on a 6.8-hectare lot along the Alabang-Zapote Road, Robinsons Place Las Pinas will have a gross floor area of 59,877 square meters and a gross leasable area of 25,734 square meters. The two-level shopping center will have a basement and open parking areas with over 500 slots.

Meanwhile, Robinsons Place Antipolo will occupy a 5.7-hectare property along Sumulong Highway. The twolevel full service shopping center will have a gross floor area of 43,000 square meters and a gross leasable area of 26,400 square meters with an outside parking area offering 604 parking slots.

Since the mall is being built 100 meters above sea level, it will take advantage of the cool climate by having plenty of alfresco areas, landscape and water features to blend with the local scenery.

An industry leader for providing quality and affordable homes for the Filipino families, has recently established its Mindanao Operations and has opportunities for a COMPETENT Individual to lead and manage its new projects.

JOB OPENING: PROJECT

MANAGER

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • LICENSED CIVIL ENGINEER • An output-oriented Team worker with a good positive attitude, organized, reliable, and trustworthy • At least 3 years intensive experience in building construction (preferably housing construction) holding supervisory (or higher) position.

• Must be very good in details and bears proficient/competent skills in Construction Planning/Scheduling, estimating (quantity take-off and costing), MS Office, and software applications related to engineering/construction and development.

Interested and qualified applicants may email their application and complete resume addressed to: The HR Manager

MCDC - Ecoverde Homes, CDO

Email: mcdc.cdo@gmail.com For inquiries, please call (08822) 745-755/732-345.

DOF...

Cimagala...

our deficit spending program of 2 percent of GDP in 2016, in the process wipe out the revenue gains from sin taxes that the country worked for 16 years to pass, and jeopardize our social spending commitments, especially for the rehabilitation for calamity-stricken areas and infrastructure,” Purisima said.

Purisima highlighted that taxpayers will be adversely affected by a government without the fiscal resources to provide for basic social ser vices caused by this potential revenue leak of up to P61.7 billion.

For example, foregone revenues of P61.7 billion could almost fully-fund the expansion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to P62.6 billion, which provides direct immediate support to poor households with irregular income.

“If the legislative proposals are passed, and additional revenue measures would take another decade to pass, then the country is in danger of going back into the vicious cycle of fiscal mismanagement.

Historically, countervailing revenue measures have been much harder to pass in Congress since increasing taxes is not popular. But the DOF was not made to be popular; it was made to be responsible for the country’s economic health,” Purisima added.

Government has already given generous relief to taxpayers, increased tax deductions faster than inflation since 1994.

Refuting concerns that additional exemptions are urgent and necessary, the DOF noted that taxpayers have already benefited from previous reforms that have increased their personal and additional exemptions by up to 456 percent, much higher than the 157 percent adjusted value for inflation since 1994.

“The government has not been remiss in its duty to look after the plight of the taxpaying salaried workers who, incidentally, comprise the bulk or 82 percent of the total internal revenue collection from individual income taxes in 2012. They have already been granted generous tax subsidies even with the continuous deficit that the government had experienced before,” Purisima said.

a tremendous amount that we expect can be translated into not only keeping but also increasing our desire of God whom we expect to come to us in overwhelming abundance. In short, we have to make that desire fervent!

We need to constantly feed it to keep it burning We can increase our desire of God by growing in the virtues-more humility, more faith and charity, more patience and understandingin the tenor of what Christ himself said once: “For them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in the truth.” (Jn 17,19) Imagine…Christ himself, who is already God, feels the need to sanctify himself that we also may be sanctified in the truth!

Obviously, given our s h or t c om i n g s an d ou r tendency to be big in desire and intention but small and unstable in performance, we also need to increase our trust in God’s providence, since he knows how to make use even of our defects and failures to fulfill the ultimate design and purpose for us.

We have to be war y of abandoning this trust especially when we suffer some persistent human misery. Let’s always remember St. Paul’s words: “It’s when I am weak that I am strong,” (2 Cor 12,10) that tell us that we can use our shortcomings and failures to get even closer to God. It should be part of our holy desire for holiness to grow always in our trust in G o d’s e ver-mercif u l providence. Perhaps a prayer we can use to trigger this holy desire as we start the day every morning could be the following: “As this day begins, fill our hearts with a desire to serve you. May our thoughts and our actions give you glory.

Purify our hearts from all desire for evil. Let us seek to do your will. Open wide our hearts to the needs of all our brethren. May they not be deprived of our love.

Amen.”

from page 6

Metrobank... from page 6

in non-interest income was attributed to gains in trading and the steady increase in service charges, fees and commissions.

Metrobank also booked gains from one-time sale of non-core assets in preparation for Basel III implementation.

This included the sale of its remaining 15% stake in Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC), and a 40% stake in Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) throug h its subsidiar y, First Metro Investment Corporation.

from page 8

Batas... from page 8

Catholic Christians. Unlike all the other mysteries of the Holy Rosary, however, this second Sorrowful Mystery is the only mystery which is very tersely depicted.

In the Gospels of Matthew (27:26), Mark (15:15), and John (19:1), the scourging of Jesus at the pillar is described in just one sentence: Pilate had Jesus flogged. In the Gospel of Luke, there is even no direct reference to it whatsoever.

This makes one wonder: what then is the importance of the scourging of Jesus?

To me, the significance of this event is to show the wickedness which man could descend to, if he has become totally separated from God, unwilling to comply with His commands, laws and decrees.

-ooo REACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: melaniolazomauriciojr@ outlook.com, batasmauricio@ yahoo.com and mmauriciojr111@gmail.com.

Flexi-loan... from page 10

— particularly those who belong to the agriculture sector — as a means to bring about more inclusive growth.

She added that AFFP does not only provide credit for whole agricultural supply chain and other livelihood activities, it is also supported with capacity building, technical assistance, credit guarantee, marketing, and monitoring and evaluation in coordination with other c onc e r ne d gove r n me nt agencies and institutions.

The program will be offered exclusively to non-Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries who can borrow any amount not more than P300,000 depending on their needs. The mode of payment may be quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, based on cash flow of their project. A monthly interest of 1.25% or annual rate of 15% is set. The loan term will be based on the crop production or project cycle of the borrower, but will not exceed five years which is the span of the program.

The beneficiaries of the program are underprivileged farmers and fishers registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) that was established by the Department of Budget Management.

Und e r t he A F F P guidelines, borrowers are also required to enroll applicable or eligible agri-f isher y projects for coverage under the appropriate insurance facility of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). As an exclusive arrangement under this program, the government’s crop insurance premium will already include the farmer’s share as well.

Leases... from page 10

plantation,” AgriNurture said in its disclosure, without providing more details.

ANI, formerly known as Mabuhay 2000 Enterprises, Inc., was incorporated on Feb. 4, 1997 as an importer, trader and fabricator of post-harvest agricultural machinery, according to the company’s profile on the Philippine Stock Exchange Web site.

St a r t i n g 2 0 0 1 , A N I diversified into other various agri-commercial businesses, focusing on the export of fresh Philippine carabao mangoes as its main revenue source.

The company then progressed to producing export-quality processed foods using homegrown fruits. It also currently s up p l i e s c u s t om e r s i n Hong Kong , Mai n l an d China, the Middle East and some European markets

with homegrown banana, pineapple and papaya.

ANI’s operations are divided among 15 direct and indirect subsidiaries in the farming, manufacturing, retail, as well as distribution and trading groups.

On Sept. 5, 2011, ANI acquired 51% of The Big Chill, Inc., which sells beverages and food products under the brands “Big Chill”, “Fresh Bar”, “C’Verde” and “Canefusion”.

ANI conducts foreign operations via CaymanIslands-incorporated AgriNurture HK Holdings Ltd., which in turn fully owns Australia-based Freshness F i rst P t y. Ltd. , Hong Kong-based AgriNurture International Ltd., and Spainbased ANI AgriNurture Europe Sociedad Limitada.

ANI itself also has a 51% stake in Hong-Kongbased Sunshine Supplies International Company Ltd., while unit AgriNurture HK has a 51% stake in Joyful Fairy (BVI) Ltd. ANI also entered into a master license agreement with Singaporean company Tully’s Coffee International Pte. Ltd. for the operation of coffee shop and sale of coffee products under the brand “Tully’s”.

ANI profits slipped by 1.04% to P100.87 million as of September last year from P101.93 million in the same nine months in 2012.

Revenues grew 17.73% to P2.768 billion from P2.351 billion, while operating expenses rose by a faster 25.61% to P419.416 million from P333.905 million.

ANI shares gained one centavo or 0.21% to close P4.81 apiece yesterday from P4.80 each on Tuesday.

Extra Judicial Settlement Notice is hereby given that the intestate late, Benigna Hinagdanan Pintacsi died intestate at aloran, Mis. Occ., on December 16, 1981 and Ricardo Pintacasi died intestate at Ozamiz City, on February 17, 1964.

Left a parcel of Land (Lot 10, Block 2 of the consolidation and subdivision plan PCS-2938, being a portion of the consolidation of Block 2 and Street Lot 24 described on plan PSD 18349, G.L.R.O Record No. 7680), situated in the District of Sampaloc City of Manila. Bounded on the NW by Lot 11, Block 2; on the NE., by Lot 6, Block 2, on the SW.,

by Calle Ibarra. Containing an area of Two Hundred Forty (240) square meters, more or less covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 72370 under Tax Declaration No. A-0490709, including the improvements thereon under Tax Declaration No. A-049-1494 is now the subject of Extra-judicial settlement of intestate of the late Spouses Benigna H. Pintacasi and Ricardo Pintacasi as per Doc. No. -211. Page No. 043. Block No. XXXVIII series of 2013, under Notary Public of Josephine Chiong Marave.

BWM: Feb. 28, Mar. 7 & 14, 2014

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

13

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

14

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

Arts&Culture

Singkwenta ka Hulagway: People Who Inspire Us photography exhibit opening is graced by Liceo de Cagayan University’s Mr. Joe Valdehuesa, AVP-Finance, Dr. Fe S. Tolibas - College of Arts & Sciences Dean, and Prof.

Henry Abellanosa - MassComm adviser, also in the photo is the winner of the 1st ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro Inter-school Newscasting Competition Grand Winner Bonne Zalzos.

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

CEREMONIAL RIBBON CUTTING . Singkwenta ka Hulagway: People Who Inspire Us photography exhibit opens at the Rodelsa Hall Lobby, Liceo de Cagayan University. (from left) Mr. Joe Valdehuesa, AVP-Finance, Dr. Fe S. Tolibas College of Arts & Sciences Dean, and Prof. Henry Abellanosa - MassComm adviser, lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Liceo U MassComm presents Singkwenta ka Hulagway exhibit T

he Liceo de Cagayan University Mass Communication students under the MC8-Photojournalism class, in cooperation with the Office of Cultural Affairs, headed by Mr. Owen Jaen, and the College of Arts and Sciences opened the photography exhibit dubbed as Singkwenta ka Hulagway: People Who Inspire Us, February 26, at the Rodelsa Hall Lobby.

T he ex h ibit feat u res por t ra it s or “hulagway” of ordinary people who give the students inspiration in their day-today living.

“This exhibit features, through the lenses, the creative minds full of vigor, vitality, and hope. The artistic frames and compositions displayed here also reflect the friendly sentiments of people who inspire us in our day-to-day life. As part of the National Arts Month, this exhibit could as well build a bridge for the young and

aspiring artists to their chosen career in the future” said Frances Vyne Acenas La Victoria, the designated exhibit director in her speech.

The exhibit is an exercise in portrait photography and photojournalism that attempts to tell stories with just one visual image that convey the intended message and emotions of the subjects.

“Photography has come a long way from its humble beginnings as an art form, almost everyone can take photographs with the use of high-end DSLRs or mobile gadgets, however, it is the vision of the photographers that are needed to really tell stories” Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy, MC8 instructor says.

The Singkwenta ka Hulagway: People Who Inspire Us photography exhibit will run until the 28th of February as part of the National Arts Month celebration of Liceo University.

THE MASSCOMM EXHIBITORS . (from left) Greanne Trisha Mendoza, Lovely Estoisa, Bonne Zalzos, Roque Salvo, Frances Vyne Acenas La Victoria, Shaun Alejandrae Owen Jaen - Director, Office of the Cultural Affairs, MC Instructor Yap Uy, Julee Ann Marie Bourgoin, Mike, Donita, Indira, Shaun Alejandrae Uy, and Mr. Rolex Ratilla - Chief Finance Officer and Marilyn Veluz pose for a photo op at the exhibit area.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

Epira... from page 1

AEV chief executive officer Erramon Aboitiz, during the panel discussion on the energy sector at the Philippine Investment Forum 2014 sponsored by Euro Money at Solaire Resorts & Casino Tuesday, said the law’s goal of lower electricity prices and higher competition is now happening.

“It’s not a perfect law.

I think it probably needs some tweaking - maybe some changes in the implementing rule, but I think we are gaining a lot of headway in achieving the results,” he said.

The AEV chief said people should just wait a while so that the law’s objectives can be fully achieved.

“I think that if it’s given a chance it has a chance of working,” he said.

Some sectors are now calling for the review or amendment of the EPIRA after price of transmission charge to be collected by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for the power generators rose to a recordhigh of P4.15 per kilowatt hour last November, which in turn was reflected in the December 2013 bill.

The transmission cost uptick was attributed to some power plant’s decision to use more expensive fuel to run their plants when operation of the Malampaya Power Project at offshore Palawan was suspended mid-November to mid-December in 2013 for maintenance works.

Aboitiz said the country needs to find a balance of energy mix so that it will not have problem when power plants suspend its operations.

Relatively, the Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday conducted a consultative meeting with power stakeholders to get the players’ stand on the issue.

Energy Undersecretary Raul Aguilos, during the investment forum , said DOE is not pushing for the amendment of EPIRA but instead a review of the law.

He said suggestions raised during the consultative meeting will be submitted to Congress in a week or two.

“We will allow them to decide among themselves what specific plan of action they might have as far as the data that has been gathered by the DOE in the consultation process is concerned,” he added. (PNA)

Highway... from page 1

2007 to ease traffic in the city’s lone major highway from the city’s west district in Barangay Bulua to the city’s east coast barangay of Puerto.

He said that the project, divided into three phases, costs over P2 billion taken from the national government’s General Appropriations Act and allocated as “line item” with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Once the first phase is

completed, the second phase that stretches from Barangay Cugman to Barangay Agusan, all of the city’s east districts would follow, Rodriguez added.

He said that the third phase starts from Barangay Agusan to Barangay Puerto as the widening of the national highway from Barangays Bugo, Puerto, and Agusan has just started.

According to Rodriguez, the second congressional district already has an approve d pl an for t he construction of another national highway that would stretch from J. R. Borja extension toward Sayre Highways of Barangay Puerto.

He said that the expansion and construction of the national highway in Cagayan de Oro City is also part of the expansion and widening of the Iligan-Cagayan de OroButuan national highways in anticipation of the growing traffic along the coastal roads in the future. (PNA)

Outlook... from page 1

Let me limit myself here to setting right his impression in the first of his series of articles that the EPIRA is to blame for high prices of electricity, particularly the price spikes that occurred in the WESM in NovemberDecember 2013, which in turn resulted in the high passthrough rates of MERALCO that are now being contested in the Supreme Court.

Before anything else, it should be made clear that high prices of electricity in the Philippines are true only in the franchise area of MERALCO. In Mindanao, for example, residential rates are at most eight pesos per kilowatt-hour and could be as low as six pesos per kWh, where they are now around twelve pesos per kWh in Metro Manila.

It also needs stating that, however high the prices of electricity may have risen since the enactment of the EPIRA in 2001, the prices probably would be much higher (and the electric power industry much more messy) without the EPIRA. The EPIRA provided a rational framework within which the electric power industry could be developed, replacing the chaotic environment of the pre-EPIRA period. The fact that the EPIRA explicitly set out the policies to be pursued by the national government with respect to the EPI is adequate justification for the EPIRA to replace the laws about the electricity sector that were repealed by the enactment of the EPIRA. Reasonable players in the electric power industry who were active in pre-EPIRA days accept without reservation the superiority of the EPIRA to the situation pre-EPIRA. There is no call among such players in the government or in the private sector for the repeal of the EPIRA and a return to pre-EPIRA days.

That said, we can now look

15

www.businessweekmindanao.com

at the opinion of David Tan that the EPIRA is mainly to blame for the high prices of electricity in the MERALCO area.

In the first place, the high prices of electricity are due to the high prices of the generation component in the electric power rates of MERALCO; not due to the distribution component, and not to the transmission component. And the price spikes that occurred in Nov-Dec. 2013 were in the prices of generation, not in distribution, not in transmission. It is barking up the wrong tree to investigate MERALCO for the high rates of the generation component that they passed through to their consumers. Or shooting the messenger for bringing bad news.

In the second place, the price spikes that occurred could not be blamed on the EPIRA or on the WESM Rules that resulted from the EPIRA. The WESM Rules c o nt a i n p r o v i s i o n s t o control occurrence of high prices in the electricity market during periods of shortages of power capacity in the market. Without collusion on the part of the generating companies, the price spikes were caused by mismanagement or inaction, maybe incompetence, on the part of the operators

or managers or overseers of the WESM, namely the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Therefore, prevention of recurrence of price spikes in the WESM cannot be attained by repealing or amending the EPIRA, but by investigating where violations of the EPIRA occurred, and penalizing those found to have violated the EPIRA and caused the price spikes.

David Tan and others like him are using the rightful wrath of consumers against the price spikes to instigate amendments of the EPIRA or its repeal. I suggest that investigations of the occurrence of the price spikes in the WESM be carried out first and appropriate penalties meted out to the persons whose actions or inaction resulted in the price spikes.

Then, when the errors and the miscreants in the operation of the WESM are known, let the stakeholders in the EPI consider the question of amending the EPIRA. (To be continued) (Editor’s note: David A. Tauli is President of the Mindanao Coalition of Power Consumers. He is a former Sr. Vice President of the Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co. or CEPALCO)

WHAT DO LOOK FOR A FRIEND? PICK FROM THE QUALITIES LISTED AND BUILD YOUR OWN Top 26

Loyal and reliable Plenty of money Good conversationalist Honest and trustworthy Good looking Similar life goals Popular Not a gossiper Wears cool clothes Enjoy similar activities Fun. Makes me life Able to keep a secret Makes time for me Willing to help when I need it Respected by the others Good listener Looks for the good in others Intelligent Always knows the latest fad or fashion Let’s me borrow his/her stuff Offers me honest, constructive criticism Some political views Some economic/ social status Won’t embarrass me in front of others Not jealous Doesn’t pressure me to go against my convictions.

By RICHEL B. ONGCOL ESHT - III

ABELLANOSA Lechon House Corner Magsaysay Abellanosa St., Cag. de Oro City MANAGED BY :

KUYA ABS CDO EAGLES CLUB WE ACCEPT ORDERS: LECHON, HALANG-HALANG or SAMPAINA

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN CITY PROPER Contact:

09353742908 / 09265949729 / 0883091150

ASIA WORLD PAWNSHOP

Main: Osmeña-Cogon Market, Cagayan de Oro Branch: Ipil,Carmen , Cagayan de Oro NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE Starting March 7 , 2014 at 9:00 A.M. to 5P.M., this establishment will set an Auction Sale on all pledges since October 2013 . Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT PAHIBALO

Sa Marso 7, 2013 sa may 9:00 sa buntag paingon da alas 5:00 sa hapon, ang Tanan nga penirenda nga wala malukat sa bulan sa Oktobre 2013 maapil sa subasta.

Giawhag ang tanan suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

ANG TAGDUMALA

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

www.johndprovoice.com

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

16

YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS PAPER

www.businessweekmindanao.com

THU-FRI|february 27-28, 2014

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