BusinessWeek Mindanao (March 19, 2018)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE

Volume VIII, No. 125

Market Indicators As of 6:00 pm March 16, 2018 (friday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P51.930

8,238.15

10

X X Briefly

cents

48.14 points

TRAIN boosts science THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mindanao Cluster welcomes the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) saying the law brings to the fore the important of role of science. Dr. Anthony Sales, chair of DOST Mindanao Cluster and DOST-XI regional director, said there is a provision in the law that requires manufacturers of sweetened beverages to have their products analyzed to protect consumers. The regional offices of DOST play a big role in monitoring and surveillance of these products since we maintain and operate the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL), Sales said during the Talakayan sa PIA held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on March 12. He said it is crucial to monitor the sugar content in beverages and other foods because of its implications on the public’s health.

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P15.00

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

USTOMS receipts in Northern Mindanao has posted a 38.6 percent during the fourth quarter of 2017 to P3.8 billion as compared to its yearago level but narrowly missed its quarter goal by about P7 million.

Regional economic specialist Cecilio Clark Clarete reported that on an annual basis, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) exceeded its local target of P12.4 billion by 12 percent or P1.5 billion as it raked in P13.9 billion.

The bureau also exceeded its 2017 target of P10.9 billion by 28 percent or P3 billion, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in its quarterly report. tax/PAGE 11 HARD TIMES. A shopper walks past an underwear advert in a retail mall in Cagayan de Oro City Friday, March 16. Clothing and footwear in Northern Mindanao registered a consumer price index of 151.7 with an inflation of 4.5 in regional data released by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) last week. The figures cover the last quarter of 2017 or a month before the implementation of TRAIN law. photo by mark francisco

Davao council eyes probe on illegal resorts Marilog district

Reinventing women “LET us reinvent ourselves by trying to check where we spend our 24 hours in a day and increase our sensitivity by checking where we are good at and can be of help to others,” said chairperson of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee for Women and Family Relation in Cagayan de Oro. To celebrate the International Women’s Day, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro held a mass, motorcade and program that highlighted testimonies of women from communities on how the government have helped them in bracing change in their lives. Aside from citing various programs and projects for women including the P4 million Women’s Crisis Center to be built in the city, Councilor Edna Dahino stressed that the real change in society should come from one’s self and that women should be the change they want the world to be.

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By ANTONIO L. COLINA, MindaNews

KAAMULAN MOTOCROSS. Malaybalay City folk experience an adrenaline rush with the aerial stunts of seasoned riders during the Kaamulan Motocross on Friday, March 16. mindanews photo by h . marcos c . mordeno

DAVAO City – A resolution will be filed in the City Council on March 20 to create a task

force that will investigate the sprouting of illegal mountain resorts in Marilog District,

declared as the “new highland destination of the city,” in the 2013-2022 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). probe/PAGE 11

St. Francis Heights holds open house By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

ST. Francis Heights, the first project of Pontefino Estates in Cagayan de Oro City, held a day-long open house on Saturday, March 17, showcasing its completely furbished model unit.

Conveniently situated along Masterson Avenue, St. Francis Heights’ prime and strategic location at an elevation of 100 meters above sea level is close to the financial and commercial

district uptown, including proximity to Xavier University High School and SM City Cagayan de Oro. “It is also envisioned to add sophistication and character to the lifestyle of the Cagayanons,” said Fino house/PAGE 11

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Economy Japan donates heavy equipment for Marawi rehab M

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By IRMA BOZA, PNA

ARAWI City -- The Japanese government turned over 27 sets of machineries and other heavy equipment to the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) during a ceremonial turn over here on Wednesday. The donation also consisted of 26 transport vehicles that were handed over to the local government unit and the Task Force Bangon Marawi for rehabilitation purposes. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar underscored the Japanese government’s generosity,

saying the donated equipment and vehicles are crucial for Marawi to rise from the ruins of last year’s five-month-long siege. “The rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi have long been started since the declaration of the city’s deliverance from the hands of terrorists. It is because of this that the Philippine government sounded a call for every concerned entity to help Marawi,” Villar said. Villar added: “Japan and its government responded well, just like in many situations that had befallen the nation

in times of disasters. Japan need not be asked where they can contribute because they know very well they are n Nation that does not turn their back on people in need.” The cooperation between the two countries, he said, symbolizes the further strengthening of ties and “will serve as an inspiration to work more closely.” The DPWH secretary assured Japan Ambassador Koji Haneda that the donated machineries and equipment will be used efficiently for its intended purpose, in line with the agency’s rehabilitation masterplan.

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“These equipment will go a long way in building the brand new infrastructure network and transitional roads in Marawi,” Villar said. Further, PWH

Undersecretary Emil Sadin thanked the people of Japan for donating PHP500 million to build housing units for affected Marawi residents through the United

Nations Habitat -- a UN program that promotes and undertakes socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements. (Irma Boza/ PNA)

Anti-poverty program to gain over 600K in Region 9 ZAMBOANGA City -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that a total of 642,934 individuals are set to benefit from the agency’s Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program here in Region 9. Ivan Eric Salvador, DSWD regional information officer, told the Philippine News Agency that of the total beneficiaries, 315,502 belong to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), 177,934 are social pensioners and 147,498 are from the Listahanan. Salvador said the UCT anti-poverty program will ser ve as an additional benefits for those who belong to the 4Ps and those who are social pensioners. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor,

to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18 while the Social Pension is the additional government assistance of P500 monthly stipend, to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens. Salvador said they have yet to validate the list of the Listahanan beneficiaries while the lists of the 4Ps and socials pensioners are already completed. The validation of the Listahanan beneficiaries will start next month. The Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and were the poor are nationwide. Salvador said the beneficiaries of the UCT program will receive PHP200 monthly this year. It will be released in lump sum amounting to PHP2,400. He said they will received PHP300

monthly through the UCT program next year and in 2020. He said the beneficiaries will be informed when they will receive the benefits under the UCT program. He said the UCT program is an additional benefits that will be given to the identified beneficiaries brought about by the implementation of the Republic Act 10963 other wise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The TRAIN Law increases the excise tax of petroleum products, cars, softdrink, and other sweetened beverages, which affect the consumers. “ The government through the DSWD is doing its best to provide the necessar y inter vention to sustain the quality of life of the beneficiaries by providing them support in their needs,” Salvador said. (PNA)

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

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Opinion

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ignacio bunye In a video-taped greeting to former President Fidel V. Ramos, former Malaysian Minister Mahatir Mohamad welcomed PFVR to the “Club”. The exclusive “Club” refers to public figures aged 90 and above. Mahatir, 92, is the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He served from 1981 to 2003. O t he r g re e te rs ( but not yet members of the Club) were PFVR political contemporaries, Bob Hawke of Australia and Singapore’s Go Chok Tong. The occasion was the 90th birthday celebration of PFVR, which he co-celebrated with former First Lady Ming Ramos at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday.

Kakampi mo ang batas

Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

think a minute

jhan tiafau hurst Think a minute…Have you noticed that one of the first things a doctor does when he examines you is ask you to stick out your tongue. It’s sometimes possible to know what’s wrong inside a person’s body just by looking inside a person’s mouth. Some diseases and sicknesses can actually be seen on a person’s tongue. In fact, our tongue gives away many other things about us. Our accent and way we talk shows where we’re from. Our tongue also reveals what’s inside our heart and mind. We usually talk about the things we really care about, such as money, status, food, gossip about others, or sports. But even more than our words and actions, it’s our reactions that show what kind of person we really

are inside. Most of the time we can be good actors and control our tongue, especially when we want to impress and look good in front of others. So we carefully choose our words before we say them. But then if somebody suddenly wrongs and hurts us, we may react quickly out of anger and try to hurt them back with unkind words. It’s in those unexpected pressure times that you and I show what is really in our heart by what comes out in the words on our tongue. We show our true feelings of anger, pride, prejudice, or unforgiveness, which we usually hide under the nice mask or act we put on in front of others. But Jesus Christ loves us and knows we cannot clean and change our talking until we’ve first cleaned and changed our heart inside. Just like clean water cannot come out of a water tank that’s dirty inside, Jesus already sees what we are inside our heart and mind. He also knows that we are not able to change our heart by ourselves. So why not ask Him to take control of your life, so He can start cleaning and changing your heart today and for the rest of your life? Just Think a Minute...

former cabinet members). His affectionate pat on the back sometimes feels like a controlled karate chop. He started his message on the floor but almost immediately mounted a table from where he finished his speech. I was expecting him to do his signature “Edsa jump” but he did another number, instead, mimicking a paratrooper doing a low altitude jump shouting “arch thousand…two thousand …. three thousand”. Aside from books, which he churns out, he also distributes to well-wishers pocket-sized pamphlets which contain a litany of his favorite sayings – which also say a lot about PFVR’s philosophy, wit and humor. The handouts contain such titles as: Great Truths About Getting Old, What is Success, Great Truths That Adults Have Learned, 10 Things in Golf That Sound Dirty, The Four Stages of Life, A Prayer for the Stressed. Also included are off-color sections entitled: How Old Are You? And Counting Calories.

The collection of witticisms is attributed to “sources unknown as of March 2006”. Here are some excerpts: Gre at Tr ut hs Ab out Growing Old – Growing up is mandatory, growing old is optional. What is Success – At age 4, success is not peeing in your pants. At age 80, success is not peeing in your pants. Great Truths That Adults Have Learned – Laughing is good exercise. It is like jogging on the inside. A Prayer for the Stressed – Help me to always give 100 per cent of my work. 12 per cent on Monday. 23 per cent on Tuesday. 40 per cent on Wednesday. 20 per cent on Thursday. 5 per cent on Friday. That’s PFVR. 90 and still counting. A statesman par excellence. For me, still the No. 1 Most Admired Adopted Son of Muntinlupa. Expanded Passport on Wheels Because of the sheer nu mb e r of app l i c ant s , applying for a passport or getting one renewed can be a welcome/PAGE 11

Barangay polls must be separate from plebiscite on Charter

Member:

Stick out your tongue

The occasion – celebrating the Service and Legacy of FVR - started with the usual book signing of PFVR’s latest book, followed by an AVP highlighting various stages of PFVR’s career as a soldier, public servant, a statesman, a husband, a father and a lolo. At 90, PFVR still maintains an active schedule regularly visiting the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation office (RPDEV) office along Buendia where he continues to read, to write and to meet his visitors. Quite a few seek his political advice and/or blessings before running for a public office. He reads and reads and comments on articles which interest him. I am almost sure that in a few days I would receive from him a photocopy of this article with his comments written in red – either agreeing, disagreeing or just simply thanking me. PFVR continues to be sharp and tries to look and act physically fit. Age has slowed him down somewhat but his hand grip is tight (vice like, describes one his

Batas Mauricio LIF’S INSPIRATIONS: “… If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever…” (Proverbs 29:14, the Holy Bible). -ooo IF CIDG’SEVIDENCE VS. KERWIN, ET. AL., WAS OKAY, THE CASE MUST BE PURSUED AT ALL COST: Alright, Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, let’s say you are correct in your perception that your evidence

in the case against Kerwin Espinosa and the others accused in the drug pushing case that was dismissed by the Department of Justice was satisfactory and sufficient. What you should have done, after the DOJ threw out your charges against them, was to appeal the dismissal in accordance with established procedures, and not air your grievances to the media, especially considering that there are many good lawyers in your ranks. If the evidence was sufficient, the only thing to do is to pursue the case by the filing of a “motion for reconsideration” and, if this still won’t work, by the filing of a “petition for review” with Secretary Vita Aguirre himself. This is what the DOJ’s Manual for Prosecutors provides. The time has come, with due respect to you, our great police leaders, to show to all and sundry your full

obedience to the law, and not show you are panicking simply because an agency of government issued a decision that is not in accord with your perceptions, and just because President Duterte quipped he would be sending Aguirre to jail if the drug suspects are cleared. It is said, don’t panic, let’s restore sanity and sobriety in the bureaucracy. -ooo BA R A NG AY P OL L S MUST BE SEPARATE FROM THE PLEBISCITE ON THE CHARTER: There is one small but highly significant question about the proposal to synchronize the coming barangay elections with the plebiscite for amending the Constitution: can the Filipino nation express its true will on amending the Charter if at the time the people are called to decide on the matter, they would also be voting for their favorite candidates in various barangay positions?

We h ave s e e n w h at happened when ballots contained too many choices--usually, the true voice of the people failed to come out. Because of this, it should be clear that the election to elect barangay officials should be held separately from the plebiscite on the Constitution, particularly on the shift of the form of government from presidential to parliamentary. B oth of these issues are truly important to all Filipinos. It is therefore highly necessary that our people should be given ample time to express their intelligent choices. Yes, I advocate strongly: separate the barangay polls from the Constitution plebiscite! -ooo C H A N G I N G INSUR ANCE RULES IN “MID-STREAM” IS TOTALLY UNFAIR: Is it separate/PAGE 11

Justice has to yield to mercy hints and traces

roy cimagala THAT’S right! At the end of the day, justice has to give way to mercy. If we follow Christ, this is what we should do. In his most unfair trial, Christ remained silent when he could have defended himself abundantly. But he

remained quiet and allowed the erratic wheel of human justice to roll on. He did it only for one sole purpose—to redeem us. He had to pay for the debt we could not pay. He had to assume all the sins of men, die to them so that with his resurrection, we also would have a way to recover our dignity as children of God if we also die with Christ. Christ remained silent because it was his time to go, to complete his mission. He just allowed himself to be treated with the severest injustice there could ever be in this world—condemning God through our own human system of justice. That is how

much Christ loves us! This is a point worth our serious consideration if only for us to try to approximate that attitude. Yes, we need justice, and full justice at that. But we have to understand that our justice can only do so much. It cannot capture the whole dignity of man no matter how bad a man may be. At the end of the day, it has to yield to a higher virtue which is mercy. Our human justice can only do so much because even if pursued with all the due processes involved, we still can not know everything about the person concerned. At best, we can only judge on the basis of what we know.

Yet even in this, we always have a strong tendency to overstep. We can go to the extent of executing a person. Besides, our human justice is usually instigated by ange and the desire to make even or to have revenge with someone who may have done us wrong. It is not totally inspired by charity. Some self-interest dilutes it. Yet, if we look at Christ’s example, we know that Christ offered forgiveness to everyone, including those who crucified him. “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they are doing.” He found excuses for them, and continues to do so for all of justice/PAGE 11

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CorporateWorld

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Car sales down in February

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ALES of vehicles in the country reached 26,176 units yearon-year in February 2018, down by 3.2 percent from 27,040 units year-onyear in February 2017, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported Thursday. Sales of passenger cars dropped to 8,192 units or 10.1 percent in February 2018 from 9,114 units in the same month last year. Year-on-year sales of commercial vehicles remained almost flat at 17,984 units last month from February 2017’s sales of 17,926 units. Double-digit decrements were registered in the local vehicle industry month-onmonth. Overall sales decreased by 17.3 percent last month compared to January 2018’s 31,645 units. Sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles both declined by 16.3 percent and 17.7 percent, respectively, in February this year from the segments’ sales in January. “The slight decrease in

February sales compared to the same period last year suggests that the market is still adjusting to the new excise tax regime,” CAMPI President Rommel Gutierrez said. The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which was implemented at the start of the year, has imposed higher excise tax rate for automobiles. Gutierrez said sales prospects for the year remain optimistic as demand continues to be strong. Moreover, two-month sales of CAMPI and TMA registered a flat growth of 0.6 percent to 57,821 units this year from 57,465 units in the same period in 2017. Passenger cars’ sales fell by 10.5 percent in January to February 2018 to 17,982 units from last year’s same period of 20,098 unit sales. On the other hand, sales of commercial vehicles in the said period increased to 39,839, up 6.6-percent from 2017’s 37,367 units. In the same period, sales of light commercial vehicles as well as trucks and buses categories four sales/PAGE 11

Globe, Cebu provincial gov’t break ground for drug rehab center project Globe Telecom and the Cebu provincial government recently broke ground for a joint partnership project involving a drug rehabilitation center in Pinamungahan, Cebu. The facility, which will have a capacity of 106 beds, will be fully funded by Globe Telecom and built on a property owned by the Cebu provincial government. The rehab center is expected to serve drug-related patients, coming from Cebu and nearby areas, who need in-patient quality treatment and other health-related services. The ground breaking rights were led by Globe CLSG-External Affairs Head for Vismin Patrick Gloria (2nd from right) and Globe Director for Citizenship Chelle Obligacion-Gray (3rd from right), along with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III (4th from right). Others from left are Globe Manager for Citizenship Rofil Sheldon Magto, Pinamungajan Sangguniang Bayan Lito Cerna, Pinamungajan Vice Mayor Atty. Honeylette Yapha-Lingad, Public Health Division Head Dr. Shiela Faciol, Chief of Hospital Dr. Feleus Bascon, and Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Rene Catan.

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Environment

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Wetlands conservation group to launch ‘BioBlitz’ project in Laguna By Catherine Teves

Cimatu lauds law enforcement authorities behind large wildlife bust

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nvironment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has commended personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the rescue of over 300 smuggled live animals and arrest of four suspects in what has been dubbed as one of the country’s largest wildlife busts. The successful operation was carried out on Tuesday by joint operatives from the NBIEnvironmental Crime Division and the DENR’s Philippine Operations Group of Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade, also known as Task Force POGI. “We feel proud that we have an accomplishment to share to the Filipino people,” Cimatu said after personally witnessing the turnover of the seized animals to the Wildlife

Resources Center of the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau in Quezon City. The environment chief added: “We are not talking about mining, we are not talking about pollution, but we are talking about conservation. This is really our main purpose in the DENR.” Cimatu already ordered the filing of criminal charges against the suspects identified as Abraham Fulla Bernales, Juner Bawenti, Nestor Torion and Jose Bandingan for violating provisions of Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. “This serves both as an accomplishment and warning to those who are thinking in doing such [illegal] actions as far as these wild animals are concerned,” Cimatu said. Among the animals

rescued from the suspects are 110 squirrel-like sugar gliders, 7 red birds of paradise and 26 Moluccan cockatoos, which wildlife monitor International Union for Conservation of Nature considers to be at high risk of extinction in the wild. The wildlife species could be native to Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. According to BMB Director Theresa Mundita Lim, the DENR will “provide the best available animal care” for the rescued wildlife species. “The animals will also be screened for two months to make sure they are free from any disease,” said Lim, a licensed veterinarian. In the meantime, Lim said the BMB will have to determine the actual origin of the animals. “If it is still possible to repatriate them, we will so that they could go back to

their natural habitat. But if it is no longer possible, we will see if we can take care of them in the long term and use them for educational purposes,” Lim said. Lim said there are environmental conservation partners and animal welfare groups from the non-government organization who are willing to help the DENR in taking care of the species using their own resources. She noted that all the animals that were collected are tropical animals, so they are able to survive in the country’s weather conditions. “We can communicate with the country where they originated, so that they could be returned to their natural habitat. We cannot release them here in the Philippines since these species are not endemic here,” Lim pointed out.

The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) is set to launch its wetlandsfocused BioBlitz initiative this week in Laguna province's Panguil River Eco Park. "BioBlitz aims to help raise public awareness about and action on conserving Philippine wetlands," noted Zenaida Ugat who was among SCPW's elected officers. For the March 16-17 launch, Ugat said SCPW, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the environment department's Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), and other partners would do a "characterization" of the eco park's river. She said such characterization would identify attributes of the river, so SCPW could develop a database for the waterway. LLDA, ERDB, and others could use the database as a reference for better monitoring and conserving the river and its surroundings, she noted. The database could also serve a as reference for efforts against further environmental degradation in Laguna Lake, where the river drains, she continued. Ugat said SCPW targets to spearhead BioBlitz in other Philippine wetlands to help further promote conservation and develop databases where there is none yet. Results of the SCPW-led characterization in those wetlands would help guide conservation efforts there, she said. Ramsar Convention is an international agreement promoting conservation and wise use of wetlands worldwide to help bring forth sustainable development. The Convention defined wetlands as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary,

with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salty, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”. The Convention said wetlands include "all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs, as well as all human-made sites, such as fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs, and salt pans". SCPW chose Panguil River Eco Park as the location of BioBlitz' launch, since this area is a wetland, noted Ugat. She said SCPW also has conservation partners around the area. The Panguil municipality in Laguna province has jurisdiction over the ecopark, she said. "That LGU is developing the area as a tourist destination," she noted. BioBlitz' launch is among Philippine activities for the 2018 celebration of the annual World Water Day (WWD). This year's WWD is anchored on the theme "Nature for Water" to help promote exploration of nature-based solutions to water challenges in this century. Among such challenges are damaged ecosystems' negative impact on quantity and quality of water available for human consumption. WWD is held on March 22 every year to focus on the importance of freshwater and sustainable management of freshwater resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating March 22, 1993 as the first WWD. Each year, WWD highlights an aspect of freshwater. (PNA)

LGU, stakeholders initiate “World Water Day” clean-up for Laguna Lake By Zen Trinidad

Truckloads of garbage were recovered on Thursday here during the Laguna Lake cleanup drive initiated by the Laguna Water District Aquatic Resources Corp. (LARC), the municipal government , and various stakeholders. Anna Karerina LimPuerto, manager for Community Relations and External Affairs of LARC, thanked the Bay local government and the participants for joining the opening salvo and clean-

up drive at the lakeshore Barangay Tagumpay here in observance of World Water Day slated on March 22 under the theme: “Nature for Water”. “We encourage everyone to celebrate World Water Day to express our concern for Mother Nature,” she said in an interview. “We wish to do it in our daily lives, not just in March.” As water service provider, LARC wants to ensure regular and right supply of water by calling

on public support to care for the water body and environment not only for the present but also for the next generation as their advocacy, according to Lim-Prieto. “We already conducted clean-up drive in the creeks of the town of Los Baños last week, now we have this lakeshore clean-up drive here and in April, we will conduct tree planting in the town of Calauan,” she narrated. An ongoing photo contest is also launched for students using their smart phones and the

winning digital photos will be posted on LARC’s Facebook page on March 22. Meanwhile, Bay ViceMayor and currently acting Mayor Jose Padrid urged everyone to be cautious of their own garbage at home since litters will all go to the lake which used to be clean and deep waters with abundant fish and shells to harvest several years ago. He said that the municipal council would appropriate funds to buy all garbage brought by the clean-up/PAGE 9

LAGUNA LAKE CLEAN-UP. Councilor Danilo Lanceras of Bay, Laguna leads the Laguna Lake clean-up activity at Barangay Tagumpay on Thursday (March 15, 2018) . He was joined by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Laguna Water District Aquatic Resources Corp. (LARC), government officials and students. (Photo by Zen Trinidad)

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Banking&Finance

TRAIN law boosts BIR, BOC revenues in first 2 months

T

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) posted doubledigit increase in revenue collections in the first two months of 2018 as a result of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, in his speech during the Inter-Pacific Bar Association forum in Taguig City Wednesday, said TRAIN has eased collection of revenues. He said collections by the BIR rose 10.8 percent year-on-year as of endFebruary this year to PHP280.6 billion from year-ago’s P253.3 billion. Collections by the BOC went up 26.5 percent from P66.8 billion to P85.63 billion, he said. The first package of TRAIN cut workers’ income tax rates but hiked excise tax on fuel and introduced excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, among others, to address the impact of personal income tax rate cut on state revenues. “Consequently, we are confident the aggressive infrastructure build-up we initiated will be adequately funded,” Dominguez said. The tax reform has been proposed in a bid

to fund the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure program called “Build, Build, Build”, which is targeted to spend at least PHP8 trillion until 2022. About 30 percent of the revenues to be generated by TRAIN will be allocated for social protection programs while 70 percent will be used for the infrastructure program. Roads, bridges and other projects under this program will be built in rural areas, primarily in Mindanao, to ensure that growth of the domestic economy is inclusive and benefit even the poor. Dominguez said reforms put in place since a few years back are expected to sustain the domestic economy’s growth to around seven percent this year and ensure that it remains among the fastest-growing economies in Asia. “Last year, we ranked among Asia’s fastestgrowing economies alongside China, India, and Vietnam. This year, we expect to grow our economy by seven percent or better on the back of profound policy reforms and an aggressive infrastructure program that will promote economic inclusion and

competitiveness,” he said. The Finance chief said the debt crisis in the past, along with fiscal discipline, has resulted in underinvestment on infrastructure but since the environment has changed and fiscal health is better, the government bids to invest more in infrastructure to boost domestic growth. Investment on human capital, through improvement of the education and health systems, are also among the plans of the government, citing the positive demographics in the country, with most of the population aged 24 years old and below. “For the economy to be truly competitive, our workforce must be among the best and the healthiest. In the context of rapidly ageing populations around us, we are looking at our very young labor force as an asset rather than a liability. This is the single most important factor enabling our economy to grow faster into the future,” he said. Attracting more investments is also among the goals of the current administration since this “will create meaningful jobs for the millions of young Filipinos entering the workforce.”

“Investments will enable more Filipinos to participate in the process of wealth creation,” he said, citing the distinction that the country received recently wherein it ranked first as the best country to invest in based on a survey among businessmen around the globe. Last year, the country registered record-high Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to USD10 billion, up 21.4 percent year-on-year. “I am certain that our young, skilled workforce is among the reasons we have earned this distinction,” he said, stressing that this is the reason the government has “worked tirelessly at creating a businessfriendly political and economic environment.” He said reforms on ease of doing business such as cutting red tape, eradicating corruption and deploying new information technologies to reduce friction in trade and financial transactions are being made to encourage more investors to place their funds in the country. “We know we have to modernize our institutions of governance to match the rapid pace of our economy,” he added. (PNA)

BSP exec eyes better exports figure for 2018 PHILIPPINE monetary officials are hopeful of the improvement of the country’s exports this year, which in turn will positively impact on the country’s balance of payments (BOP) position. “Now that our trading partners are recovering, that will support exports performance in 2018,” said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Stability Sector-in-Charge Francisco Dakila Jr. in a briefing Friday. Last year, exports grew by 12.8 percent to $48.2 billion but imports posted a higher expansion of 14.2 percent to $89.4 billion. Faster imports growth was attributed to stronger needs for raw materials and intermediate goods

and minerals fuels and lubricant on higher domestic demand, due in part to the government’s massive infrastructure program. Robust imports growth in recent years have resulted in the widening of trade-in-goods deficit, which last year inched up by 15.9 percent to 41.2 billion. This resulted in the doubling of the country’s current account (CA) deficit to $2.5 billion, way higher than the central bank’s $1 million assumption, from yearago’s $1.2 billion deficit. The BOP position last year ended at a deficit of $863 million, more than twice the $420 million a year ago. The central

bank’s BOP assumption for last year is $1.4 billion. Dakila said the BOP deficit last year had been factored in by economic managers given the national government’s infrastructure program. “We foresee that the current account will be in deficit this year but not more than 0.2 percent of GDP,” he said. BSP Department of Economic Statistics Senior Director Rosabel Guerrero said the country’s 2017 CA deficit is the second consecutive year that it was in negative territory after being in surplus since 2003. In 2016, the CA deficit amounted to 1.2 billion, she said, citing that this has been revised from

the earlier figure of $954 million. The CA deficit in 2016 accounted for 0.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) based on the sixth edition of International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Balance of Payments Manual, or BPM6, and is the highest since it hit P2.875 billion in 1999, which accounted for 3.5 percent of GDP and based on BMP5. Guerrero declined to give figures for the 2018 assumptions on BOP and other economic data, citing that these are still being assessed.The central bank reviews its annual economic assumptions twice a year - in AprilMay and in November. (PNA)

Metrobank prices rights offer at P75 per share METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) has priced its stock rights offer at P75 per rights share, as it aims to raise P60 billion in fresh capital to grow its loan portfolio and support other strategic business initiatives. Metrobank told the local bourse the offer price

is based on a 22-percent discount to the 10-day volume-weighted average price of Metrobank common shares listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. The bank will offer 799,842,250 common shares to eligible shareholders who are entitled to subscribe to

one rights share for every 3.9760 common shares held as of the record date of March 21, 2018. The offering will run from March 22 to April 4. Metrobank said proceeds from the offering would be used to finance the expansion of its loan portfolio and acquisition of 40-percent

stake in credit card provider, Metrobank Card Corporation, thereby raising its ownership to 100 percent. Over the last six quarters, Metrobank has consistently delivered over 20-percent loan growth, faster than the industry average. metrobank/PAGE 11

7 OROBANKERS DIRECTORIES CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

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 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 BPI- VELEZ Velez-JR Borja St.Cdoc 8564213/722406 BPI – CAPISTRANO Capistrano St. Cdoc 8574264/8574263 BPI- COGON Osmeña St. Cdoc 8571297/8571298 CHINA BANK –GAISANO 745887/745880 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 DBP – CORRALES Corrales Ave., St. Cdoc | 8572087/722649 DBP – CAPISTRANO JR Borja Capistrano St. Cdoc 8567776/722819

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 PHILIPPINE POSTAL SAVINGS BANK, INC. bels_domingo@yahoo.com.ph Rizal Chavez Cdoc 8572194/725438 PS BANK Velez Corner A. Mabini St., Cdoc 8574183/725184 PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK Tiano-Abejuela St. Cdoc 722644/8573386 QUEEN CITY DEVELOPMENT BANK, INC. Sacred Heart Mont. Cm RectoAve., Cdoc 8562390 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

SECURITY BANK- OSMEÑA Osmeña St. Cdoc | 8563965/ 723411/728774 SECURITY BANK- LKK Limketkai | 8801258/8801625

EAST WEST BANK #5 Juan Sia Bldg. Apolinar Velez St.Cdoc 8578801/720081

SECURITY BANK- VELEZ Velez Montalvan St., Cdoc | 728334/856632

EAST WEST BANK Cogon De Oro Constraction Bldg. LKK Drive 8500339/8500331

STERLING BANK OF ASIA Tiano Velez St. CDO | 8528171/8528168

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

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

8

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Monday|March 19, 2018

RESORTS, HOTEL & RESTAURANTS DIRECTORIES

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

Algen’s Dive Resort (088) 3872015 Apple Tree Resort & Hotel 735411 / 754525 Fax: 754497 0917-7144040 / 0923-3269366 / 0939-9076948 Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin (088) 3871057 / 3870131 Fax: 3870278 Basamanggas Resort 08822-760564 Fax: 760565 Cagayan Riverview Inn 8584245 / 729039 Fax: 8584245 Casa Crystalla 8561704 / 722465 Fax: 722480 Casa Isabella (088) 8564065 Casa Azucena 8563402 / 09236593973 Chali Beach Resort 732840 / 8552108 Fax: 8555941 Chananthon Bed & Breakfast 8568189 / 3093095 Country Village Hotel 8583004-06 Fax: 8583006 D’Budgetel 8564200/726643 Fax: 8564300 Dahilayan Forest Park 8568562 to 63 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

Pryce Plaza Hotel 8583131 Fax: 726687 Prawn House (088) 3095992 Fax: 8519219 Ridge View Chalet 8588946 / 8587946 Fax: 8588946 Seda Centrio Hotel 3238888 / 0917-577-5910 Southwinds Hotel 724803 / 8562036 Fax: 8562036 Stargate Dream Vacation Resort 8515003 / 8509999 The VIP Hotel 726080 / 8562505 Fax: 726441 RED PLANET 8800888/8801306 Travelers Pod 8518988 Uptown Condotel 8511800 Villa Paraiso Apartelle 3870419 Fax: 3870429 HONORARY MEMBERS: Dept. of Tourism 723696/726394 / 8564048 Fax: 723696 RESTAURANTS: Bigby’s Café 72-1071/857-5511/8575836 Fax: 711843 Café Laguna 8582999 Fax: 8567001 DM Villaruy Restaurant 733790 Golden Ajirang I 856-5271 Fax: 727876 Grand Caprice Restaurant 72-6955/856-2302 Fax: 72-4986

Hotel Conchita 8563856 / 727355 Fax: 8563857

Kagay-anon Restaurant 728958 / 8563688 Fax: 8563843 / 729003

Hotel Koresco 8589749-50 Fax: 8589748

La Ilongga Restaurant 72-6183 / 857-3652 Fax: 72-4605

Hotel Sogo 8520383 Kingston Lodge 8585696 Fax: 8585696

Missy Bon Bon 8566852 / 09228606442 Fax: 8566852

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 Paras Beach Resort 8568563 Fax: 8568563 Philtown Hotel 726295 / 8564402 Fax: 723104

SLERS Ham & Café 8551438 Thai Me Up 738424/3108424 Fax: 738424 Barkadahan Grill 8551234 La Tegola Cucina Italiana 8585959 limketkai luxe hotel 8800000 Dear manok 8564914 / 8573413 LIMKETKAI LUXE HOTEL Landline: (088) 880-0000, Mobile: 0917-312-4563 Email: info@limketkailuxe.com

GDH sector gearing up to implement Ma’i brand G ifts, decor and houseware (GDH) sector stakeholders from across the country are scheduling a workshop to discuss steps necessary to adopt the unified brand, Ma’i, that aims to boost competitiveness for both domestic and export. Agnes Roxas, Board of Investments (BOI) sectoral champion for GDH, said the brand’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and five-year program are expected to be tackled during the strategic planning workshop. Roxas said

representative organizations from the Visayas and Mindanao will participate in the workshop to be undertaken by founding members of Ma’i, in cooperation with Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) and various agencies of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). She noted activities would be “properly defined” and mapped out for the purpose of campaigning for Ma’i membership nationwide. “The first step is sharing of communication

and capabilities, perhaps there will also later be a sharing of resources and linkages,” she said. Roxas further said stakeholders would also consider setting-up a website for the brand and tackle possible solutions to common concerns. “This activity has been long identified as a next step following the brand launch. The website will be a promotion tool as well as a capacitating tool for GDH stakeholders to know each other, be familiar with firm/organizational capabilities,” she added. Launched last October,

Ma’i was founded by a diverse group of awardwinning designers, artisans and accomplished entrepreneurs. Together, they are bringing Filipino craftsmanship to the global stage. “With proper positioning, we should be all confident that Ma’i will help establish the Philippine GDH as a reliable source of gifts, decor and houseware. If we are able to make consumers trust our capability to deliver and the saleability of our products, revenue income will be sure to follow,” Roxas said.

The Bureau of Customs is set to issue new guidelines on the accreditation of importers and customs brokers following the Department of Finance’s (DOF) directive returning the sole authority to accredit to the BOC. Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service

director Adzhar Albani, who is currently officerin-charge of the Account Management Office (AMO), told Portcalls in a text message that BOC will issue the new guidelines this week. But pending the new guidelines, he advised importers and

customs brokers with pending applications with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to coordinate directly with AMO, the BOC office which handles the accreditation of importers and customs brokers. Previously, importers and customs brokers must

first secure clearance certificates from BIR before they can register with BOC. Bust last month, the Department of Finance (DOF) issued Department Order (DO) No. 11-2018 dated February 9 but signed February 7, which states that the “authority to accredit and register customs brokers and importers is reverted solely to the Bureau of Customs for purposes of simplification of process” pursuant to Section 1200 of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. DOF is the mother agency of BIR and BOC. DO 11-2018 also mandates that BOC transmit to BIR every quarter the list of approved/accredited customs brokers and importers for post accreditation validation of tax compliance. “In case of any findings of tax deficiency or noncompliance, the BIR must notify the BOC of such findings,” DO 11-2018 notes. The new order repeals Dos 12-2014 and 18-2014, both issued in 2014, which mandated the two-step accreditation. The accreditation process was changed four years ago to weed out non-complying importers and customs brokers and minimize smuggling. However, it met much opposition from stakeholders, especially during the first months of implementation amid delays and confusion about the new process, as well as concern with the many requirements needed to secure a clearance process/PAGE 9

BOC set to release new guidelines on simplified accreditation process

9

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Monday|March 19, 2018

Clean-up... from page 6

pupils and students alike for proper disposal in their own municipal dumpsite. “We will buy recyclable garbage brought by the students so that they can in turn have money to buy for their needs in school,” he expressed adding that their own municipal dumpsite is for the town use only as he refused requests from nearby towns to use it. He said further that they would buy garbage retrieved from those taking shells or fishing out in the lake as part of cleaning the lake from washed out garbage. In a related interview, Councilor Danilo C. Lanceras, chairperson, Committee on Environment, thanked LARC for their support and disclosed that an ordinance has been passed controlling the disposal of human waste where septic tanks will not flow into the rivers. “I passed an ordinance, easement development plan, that controls the household septic tanks not to flow directly into the rivers and we (environment department) have to pump them out for proper disposal,” he said. “We want to clean the rivers, prov i d e e mb an k me nt s , Publication Notice

dredged them and turn into tourist attraction with floating restaurants.” Historically, he said, the town of Bay was the first capital of the province where boats passed through the rivers from the lake and viceversa for trade and commerce. “We want to rehabilitate the three tributary rivers and the lake,” he stressed. “If we will not start now, time will come that our fisherfolks will have nothing to harvest and that is what we are coming up in the council, a development plan for the next 10 years.” Joining the clean-up activity were representatives from the Department of E ducat ion (D epE d), Philippine National Police (PNP), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) s t u d e nt or g a n i z at i on s , business sector and civil society organizations (CSOs). (PNA)

Process... from page 8

certificate from BIR. DO 11-2018 also repeals or modifies inconsistent orders, circulars, me mor and a , and ot h e r issuances. BOC and BIR will soon issue relevant orders and administrative i s s u an c e s n e c e s s ar y t o enforce DO 11-2018.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -o0oNOTICE TO PUBLIC

March 15, 2018 CCE-0019-2018 R.A. 10172 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 MERLYN O. SACAY has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from ‘’ ‘’ to ‘’ ‘’ and correction of entry in sex from ‘’ ‘’ to ‘’ ‘’’or correction of entry in the date of birth from ‘’SEPTEMBER 29, 1963’’ in the certificate of live birth of MARYLIN T. OBLEMAR at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are CARLITO P. OBLEMAR and FEMINA S. TIU. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 6, 2018.

(SGD.) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

BWM: March 19 & 26, 2018

Publication Notice

Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -o0oNOTICE TO THE PUBLIC March 14, 2018

CCE-0018-2018 R.A. 10172

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Older No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that BARVELOU T. BASTELLADA has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from ‘’ ‘’ to ‘’ ‘’ and correction of entry sex from ‘’MALE’’ to ‘’FEMALE’’ or correction of entry in the date of birth from ‘’ ‘’ to ‘’ ‘’ in the certificate of live birth of BARVELOU T. BASTELLADA at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are YOLLY T. BASTELLADA and MARLYN T. TACBOBO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 6, 2018.

(SGD.) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

On February 15, Customs C ommissioner Isidro L apeña issued Customs Me mor andu m Circular 38-2018 addressed to deputy commissioners, directors and division chiefs, district/port collectors, chief of AMO, and other concerned

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICE OF THE NOTARY PUBLIC MARIO T. JUNI Attorney-at-Law Rm. 204-205, 2nd Flr. De Leon Square Bldg., Pabayo-Cruz Taal Sts., Cagayan de Oro City Telephone No. (088) 857-3599* Cell Phone No. 09352379999 MARIETA T. HERRERA, Mortgagee, - Versus – SAMUEL S. BOMBEO,SR., Mortgagor. X~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~X NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Upon verified application for sale under Act. No. 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee, MARIETA T. HERRERA, of #143, Tejero Subd., Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, against the mortgagor, SAMUEL S. BOMBEO, SR., of Block 11, Paris Ave., Capitol Homes, Diliman, Quezon City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of ONE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED PESOS (1,700,000.00) representing the principal amount and interest, excluding the 25% as attorney’s fees, cost and expenses of foreclosure and sale, and all other incidental expenses which are likewise secured by the said mortgage, the undersigned notary public will sale at PUBLIC AUCTION, to the highest bidder, FOR CASH and in Philippine Currency, on May 4, 2018 at 3:30 o clock in the afternoon or soon thereafter at the Entrance of the City Hall Building, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental , the following described real property, together with all its improvement, to wit : KATIBAYAN NG ORIHINAL NA TITULO BLG. P-22666 A PARCEL OF LAND, Lot No. 41861, CAD. 237,(Lot 6822-C, CSD10-011272-D) situated at Barrio Molugan, Municipality of El Salvador, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the West, along line 4-1 by Lot 6818; On the NE., along line 1-2 by Lot 41862, (Lot 6822-D, CSD-10-011272-D); On the SE., along line 2-3 by Road ; On the SW., along line 3-4 by Lot 41860, (Lot 22-B, CSD-10011272-D); All of CAD. 237, Cagayan Cadastre. Beginning at a point marked “1’’ on the plan being S. 01 deg.36’W., 560.50 m. from BLLM. No 17, CAD.237; thence: S.74 deg. 29’E., 122.96 m. to pt. 2; S.21 deg. 41’W., 37.65 m. to pt. 3; N.73 deg. 57’W., 113.57 m. to pt. 4; N. 07 deg. 08’E., 36.77 m. to pt. of beginning, containing an area of FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR (4,364) square meters, more or less. The undersigned auctioning notary hereby gives futher notice that if on May 4, 2018 the minimum requirement of two(2) bidders/buyers will not participate in the auction sale pursuant to the Supreme Court EN BANC Resolution under Administrative Matter No. 99-10-05-0, the sale shall be postponed and re-scheduled on the next working day which is May 7, 2018 at the same time and place without republication. This Notice of Sale will be posted for a period of twnty (20) days in three (3) of the most conspicuous public places where the subject property is located, specifically in the bulletin boards of: (1) Barangay Hall, (2) City Hall, and (3) Hall of Justice and in the Main Entrance of the City Hall of El Salvador City, where the sale shall takepalce, and likewise, a copy will be published in a newspaper in a newspaper of general circulation in Misamis Oriental, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the auction sale. Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the property and the encumbrances, if there be any.

Cagayan de Oro City, March 14, 2018.

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Notary Public Until December 31, 2018 PTR No.3686792A, 01-04—2018 IBP No. 1080130, 01-04-2018 Commission No. 2017-081 (01-12-17) Attorney’s Roll No. 35240 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0000743 (09-29-16) Cagayan de Oro City

BWM: March 19 & 26, 2018

BWM: March 19, 26 & April 2, 2018

R.A Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)

Publication Notice Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -oOo-

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Lanao del Sur Marawi City

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION IN compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that NOURHONEY GUINAL MIRAATO has filed with this Office a petition for change of First Name from NOURHONEY to RAZZALEIGH NOURHONEY in Certificate of Live Birth of NOURHONEY GUINAL MIRAATO bearing registration #84-144 who was born on April 4, 1983 at Bo. Santos, Marawi City whose parents are KARIM MIRAATO and CADIDJA BANDING GUINAL. Any person adversely affected by said petition, may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Local Registry of Marawi City not later than 23 March 2018. BWM: March 12 & 19, 2018

(SGD.) RAWIYA NAGA PANGANDAPUN City Civil Registrar

personnel, informing them of DO 11-2018. BIR had issued an advisory on February 26 stating that starting March 1, it will no longer accept applications for importer’s a n d c u s t o m s b r o k e r ’s clearance certificates. -www.portcalls.com

CCE-0014-2018 R.A. 10172

March 15, 2018

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 JAMES S. GAMBE has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “ “ to “ “ and correction of entry in sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ “ to “ “ in the certificate of live birth of JAMES SY GAMBE at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are PEPITO W. GAMBE and VIGILIA N. SY. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than March 28, 2018. BWM: March 12 & 19, 2018

(SGD.) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

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Monday | March 19, 2018

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Hino Motors shares safety practices, launches Euro 4 truck and bus line up photos by Kit Pilla

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elivering on its commitment of providing reliable trucks and buses, Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, underscores safety manufacturing and processes and quality engine to match the trucking requirements of Philippines businesses. The company strongly believes that innovative yet safe manufacturing technologies and practices not only ensure employee safety and satisfaction but also encourage commitment to quality production, which then lead to quality products and services and customer satisfaction. Based on the 5S principle, the safety program that Hino has been implementing for years now underscores work organization, standards and discipline to encourage safety practices among all employees. This 5S campaign calls upon employees to seiri or sort tools and items, seiton or straighten and arrange items for easier access and use, seiso or shine to ensure regular cleaning of work areas and equipment, seiketsu or standardize work and processes, and shitsuke or sustain to continue improving clean and safe practices every day.

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The company-wide program hopes to make safety a way of life in Hino plants and among employees. Hino believes that increasing employee awareness about the importance of safety practices and encouraging regular adoption of such safety protocols will benefit all stakeholders in the long term. Beyond boosting awareness about safety, the program, which was patterned from Hino Motors, Ltd. in Japan, involves equipping plant personnel with a complete set of personal safety equipment list which consist of shoes, goggles, gloves, arm covers, a hard cap and even ear muffs. Workers are required to wear the complete gear in the production lines. Anyone found not wearing the complete gear is asked to leave the production line and then sent to the

new Professional Safety Health Environment department, which coordinates with Human Resources in studying cases and implementing corresponding sanctions. Likewise, employees are expected to take proper care of the personal safety equipment issued to them. They are required to shoulder the cost of replacing lost items. Replacement, however, of issued items worn out by normal wear and tear, is free. Besides providing personal safety equipment, Hino implements strict safety regulations in the production lines. For example, employees working 2m or higher must use a harness while those who handle lifting must limit manual lifting load to 20kg. There are also protocols for using

machines, equipment and vehicles. Revolving lamps and sound alerts warn workers about moving machines. Locks secure wheeled trucks, in particular those on a horizontal plane, in place, with drivers conducting safety checks before moving the vehicles to alert anyone working underneath or nearby. A daily safety patrol is conducted to ensure strict observance of plant safety protocols. Still in line with its commitment of providing reliable and quality transport solutions to Philippines businesses, Hino recently launched its new line of trucks and buses powered by Euro 4 engines. In addition to reaffirming its vow of Total Support to Filipinos, the company’s shift to the Euro 4 emission standard hino/PAGE 11

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Monday|March 19, 2018

Tax...

from page 1

The said report showed that the district of f ice exceeded its monthly targets except for the months of April, September and October. All ports except Ozamiz topped its annual targets and posted year-on-year growth. Clarete attributed the increase in the value of imports due to higher exchange rate, oil price and improved valuation and classification and the bureau’s continuing efforts to encourage stakeholders to properly declare their shipment and pay the right taxes. As incentive, the bureau of has recognized top importers and exporters who have helped the agency achieve its collection goals. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the region has netted P3.2 billlion collection in the fourth quarter, an 11.4 percent increase as against its collections in the same period a year ago. In the same Neda report, it stated that collections from value-added tax or VAT which accounted for 29 percent share of total collections rose by 22 percent to P934 million. For the whole year, total tax receipts increased by 3.2 percent to P12.3 billion with income taxes, excise taxes and other taxes posting higher than average growth rates. According to Clarete, this increase was realized despite the reclassification of some companies in the region as large taxpayers which paid directly to the BIR Large Taxpayers Service. Cagayan de Oro City Revenue District accounted for 56 percent of total collections. For annual figures, the P10.9 billion target was achieved, Clarete said.

Probe... from page 1

C o u n c i l o r A l Ry a n Alejandre, chair of the tourism and beautification committee, told a press briefing on Thursday that of the 29 monitored establishments in Marilog, only two have business permits – Seagull Mountain Resort and Hill 88 Hideaway. As photos of Marilog are making rounds on social media, Alejandre added that the City Treasurer’s Office alerted him that most of these establishments are not registered with the Business Bureau. He assured that the local government would immediately take action on this issue, saying it is detrimental to the local economy for the revenue losses and to tourists as those illegal businesses, which continue to draw visitors, are located within the danger zones based on the terrain analysis of the Mines Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 11. A subdivision developer is selling 2.3 hectares of land on social media even if it is

within the ancestral domain in Marilog and without permission from the City Council, Alejandre revealed. “I called them personally and they confirmed that they are selling,” he said. He said the task force would b e comp osed of officials from the Business Bu re au, C it y Pl an n i ng and Development Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Engineer’s Of f ice, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and barangay officials. Alejandre said the illegal businesses risk facing closure or demolition. He added he would like to see results of the investigation before taking legislative action. He said they plan to conduct an inquiry to get the side of the resort owners. The lawmaker said he was disappointed that owners failed to secure business p e r m it s and t a ke i nto account some provisions of CLUP, which allowed only a certain portion of Marilog for tourism-oriented businesses. The CLUP stated that some 2,137 hectares, or 3.35 percent of Marilog’s 63,800.22 hectares, had been reclassified into tourism development zone from forestry. Marilog is being positioned as the “new highland destination of the city” in the CLUP. The CLUP said that of Marilog’s 12 barangays, Baganihan and Datu Salumay are the ones designated as tourism development zones. Alejandre said they have yet to determine which among the highland resorts are constructed outside the tourism development zones. B eing considered as ancestral domain, Alejandre said the resorts in Marilog failed to secure consent from the tribal leaders. Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), provides that projects that will affect indigenous peoples’ lands and resources require free and prior informed consent (FPIC) of the IPs or Lumads. The IPRA recognizes the Lumads’ right to selfdetermination. The FPIC is intended to protect indigenous rights and interests and to give them a voice in matters that affect them, such as when investors come to undertake projects like mining, power generation, and plantations. But even if the businesses are able to secure consent, Alejandre said they would not be issued business permits if they were located in the forest zone as identified in the CLUP, or within the identified danger zones. “Some areas in Marilog are landslide-prone. Many resorts are in the danger zones. That’s too dangerous,” he said. According to the CLUP, there are 24,613 hectares that fall within the ancestral domain of Obu-Manuvu and 24,382 hectares within the ancestral domain of Matigsalug-Manobo. Alejandre said the

c it y w ou l d c r a c k d ow n on illegal businesses in Mar i log , fol low ing t he warning issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte against establishments polluting the world-famous Boracay Island. He said that although the city has no white sand beaches, they do not want “our mountains, where tourism indust r y is sprout ing ,” to suffer the same fate as Boracay. The CLUP stated that the Marilog area would remain to be a major production area of high value crops, including, among others, durian, coffee, cacao, rubber, banana and coconut. “Development of agriforests will be encouraged to plant permanent crops in the area to help stabilize the slopes and prevent further soil erosion,” it added. “The reforestation of the area through agro forestry enables the locals to earn income while enhancing the watershed,” the CLUP further said.

House... from page 1

Land Inc. general manager Voltaire Antonio Flores. Fino Land is the developer of Pontefino Estates. “St. Francis Heights is flood-free, breezy and close to nature. We will surely deliver value for money products with quality. This upscale development gives focus to a well-balanced and holistic lifestyle through open spaces and varied exclusive amenities that engage residents to enjoy the routine of personal health and self-care,” Flores added. One corner unit has a total floor area of 99.65 square meters while onemid unit has a floor area of 98.41 square meters. It has its own living room, dining room, kitchen, toilet and bath, maid’s room, carport, master’s bedroom, master’s toilet and bath, two extra bedrooms, a common toilet and bath at the second level and a hallway. St. Francis Heights is part of the bigger Pontefino Estates CDO, a 36-hectare enclave of exclusive residential projects, commercial and office space leasing, retail stores and dining options for the growing uptown market. According to Flores, Fino Land decided to do business in Cagayan de Oro because it is one of the fastest growing, moderately urbanized and most peaceful city in the South. “We chose CDO because of its rustic urban combo, strategic infrastructure and inherent potential for growth. People from Bukidnon, Iligan, Valencia, Butuan and other municipalities have even bought second homes here,” he said.

Hino... from page 10

matches the industry’s call for innovative transport solutions while complying with government regulations. The new Euro 4-powered vehicles from Hino promise improved engine durability at greater cost efficiency

and less carbon footprint. The new f leet includes refrigerated van, cargo crane, dump truck, cab and chassis truck, tractor head, wing van, Cerito bus, Grandeza bus and modern Hino jeepneys. HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr. acknowledges this new milestone as a reflection of Hino’s continuous support for the Filipino community. “Hino is grateful for this opportunity to offer an eco-friendly yet innovative transp or t solution that further expands the Hino range of quality of trucks and buses. We will continue to offer quality trucks and buses that meet the different needs of Filipinos, investing in new technologies that do not harm the environment,” he said. Hino has been engaged in the assembly and exclusive distribution of quality Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines for more than 40 years. Known for providing safe, durable and reliable vehicles, HMP meets the transport needs of businesses ranging from small and medium enterprises to big corporations. Hino Motors Philippines C or p or at i on ( H M P ) is primarily engaged in the exclusive assembly and d ist r ibut i on of qu a l it y Hino buses and trucks, distribution of genuine Hino spare parts, and the manufacture and distribution of other automotive-related products and services in the Philippines. Originally incorporated in March 1975 under the name Pilipinas Hino Inc. (PHI) before it changed its name to HMP in 2015, the company is a joint venture among Filipino investors, Hino Motors, Ltd., and the Marubeni Corporation of Japan.

Welcome... from page 4

challenge. There is the usual waiting time after applying online, and, as expected, the long queues at the DFA main consular office. To alleviate the situation, the DFA has opened 6 mallbased satellite consular offices in Metro Manila and even initiated the Passport on Wheels (POW) program. Starting January 2018, on instructions of Secretary A l a n Pe t e r C a y e t a n o, DFA has embarked on an expanded POW program both in terms of duration and coverage. Previously done during weekends only, the Passport on Wheels are now operational weeklong. POWs are now deployed in coordination with 1. local government units 2. other government offices. 3. private companies 4. organizers of travel fairs and job fairs. Previous coordination was limited to LGUs. Ac c ord i n g t o L ar r y Alcantara, Executive Assistant in charge of t he POW program, since the expanded operations commenced on January 15, 2018, DFA has served 37,965 from 36 cities and municipalities. As I wrote this piece, I

learned that offsite passport processing was on-going in Davao City. I le ar ne d ab out t he expanded Passport on Wheels program only recently. My passport and that of my wife expired on February 19, 2018. Long before expiry date, I applied for renewal of our passports. I promptly got an email reply from DFA setting a date for personal appearance at the DFA Consular office. There was only one problem. I told DFA that my wife was bedridden and it would take a great effort on her part to make the trip to DFA. DFA asked me to email a doctor’s certificate which would justify my wife’s non-appearance. To cut a long story short, my wife was included among a list of off-site applicants. Before long, DFA reps were knocking at our door to digitally capture my wife’s photo, fingerprints and personal data. They said they were in the area as part of an on-going Passport on Wheels operation. Passport renewed on the the spot and for ten years. That’s what I would call public service. Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com. You may also “like” us on Facebook at “Speaking Out”.

Separate... from page 4

not totally unfair that the Insurance Commission is closing five insurance firms simply because they have been unable to come up with P550 million as their minimum net worth requirement for 2018? The fact is that, when these companies started, they were able to comply with all the Commission’s requirements. In the course of their operations, the insurance firms managed to do well and, as per the Commission itself, “all have positive net worth”. Why require now a rather huge amount as their minimum net worth in “mid-stream”, as it were? This is changing the rules in the middle of the game, and it is totally unjust. Is this just a way to ease out the five insurance firms? Have they crossed anyone in power so they have been targetted for closure? Just asking... -ooo FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, or what we have discussed here, or to consult on any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917 984 24 68, or email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at www.facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

Justice... from page 4

us, because each one of us is precious to him. Justice cannot have the last word for us. It’s mercy that has the last word.

If pursued with the mind of Christ, our mercy will allow the full strength of God’s grace to work on us. Our mercy will embody the very love of God for us. It will enable us to love everyone, including those who give us problems. It will make us unafraid of suffering for the sake of others. In fact, suffering becomes a genuine sign of true love. We need to see to it that we learn how to be merciful the way Christ is merciful with everyone of us. And everyday, we actually are given many opportunities to live mercy that goes beyond justice. When we take the initiative to love and understand people, irrespective of how they are and what they may have done, we are already practicing mercy. When we are quick to disregard differences and just work for the common good, when we try to find excuses for the weaknesses if not the mistakes of others, we are clearly being merciful. We should try our best to be above purely human considerations in our dealings with others, and just follow the example of Christ. That way we would know how to make justice give way to mercy.

Sales... from page 5

and five registered positive sales of 14.5 percent, 11.5 percent, and 6.6 percent respectively. Sales of Asian utility vehicles and light trucks, however, declined by 4.1 percent and 40.1 percent, respectively. Toyota Motors Philippines Corp., has remained the market leader from January to February 2018 despite its sales drop by 15.2 percent month-to-date. C ompl e t i ng t he top five vehicle assemblers in the Philippine market for January to February this year are Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., with sales up by 32.3 percent; Ford Motor Philippines, Inc., up by 14.4 percent; Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., up by 6.8 percent; and Nissan Philippines, Inc., up by 19.7 percent. (PNA)

Metrobank... from page 7

Its total asset base is currently the second largest among Philippine banks, having expanded by 16 percent to P2 trillion as of September 30, 2017. The bank believes that the robust growth of the Philippines will continue to support the prospects for accelerated loan expansion across the various segments of the economy. Metrobank seeks to capitalize on the growth opportunities of large cap corporates and especially its core franchise, the middle market and small to medium enterprises (SME) segments. “Rising per capita levels also bode well for the potential in the growing consumer space, specifically in credit cards, auto loans and home mortgage,” it added. (PNA)

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Monday|March 19, 2018

Romolo V. Nati shares IDC objectives in building eco-friendly developments. photo by italian chamber of commerce in the philippines (ICCPI)

IDC CEO talks at Philippine International Furniture Show and Interior and Design Manila

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arch 8- The opening day of the Philippine International Furniture Show and Interior and Design Manila, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI) launched “Italy by Design” at SMX Convention Centre. This exhibit underlined the high quality craftsmanship of Italians. Chairman and Founder of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), Mr. Romolo V. Nati, presented how the company utilizes Italian design in real estate projects and integrates the same with passive green features. “Design is really our DNA. It is what let us emerge in the real estate market here in the Philippines and what gives us the competitive edge within the industry,” said Romolo V. Nati IDC's buildings are developed to reduce harmful impact on the environmental. The attractive minimalist

design is paired with full utilization of natural ventilation, re-use of water, as well as solar based power, which as a result, provides a high-level performance home. IDC aims to offer people the option of choosing emerging cities over the busy downtown communities, which are dynamic, progressive, but with the same world-class living standards that one would expect in any major capital city. To date, IDC has successfully developed and sold two (2) multiawarded structures that are recognized by the international organization, EDGE Certified (Excellence In Design For Greater Excellence) in Cagayan de Oro City. IDC recognizes and responds by providing world-class high-performance sustainable homes in the cities, and always with its elegant trademark design and high aesthetic.