BusinessWeek Mindanao (March 23, 2018)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE

Volume VIII, No. 127

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Briefly Siargao’s shutdown THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified 49 out of 148 business establishments that have failed to comply with environmental law in the resort island of Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DENR’s CARAGA region office is said it is in the process of serving notices of violation (NoVs) to the establishments after a two-month inspection ordered by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.

DENR-CARAGA aims to finish serving the NoVs by end of March.

“Siargao is still one of the country’s best tourist destinations, but if we want to sustain its viability as an international surfing capital we must show that we are all helping to protect and conserve its environment,” Mr. Cimatu said in the statement.

Marawi abaca AGRI-Tech Integrated Services Company (ATISCO), a subsidiary of Yazaki Torres Corp., is planning to develop 10,000 hectares (ha) of abaca farms in Marawi as part of the city’s rehabilitation.

“We are now conceptualizing the rehabilitation of Marawi by providing them livelihood through the rehabilitation of the abaca industry,” ATISCO Operations Manager Dante S. Delima said on the sidelines of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD) Usapang Kalakalan held here on March 13.

MinSAAD is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

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Taiwanese investors eye expansion in Mindanao D www.businessweekmindanao.com

As of 6:00 pm March 22, 2018 (thursday)

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YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

Friday|March 23, 2018

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

AVAO City – Taiwanese investors are setting their eyes on Mindanao as the next possible area for their aggressive expansions, Mindanao Business Council (MB C) exe cutive dire ctor Rolando Torres said.

COWBOYS’ PASTIME. It’s a mix of dirt and grit as these cowboys gang up on a cow during the Kaamulan rodeo competition in Malaybalay City on Wednesday, March 21. mindanews photo by h. marcos c. mordeno

Torres told “Wednesdays at Habi at Kape” that some 23 Taiwanese companies in automotive, electronics, agriculture, wellness, and medical industries are exploring business opportunities in Mindanao.

“There are a lot of companies in Taiwan who are interested to explore the market of Mindanao…It can be two-way process, while exploring market we can explore how we can take advantage of their presence here and explore what we can offer to them,” he added. expansion/PAGE 11

COWD exec denies concessionaire Mejia heads newly organized plans to privatize local water utility European business council

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

THE management of stateowned Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) assured the

public that it will never allow its bulk water supplier Metro Pacific Water Investments

Corporation to privatize the utility.

In a press conference yesterday, COWD chair denies/PAGE 11

Opol touted as next gateway to Visayas

By MARK FRANCISCO Staff Writer

OPOL, Misamis Oriental The town mayor here proudly proclaimed that the opening of its new seaport position the municipality as the new gateway to the Visayas region.

This, after Archipelago Philippine Ferries gateway/PAGE 11

GATEWAY TO VISAYAS. The newly constructed port in Opol, Misamis Oriental, is now ready for use for ferries and fast crafts going to and from Balbagon Camiguin and Jagna, Bohol. The fast craft travels only once a day. photo by gerry lee gorit

By MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

FOOD industry pioneer Mercedes Pelaez-Mejia is the president of the newly organized European Chamber of the PhilippinesNor thern Mindanao Business Council (ECCPNM BC).

Ms. Mejia is the Managing Director Slers Industries, Inc., one of t he city’s homeg rown brands behind the famous chicharon and ham of the same name. Aside from showcasing and selling different varieties of their chicharon, SLERS was also

featured of Madrid Fusion Manila.

The officers of the fledgling council were elected during the organizational meeting held 14 March 2018 at the Xavier Sports and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City where they were briefed on the ECCP’s objectives and functions by ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein and on the Generalized System of Preferences by Walter van Hattum, Head of the council/PAGE 11

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2

Economy

Araw ng Lala, Alimango Festival kick off with fun filled activities

C

OLORFUL parade, Kasalan Ng Bayan or mass wedding and agri aqua trade fair were just some of the activities that kicked off celebration of 69th Araw ng Lala and 17th Alimango Festival 2018 in Lala town, Lanao del Norte on 20 March 2018.

With the theme, “Pagkakaisa: Sandata tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan ng Lala,” Vice Mayor Almario Guzman said that this is a yearly event of the municipality where it gathers all 27 barangays to showcase local

produce ranging from fruits and vegetables, to fish, shrimps and crabs.

Schools, government and private companies also participated in the parade where it showcased wonderful colors and dance performance in the municipality.

In a mass wedding held in the gymnasium of Lala, 42 couples exchanged their wedding vows after five to 10 years of living together. This time, they will be able to get their marriage certificates and blessed by the Catholic church.

Meanwhile Councilor

Lyndon Abucay shared that Lala is the only 1st class town in the province of Lanao del Norte. Further, they are developing it to be the business district center of the province with barangay Maranding as lead.

Brgy Captain Raul Mendoza of Poblacion in Lala, meanwhile, said that they are displaying the biggest fish, crab and shrimp in order to win. They have put up their booth and gathered all local produce from their barangay for the aqua and agri trade fair.

Further, their aqua

products come from Panguil Bay. Among the competitions in the trade fair are the biggest agri and aqua products.

The event started on 19 to 22 March 2018. For the following days, Lala will hold teachers’ day, Persons with Disability (PWDs) health checkup, free clinic, bloodletting and medical mission. They will also have search for Ms. Lala.

For its culmination, they will hold the Alimango Festival Grand Parade, contest proper and Alimango mountain. (JMOR/PIA)

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SSS offers again loan restructuring with penalty condonation More than 250,000 members of the state-run Social Security System (SSS) will benefit from the Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) with penalty condonation that will be offered from April 2 to October 1, 2018.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said the re-implementation of the LRP that condones penalties of borrowers with past due loans is a response to the widespread clamor of those members who were not able to avail of the

LRP offered last April 2016 to April 2017.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte for granting us the authority to allow our memberborrowers to clean up their loan accounts with SSS to be able to fully enjoy their benefits as members of the pension fund,” Dooc said.

SSS implemented the first LRP in April 2016 with a one-year availment period that generated roughly P6 billion for the pension penalty/PAGE 11

DavOr, int’l partner break ground for multi-billion industrial park RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

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BANAYBANAY, Davao Oriental – The Davao Oriental provincial government and its foreign partner Pionaire Finance Limited held a ceremonial ground breaking for the multi-billion industrial park in Banaybanay town, Davao Oriental Wednesday.

The event followed the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Pionaire President Bill Shen during the Davao Oriental Industrial Park Business Conference at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Dayanghirang said

the province hopes the proposed 1,500-hectare industrial zone would usher in socio-economic improvement to the province and its people.

It is expected to draw investments and 20,000 local jobs.

The project, which would cost $2.27 billion or about P113 billion, will be funded by Pionaire through a soft loan.

Dayanghirang said the land acquisition remains a work in progress, with many of the 200 landowners of the 850-hectare property already supporting the project.

He said the provincial government has yet to work on its application for the land conversion from agricultural to agri-industrial area. An approval of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is still needed.

“This will be a difficult process. It’s not ordinary.

We need to negotiate for the 1,000 hectares and we expect resistance. Di pa maintindihan (ng tao) kung ano ito (The people would yet understand what is this),” Dayanghirang said.

The governor said Banaybanay town was park/PAGE 11

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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4

Opinion

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Friday|March 23, 2018

It is time to cut clean: did other SC justices fail to file SALNs, too?

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Climate-controlled think a minute

jhan tiafau hurst Think a minute…What kind of climate do you enjoy living in? Did you know that you can live in the exact climate you want! I’m not talking about the weather climate, but the more important climate of your home. The daily mood of your marriage and family. Just like a garden or plantation lives and grows best in a certain kind of climate, so does your marriage and family.

Your wife or husband and children live happiest when you control the climate of feelings and emotions in your home.

We do this by the way we talk and treat each other.

The way we react to the daily problems, mistakes, or disagreements we may have. Do you wish your

family was more peaceful and happy? That you and your wife or husband did not argue and fight so much? That your kids were more happy and confident?

Well, no one is forcing you and your family to live in that kind of unhappy atmosphere. It’s your choice. You must decide to be the first to change and control your own heart, moods, and anger. You can’t have a peaceful, happy marriage and family until you yourself first have peace and happiness in your own heart. Jesus can give you that kind of peace, power, and self-control you need. Then you can help create the loving, happy climate in your home. It’s never too late to change. So today, why not ask Jesus to forgive you for your past anger and lack of self-control with your family? Then ask Him to take charge of your heart, marriage, and family, so you can finally start enjoying a satisfying, peaceful climate in your home everyday—for the rest of your life.

Just Think a Minute…

Batas Mauricio LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…”

(Jesus, our God and Savior, in Matthew 7:17, the Holy Bible).

-ooo MAKATAO? OR FOR P U R E LY P E R S O NA L INTERESTS ALONE? I h ave to c on c e d e t h at the objective in the putting up of MAKATAO (Mambabatas Para sa Kar ap at ang Pant a o, or, l o o s e l y, l aw m a k e r s f or hu m an r i g ht s ) i s qu ite n o b l e . Wi t h r e p e a t e d human rights violations nowadays of many of our countr ymen, whether in the public or private sectors, there is really a need for an organization like this.

The question, however, is, will MAKATAO also scrutinize human rights violations committed by their fellow lawmakers?

Wi l l M A K ATA O l o o k i nt o t h e hu m a n r i g ht s violations attributed t o t h e g ov e r n m e nt s of former presidents Noynoy Aquino and his mother, C or y Aqu i n o ? O r, w i l l

M A K ATAO o n l y f o c u s on alleged human rights violations by the Duterte government?

We d o k n o w t h a t here in the Philippines, there is a p enchant for putting up organizations with varying aspirations, but t h e re wou l d b e no denying the fact that the underlying desire by those who organize them is to advance personal, f a m i l y, a n d p o l i t i c a l interests alone. Because of this, I pose a challenge t o M A K ATAO : l au n c h an h on e s t - t o - go o d n e s s investigation on abuses and human rights violations by your own colleagues, particularly the abuse of pork barrel funds. Would this be okay, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman?

-ooo EVERYONE SHOULD NOW COME CLEAR: DID OTHER JUSTICES FAIL TO SUBMIT THEIR SALNs, TOO? Uh oh... this reminds every person of this Biblical story about sinning: “... But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his f inger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, `Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’...” (John 8:6-7, the Holy Bible).

If the claim of Chief Ju s t i c e Ma r i a L o u r d e s Aranal Sereno that there are ot h e r ju s t i c e s w h o have not submitted their SALNs (or Statement of As s e t s , L i a b i l i t i e s a n d

Networth) is true, and I suppose it should be true other wise Sereno would not be raising it against her colleagues, what then should be done? If Sereno can be removed from office because she failed to submit her complete SALNs w hen she was appointed justice of the Supreme Court, what then can we say of the justices she has fingered for the same “violation”?

I guess everyone owes it, first to God, then to the Filipino people, then to the Judiciary as a whole, to come forward and clear t h e m s e l v e s of S e re n o’s charge. Other wise, even if Sereno is removed, the taint of SALNs not filed will continue to hound the highest court of the land, casting doubt on the integrity of all of them.

-ooo IS SC DECISION IN 1981 APPLICABLE TO ITS OWN JUSTICES? In a lunch tendered by Batch 7 8 me mb e rs of t he U P College of Law Sigma Rho Fraternity to honor the retirement as Labor Arbiter of t he i r Gr and Archon when they were initiated in 1978, Judge Patricio Patnubay, Liboon, batch member-lawyer Doroteo B. Aguilla II brought up a decision of the Supreme Court which may affect the right of Sereno and her fellow justices to continue holding on to their positions at the high court.

Atty. Aguila said the Supreme Court ruled, in a

1981 case involving his own father, Atty. David Dumuk Aguila, that a government official can hold on to the position to which he or she was appointed only if he or she would remain qualified to hold the position. If after the appointment of the official he or she ceases to be qualified to remain in that position, he or she could no longer hold on to that position.

My question was, can this Supreme Court decision apply to its own justices who will be proved, after their appointment to the court, not to have submitted their SALNs in their employment before they joined the SC? If their non-submission of their SALNs would be discovered at a later point, it would be clear they would have missed on a Constitutional requirement for their app ointment, removing their right to hold on to their positions. What do you think, dear readers of this column?

-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 m e at b at a s m au r i c i o @ 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!

What to tell Grade 6 graduates? hints and traces

roy cimagala I WAS asked recently to say the Baccaluareate Mass for the Grade 6 graduates of a certain school here in Cebu.

That immediately brought me to think about what to tell these young boys and girls. More precisely, I thought of what Christ would tell them especially at this juncture of rapid world development.

D e f i n i t e l y, t h e s e graduates have to be inspired and encouraged to look forward unafraid to the next stage of their education and to the future in general. They have to be reassured that things are looking good and that there are now more and more opportunities for them to grow in knowledge, to learn

new skills, to meet more friends and people, etc.

But neither can we be blind to the dangers that also lurk along the way.

We cannot deny that these dangers are not only many but also are most tricky and subtle. How to alert these graduates of these clear and present dangers without frightening them is the challenge to face. More than that, how to train and equip them to tackle the challenges and trials of the times is an urgent task to do.

But before anything, it should be made clear to them that everything depends on their relationship with God. And precisely the purpose of education, to put it bluntly, is to make the students know, love and serve God. Another way of saying that is to tell them that they have to aim at becoming ‘another Christ’ who is the pattern of our humanity and the redeemer of our d a m a g e d hu m a n i t y. It would be good that as early as possible these young boys and girls realize deeply that their creation by God is

still ongoing and that the finished product of their creation is precisely for them to be ‘another Christ.’

They should be instilled with a deep sense of religion and piety, especially these days when the culture of secularism and worldliness is gett ing invasive and becoming dominant. They have to be made to realize t h at e ve r y t h i ng h a s to have God as the constant reference point. In this, we have to teach and show them how to do it.

Aside from a deep sense of religion and piety, the graduates have to be encouraged to cultivate a deep sense of family. We cannot deny that there are nowadays very strong forces that tend to weaken family life. There are now, sad to say, many broken and dysfunctional families.

This problem has to be addressed urgently.

Things should be done so that the graduates can e nj oy a he a lt hy f am i ly life where they can feel very much at home with everybody, where they feel loved and grow in their love for the others, where

they grow in the virtues, especially order, hard work, etc.

And lastly, the graduates have to be taught to develop a strong and healthy p ers onal, spir itual life.

In this regard, they have to b e t au g ht t he v a lu e and the art of prayer and sacrifice. This is a ver y delicate affair that has to be handled properly, giving these young boys and girls the proper motivations.

They should be encouraged to open up with someone whom they can trust—their parents, first of all, and then their teachers who should try to be their mentors, p erhaps s ome priests and friends who have the competence to guide them. They should feel reassured by the help these people can give them. They should avoid keeping things to themselves, especially when they have problems and difficulties.

There actually are many more and e ven end less things to tell them, but we do not have enough space for them now. Let’s just pray for them and wish them all the best!

CorporateWorld 5 AirAsia to attract ‘digital nomads’ Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

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L

OW-COST CARRIER Philippines Air Asia, Inc. is looking to capture more “digital nomads,” a term used to describe techsavvy workers with no permanent offices, as it increases its network in Southeast Asia.

Philippines AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Dexter M. Comendador said the company’s plan to expand its network across Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries will mean seamless movement for frequent travelers.

“We were trying to complete the network of ASEAN by opening up

[routes to] Jakarta [and] Bali. Those are the only routes that we lacked in.

The Bangkok [route], we will open next month so, we have almost completed the whole ASEAN,” he said.

Philippines AirAsia started flights from Manila to Bali and Jakarta in January, and is scheduled to begin Manila-Bangkok flights on April 22.

Through the Jakarta route, Mr. Comendador said digital nomads would be connected to the emerging start-up hubs in southern ASEAN region.

“We would like that the people working for AirAsia be able to travel around Asia and work

Three Aussie firms keen on investing in PH THREE Australian companies have expressed interest to invest in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement Wednesday.

DTI said it received three letters of intent (LOIs) from Australian firms to invest some $40.4 million in the country from the recent visit of DTI Secretary

Ramon Lopez last week in Australia for ASEANrelated event.

On the sidelines, Lopez and Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano met with Australia-Philippines Business Council (APBC) in Sydney.

The three firms that presented their LOIs to DTI include FPC Funds investing/PAGE 11

while they’re traveling,” he said.

With its expansion plans, AirAsia expects more digital nomads, particularly from Western countries, to flock to the booming ASEAN region. “[Hack Horizon cofounder Johannes Jaeger] said that there are a lot of digital nomads in the West that are paid a lot but they work here in Asia because it’s cheaper attract/PAGE 9

Pilipinas Shell profit soars 39% in 2017 PILIPINAS SHELL Petroleum Corp. said its net income rose 39% in 2017, it told the stock exchange on Monday, citing strong growth in retail volume and regional refining margins as well as gains in inventory holdings.

In a statement, Pilipinas Shell said its full-year profit jumped to P10.4-billion profit from the P7.4 billion recorded in 2016, fueled by robust retail volume growth, strong regional refining margins, and inventory holding gains.

This despite increased competition and the twoand-a-half-month planned preventive maintenance shutdown of its Tabangao refinery.

FDC Misamis blood drive to save patients suffering from cancer, kidney failure In an aim to help save more patients suffering from cancer and kidney failure in Northern Mindanao, the Gotianunled FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis) recently conducted its second annual bloodletting activity at the firm’s

power plant site in Phividec Industrial Estate, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

Assisted by the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) - Cagayan de Oro City Chapter, employees from the firm’s various business units took part in the life-saving

activity.

“What a laudable undertaking,” remarked PNRC nurse Ophelia Sayson, adding, “FDC Misamis’ 2nd Bloodletting activity really boosted our intensified campaign for more blood donations region-wide.” fdc/PAGE 9

BLOOD DONORS. Employees of FDC Misamis Power Corporation during the power firm’s 2nd Annual Bloodletting Drive at their power plant site in Villanueva town, Misamis Oriental.

Cesar G. Romero, Pilipinas Shell president and chief executive officer, said the company generated P10.7 billion of cash from operations, higher by 26% year on year.

“This is a testament to the company’s commitment and continuing focus towards robust cash generation at optimal returns. This should allow us to sustain our commitment to high dividend payout at industry-leading dividend yields,” he said in a statement.

Pilipinas Shell reported retail sales volume increased by 4% because of high premium fuel penetration at 27%. The uptake of

its V-Power Diesel and V-Power Gasoline rose by 17% and 7%, respectively.

A total of 66 retail stations were opened last year, bringing the total to 1,044 by yearend.

On the other hand, nonfuels retail business rose by 15% as convenience retail recorded “high double-digit growth,” the company said.

Pilipinas Shell opened 37 Shell Select and 22 Deli2Go stores last year. The retail lubricants business also expanded as 35 lube bays were opened.

As of end-2017, the company had 102 Shell Select, 41 Deli2Go stores and 262 lube bays.

The company said the completion of the

preventive maintenance in the Tabangao refinery in Batangas City and freight optimization through its North Mindanao Import Facility (NMIF) further strengthened its integrated supply chain.

It said the refinery’s continued operations after the maintenance shutdown captured the strong refining margins while the NMIF accounted for savings of more than 50% above initial estimates.

Mr. Romero also announced a P5.14 cash dividend per share, saying this “represents a superior dividend yield of close to 9% based on the share price at the time of our dividend announcement.”

6

Environment

Cimatu seeks long-term dev’t plan for Panglao Island

E

nvironment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has urged local executives to formulate a long-term development plan for Panglao Island so as to avoid a situation similar to Boracay Island, which is now facing serious environmental problems mainly due to unmanaged overdevelopment.

Just like Boracay, Panglao is one of the country’s top tourist

destinations famous for its white sand beaches and world-class diving.

Even as he lauded ongoing efforts of the Bohol provincial government and other Panglao stakeholders, Cimatu underscored the need to plan for the island’s long term development in order to ensure the sustainability of its environment.

“The plans you are making are good for

now. But I want to see a development plan for Panglao for the next 30 years,” Cimatu told members of the Panglao Island and Tagbilaran Executive Council (PITEC) led by Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto during their meeting held last Monday.

PITEC is a coordinating and advisory body composed of local government executives and stakeholder representatives

from Tagbilaran City and the two municipalities that make up Panglao Island, Dauis and Panglao.

The council aims to facilitate the development of Panglao, especially in anticipation of the impacts of the construction of an international airport on the island.

Cimatu listened as officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) panglao/PAGE 9

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Friday|March 23, 2018

DENR orders 49 Siargao businesses to address environmental problems The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday said 49 business establishments were ordered to address environmental problems to ensure that “responsible ecotourism” is sustained in the internationally popular surfing island of Siargao in Surigao del Norte province.

As this developed, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu lauded the DENR-CARAGA regional office for swiftly responding on his order to identify tourism service providers that have violated environmental laws.

“This is an example of quick action by our regional officials,” the DENR chief said. “Within two months, they have finished surveying tourism establishments in the beautiful (Siargao) island and they have already separated those who are compliant with environmental laws and those who are not,” Cimatu added.

“Siargao is still one of the country’s best tourist destinations, but if we want to sustain its viability

as an international surfing capital we must show that we are all helping to protect and conserve its environment.” Cimatu said.

Data from the DENRCARAGA showed that out of 148 businesses in Siargao Island, 49 establishments have been given notices of violations (NOVs) for violating either the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, or the Environmental Impact Statement System.

The landscape and seascape of Siargao had been classified as a protected area, although in recent years it has become a favorite destination of international surfers, and mass tourism has boomed in the entire island.

Violations of the businesses, which are mostly resorts and restaurants, include failing to secure environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) and absence of sewage treatment facilities.

“Right now, they are serving notices of violations to the identified establishments, and by the end of the month, they aim to finish serving them, conducting the associated problems/PAGE 9

Tree planting contributes to mitigating climate change, says UN chief UNITED NATIONS -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that treeplanting contributes to mitigating climate change impact.

"The health of our planet is essential to our own health and well-being, and to our future, and trees are an essential part of it," said the UN chief at a tree-planting ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, hosted by the Netherlands in its capacity as President of the Security Council.

"I welcome the Dutch presidency's focus on tackling the root causes of conflict, including climate change, which has very serious implications for peace and security in all regions," he said at the event that was held at the UN headquarters.

"Trees and forests play an

essential role in mitigating the impact of climate change. Planting trees is one of the most important things we can do to contribute to the health of the planet," he added.

"Forests are the lungs of our planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen. And trees improve our lives both on a grand scale and at the local level.

Strategic planting of trees can help save the energy used for heating in winter and for air conditioning in summer, both very necessary in New York," said the SecretaryGeneral.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Dec. 21, 2012, which declared that March 21 of each year is to be observed as the International Day of Forests. The resolution encourages all member states to organize activities relating to all types of forests. (Xinhua)

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Banking&Finance

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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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Friday|March 23, 2018

Budget Reform bill passage sought before SONA ‘18 B UDGET and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno expects the proposed Budget Reform measure would be signed into law before President Rodrigo R. Duterte delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

This after the House of Representatives approved on Tuesday their version of the bill, which received 158 yes votes, eight no votes, and one abstention.

In a briefing Wednesday, Diokno said

Senator Loren Legarda will sponsor a similar bill Tuesday afternoon.

“So we expect this bill to be passed and approved before the President’s State of the Nation Address in July.

And so this will really be a game changer as far as budget-making is concerned in this country,” he said.

With the looming reforms on budget utilization, Diokno continues to see further improvements on government spending, which in 2017 rose 11

percent year-on-year to P2.823 trillion and short of only two percent against the P2.909 trillion target.

Diokno hopes expenditures growth to be at “the same level, if not better” this year.

He is hopeful that by next year spending “will be approximately equal to the target.”

In 2019, the government will be adopting a cash-based national budget to fast track program delivery since contractual obligations and budget

disbursements will be done within the fiscal year, with an extended period of three months.

Currently, the government is using the obligations-based budget system, wherein validity of the budget is until the next fiscal year.

“We are prepared for that. The importance of the Budget Reform Bill is once we step down the next president will not mess around with the budget system because we are now institutionalizing a new budget system,” he said. (PNA)

Fraudulent pension claims cost GSIS P1.6-B FRAUDULENT collections of pensions has cost state pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) about P1.6 billion, thus, the implementation of a three-month revalidation for pensioners 79 years old and below to update the list.

In a briefing Tuesday, GSIS President and General Manager Clint Aranas said it was found out that about 48,843 pensioners still receive pensions even if they have already died.

He, thus, called on pensioners to avail of the Annual Pensioners’ Information Revalidation (APIR) and appear on the various GSIS offices, use the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) or take advantage of the caravans set from March 23 to June 30, 2018 nationwide to activate their status and continue receiving pensions.

Pensioners who are

totally disabled, those who are 80 years old and above, those with medical condition but have legal guardians who are not survivorship pensioners are excluded to appear for revalidation and may instead request for home visitation from GSIS. Also excluded to appear for revalidation are those who live overseas and in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

After the three-month revalidation period, pensioners are required to renew their status during their birth month.

Aranas said they need to do something to protect GSIS’ funds for the benefit of all its members.

He said the accumulated losses may have been due to syndicated actions or personal decisions of family members.

“It is to our loss if we don’t do our job,” he said, citing that the fraudulent

transactions transpired because families of the pensioners did not or failed to report about the death of the GSIS members.

He placed overpayment to around 10-20 percent of the total pensioners while GSIS Senior Vice President for National Capital Region (NCR) Nora Saludares, during the same briefing, said they expect about 363,000 pensioners 79 years old and below to personally appear during the revalidation period.

Collection of the overpayment may be done once the families of the

dead pensioners report to GSIS and collect death benefits while those who did misrepresentation will be filed criminal charges such as estafa.

Saludares clarified that they will collect penalties from the surviving spouse if they reported the death of the GSIS member.

She also cited that pensions of those who failed to appear during the revalidation period will not be automatically suspended.

“Survivorship benefit for spouse stops when he or she remarries or cohabits,” she added. (PNA)

BPI suspends bank operations from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday ALL branches of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI), BPI Family Savings Bank and BPI Direct Banko branches as well as its kiosks will be closed from March 29-April 1, 2018.

“Our regular bank operations will resume on April 2, Monday,” the bank said in an advisory Tuesday.

With the temporary suspension of bank operations during the four-day period, BPI urges its clients to “complete their banking transactions, including bills payments, ahead of the long weekend.”

“Please note that payments made from March 29 to April 1 will be posted on April 3, Tuesday,” it said, as it encourages its customers to call the bank’s hotline, 89-100, for any inquiries. (PNA)

9

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Friday|March 23, 2018

Attract... from page 5

here,” Mr. Comendador said.

“So we have to set up the infrastructure to allow them to be able to work here so that ASEAN can also profit from it.”

AirAsia also looks to capitalize on the “work from anywhere” trend.

“ASEAN [in a sense] has become smaller now so they [digital nomads] move around ASEAN, working [ an d ] pro du c i ng go o d outputs while they go around [because] there’s no more office,” Mr. Comendador said.

On Saturday, Philippines AirAsia held the Red Hub convention, which aims to create a community for digital nomads.

In a presentation, AirAsia Regional Chief Operations Officer Pete Chareongwongsak said the future of work driven by technology would mean more connected, more productive, and more collaborative internal organizations.

With less barriers, Mr. C hare ong wongs a k s ai d this would lead to a change in demands from airline customers to suit their mobile lifestyle.

FDC... from page 5

Sayson disclosed that their agency releases an average of 120 to 130 bags of blood every day, thus, it is vital that they have ample and continuous supply.

“There were patients as far as from Pagadian City and Bukidnon asking for free blood and we can’t refuse since their attending physicians were also Cagayan de Oro City-based.”

On record, said Sayson, patients with kidney trouble, mothers suffering from postpartum syndrome and those with leukemia are their top three patientbeneficiaries.

“Having ample supply of blood available 24/7, these needy patients would no longer have to wait. Instead, they could avail the free blood they needed as soon as possible,” she stressed.

FEELING ‘SUPER HERO’ Employee-donor Raymark del Puerto from the firm’s Information Technology Management System (ITMS) quipped, “It’s my first time to donate blood and I feel like a super hero after.”

Security guard Richard Caayupan also exclaimed, “I am happy I donated blood that could save others especially those who have less in life.”

At f i rst , Del Puer to admitted that he really felt nervous.

“Yet, after the process of blood extraction, I realized that I have made something big not for myself but for others,” he said.

He t h e n s h a r e d a n experience that they were once also placed in a difficult situation looking for any available blood when his mother was in a volatile health condition.

“A lt hou g h my mom couldn’t benefit anymore from my blood donation, I am still happy that others could avail of it in order to prolong their lives,” stressed del Puerto.

F D C M i s a m i s Pl a nt Manager Luis Lagarnia, Jr., meanwhile, congratulated their employees-turnedblood donors.

He said their bloodletting activity is an annual event aimed at encouraging their employees to regularly donate blood and be “heroes” to others.

“Donating blood is just a simple thing but such little deed can create huge impacts to others whose lives can be saved because of our initiative,” capped Lagarnia.

Panglao... from page 6

and it s E nv i ron me nt a l Management Bureau (EMB) regional office in Central Visayas presented water quality sampling results as well as the list of establishments violating easement laws.

The PITEC secretariat also presented policy actions and initiatives to address the island’s environmental concerns, which include a prop os e d waste water treatment facility in the world famous Alona Beach.

C i m atu c om me nd e d these efforts, but warned on the expected effects that the completion of the international airport would bring.

“Unlike Boracay, there are more reasons for people of all ages to come here.

The tourism industry will really f lourish and the infrastructure like sewage will have to change,” he said.

“You should have a plan, what will happen 10, 20, years from now to guide future leaders because [short-term] plans change when leadership changes,” he added.

The DENR chief proceeded to recount his observations in Boracay, particularly the intrusions on forestland and wetlands, water pollution, and traffic caused by unchecked construction of establishments that have made the streets narrower.

“We do not want this to happen in Panglao, or Siargao, or El Nido,” he stated.

Problems... from page 6

t e c h n i c a l c o n f e re n c e s , and determining whether to elevate the case to the Pol lut ion Adjudic at ion Board,” Cimatu said.

Aside from identifying violating establishments, the regional environmental officers of CARAGA also identified the problems t hre atening t he island, which include inconsistent water quality, the issuance of business permits by the local government without requiring an ECC, absence of s e w age and s e pt age treatment facilities, coastal encroachment, improper solid waste management, inadequate drainage system, and the inadequate utilization

of the environmental fee. “ This should b e the template by which other regions should conduct their inspection and monitoring activities. We want to be fast, but follow the law at the same time,” Cimatu said.

Siargao Island is protected under a presidential decree signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996. The Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape is home to birds such as the Mindanao tarictic, Rufous hornbill, Philippine magpierobin, and many ot her endemic flora and fauna.

M e a n w h i l e , D E N RCARAGA officials said they

are also seeking support for the fast tracking of approval for the 10-year solid waste management plans of local government units, gathering support for the construction of a sanitary landfill, coordination on the collection, transportation and treatment of sewage and septage, mandating an ECC as a requirement for business permits, and requiring resorts and other establishments to set up their own sewage treatment plants. These measures are aimed at securing the future of Siargao as a sustainable tourist destination, they said.

Western Union Expands Digital Distribution: Money Transfers Now Paid into GCash Mobile Wallets in the Philippines Western Union, a leader in cross-border and crosscurrency money transfer, and G-Xchange, Inc. have enabled consumers to receive Western Union® international or domestic money transfers into their registered GCash wallets 24/7– providing consumers with convenient access at their finger-tips.

Following an agreement between the two companies, Western Union’s global cross-border platform was integrated with G-Xchange, Inc’s world class e-commerce platform to enable GCash users to direct money transfers into their GCash wallets from almost anywhere around the world and from within the Philippines.

“We want to offer the best services to Filipinos abroad and their families in the Philippines,” said Anthony Thomas, CEO of Mynt. “We are confident that collaborating with Western Union will provide a reliable and convenient mobile wallet-based money transfer platform for our customers. Two leading companies in their respective sectors having the same vision of helping people and businesses move money can definitely help grow economies and realize a better world”.

GCash is an internationally-acclaimed micro payment service that transforms a mobile phone into a virtual wallet for fast and convenient money transfers as well

as to purchase goods, pay bills, buy airtime load, and donate. Usage of GCash mobile wallets is high with unbanked consumers in the Philippines, it lets them store, spend or cash-out as they wish.

“Western Union is delivering on our pledge to expand more digital and physical channels for money transfers to provide choice and more convenience for our customers,” said Bassem Awada, Western Union Regional Vice President for Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and Brunei. “Our collaboration with G-Xchange is inspiring and together we are advancing financial inclusion, a key objective of the Government of the Philippines.”

In line with the regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, prior to the first use of the Western Union service, consumers are required to register on the GCash app and provide a valid ID for verification. After registration, consumers can conveniently receive Western Union money transfers into their GCash wallets by simply inputting the unique tracking number (MTCN). Consumers within minutes can receive up to USD500 per transaction (approximately Php25,000) or USD1,500 per day (approximately Php75,000), up to a maximum GCash wallet capacity of Php100,000 (approximately US$2,000).

Congratulations Students and Parents Inaugural Batch of Senior High Graduates 2018

Greetings from: Councilor

LORDAN SUAN 1st District Cagayan de Oro City

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Friday|March 23, 2018

10

Holcim PH, DCACI inks cement supply deal to support Mindanao development

B

uilding solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. has sealed an agreement to supply the cement requirements of a leading group of builders in Mindanao in 2018 to support the sustained development of the region.

Holcim Philippines will provide up to 320,000 metric tons of cement to the Davao Constructors Association Center, Inc. (DCACI), composed of 179 general contractor and builder companies operating in southern Mindanao. The company provided 220,000 metric tons of cement to the group last year.

Through the program, DCACI members can purchase cement at a discount from Holcim’s Davao plant or its designated warehouses in southern Mindanao.

DCACI President Michael Te thanked Holcim Philippines for the sustained partnership, and commended the company’s responsiveness to its members’ needs for pricing support, fast and efficient services, quality products and safe and secure deliveries.

Holcim Philippines President and CEO Sapna Sood said the program demonstrates the company’s support for DCACI as it takes on projects in line with the national government’s infrastructure push in the region.

“We are proud to be a partner of DCACI in the development of Mindanao. Through this program, we are able to give DCACI the proper support to help its members build better with certainty the essential structures for the region,” added Sood.

The Department of Public Works and Highways received a budget Php 640 billion this year, a 40% increase from 2017 as part of the government’s commitment to upgrade the country’s infrastructure. Mindanao is expected to receive a larger share of the infrastructure budget with the government making the development of Mindanao a key priority.

About Holcim Philippines Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution

Holcim Philippines President and CEO Sapna Sood (third from left, front row) and DCACI President Michael Te (second from left, first row) lead their respective organizations during the signing of the cement supply agreement last February 15. With them, from left, are (first row) Holcim Head of Sales William Sumalinog and DCACI Treasurer Antonio Uy. From left, at the second row are, Holcim Head of Marketing, Innovation and Growth Paul Vu-Huy-Dat, Holcim Mindanao Sales Head Allan Valencia, DCACI Director Pablito Ricafort, Holcim South Mindanao Cluster Sales Manager Hernan Dalisay, DCACI Director Rodante Rodriguez and Holcim Davao Plant Manager Xavier Kennedy.

companies in the country.

The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple

home repairs.

With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Misamis Oriental and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the

country.

Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System)

and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 80,000 employees.

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) NMR1 hold 2-day outreach Story by MARK FRANCISCO | Photos Supplied

It was indeed a Grand Serbisyo Caravan as the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) NMR1 held a two-day outreach at Macasandig Gym spreading into Macasandig Plaza over the weekend from March 16 to 17, last Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Jampacked during the first day were a job fair, LTO assistance, LTFRB

assistance, NBI assistance, PAG-IBIG fund assistance, feeding program, free haircut, motor show and battle of the band eliminations.

On the second day were a fish dispersal program, free dental service, free medical service, a car show and battle of the bands finals.

Forty local recruiters and ten overseas ones

joined in the job fair.

For the battle of the bands, ten clubs fielded their respective entries.

They performed a Freddie Aguilar piece and two covers or original compositions in their comfort.

For the tilapia dispersal, a total 200,000 fingerlings were distributed at the upstream portion of Cagayan river at

6:00 a.m. last Saturday.

The activity preceded a medical/dental mission wherein the Misamis Oriental Medical Society fielded seven physicians and nurses who performed free checkup to 300 beneficiaries. The Eye Care and Surgical Care from the city government also listed would-be beneficiaries for free surgery to be performed at a later date.

11

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Expansion... from page 1

He said the Taiwanese are set to discuss with 23 Mindanawon businessmen for the possible forging of joint ventures during the Taiwan Trade Mission 2018 at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao set on Thursday.

The event, organized

by Taiwan External Trade Development Council in partnership with Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and MBC, has lined up 200 business meetings between Taiwanese and Mindanawon business executives, he said.

“The interests or offers we re m a d e to a d d re s s the requirements for distributorship, dealership and direct supply – most of them are interested to ink an agreement –while also considering exploring business tie-ups with companies that are coming in,” he said.

Torres said he hopes the local counterparts would be receptive to the possible entry of Taiwanese companies here as they are want to strengthen their presence in Mindanao “We hop e our lo ca l counter p ar ts wou ld b e receptive. They are very excited to come here, they are very positive about Davao.

The first plan was to hold it in Manila but the Taiwanese companies wanted to have another one here,” he added.

He said the government’s m a s s i v e c a mp a i g n f o r investments in Mindanao stirred the interest of the Taiwanese companies who realized the “potential of Mindanao cannot only be dealership of products but also business and trade.”

He said MECO, as the “unofficial link between the Philippines and Taiwan,” is set to reciprocate by bringing Filipino delegates to a goods expo in Taiwan by June this year. “ We w e r e t o l d t o recommend some companies (Mindanao) that can join them during that mission,” he said.

Denies... from page 1

Eduardo Montalvan said that they have already made their position clear with Metro Pacific officials.

“I told them outright that we will never allow that,” Montalvan said.

Since then, Metro Pacific has not submitte d any proposal to privatize COWD. City councilors sounded alarm bells earlier this week after a former COWD general manager hinted that the 44-year-old utility, which was created by a presidential decree in 1973, is up for privatization by the new water supplier.

Mo nt a l v a n l i k e w i s e labelled as “fake news” former general manager Rachel Beja’s insinuation that the ultimate goal of Metro Pacific was to take over the operations of COWDs For now, the bulk water supplier has been delivering 60,000 cubic meters of water a

day to COWD since January, expanding to 100,000 cubic meters a day for the next four years.

Beja, who was booted out by the COWD board in February, is challenging the decision before the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Gateway... from page 1

Corporation inaugurated its Opol-Bohol route Wednesday with its Fast Cat, a cataramantype roll-on roll-off ferry.

The Opol-Bohol route, with a stopover in Camiguin, joins eight other inter-island routes nationwide initiated by the company.

Speaking on board the inaugural voyage, Seno welcomed the additional route, saying it is timely for people to go to Camiguin during the Holy Week and perform the yearly Panaad there.

“Compared to the old route in Balingoan, this is more accessible to the people coming from the west side who want to go to Camiguin such as those coming from Zamboanga and Ozamiz,” the mayor remarked.

He said this will give another boost to his hometown which has seen transformation to modernity for the past decade or so.

The largest water park in this part of Mindanao, Seven Seas, is also located in Opol.

FastCat plies from Opol nightly at 9:00 p.m. and will dock at Balbagon port in Mambajao, Camiguin at 1:15 a.m. the next day before proceeding to Jagna, Bohol and vice-versa.

It has a top speed of 16 knots.

Council... from page 1

Economic & Trade Section, European Union Delegation to the Philippines.

Elected vice president was Ms. Lordilie Enjambre, Ac t i ng A re a He a d for North Eastern Mindanao at Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) since 2013. She is also the Local Representative in Northern Mindanao for PUM The Netherlands, which was organized in 1978 committed to support the Small Medium Enterprises sector.

She was formerly the Executive Director and Program Manager of Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) from 2003 – 2008. Previous to this, she was the President Staff Officer III and Office Manager of Office of the President of the Philippines in Mindanao (OP-Min).

Besides Ms. Mejia and Ms. Enjambre, the council also has three members of the Board of Councilors: William Malagar (Owner/President of Global Chips Technologies CDO, Inc. the ASP Authorized Service Provider and Business Partners of HPE, HP Inc., Asus, Acer, Lenovo); Rhodora Abella (President and General Manager of The Stoneware Pottery, Inc.) and Roderico Bioco (COO of Mindanao Grain Processing Co., Inc.

in Aglayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon since 1999 and President of the Bukidnon Ka amu l an C hamb e r of Commerce & Industry. He is also the Chairman of Philippine Red Cross for Bukidnon Chapter, and the Philippine Maize Federation, Inc.’s Chairman Emeritus) The ECCP first set up its Northern Mindanao office in the third quarter of 2017, with Cagayan De Oro as its central hub.

Wit h t his initiative, EC CP aims to provide stronger support to existing European businesses in Northern Mindanao as well as a boost the promotion of local businesses in ASEAN countries and Europe.

ECCP also sees this as an opportunity to share t h e Eu r o p e a n Un i o n’s “Generalized System of Preferences” to Northern Mindanao Filipino exporters which allows developing countries to pay lesser or zero duties on their exports to the European Union’s single market of 500 million+ end consumers.

“ECCP has, aside from its main office in the Makati central business district, already established branches in the Visayas (Cebu City), and Southern Mindanao (Davao City) regions, because we recognize the need to expand the organization’s foot print to the rest of the country,” said ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein.

“By expanding its foot print to Cagayan de Oro, ECCP is taking a step forward to better ser ve existing European businesses in Northern Mindanao as well as helping promote Northern Mindanao through ECCP’s vast network in ASEAN and Europe. This is in line with ECCP’s aim to support and contribute to the inclusive growth of the Philippines,” he added.

ECCP is a service-oriented membership organization that fosters close economic ties and business relations between the Philippines and Europe.

Established in 1978, the ECCP offers a wide range of business services and linkages between companies, organizations, and individuals with existing or potential business interests in Europe and the Philippines.

T he E C C P prov i d e s services ranging from client, supplier, distributor/agent, and partner matching, market intelligence and research, company pooling, events management, and providing training programs.

The chamber also organizes various recreational and networking events for its members such as the ECCP Football Cup, the ECCP Annual Golf Challenge, Joint Foreign Chambers Networking Night and the ECCP Coffee Mornings alongside advocacy geared events such as forums that allow the business community to dialogue proactively with heads of the Philippine government.

ECCP is recognized by the

European Commission as the official European Business Organization (EBO) in the Philippines. It is a part of the EU Market Access Team and manages EU projects in the Philippines.

With over 800 members, the ECCP is the Philippines biggest foreign chamber and serves as the voice of the European-Philippine business community.

Park... from page 2

chosen as the location of the industrial zone because it is the gateway to the province.

The indust r i a l zone would cover the barangays of Maputi, Piso, Cabangcalan, Calubihan, and Causwagan in Banaybanay.

It will consist of the 2,700 megawatts Liquefied Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant, petrochemical Refinery, a fertilizer factory, a cement plant, and WaterGen Manufacturing Facility.

The multi-billion dollar investments by Pionaire, he said, will enhance the province’s infrastructure system and competitiveness as an investment destination,.

“Our province has been blessed with more than enough natural resources.

Wit h f e r t i l e l a n d a n d bountiful waters, Davao Oriental is a goldmine of opportunities. This is a magnificent reality that we need to take advantage of,” he added. (Lilian C. Mellejor/ PNA)

Penalty... from page 2

fund and benefited more than 800,000 individual member-borrowers.

“While many have benefited from the Loan R est r uc tur ing Prog ram implemented in 2016, we have also received numerous requests from members to extend or re-implement it.

As I can recall, members flocked to our branches on the deadline of the previous LRP last April 27, 2017. So for those who were not able to apply, this is your time to clean your outstanding loan balance and regain your good-standing with SSS,” Dooc said.

The LRP allows memberborrowers to settle their overdue lo an pr incip a l and inte re st in f u l l or by installment under a restructured term depending on their capacity. For both schemes, SSS shall waive all the loan penalties after the member has completed paying the restructured loan.

The program covers all member-borrowers who have past due loans like the Salar y Loan, Emergency Loan, Educational Loan (old), Study Now Pay Later Plan, Voc-Tech Loans, Y2K L oans and Investments Incentive Loan.

To qualify under the second LRP, the loan must be past due for at least six months from the start of the second implementation of LRP. Member-borrowers must be residing or working as of the date of the disaster in a

calamity/disaster-stricken area declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) or in the case of Ondoy, by the National Government.

All 256 SSS branches and service offices nationwide will start accepting applications to LRP starting April 2, 2018. Qualified memb ers only have six mont hs to avai l of t he program or until October 2, 2018.

“Loan payment is inevitable for our members.

Even if they avoid paying the loan amount at present, these loans - the principal amount plus interests and penalties - will be deducted from any final benefit they are entitled to like retirement, total permanent disability and death,” Dooc said.

Dooc, however, reminded borrowers who have approved LRP applications in 2016 to 2017 that they are no longer qualified to apply under the second LRP. Mo r e ov e r, m e m b e r s g rante d w it h any f ina l benefit claim prior to the L R P av a i l m e nt p e r i o d and those who committed fraud against the SSS are disqualified from the program.

Likewise, approved L R P appl i c ant s c an not participate in any future SSS loan condonation or restructuring programs to instill credit discipline.

“While the availment period of the LRP is just six months, we still expect to

generate about P1.2 billion income from the program and condone some P2.85 billion penalties of our members. This is our way of helping our members to clear their obligations within their capacity, as well as making sure that they have a secured future with their entitlement to full SSS benefits because we at SSS know that a majority of our members have undergone difficulties caused by disasters and calamities,” Dooc said.

Investing... from page 5

Management Pty. Ltd, Solid Energy Technologies Pty. Ltd., and R. Lapid for a $10-million biomass facility.

The construction of the pilot plant is now underway, the DTI said.

A $30-million project was presented by JBC Ventures for the construction of a hotel condominium in Mactan Island in Cebu.

The third project is the GPS assembly plant of FLEETLOGIC Group of Companies and Shareholders, with initial investment of $400,000.

The company eyes the factory to be operational by January next year.

Meanwhile, Lopez said it is an opportune time for Australian firms to invest in the countr y with the country’s robust economic growth, while the government is embarking on reforms to enhance the business environment. (PNA)

Congratulations Students and Parents Inaugural Batch of Senior High Graduates 2018

Greetings from: Councilor

TEODULFO “BONG” LAO

2nd District Cagayan de Oro City

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10TH Judicial Region BRANCH 43 Gingoog City IN THE MATTER OF A CHANGE OF NAME OF RICH BRYAN SALVO TO RICH BRYAN SALVO AGBU

Special Proc. No. 464-2018

RICH BRYAN SALVO, Petitioner, X ------------------------------/ ORDER The petition being sufficient in form and substance, the same is given due course. Let then hearing of this Petition be set on APRIL 11, 2017 at 8:30A.M. Any interested party may oppose the petition within fifteen (15) days from the notice of the petition or from the last day of publication whoever comes first.

The petitioner is hereby directed to cause the publication of this Order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental at his expense once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

Likewise, let copy of this Order and Petition be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, the Deputy City Prosecutor, the Local Civil Registrar of Gingoog City.

SO ORDERED. Done this 6th day of March, 2018 at Gingoog City.

BWM: March 16, 23 & 30, 2018

(SGD.) MIRABEAUS A. UNDALOK Presiding Judge

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Friday|March 23, 2018