BusinessWeek Mindanao (January 25-26, 2016)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

Volume VI, No. 090

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Not giving up ILIGAN City -- Despite the challenges in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remain resolute in pursuing the Bangsamoro peace process, a member of the legal team of the GPH peace panel said Thursday.

“Even if we experience difficult challenges in pursuing the passage of the BBL, both parties… (will pursue) this peace process,” said GPH Peace Panel Legal Team member Atty. Al Julkipli. “No one is giving up.

Both parties are still working towards achieving the objectives of the peace process, which is to pass a meaningful BBL that (will) address the two main problems (of keeping security and improving governance) in Mindanao.”

“If these two problems would be significantly addressed, (we believe) the entire Philippines would ultimately benefit.”

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$34.6-M fund aims to boost agri production www.businessweekmindanao.com

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Mon-Tue | January 25-26, 2016

By MARK D. FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

UNITED NATIONS (UN) agency is providing a $34.59-million loan and grant to agrarian reform communities in three regions in Mindanao to bring their operations up to standard for the integrated economy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The projects, launched here Thursday, were backed by the UN’s International Fu n d f o r A g r i c u l t u r a l D e v e l o p m e n t ( I FA D ) through Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE). fund/PAGE 11

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) officials join hands in unveiling the map of the 11 simultaneous projects of ConVERGE. photo by mark francisco

Travel agencies urged to help ailing air transport and tourism industry S E N AT O R F e r d i n a n d “B ongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. has urged the country’s independent travel agencies to us e t heir col le c t ive influence to cure the ills of Philippine air transport to push further the gains in the tourism industry.

Free medicines MARAWI City -- Residents in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) suffering from diabetes and hypertension are thankful after receiving free maintenance medicines from the region’s Department of Health (DOH-ARMM).

The distribution of free medicines in the region started this month.

Joery Amad, regional diabetes educator, said the medicines will help combat diabetes and hypertension – two interrelated conditions – and the complications brought about by these two illnesses.

“Mape-prevent ng mga gamot na maipapamahagi natin ang mga komplikasyong dala ng diabetes at hypertension (The free medicines will help prevent the complications these two conditions bring),” Amad said.

P15.00

Sp e aking b efore t he National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), Marcos said he knows first-hand how tourism can create jobs and income opportunities for the people having led the development travel/PAGE 11

MAT-WEAVING. A Moro woman gathers pandan leaves, a raw material for mat-weaving, in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano town, Maguindanao province. The village made headlines following the January 25, 2015 tragedy that left 66 persons dead – 44 from the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police, 17 from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and five civilians. mindanews photo by toto lozano

Power restored in Cotabato, Maguindanao P OW E R- g r i d o p e r at o r National Grid Corp. of the Philippines restored power in Cotabato and Maguindanao Saturday.

NGCP at the same time c o mp l e t e d r e s t o r at i o n works in Sultan Kudarat,

M a g u i n d a n a o, a f t e r a transmission pole was burned Friday.

In an advisory, NGCP said power in Cotabato City was restored at 1:39 a.m. and in Maguindanao at 7:14 a.m.

The grid operator further

said it installed a modified lightweight tower to complete the repairs.

NGCP said initial findings on the burned transmission pole indicated it was a sabotage. power/PAGE 11

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday visits the Pasay City Public Market on Libertad St. to meet with barangay officials, market vendors and tricycle drivers.

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DTI, DOH, FDA issue advisory on Hoverboard safety IN a recent joint advisory released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), D e p ar t m e nt of He a lt h (DOH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the public is advised to be cautious in buying hoverboards or scooter boards which are reportedly fire hazards and

has caused serious injuries in the United States and Australia.

These injuries include concussion, fracture, contusion/abrasion, and internal organ injuries.

According to DTI, ISO 8124 for toys are designed safety/PAGE 11

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Economy

Lanao del Sur receives P3-M grant to repair public market M A R AW I C i t y - - T h e municipality of Tamparan received a grant of P3 million from the Spanish government through the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for the rehabilitation of the town’s public market.

The check was turnedover by OPAPP Assistant Secretary Jennifer S. Oreta to Tamparan Mayor Sultan Topaan Disomimba today, January 18, at the Governor’s Office Executive Conference Room, Provincial Capitol Compound, Marawi city.

Also present during the turnover ceremony were Provincial Administrator Mo c a m a d M . R a k i - i n , P rov i n c i a l Ac c ou nt a nt repair/PAGE 11

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Opinion

Let’s Fix it: Transient Competitive Advantage In a rapid ly mor phing w or l d , w h at w a s on c e celebrated as sustained competitive advantage for a company has already become almost an illusion at best. Some companies may have sustained their strong market p osition and have defended it for a long time—firms such as IKEA, GE and Uniliver.

But nowadays, rarely can a company keep up a truly lasting advantage.

Gone are the days when a competitive position in an industry would last an eon.

This phenomenon makes t h e i d e a of te mp or ar y c omp e t it i v e a d v a nt a g e a burning question. The increasing trend gravitating towards transient advantages may be due to actions and counteractions among rival firms or endogenous and e xo ge nous c omp e te nc e d e st roy i ng d i s r upt i ons and discontinuities—those that make sustaining one’s advantage impossible.

Do not ignore the known antecedents of temporary advantage: technological c h a n g e ; g l o b a l i z at i o n ; i n d u s t r y c o nv e r g e n c e ; ag g re ss ive c omp e t it ive behavior; deregulation; the rise of China, India, and other emerging economies; terrorism; and the pressure of short-term incentives for senior executives to produce results; among others. These are also serious concerns for businessmen who think they already got the elixir

THINK

A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst because this day will never come back again!

A very successful woman said, “Do your best this moment, so you can be prepared and in the best place for your next moment and opportunity.” That’s why Jesus promises all His followers that if we are faithful and productive with our small responsibilities now, then He will bless us with bigger opportunities later. But first, we must decide to start living for Jesus His successful, right way every day of our life. So why not ask Jesus to forgive you for living your own way and always wishing you had more? Jesus will take charge of your life and help you to fully enjoy what you already have, as well as all the more that He wants to give you. Just Think a Minute…

for lasting Halcyon days.

Transient advant age can be explained by chaos and complex theories. The former may support the coexistence of short and l o n g - t e r m a d v a nt a g e s ; the latter may integrate hypercompetition, h y p e r v e l o c i t y, hyperturbulence, and complex competitive dynamics. But these need more empirical studies that support.

The imperative now is how to respond. A firm makes an important step in dealing with the fleeting competitive advantage if it views strategy as dynamic maneuvering—moves and counter moves; morphs and counter morphs—rather t han f i xe d p o s it i on i ng through resources, routines, g e n e r i c s t r a t e g y, a n d industry structure. Using this outlook, the value and extent of a move perhaps lasts only as rivals do not out s mar t it , a c c ord i ng to Richard D’Aveni and colleagues. Studies show that more aggressive firms are more successful and that rival actions cut into the performance of the firm requiring new move to keep pace, dubbed as Red Queen competition.

Asking the right q u e s t i on s c ou l d b e a s important as finding the answers for a company that overcomes the disruptive milieu: how do enterprises hand le t he t iming and transitions from one

advantage to another as they pick up? When should they start these progressions?

Should they devise for the next advantage prior to the wearing out of an existing advantage? How can firms avoid cannibalization of a remaining advantage while creating a new one?

Strategizing these days is like shooting at an unpredictably swirling b a l l: t houg h shar pness and accuracy are needed, instincts should also come in and the shooter’s move must be fine-tuned to adjust to the target’s movement.

If you manage a company, ask whether or not these are true (by Rita Gunther McGrath): 1) I don’t pay for my own firm’ products or services; 2) we’re investing more and do not get better margins in return; 3) customers discover cheaper or simpler solutions to be satisfactory enough; 4) competition emerges unexpectedly; 5) what we offer no longer thrills the customers; 6) we’re not considered a top place to work by the people we’d like to hire; 7) some of our very best people are leaving; and 8) our stock is perpetually undervalued.

If you nodded in four of these, you are facing an imminent demise in your business and need to adapt quickly. Do not assume that the first-mover advantage always lasts: look at Kodak and Nokia. Do not surmise that being superior could

lucell larawan not be a trap: behold the start-ups that mature and make the incumbents a memento of histor y. Do not set aside the quality trap: customers may not be prepared to pay for it and opts to find a cheaper substitute. Do not hostage your resources only for the sake of mass marketing: groundbreaking innovations may be the winning m ov e . Av oi d t h row i n g away opportunities to the quagmire of bureaucracy.

Ke e p aw ay f r o m m e r e e mpi re - bu i l d i ng w he re emphases are placed on asset-building and hiring many employees; this promotes hoarding and defiance towards e x p e r i me nt at i on . Shu n a haphazard innovation system; it relinquishes your trump card to the swings of circumstances.

R e t h i n k t he i d e a of comparing one’s company to similar companies in the same industry as industry lines are blurring; this can larawan/PAGE 11

Busting the drug buster

“Wishing Life Away” Think a minute…Do you wish you were somewhere else right now? At the beach? Away on a nice holiday? At Disneyland?

Many of us spend a lot of our time wishing we were somewhere else. When we’re at work we wish we were home relaxing. We wish we had a different job and career or a different boss. We wish we were rich.

But we can wish our life away. The simple fact is we’re not somewhere else, we’re right here! Meantime, life is passing us by while we spend our time making retirement plans. Then, even if we finally get something we wished for, we still keep wishing for something more because it’s become our state of mind—always wishing for something else. So we don’t even enjoy the things we already do have.

So don’t wait until you’re not too busy before you get close to your kids. Enjoy them now. They’ll never be this age again. Don’t wait until you buy or build that new house or until you make more money.

And don’t wait until you retire, because then you might be too tired! You see, each day is made to have its own special experiences and memories of fun, love, and lessons to learn.

So grab and squeeze every bit of life you can out of today,

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“Sir, ano ang ginagawa ninyo rito, Sir?” (“Sir, what are you doing here?”)

Thus asked one of the P D E A op e r at i v e s w h o busted a shabu laboratory cum warehouse in Sta. Cruz, Manila last week. During the raid, the narcs confiscated 46 kilos of shabu and arrested “Sir”, together with a Chinese national.

“Sir” was Ferdinand Marcelino, a marine Lt. Colonel, who , up to 2012, headed the PDEA Special Enforcement Service.

After his PDEA stint, Marcelino (known to police reporters as “Mars”) attended the Command and General St af f C ou rs e i n C amp Aguinaldo. Afterwards, he assumed his new assignment as Superintendent of the Navy Officer Candidate School in Zambales.

His navy superiors were just as surprised by the arrest.

Marcelino reportedly left his command before dawn that day without personally asking permission to leave. But he did text his immediate superiors later in the morning that he went to Manila to attend to very urgent personal matters.

Ma r c e l i n o t o l d t h e arresting team that he had the necessary papers to show that

he was on a legitimate antidrug surveillance operation.

But aside from failure to produce any authorization, he also could not explain why he had a key to the shabu laboratory.

Marcelino is now facing possible charges of illegal manufacture of prohibited drugs, a non-bailable offense.

Marcelino first gained media attention when he figured in the high profile Alabang Boys case in 2008.

Marcelino (then a Major) claimed that the Alabang Boys – scions of prominent families – had of fered the arresting team bribes (initially P3 million which eventually went up to P20 million) to drop the charges.

Even the late Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, however, found the claim hard to believe.

The Alabang Boys were eventually acquitted.

Marc e l i n o w a s a l s o reportedly involved in the arrest of Manuel Lim, son of former Manila Mayor Lim. The younger Lim served time in jail.

Marcelino left PDEA in 2012.

Former PDEA Chief Dionisio Santiago, who used to be the boss of Marcelino, said that latter should have

just left it to the enforcement units. As was the practice, separate units conduct surveillance and actual raids.

But Santiago was willing to give Marcelino the benefit of the doubt because of his supposedly unorthodox methods.

“Madalas ‘lumulubog’ yan. At pagbalik, mayroon ng warrant.” (He would just go undercover and then come back with a warrant.)

So what really happened?

Abangan! xxx She is just doing her job to the letter but her sense of timing leaves much to be desired.

Fresh in the wake of the triumphant return of Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares reminded our new beauty queen about her tax obligations related to her winning the beauty title.

The income tax, reportedly computed at seven figures, has to be settled on or before April 15, 2016.

Pia’s admirers reacted negatively. Could we not waive the tax liability if only to give due recognition to PIa’s exceptional achievement?

After all, we give tax holidays and other tax breaks for businesses. And did we not

SPEAKING

O ut

Ignacio Bunye also give a special exemption to a former international title holder?

As the law stands, certain earnings are exempt from tax.

Unfortunately, winning an international beauty contest is not one of them.

An amendment of the law in order to be able to grant a special exemption seems out of the question at this time given the difficulty of even mustering a quorum in Congress.

So maybe, some generous sponsor/s could simply donate the money which Pia would use to pay her liability.

But then again, the donation would also be subject to tax.

Walang talagang lusot kay Kim! Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com.

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6 PHL secures another credit-rating upgrade YOUR DAILY Mindanao-wide BUSINESS NEWSPAPER

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THE credit image of the Philippines got another boost after NICE Investors Service cited its governance reforms and intensified campaign for infrastructure development.

N IC E up g r a d e d t he country’s credit rating by a notch from the minimum investment grade of BBB- to BBB. The move has tightly secured the Philippines’ place within the investment-grade territory.

In a statement released Friday, NICE, which is based in South Korea, said the upgrade was anchored on “improved government transparency as well as en hanc e d env i ronment backed by expanded infrastructure and social overhead capitals in the for m of public-pr ivate partnerships.”

The upgrade came

amid sust ained ris e in infrastructure investments, with the state budget for infrastructure rising to 5 percent of GDP this year from 1.8 percent in 2010.

A l s o, i n f r a st r u c tu re contracts amounting to $4.8 billion have been awarded to private-sector investors since 2010 under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) program, making the Philippines one of the most active infrastructure markets in the ASEAN. The Philippines’ new credit rating with NICE is assigned a “stable” outlook, indicating it may stay the same at least over the short term despite challenges posed by external developments.

Compared with peers, NICE said, the Philippines is seen to be more resilient to shocks, including the impact upgrade/PAGE 10

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A dancer from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan single-handedly carries his partner as the audience applaud during an intermission in theCinemagis - Digital Short Film Festival in Northern Mindanao 2016 awarding night last Saturday at SM City Cagayan De Oro. photo by justice lauderes broñola, contributor

BSP exec still optimistic on remittance inflows amid Saudi-Iran conflict

A

R A N K I N G official of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) does n ot exp e c t a big drop in remittances from the M i d d l e E a st am i d t h e ongoing rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

BSP Deputy Governor

D iw a Gu i n i g u nd o s ai d Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have alternative areas of deployment, just like in the 1991 Gulf War and the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

He explained that during those wars, OFWs “were able to move elsewhere

and find alternative employment.”

Still, he said, all p o ss ibi l it i e s shou l d b e considered.

“My concern is that if t he Saudi-Iran conf lic t extends beyond their resp e c t ive b orders and affects all the contiguous

jurisdictions, then we will have s ome cha l lenges,” he said, noting that the workers may not have the same flexibility as before.

Growth of remittances to the Philippines posted big declines in 2015 and this was partly attributed to the geo-political concerns

overs e as as well as t he weakness of economies of some host countries.

Some analysts said t he sl owe r g row t h w as not worrisome given the fact that remittances had posted record-high growth in recent years and was gradually maturing.

The central bank has cut its remittance growth target for 2015 to 4 percent from 5 percent previously due to this development.

BSP data show that as of end-November 2015, growth of inf lows from Filipinos overseas went up by 3.4 percent year-on-year.

IMF cuts growth forecasts for Philippines for ‘15, ‘16 Non-life insurance exec remains We a ke r g l ob a l g row t h prospects made the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cut its 2015 and 2016 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.7 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively.

These were previously at six percent and 6.3 percent for 2015-16.

This, after the multilateral lender, in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) released Tuesday night, slashed its global growth projection for 2016 and 2017 to 3.4 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively.

These were both cut by 0.2 percentage points compared to the October 2015 WEO. IMF Resident R e p r e s e nt at i v e i n t h e

Philippines Shanaka Peiris said that amidst the slight downward adjustment the outlook for the Philippines “remains one of the strongest in the region.”

The cut in the 2015 projection was made due to “growth outturns to the third quarter and weaker global growth performance” while the adjustment in the 2016 target was made “to reflect the more challenging external environment.”

As of end-September last year, the domestic economy grew by 5.6 percent, the third fastest in the region.

In the third quarter 2015 alone, the economy churned in a six percent growth, an

improvement after slowing down to five percent in the first quarter and recovering to 5.8 percent the following quarter.

Economic managers have admitted that attaining the government’s seven to eight percent growth target for 2015-16 is not possible for last year given the impact of weaker global growth.

For 2017, IMF’s growth outlook for the country is still at 6.5 percent.

“We expect the Philippine economy to continue growing strongly, supported by a robust private domestic demand and some recovery in export growth after the dismal global trade performance in

2015,” Peiris said.

He explained that they expect public sector spending to “contribute strongly to growth as budget execution continues to improve and the construction phase of a number of PPPs (publicprivate partnership) kick in.” “ T h e m e d iu m t e r m economic outlook is based on an assumption of continued prudent macroeconomic policies and greater investments in infrastructure and human capital to benefit from the demographic dividend, supported by the low levels of public and private debt,” he said. growth/PAGE 11

confident of industry’s growth

AN executive of Philippinebas ed For tune G eneral Insurance Corp. remains optimistic on the country's non-life insurance industry in 2016 amidst slower domestic growth last year.

In a n i nt e r v i e w by PNA , For tune G e ne r a l Insurance Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mitch Rellosa said developments in the domestic economy had a big impact on their business.

"Insurance is always a factor of the economy. If the economy is going to increase, then insurance industry will also increase," he said.

And even with the slower

growth of the domestic economy in 2015, with the end-third quarter level at 5.6 percent, Rellosa remains optimistic citing the industry's strong expansion last year.

He explained that Fortune General Insurance Corp. has yet to report its 2015 performance but cited that "last year was supposed to be a good year."

"In terms of premium assets we were not hit unlike when (Typhoon) Ondoy hit the country (in 2009)," he said.

Insurance Commission (IC) data show that in the third quarter of 2015, the insurance/PAGE 11

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Cebu Pacific receives 1st Airbus A320 with new livery T H E P h i l i p p i n e s’ l e a d i n g c a r r i e r, Cebu Pacific, received its first Airbus A320 aircraft with the new livery Friday. The aircraft was delivered brand-new from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France.

Equipp ed with fuelsaving wingtip devices called Sharklets, the Airbus A320 is coated with CEB’s new logo which was first rolled out in June 2015. The theme builds on the Philippines’ natural canvas as inspiration, and showcases shades of the countr y’s land, sea, sky,

and sun.

CEB is also set to accept delivery of another brandnew Airbus A320 with the revamped livery, before the end of January. With these two deliveries, CEB said in a statement Friday it will be operating 8 Airbus A319s, 35 Airbus A320s, 6 Airbus A330s, and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. CEB’s fleet is one of the youngest in the world, with an average age of 4.69 years.

“As we look to celebrate the airline’s 20th anniversary t h i s y e a r, w e p r o u d l y welcome this addition to

our fleet which features Cebu Pacific’s new logo.

T h e p l a n e’s r e f r e s h e d livery signifies the airline’s growth and evolution from pioneering low-cost travel in the Philippines, to successfully growing its flight operations across key domestic and international markets today,” said Atty.

JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

Between 2016 and 2021, CEB will also take delivery of 3 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Nickel Asia expansion plans on hold amid low metal prices NICKEL ASIA Corp. is putting off any expansion plans this year, its president and chief executive officer said Wednesday, as metal prices continue to remain low. “ This is not a good time to expand or increase production because prices are so low,” Nickel Asia President and Chief Executive Officer Gerard H. Brimo said in a chance interview o n We d n e s d a y, w h e n asked about the company’s expansion plans for 2016.

The country’s largest listed nickel producer said the company is coping with the low metal prices by cutting costs.

“In our case we’re a lowcost producer globally, so we’re able to cope with these prices… We continue to cut cost whenever we can and play around with the mix of different types of ore that we sell to come up with a more optimum blend of different types of ore,” Mr. Brimo said.

“That’s what we do in

times like this when times are low.”

Mr. Brimo said they expect prices of metal to “definitely recover at some point,” but did not give details.

Last week, the Zamora-led company said it increased its 2015 ore shipments by a tenth from the previous year and shipped 19.7 million wet metric tons (WMT) of ore last year, a 10% increase from the 17.9 million shipped from its four mines in 2014. expansions/PAGE 11

Cebu Pacific’s new Airbus A320 with the new livery.

Globe Telecom brings cloud technology to service industry GLOBE Telecom information and communication te ch n ol o g y ( IC T ) ar m Globe Business, through its IT Enabled Ser vices Group, continues to be the leading ICT enabler of enterprises in the country with its new partnership with globally-renowned pizza restaurant chain Shakey’s.

Globe Business is boosting

Shakey’s operations with its cloud-based solution offering Microsoft Office 365.

Microsoft Office 365 provides enterprise-grade tools that bring together the new Office 2016 desktop applications which offer realtime communication and collaboration capabilities.

With Office 365 provided

by Globe Business, Shakey’s

employees can easily access, store, transmit, and manipulate information and applications, and collaborate on files anytime, anywhere on any computer or device with an Internet connection.

Shakey’s signed up for over 800 Microsoft Office 365 licenses and will use the cloud-based solution as their globe/PAGE 11

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Liceo sees way forward as PASCH School Partner for the Future

By Mike Baños

Liceo de Cagayan University renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the Goethe Insitut Philippinen as one of its PASCH School Partners for the Future with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding last 22 January 2016.

In her acceptance speech rendered in behalf of LdCU Executive Vice President Marc Alain P. Golez, Dr. Teresita T. Tumapon, Ph.D., L d C U Vi c e P r e s i d e n t for E x te r n a l R el at i ons and Internationalization e x pre ss e d t he s cho ol’s gratitude for the benefits which have flowed from the partnership.

“We have enjoyed quiet a long standing friendship with each other. Over the last two years, many programs of cooperation have been established in the field of German culture, especially the teaching and learning of the German language, a language spoken by over 100 million people across the globe,” she noted. “With the exposure to German language and culture, our faculty, staff and students can view the world with a

much better perspective.”

L dCU was of f icially recognized as a PASCH school in 2013– the German initiative better known to the English-speaking world as Schools: Partners for the Future, a partnership of the Federal Republic of Germany and Liceo de Cagayan University for the Liceo High School.

“As one of the 1,500 network of PASCH schools worldwide, and one of three in the Philippines, Liceo has been able to raise the interest of many parents, students and teachers, healthcare and other professionals including well meaning fiancées of German gentlemen in the study of German language and culture,” Dr. Tumapon noted. “These people have experienced actually and v ir tu a l ly t hat le ar ning G erman is one way of getting in close touch with the world.”

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed

by Dr. Golez and Dr. Ulrich Nowak, director of Goethe Institut Philippinen, at the North Academic Cluster of AVR 3 witnessed by an

SRO crowd including Falk Schleicher, Head of the German Language Program, Goethe Institut Philippinen; Thornsten Werner Gottfried, Cultural Attaché, German Embassy in the Philippines; Dr. Ma, Florecilla C. Cinches, vice president for academic affairs; and Mrs. Joan B. Gallaron, Liceo High School principal.

D r. Tu m a p o n s a i d the MOU commits Liceo to work together more closely towards the pursuit of inter nat iona lizat ion of education through the proficiency of the German language.

“Each side will pursue significant activities, such as the promotion of study opportunities, assistance to support study, educational and cultural opportunities, to those seeking information and scholarships, seminars, workshops and conferences in the area of education and teacher training for language teachers,” she noted.

These top priority items in the special foreign language program of LdCU is also in line with the Special Foreign Language Program of the

Liceo EVP Dr. Alain Marc P. Golez & Goether Institut Philippinen Dir. Ulrich Novak signs the MOU renewing the partnership for the teaching of German language & culture in the university system

Department of Education (DepEd).

“Being a PASCH school has been made possible through Goethe Institut – through the ever supportive initiative of our honored guests --- past Directors Richard Künzel and Dr. Petra Raymond, and now the new Director of the Goethe Institut Philippinen Dr. Ulrich Nowak, past German l ang u age he a d Hel mut Frielinghaus, predecessor of Herr Falk Schleicher our steadfast ally and kin of the Liceo family who shepherded us to become a PASCH school, and Thorsten Werner Gottfried, cultural attaché of the German Embassy successor to Michael Fuchs.

Along with them, and with us all at Liceo, we hope to continue this landmark partnership for the years onward.”

Memento of Liceo de Cagayan University officials with German Embassy & Goethe Institut Philippinen officials. all photos courtesy of wccs

RSS Girlz perform during the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) NMR1 induction of 2016 officers last Saturday at Philtown Hotel. photo by justice broñola, contributor

Honesty is Still the Best Policy

By WILFREDO L. POSTRANO

For a couple of decades, we heard and witnessed how various regimes of this country was tormented by issues of corruptions and irregularities. In fact, there was a time when different departments were ranked not as to their productiveness and effectiveness rather according to who among them is the most corrupt.

Obviously, the main reason for this scenario is the sagging vitality of honesty to the lowest point.

The transparency seal of the Depar tment of Education is an emblem of its total adherence towards the advocacy of sincere governance. In consonance to this quest, the department through the Division office; mandated that the slogan “Honesty is the Best Policy” should be posted in every classroom just to remind everybody (both teachers and students) the importance of honesty to whatever transaction undertaken. As Christians, we need to take this policy seriously not only for the sake of the department but above all, because of the price we need to pay if we tolerate dishonesty. Let me share some biblical points about the cost of being honest.

Ho n e s t y p r o m o t e s ju st i c e. Whe ne ve r a witness appears before a court hearing in order to give his testimony, he will be led to recite the oath of honesty as his right hand is raised while the other is put on top of the Bible. This symbolic act demonstrates how honesty is valued in order that justice will prevail.

Isaiah 28:17 “ Ju s t i c e w i l l b e t h e measuring line for the foundation, and honesty will be its plumb line." GNT Honesty is both a guide and a guard. If you are a person with integrity in your heart, you’re free from doubts and deceptions because the truth will always set you free. If you are trustworthy, you cannot be entangled easily to malicious issues. Honesty protects you from any false accusation.

Prov. 11:3 If you are good, you are guided by honesty. People who can't be trusted are destroyed by their own dishonesty. GNT Honesty pleases God. Upon entrance to our current position in the government office, we made an oath to uphold duties and responsibilities.

When we are honest in discharging our duties, person in authority over us will be honored and pleased.

They may give us earthly merit and commendations that will only last for a while. But on top of this, we bring glory and honor to God who created us for His own pleasure.

Prov. 12:22 The Lord hates liars, but is pleased with those who keep their word. GNT Dishonesty is so popular today. As the saying goes “C o mp l a c e n c y b u i l d s familiarity” it seems normal for a person to lie every now and then. In effect, the society gradually developed immunity as it became a lifestyle. To some extent, some people holds to the belief that too much honesty hinders progress. They do not understand that in the long run dishonesty will bring them down to a deep pitfall as the bible clearly said: Prov. 21:6 The riches you get by dishonesty soon disappear, but not before they lead you into the jaws of death. GNT Honesty will really become the best policy as long as it is not printed only on a piece of tarpaulin that remains hanging on the walls of the classrooms. It must jump down from there and be imprinted inside the fleshly heart of every men and women who may get inside these classrooms.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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Environment 9 Smart embraces role in DRRM 2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

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Mobile leader Smart Communications (Smart) has taken its role in disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) to heart, prepositioning communications support for the use of local government units for emergency response efforts, days before Typhoon Nona and Typhoon Lando hit the country last year. Smart also prepositioned emergency communications for affected populations so they can reconnect with their loved ones.

O v e r t h e y e a r s , Smart has gone beyond providing emergency communications to disaster-stricken communities. It has been actively working with local government units and various partners to build the capacities of high-risk communities to prepare for, manage, and bounce back from disasters.

Recently, the telco’s contribution to DRRM was acknowledged by the Office of Civil DefenseCordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR) and presented Smart the “Advocate for DRRM” award under the Private Category.

Smart Infocast OCD-CAR has been getting support from Smart for years now via the Smart Infocast, a web-based emergency communications solution

that allows OCD-CAR to send warning, advisories, preparedness and safety tips via SMS to 3,000 DRRM officers and residents in the region for free.

“Smart Infocast is a big help in spreading vital information to the public in the fastest way possible.

This increases their level of awareness and urges them to smartly prepare for incoming disasters. If you look at our data on the casualties, there’s a huge decrease in the number,” said OCD-CAR Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy. All six provinces in CAR are connected via Smart Infocast, which was launched in the region last 2012.

At present, Infocast has more than 800 users and 2 million subscribers.

Other provinces and cities that use Smart Infocast include Aurora, Batangas, Quezon, Albay, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.

Apart from OCD, the other government agencies that are connected via Smart Infocast include the Philippine Information Agency, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Education DRRM office, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Health,

and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

OCD partnership Smart has also given its full support to the OCD national office in its effort to institutionalize disaster communication protocols.

Early last year, OCD held the first-ever regional disaster communications conferences, dubbed as ICT Bayanihan, and Smart is the first telco partner of OCD in co-organizing these regional meetings, which aim to institutionalize rapid emergency telecommunication teams to lead immediate response and support when there are disasters.

Delegates from the Region 10 disaster

communications summit affix their signature on the commitment wall to indicate acceptance of their responsibilities as members of Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team in the region.

A p a r t f r o m c o organizing the regional communication summits, Smart also developed the Batingaw app for OCD last year. The app, which can be downloaded for free at Google Play Store and Apple App Store, is a handy resource and reporting tool for nationwide disaster management.

Free calling and charging services R e c o g n i z i n g communications as an important form of relief, Smart has been consistent in immediately providing free calls and charging services to communities affected by disasters. During Yolanda, Smart’s satellite services connected Tacloban and other affected areas to the rest of the world.

Smart free charging service in Talavera, Nueva Ecija during Typhoon Lando Apart from tapping its local sales team and the Alagang Kapatid Foundation of TV5, Smart partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to be able to instantly offer

the “Libreng Tawag” and “Libreng Charging” services to more communities affected by disasters.

Pamilyang Ready, Pamilyang Panalo Disaster Preparedness Caravan In addition to providing emergency communications support, Smart is also running nationwide disaster preparedness caravan called Pamilyang Ready, Pamilyang Panalo to help build the capacities of families in handling emergencies and disasters in their own homes.

The preparedness caravan, attended by 300 to 700 participants, is held in high-risk communities to help them prepare for emergencies and disasters through gamified learning sessions.

“To become a nation that is more capable and ready for any type of disasters, each of us should do our part and help the government. Through our disaster preparedness caravans, we hope to help Filipino families embrace preparedness as a lifestyle,” said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto.

Residents from Heneral Luna, Quezon learn how household materials—like a pail, laundry tub, mirror, and garbage bag—can be helpful tools during disasters.

Since it launched the project in 2013, Smart was able to bring the preparedness caravan to 20 locations, reaching around 8,000 families nationwide.

Maging Laging Handa video series Designed for children who are most vulnerable during disasters, Smart also developed the Maging Laging Handa disasterreadiness educational videos that are now integrated in the Disaster Risk Reduction curriculum of elementary students.

Smart officials, headed

by Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto (4th from right), together with partners from the media, PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and DENR-MGB during the Maging Laging Handa disaster-readiness video launch last year The localized video materials are verified

by PAGASA, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Smart as an organization has embraced preparedness, and has been aggressively promoting the culture of preparedness to its partner organizations under its #SafePH program. To know more about Smart’s preparedness initiatives, visit www.smart.com.ph/ SafePH.

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Franchising guru graces Oro Story and Photo by MARK FRANCISCO

A well-known Manila-based franchising guru successfully taught local entrepreneurs in Cagayan de Oro last Thursday and passed on his knowledge about basics

on how to succeed in the franchising industry.

More than 50 people filled a function room of Dynasty Court Hotel as the franchise seminar as

conducted by Rudolf Kotik got underway last Thursday.

Kotik is the founder of RK Franchise Consultancy I n c . B o r n i n Au s t r i a , Kotik became an expert in franchising starting in 1978 when he joined the

McDonald’s Europe followed by a hotel stint. After a short sojourn in the United States, Kotik then decided to stay in the Philippines for good where he established what would become a wellrespected consultancy firm.

Bonheur leverages ‘SAP Business One’ for Improved Business Efficiency Reduced operating costs and enhanced productivity led to better overall business management Taguig, Phi lippines —SAP AG (NYSE:SAP) announced that Bonheur Marketing Corp., one of the front-runners in the Philippines that provides distribution capabilities to its partners in t he fast-moving-consumerp r o d u c t s i n d u s t r y, i nteg rated t he SA P Business One software to address t heir data management and finance processes needs.

SAP Business One is a business management software designed to meet the needs of dynamically growing companies as well as subsidiaries of large enterprises. The solution is available both on premise and in the cloud, providing clients with unparalleled S A P f u n c t i o n a l i t y.

T h e i mple m e nt at ion w a s s p e a r he a d e d by SAP channel par tner, DataFront Solutions, Inc. (DFSI), which leverages IT and business consulting to prov ide adv a nc ed solutions to clients across industries.

According to Marty A l v a r a d o , E x e c ut i ve Vice President for B on he u r, d i s p a r it ie s in report generation as well as inventory costing inaccuracies required them to tap SAP Business One software to gain clarity across their business, and restore confidence in their day-to-day operations.

“There were delayed

submissions of financial and government mandatory reports prior to the installation of the SAP Business One solution,” Mr. Alvarado said. “Our in-house system failed to consolidate our data and our reports were prone to human errors, hindering accurate business visibility. We were looking for a solution to consolidate our warehouse d ata a nd ga i n bet ter insight into our delivery process. Now, we are able to realize more accurate, up-to-date data across all our sales, finance and administration reports, which helps us much better in developing and managing the business for future growth.”

With the new solution in place, Bonheur is now able to manage ever y aspect of their business, streamlining their key processes from accounting and customer relationship management (CRM) to supply chain management and purchasing, all of which helped improve their market position by at least ten percent.

In addition, Bonheur was also able to boost their sales, accounting, credit and collection, as well as warehouse and HR functions. All this allowed the company to realize at least 20 percent in cost savings, increased e f f ic ie nc y a nd work

productivity, and enabled better time management a nd a reduc t ion i n operating costs.

“SAP Business One i s now a ble to he lp consolidate our warehouse data under one system, helping facilitators gain more i nsig ht on t he processes involved within, and outside, the delivery process,” Mr. Alvarado said. “This is the very reason why we tapped SAP as it has the capacity to deliver the business software that our business needed most.”

SAP Phi lippines Managing Director Ryan Poggi sa id, “SAP has vast global experience in helping businesses from big enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises run simple.

We prov ide solutions that fits our customers’ day-to-day operations, with an aim of helping them meet their long-term business goals and achieve greater competitiveness, especially in light of a more challenging business environment.”

He continued, “Our partnership with Bonheur has helped them gain a competitive advantage over their competitors and we w i l l continue to leverage end-to-end solutions that will drive innovation and automate core processes for our customers like Bonheur,

to tack le complex it y.

This announcement with Bonheur underscores our unique capabilities to support enterprises in the Philippines to run more efficiently.”

The Philippine’s fast moving consumer goods spending, according to K a nt a r Wo r l d p a n e l , remains stable at -1.8 percent year-on-year from June 2013 to June of last year. While the growth i n t he FMCG s e c tor remains moderate, the competition among the industry’s players will remain stiff. To win in the competitive industry, companies need to utilize a business platform that can help them run their business better, whilst el i m i nat i ng bu si ne s s complexity.

Bonheur started as a distributor of Philip Morris for the South NCR and Southern Tagalog.

In just a short span of time, the company has expanded its coverage to Bicol, making it to the top 200 corporations in the country.

“We’ve been in the distribution business for over 25 years now and we are glad that we chose to partner with SAP for the next leg of our journey.

We are confident that SAP will continue to help us operate simpler while remaining innovative”, concluded Mr. Alvarado.

From thence, he has given lectures all over the country and advised numerous local startups.

RK Franchise Consultancy is in existence for more than a decade having been established originally in Cebu 1995.

Then the Company was focused primarily in marketing International Franchise Companies for Master Franchising in the Philippines.

In 1996 RK Franchise C onsultanc y star ted to develop home-grown C ompanies. Thirsty?, a business offering fresh fruit juices and shakes, was the Company first development client. As proof of a lasting relationship based on mutual trust and confidence, Thirsty? has remained in relation with RK and ten years later, the Company which owns Thirsty? rehired us to develop their Mooon

Café Franchise.

In April of 1999, RK Fr anch is e C onsu lt anc y moved head quarters to Man i l a , sp e c i f i c a l ly to the Pacific Star Building in Makat i o cc upying a small office. After some time, RK moved to Illinois Street in Cubao and in November 2004, it moved to its current 180 square meter office at the Ground Floor of Minnesota Mansion at Ermin Garcia Street in Cubao, Quezon City. RK Franchise Consultancy now keeps a 20 man working force.

To date, RK Franchise Consultancy has developed more than 450 Filipino and foreign C ompanies into Franchise Systems.

Combined these Companies have nearly 12,000 Franchis e es. 28 of our Filipino Franchisors have already Franchises outside the Philippines.

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strong. Expanded fiscal space has opened up a Pandora’s box of opportunities in infrastructure, allowing us to play a fast game of catchup with our neighbors.”

“With increased t r ans p are n c y, we h ave empowered citizens who participate in the process of governance, and who—having known the gains reforms can bring—will refuse to roll back progress,” he added.

Purisima also noted that with this latest credit rating action from NICE, Fitch Ratings remains the only agency that assigns the minimum investment grade to the Philippines. The others assign higher ratings.

Investor Relations Office (IRO) Executive Director E d it h a L . Mar t i n s ai d upgrades in credit ratings have provided concrete benefits for the economy, including improved business confidence and reduced borrowing cost for the government. The latter has contributed to lower commercial lending rates for consumers and businesses as well, thus fueling consumption and investments.

“Having reaped the gains of investment grade sovereign credit ratings, there should be no room for the economy to slide back. The Filipino people, as it is incumbent upon them, are expected to demand from our leaders the kind of governance that will ensure that the economic transformation of the Philippines over the last half decade transcends changes in political settings,” Martin said.

from page 6

of a slowing Chinese economy and market volatility arising from higher interest rates in the United States.

“C onsidering its [Philippines] trade structure and strong FX [foreign exchange] liquidity, the impact of global economic uncertainties such as slowdown of the Chinese economy and US interest rate hike will be manageable,” NICE said.

The credit watchdog expects the Philippines to sustain a robust economic growth of 6.3 percent over the short and medium term.

Meantime, economic of f ici a ls welcome d t he latest credit-rating upgrade, w h i ch mark s t he 2 4 t h positive rating action for the Philippines under the Aquino administration (9 outlook changes to “positive” and 15 actual hikes in credit ratings from various agencies).

“The string of favorable actions from credit rating agencies, the latest of which is from NICE Investors Service, resonates the process of economic strengthening that the Philippines has undergone over the years. Contributory to this process were forwardlooking monetary policy, proactive bank supervision, and prudent external accounts management, which have played crucial roles in promoting a stable Finance Secretary Cesar V. Pur isima remarke d, “Virtuous cycles result from dogged discipline, even when political headwinds seem too

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Fund... from page 1

IFAD Country Representative Benoit Thierry said the project is expected to benefit 300,512 farmers or around 54,628 households.

“We will teach them certain cropping techniques to meet production targets so they can be at par with ASEAN standards,” Mr. Thierry said during the launch.

The ASEAN Economic Community officially took effect in December.

ConVERGE, IFAD’s 15th project in the Philippines since 1978, involves 11 agrarian reform communities in Regions 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), and Caraga.

The crops receiving IFAD backing include rubber, rice, corn, coffee, coco-sugar, abaca, vegetables and cassava, and oil palm.

IFAD, with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, will assist the farming communities in investment plan preparation, capacity building, technology upgrading and diffusion, cluster farming organization, business sector matching, extension services, quality control of end products, credit/microfinance facilitation, and post-harvest facilities and equipment.

The government’s counterpart investment for the program is about $7.4 million while the beneficiaries provide about $4.8 million, according to the IFAD Web site.

Travel... from page 1

of Ilocos Norte into a premier tourist destination during his three-term as governor of the province.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the industry revenues reached $5 billion in 2015 with over 5 million foreign tourists visiting the Philippines last year from a mere 3.14 million in 2008.

What is holding back the country’s tourism and air travel industry, according to Marcos, is the sorry state of the airports, including Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which has been tagged as one of the world’s worst from 2011 to 2014.

“Pero ang takot ko ay baka bumalik na naman tayo sa listahan.

Ito ay dahilan ng—alam niyo na—air traffic, flight delays, passenger delays and overbookings gone wrong. Idagdag pa natin ang kahiyahiyang kalokohan ng “Tanim-bala” syndicate!,” Marcos explained.

As an indispensable and influential group in the travel and tourism industry, Marcos said NAITAS has a crucial role to play in the improvement not only of Philippine air transportation and but the tourism industry as well.

“Safety and convenience of your customers should always be your number one priority. In

turn, their satisfaction can create a positive feedback loop that will augur well for our tourism industry,” Marcos remarked.

He said the group should remain united and strive for a conscious and collective effort to improve the overall business environment in the Philippine travel industry for better opportunities and better service to the consumers under the ideals of fair competition and ethical practices.

Likewise, he advised NAITAS to leave behind any controversies in the past that may have caused problems within the organization.

“Sabi ko nga po sa aking advertisement ngayon: “Hindi ako ang aking nakaraan”. Hindi tayo limitado sa kung ano ang mga naging pangyayari sa ating nakaraan—lalo na kung hindi maganda o mapait ang ating pinagdaanan. Ang mahalaga ay kung ano ang ngayon, at kung ano ang magandang hangarin at paghahanda na ginagawa natin para sa ating hinaharap,” Marcos remarked.

With the group’s help, the Senator said he looks forward to safer flights that are on time but also airport procedures done not only systematically but also respecting the rights of the public.

Power... from page 1

The grid operator said it was “doing all it can to ensure continued, uninterrupted power transmission services all over the country.”

However, NGCP stressed power cuts caused by force majeure events, such as sabotage and tower bombings, were beyond its control.

It also called on the national government, local government units and law enforcement agencies to help secure and monitor the safety of transmission lines. (PNA)

Safety... from page 2

for those aged 14 years old and below where the maximum electrical capacity for electricallyactivated toys is 24 volts. However, hoverboards which have 36 volts are not recommended as toys for this age group.

Meanwhile, distributors must also comply with the requirement to label those available for retail in compliance with Republic Act 10620, also known as “Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.”

According to DTI, this must go together with a warning statement “Not intended for children ages 14 and below” that shall be displayed on the principal display panel of 100 square centimeters in both English and Filipino.

DTI also says consumers should check if the batteries are labelled as IEC 62133 or IEC 60335 or showing ISO/IEC logo.

Moreover, consumers are advised to be more vigilant and

conscious in buying toys and gadgets (whether or not sold as toys) in the market to avoid health and safety issues.

Meanwhile, all complaints related to hoveroards will be mediated and/or adjudicated by the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB).

Further, DTI and DOH-FDA will jointly conduct monitoring and enforcement on the compliance of all distributors, traders, importers and manufacturer with the labeling requirements. (Nelia C. Quijano/ JMOR/PIA10)

Repair... from page 2

Norhana Sumandar and Provincial Engineer Sirad Laut.

Provincial Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr., who was on official travel, was happy to accommodate the turnover ceremony in his office.

In a phone patch interview, Adiong said constituents in Tamparan, such as the farmers, fishermen and the entire community, would benefit from a rehabilitated public market.

“Our farmers and fishermen would have a place accessible and conducive for them to sell their products while the community would be assured of purchasing fresh agricultural product, he added.

Larawan... from page 4

blindside you. Consider how payment transactions are disrupted by contenders from different industries such as mobile phone operators, internet credit providers, and swipe-card makers. As the playbook of strategy changes, the better move is to fight in “arenas”, not in industries. An arena comprises a customer segment, an offer, and the place where the offer is carried out. Good strategy is no longer just about outshining a peer in the industry; it has morphed into responding to customers’ to-do list.

Even with an arsenal of “best” strategies, however, one can still end up in a catch-22: a blood and thunder name in the market who could not defeat a nobody. We do not naturally want to end up fighting like a newbie against a Bruce Lee, but that is what temporary advantage could sometimes mean: “men plan and God laughs.”

Expansions... from page 7

Exports comprised bulk of the shipments at 11.88 million WMT last year, up from 10.47 million in 2014. The balance of 7.80 million WMT of ore produced last year pertained to ore shipped to the company’s two high-pressure acid leachate (HPAL) facilities.

Last year’s performance marked the 7th consecutive year of higher production, but this wasn’t enough to offset the continued fall in nickel

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late REYNALDO M. MACAIBAY who died on June 24, 2002, left a parcel of land situated in the Barrio of Lumbo, Municpality of Alubijid, Province of Misamis Oriental and which property described as follows; Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-47916 containing an area of SEVEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY NINE (7,429) square meters more or less is the subject of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Under Notary Public of ATTY. SALVADOR D. PACANA per Doc, No.120; Page No. 12; Book No. XIX; Series of 2015.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

BWM: Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 8, 2016

CFN-0001-2016

Date January 15, 2016

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No.1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that BEULAH D. ECHAVES has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “VIOLA” to “BEULAH” and correction of entry in sex from “ “ to “ “ or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ “ to “ “ in the certificate of live birth of VIOLA D. ECHAVEZ at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are FORTUNATO E. ECHAVEZ and LUISA D. DANDASAN. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than February 9, 2016.

BWM: Jan. 18 & 25, 2016

(Sgd.) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

prices.

Export contract prices averaged $22.66 per WMT in 2015, below the average of $45.10 in 2014.

Prices applicable to ore sold to the HPAL plants were pegged to the London Metal Exchange and averaged $5.36 per pound of payable nickel last year, also lower than the $7.69 in 2014.

As a result of the lower prices, the value of shipments fell by 39.24% to P14.4 billion last year from P23.7 billion in 2014.

Mr. Brimo had previously said the slowdown in China’s economic growth, coupled with a strong US dollar, clobbered metal prices, resulting “to a steep reversal of the strong prices [of nickel we] experienced in 2014.”

The higher prices in 2014 had stemmed from expectations of tight supply resulting from Indonesia’s export ban, which however didn’t materialize.

In the first nine months of 2015, Nickel Asia saw its profit plunge 69% to P2.49 billion.

Globe... from page 7

collaboration platform within the company, going beyond just email and Microsoft Office. With the Office 365 licenses, Shakey’s employees gain access to collaboration and productivity apps such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Yammer, and Skype for Business, as well as strengthened privacy and security through Information Rights Management (IRM).

OneDrive and SharePoint enable convenient and secure file sharing, and save backup copies of company files by automatically synchronizing documents, pictures, and videos to the Microsoft cloud. Equally important is IRM or Information Rights Management which protects sensitive company information from unauthorized access (inside or outside organization premises).

Where quick and easy collaboration and communication is key in delivering results, Yammer brings together people, conversations, content, and business data in an enterprise social private network across departments, locations, and business apps.

To complete the collaboration suite, Skype for Business connects employees everywhere with a secure platform for presence, instant messaging, voice and video communication, and virtual multiparty conference meetings over the internet that can be done

from any device.

“Globe Business remains a driving force in the growth of local enterprises that boost the Philippine economy. We thank Shakey’s for trusting us with growing their enterprise further and introducing the benefits of Cloud technology that will help improve work efficiency and productivity.

Our partnership with Microsoft allows us to give our customers the edge when it comes to digitizing their processes and enable their journey to digital transformation,” said Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing.

Mauch Franco, Chief Information Officer of Shakey’s adds, “The main reasons why we transferred to O365 are reliability and security, plus the fact that O365 offers bigger storage and enterprise-grade collaboration tools. We want to enable our employees with the right tools so that they can focus on business essentials in a collaborative environment. This forms part of our local and global expansion and growth.”

Growth... from page 6

The IMF executive said risks to global growth “remain tilted to the downside and relate to ongoing adjustments in the global economy: a generalized slowdown in emerging market economies, China’s rebalancing, lower commodity prices, and the gradual exit from extraordinarily accommodative monetary conditions in the United States.”

He cited that “the Philippines is relatively less exposed to China given the low trade and financial linkages and stands to benefit from the lower commodity prices.”

“However, a generalized slowdown in growth in the region, tighter external financial conditions due to monetary policy normalization in the U.S., and sudden spikes in global risk aversion are downside risks,” he said.

“The Philippines is well positioned to deal with external shocks because of its strong fundamentals and ample policy space,” he said.

“The current policy configuration appears appropriate given the continued strong growth outlook and anticipated pick up in inflation towards the target range in 2016 and 2017. Policies could be recalibrated if the downside risks were to materialize,” he added.

0935-160-0668 HERMILINO VILLALON

2 2 nd/31s t Naza ret h, Cagayan de O ro Ci t y AFFIDAVIT ADJUDICATING ESTATE IN FAVOR OF ONE HEIR I, JOHN FABIAÑA BERNAL, Filipino, of legal age, married, and a resident of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, after being sworn in accordance with law, depose and state that:

1.

I am the only child and sole heir of ANGELITO C. BERNAL who died intestate on May 27, 1994 at Cagayan de Oro City and of CHURCHILLINA F. BERNAL who died in intestate on July 2, 2012 at Cagayan de Oro City;

2.

Said deceased left a certain parcel of land covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-52097 and more particularly described as follows:

A parcel of land (Lot 7, Block 3 Pcs-10000190) situated in the barrio of Canitoan City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the SW., along line 1-2 by Lot 6; on the NW., along line 2-3 and on the E., along line 3-4 by Road Lot 2; of the SE., along line 4-1 by Road Lot 4, all of the same block of the consolidation subdivision plan, Beginning at the point marked “1” on the plan being S. 71 deg. 35’W., 594.08 from.. N. 18, Csd-237, Cagayan Cadastre;

SEVEN (187) SQUARE METERS more or less.

All points referred to are indicated on the plan and marked on the ground by PS. Cyl. Conc.

Mons. 15x40 cm. bearings true; date of original survey Nov. 1929-January 1933 and that of the consolidation subdivision plan February 4-20, 1988, executed by Calvin C. Fernandez, Geodetic Engr. And approved on March 29, 1099 x x x

3.

Said deceased left no debts, nor any Last Will and Testament;

4.

Pursuant to Sec. 1 of Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, I hereby adjudicate unto myself the above-described parcel of land, and the improvements found and standing thereon, and I hereby request the Register of Deeds to issue a new Transfer Certificate of Title in my name;

5.

The above-described parcel of land does not come under the operation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 18th of Jan. 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

JOHN FABIAÑA BERNAL Affiant Driver License No. K11-97-002655 dated October 20, 2014

Thence N. 65 deg. 41’ W, 15.62m. to point 2; Thence N. 58 deg. 20’ E., 23.49 m. to point 3; Thence S. 46 deg. 31’E., 4.00 m. to point 4; Thence S. 28 deg. 27’W., 18.22m.to point of beginning;

SUBSCRIBE AND SWORN to before me this JAN. 19, 2016 at the City of Cagayan de Oro affiant exhibited to me his competent evidence of identity mentioned below his name.

Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY

BWM: Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 8 2016

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Insurance... from page 6

non-life insurance sector posted a 122.09 percent increase in net income to P3.62 billion against the P1.63 billion same period in 2014.

Total net premiums during the same period rose 13.97 percent to P26.92 billion and total investments went up by 7.66 percent to P65.49 billion.

Also, total assets increased by 2.26 percent to P167.94 billion and net worth by 13.33 percent to P71.83 billion.

Rellosa said that any slowdown in the domestic economy should be looked into, particularly its main cause, to determine its impact on the insurance industry.

He noted that non-life insurance premiums in recent years come mostly from the motor sector and he expects this year to be the same.

"So if people continue to buy cars then there are cars that must be insured," he said.

The insurance firm executive said any slowdown in the domestic economy will be felt by the industry after six months to a year.

"So if ever there will be impact then we can only feel it later this year or even next year," he added.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) targets car sales of 310,000 for 2015.

Last November alone, the industry reported a 25.9 percent sales hike after 26,979 units were sold.

In the first 11 months of last year, total sales reached 261,9311 units, higher compared to the 213,427 units same period in 2014. (PNA)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late VIOLETA NERI JOAQUIN married to Late CRISPIN JOAQUIN who died on February 11, 2006, left several properties particularly described as follows:

a.

TCT No. T-12079-A situated in the District of Tablon, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao containing an area of ONE THOUSAND (1000) square meters more or less under Tax Declaration Nos F-021495 and F-021968;

b.

A building erected on Cadastral Lot No. 19002 situated at Baloy, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City covered by Tax Declaration No. F-021496;

c.

TCT No. 28150 situated on the Dist. Of Tablon, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao containing an area of TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR (2,334) square meters more or less under Tax Declaration No. F-021497;

d.

T C T N o . 11 2 2 0 4 situated in the Barangay of Tablon, City of Cagayan de Oro Island of Mindanao containing an area of ONE THOUSAND (1000) square meters more or less under Tax Declaration No. F-240440

e. O C T N o . P - 3 9 6 containing an area of SEVENTY FOUR THOUSAND AND THIRTY SEVEN (74,037) Square meters under Tax Declaration No. F-002632

f. One half (1/2) share of parcel under TCT No. T-133379 of the Registry of Deeds of Cagayan de Oro City situated in the Barrio of Tablon, City of Cagayan de Oro Island of Mindanao containing an area of FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY NINE (4,829) square meters more or less are the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION AND SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Under Notary Public of ATTY. JUNALD J. RUBINO per Doc, No.376; Page No. 76; Book No.V; Series of 2014.

BWM: Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 8, 2016

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Philippine Eagles NMR1 2016 induction held T

By MARK FRANCISCO

HE Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) NMR1 successfully inducted their 2016 set of officers last Saturday afternoon at Philtown Hotel.

The new officers, who took their oath before PENAPLE Vice Chairman Gilbert Gille, are Governor Maximo Allorin, Vice Governor Anjun Gomez, Assemblymen Gerry Dayanan, Efren Camaro, Rodney Quiblat and Gualberto Cortez, Alternate Assemblymen Dexter Agustin and Gary Buendia, Regional PEIL Director Andy Paurom, Secretary Eric Daabay, Deputy Secretary Manuel Suganob, Treasurer Arsenio Baquero Jr., Deputy Treasurer Emma Bation, Auditor Kenneth Kho, Deputy Auditor Donald Rey Ellerina, PIOs Giovannie Catiil, Elbert Mejorada and Karl Ugsod, Peace Officers Eric Echem, Kiterio Antonio Palarca and Charlie Butron, Protocol Officers Roy Tse, Rupert Domingo, Carlos Nardo and Jose Reyes Jr., Attorney Anthony Marvin Ponce de Leon, Tribunal – Alvin Suazo, Florentino Dumlao, Ed Cuaresma and Samuel Rollo, Comelec – Emilio Tumada II, Alfonso Vicente, Cromwell Vincent Seriña and Rollo, Advisers Jimmy Caiña and Robert Dy, Comptroller Nestor Casiño, Deputy Comptroller Bernie Ragandang, Membership Chairman Ritche Riveral, Membership Deputy Ritchelieu del Castilo Jr., Community Service

Chairman Wenny Noynay, Community Service Deputy John Stewart Adia-on, Extension Chairman Al Tannery, Extension Deputy Dodong Uyhamco, Personal Service in-charge Richard Gepte, Ways and Means Chairman Angel Melgar, Ways and Means Deputies Eric Daabay and Wilbourne Neri, Publicity and Community Relations Chairman Dante Sudaria, Publicity and Community Relations Deputies Bernard Tabiano and Rey Maraunay, Social Functions in-charge Jessie Co and Rajah Tabaiba, CARE in-charge Alex Unito and Felix Sabando II and Committee on Sports in-charge Noel Llamis (basketball), Dario Pantanosas (badminton), Gomez (shooting), Buendia (darts), Dumlao (golf ) and Ugsod (table tennis).

New officers from three clubs – Green CdeO Eagles Club, Macajalar Eagles Club and Silver Creek Eagles Club – also took their oaths. There were also new members who used the occasion to be inducted.

Outgoing NMR1 Governor Gualberto Cortez made his valedictory speech while Allorin vowed to continue the thrusts implemented by his predecessor. The keynote speaker during the affair was Mayor Oscar Moreno.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles – NMR1 officers for 2016 led by Governor Maximo Allorin take their oath before PENAPLE Vice Chairman Gilbert Gille as assisted by NMR4 Governor Nelson Sarapuddin. photo by mark francisco

Restaurant Damaso now offering breakfast Story by MARK FRANCISCO

BEGINNING today, Restaurant Damaso will be serving breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. daily.

According to co-owner Jonathan Mempin, this new development was due to public demand and maximized exposure of its sister company’s Chino’s Deli products.

The Chino’s Deli line of sausages and beef by-products will be incorporated in the breakfast menu of Restaurant Damaso, according to another co-owner, one of Northern Mindanao’s premier chefs Chino Mempin.

Other yummy items in the gourmet menu that will surely satisfy the taste buds of Cagayanons DAMASO/PAGE B2

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Little Me Academy:

‘The Little School that could’ blesses new campus If God’s grace allows, a little school which started with 14 students barely 10 years ago will grow to nearly three hundred times its original population by 2018.

In a launching ceremony graced by Mayor Oscar S. Moreno as Chairman of the Cagayan de Oro Local School Board last Jan. 18 at the Centrio Mall Activity Center, Little Me Academy (LMA) President Percival N. Olandesca, Director & Principal Ramonette L. Olandesca and partners Jess and Mau Baja, unwrapped the architect’s perspective for its new one hectare campus at Robillo Subdivision, Manuel Vega St., Consolacion Village.

“Sir Ike” as he is fondly known in campus, relates how the Baja couple whom they met in their Verbum Dei congregation became their partners in the school.

“We share the same thoughts, beliefs and experiences. Their passion with kids matched ours kasi when I see kids, I want to play with them immediately, even at my age! When we brought them around our school, we immediately saw that they have the character, values and feelings we shared which became the seed that became a big tree.”

Like the Baja couple, Sir Ike and Teacher Ram look forward to the day when all LMA employees are shareholders and lifelong partners of the school. To start, they announced that LMA Assistant School Director Keny Lourdie Waban and School Registrar Cristina Marie Aguirre would be awarded shares of stock in LMA. “Our school turns 10 next year, those 2 teachers are in their 8th year in the school,” Sir Ike explains.

“Through all these years, we saw their loyalty and

Damaso... from page 13

include eggs Benedict; bacon, eggs and pancakes; French toast and fried chicken; and granola with yogurt and fresh fruits, among others.

Restaurant Damaso, which opened in mid-2015, is serving lunch every day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

B estsellers on the regu l ar menu include Fuego to Go ribs, spaghetti Vongole, penne sundried tomato, Sriracha chicken wings, blue iron burger with blue cheese, 63°C porkchop, capping it with the sikwate and coconut snow ice cream.

Restaurant Damaso was established in honor of the siblings’ late father Damaso who died while the edifice to be used was renovated

dedication because private schools are traditionally the jumping off points to public schools, many are only with us for the experience before they move on.”

“But in their case, they have proven their loyalty to us because despite the problems we encounter, they always manage to find solutions. It’s like we see ourselves in them because we both also started as workers, we also provided solutions to our bosses for the problems we encountered,” he added. “It’s also part of our bigger plan for the future. We want all our employees to be shareholders.”

Ms. Olandesca, (better known to LMA faculty and students as “Teacher Ram”), said the new campus will initially house a 3-story building but will eventually have a 6-story main building and another 6-story building at the first corner with the rest of the area occupied by a gym, playground and basketball court.

“The ground floor of the 1st3-story bldg. would be done by June, 2016. God willing, the entire complex could be completed in 2 years with construction continuing over the period.

We will keep the original campus in Kauswagan and with God’s grace, we will also put up another one after this.”

Earlier the same day, Msgr. Rey Manuel Monsanto, assisted by Fr. Victorino Caritos, VDMF, officiated the blessing rites of the new site in the presence of school stakeholders and friends including Dr. Jean S. Macasero, DepEd City Division’s Private Schools Coordinator, Palaran Algar, Region X President, Private Schools and School Administrators Association of the Philippines (PRISAAP), Mexican Verbum Dei Mis-

sometime in August 2015.

From then on, the Mempin siblings including sister Katrina decided to focus on their restaurant business and has never turned back.

Located at the heart of the city particularly at the ground level of Casa Crystallia in Pabayo corner Chavez streets, Restaurant Damaso is fine dining at its best.

Prior to his stint here, Chino Mempin was an established chef in one of the well respected food establishments in Metro Manila. He is one of the organizers of a local popup dinner group which aims to elevate the way Northern Mindanaoans eat.

With the ser ving of breakfast at Restaurant Damaso, Chino Mempin is hoping that the food and dishes served in this restaurant is worth coming back again and again.

Little Me Academy principals Sir Ike and Teacher Ram Olandesca with daughter Ikera break ground for the new Litle Me Academy campus at Manuel Vega St., Consolacion Village together with partners Jess and Mau Beja, and friends last Jan. 18. (WCCS photo)

sionary Couple Alfonso and Adriana Ochoa, Zone Ecclesial Responsible of the Philippines, Luisa Mesina, together with Gabriela Rocha and Sr. Connie Tenorio.

The original Kauswagan campus accommodates almost 400 students with room for an additional 150.

Starting with the coming school year, the ground floor of the new campus can accommodate 500 kids.

Despite the boom in enrollment primarily driven

by LMA’s proprietary reading skills system developed by the couple in-house, the school still maintains its one teacher to 12 student ratio for the pre-school and primary levels, and one teacher to 25 students for Grades 4-10. An additional 24 teachers will be hired to complement the 18 who now staff the Kauswagan campus.

The two campuses would be able to accommodate up to 4,000 students subject to DepEd restrictions, by school year 2018.

“We can now accept students from 2 years old for preschool, and next year up to Grade 10 in Junior High and by 2017, up to Senior High School, God willing,” said Teacher Ram. Besides the classrooms and offices, the new facility will also house an expanded library; science, speech and computer laboratories; audio visual room and of course a chapel, LMA being a child-centered school community from which students can grow to become morally upright, academically excellent and socially responsible citizens.

With its growing track record in academics and sports, the new campus will provide free reign to students to indulge and develop in extra-curricular

activities such as campus journalism, campus ministry, student body organization, campings, visual and performing arts, public speaking and of course sports, especially soccer, mentored by Sir Ike, who has actively participated in several Philippine national leagues.

Ikera L. Olandesca, Teacher Ram and Sir Ike’s 12-year old daughter who is now in Grade 7 of LMA in Kauswagan, relates how the school started 10 years ago when her parents went around Cagayan de Oro city looking for a school that would mold and train her to become a Christ-centered person who was not only intellectually smart, but emotionally and spiritually strong as well.

“Unfortunately, they didn’t find any with which they were satisfied. This served as the inspiration for them to build a school not only for me but for other children whose parents were also similarly searching for a like school,” Ikera told journalists following the launching program.

“Began a mom and dad with great love for their child, we had a baby girl who seemed very smart whom we felt was hungry for more,” Teacher Ram relates. “So we looked around but couldn’t find a school that would satisfy her hunger, so we set up a school for her. And that evolved into something nobler, so it became a school for all parents who shared the same vision and instilled in them love for learning so when their child reaches 7 or 8, he/she can choose to grow at his/her own pace.”

Founded April 2006 but celebrating its anniversary every September, Teacher Ram defines Little Me Academy as “a school which teaches families how to

make their children live life to the fullest as they walk humbly with the Lord, and when I say life, I define life as love, integrity, faith and excellence.”

“My mom decided the school would specialize in reading because reading was an essential, fundamental core for the learning of the kids. So we started very small with 14 kids and only 5 teachers - it was very little. Over the years, it progressed with the number of kids, teachers and facilities. So today, it has 370 students, many of whom are very bright and every talented. Today, it’s a Christ-centered community and we’re always there to love each other and be there for each other,” Ikera said.

“One very good thing that makes us different is our ability to enable the children to read at the age of three. Our reading program is eclectic,” Teacher Ram explains. “I studied many other curricular programs, adapted the best from each and created our own Little Me Reading Program which has turned out to be really successful.”

“It started that way and now has evolved into letting these children know Jesus at the age of 3. From an academic perspective to a spiritual perspective, when you put those two together, you bring out children who can face the world, do anything, dream anything, and achieve anything,” she added.

“You can tell the difference with a Little Me-an from the confidence that they exude,” adds Teacher Ram. Another thing which makes LMA different is its open admission policy.

“When they come in, we don’t make them take an admission exam. As long as the child does not have

extreme behavioral issues, we welcome them. We have been very successful in this because we have gotten children failing in other schools and then achieving in our school!”

“When you develop the mind and theheart, it’s easier to push the hands to start working on things, to open the books and study, so it’s really a balance between the two.”

“What’s special about Little Me Academy is that because we’re small, we’re always humble and everyone keeps their feet on the ground,” Ikera shares. “Everyone in the school care for each other, we look out for each other, we respect and love each other. Everybody is equal and we’re like one big family, we are never in conflict with each other and that’s what makes us special.”

“A Little Me-an will always love even if not reciprocated, will always do what’s right even if nobody’s watching, will always commit everything to the Lord, and is simply an ordinary student doing things extraordinarily,” Teacher Ram noted.

She explained how the concept of Little Me started with the thought that you would send your Little Me’s to our school (i.e., your children, your daughter, your son) and evolving into the image and likeness of the child, Jesus.“Jesus said it would be very hard for us to follow Him if we cannot be like little children,” Teacher Ram explained. “And the way to do that is to walk humbly with the Lord and empty yourself to be filled up by Him, to be the person He wants you to be. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. That is Little Me.” -INDNJC-

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Crowds appreciate Pia Wurtzbach photo exhibit

Limketkai Mall shoppers appreciate the photo works of pageant enthusiast and professional photographer Jory Rivera featuring Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach. The exhibit will run until January 30. photo by justice broñola , contributor

D

OZENS of people turned up during the photo exhibit put up in honor of Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzback at the second level of Limketkai Mall.

The photo exhibit ormally opened to the public by Saturday 4p.m.

The Limketkai Mall will host the said exhibit for a week.

The exhibit features personal photo documentations of Jory Serina Rivera, a known pageant photo journalist who is also a personal friend of Pia. Jory is a pageant photographer for OPMB WORLDWIDE, a website dedicated to covering national and international pageants like Binibining Pilipinas and Ms. Universe.

Jory was born in Cagayan de Oro and was raised in Opol, Misamis Oriental. He studied grade school and high school in

Corpus Christi School in Macasandig and earned his degree in Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University.

While working full time for Hewlett Packard as an IT professional, Jory juggles his day job with his passion for photography. Aside from pageants, he is also a photographer for BroadwayWorld covering musical theater shows in Manila. Jory was in Las Vegas during the Miss Universe pageant duration and was also part of Pia’s entourage on her way to New York. Meanwhile, Miss CDO organizing Committee is now in its final stage of putting up a marker for Pia as the City’s tribute in honoring her triumph in the Miss Universe. The photo exhibit will run from January 23-30 at Limketkai Mall, 2nd floor East Concourse (across Marks and Spencer). pr

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