BusinessWeek Mindanao (March 17, 2014)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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Volume IV, No. 77

Market Indicators

As of 5:56 pm mar. 15, 2014 (Saturday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P44.65

6,391.24 points

10 cents

X

38.55 points

X

Briefly Energy conservation MISAMIS Oriental 1 Rural Electric Service Cooperative Inc. (MORESCO-1) is urging its member-consumers to apply energy conservation as Mindanao is experiencing generation deficiency per advice of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

MORESCO-1 further advised member-consumers to use only electricity to what is vital and necessary, especially during peak hours, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, until the load curtailment is lifted, otherwise, the whole of its franchise area will suffer and will be forced to shut down the available loads.

Presently, the company said has not received yet any advice from NGCP as to how long this situation will last.

Thus, MORESCO-1 is appealing for kind support and calling for action to conserve energy.

Tax drive THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 16 launched on March 13 here its annual tax campaign dubbed “I love the Philippines, I pay my taxes right.

It’s as easy as Register, File and Pay.” In the program, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno emphasized that the name of the game is competition. He said that we are all competing for many things, best talents, integrity and good governance.

He said that according to the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), a number of government offices and agencies have improved.

Based on their latest rating, there is a big credibility gap from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the BIR. He added that the role of government is to generate revenues.

Through this, government can deliver basic services. He said, “The government can now afford because of the collection of taxes.”

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Steag denies causing M’danao grid to fail T

By NELSON V. CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

HE Mindanao-wide power outage that happened on February 27, 2014 is now being blamed to Misamis Oriental’s 210-megawatt Steag State Power Inc. (SPI) power plant due to “unwanted loss of generation” of its units, but the company insisted the problem did not emanate from them.

On Saturday, the staterun National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) revealed the result of its investigation pinpointing to Steag’s reduced power generation as behind the power outage. “ T h e b l a c k o u t t h at happened in Mindanao was due to a demand and supply imbalance caused by a combination of events,” National Transmission Corp.

President Rolando T. Bacani said.

Bacani said the reduction of Steag’s generation caused the Agus plants to trip even though the company, in a statement, said their move was “not expected to cause a cascading failure and tripping of other power plants and the collapse of the entire grid.”

Specifically, these were “t he u nw ante d l o ss of generation of the Steag units ... [and] the defective equipment of Agus 1,” Bacani said. “If steag/PAGE 11

The 210-MW Steag State Power, Inc. (SPI) plant in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao’s only coal-fired power plant in existence, is being blamed for the recent island-wide blackout.

file photo

Modular generator sets to plug M’danao power woes

By MINDANEWS

GIVE ME MILK. A worker attaches parts of the milking machine’s claw into the teats of a Holstein Sahiwal cross breed cow to produce milk at a dairy farm in Manolo Fortich town in Bukidnon. mindanews photo by erwin mascarinas

GENERAL Santos City — The worsening power shortage affecting parts of Mindanao is seen to ease by the end of the month with the targeted streaming of around 100 megawatts (MW) of additional power supplies from the dieselfired modular generator sets

leased by several local electric cooperatives.

Santiago Tudio, general manager of South Cotabato I Electric C ooperative, said Friday the Energ y Regulator y Commission (ERC) has signif ied to deliberate and resolve on March 17 all pending rate

applications and certificates of compliance (COC) for the leased generator sets to facilitate their immediate utilization.

He said the ERC’s legal department specifically assured that it would expedite the processing and issuance of the necessary permits within the next two weeks. power/PAGE 11

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Economy

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2 GPH, MILF to sign comprehensive peace pact on March 27 monday|march 17, 2014

COTABATO City -- The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be signed on March 27.

“After 17 long years of arduous negotiations, we are finally arriving at a political settlement that will seal enduring peace and progress in Mindanao,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said

Friday. “The signing of the CAB is expected to benefit not only the Bangsamoro but the entire country, and will radiate beyond our borders to the regional community, and perhaps the whole world.”

Deles said preparations for the event are currently underway. She said the event requires careful planning and considerations especially in terms of the venue. “We will

be sending out invitations soon.”

On Tuesday, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, a n n ou n c e d du r i n g h i s testimonial dinner that he was was invited to the signing event by no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III. Quevedo, MIndanao’s first Cardinal and now fondly dubbed “Cardinal Peace,” celebrated that day

his 75th birthday and other milestones, including the consistory of his cardinalate, for which the President flew

in to Cotabato City and attended the thanksgiving mass of f i c i ate d by t he former.

26 LGUs in NorMin get P36M performance challenge fund A PROVINCE, two component cities and 23 municipalities, belonging to the 2ndto 6th class local government units (LGUs) in

Region 10 received a total of P36 million from the government’s Performance Challenge Fund (PCF).

These are the province of Camiguin, cities of Oroquieta and Ozamiz and the municipalities of Catarman, Mahinog, Mambajao, Baroy, Kapatagan, Kauswagan, Linamon, Salvador, Tubod, Clarin, Jimenez, Plaridel, fund/PAGE 10

Japan commits P215-M ODA for eco-friendly vehicles MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Honorable Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) headed by VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ held their 7th Regular Session in Fresh Fruit Ingredients, Inc. (FFII) in Medina, Misamis Oriental. They were joined by Jaime C. Villaruz, the Senior Manager of FFII (back, 2nd from right) and Merian P. Requina (back, 2nd from right). FFII is the largest employer of manpower in the 1st District of Misamis Oriental with at least 2,500 employees, making them a major economic contributor in the Province and in the 1st District in particular. Their products, mainly from coconuts, are exported all over the world such as natural coconut water, coconut milk, and dessicated coconut, among others. The SP held its session in FFII as part of its efforts to actively engage organizations, individuals, and companies to contribute in the legislative process and give due emphasis to their economic contribution for the development of the province.

THE Government of Japan has committed ¥500 million or approximately P215 million official development assistance (ODA) for the production of eco-friendly vehicles.

Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario has exchanged notes for the “Non-Project japan/PAGE 10

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Algen’s Dive Resort (088) 3872015

Philtown Hotel 726295 / 8564402 Fax: 723104

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De Luxe Hotel 8572144 / 724548 Fax: 724563 Discovery Hotel 727814 / 8563896 Fax: 8563897 Duka Bay Resort (088) 3312290 Fax: 725265 Dynasty Court Hotel 8574802 Fax: 857900 Grand City Hotel 8571900 / 728469 Fax: 723718 Hotel Conchita 8563856 / 727355 Fax: 8563857 Hotel Koresco 8589749-50 Fax: 8589748 Hotel Sogo 8520383

Kingston Lodge 8585696 Fax: 8585696 Mapawa Natures Park 8584402 Fax: 725265 Mallberry Suites 8541999 / 7249999 Fax: 8544999 Maxandrea Hotel 8572244/729943 Fax: 724090 Miami Inn 8581901 to 02 Fax: 725279/728486 N Hotel (088) 8801924

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Tune Hotel 8800888/8801306 Travelers Pod 8518988

Villa Paraiso Apartelle 3870419 Fax: 3870429 HONORARY MEMBERS:

Dept. of Tourism 723696/726394 / 8564048 Fax: 723696

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Passenger cars drive Hyundai growth THE OFFICIAL distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines grew sales last month from a year ago as a surge in passenger car sales offset a drop in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, the company said in a statement on Friday.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) reported that a total of 1,710 units rolled out of showrooms last February, up 5% from the 1,632 units booked in the same month in 2013.

Broken down, the passenger car segment saw a 41% sales gain to 1,164 units from 825 units while the LCV segment went down 32% to 546 units from 807 units.

Eon provided major sales lift in the passenger car segment, HARI said in the statement, and recorded a “remarkable” 320% growth year on year. “[M]arked by its bigger size, ‘Storm-Edge’ design and powerful engine, the entry

of the luxurious Grand Santa Fe showed encouraging signs of recovery for the LCV front,” the company said of the sales performance of the LCV segment.

February sales brought year-to-date tally to 3,953 units, up 9% to 3,624 vehicles in the comparable 2013 period.

Passenger cars led growth with 2,611 units, up 27%, while the LCV segment fell 14% to 1,342 units.

Last year, HARI sold a total of 22,033 units, virtually unchanged from 2012’s 21,996 vehicles.

For 2014, the company aims for a 10% sales growth given that supply issues that had plagued the firm for

the last two years have been resolved, HARI President and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo had said last month. “Supply has stabilized [so] we are looking at 10% growth for 2014, which is at least 25,000 units,” she told reporters.

In a s t at e m e nt l a s t October, Ms. Perez-Agudo said supply constraint had persisted for the last two

ye ars a s S out h Kore a based Hyundai Motor Co. -- HARI’s parent -- could not keep up with global demand.

To hit this year’s sales target, Ms. Perez-Agudo s ai d t he c omp any w i l l introduce model changes to four vehicles: Starex, Hatchback, i10, and Santa Fe. The new Santa Fe was launched last month.

P2-B forex loss cuts down IPO of property ventures CEB’s net gain to P512-M of Jollibee, Mang Inasal owners gets PSE nod A WEAK peso, high fuel planes, fuel purchases, leases, costs, natural disaster plus as well as some maintenance fierce competition in longhaul routes bled Cebu Pacific (CEB) of P152 million in the last quarter of 2013 and pulled down its net earnings by 86 percent to P512 million from P3.6 billion in the preceding year.

Although CEB’s revenues grew 8.2 percent to P41 billion, the airline registered P2 billion in foreign exchange losses because of its outstanding debt, predelivery payments for new

expenses, are pegged on the US dollar. As of end-2013, the peso dropped to P44.395 against the dollar, from P41.05 the preceding year.

Cebu Pacific Operating expenses shot up to P38.6 billion from P35.24 billion, with fuel spending reaching P19.5 billion, flying operations expenses at P21.72 billion.

It was “an extremely c h a l l e n g i n g y e a r ,” acknowledged CEB President Forex/PAGE 10

THE real estate joint venture between the founders of Jollibee and Mang Inasal has cleared all regulatory hurdles for its initial public offering (IPO), the first such maiden sale of shares this year.

In an offering memorandum, the Philippine Stock Exchange said it approved the P1.16-billion I P O of D ou b l e D r a g on Properties Corp.

The PSE nod came on the heels of the Securities

and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of the offering on Thursday.

DoubleDragon is selling up to 579.73 million primary offer shares at a maximum price of P2 per share, giving the real estate firm a market capitalization of up to P4.46 billion. The offer will run from March 26 to April 1 with listing of the shares tentatively scheduled on April 7. The property firm will have ipo/PAGE 10

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Banking&Finance

Moody’s maintains positive ratings on BPI, Metrobank Moody’s Investors Service is keeping the ratings of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co, citing both lenders’ robust capital and liquidity profiles.

In a statement, Moody’s said it has affirmed the Baa3/ Prime-3 deposit ratings for BPI and Metrobank as well as their positive ratings outlook.

The debt watcher also revised the outlook of the D+ standalone bank financial strength ratings (BFSR) of BPI and Metrobank to positive from stable. The BFSR is equivalent to a baseline credit assessment (BCA) of Baa3, which remains in line with the sovereign rating of the Philippine government.

Moody’s said the credit profiles of BPI and Metrobank are “the most defensive and best positioned to withstand a cyclical downturn among... rated banks in the Philippines, as well as similar-rated banks in the region.”

The positive outlook on either bank’s D+ BFSR reflects improvements in their standalone credit profiles.

Moody’s said the credit metrics of these banks will continue to improve over the next 12-18 months.

The debt watcher said either bank’s BCA factors in its “robust capital and liquidity profiles, which reflect discipline and prudence in business growth.”

With the positive outlook, Moody’s said an upgrade of the sovereign rating will likely

BIR falls short of target in January TAX collection by the Bureau of Internal Revenue reached P104.15 billion in January, up 9.96 from P94.72 billion a year earlier, but short of P113.6-billion collection target for the month.

Collections from bureau operations grew by 11.88 percent to P99.61 billion from P89.03 billion in the same comparable period, the bureau said.

Non-BIR op erat ions yielded P4.54 billion, down 20.13 percent from January 2013.

Regional Offices contributed P39.03 billion, while the Large Taxpayers Service collected P60.59 billion.

Earlier, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon told reporters at a Treasury bill auction that the Philippine debt strategy was to move from foreign creditors and tap more of the domestic lenders to lessen the impact of foreign exchange losses on debt service.

The BIR is mandated to collect P1.46 trillion for the whole of 2015,compared with the 2013 target of P1.24 trillion.

lead to an upgrade of the banks’ ratings, assuming that their credit metrics remain robust.

“However, it is unlikely for BPI and Metrobank to be rated above the sovereign, as we view the correlation between the banks’ creditworthiness and that of the government to be high,” the rating firm said.

Moody’s said the banks are seen to maintain capital levels well above the minimum requirements under Basel 3. On a Basel 2 basis, total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of Metrobank remained well above the regulatory limit at 16.7 percent, while tier 1 CAR stood at 15 percent.

Thus, Metrobank entered 2014 fully compliant with the new Basel 3 requirements of the BSP. BPI recently raised P25 billion through a stock rights offer, increasing the bank’s capital to fund its growth strategy. The share sale will increase BPI’s tier 1 CAR from 14.7 percent to 18.6 percent on a pro-forma basis, making the Ayala-led lender maintain/PAGE 11

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OROBANKERS DIRECTORIES CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

AMANAH/ISLAMIC BANK V. Neri Street Carmen, Cdoc 858988/8587965 / 722274

METRO BANK- COGON Osmeña Hayes St. Cdoc | 726438/8572057

ASIA UNITED BANK Cor.Camp Alagar Road Lapasan, Cdoc 729678 / 8568893

METRO BANK- CARMEN Max Suniel St. Carmen, Cdoc 8581722/ 8585162

BDO – VELEZ Velez-Rn Abejuela Street, Cdoc 2314246/8572075

METRO BANK- LAPASAN CM Recto Lapasan HW, Cdoc 724461/8561721

BDO – SM G/F SM City, Master Son’s Avenue Upper Carmen Cdoc | 8592623/8592637

METRO BANK- OSMEÑA Brgy Osmeña St. Cdoc | 722014 /8800924

BDO – XU XU Lib. Annex Corrales St. Cdoc 8574108 / 8573796

METRO BANK- CORRALES Corrales Avenue, Cdoc | 8572635/728731

BDO – CDO HAYES Trendline Bldg.,Hayes Street, 8568151/727405

METRO BANK- GAISANO 8561720

BDO – COGON Sky hi Bldg JR Borja St. Cogon, Cdoc 8577963/ 725209/ 725203

Thrift banks prepare for Asean integration THE countr y’s 71 thrift banks are preparing for the challenges, risks and advantage of regional market expansion when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is officially in place next year.

“This new system (Asean Integration In 2015) would set up a free-for-all single market for this thriving region of 600 million inhabitants. This also means new markets for us in the thrift bank industry and for micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME)

IT IS UNFAIR TO BLAME US

clients,” said China Bank Savings president Alberto Emilio Ramos who is this year’s Chamber of Thrift Banks’ national convention chairman.

Ramos said as markets grow, the thrift banking sector which has a large share of the commercial loans business will have to be mindful of steps to take to be able to ride the tide of increased regional banking competition, which with the prepares/PAGE 11

-STEAG

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Some quarters have been assailed for its unfounded claim blaming Steag in the February 27 blackout. It is for this reason that the power company issued a statement to media and the public on March 14.

STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) President and CEO Dr. Bodo Goerlich, said he expressed surprise over reports that the massive blackout in Mindanao last 27 February 2014 was caused by or stemmed from Steag.

Based on the sequence of events few minutes prior to the collapse of the Mindanao grid, SPI’s power generation output gradually reduced.

While the gradual reduction will affect the electric supply condition, it is not expected however to cause a cascading failure and tripping of other power plants and the collapse of the entire grid.

“The fluctuation of the load of power plants happens from time to time and the over-all effect is managed by adjusting either the supply or demand of the grid.

We have in the past experienced such a situation and it did not cause a massive blackout and total collapse of the grid” Dr. Goerlich explained.

Steag said it Units 1 and 2 are offline since February 27 after its turbinegenerators sustained damage. SPI experts estimate that barring any complications,

Unit 1 is expected to be restored on 4 May 2014 and Unit 2 on 1 June 2014. Each unit has a net generating capacity of 105 MW. Dr, Goerlich said that SPI employees have been working round-the-clock to restore the units back to the grid noting the volatile power supply condition of Mindanao.

“We empathize with those that are affected by the Mindanao power supply shortfall and rest assured that we are doing our best to restore the units back to the grid and help alleviate the island’s precarious power supply condition” Dr. Goerlich said.

“We are also car r y ing out all maintenance activities on other systems of the plant that were originally planned/ scheduled for August 2014. Thus, there will no more outage in August 2014” he added.

SPI is cooperating with the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Power Corporation (NPC), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and other stakeholders of the Mindanao power industry, in addressing the situation.

“While our priority now is the repair and restoration of the units, we are also working closely with the DOE and other industry stakeholders in finding means of improving quality and reliability of power supply services in Mindanao” Dr. Goerlich added.

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BDO – OSMEÑA Osmeña corner Ramon Chavez St. Cdoc 724567/8563727 BDO – LAPASAN Lapasan Highway Cdoc 8563233 /8563234 / 725178 BDO – RN- PELAEZ George Town CyberMall Rn Pelaez Blvd Kauswagan Cdoc | 8562617/729052 BDO – CARMEN Maxsuniel cor.V Neri St. Carmen, .Cdoc 8584854 /8581133 BANK OF COMMERCE- VELEZ Akut- Velez St.Cdoc | 8564371 / 726880 BANK OF COMMERCE- LAPASAN

CM Recto Ave. Lapasan, Cdoc, 8563991/727731

BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK RER kauswagan,HW Cdoc 8573733 /722519 BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK Gaston Park Cdoc | 8801518 BPI – LAPASAN Cm Recto HW Lapasan Cdoc 724076/ 8524602

PBCOM Tiano-HayesSt. Cdoc | 726519/8571558 PLANTERS DEVELOPMENT BANK

Tiano Bros St. Cdoc | 727083 /727082 PHILTRUST BANK Ramonal OsmeñaSt. CDO 8807234/2316694/2316695 PNB- CORRALES Corrales Avenue Cdoc | 729500 / 729723

PNB- LKK MALL NORTH CONCOURSE

LKK Mall N.Concourse Cdoc 8574149/8575682

PNB- CARMEN Elipe Bldg.Carmen, Cdoc | 8583158/ 8584203 PNB- LKK LKK Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564347/722872 PNB CDO– DIVISORIA Tiano Bros.Cruz Taal St., Cdoc 722861 /722816 PNB CDO– LAPASAN LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564732 / 723992 PNB CDO– COGON LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc 8571991/ 723992

BPI- VELEZ Velez-JR Borja St.Cdoc 8564213/722406

PHILIPPINE POSTAL SAVINGS BANK, INC. bels_domingo@yahoo.com.ph Rizal Chavez Cdoc 8572194/725438

BPI – CAPISTRANO Capistrano St. Cdoc 8574264/8574263

PS BANK Velez Corner A. Mabini St., Cdoc 8574183/725184

BPI- COGON Osmeña St. Cdoc 8571297/8571298

PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK Tiano-Abejuela St. Cdoc 722644/8573386

CHINA BANK –GAISANO 745887/745880

QUEEN CITY DEVELOPMENT BANK, INC. Sacred Heart Mont. Cm RectoAve., Cdoc 8562390

CHINA BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc 8572212/8573274 CHINA BANK- LAPASAN CM Recto Lapasan HW Cdoc 8561325 /722240 CHINA BANK – CARMEN Max Suniel, Cor. Yakal St. Cdoc 8583903/723091 CHINA BANK – DIVISORIA RN Abejuela St. Divosoria Cdoc 8575759/722641 CITY SAVINGS BANK TS Fashion Ave.Justo Ramonal Corner St.Cdoc 2316060/ 2316059 CHINATRUST Suite U&5 G/LGateway Tower Lapasan Lkk Cdoc 8521846/8521844 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK HW. Lapasan Cdoc | 8564201/ 8564201 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK Vamenta Carmen Sts. Cdoc | 8585366

RCBC- VELEZ Velez-Borja St. Cdoc | 8564982/8568888 RCBC- COGON Simplex Bldg. Osmeña St. Cdoc 8562888/725863/8521329 RCBC- LAPASAN Cm. Recto Lapasan HW. Cdoc 8561888/722449 RCBC- LKK Gateway, Tower 1 LkkCenter, Cdoc 8563707/722449 RCBC SAVINGS- CARMEN Walingwaling St.,Carmen St. Cdoc 8585793/ 8586248 RCBC SAVINGS- VELEZ Velez St. Cdoc | 729083/8562460 RCBC SAVINGS- AGORA 8807891/8807892 RURAL BANK OF CABADBARAN, Inc.

#58 Tiano FernandezSt.CDO 727215/ 8563552 *805

DBP – CORRALES Corrales Ave., St. Cdoc | 8572087/722649

SECURITY BANK- OSMEÑA Osmeña St. Cdoc | 8563965/ 723411/728774

DBP – CAPISTRANO JR Borja Capistrano St. Cdoc 8567776/722819

SECURITY BANK- LKK Limketkai | 8801258/8801625

EAST WEST BANK #5 Juan Sia Bldg. Apolinar Velez St.Cdoc 8578801/720081 EAST WEST BANK Cogon De Oro Constraction Bldg. LKK Drive 8500339/8500331 ENTERPRISE BANK INC. Centro Mariano Bldg Osmeña St. Cdoc 723869/ 3093395 FIRST CONSOLIDATED BANK CM Recto Ave., Cor.Agudo Road Cdoc 8565360/2316678 LBP – CAPISTRANO Capsitrano St. Cdoc | 8565515/727678 LBP – VELEZ LunaVelez St. | 723549/8563198 LBP – PUERTO Puerto Cdoc | 8558858 MAYBANK JR Borja Tiano Cor. Bldg. Cdoc 8574439/726060 METRO BANK- DIVISORIA Pabayo Abejuela St. Divisoria Park, Cdoc 724783/8576999 METRO BANK- VELEZ A. Velez St. Cdoc | 8561724/726054 METRO BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc | 8572999/724415

SECURITY BANK- VELEZ Velez Montalvan St., Cdoc | 728334/856632 STERLING BANK OF ASIA Tiano Velez St. CDO | 8528171/8528168 UCPB BANK- LAPASAN Osmeña Corner Lkk Drive, Cdoc 85771842/ 725135 UCPB BANK- VELEZ Velez Corner C. Pacana St. CDO 8564474/8564527 UCPB BANK SAVINGS-CAPISTRANO

Capistrano Corner CruzTaal St. CDO 8524099/722695

UCPB BANK SAVINGS- OPOL Gf forever Books Bldg.Bulua National CDO 754519/8588063 UNION BANK Lapasan Cm.Recto Cdoc | 8566847/8563805 WEALTHBANK Velez Gomez St. Cdoc | 8568942/722174 1ST VALLEY BANK Vamenta Blvd. CornerLirio St. Carmen, Cdoc 8501871/ 8584146 OROBANKERS CLUB Inc. Pnb Carmen | 09151850242

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Changing Address Towards the Direction of Peace TOURISM stakeholders i n Mi n d an a o we l c om e the framework and final documents of the signing of the peace pact between the Government and the Bangsamoro. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for the three decades war of attrition have calmed the anxiety of travel to the former conflict areas of Central and Western Mindanao.

In the hotel industry, more ag g re ss ive e f for t towards linkage with the tour and travel operators of the countries comprising the BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines) have sparked interest in the Asean growth areas to tie up and promote reciprocal tours to the identified tourist interest in the member nations. Believing on the old business dictum during the height of the Japanese visits to the Philippines in the 80’s, that “tourist comes today and tomorrow they will come back as friends and investors”. Marketing Executive, Charles Lim who grow up in Singapore and now settles in the Philippines,

R

Philippine Press Institute

T

An Empty Egg

hink a minute…This is a true story about a boy named Philip. Philip was 9 years old in a class of 8-yearolds. The kids in his class were mean and unkind to Philip.

They would not talk to him or let him play with them.

Philip suffered from a disease called Downs Syndrome, so his face looked a little different and his thinking and talking were slower than the other children’s.

During the week of Easter the teacher gave each child a plastic egg that they could open. Then she sent them outside to find a symbol of new life, such as a seed or leaf, to put inside the plastic egg. Sometime later all the children gathered around their basket of eggs and watched as the teacher began to open them. One child had put a flower inside her egg. All the children thought it was a great symbol of new life. In another egg was a butterfly that all the girls said was beautiful.

Finally, the teacher opened the last plastic egg and there was nothing inside it. One child said, “That’s dumb!”

Another kid said, “That’s not fair!” Then the teacher felt someone pulling her hand.

It was Philip. He looked up at her and said: “It’s my egg.

I left it empty because Jesus’ grave is empty. That’s why I have new life.” The whole class was silent. From that day on, Philip was accepted

THINK

A Minute

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst

as part of the class. Whatever had made him different was not important or mentioned again.

Just a few months later, Philip died from an infection.

On the day of Philip’s funeral his whole class of 8-yearold boys and girls came to say goodbye to their special friend. And each child walked up to Philip’s casket to place beside it their gift: an empty egg.

Friend, if God the Son can make His love so real and understood to a child like Philip, then none of us has an excuse for not understanding how much Jesus loves us.

God humiliated Himself by becoming a human being, not only to die for all our wrongs and forgive us, but then to come back to life to show us that He is God Himself Who wants to give us new life.

So won’t you ask Him today to forgive you and take full charge of your new life?

Just Think a Minute…

believes that Mindanao have not fully explored its potential for the Asean neighbors to appreciate.

Publicist and Photo Journalist, Mandy Navasero, expressed positivism through her lens that Lake Sebu in North Cotabato would soon be discovered by more young Filipinos and Asean students who likes to travel this summer. She has just done a series of photography in Mindanao with her ecotourism photo safari that will come out this summer in the Styles and Living section issues of the Philippines Daily Inquirer. Boxing great promoter and Lawyer Bob Arum of Top Rank would like to travel again to General Santos and Sarangani not for boxing promotions but to relax his aching back in the beach of Gumasa in Maitum.

Southern Philippines have always been in the Google map as frontiers for white sand beaches and coral formations with great underwater spectacle awaiting scuba divers in the Sulo Seas and Sandakan Triangle.

Debates and conflicting opinion of the provisions of wealth sharing in the peace fact is better left for Congress to ratify and see its transitions.

Personally, I believe that what our negotiators have done is for the best interest of the people of Mindanao.

Our top government officials have thrust and high hope on the sincerity of our Muslim brothers secessionist to lay down their arms and works for peace to bring development in the south.

Big corporate players in the real estate and power industry have bonded their capital to support the government effort prime up the economy of Mindanao. Robinson Land, Ayala Land with their Aveda projects, SM Prime and Vista Land are in Davao City, Tagum and General Santos.

While Aboitez Power and San Miguel Power Corporation have made great strides in Davao del Sur and South Cotabato to run a stable power supply in the entire Mindanao grid before the end of 2016.

In Davao City, Architect Felino Palapox is in the final

TRAVERSING the

Tourism H i - way

By Ped Quiamjot

drawing board from his Manila office to unveil the construction of a 32 storey Fil Cris Hotel besides the fast rising mall and BPO center along Quimpo Boulevard.

Probably, the highest building in Mindanao when done whose skyline will be visible during good weather to as far as Malaysia and Indonesia.

Construction is set to start December this year with the construction group who help built the Shangri-La Hotel in Mactan. Fil Cris is not associated with the Kuok Properties, it is wholly owned by the family of businessman Filomena and Cresencio Yap of Davao City.

Less Dirty, But Improving?

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ecent news reports that particularly caught my attention were about the two most polluted cities in the world. I am relieved that Metro Manila was not one of them – yet.

The news pertained to Beijing and New Delhi.

Here are news bits on the two cities as gathered from various online reports: Beijing The state-owned China News Service (as reported by the South China Morning Post) has acknowledged that “Beijing’s severe pollution is much worse than the average level… and the environment is far from meeting the (safety) standards.

The report added that pollution in the Chinese capital is “close to extreme” and makes the city of 20 million “barely suitable” for living.

The Associated Press, for its part, reported: A period of pollution in January saw density readings of PM 2.5 particles exceeding 500 micrograms per cubic meter… That density is about 20 times as high as the 25 micrograms considered safe by the World Health Organization.

Other reports stated:

-Beijing authorities have issued an “orange” alert – the second-highest in the four levels of urgency. “Orange” prompts health advisories and bans on barbecue, fireworks and demolition.

-Hospitals were overrun by the young and old, suffering from respiratory problems.

-People have been warned to stay indoors. Those who venture outside were asked to wear protective marks as they navigate the smog-filled streets.

-Sales of air purifiers for homes – as well as face masks – rocketed and some stores simply ran out.

But not is all bad as far as a high-ranking Chinese military officer is concerned.

He made the brilliant observation that the heavy smog provides a shield against US satellite surveillance!?* New Delhi A repor t carried by the Hindustan Times, an Indian Daily, claimed that New Delhi had “earned the dubious tag of being the world’s most polluted city.

The Hindustan Times was quoting the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), a report put out by Yale and Columbia Universities.

In its own investigation, the New York Times indicated that “the Indian capital’s fine particulate matter has, on average, been worse than Beijing in the first two weeks of the year.”

Technicalities aside, here is how a man-on-the-street describes the situation in New Delhi: “….a city blanketed by an indistinguishable mix of fog, dust and toxic heavy particles. Parents may not be sending their kids to school in gas masks, yet, but it is not a fine day to jog.”

Having said that, what is the current situation in Metro Manila?

T h e E nv i r o n m e nt a l Management Bureau uses two measures to gauge the air pollution level – 1) Total Suspended Particulates or TSP and 2) Particulate Matter 10 or PM 10.

T SP me asure s s oli d pollutants such as dust and soot in the air. PM 10 measures smaller particles, small enough that they can be inhaled.

Using both measures, the EMB reports that air p ol lut ants cont inue to EXCEED the reference values of 90 micrograms per normal cubic meter for TSP, and 60 micrograms per normal cubic

SPEAKING

O ut

By Ignacio Bunye

meter for PM 10.

EMB emphasizes, however, that present levels are down from 1995 levels prior to the enactment of the Clean Air Law. Translation for every Juan and Maria: Compared to 1995 levels, the air in Metro Manila is now Less Dirty.

But the law was not entitled Less Dirty Air Law. We are supposed to have Clean Air. We refuse to believe that we can not have Clean Air. And therein lies the continuing challenge for the national government, the local government units, the private sector, the environmentalists, the ordinary Juans and Marias – all of us.

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FISHKILL

A

s one could learn a couple of days ago: t he Phi lippines hoste d t h e r e c e n t 5 t h Wo r l d Ecotourism Conference in Cebu City, which brought together officials and ot h e r p ol i c y m a ke rs i n island coastal regions to network effectively and to find common solutions for the development of coastal regions and contribute to the sustainability of these areas.

S u r e , a n d i t’s e a s y to wr ite it down: with the theme “Marine and Coastal Ecotourism: Oceans of Uncertainties, Waves of Opportunities”, the Conference discussed the impacts of ecotourism activities linked to the seas such as whale and shark watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, and recreational fishing. The conference also tackled the socio-economic aspects of the industr y such as development of destinations, management of marine ecotourism spots, marketing, and the elemination of pover ty through sustainability. Kudos to all conference members

for their efforts.

I have been and I will re m ai n an i ntol e r abl e, merciless, and unrestrained environmentalist. Sad fact is: ecodooms and the pollution of our environment go on without limits. Such daily news infuriate and distress me.

I expierenced several ye ar s a g o, w h e n l ar g e “Imelda” fishes went belly up in the Pasig River, while the surface of Bicol’s Lake Buhi was nearly covered with dead “Tilapia”. Many times, I enjoyed staying near Lake Sebu in South Cotabato with innumerbale “Tilapia-sessions”. Last time, fishkill really messed up my stay there.

Fishkill has been occuring with increasing freuquency all over the Philippines in recent years, and not just during the typhoon season. The phenomenon, which can leave tons of fish decimated, has become a regular reminder of the need to clean up the Philippines’ waters. Fishkill has been occuring more often as toxic waste is dumped into the

H ave M y Say

By Klaus Doring

f we believe in what St. Paul once said that it is “when I am weak, that I am strong,” (2 Cor 12,10) then there must be something good in our weakness, whatever form it may take.

If we follow his logic that “the foolish things of the world has God chosen, that he may confound the wise, and the weak things of the world has God chosen, that he may confound the strong,” (1 Cor 1,27) then indeed the goodness of weakness must indeed be something.

Christ himself affirmed so in his beatitudes. He considered as blessed those who are poor in spirit, meek, those who mourn, who hunger and thirst for justice, who are merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers, those who are persecuted and reviled.

In many other instances in the gospel, he praised the little children, gave special attention and healing to those with all kinds of affliction.

He even raised the dead. He fraternized with sinners and what are generally regarded as the scum of the earth.

What peeved him were the proud and the self-righteous, or those described by St. Paul as “enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” (Phil 3,18) Yet, in spite of all these, Christ was willing to die for all of us, assuming in the process all our weaknesses and sinfulness for all time and dying to them, so we may have a way to rise with him in his glorious resurrection, already freed of all of them.

We have to remember that our true dignity as persons and as children of God, can only be

attained and recovered through Christ. Yes, we also have to give our all in recovering that dignity, lost by sin, but all that effort would tantamount to nothing unless united with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, renewed sacramentally in the Mass.

All this does not mean that we have to be cavalier in our attitude toward our sinfulness and weaknesses.

On the contrary, we have to be dead serious in avoiding and removing them. What it means is that whatever may be our warts and faults, there is always hope. God, being a true father, is always willing to forgive.

In fact, we can manage somehow to be happy when we notice and experience our weaknesses and sinfulness, since in that way we attract the attention of Christ. As Good Shepherd, he is always at the lookout for the lost sheep.

What we have to avoid is to deal with our weaknesses and sinfulness by our lonesome, relying only our own powers and devices, which though impressive will never cope with the evil of our weaknesses and sinfulness without God. What we have to do when we see our weaknesses and sinfulness is to go to God, to run to him, making acts of contrition and atonement, especially going to the sacrament of confession, because that is how we regain God’s grace, the source of our true strength.

Let’s try to avoid the example of Cain who after killing his brother fled from God and became a fugitive. Let’s follow the example of the prodigal son who in his lowest depth of dissipation decided to go back to his father and was roundly

Big four motorcycles

campaign for ‘Original’

By CHENG ORDONEZ

Want to know how to spot the original against a copycat motorcycle? waters around and inside the archipelago. Pollution is also killing spwaning grounds of marine life, resulting in a steadily dwindling fish catch.

I feel horrible reading such news from Australia, where scientists have already warned that the attraction is in serious jeopardy, as global warming and chemical run off threaten to kill marine species and cause disease outbreaks. Conferences, such the one in Cebu are important. Following actions and education are not lesser important. How many times did I say this already? And not only me? I fogot counting on this ... .

Let Our Weakness Occasion Strength

I

7

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HINTS

and

Traces

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

welcomed.

God as our father provides us with everything. He has given us our life, our health, our natural needs. He has made the masterpiece of His creation, making us image and likeness of His, children of His. And as father, He does even more. He is willing to forgive us, to provide us with what we need most—His mercy, since we cannot help but abuse His goodness and fall into sin and suffer the consequences.

On our part, we should do at least the minimum that can be expected of a creature that thinks, judges, and executes things. We ought to be sorry for our sins, making acts of contrition, atonement and reparation, and making confession a regular habit.

In this we imitate Christ who did all this by dying on the cross. No wonder he tells us that if we want to follow him, we have to deny ourselves and carry the cross too. We die with him to be able to rise with him too.

Let’s strengthen our hope and trust in God’s mercy especially during this Lent. For where sin has abounded, God’s grace has abounded even more.

This is where our weakness can occasion strength.

THE motorcycle industry’s Big 4—Honda Philippines, Kawasaki Motor Philippines, Suzuki Philippines and Yamaha Motor Philippines— is in Cagayan de Oro to promote the genuine quality advantages of using original motorcycles, as they converge in the “Original na Bida” (OnB) campaign, from March 14-16, 2014, at the SM. Now on its third year, the campaign reiterates t he w is e choice of original motorcycles and spare parts among motorists to promote safety in Philippine roads.

Jo e l Mar t i n , re gional sales manager for Suzuki-Mindanao, s ai d t he Bi g 4 has decided to join forces to fight copycats by coming out with an “Original Seal” that will distinguish the

original from the copycats.

“The Original Seal can be found in the motorcycle body part,” he said.

Martin discourages motorc ycle owners from modifying their units, eve nas he said thay the event at SMC D O a l s o ai ms t o educate motorists that Jap anes e manufacturers make the best motorcycle units and parts. “ Thes e (or ig ina l motorcycles) underwent thorough studies using the latest research and development technologies to assure safety, high quality and premium design,” he said.

Along with their commitment to safety, the Big 4 also offers safety-riding programs and recreational activities to patrons.

“Those who wanted

to learn more about motorcycle safety can come to SM for free safety riding seminar being held from Friday up to Sunday,” Martin said.

The same companies are also known to observe strict compliance with government regulations and standards, assuring people of riding highquality motorcycles in the country.

In t he t hree-day “Or ig ina l na Bida” campaign at the SMCagayan de Oro City, motorists will also enjoy exhibits, raffles, games and spectacular entertainment.

Other highlights of the campaign include the unveiling of OnB seal, booth tours, the Original na Bida video, and the premiere of the “Bida at Nagpapakabida” video that is also linked to the campaign.

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Special Feature:

KIT OF MY LIFE

“I want some dignity in my life courtesy of a stable income, and become an entrepreneur like Mama Rene Salud or Ricky Reyes,” says Walter Lompon, a.k.a “Bambi,” referring to two of the country’s top and most successful beauticians.

A male beautician from Barangay Poblacion 2 in the town of Villanueva, 30-yearold Bambi’s dream is to build his own beauty salon and have a stable income enough to help his 12 other siblings.

Bambi was among 62 participants in a 5-day basic cosmetology training course sponsored by FDC Misamis Power Corporation, under the “Ganda Mo, Hanapbuhay Ko” program of Ang-Hortaleza Foundation, Inc. (AHFI).

T h e 5 - d ay t r a i n i n g i s F D C Mi s am i s’ f i rs t social development salvo

in partnership with the Municipality of Villanueva.

The t raining aime d at prov i d i ng u n e mpl oye d wom e n an d m e n w it h income-generating skills in the area of beauty and wellness.

“Joining the training is so beneficial to me, and having now a kit of my own will mean a lot in my making a living,” declares Bambi. “This is now the kit of my life.”

WEATHERING A HARD LIFE Bambi, the sixth of 13 children, envisions providing

his regular customers (“suki”) with parlor services in their own homes. As soon as he saved enough, Bambi plans to build his own parlor in their family’s home.

Bambi has always taken inspiration from the life stories of famous beauticiansturned- celebrities like Ricky Reyes, Rene Salud, Jun Encarnacion, and the like.

He believes that it is never too late to follow in his idols’ footsteps.

Bambi grew up in a poor family and knows firsthand the difficulties in life.

His father, a security guard, is set to retire this year. His mother is a plain housewife.

“Can you imagine life in a poor family where there are 13 children always having a

contest for the ‘best catch’ of the day, and all are dependent on just one working man?”

These difficulties, however, did not deter Bambi from aspiring to be a male beautician.

Bambi first worked in a canteen but later on found work in a parlor. There, he started off with the humble task of sweeping the floor. Later on, from carefully observing how other beauticians worked, Bambi asked the parlor owner if he could be a part-time beautician. He was allowed to start with his passion: hair-cutting and applying make-up.

That was already a dream come true and eventually, Bambi became a muchsought-after beautician.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano’s periodic visit to barangays urges him to make a health insurance alternative all encompassing residents of the Province regardless their gender, age and political affiliation. CAPITOL PHOTO

Bambi Lompon with his beautician’s kit. Starter kits were provided to each graduate of the basic cosmetology livelihood training program sponsored by FDC Misamis, Ang-Hortaleza Foundation and the Local Government of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

However, there was still the reality of Bambi just earning from female haircutting, for he did not know how to do male haircuts.

On good days, Bambi could average eight female haircuts at P25 each, earning for him some P200. But women do not always come for haircuts, so there have been days when Bambi would have no income at all.

For t h i s u n l i c e ns e d b e aut ici an, t hat me ant disaster.

B ambi then decided to be more enterprising by taking up a sideline: offering his hairdressing and make-up services to beauty contest candidates, to brides or members of wedding entourages, and to debutantes. Bambi would have clients not just in his hometown of Villanueva but in the neighboring town of Tagoloan as well.

Despite that sideline, Bambi admits that he still could not earn enough to support himself and his parents.

“I want more – a stable, sustainable income. So thanks

to FDC Misamis for initiating this kind of training. I think it is one-of-a-kind because aside from lectures, we also did hands-on work,” he says.

Bambi adds that with his newly-acquired skills, he now knows what haircut best suits a woman’s face, and how to cut men’s hair.

Armed with that knowledge and his very own “portable parlor,” Bambi is confident that the “kit of his life” will serve to hone his talents and help make his family’s life better.

“I will see to it that my learning, plus this kit, will not be wasted,” Bambi promises.

BEYOND BUSINESS During the culmination program, Villanueva Mayor Ju l i o Uy r e m i n d s t h e graduates to treasure the knowledge they acquired from the training, “This livelihood training program has taught valuable skills that can be brought anywhere the participants go. We are grateful that this program was provided to Villanueva which we hope can help improve lives of families. I know this feature/PAGE 11

Participants apply what they have learned during actual hands-on exercises for hair cutting. The training also covered other hair treatments, and manicure-pedicurefoot spa.

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ (5th from right) and the Honorable Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan made a courtesy call to Mayor Ken Niño Uyguangco (seated) of Medina, Misamis Oriental last February 17, 2014. The courtesy call was made after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held its 7th Regular Session at the Fresh Fruits Ingredients, Inc. in Medina, Misamis Oriental as part of its efforts to actively engage organizations, individuals, and companies to contribute in the legislative process. Present during the courtesy call were Board Members (from left to right) Charlie Emano (ABC), Benedict Lagbas, Mercy Grace Acain, Vincent Pelaez, Boris Actub, Nancy Madjos, Bing Dumadag, Jabi Bernaldez, Enan Emano and Donato Chan (PCL).

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Norkis Multicab is back in CDO, display center opened The building of new Norkis Multicab display center located at Bulua Highway, Cagayan de Oro City. Photo by Irene Dayo

T

he Norkis Multicab has finally opened their Cagayan de Oro City display center located near Bulua Highway, this city. The grand opening was done together with a blessing last March 14. It was graced by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-10) Regional Director Mandangan Darimbang.

The company has transferred from their old showroom at Kauswagan.

by IRENE JOY B. DAYO

“Finally, we’re back and we bring the old and original multicab,” said Mr. John Quisumbing, owner of the company. He said that they are back because there is a need for them to do so. They can see that a lot of multicabs which quality is not trust-worthy, different from theirs that could be trusted because these undergone re-manufacturing process.

In addition to that, Norkis Multicab’s display building houses their service center. This is for

them to tend the needs of their multicab’s buyers. “We are glad to be back, with better products and better service,” he concluded.

The Norkis Multicab in Bulua is also offering their new units and new models that include Deluxe XTR, multivan, double cab, ER XTR, Transformer, and extended and modernized passenger-type multicabs. In their center, there are also complete accessories that are for sale and lifetime availability of spare parts.

One of Norkis Multicab new units, Transformer. Photo by Irene Dayo

Norkis Multicab opened their new display center recently. In the photo, a ribbon-cutting is done led by Land Transportation Franchising and Complete accessories and spare parts are also available in the dis- Regulatory Board (LTFRB-10) Regional Director Mandangan Darimbang. In his right is company owner John Quisumbing. In his left, on the play center. Photo by Irene Dayo other hand, are guest Mrs. Donna Canoy and barangay Bulua chairman Al Legaspi. Photo by Daisy Usaraga Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region BRANCH 21 Cagayan de Oro City IN RE: PETITION FOR ISSUANCE OF OWNER’S DUPLICATE COPY OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T- 194814 OF THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

MC CASE NO. 2014-007

TOMIANONG L. HADJI-AZIS Petitioner. x--------------------------------------/ ORDER

MARIWASA, SCG join 2014 WorldBEX at World Trade Center, Pasay City. SCG, Cotto and Mariwasa team up this year for SCG Living Showcase Exhibition featuring world-class building materials and innovative finishing products such as Mariwasa Style-vention Tile Collection, Mariwasa HD Tiles, Cotto Tiles and Sanitary Ware, Smartboard and Smartwood and SCG Roof Solutions. Taking part at the Ribbon-Cuttting Ceremonies are (first row from L-R) Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Sto. Tomas, Batangas Mayor Edna Sanchez, Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. (MSC) Board of Directors Chairperson Mrs. Regina Coseteng, Batangas 3rd District Provincial Board Member Divina Balba, MSC VP-Manufacturing Piyarat Promtong (2nd row from L-R) MSC VP-Sales & Marketing Jakkrit Suwansilp, SCG Marketing Philippines Inc. President Sunchai Jindasri and MSC VP-Finance & Administration Emilie Maramag.

Notice is hereby given that filed before this Court is a verified Petition for the issuance of new owner’s duplicate copy of Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 194814, over a parcel of land registered in the name of Naomi Jaranilla Hart.

Finding the Petition sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby set for hearing on APRIL 2, 2014 at 8:30 in the morning.

The Petitioner is hereby ordered at its own expense to cause the publication of this Order for Initial Hearing in the newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City, and the posting of a copy of this Order in a conspicuous place at the Bulletin Board of the Barangay Hall of Barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City where the land is located, at the Bulletin Board of the City Hall of Cagayan de Oro, at the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Registry of Deeds, Cagayan de Oro City, with one copy at the Bulletin Board of this Court, at least fourteen (14) days before the date of the hearing of the petition.

The Register of Deeds or any person having or claiming any interest in the subject property may appear at the hearing and oppose the Petition.

Furnish copy of this Order and Petition to the City Register of Deeds of Cagayan de Oro and to Carmen Teresa Magracia, Naomi Jaranilla Hart and Abdul Azis Abdul Hamid said.

The Petitioner shall at the hearing submit proof of posting and service of the copy of the Petition and Order as directed by the Court.

Issue Summons.

SO ORDERED. Issued this 10th day of February 2014, at Cagayan de Oro City.

(Sgd.) GIL G. BOLLOZOS

Presiding Judge BWM Mar. 17, 24 & 31, 2014

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Fund... from page 2

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

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

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CONTACT PERSON: RAYLYN LANTACA

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

Sinacaban, Tudela, Alubijid, Balingasag, Kinoguitan, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Manticao, Medina and Sugbongcogon.

According Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, DILG-10, PCF is a financial incentive to LGUs that are committed to valuing the fundamentals of good governance.

Further, it is a performanceb as e d re for m pro g r am that seeks to rationalize national government intergovernment transfers to LGUs and encourages convergence of local development initiatives with national development agenda and priorities.

The province is allocated P7-million PCF subsidy, the 2 cities P3-million each, while the 23 municipalities has P1M each.

For 2013 PCF, only 2nd to 6th class LGUs that passed the Silver Category of the scaled up Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) are granted financial subsidy to finance projects aligned with the national government’s program for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, tourism and economic development, disaster risk reduction and management and solid waste management.

Prior to the release of the subsidy, recipient LGUs Publication Notice

have to submit documentary requirements set forth by the Department of Interior and Local Government. These include Memorandum of Agreement, LGU Annual Investment Plan and Project Proposals, among others.

Japan... from page 2

Grant Aid (Next-Generation Vehicle Package).”

In a statement, the Embassy of Japan said the “Non-Project Grant Aid (Next-Generation Vehicle Package)” aims to contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution in the Philippines caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

T he pro du c t s to b e provided under this project will be decided in accordance with the Philippine Government’s requests.

Specifically, the project is intended to provide ecofriendly products that will promote the development of the Philippines through making use of Japanese technology such as hybrid vehicle (HV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), electric vehicle (EV) and clean diesel vehicle (CD).

Projects under the NonProject Grant Aid (NPGA) seek to assist developing countries in responding to different economic and social needs. The NPGA offers foreign currency funding for importation of goods such as

R.A. 10172 Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -oOoNOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-0005-2014/RA 10172

Date: March 7, 2014

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 MARIA THERESA G. LIMBACO has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “___________” to “__________” and correction of entry in sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ ” to “ ” in the certificate of live birth of Maria Theresa A. Galarroza at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are_____________ and Elsie A. Galarroza.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this Office not later than March 21, 2014.

(Sgd.) ISAIAS A. JARALES

Municipal Civil Registrar BWM: March 10 & 17, 2014

industrial materials that will address a specific concern of a developing country.

The objectives of these projects are in line with the concept of “Inclusive Growth” stated in the Philippine Development Plan 20112016, as well as the concept of “Human Security” being advocated by the Japanese Government. Projects such as this serve as a continuing t e s t i m ony of s t r at e g i c partnership between Japan and the Philippines.

Forex... from page 4

and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei during the teleconference the other day.

Notwithstanding, the airline controlled 50 percent of the domestic market and 16 percent of the international market.

Its passenger revenues tot a l le d P31.66 bi l lion versus P29.58 billion in the comparative period. Cargo revenues likewise rose from P2.38 billion to P2.61 billion; ancillary revenues, from P5.94 billion to P6.73 billion.

Passenger traffic climbed 8.3 percent to 14.4 million from 13.3 million passengers in the preceding year although figures dipped by 1.1 percent to 3.4 million in the last quarter due to Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

This 2014, “In terms of financial performance, our first half will likely be worse than last year’s due to forex losses, international competition, long haul losses as well as the acquisition of Tigerair,” he projected.

C EB is fo c usi ng on expanding its services in Malaysia, Singapore, China and Japan as well as integrating their new acquisition, Tiger Air Philippines and increasing asset utilization by combining their networks.

Gradually, CEB wi ll replace the five aircraft of Tiger Air Philippines with Airbuses from its own fleet to improve the average age of its planes and increase the commonality of their two fleets. As for retaining the brand, CEB will decide on that in the second half of this year.

Meanwhile, CEB expects start-up losses in its long-haul services. “The first half of 2014 will be difficult but the second half will be better,” Gokongwei reiterated.

With CEB’s acquisition of Tiger Air Philippines and AirAsia’s acquisition of Zest Air, the group of airlines now operating in the country had been halved from six to three. “We are positive on this consolidation. A three player market is more balanced,” he stressed.

Local airlines are not adding domestic seat capacities. In fact, competitor PAL Express has reduced services in the Cebu hub, a move which CEB sees as strengthening its foothold in the market. Air Asia won’t add aircraft in the Philippines this year, either. Hence, CEB will continue to be the leading carrier, with 50 percent of

the domestic market.

Still, “It’s not an easy b u s i n e s s ,” G o k o n g w e i acknowledged although now he’s seeing “more capacity discipline” among the carriers and the scenario is becoming more stable somehow.

However, the competition has increased in the international market, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Korea and China. “We expect aggressive price competition.”

As for the long-haul market, “It’s an education for us, but we are fast learners,” he noted.

Already, CEB’s entry in the long-haul market has tripled the capacities in the Manila to Dubai flights. Emirates used to fly from Dubai to Manila twice a day. Now there’s 6 Manila-Dubai flights daily, after CEB came in. Emirates added a third and fourth frequency in Clark.

This proves that before, over 70 percent of the ManilaDubai market are going indirectly. “Now, we’re the leading Philippine carrier in that route, after Emirates.”

At the end of this month, CEB starts flying to Narita and Nagoya. By the second semester, it plans to begin operating in Saudi Arabia and Australia.

IPO... from page 4

a public float of 26 percent after the share sale.

Net proceeds from the offering will finance the development of the first five CityMalls, acquisition of land and pre-development work for near-term projects and general working capital purposes.

CityMalls will have floor areas of approximately 5,00010,000 square meters and will rise on prime locations natio, mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao. DoubleDragon intends to build a hundred CityMalls by 2020, making it t he l arge st br and e d community mall chain in the Philippines.

Aside from community malls, the company plans to complete office towers and expand its portfolio of horizontal and vertical residential projects.

DoubleDragon is a 5050 joint venture between Injap Investments Inc and Honeystar Holdings Corp.

Jollibee founder Tony Tan Caktiong owns Honeystar, while Mang Inasal founder Edgar “Injap” Sia II owns Injap Investments.

Jollib ee Fo o ds C or p (JFC) acquired 70 percent of Mang Inasal in 2010 for P3 billion, with Sia retaining the remaining 30 percent.

Previously known as Injap Land Corp, the real estate arm of Injap Investments was renamed to DoubleDragon in 2012 with the entry of the Jollibee group.

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monday|march 17, 2014

Steag... from page 1

these events happened on their own, the system would not collapse. They happened simultaneously, that’s why it collapsed.”

A load reduction starting 3:51 a.m. at the Steag plant, Mr. Bacani explained, led to an abrupt increase in generation demand. The Agus facility subsequently tripped, which led to the tripping of all other power plants connected to the Mindanao grid.

Also on Saturday, the Nat i o n a l Pow e r C o r p.

(Napocor) also disclosed a similar result of their investigation.

Napocor Vice President for Mindanao Engr. Rudy Brioso stated in a report that Steag’s reduced power generation situation was behind the power outage and at the same time defended that it was not due to the tripping of an Agus power plant in Lanao.

Brioso also revealed that the Napocor’s Pulangi IV hydro plant in Bukidnon, which originally generated 255 megawatts, has been generating only 80 MW since the third week of February because of the lowering of the water level at the Pulangi River as summer approaches.

He said only two of the three turbines are now operating at only 40 MW each. The other turbine, Brioso said, has been put on “maintenance” status.

But despite the findings, the government is not keen on penalizing Steag State Power, said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Raul B. Aguilos.

“As far as the sanctions is concerned, hindi po natin tinitignan ‘yan. In fact, malaki na po ang nalulugi sa [Steag State Power] habang hindi sila tumatakbo. Umaabot na sa billion na piso. Samantala, kailangan natin ma-restore, maibalik ang kanilang dating capacity,” he said.

In a press statement, Steag’s President Bodo Goerlich stressed that a gradual load reduction by itself would not cause the grid to fail.

“The fluctuation of the load of power plants happens from time to time and the over-all effect is managed by adjusting either the supply or demand of the grid. We have in the past experienced such a situation and it did not cause a massive blackout and total collapse of the grid,” Mr. Goerlich explained in a statement.

The firm, he said, is working “round-the-clock” to fast track the restoration of the plant.

“We empathize with those that are affected by the Mindanao power supply shortfall and rest assured that we are doing our best to restore the units back to the grid and help alleviate t he isl and’s pre c ar ious power supply condition,” Mr. Goerlich said.

“We are also carrying out all maintenance activities on other systems of the plant

that were originally planned/ scheduled for August 2014.

Thus, there will no more outage in August 2014” he added.

The company said it is working with the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Power Corporation (NPC), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and other stakeholders of Mindanao’s power sector to address the problem.

“While our priority now is the repair and restoration of the units, we are also working closely with the DOE and other industry stakeholders in finding means of improving quality and reliability of power supply services in Mindanao” Goerlich added.

Power...

11

www.businessweekmindanao.com

He said the power supply shortage was triggered by the declining water levels in the last several weeks in Lake Lanao and the Pulangi River, where the hydroelectric plants are located.

“The Agus and Pulangi plants were de-rated by the NPC as the water levels there already reached the critical level,” he said.

Citing an advisory from the NGCP, Tudio said the shortage was compounded by the breakdown of two coalfired power plants of the Steag State Power Corporation in Misamis Oriental.

“With the summer season now approaching, we expect the shortage to even worsen in the coming weeks. So we really need to run our modular generator sets the soonest possible time,” he added.

from page 1 “It (ERC) will deliberate all applications filed by electric cooperatives that have either leased or purchased their from page 5 own modular generator one of the Philippines’ wellsets,” Tudio said in a radio capitalized. interview.

BPI and Metrobank are He said the ERC scheduled also seen to benefit from the the deliberations following expected improvement in inter ventions f rom the the operating system of the House of Representatives’ Philippine banking system committee on energy and amid robust economic growth the Mindanao Development and stabilizing external Authority (MinDA)-led conditions.

Mindanao Power Monitoring Moody’s said BPI and Committee.

Metrobank will likely benefit House energy committee from healthy credit growth, chair and Mindoro Oriental core profitability, as well as R e p. R e y n a l d o Um a l i stable asset quality. and MinDA chairperson In the event that the Secretary Luwalhati Antonino sovereign rating is upgraded, s p e c i f i c a l l y a s k e d t h e the following factors could Department of Energy and raise the banks’ BCAs: the ERC to fast track the A d e c re as e i n non approval and release of the performing assets (nonapplied rates and COCs of p e r f o r m i n g l o a n s a n d the generator sets, he said. foreclosed assets) to below The approval of Socoteco 15 percent of equity and loan I’s rate application and the loss reserves; COC for its leased 12-MW Ne t i n c om e s t ay i ng generator sets remained above 2.5 percent of average pending at the ERC since risk-weighted assets, and its installation was completed supported by recurring core in October last year. income from lending and Among those that have fee-based activities; and pending rate applications and A high level of loss COCs are the South Cotabato absor ption capacity, as II Electric C ooperative reflected by a tier 1 ratio of (Socoteco II), Davao del above 12 percent.

Sur Electric Cooperative and the Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur electric from page 5 cooperatives.

Asean Banking Integration Socoteco I, which lists a Framework or ABIF, will also daily peak demand of 33 MW, begin in 2015 and should is currently implementing five reach semi-integration as to six hours of daily rotational early as 2018. brownouts due to the power “Thrift banks (will have) supply cuts imposed by the to prepare for the challenge National Grid Corporation of market expansion, as well of the Philippines (NGCP). as our MSME market, who The electric cooperative stand to be affected by the s er ves Koronada l City, changes brought about by eig ht municipalities of DE ASEAN Integration, ” Ramos CAGAYAN ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Limemphasized.

Bldg., Tiano Brothers South Cotabato province Kalambagohan Sts., and Lutayan town in Sultan The upcoming national Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Kudarat. convention will address these Telefax # (088) 856-1947 Based on the NGCP’s issues, he added. To reacquaint CAMIGUIN BRANCH power situation outlook thrift banks to AEC 2015 and B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, as of Friday morning, the be prepared Camiguin Tel.more # (088) 387-0491for what Mindanao grid’s system is in store for the banking BRANCH capacity is only 938 MW orCORRALES industry, organization Corrales Ave., Cagayanthe de Oro City 334 MW short of its system has invited Bangko Sentral DIVISORIA BRANCH peak of 1,272 MW. ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Tudio s aid t he load Tetangco Velez St.,Amando Cagayan M. de Oro City Jr., BSP # (088) 857-3631 cuts were mainly due toTel. Deputy Governor Nestor A. the reduction of power Espenilla Jr., and Department LAPASAN BRANCH supplies coming from theHi-way, of Trade ry Lapasan Cagayan and de OroIndust City # (088) 231-6739 hydroelectric plants of theTel. assistant secretary Rafaelita National Power CorporationCARMEN AldabaBRANCH as speakers during the (NPC) in Bukidnon and Blvd., convention with Vamenta Cagayan de Orothe Citytheme Tel. “Thrift # (088) 231-2011 Lanao provinces.

Banks: Preparing For

Maintain...

Prepares...

Asean Integration.”

R amons stressed the importance of preparedness as the Philippines link with Asean in a “new chapter in regional trade.” “(It’s an) informative time for us as we equip ourselves for the upcoming ASEAN Integration,” he said.

With increased regional trade and finance cooperation, more local banks are also expected to look at possibilities of merging or consolidating to cut on risk management costs and to improve on good governance.

For the past two years, the BSP and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. have been granting additional incentives such as financial assistance and regulatory relief to encourage more consolidations among the bigger banks and the smaller thrift and rural banks.

Feature... from page 8

is only the beginning of other economic opportunities that will be brought by the FDC Misamis Project.”

FDC Misamis, a subsidiary of FDC Utilities, Inc., will b u i l d a 4 0 5 - m e g aw at t circulating fluidized bed coal thermal power plant in Phividec Industrial Estate, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

Zaldy Oliquino, FDC Misamis’ Vice President for Project Management, Operations and Maintenance, further stresses to the graduates that, “Nothing is impossible for as long as you have the determination, confidence and belief in yourself, and most of all, the self -discipline to do things right, whether big or small.”

Oliquino added that FDC Misamis is not just all business, “Our goals in exploring Mindanao are to help provide the needed power in the island, and contribute to its economic development that we hope would help improve people’s lives.”

READ!

ASIA WORLD PAWNSHOP

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

MANAGEMENT PAHIBALO

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

Giawhag ang tanan suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

ANG TAGDUMALA

www.businessweekmindanao.com

CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491

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

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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monday|march 17, 2014

M’nao Feb. 27 blackout caused by a ‘confluence of uncommon events’ T

By Mike Baños

he Department of Energy has disclosed the results of its two-week investigation into the cause of the massive blackout which plunged the entire Mindanao Grid into darkness early dawn of Feb. 27, 2014.

In a press briefing held Friday morning (March 14) in Manila, Rolando T. Bacani, president and chief executive officer of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) said the blackout was caused by

a “confluence of uncommon events.”

“A supply-demand imbalance caused by the reduced generation of STEAG coal-fired power plant due to a technical problem and the

defective equipment of the government-owned Agus 1 hydro power plant led to the incident,” said Atty. Cynthia P er ez - A labanz a, N GC P spokesperson in a phone interview.

According to Bacani’s report, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) noted around 3:51AM of Feb. 28 that the power output of the STEAG State Power Inc.’s coal-fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental mysteriously dropped from 200 megawatts

(MW) to only 160 MW. When a deficit like this happens in a power grid, the regulating frequency tends to drop which could be extremely destructive to power plants supplying power to the grid.

“Sixty (60) cycles is standard frequency, plus-minus 1% , or 59.4 cycles minimum, 60.6 cycles maximum,” said a former energy official charged with the operation of the Mindanao grid who declined to be identified.

“Should the frequency drop below minimum, load is shed

off automatically to restore to standard frequency.”

As its normal response to such situations, NGCP’s ancillary services automatically kicked in to release its regulating reserve from the Agus 1 plant in Marawi City.

However, unknown to NGCP, the plant was experiencing a problem with the capacity voltage transformer (CVT) in its switchyard and so was unable to deliver the needed reserve to the grid.

A CVT is a transformer used in power systems to step down extra high voltage signals and provide a low voltage signal, for measurement or to operate a protective relay.

As a result, the grid instantly shifted to its second line of defense, automatic load dropping (ALD).

“Measures to uphold the security and integrity of the grid were in place at the time when two major events, namely STEAG’s sudden and continuous generation reduction and the tripping of Agus 1, happened within seconds of each other,” said Atty. Alabanza.

In just 85 seconds, around 870 megawatts were dropped from the grid.

“It was practically impossible for the system to recover from the catastrophic drop in overall system frequency, which directly resulted from STEAG’s generation reduction and the tripping of Agus 1.This, in turn, triggered the safety systems of the remaining generating plants as part of their equipment protection,” said Engr. Eugene Bicar, NGCP’s Head for Mindanao Systems Operations.

The “confluence of uncommon events,” as described by TransCo President, Mr. Rolando Bacani, was an unprecedented occurrence in the grid.

However, in a press statement released 14 March 2014, Dr. Bodo Goerlich, STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) President and CEO, expressed surprise over reports that the massive blackout in Mindanao last 27 February 2014 was caused by or stemmed from Steag.

While admitting that SPI’s power generation output was greatly reduced prior to the collapse of the Mindanao grid, the SPI statement said “the gradual reduction will affect the electric supply condition, (but) it is not expected [however] to cause a cascading failure and tripping of other power plants and the collapse of the entire grid.

“The fluctuation of the load of power plants happens from time to time and the over-all effect is managed by adjusting either the supply or demand of the grid,” the statement quoted Dr. Goelich as saying. “ We have in the past experienced such a situation and it did not

cause a massive blackout and total collapse of the grid.”

For its part, Atty. Alabanza said the results of NGCP’s internal investigation submitted to the DOE and TransCo, including the voltage and current profile at the time of the incident, showed that there was no fault in any of NGCP’s transmission equipment during the time of the incident.

Meantime, SPI said its Units 1 and 2 are offline since 27 February 2014 after sustaining damage to its turbine-generators and SPI experts estimate that barring any complications, Unit 1 is expected to be restored on 4 May 2014 and Unit 2 on 1 June 2014. Each unit has a net generating capacity of 105 MW. The press statement further quoted Dr. Goerlich as saying “that SPI employees have been working round-the-clock to restore the units back to the grid noting the volatile power supply condition of Mindanao.”

“We empathize with those that are affected by the Mindanao power supply shortfall and rest assured that we are doing our best to restore the units back to the grid and help alleviate the island’s precarious power supply condition” Dr. Goerlich said. “We are also carrying out all maintenance activities on other systems of the plant that were originally planned/ scheduled for August 2014.

Thus, there will no more outage in August 2014,” he added.

The statement said SPI is cooperating with the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Power Corporation (NPC), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and other stakeholders of the Mindanao power industry, in addressing the situation.

“While our priority now is the repair and restoration of the units, we are also working closely with the DOE and other industry stakeholders in finding means of improving quality and reliability of power supply services in Mindanao” Dr. Goerlich added.

The National Power Corporation (Napocor) acknowledged NGCP’s assistance in correcting and restoring the defective Napocor-owned capacitor voltage transformer inside the switchyard of the Agus 1 plant.

Similarly, NGCP said it is asking power plants to coordinate and check with the system operator their own respective plants’ protection settings.

“NGCP remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate as system operator, “ said Atty. Alabanza “We are one with the power sector in resolving this. As the system operator, NGCP will continue to uphold the security and integrity of the power grid.”