BusinessWeek Mindanao (January 29, 2016)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

Volume VI, No. 092

Market Indicators

As of 6:12 pm january 28, 2016 (thursday)

FOREX

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8

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Zambo outages ZAMBOANGA City -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has scheduled a nine-hour preventive maintenance power shutdown on Wednesday in areas served by the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative-2 (Zamsureco-2).

Elizabeth Ladaga, NGCP corporate communications officer, said on Tuesday that the maintenance shutdown is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday.

Ladaga said the maintenance shutdown is to facilitate the commissioning of fault locator and installation of check meter at R.T. Lim Line Breaker, which requires the shutdown of Ipil-Sirawai 69-kilovolt line.

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House okays Wurtzbach tax exemption

THE House of Representatives has approved a bill that would exempt all the prizes of Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach from taxes, a lawmaker said Wednesday.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, of Cagayan De Oro City, said that House Bill No. 6367 granting tax exemption to Ms. Wurtzbach was approved Tuesday afternoon.

Rodriguez, the principal author of the Wutzbach tax exemption bill, said that Wurtzbach was given the approved copy of the bill during her visit at the House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon.

He said that the House also conferred the Congressional Medal of Distinction to Wurtzbach for bringing honor to the Philippines after winning the 2016 Miss Universe pageant.

Aside from the tax exemption and the Medal of Distinction, the House also passed a resolution designating Wurtzbach as the “Ambassador of Goodwill” of Cagayan De Oro City, Wurtzbach considered Cagayan De Oro City, the premier capital city of Northern Mindanao, where she stayed and studied during her preschool days her second home, Rodriguez said. (PNA)

More power DAVAO City -- Reeling from a tight power supply Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) is eyeing additional 130 megawatts this 2016 from new power sources.

Ross Luga DLPC Corporate Communications Officer identified these sources as the Western Mindanao Power Corporation which they have contracted 18 Megawatts, San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation 80 Megawatts, Southern Philippine Power Corporation- 32 Megawatts.

The WMPC which is a diesel plant in Zamboanga City is already supplying 18 MW just this month to Davao Light.

The San Miguel coal-fired plant in Malita is expected to go online by July and the SPPC

by April. Luga said they are still in the negotiation stage for the contracted supply.

P15.00

Burning is ‘new modus’ vs transmission lines www.businessweekmindanao.com

Bukidnon small businesses soar to new heights with DTI support

By MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

THE Department of Trade and Industr y Bukidnon recently cited gains attained by small businesses in the

province facilitated by its assistance In a media briefing for 2015 Accomplishments of

By MYRNA VELASCO, Contributor

A

NARCHIC individuals may have gotten tired of bombing transmission towers as they have not been getting the exorbitant amount they have been demanding on right-of-way (ROW) concerns, hence, their next scheme had been burning of transmission poles.

Tr a n s m i s s i o n firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has reported such kind of incident to the media over the weekend, claiming that this led to yet another tripping of transmission line in Mindanao grid.

T h e c o mp a ny has qualified that based on their initial findings, the attack on its transmission facility in Sultan Kudarat,

Maguindanao exhibited “sabotage act.”

“NGCP’s Sultan Kudarat substationCotabato City-Datu Saudi Ampatuan 69-kilovolt line tripped on January 22 (Friday) because of a burned transmission pole in Salimbao, S u l t a n Ku d a r at , Maguindanao,” it said.

Powe r i n t h e affected areas had been restored on modus/PAGE 11

Region 10 held December 11, 2015 at a hotel in Cagayan de Oro, DTI Bukidnon Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang cited the major businesses/PAGE 11

Rice-for-rats reward scheme launched

By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA, MindaNews

KABACAN, North Cotabato -- Disaster and agriculture officials here, led by May or He r l o Gu z m an ,

have launched Thursday mor n i ng a mass ive r at hu nt i n g e x p e d i t i o n t o bolster the campaign of

eradicating the pests that have been destroying vast agricultural lands in this town’s nine rice and corn producing villages. scheme/PAGE 11

‘BAK-BAK’. A man shows off his catch of frogs from the rivers of Sitio Limunsudan, Barangay Bonbonon in Iligan City on Wednesday. He sells them at 50 pesos for a group of 10 frogs. “Bak-bak” is a common food among the Higaonon tribe in the hinterlands of Iligan. mindanews photo by bobby timonera

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Economy

DOLE 10 bares employment programs for 2016

T

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 10 through the media forum, Talakayan sa PIA on 26 Januar y 2016 announces various programs slated for this year to boost employment in the region.

According to Albert E. Gutib, Assistant Regional Director of DOLE region 10, there are various programs of the department to help curb the unemployment rate in Northern Mindanao not only in the formal sector but also the informal sector.

Based from the data

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of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in 2014 and 2015, the unemployment rate in Northern Mindanao remained steady at 5.8% while the underemployment dropped from 31% to 22.6%.

Meanwhile, the employment rate is at 94.2%.

Gutib underscored that the

sector seen to have the biggest chunk of unemployment is the youth sector.

One of the programs the department is continuously advocating is the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) wherein poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths (OSYs)

intending to pursue their education by encouraging employment during summer, Christmas vacation or any time of the year for students in the tertiary, technical or vocational level may work with pay.

Qualified students may work for a minimum of 15

days and a maximum of 52 days. He also noted that employers will pay 60% of the total salary of the student and the other 40% will be subsidized by DOLE. Another program that DOLE is advocating is the Jobstart program through dole/PAGE 10

GENERAL Santos City -The provincial government of South Cotabato collected a total of P14.37 million in mining and quarry taxes last year, surpassing its annual revenue target.

Siegf red Flaviano, Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) head, said Tuesday it is P2.37 million more than its P12 million collection goal for the entire 2015.

He said it increased by roughly P3.4 million or about 24 percent from its total income in 2014 that reached P10.90 million.

“This only shows that the reforms that we’ve been implementing in our smallscale mining and quarry sectors have been gaining ground,” Flaviano said in a statement.

PEMO records showed that it already reached its

target for the year as of the end of November with collections of P12.9 million.

It ended the year with total revenues of P1.47 million, higher than the monthly average collection of P1.17 million since January.

The province’s mining and quarry revenue, which is mainly drawn from the thriving small-scale mining operations in Barangays Kematu and Desawo in T’boli

town, posted significant increases starting March last year.

The local government only collected a total of P1.72 million in January and February, or an average of P860,000, but the figures surged to P1.45 million in March.

Owing to the improved collection performance, Flaviano said the provincial tax/PAGE 10

S. Cotabato collects P14.37-M in mining, quarry tax revenues

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Greatest mystery in the Mamasapano murders LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle…”

(Psalm 49:4, the Holy Bible).

-ooo T H E G R E AT E S T MYSTERY IN THE M A M A S A P A N O MURDERS: The greatest mystery that continues to baffle in the Mamasapano massacre of 44 elite policemen of the Special Action Force on January 25, 2015 is the clear lack of trust on the part of President Aquino on former Interior and L o cal G overnment Secretary Mar Roxas and former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Leonardo Espina to include them in the operation.

The question then, and even now, is: why did not Aquino trust Roxas and Espina over a greatly important mission of capturing or even killing a well-known Malaysian terrorist, Zulkifli bin Hir, or Marwan, who was also wanted by international police agencies? Did Aquino think then that Roxas and Espina could betray the operation and thus jeopardize it and make it fail?

Or, is it possible that Roxas and Espina are now being made to appear as having been left out of the

operation so as to avoid putting any liability on them, and more particularly on Roxas, which could affect Roxas’ chances as a presidential candidate in the 2016 elections? What, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, do you think about this?

-ooo N O TA R Y P U B L I C CANNOT PERFORM MARRIAGES: Justiniano N. wants to declare his marriage with his wife, Maria B., invalid, on the ground that they were married only by a notary public who had an office in one of the stalls near the Manila City Hall, in the exact area where a big department store is now located. Justiniano is saying that the notary public however signed the marriage contract as a “minister of the gospel.”

Now, let us clarify this.

A not ar y public is not authorized to solemnize any marriage anywhere in the Philippines. It is not one of his duties under the law as a notary public.

Howe ver, if the notar y public is also a “minister of the gospel” belonging to a religious group, he could be authorized to solemnize a marriage, provided he first was given a license by his church and the government.

Under Art. 7 of the Family

Code of the Philippines, we find this provision which says that marriages maybe solemnized by any priest, rabbi, imam, or any minister of any church or religious sect duly authorized by his church or religious sect duly registered with the government. It is important however that one of the contracting parties must be a member of the church or the sect.

-ooo THE RICH WILL NOT ENDURE: Here is a follow-up to the interesting guidelines for the rich that we published here the other day, which also talks about the foolishness of being rich: “People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

“They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).

Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. Though while they live they count themselves blessed---and people praise you when you prosper---they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life.

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio “People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish….

For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had name d l ands af ter themselves…”

-ooo PLEASE LISTEN: “Ang Tanging Daan” (The Sole Way): a Bible study and prayer session online could now be heard, 24 H O U R S a d ay, i n t h e Philippines and the world at w w w. f a c e b o o k . c om / angtangingdaan or www. facebook.com/ANDKNK (and look for “Ang Tanging Daan” broadcasts). Phone: 0922 833 43 96, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.

Dialogue with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament

Oro Chamber

Secret Service Think a minute…This is a true stor y a man told of when he was a young t e e n a g e r. He w a s j u s t hanging out listening to the radio one day when his father came in from working outside. His dad looked at him and said: “Son, in 24 hours you won’t even remember what you’re listening to now. How about doing something for the next 20 minutes that you’ll remember for the next 20 years? I promise you’ll enjoy it every time you think of it “What is it?” the son asked. His dad said, “Well, our neighbor, Mrs. Brown, needs her grass cut. Why don’t you go cut her lawn while she’s gone, and then get back quickly so she won’t know you are the person who did it?” The son said he hurried over and cut their neighbor’s grass in just 20 minutes.

Mrs. Brown came home later and never knew who had mowed her lawn for her.

That son said his father was right. It’s now more than 20 years later, and every time he thinks of secretly cutting Mrs. Brown’s grass for her he really enjoys the memory.

Jesus Christ said that when we do good so people

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THINK

A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst will see and praise us, then that’s the only reward we’ll ever get for it. He said we should try to do our giving and helping in a way that doesn’t draw attention to ourselves, but simply do it because we care and want to help people. We shouldn’t tell people what we did or how much we gave. We know it, God knows it, and that’s all the reward we need. The reward that humans give cannot ever match the reward God gives.

So if all we want is the approval of other people, then that’s all we’ll get.

But if we give our help and ser vice secretly, for God and others, then we’ll be rewarded and blessed much more during this life, and even after we die. Just Think a Minute…

What a blessed thing, this practice of visiting Christ in the Blessed Sacrament!

Let’s hope that this practice becomes more widespread and appreciated by more people. There, sadly, are indications this practice is vanishing, and those who still do it do it without due propriety.

In schools where the students are led to make t hes e visits, t here’s t he observation that many of the students just actually mutter some prayers without entering into some intimate conversation with the living Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. They just give it a blank stare.

It’s re ally a pity, for it’s like a most precious pearl is just hurled into a p a c k of pi g s t h at d o not know what they have i n f ront of t h e m . L e t’s hope that some effective and continuing catechesis be done about the “inexhaustible richness” of the sacrament, and that this blessed devotion takes ro ot i n i n d iv i du a l s , i n families, schools, offices, and s o ciety in genera l.

Giving good example of how it is done, of course, is a very effective tool.

This practice is, of course, an exercise of piety and devotion. And as such, it has to be done with faith and love as the primary motive and motor.

When one has the proper dispositions, he can easily enter into a most moving dialogue with Christ.

For one, he will be most moved just to be before the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

He will be moved to see Christ remaining in a little box we call a tabernacle, waiting for people to visit him and, at least, to show some affection to him.

“O Lord,” the dialogue might start, “how good of you, the very Creator of the universe and our own savior, to stay with us, to be close to us, to inspire us, to reassure us.

How good of you to show how much you love us to madness!”

From there, all kinds of considerations can be made. With our faith in Christ who is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, we can hear him say, “My child, how good of you also to come and visit me. I want to be with you always because we are meant to be together. You and I are actually meant to have a shared life. What is yours is mine, and what is mine is also yours. Understand that very well.”

The few minutes spent in the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament will be filled with many thoughts, desires and impulses that would

strengthen our faith, hope and charity, and that would make us more aware of our duties and responsibilities as a child of God. It’s in those moments w h e n we , i n a m an n e r of speaking, can recover ou r s e ns e s , ge t a more objective and global view of things, strengthen our supernatural understanding of things that would know the value of suffering, for example, an d w ou l d m a ke u s t o realize that we need to help and love ever yone, bringing Christ to them and vice-versa.

It’s in those moments when we can confide to him, who is ever ything to us, our problems and difficulties. There we surely can get our consolation and encouragement, the reassurance of his mercy and help, and the spiritual renewal that would bring back peace and joy to us as we pursue our duties in life.

It’s in those moments when we can seem to hear our Lord telling us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

(Mt 11,28) In fact, it’s in those moments that the words we read in the gospel become alive and actual and somehow addressed to us.

This is no fiction.

HINTS

and

Traces

Fr. Roy Cimagala Faith, which to some can sound and look like f i c t i on , i s a c tu a l l y t h e ultimate reality. We have to understand that reality is not what we make out of it, what our senses and intelligence can discern and understand. It’s what our faith tells us, the faith that God, the creator and t he ve r y fou nd at i on of reality, is giving us to share what he knows with us.

Christ, truly present in the Eucharist, is the fullness of the revelation of God. And he is making himself completely available to us all throughout time in the Holy Eucharist.

If we wou ld on ly b e aware of this truth, and come to believe it, I am sure t hat we c an ne ve r afford to be indifferent to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament! We would visit h i m and t a l k w it h h i m every chance we have. roycimagala@gmail.com

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C orporateWorld 6 Globe readies bats for innovative ICT solutions 2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

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DE LA SALLE-College of Saint Benilde chooses Globe as ICT education solutions provider for its Brightspace Learning Management System Globe Telecom is priming Philippine schools for 21st century learning with the use of innovative information and communications technology (ICT) solutions that transform the delivery of education.

Through its IT Enabled Services Group, Globe was chosen as the ICT education solutions provider of the De La Salle-College of Saint B enilde (DLS-CSB) for its Brightspace Learning Management System under the Globe Education Solutions suite.

Globe Education Solutions is the telco’s pursuit into strengthening education delivery in the Philippines through the use of ICT. With the aspiration tomold t he yout h i nto worl d class and global citizens through technological innovations in education, the Brightspacelearning platform seamlessly connects digital content, learning analytics, mobile and collaboration tools, adaptive learning with an ecosystem of applications, resources, and services. Its key benefits include optimized, outcome-based, and student-centered learning;

increased faculty productivity and efficiency; improved performance, attainment, and success rates; and improved student engagement and retention among others.

“The digital shift is upon us and now is the best time to bring the benefits of technology to education.

This will definitely impact not only the delivery of education but the learning exp er ience of students today and in the future. Our partnership with De La Salle Benilde demonstrates our commitment to transform learning in the country and bring the PH education sector to greater heights and in a global scale,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. DLS-CSB President Br. D ennis Magb anua FSC adds, “The digital solutions powered by Globe Education Solutions enhance teachers’ and stu d e nt s’ l e ar n i ng exp er ience b e yond t he classroom walls. Globe has the capacity and expertise to make a real difference in this vital sector of the society and we look forward to the innovative solutions and services that Globe has in store for DLS-CSB.” Globe Education Solutions (GES) offers a world-class globe/PAGE 10

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (2nd from right) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde President Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC (2nd from left) flash the Benilde sign during the partnership agreement signing between Globe Telecom and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, enabling the school access to the telco’sBrightspace Learning Management System. Joining them are D2L Senior Channel Sales Manager David O’Hagan (leftmost) and Globe Head of Sales Engagement for Globe Education Solutions Bobby Khan (rightmost).

Vista Land raised $125M more from bonds VISTA Land and Lifescapes Inc., the country’s largest home builder, has raised $125 million after reopening its June 2022 bonds under its $1 billion medium term note program.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange,

Vista Land said the 7.375 percent bonds, which drew a $200 million order book,were issued through its subsidiary VLL International Inc. The senior unsecured bonds were issued at a cash price of 102.00, which represents a yield of 6.979 percent per annum.

Following a three-day roadshow in Singapore, Hong Kong and London, Vista Land successfully navigated the market volatility witnessed in the first few weeks of the year and captured an appropriate execution window following

a one week period of no G3 issuance in the market.

The reopening will lift the outstanding size of the bonds to $425 million. The deal was well-received with offshore investors receiving sizeable allocations of 60 percent, further diversifying Vista Land’s investor base.

This transaction represents the first US Dollar bond offering from an ASEAN corporate in 2016 and the first non-China US Dollar High Yield bond out of Asia in 2016.

Vista Land re-opened

the Philippines real estate space in the international debt capital markets, setting a benchmark for further issuances.

It will use the proceeds of the issuance to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

DB S B an k Ltd. and HSBC acted as Joint Lead Managers and Bookrunners on the transaction while BDO Capital & Investment Corporation and China Bank Capital Corporation acted as Joint Domestic Lead vista/PAGE 10

PHL car parts maker, Japanese firm team up A PHILIPPINE car parts maker has entered into a partnership with a Japanese firm to take advantage of the incentives being offered under the countr y’s car manufacturing resurgence program.

Philippine Parts Maker Association, Inc. President Ferdinand I. Raquelsantos confirmed that the partnership was a

done deal even before the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program was opened to applicants.

T h e l o c a l c omp a ny was identified as Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corp., while its Japanese partner is Metaltech Co. Ltd. M r. R a q u e l s a n t o s declined to give a value to

the partnership.

He previously said that his group was targetting at least 31 joint ventures and technical agreements under the CARS program.

“They’re going have to put in a lot of capital expenditure and equipment,” he said.

“What we are excited about this is not only the investment but also the jobs that will be generated.”

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AgriBusiness

‘El Niño’ downs rice yield in SurSur TANDAG City -- The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) here, which played host to this week’s Monday flag ceremony program, bared the agriculture sector had suffered from the mild effects of El Niño phenomenon in 2015.

Marcos Quico, provincial agriculturist, told capitol employees palay harvest did not turn that good, citing climate change, particularly El Niño, as culprit.

By presenting a comparative data planted with rice in 2014 and 2015, production per metric ton (MT) was said to have gone down significantly, pointing out that during

the previous year, 2014, a total of 33,701 hectares were reported to have been planted as compared to only 31,059 hectares in 2015.

As a result, Quico said, the province had posted a “-6.84 percent growth rate (GR),” showing production at 112,493 MT in 2014 as against 104,794 MT in 2015.

“We expect that we will be having shortfall of supply in the next months. The only advantage we have—because we have a ‘seesaw’ harvesting in Surigao del Sur. While the central (part) is resting, the Carcanmadcarlan area (five clusters of municipalities in the north) is harvesting,” explained the chief

agriculturist.

Rice fields in the province a re c l a s s i f i e d o n l y a s “irrigated and rainfed,” the former somewhat doubling the area of the latter.

As broken down, the irrigated and rainfed areas planted/harvested in 2014 were at 22,404 and 11,297 hectares as compared to 20,164 and 10,895 hectares, respectively, in 2015 On the other hand, the chief agriculturist allayed fears of rice shortage.

Referring to worst scenario, he assured that this would not take place unless rice production could go down to as much as 50 percent.

During that occasion, Quico also disclosed plans of seeing Governor Johnny Pimentel and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members for a consultation.

“We are intending to report this to the Sanggunian and to the governor so that we can also suggest some mitigation to, at least, cushion the impact of the dry spell,” he said.

Last year, Quico had said many times over that mitigating measures had been in place here even before mild El Niño had taken its toll on the farm sector. (NGBT/ Greg Tataro Jr., Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DA conducts cloud-seeding operations in Soccsksargen THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has started cloud-seeding operations in Soccsksargen, the country’s second-largest rice-producing region, to mitigate the adverse impact of El Niño on rice crops.

Cloud seeding was

conducted on Saturday over Sarangani and South Cotabato upon the recommendation of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management.

S oils exp er ts joined Philippine Air Force pilots to plot and determine the most appropriate cloud formation

and density.

Director Amalia JayagDatukan of the regional DA office said the team conducted its assessment last week in General Santos City before it finalized the operation over the weekend.

The ass essment was

also attended by the DA’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Section and personnel from the four provincial governments in the Soccsksargen.

The participants in the orientation served as cloud seeding/PAGE 10

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Farm exports continued to drop in November 2015 THE total value of the countr y’s farm exp or ts continued its downward trend for the 10th consecutive time in November 2015, posting a 23.1-percent decrease to $240.59 million (freight-onboard) from $312.98 million recorded in the same period in 2014, the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

Based on the PSA report, the drop could be attributed to the decline in the exports of sugar and sugar by-products, fruits and vegetables, and other agriculture products, including fisheries, fiber, tobacco and rubber.

Coconut products reported a recovery, with outward shipments of coconut products rising last November by 4.3 percent to $106.31 million, compared to $101.9 million reported in 2014.

Coconut oil remained the Philippines’s top farm export during the period, registering a 17.9-percent increment to $89.95 million from $76.3 million the previous year.

Preliminary data from the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (Ucap) as of January 19 showed that coconut-oil exports in November 2015 reached 69,729 metric tons (MT),

24.27 percent higher than last year’s shipments of 56,017 MT. Ucap Executive Director Yvonne Agustin told the Bus i ne ss Mi r ror t h is is because of the slight recovery of coconut trees three years after the devastation of Sup e r t y ph o on Yol an d a (international code name Haiyan). However, she said the volume of shipments is still relatively lower than the monthly average of coconutoil exports in the first 10 months of of 2015, at 71,280 MT. The second largest agricultural export was canned pineapple, which accounted for $33.14 million of the total agricultural exports during the period.

This was 79.3 percent higher than the 2014 exports of $18.49 million.

Banana exports, the thirdlargest farm export, slumped by 76.1 percent to $16.09 million, compared to the $67.35 million recorded in November 2014.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala earlier said the drop in the value of banana exports could be attributed to the downturn of banana prices in the international market. In addition, exports/PAGE 10

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Bam seeks to strengthen Islamic banking framework EVEN as the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law is pending in Congress, the government will continue to help strengthen the Islamic banking system, Senator Bam Aquino declared on Thursday.

In Senate Bill No. 3150 or the Philippine Islamic Financing Act of 2016, Aquino pointed out that the proposed measure aims to give Filipino-Muslim entrepreneurs access to financing and other services that are compliant with the principles Shari’ah or Islamic law.

Aquino said the bill seeks to amend the charter of the AlAmanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines, the only Islamic Bank in the country, established in 1973.

“It seeks to strengthen Al-Amanah Bank to

serve a broader market, while promoting both the establishment of other Islamic banks and enhance Islamic banking arrangements by conventional banks under the supervision and regulation of the BSP,” Sen. Aquino said.

At present, Aquino said, Muslim banking and finance applies principles based on the Shari’ah Law, where the kind of banking and financing operations is characterized by risk-sharing and equitable distribution of wealth.

“Undertaking or financing of anti-social and unethical business, and the setting of interest or a fixed predetermined rate of return are prohibited,” said Aquino, who chairs the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

He remarked that Islamic banking and finance in the

Philippines are limited by three major challenges: The lack of clear and regulatory framework; lack or scarcity of experts on Islamic banking and finance; and low investor awareness and acceptance of Islamic banking and finance.

These challenges prevent the country from enjoying the vast growth of Islamic banking worldwide, which is believed to grow by 21 percent despite the existing global context.

“Currently, there are more than 600 Islamic financial institutions operating in more than 75 countries, a n d a l m o s t a l l m aj o r multinational banks offer Islamic financial institutions,” Aquino disclosed.

He added that said the measure will help address these challenges and open up for Muslim entrepreneurs

an environment where they can thrive and prosper.

“Accompanied by other critical inclusive financial reforms and innovations, this bill seeks to ensure the development of MSMEs not only in our major urban centers but also in the poorest and hardest to reach areas,” the senator said.

“It also seeks to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of status, identity or religion, has access to critical services that enable them to seize economic opportunities and be part of the country’s progress,” he added.

The proposed measure further mandates government to provide programs for increased consumer awareness and capacity building required by the expanded Islamic banking system.

Quezon City, Philippines - With one in every three F i l i p i n o s h av i n g h i g h cholesterol levels, how could they control its onset without sacrificing what this year has to offer—on the table?

A study on cholesterol levels among Filipinos led by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute revealed that 31.4 percent of Filipino adults 20 years old and over had “borderline high to high cholesterol levels.” Now that the New Year is here, it is often challenging to control huge consumptions of food— particularly those that are rich in cholesterol—knowing that annual festivities and birthday celebrations are here left and right.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in fats in the blood. Though cholesterol is ne e de d by t he b o dy because it is essential to building healthy cells, too much of it could increase It will still be a good year a person’s chance of having for the industry, probably cardiovascular disease. the same as last year where “S om e p e opl e m a ke you saw between 15-20% it a point to reduce their growth in new business,” consumption of cholesterolSunlife Philippines CEO rich foods especially now that Riza Mantaring said in an another year has been capped interview. off,” said Tomas Luke Marcelo S u n l i f e P h i l i p p i n e s Agana III, president and CEO currently has 92 branches of Pharex HealthCorp. “But in the country and plans to enjoying what the New Year open eight more this year. brings need not come at the “The focus will be on expense of sacrificing your insurance/PAGE 10 year-long joy and family bondings especially when stories are better shared on the table.”

Bearing that in mind, 2002 that VMC executed Pharex HealthCorp.—the with its creditors,” the court most prescribed generic decision read. brand of medicines— EWBC remains the only introduces its 15-day Pharex major creditor-bank that has C ompl i anc e Pou ch for refused the terms of the debt- Cholesterol to help Filipino restructuring agreement. adults who are prone to The sugar miller is still high cholesterol adhere to under receivership. Shares their medication without of VMC closed yesterday compromising their plans unchanged at P4.68 apiece. this 2016.

Insurance premiums seen to grow to P285-B this year THE insurance industry is set to grow by over a fifth this year in total premium income, sustaining its record in 2015 according to the Insurance Commission.

“This year I am looking at possibly from P285 to P300 billion,” Insurance Commissioner chief Emmanuel Dooc said on the sidelines of a conference.

“That’s a tall order, hitting the higher end, but I think

P285 is a reasonable target.”

The regulator’s forecast in total premium income this year is up P52 billion or 22% from the record high P233 billion logged last year, which was within the target of P230-P240 billion. Dooc said he expects single premium or variable life insurance products to be the industry’s core driver this year.

Dooc said he also sees the industry’s penetration

rate - which is premium income over the country’s gross domestic product - to inch closer to 2% this year, up from about 1.8% in 2015 but still below the ASEAN average of 3%.

Sunlife Philippines of Canada Philippines - the country’s top insurer - also expects to track the industry’s growth trajectory this year.

“This year should be another interesting year.

CA affirms SEC ruling on VMC-EastWest dispute EAST WEST Banking Corp.

(EWBC) suffered another setback in its bid to swap more than P350 million worth of convertible notes into equity in Victorias Milling Co. (VMC).

VMC on Wednesday told the stock exchange that the Court of Appeals’ Special Eighth Division denied the

bank’s petition questioning the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) en banc’s September 2015 ruling on the securities conversion issue.

In its decision dated Jan. 19, 2016, the CA affirmed the SEC en banc ruling that rejected EWBC’s motion to compel VMC to convert its debt notes into equity.

“In the said decision, the Court of Appeals ruled that VMC paid/redeemed the convertible note, which was issued by VMC in favor of EWBC, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Alternative Rehabilitation Plan and the Debt Restructuring Agreement dated April 29,

Pharex launches new 15-day Compliance Pouch to beat high cholesterol this 2016 With the new Pharex C ompl i anc e Pou ch for Cholesterol, Filipinos may prevent the rise of their cholesterol levels by adhering to therapy without sacrificing their budget. This means that Filipinos with high cholesterol may get the same effective, quality maintenance medicines good for 15 days that’s 50 percent m ore a f f ord a b l e w h e n compared to an imported brand. “ I d e a l l y, t h e n e w C o m p l i a n c e Po u c h i s made for patients who are currently taking maintenance medicines to keep their cholesterol at its normal and desirable levels,” Agana said. “Now, Filipino patients may conveniently take their pre s c r i b e d m e d i c at i on wherever they go in anytime of the day.”

The new Pharex C ompl i anc e Pou ch for Cholesterol is indicated for patients who have elevated bad cholesterol or lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL).

This type of cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries, causing them to harden or become narrower.

When left untreated, this may lead to heart attack.

“High cholesterol can be inheritable, but it often comes as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle,” Agana said. “While it is important to religiously take your medication as prescribed by your doctor, it is also imperative to watch what you eat and visit your doctor regularly.”

Pharex Compliance Pouch for Cholesterol is so much more convenient. It comes in a resealable, water-resistant foil pouch that keeps its contents clean and dry. And it is easy to carry so patients will never miss their regular dose. pharex/PAGE 10

Golden Cup Balm & Golden Cup Oil : Rub Away That Pain and Itch World famous topical pain relieving ointment and liniment brand, Golden Cup, is now available in the Philippines. To be launched at Cebu’s Sinulog Festival on January 15, 2016, Golden Cup Balm and Golden Cup Oil will usher in a wise option for optimum health and healing.

Imported from Thailand, Golden Cup has been proven effective for more than 60 years and is Thailand’s No. 1 brand. Approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and Halal Certified by The Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, these products are safe for use by everyone.

Golden Cup Balm is made with herbal ingredients. It contains Menthol, Camphor, Methyl Salicylate, Eucalyptus Oil, Cajuput Oil, Clove Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Cinnamon Oil. And because it has a pleasant scent, not overly harsh or smelling like chemicals, it soothes the senses while alleviating the pain or itch.

All of these offer gentle and effective relief from various aches and pains to consumers worldwide.

Simply rub some Golden Cup Balm on the affected portion of your body and calm down that muscular pain, rheumatism, stress, headache, dizziness, nausea, insect bites and

nasal congestion.

Golden Cup is also available in oil form. Made with a blend of naturally occurring oils and essences like Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil, Cajuput Oil, Clove Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Cinnamon Oil, it offers concentrated relief from those ailments.

The calming balm for a calming relief with a calming scent. Golden Cup Balm is available in 4g, 8g, 12g, 22g, and 50g sizes while the Golden Cup Oil is available in 3ml, all at affordable prices. Golden Cup products are now available in drugstores and supermarkets in Visayas.

For more information, visit http://goldencup.com. ph/

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DOLE... from page 2

SUMILAO, Bukidnon - Residents of Sitio Laruk, Barangay Kisolon, listen to the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - National Community Driven Development (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP) orientation during the 1st Barangay Assembly held in the last quarter of 2015. The year 2015 is a year of transition in terms of the coverage, from 19 municipalities to 64 areas; there was a massive pooling of workers to meet the demand of community sub-projects completion.

Sumilao is among the new areas of the KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP implementation. The development objective of KALAHI CIDSS is the empowerment of local communities through their involvement in the design and implementation of poverty reduction projects and improved participation in local governance.

---------------- photo by luigi carlo a. sescon, technical facilitator, dswd kalahi cidss, region x

apply ing at t he Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Right now, Cagayan de Oro City is the only one implementing in the region.

The benef iciaries of t h i s pro g r ams are t h e youth, in partnership with Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cagayan de Oro City, Asian Development Bank, and Government of Canada. Furthermore, the beneficiaries will be trained three months and will be deployed at any offices and agencies for internship for another three months.

Gutib also invited those who wanted to avail the livelihood program through the D OLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) in the five provinces of region 10 particularly Malaybalay Bukidnoon, Vi l lanue va, Kauswagan High-way in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City, Oroqueta City and Mambajao, Camiguin.

He noted that the allocation budget for this program is P35 million.

For the enforcement of labor standards, Gutib said that the joint assessment is still on going where 22 l ab or l aw s c ompl i anc e officer are in charge of the evaluation. He also said that the approach of DOLE this time is developmental an d any d e f i c i e n c y of t he e st abl i sh me nt , t he department will give enough time to correct and assist the employers and workers.

Meanwhile, Atheneus Vasallo, chief of the Technical Support and Ser vices Division said that DOLE is also supporting community based livelihood. This is the Emergency Employment or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

This is a packaged assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and unemployed poor.

Interested individuals or groups who want to avail of DOLE’s programs may visit their regional office at Monte Carlo Building, RER Phase 1, Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro City or call them at (08822) 727682. (Nelia Quijano/JMOR/PIA10)

Tax...

from page 2

government’s revenue share reached a total of P5,541,327 in 2015.

The provincial imposition under quarry and mining covers sand and gravel tax; mining tax, mining permit fee, ore transport fee, occupational mining tax, verification fee, filing fee, permit fee, projection fee, processing fee, fines/ penalties/surcharges, and, miscellaneous (deliver y receipts).

Last year’s collection is the second highest for the province since the creation

of PEMO in 2007.

The province posted its biggest collection in 2012 with a total of P15.79 million.

Globe... from page 6

system for education that fits your school’s needs.

These are the school management system Educube from Globals providing improved efficiencies of school operations such as enrollment, grading, accounting, inventory and other processes; eBooks from Flipside Publishing Services, Inc. through content conversion and creation, ebooks aggregation, and distribution; and learning management system Br i g ht sp a c e f rom D 2 L which supports flexible, personalized, and a mobileready learning experience.

Vista... from page 6

Managers.

The bonds are guaranteed

by Vista Land and several units, such as Brittany Corporation, Camella Homes, Crown Asia Properties, Communities Philippines, Manuela Corp, Masterpiece Asia Properties, Starmalls and Vista Residences.

Vi s t a L an d , a l s o through VLL International, successfully raised $300 million in June last year from the oversubscribed offering of senior unsecured notes due 2022.

The firm said it successfully priced the offering with a nominal rate of 7.375 percent.

This was the first 7-year tenor Notes issued by VLL under its US$1 billion debut medium term note program.

The Notes were issued as part of Vista Land’s liability management exercise designed primarily to extend its US dollar notes due 2018 and 2019.

Seeding... from page 7

spotters, who were briefed on identifying the wind speed, direction and the types of the clouds.

Datukan said clouds e e d i n g s or t i e s w ou l d continue across different parts of the region, composed of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.

Soccsksargen is currently experiencing the severe effect of El Niño on the region’s farm sector, including rat infestation, which usually occurs during a prolonged dry spell.

Cloud seeding is a process of manu a l ly spre a d i ng salt or dry ice on dense cloud formation to trigger condensation and induce rain.

The regional office of the DA has listed cloud seeding as one of the mitigating measures to cushion the ill effects of El Niño.

Some 900 25-kilogram bags of salt were used for

the operation. Each flight, which costs around P45,000, spreads 10 to 11 bags of salt on clouds.

Datukan said the best time for cloud seeding is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

She also encouraged public participation by informing her office of “seedable” clouds.

“They may take photographs of these cloud buildup and post them at Agri Tayo Soccsksargen Facebook page,” Datukan said.

In December last year Datukan said the regional DA office has allocated P44 million for various interventions, such as the distribution of seeds and other relief assistance, to help farmers jump-start planting activities and recover losses from the dry spell.

Exports... from page 7

Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association Executive Director Stephen Antig said the prolonged dry spell has affected the output and quality of the country’s bananas.

O u t w a r d s h i p m e nt s of sugar and its products declined by 83.8 percent to $269,000 from $1.66 million in 2014. Sugar Regulatory Administration Administrator Ma. Regina Bautista Martin said El Niño caused the drop in sugar production in crop year 2014 to 2015, prompting the agency to temporarily stop the export of “A”, or US sugar, and “D”, or sugar bound for the world market.

Other agriculture products that posted decreases in export value in November 2015 included fisheries, abaca fibers, unmanufactured tobacco and natural rubber, among others.

Insurance... from page 8

the provincial areas because that’s where we see a lot of potential in the country,” Mantaring said.

“Overall, we remain pretty bullish on the Philippines in the long-term, for many reasons such as demographic trends and the increasing prosperity.”

The local unit of Canadabased Manulife Financial is likewise optimistic on their 2016 growth prospects as they also plan to open about eight to nine new branches.

The Insurance Commission is aiming the industry’s total premium income to double by 2019 to reach P500 billion.

Pharex... from page 8

He concluded, “Pharex makes quality healthcare more affordable and accessible to Filipinos. As the New Year starts, make sure that you carry the Pouch with you to prevent the lifethreatening consequences of high cholesterol.”

For more information about the Pharex Compliance Po u c h , p l e a s e c o nt a c t 4338088 (local 820).

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Modus... from page 1

Saturday morning, according to NGCP’s advisory to the media. The company said it completed the repairs “with the installation of a modified lightweight tower.”

The continued attack on the transmission facilities are still believed to be linked to the ROW problems of which settlements of claims have been turning to be a tedious process not only for NGCP, but also for the government.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada previously noted that there have been failed negotiations primarily for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) due to claims that cannot be validated.

“We have been asking for records, but the belief is: most of their claims have already been settled,” she stressed.

Monsada stressed “unfortunately, what they’re saying is, this is another generation of owners so they can no longer find the documents that could rightly back their demands for payment or compensation in the properties they are claiming.”

She said, “they have to take note that it will be the government (via the Nat i on a l Tr ans m i ss i on Corporation) that will pay for the settlement…so before the government pays, we ask: where are your documents?”

The energy chief qualified

“what we are tr ying to establish here: are their claims even valid? Is the amount they’re asking reasonable?”

Monsada reckoned that zonal valuation has been one of the biggest hurdles in their negotiation with claimants.

For instance, she cited that in the extreme ROW cases of NGCP, the difference in zonal valuation always emerged as the “deal-breaker,” thus, access issues to the properties traversed by transmission facilities tended difficult.

“The initial indication – they (landowners) have been asking for exorbitant amount … a lot more expensive than zonal value, that’s why it should be our point of negotiation,” the energy chief said.

Some parties, she added, have been proffering additional claims – such as rentals – thus, causing their settlement demand to swell.

--www.mb.com.ph

Businesses... from page 1

gains attained by the province through the assistance and intervention of DTI Bukidnon Provincial Office.

As of November 30, 2015, DTI Bukidnon had already attained or exceeded all targets set for 2015, except for three parameters.

Foremost among these were the number of shared ser vice facilities (SSFs) established and maintained already at 27 vs. a target of

18 (150% accomplishment); PBR.WBNR transaction rate (68% accomplished vs. 40% target for a 170% accomplishment); amount of additional support generated from external sources at PhP 1.20-million vs. a target of PhP 1-M (120%).

“We also assisted 143 micro, small and medium enterprises in the province through access to trade fairs, pasalubong centers and negosyo center exhibits,” Dir. Abang disclosed on the sidelines of the briefing attended my local and regional media. “One of Bukidnon’s Product booths also won the Best Design Award during the 2015 Kahimunan Trade Fair held at SM City in Cagayan de Oro.” Besides access to their individual markets, DTI Bukidnon also extended assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through access to finance and resource generation, productivity and efficiency, business enabling environment, consumer welfare and protection and good governance.

Notable among their accomplishments in these specific sectors were the PhP 8.657-M extended to 8 MSME beneficiaries in coordination with DOST through its Set Up Adoptor program under finance and resource generation; PhP15.31-M assistance extended to 27 SSF projects to improve their productivity and efficiency;

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 21 Cagayan de Oro City IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES SPEC.PROC.CASE NO. SP-ORD WITH RESPECT TO PETITIONER’S CERTIFICATE 2016-010 OF LIVE BIRTH [WITH REGISTRY NO.2007-587 ETC.,

NEMUEL P. GABITO,

Petitioner, -VERSUSTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, LEONILA B. PERALES AND FELIX P. GABITO, Respondents x------------------------------------------------------------------/

Notice is hereby given that filed before this court is a verified Petition for Correction of the following entries in the certificate of Live Birth of Nemuel P. Gabito issued by the Local Civil Registrar of Cagayan de Oro City under Registry No. 2007-587, to wit:

1.

Change the Date of Birth : from November 24, 1988 to November 25, 1988;

2.

Change Date and Place of Marriage of parents : from “Not Married” to October 16,1961, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur;

3.

Change the Middle Name of Petitioner’s father: from Para to PARAN;

4. Delete the annotation that the petitioner was legitimated due to subsequent marriage of parents on July 12, 2002 at Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City to;

5.

To declare petitioner a legitimate child of respondents leonila B. Perales and Felix P. Gabito;

6. Direct the Local civil Registrar of Cagayan de Oro to issue a corrected Certificate of Live Birth of the petitioner.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be heard on MARCH 2, 2016 [Wednesday] at 8:30 in the morning at the PLEB Session Hall, City Hall, Cagayan de Oro City.

At the expense of the petitioner, let a copy of this Order be published before the hearing at least once a week for three [3] consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Misamis Oriental and City of Cagayan de Oro. Let also a copy of this Order be posted at the Bulletin board of the City Hall of Cagayan de Oro City, at the Bulletin Board of the Office of the City Civil Registrar of Cagayan de Oro City, and at the Bulletin board of the Philippine Statistics Authority [formerly the National Statistics Authority] Regional Office in Cagayan de Oro City. It is further ordered that Petitioner, at its own expense shall furnish copy of this order and the Petition together with its annexes to the Office of the Solicitor General.

Any person having or claiming any interest on the entry of which cancellation or correction is sought is hereby directed to file their written oppositions and appear on the said date of hearing.

Let Summons be issued.

SO ORDERED.

Done this 19th day of January 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City.

BWM: Jan. 29, Feb. 5 & 12, 2016

Scheme...

marshy area were found w i lt ing due to ext reme drought.

“How could I eat my favorite abalong (a gabi native dish) if we can’t find it anymore in marshy areas in the next days?” Hambala posted on his Facebook a c c ou nt e x pre ss i ng h is concern on the effects of El Niño.

The same problem is being encountered by Teduray farmers in Datu Blah Sinsuat, North and South Upi in Maguindanao.

The dry spell has dried up even camote plantations while worms have attacked some, according to Lumad advocate Romy Saliga.

Saliga is calling agencies and disaster response g roup s t o a l s o l o ok at the plight people going

hungry because of natural calamities like El Niño and not only those who are fleeing their homes affected by armed conflict.

In his visit last month, Agriculture Secretar y Proceso Alcala has assured of the Department of Agriculture’s contingency plans, saying funds will be available for drought affected farmers.

Among the mitigating measures conducted by DA is cloud seeding operation and dispersal of planting materials to affected farmers.

Farmers in Region 12 and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are yet to receive assistance from DA as promised by Alcala.

from page 1

The campaign includes giving of 50 kilos or one sack of rice for every 500 rat tails that the farmers could present to disaster officials, the mayor said.

He said the Kabacan LGU initiated this reward system to encourage farmers in the campaign to save rice, corn and other high value crops which are already due for harvest next month.

In neighboring Matalam town, jogger R aphael Hambala noticed this morning that even root crops like “gabi” (Colocasia esculenta) growing in a Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12TH Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF RHUDA SAJONIA PAPELLERO IN THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KOLAMBUGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE, RHUDA PAPELLERO BAROQUILLO,

- versus –

SPL. PROC. NO. 307-07-2015

Petitioner,

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KOLAMBUGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE, ` Respondent. x------------------------------------------/

ORDER

te chnica l assist ance in t he prep arat ion of t he Valencia City Investments and Incentives Code under Business Enabling Environment; three (3) Bagwis bronze awardees during Consumer Month Celebration last November 2015 and attaining a 100% C u s t o m e r S at i s f a c t i o n Rating with 95% Customer Satisfaction Feedback (CSF) Retrieval Rate.

“For 2016, DTI Bukidnon will focus on opening more negosyo centers in the province, coordinate with more LGUs to enhance the overall competitiveness of municipalities and cities of Bukidnon, and promote inclusive growth models to promote MSMEs,” Dir. Abang said.

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(Sgd.) GIL G. BOLLOZOS Presiding Judge

AMENDED ORDER

Filed before this Court is a petition for cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of RHUDA SAJONIA PAPELLERO in the office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte praying among others that after notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Respondents to effect the cancellation sought for.

Petitioner alleges that she is of legal age, married, Filipino, and resident of Baybay, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. Respondent is sued in her official capacity as such. Petitioner is the daughter of the late spouses RODULFO LACANG PAPELLERO and ESTERLINA TANAKA SAJONIA who was born on April 22, 1972 in Baybay, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. That her mother caused a late registration of her birth on February 1, 2001. But when she went to the Office of the National Statistics (NSO) to secure an authentic copy of her Birth Certificate, she was surprised to find out that her birth was already previously registered in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte on April 27, 1972, the informant of the same was Perla Betacha. In effect, there is a double registration of her birth before the Office of the Respondent. That while the late registration of her birth was only done on April 1, 2001, she has been using that Certificate of Birth in all his school, personal, and official records and transactions. In her visa application to travel to Japan as a Filipino citizen with Japanese ascents, the Birth Certificate she used is that late registration. But said application to travel Japan is suspended due to the existence of her two (2) Birth Certificates.

While there exist a registration of her birth on April 22, 1972, but she was completely unaware of the same. In fact, she never used those facts of birth entered therein but only the facts of her birth recorded in the late registration. That the former registration of her birth became an obstacle and bar her application to travel and much more bar her best interest. In inorder to attain and sustain her best interest and benefits, there is a need to cancel the first Certificate of Live Birth before the Respondent’s office. The cancellation of the same would not prejudice the interest of any person or the government. On the contrary, it will redound to her best interest as well as her family.

Set the initial hearing of the case to March 11, 2016 at 8:30 in the morning for the reception of evidence to establish jurisdictional requirements.

The Petitioner is hereby directed to publish copy of this Order to a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Lanao del Norte for three (3) consecutive weeks, at her expense. Furnish copy of this Order to the Office of the Solicitor General, Makati City, Public Prosecutor’s Office, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, to Atty. Saturnine Mejorada of Iligan City and to the petitioner herself at her known address, at Baybay, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

Let copy of this Order be posted at the Bulletin of this Court and at the Bulletin of the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

So Ordered.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

January 11, 2016.

BWM: Jan. 15, 22 & 29, 2016

(Sgd.) DENNIS P. VICOY Acting Presiding Judge

12

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Lucid, Sabali win big in Cinemagis 8

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Story by STEPHEN PEDROZA, Photos by JUSTICE BROÑOLA

HE eighth installment of Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival successfully concluded Saturday, January 23 with an awarding ceremony held at the SM City Event Center.

“Lucid” by Cloyd Winstanley, “Sabali” (Patience) by Christian Alan Toring and “Hapi” by Kenneth Sabijon emerged as top victors from the roster of official entries.

Cinemagis and Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) director Hobart Savior said that

this season’s harvest “explored exciting themes and the festival has kept its promise of improving year

after year.”

“I have one message this year,” Savior said. see full story/PAGE B2

DUST MITE ALLERGENS CAN RUIN PLAYTIME.

The cast and crew of Lucid led by director Cloyd Winstanley

Breeder urges stricter farm biosecurity measures to prevent poultry, gamefowl diseases With the summer season fast approaching and the effects of the El Niño phenomenon still lingering, a champion gamefowl breeder urged poultry and gamefowl raisers to implement tighter biosecurity measures to prevent spread of diseases due to the expected rise in temperatures.

Mr. Joey Sy, who won the coveted Invitational Derby at the Araneta

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Center last year, also said poultry raisers and gamefowl breeders alike should limit visitors in their farms to prevent contamination from possible carriers and conduct regular disinfection of farm premises, tools, and equipment.

Sy, host of the weekly cockfighting TV show “Bakbakan Na” and a member of the International Federation

of Gamefowl Breeders Associations (FIGBA), said he strongly recommends spraying farm premises with Major D, an effective disinfectant.

If visitors can’t be avoided, he advises breeders to “spray the tires of visitors’ vehicles, their shoes, and the edges of their pants with Major D. Wash their hands with alcohol or with Major D also.”

“If there are new gamefowls that came from cockpits or poultry and gamefowl expo shows, quarantine them for at least 10 days,” he added.

Major D is the leading biosecurity product from Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company (UNAHCO).

It is a three-in-one disinfectant that also acts as a detergent and diseases/PAGE B2

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Lucid, Sabali win big in Cinemagis 8 Story by STEPHEN PEDROZA, Photos by JUSTICE BROÑOLA

T

HE eighth installment of Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival s u c c e s s f u l l y c on c l u d e d Saturday, January 23 with an awarding ceremony held at the SM City Event Center.

“Lucid” by Cloyd Winstanley, “S a b a l i” ( Pat i e n c e ) b y Christian Alan Toring and “Hapi” by Kenneth Sabijon emerged as top victors from the roster of official entries.

Cinemagis and Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) director Hobart Savior said that this season’s harvest “explored exciting themes and the festival has kept its promise of improving year after year.”

“I have one message this year,” Savior said. “We will not stop in making [Cinemagis] more collective in terms of developing artists here in Mindanao and we will continue to sustain Cinemagis by prov i d i ng t r ai n i ng s , workshops, and cultural and arts education. We hope that the community will support us by appreciating what we do. That is already enough for all of us.”

Cinemagis is a platform for young filmmakers in Northern Mindanao to pour out their passion, stories and filmmaking skills, and for cultivating the experience and growth of local film audiences.

T h i s y e a r ’s f e s t i v a l shortlisted three professional entries, ten student films and five Pi-length entries, which were screened at Xavier University Little Theater and SM Cagayan de Oro Cinema 3 from January 20 to 23.

“Lucid” was hailed as the Best Short Film in the

professional categor y. It garnered five other awards, namely, Best Art Direction for Joey Baldoza and Ken Romarate, Best Story, Best Editing, Best Actor for Paul James Pagalan, and B est Director for Cloyd Winstanley.

“It was fulfilling as this was my 4th Cinemagis entry and I became quite frustrated garnering only 3rd and 2nd places in the past years. But that didn’t stop me from making more films. I jokingly told my cast and crew that I did a Pia Wurtzbach,” Winstanley said in an online interview.

Leading the nominations earlier, “Lucid” follows the story of Phillip, who struggles to determine whether he is in the real world or in a dream while reconciling his differences with Jamailah, a half-Maranao with whom he has had an affair. “’Lucid’ was actually my own dream. I was bothered by it that when I woke up at dawn at the sound of a gunshot (just like in the film), I decided to record the dream in my laptop.

After six months, I decided to write it as a screenplay and developed the story by adding some fictitious elements,” Winstanley shared.

“Jamailah is based on a real person — a Maranao friend. Physically, she really is like that; she wears short shorts and is very sexy and she speaks her mind. So I looked for a ‘clone’ and I found Kor Garces and I’m really happy that she gave the character justice,” he added.

“The Barrel” by Orpheus Nery received the 2nd Best Short Film award, along with Best Cinematography for Dio

Rama, Best Sound Scoring for John Uy, and Best Actress for Jocell Sedigo. This was the second film Nery directed, following his Cinemagis entry last year, “En Pace.”

The 3rd Best Short Film went to “Ang Mga Bulaclac ng Abuquerque” (The Flowers of Abuquerque) by Iligan Citybased professor and Palanca awardee German Gervacio.

His film also won the Best Trailer award. Set during the Spanish colonial period, AMBA depicts the story of a family traversing through life’s nuances and the revolution towards independence.

“Sabali” by Christian Alan Toring from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) was awarded the Best Student Short Film and won Best Art Direction for Jacques Saladaga, Robert Omandan and Raven dela Cruz.

“Sabali” follows the journey of an ordinary highlander who makes coin banks out of bamboo poles.

“This stor y was based on and inspired by the true story of a man from Iligan City. I’ve known him since my elementary years because I was able to buy a lugi-an (coin bank) from him,” Toring recounted. “I met him again in college and, with my team, we had the chance to ask him about his personal life.”

He added, “We were really inspired by how he and his family view life.”

It was a back-to-back win for Toring in the student category, who also won the top award last year for “Sangil” (Blame).

“Tabanog” (Kite) by XU Civil Engineering student Kirby James Jagape landed

Limketkai Luxe Hotel celebrates February blasts!

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A sumptuous meal, sprinkled with laughter and memories is what we offer at Kave Bar and Restaurant. With the on-set of the love month, couples, family and friends are off to an exciting treat for a two day valentine feast on February 13 & 14.

A complimentary glass of wine welcomes guests during the buffet. Sweet treats surely delights your palate paired with an entertainment of music that sets the mood to celebrate with your loved ones.

A stretch of an Authentic Chinese cuisine will be showcased in the buffet line on February 8,2016 from 11:30am to 2:00pm. And here’s the catch!!! Tag along 10 individuals and your group gets an additional 1 person free for the buffet.

Chinese treats will likewise be made available for all dinning guests, to enjoy and marks the start of the Year of the Fire Monkey.

Don’t settle for anything less, you only deserve the best. Come and visit Limketkai Luxe Hotel. For inquiries please call : (088)880-0000 & 09173124563.

2nd Best Student Short Film.

For transcending an emotional aftertaste to the audience, Jagape’s film also won the Best Story for Aileen S Llesis.

“Tabanog” turned the nuances of an unforgettable event into an evocative experience of fatherly love.

“Senyas,” which gathered t h e h i g h e s t nu m b e r o f nominations, won the third spot in the student set, along with awards for Best Actor for Edmund Telmo and Best Actress for Jean Obsiana as “Senda,” who was paralyzed during her struggle to survive Typhoon Sendong. Sabijon, who is also a theater actor of The Xavier Stage, got the Cinemagis 2016 Best Director Award.

“The Mist of Mind” by Harold Villegas, a Development Communication student at XU, reaped the awards for Best Editing and Best Sound Scoring. Depicting illegal drug-induced hallucinations, Villegas made this film after he and his friends got into a vehicular accident.

A crowd-favorite for its catchy and touching lines on love and fate, “Almost” by XU Business Administration student Jan Michael Sy won the SM Choice Award and the Audience Choice Award. Sy’s film shows how keeping our emotions to ourselves results to bitter-sweet consequences.

Po r t r a y i n g h o w t h e Internet’s advantages and drawbacks shape the present generation, Liceo de Cagayan University student Lucky Dela Rosa’s “Alarm Clock” got the Best Poster Award.

The Male and Female Stars of the Night award went to Paul James Pagalan, the protagonist of “Lucid” and Heintze Crile Malack, director of “Katapusan” (Ending), respectively.

The top winners will be featured at the national Cinema Rehiyon 8, the film harvest dubbed as “a detour from the Manila-centric movies,” to be held in Naga City later this year.

The Cinemagis festival also introduced a new category this year, the Pi Short Films, for entries that are a maximum of 3 minutes and 14 seconds long. Among the five entries, “Hapi,” a film also by Kenneth Sabijon won the Best Pi Video Award.

The main challenge for the filmmakers in this new category was to create a Pi short film that exemplified an Ignatian value (ie magis, cura personalis or care for others, humility, conscience, pursuit of truth, among others) or related to Pope Francis’ encyclical, the “Laudato Si.” Special citations were also given to the featured film “Ang Nerseri” by Victor Acedillo, the short films of Joe Bacus (“End of War,” “Happy Fiesta” and “Ika-III Putahi”), and “Soulmates” by Clark Cabantan, who received the Breakthrough Filmmaker of the Year Award.

Learning must not stop More than the giving of awards, the festival aims to promote local talents, voices

Director Kenneth Sabijon thanks the crowd for his Hapi win

and culture. To this end, the Cinemagis jurors shared some insights on ways to improve cinemat ic l angu age and aesthetics.

T h e p an e l of ju d ge s composed of Cinemalaya 2009 Best Screenplay Awardee and “Ang Nerseri” director Victor Acedillo of Camiguin; theater actor and director from Pagadian City Felimon Blanco; and Davaoeño filmmaker, musician and production sound mixer Arbi Barbarona gave the filmmakers some words of wisdom to go by as they grow into their chosen careers.

“Pay attention to details.

Everything in a scene must have its own purpose; it must be motivated,” Blanco said, adding that young filmmakers must be cautious with the use of language and subtexts to avoid “too many giveaways and stating the obvious.”

For Acedillo, what is important is for filmmakers to stay humble, “Don’t let these achievements get into your heads, continue to learn and explore. Humility is the key when you share your stories.”

Barbarona encouraged the filmmakers to “continue making films no matter what.”

He added, “Tell the stories close to you, your neighbors, your community; don’t get too far.”

Despite the absence of f or m a l f i l m s c h o o l s i n Nor t he r n Mi nd ana o, Cinemagis has served as an avenue to showcase the works of filmmakers from this part of the country.

With the purpose of being the springboard for budding artists to tackle a wide range of social issues in Mindanao using film as the medium, Cinemagis has curated motion pictures that have already been screened and awarded in national and international independent film festivals. Its growth since 2009 is its own motivation to keep the momentum escalating.

X AV I E R U N I V E R S I T Y C O M M U N I C AT I O N S OFFICE/MINDANAO DAILY NEWS

Diseases... from page 13

degreaser that is safe to use even in the presence of animals, making routine disinfections easier because there is no need to remove the farm animals from their pens.

Last September, UNAHCO extension veterinarian Dr. Allen Valdeavilla cautioned that respiratory diseases could become more common because of extreme temperatures due to the El Niño phenomenon.

He said biosecurity measures are necessary to prevent possible outbreaks that could negatively affect farm productivity and profitability.

“The abrupt changes in ambient temperature that we are experiencing highlight the need to reinforce farm biosecurity measures like disinfection and vaccination to prevent the entry or spread of disease-causing microorganisms in a farm,” he said.

“We must also be conscious of the fact that humans and other animals are usually the ones that carry these harmful germs, so there must be serious efforts to limit the exposure of farm animals to potential carriers of pathogenic organisms,” he added.

Dr. Valdeavilla said when diseases do occur, poultry farm managers and gamefowl breeders should use Microban, another Univet product that provides a higher level of disinfection.

A broad spectrum disinfectant, Microban kills viruses, fungi, bacteria, and even bacterial spores that are resistant to common disinfectants. It is safe and effective even in the presence of organic matter, making it ideal for use in farm settings.

“Disease-causing microorganisms are invisible, and the usual soap-and-water solutions are not enough to disinfect our animal pens and cages,” Dr. Valdeavilla said.

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The Indigo Project:

Craving For Reviving the Art of Pecan Pie Traditional Dye Weaving I

I

ndigo was once widely favored by the local weaving industry as a traditional way of adding color to fabrics due to its excellent resistance from fading or running. Yet, over the years, this natural dye was pushed to the sidelines by the emergence of cheaper and easier to obtain synthetic dyes which were quick to be embraced by textile manufacturers.

But not all is lost. A collaborative network of nongovernmental organizations a n d c o m mu n i t y - b a s e d organizations in S outh and Southeast Asia called Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) has started working on The Indigo Project which reaches out to indigenous populations in upland and rural communities in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Thes e ar t is ans include members of Mang yan Alangan, Mangyan Hanunoo and Mangyan Iraya of the island of Mindoro; Higaonon of Bukidnon, Palaw'anon and Tagbanua of Palawan, T'boli of South Cotabato, Maguindanao weavers and those of Negros.

T h e In d i g o P r o j e c t promotes the development and implementation of environmental and social standards in hand-woven te x t i l e s pro du c t i on . It supports production and sourcing of environmentally friendly natural dyes and f ib ers, establishes ecofriendly product standards,

and scales production of eco-textiles.

In the Philippine, NTFP-EP partnered with CustomMade Crafts Center (CMCC) as its integrated design and marketing arm to give project beneficiaries proper skills training that will allow them to combine modern technology with age-old practices. The goal is to produce world-class materials made of natural dye and fiber that can be promoted not only locally but to the international market as well.

Modi or Modern Indigenous, CMCC’s banner program, for instance, is a lifestyle line that fuses t r a d it i ona l c r af t s w it h contemporary design and function. It is a synergy of Philippine tribal artisans and city-bred designers to make culture-bound crafts up to date. CMCC, incidentally is one of the social enterprises being supported by leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom.

"When we started the Indigo Project, there were no takers. It was only Globe who really worked with us on this," says Benilda Camba, NTFP-EP Enterprise Development Coordinator.

“Globe believes that e v e r y o n e s h o u l d h av e a share in the countr y's economic growth that is why we continue to focus on underserved communities w h i ch we c an h elp by providing sustainable livelihood programs.

T h roug h t hes e ef for t s ,

Globe hopes to offer viable economic opportunities – and w it h t hes e, ne w possibilities for prosperity,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

NTFP-EP and CMCC benefit from the information and communication te chnolog y to ols b eing provided by Globe such as internet connectivity and mobile credit card payment facility through Globe Charge , as well as capacity building support and market access. "We're not business people, we're more involved in community development. But all this technology helps drive the business," adds Camba.

But Globe is not only all about technology. As p a r t of t h e c omp a ny ’s rehabilitation and recovery efforts in the Province of Aklan, Globe and CMCC has expanded the program in the province to benefit more subsistence farmers and to take advantage of the vibrant weaving industry in Aklan.

In Madalag, for instance, from just one barangay Globe added 10 more to its list of supported barangays.

Madalag grows Indigo plants whose leaves are eventually turned into powdered dye which CMCC buys to supplement the livelihood of the communities.

Globe helped establish natural indigo dye powdering facilities not only in Aklan but a ls o in O ccident a l Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Zamboanga, and Palawan.

By preser ving this craft which is a traditional expression of the art and i d e nt it y of i n d i ge n ou s and rural peoples, NTFPE P, C MC C , and G l ob e are not only able to keep such customs alive but are also able to provide the communities a way to a better life in the face of growing marginalization.

Artisanal hand-woven products using Indigo dye from CustomMade Crafts Center

love eating pies!

Egg pie, Pineapple Pie, Durian Pie, Apple Pie and so on. But, my number one favorite, I must say, is the classic and homemade Pecan Pie. During the holiday season last December, I was able to try this really good Pecan Pie made by my Tita Bing Cabrera and cousin, Mai. I’ve been craving it since then. Days ago, I was happy to see Pecans at Rustan’s Fresh so I just decided to make my own Pecan Pie at home to satisfy my craving.

I started researching for some recipes online.

I usually experiment when it comes to my recipes. So, on a Wednesday afternoon, my husband, Elmer, helped me bake the pie. I am so happy that recently, he’s beginning to love the kitchen. Sometimes, he checks on me while I’m cooking or baking and he usually ends up staying and helping me out. It’s always fun in the kitchen! Talking, laughing and playing jokes while cooking or baking is a good bonding session. Good vibes make the food taste even better because food made with laughter and lots of love are the best!

Luckily, our Pecan Pie turned out really delicious. It was so good and it made our day. I have decided to share this recipe with you all so you can serve this to your loved ones and during special occasions.

It’s so easy to make.

EMPRESS M

Here’s the recipe…

- PIE DOUGH Ingredients 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1/4 cup water (very cold) Directions Make the dough by hand. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt and sugar. Add butter and mix together until just a few pea-size pieces of butter are left. Sprinkle with cold water. The dough should be crumbly but holds together when squeezed with fingers. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in a cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

- FILLING Ingredients 4 large eggs 1 cup corn syrup 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups pecans Directions 1.) Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F with the rack set in the lowest position.

2.) On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough with a rolling pin.

Transfer the dough to a pie plate (I used Pyrex). Pinch between thumb and forefinger to form an edge around the rim of the pie plate. Crimp with fingertips.

3.) In a large bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, vanilla and salt until smooth. Add the pecans and mix well.

4.) Pour mixture to the pie crust. Place the pyrex plate on a baking tray before putting inside the oven.

5.) Bake for 50 minutes.

6.) Cool pie for 4 hours. You can serve this with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. But, I prefer it plain. Less is more. Classic and the traditional way is much better.

"Happiness is homemade so count the memories, not the calories." - M For more recipes, visit my website www.EmpressMichelleFrancisco.com.

You can follow me at the following social media:

by

Michelle Francisco

www.EmpressMichelleFrancisco.com

https://www.facebook.com/EmpressMCF https://instagram.com/empressmichellefrancisco https://twitter.com/empressmcf