BusinessWeek Mindanao (March 27-28, 2015)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO Your daily business paper

2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

Volume V, No. 131

Market Indicators

As of 6:32 pm Mar. 26, 2015 (thursday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P44.83

7,871.10 points

8 cents

X

X Briefly 34.76 points

Pending RE projects MINDANAO has a total of 231 pending renewable energy (RE) projects, with a potential capacity of some 2,419 megawatts (MW), as of December 2014.

Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) director of investment promotions and public affairs, said that these projects are at present on various stages of applications and are being monitored and facilitated through the OneStop Facilitation and Monitoring Center (OSFMC), a joint initiative between Minda, the Department of Energy (DOE), and concerned government agencies that aims to fast-track the approval of the projects.

Most of these RE projects are hydro power projects with 178 still pending with a total of 1,631.09 MW.

Yellow alert THE Department of Energy placed Mindanao under a yellow alert because of the thin power reserves available in the island group.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said that Mindanao had 159 megawatts of reserve power, with 1,524 MW available and system peak demand projected at 1,364 MW. DOE Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mylene Capungcol explained that one reason for the thin reserves was that the area’s coal-fired power plants were still being serviced.

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Auction to sell Steag’s 210-mw power starts

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By IRENE DAYO, Staff Writer

HE PUBLIC auction process for the sale of Steag’s State Power, Inc. (SPI) 210 megawatts (MW) contracted capacity has formally begun.

This after the state-owned Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM) has published the required invitation to bid for the selection and appointment of an independent power producer administrator

(IPPA) for the Mindanao coal-fired plant located in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

Based on said newspaper publication, PSALM required interested parties to submit a letter of interest by April auction/PAGE 11

Economic development in Lumbia airport expected THE United Nation (UN) Habitat program has expressed interest to develop a mixed-use concept of the old Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City as the city’s new extension project and economic growth area.

The UN Habitat is expediting the i mp l e m e nt at i o n o f i t s program called Achieving Sustainable Urban

Development (ASUD) as it chosen Cagayan de Oro City as one of its pilot cities owing to its fast economic growth.

Based on its presentation to City Mayor Oscar Moreno, the program aims to develop the 547-hectare old Lumbia Airport into housing projects, commercial, economic, and recreational areas. airport/PAGE 11

CONSTRUCTION BOOM. Workers fix metal bars in a construction site of a condominium along CM Recto Street in Davao City. mindanews photo by keith bacongco

Normin’s 2016 budgets get reg’l development body’s endorsement

By PELETA B. ABEJO, Contributor

CONGRESSIONAL representatives of Northern Mindanao expressed support to the Regional Development Council (RDC-X)-endorsed budget proposals of 24 government agencies and eight (8) state universities and colleges in the region during the RDC-X Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting in Cagayan de Oro on Monday.

In his opening message,

the city’s second district representative Rufus B. Rodriguez, the lead convenor of the committee meeting, urged everyone to work together in ensuring that the proposed budgets requested shall redound to the development of Region X as it positions itself as the number one region in the country.

Presided over by RDC-X

Chair and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, the RAC expressed support to the RDC-endorsed budgets.

The agency budgets with an aggregate total of P94.334 billion were presented by the RDC Sectoral Committee Chairs/Co-chairs. Mayor Maria Luisa D. Romualdo presented the requirement of the Macro and Development Ad m i n i s t r at i on S e c t or budgets/PAGE 11

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Butuan City SPED teacher wins national award BUTUAN City -- A Special Education (SPED) Center teacher in Butuan City was chosen as one of the country’s national winners of an annual rewards program jointly initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Bangko S entral Ng Pilipinas, honoring teachers for teaching best lessons in saving, money management and entrepreneurship to elementary students.

Chosen as one of the countr y’s three national

winners is Ms. Angelie C. Alvizo, of the Butuan City Special Education (SPED) Center, who won in the 2014 Gantimpala Para Sa Ulirang Pagtuturo ng Pag-impok at Araling Pansalapi (GURO NG PAG-ASA).

Alvizo won the Edukasyon Sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) category.

The GURO NG PAGASA is an annual rewards program of DepEd and the Bangko S entral Ng award/PAGE 11

Economy

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776 Editor: Nelson Constantino

Camiguin cited as Labor Laws Compliant Tourist Destination KNOWN as the island “Born of Fire”, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, declared Camiguin as Labor Laws Compliant Tourism Destination and unveiled the marker on March 13, 2015 along the highway of Barangay Tupsan, Mambajao, Camiguin.

After which, Secretary Baldoz with Undersecretary for the Mindanao Cluster, Atty. Rebecca Chato planted Lanzones seedlings beside the marker, giving more significance to the event and as advocates of the Green Our DOLE Program. Camiguin is known to be the abundant producer of sweet lanzones fruit.

To g e t h e r w i t h t h e f ive municip a l mayors of Mambajao, Catarman, M a h i n o g , S a g a y, a n d Guinsiliban, Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo welcomed the pronouncement and assured the Secretary of Labor that all business e s t a b l i s h m e nt s i n t h e province with Certificates of Compliance from DOLE

is vital of their issuance of Business Permits. He has the same vision with the Department, “We are looking forward to being a world class tourism destination and one way to achieve this is giving the right wages and benefits to the workers.”

Representative of the Lone District, Atty. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, thanked and welcomed the business partners and encouraged them for their unwavering compliance.

The Hotels, Res or ts and Restaurants Industry Tripartite Council (HRR ITC) created in 2013 of the province and with existing voluntary codes of good practices, is receptive of this feat.

The declaration was the result of the Labor Laws Compliance Officers’ Joint Assessment to the private establishments, thus the issuance of the Certificates of Compliance (COCs) of the General Labor Standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards, namely: (1) Camiguin White Island Beach Resort; (2) Vjandep

Kan-Anan sa Parola; (3) Camiguin Island Golden Sunset B each Club; (4) Agohay Villaforte Resort; (5) Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin; (6) J & A Fishpen Resort & Restaurant; (7) Mark Kay – Bahay Bakasyunan; (8) Coral Dive Resort; (9) Northernlights Downtown; (10) C ebuana Lhuillier Services, Corp.; (11) L. G. Lasacar Construction (office); (12) Ruby Appliance Marketing, Inc.; (13) Fun Tours Ticketing Services; (14) Assets Credit & Loan, Inc. – Camiguin Branch; (15) MSS Cycle Tr a d i n g ; ( 1 6 ) G re at f it Makers, Inc.; (17) Breeders Agrivet Supplies, Inc.; (18) Villa Paraiso Apartelle; (19) Cambridge Inn; (20) D & A Seaside Cottages; (21) Cabua-an Beach Resort; (22) Caves Resort; (23) Julie’s Bakeshop; (24) Camiguin Island Resort; (25) SNOB Lounge; (26) Camiguin Northern Lights; (27) Luna Restorante; (28) Caves Hardware & Auto Supply; (29) LBC Express, Inc.; (30) Racal Motors; (31) Vjandep Bakeshop; (32) Soling Food Products; (33) Ferrabrel Beach Resort; (34) W & M Premium Store; (35) Corrales Caltex Station; (36) Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort; (37) Maestrado Tablea; (38) Wonderland Pharmacy & Grocer y ; (39) RBT Inc. (Microbusiness Office); (40) 24-25 Finance Corp.; (41) 1st Valley Bank; ( 4 2 ) Mamb aj a o C re d it

Coop.; (43) Fatima College of Camiguin; (44) V. O. Salcedo Supermarket; (45) ADB Caltex Station; (46) Du Ek Dam, Inc.; (47) Camiguin Highland Resort; (48) Prime Asia Pawnshop & Jewelry Shop; (49) RD Pawnshop; (50) Arbee’s Bakeshop; (51) Action Geckos; (52) Japuz-Jansol Enterprises; (53) Camiguin Telephone Coop.; (54) GV Hotel; (55) Palawan Pawnshop; (56) Camiguin Electric Coop.; (57) Tee Enterprises; (58) Sheen-Sheen Construction, Inc.; (59) FICCO; (60) D. L. Bonita Enterprises; (61) 4R’s Foodhaus; (62) Check Point Plaza; (63) La Isla Cosina; (64) Secret Cove Beach Resort; (65) Casa Rosa Inn; (66) Jai-Jai Appliance Center; (67) WST Shopping Mall; (68) LCG TradingCamiguin Branch; (69) Philstone Shipping Corp.-MV Kalinaw; and (70) Philstone Shipping Corp.-MV Yuhum.

Baldoz congratulated the Camiguin Province, “It is indeed much more fun to be in Camiguin for the labor laws are strongly supported by its local chief executives.”

The Secretary further assured the local government, “After the issuance of the COCs, we at the DOLE will give a Productivity Toolbox of programs and services to the private establishments to sustain this declaration and impart inclusive growth through investments.” She re m i n d e d e v e r y on e t o practice decent work for all.

Fu r t he r, du r i ng t he program, the Municipality of Mambajao, through Mayor Ma. Luisa D. Romualdo was also declared as Labor Laws Compliant Tourist Destination Municipality.

S e c re t ar y B a l d o z w it h Governor Romualdo replicated the unveiling of the said marker. Governor Romualdo also ordered the remaining Municipalities t o r e p l i c at e t h e s a m e declaration in their respective municipalities. tourist/PAGE 11

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Prepare for Landing

hink a minute…There’s a book entitled The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said. This is one of those stupid things that was actually said. “If you bought our course on ‘How To Fly An Airplane In Six Easy Lessons,’ we apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you by our failing to include the last chapter, ‘How To Land Your Plane Safely.’ Send us your name and address and we will immediately send you this last chapter on how to land your airplane safely.”

Can you imagine a pilot taking off in an airplane not knowing how to land it? Ye t s ome of us ‘f ly’ through life without ever thinking about how we are going to ‘land.’ Pilots are never even allowed to take off without a flight plan: k n ow i ng w h e re t h e y ’re going and how they’ll get there. But many of us are like the university student who said: “I don’t like to think about things until they happen. Death is still a long way away.”

My grandmother used to tease my grandfather when he would leave the h ou s e to go for w a l k s .

She’d say to him: “Now dear, don’t go so far you can’t get back!” You know, that’s exactly what happens to us when we die. We’ve

THINK

A Minute

Recognizing Coop Workers as Hero-volunteers

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h e h e roi c d e e d s of thousands of volunteerworkers from both the public and private sectors during times of great emergencies deserve recognition. These modern day heroes meed to be acclaimed of their humanitarian efforts.

We cong ratu l ate t he Lower House for recognizing the selfless and noble efforts of all who comprise Task Force Kapatid – including the thousands of volunteers who give their all to repair and rehabi l it ate p owe r lines and stations under extremely harsh conditions, especially during times of great emergencies and disaster.

During the Task Force Kapatid Volunteers (TFK) recognition ceremony recently, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. lauded the TFK organizers and volunteerm e m b e r s f r o m Lu z o n , Vi s ay as and Mi nd an a o present. Indeed, their deeds

editorial is a “testament to the great importance of cooperatives in our country.”

C ooperatives have, for decades, contributed well to socio-economic development by providing vital services, helping to generate employment, enhancing income distribution and promoting competition. Cooperatives have proven to be a vital d e m o c r at i c i n s t itut i on which can truly lend to nation-building.

TFK was instituted t h ro u g h a c omp a c t o f cooperation between the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and electric cooperatives in 2002 and has grown and expanded since the initial task force was born in Lanao del Sur.

The task force has grown to its current membership of electric cooperatives workers nationwide, whose presence was “apparent in the immediate restoration of power in provinces hit by typhoons Milenyo, Reming, Pablo and Yolanda.

I t w a s Ta s k f o r c e Kapatid-Yolanda which set a record high of mobilizing close to 1,200 volunteers with trucks, equipment and other materials from seventy electric cooperatives and eleven (11) industry partners who worked feverishly under time pressure to restore power.

The government must boost volunteerism among the people, thus it is timely for House resolution 157 to commend each of the Task force Kapatid members for

their sacrifices , especially the thousands of its unsung volunteer-heroes.

Vo l u n t e e r s e n d u r e hardships like separation from their families and work ing under advers e conditions in the fields of calamities and emergencies.

It is quite sad to know that one volunteer, Noel Manguing, made the supreme sacrifice when he lost his life after falling from an electric post as a volunteer helping thousands in need.

We laud TFK members as modern-day heroes with their sacrifices and efforts to help ensure that the needs of others in distress are provided.

We s a l u t e y o u a n d recognize the value of your work and sacrifices. Your are models not only for other people but especially for those who would seek to become volunteers themselves.

The main driver of global growth

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ho could this be? Of course: Asia! Asia’s big economies are set to grow by 6.3 percent this year and 2016, said the Asian Development Bank ADB in its annual report just released in Manila.. But what is driving this growth and what are the risks involved?

T he re g i on’s st rong economic growth of 6.3 percent - the same as last year - will be supported by soft commodity prices and recovery in the major industrial economies, said this new report.

According to the Asian Development Outlook 2015, India is forecast to overtake China in terms of economic growth as the initial phase of government efforts to remove structural bottlenecks is lifting investor confidence.

With the support of stronger external demand, India is

Jhan Tiafau Hurst gotten so far we can’t get back. Each of us gets only one chanc e to l ive and then we have to die. We only get one chance to ‘fly’ before we have to ‘land.’

“What goes up, must come down.” Ready or not, we’re going down! So we need to prepare for landing while we’ve still got time.

How ab out you ? D o you know where you would ‘land’—if your life ended today? You see, we cannot know what’s going to happen to us tomorrow so we must be smart and sure we’re ready today! Just ask Jesus Christ to forgive you for your past wrongs and to take charge of your life every day. That’s the w ay y o u c a n l i v e w i t h total peace of mind that whenever your life ends, 5 years from now or 5 days from now, you know you’re ready for a safe landing.

Just Think a Minute…

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set to expand by 7.8 percent in 2015 - ending 31 March 2016 - a sharp rise from 7.4 percent growth in 2014. This momentum is expected to build to 8.2 percent growth in 2016, aided by expected easing of monetary policy and a pickup in capital expenditure, said the paper.

As for China, growth is expected to slow to 7.2 percent in 2015 and 7.0 percent in 2016. This is a much more moderate rate than the average growth of 8.5 percent in the period since the global financial crisis. Across the sub-regions, economic growth in East Asia will slow to 6.5 percent in 2015 and 6.3 percent in 2016 reflecting the moderation in China.

Growth in South Asia is projected to trend higher to 7.2 percent in 2015 and 7.6 percent in 2016, and Southeast

Asia is poised for a growth rebound of 4.9 percent in 2015 and 5.3 percent in 2016 as recovery in Indonesia and Thailand leads the way, and with most of the sub-region expected to benefit from rising exports and lower inflation, said to the report.

In a international TVinterview - last night on screen, Shang-Jin Wei, the bank’s chief economist explains that he believes developing Asia will continue to be the main driver of global growth in the next couple of years.

Why? The main factors are the reforms undertaken in many of these countries, the recovery in high income countries such as the United States, Europe and Japan and, last but not least, the reduction in commodity prices. The all will help to sustain growth, but this will be tempered by

H ave M y Say

Klaus Doring

moderate growth in China.

The world economy needs indeed a main driver of global growth. If not Asia - who then? +++ Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com .

PNoy claims on Mamasapano incredible

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IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us…” (1 John 1:8-10, the Holy Bible).

-ooo PNOY STILL BLAMING OTHERS FOR SAF 44 MURDER: It was the same tune, and the worst ever yet, which confirmed all the more his criminal liability for the Marwan operation. That, in a nutshell, was the speech given

by President Aquino at the 2015 graduation ceremonies of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite last Thursday, March 26, 2015.

As usual, the President once more blamed everyone except himself for the mass murder of the 44 officers and men of the Special Action Force (SAF) who were among the policemen tasked to arrest or kill Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan on January 25, 2015. And, in a typical Noynoy fashion, he even managed to hint a blame against the Marcos regime.

Ye t , h i s s t r a i n e d explanation in the presence of graduating PNPA cadets raised more questions: if he knew of the dangers of the operation to get Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and he had not been receiving timely updates on what was happening to the SAF commandoes who were given the assignment, did he not worry that something real bad was happening to them,

necessitating immediate presidential action?

-ooo QUESTIONS FOR PNOY RE MAMASAPANO: The public admission by the President was that, as he was briefed on the necessity of providing military assistance to the SAF elements to bring them out to safety after they were finished with their mission, he, as President, found the need to order then SAF chief Gen. Getulio Napenas and then suspended P N P C h i e f G e n . A l an Purisima to coordinate with the military commanders in the area for military support to help the commandoes in their escape.

Now, did it not occur to the President, especially when he was already in nearby Zamboanga City with his top police and security officials in obvious anticipation of media

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio coverage over Mar wan’s death, that something terribly amiss had descended upon the SAF contingent, if it was true that no updates about the project were being given to him between 5 in the morning and about 6 in the evening of January 25 2015?

The President could not deny knowledge of the January 25, 2015 Marwan batas/PAGE 11

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Free entry to the WWII museum The Veterans Affairs office has announced the free e nt r y to Worl d War I I Mus e u m on Ph i l ippi ne Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagitingan Ve t e r a n s B a n k v i c e president for corporate

communications, Mr. Mike Villareal said that students, families, and histor y bu f f s i n Me t ro Man i l a and nearby provinces are in for a treat this coming Veterans Week.

The Board of Trustees

for the Veterans of World War II (BT VWWII) has announced that for the entirety of Veterans Week this year, falling on April 5 to 11, entrance to the BTVWWII Museum will be free of charge. Normally,

visitors to the Philippines’ only museum dedicated to World War II Filipino Veterans pay P150 while students gain entry on a discounted rate of P75.

BT VWWII and the r e s t o f t h e Ve t e r a n s

Urban agriculture and vertical farming pushed TO ensure food security and avoid further climate change, a lawmaker is seeking to institutionalize urban agriculture and vertical farming in highly urbanized cities and municipalities nationwide to help reduce p ov e r t y, a d d re s s f o o d security concerns, clean the environment and avoid further climate change.

While farming has always been associated with rural areas and done on vast farmlands, it can also be done in cities through a practice called urban agriculture.

“In fact, urban agriculture is now being practiced in many countries all over the world, and in recent years,

has been introduced in the country,” said Rep. Estrellita B. Suansing (1st District, Nueva Ecija).

S h e s ai d t h e w or l d population will double in 50 years, and studies have shown that new land will be needed to grow enough food for everyone. “ Ur b a n a g r i c u l t u r e and vertical farming will help address food security concerns and regenerate ecosystem functions. Urban agriculture and vertical farming will not only clean our environment and avoid further climate change, but will also provide residents with safer and healthier food, keep farmers in business,

Solons want GMA Inc. probed for non-regularization of talents Lawmakers have asked the House Committee on Labor Employment to investigate GMA Inc. for the nonregularization of its talents, in violation of the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines on regularization of employment.

In House Resolution 1893, Reps. Emmi A. De Jesus (Partylist, Gabriela), Luzviminda C. Ilagan (Party-list, Gabriela) and Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City) said Congress should look into the allegations to protect the right of GMA workers to security of tenure in employment, which is one of the most vital labor rights guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.

Citing the case filed before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), de Jesus said members of the Talents Association of GMA (TAG) have complained of non-regularization against GMA Inc. despite long years of working for the television station.

De Jesus said instead of being recognized as regular employees, TAG members who include cameramen, p r o d u c t i o n a s s i s t a nt s , editors, writers, researchers and segment and executive producers, were made to sign a Talent Agreement, which categorizes them as mere talents providing services to GMA as independent contractors.

“TAG members allege that since they meet the four-fold test of regular employment in the manner and selection of engagement, the payment of wages, the power to dismiss and the control over the means and methods of their work rest on GMA, they are for all intents and purposes regular employees of GMA,” de Jesus said.

D e Je s u s s a i d TAG members believed that GMA’s claim and invocation of the concepts of independent contractor and employment with a fixed period are but gma/PAGE 11

and help reduce poverty,” said Suansing.

Suansing, a vice chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, and a member of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, said agriculture, which is the perennial backbone of the Philippine economy, employs a substantial 65 percent to 70 percent of the country’s work force.

Su a n s i n g’s prop o s a l embodied in House Bill 5597, or the proposed “Integrated Urban Agriculture Act,” provides it is the declared policy of the State to reaffirm the fundamental right of every person to adequate

food and to be free from hunger.

It provides t hat t he achievement of selfsufficiency in food production and building climate resilient communities is therefore adopted as primary state p o l i c y. To w a r d s t h i s end, key reforms for the development of modern, appropriate, cost-effective and environmentally-safe agriculture technologies are hereby encouraged to ensure the country’s food security.

The bill defines “integrated urban agriculture” as the practice of cultivating, processing and distributing of food in, or around a farming/PAGE 11

sector in the countr y is c el ebr at i ng t he 7 0 t h Philippine Liberation of t h e P h i l ippi n e s an d offering free admission to the museum is BTVWWII’s way of sharing in the commemorat ion of t he

Philippine’s historic past.

The BTVWWII is open from Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 4pm. To get in touch with BTVWWII Museum, interested parties may call (02) 838-6667 or (02) 838-6964.

House resolution introduces grassroots participatory budgeting AGUSAN DEL NORTE Rep. Erlpe John M. Amante (2nd District, Agusan del Norte) has filed a measure paving the way for the participation of the Filipino people in the preparation of the government’s national budget.

Amante, author of the House Resolution 1932, said the proposed Grassroots Participator y Budgeting (GPB) or the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) will ensure that the people have direct role and are consulted in every step of budget preparation.

Amante said the GBP is a budget reform program introduced by the Aquino a d m i n i s t r at i o n , w h i c h provides for a mechanism for local governments and citizens to give direct inputs and recommendations.

“There is a need to dispel notions that funding for the GBP is a form of presidential pork that has failed to deliver its promise,” Amante said.

Amante said the GBP programs ensure that communities are well informed, properly consulted, budgeting/PAGE 11

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Globe Labs supports Free Software Movement G lobe Labs, the developer community of Globe Telecom, shows its support to the Free Software Movement by being a major sponsor of the “Towards a Free Digital Society” forum on March 26 at the UP Diliman Engineering Theater featuring free software activist Dr. Richard Stallman.

The forum will revolve around the need for free software and other threats to freedom in the digital society such as massive surveillance, censorship, digital handcuffs, and the “War on Sharing” which Stallman claims makes every online activity precarious.

“Since Globe Labs uses an open platform for its APIs (Application Program Interface) which allow different application programs to interact freely with each other, we are one with Dr. Stallman’s advocacy. We want to encourage third-party developers to innovate, something which would be difficult to do with proprietary software,” said Anne Michelle Santos, Product Manager for Digital Media.

Stallman is the founder of the Free

Software Foundation which promotes the universal freedom to study, distribute, create, and modify computer software. He will be visiting the Philippines on March 24-26 and will speak in a forum organized by the Foundation for Media Alternatives, an NGO seeking to democratize information and communications systems and resources for citizens and communities. The event is in cooperation with the UP Diliman Computer Science Department.

"We believe that we should support a software development model based on maximum use and sharing, public good, and collaboration rather than profit. We hope that through this event, we can increase awareness on free software among young professionals, youth, students, and digital rights advocates; strengthen the Free Software Movement in the Philippines; and locate software freedom in the struggle for social justice and human rights," said Nica Dumlao, FMA’s Internet Rights Program Coordinator.

For more information, please visit rmsinph.eventbrite.com.

Globe extends Free Facebook offer with bigger Internet.org launch

Come and visit R.O.X. Satellite Selling space at the Garden of Centrio Mall (near Starbucks). Get some great deals from outdoor brands like The North Face, Salomon, Eddie Bauer, Mountain Hardwear and more! SALE until end of April 2015

GLOBE Telecom has announced that it will extend its current “Free Facebook” promotion until May 15, 2015, as it revealed that it signed an agreement with the leading social media app to make internet.org available to all Globe customers.

For the past two years, Globe has had incredible success working closely with Facebook to increase internet usage in the Philippines, through its "Free Facebook" offer on mobile. According to Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Group Daniel Horan, the telco’s "Free Facebook" offer has propelled mobile data customer growth of 120%, increasing mobile internet users by 6 million Filipinos.

“Our partnership with Facebook and the learnings from our successful ‘free FB’ campaigns have helped drive heightened awareness and interest about the Globe-Internet. org proposition. As such, this key partnership has led us to become the leader in creating a digital lifestyle for Filipinos, as evidenced by our 64% revenue market share in the Filipinos mobile data market. This clearly puts Globe in a unique position as the preferred mobile brand in the Philippines,” said Horan.

True to the telco’s commitment to its customers, he happily announces that the highly successful and firstin-market "Free Facebook" offer with any promo purchase will be extended until May 15, 2015, allowing its 46 million mobile customer base to enjoy the full Facebook experience.

Mindful of another important

customer segment who have yet to get on mobile internet, Globe is equally just as excited to share the good news on the launch of internet. org, which is Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's worldwide initiative on driving internet usage.

“The forthcoming landmark collaboration of Globe with internet. org will further encourage first time Filipinos Internet users to discover the power of the Web. This is indicative of our paramount role in leading them into the worldwide movement online through their Globe-powered digital lifestyle,” added Horan.

He said that the upcoming GlobeInternet.org partnership would serve as the company’s impetus to launch new and exciting offers and make mobile internet more accessible within a safe browsing environment for Globe customers, without having to worry about unexpected charges.

With regard to the internet.org functionalities and content inclusions that will be made available to its base, Globe says it will be keeping launch details close to its chest and may yet spring a wonderful surprise for its customers. As a leader in innovation, Globe is known for giving a differentiated user experience compared to competition.

Globe and Facebook came out with a recent whitepaper on global internet adoption, the details of which can be viewed through this link: http://www.globe.com.ph/ documents/50301/15939122/201503-05+FB+Globe+Whitepaper

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Arts&Culture Arts&Culture

Hope Floats:

by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

THE Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) and Denise Mordeno Aguilar presents “Hope Floats” as part of the World Theater Day celebration, Xavier University Little Theater, Friday, March 27 at 7:30 in the evening.

“Hope Floats” is an original solo devised theater performance depicting different stories that include a character’s situation, a persona’s journey, and a figure’s struggle.

A Homecoming XCCA Director Hobart P. Savior shares his thoughts on Honey’s homecoming performance, “Honey Aguilar is a personal friend, and I believe

Denise “Honey” Aguilar presents the donations gathered from her Fringe Manila Festival production to Donnadelle Manguiat and her daughter Halleigh Reyes.

Photo Courtesy of Loudette Calotes

April 1, 2015 (Holy Wednesday) 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm @ XU Little Theater April 2, 2015 (Maundy Thursday) 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm @ XU Little Theater The Little Theater opens an hour before the show.

Thank you very much!

Sincerely Hobart P Savior Director Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts

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A Journey, A Homecoming

A Journey Denise is known to her friends and family as “Honey”, she shares some thoughts for her homecoming performance.

Honey says “This piece started off as an Individual Project for my final year at The Intercultural Theatre Institute, Singapore. Then, I signed up for Fringe Manila Festival 2015 (where I did three shows at the DLSU, College of St. Benilde-School of Arts & Design Black box) so after my graduation last December 2014, I extended my stay in Singapore to work on my solo, luckily I had the best support group in theatre making while re-devising & expanding the piece”.

This production is also aims to raise the awareness on End-Stage-Renal Disease (ESRD).

“From the beginning I wanted to put up a show to help support my friend who is currently undergoing dialysis for her ESRD. Since her story is one of the piece, I'll be sharing on my solo, the aim is to find a Kidney Donor & all the donations that I'll be receiving will be for her” Honey continues.

Dear Friends Greetings!

Xavier University, XU Campus Ministries Office, Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts and The Xavier Stage present Ang Pasyon ni Hesukristo (a staged performance) on March 31, 2015 to April 2, 2015 at the Xavier University Little Theater.

Ang Pasyon ni Hesukristo is adapted and written by Dr Linda Manalo and directed for stage by Hobart P Savior. This production is a remembrance of the death and resurrection of Christ.

In line with this, we would like to invite you, your family and friends to watch Ang Pasyon ni Hesukristo. Admission to the show is free.

Below is the play schedule: March 31, 2015 (Holy Tuesday) 7:30 pm @ XU Little Theater

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Photo taken by Phillip Vallespin during 'Pasalamat' Opening Meditation. Performed 'Why Me?' (last part from Honey’s solo "Hope Floats") with Roger Odron's contemporary moves.

in her conviction being a performing artist. Her training with intercultural theatre brings better opportunities to the theatre movement and industry in Cagayan de Oro City”.

Honey feels the need to give back to CDO and this performance, as she puts it – “is not the usual piece that anybody has seen yet in CDO”.

“So I hope CDO is ready to accept a different aesthetic structure, and I didn't know what's it called because it is a combination of a lot of theatre forms until my mentor in Singapore said, it is obviously a combination of different principles from different theatre forms” enthused Honey.

The voluntary donations serve as admission ticket to the event, which will be given to an ESRD survivor.

“Hope Floats” is a 40-minute production in English. Come and watch, today, March 27 at the XU Little Theater, 7:30PM.

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DILG sets March 28 Barangay Assembly Day

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By Cheng Ordonez, Associate Editor

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Region 10 (DILG-10) has announced the conduct of the Barangay Assembly for the First Semester of CY 2015 is set on March 28, 2015.

DILG-10 Regional Director Rene Burdeos said per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2015-24, the city and municipal mayors are enjoined to ensure compliance and maximum participation of all barangays in the conduct of the barangay assembly, and to post/hang posters or banners in conspicuous places to promote public awareness.

During the Barangay Assembly, barangay officials are expected to deliver their State of Barangay Address (SOBA), discuss the compliance to Barangay Full Disclosure Policy (BFDP) and other issues/concerns affecting the

barangay.

Atty. Burdeos said barangay residents are encouraged to attend the said assembly in order that they will be informed on the accomplishments of their barangay officials and updates of on-going barangay programs and projects. “Also, the Barangay Assembly serves as an avenue for the residents to air their complaints and to suggest/recommend actions for the people’s well-being and the betterment of their respective barangays,” he added.

Atty. Burdeos warned that any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, gove r n me nt a l or non governmental entity, may file an administrative complaint before the Sangguniang Panlungsod or the Sangguniang Bayan against officials of the barangay who fail to convene the Barangay Assembly.

ASEAN INTEGRATION SEMINAR IN TAGOLOAN – VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ interacts with 700 graduating students of Tagoloan Community College (TCC) during the “Forum on Enhancing Youth Competitiveness and Readiness in the Forthcoming ASEAN Economic Community”. The activity was initiated by Vice Governor Pelaez as he worries that ASEAN Integration is not being publicly discussed in various fora in the grassroots level. He sees that with ASEAN Integration, a class of highly-educated and highly-skilled professionals will be created to collaborate with foreign workers in high-end sectors. The activity was also attended by TCC President Dr. Rolando Acoriba Jr., faculty and Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers of the school.

Roxas orders local execs to ensure peaceful observance of Holy Week Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas ordered all local chief executives (LCEs) to ensure a peaceful and safe observance of Holy Week in their respective localities.

In a memorandum circular, Roxas ordered the LCEs to convene their local peace and order councils to plan actions in anticipation of the “heavy movement of people from various places that shall focus on ensuring adequate transportation, [and] medical emergency services.”

He also directed all LCEs to “establish close coordination with concerned local authorities, cause the mobilization of law enforcers, traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, public safety officers,” and “ensure cleanliness and orderliness by mobilizing all resources in garbage collection and disposal, and clean-up operations of public places.”

Earlier, Roxas called on all DILG employees to consider applying a “programmatic,

deliberate and sustainable” approach not only in their work but even in their personal lives, as they reflect this Holy Week.

During the flag-raising ceremony, Roxas said this is the framework that he and the other DILG officials employ in implementing programs and projects.

He explained that programmatic means “coherent across disciplines - hindi silos. hindi kanyakanya,” while deliberate means “malawakan, integrated na

pagtingin sa isang programa, sa isang gawain; hindi barabara, hindi patsamba. It’s the same every time, all the time.”

On the other hand, he explained that a sustained method is “an approach to work, an approach to life, that is stable, hindi pansamanatala lamang, hindi ningas-cugon.”

He also advised DILG employees to “plan your work, plan your approach then work your plan, para hindi ka naliligaw. That’s the reflection that I wanted to leave with you this morning.”

DSWD gives Social Pension to 1,729 indigent senior citizens L A NAO D E N O RT E PROVINCE – The Department of Social Welfare and Development has paid Social Pension amounting to more than P2.59 million as Social Pension for 1,729 indigent s e n i or c it i z e ns h e re, Thursday, March 26, 2015.

The Social Pension Program is the national government’s response to help augment the daily needs of indigent senior citizens such as medicine and food, based on Republic Act 9994 otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. Qualified beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program, which provides a subsidy of P500.00 per month, are those aged 65 years old and above and are considered as

poor under the database of Listahanan, a system run by the DSWD that generates a list of who and where the poor are in the country.

The beneficiaries are also those that are not receiving any other social insurances, such as GSIS, SSS, and the like.

The DSWD is currently lobbying with lawmakers to extend the age coverage of the program, including the amount to be given to the indigent senior citizens to cope with the inflation status of the country. DSWD however emphasizes that this will depend upon the approval of the legislative body on the agenc y’s proposed budget, and the availability of government resources. (Charmaine P. Tadlas/DSWD)

82 DSWD community projects to rise in NorthMin in 2015 Cagayan de Oro – 82 community projects will rise in Northern Mindanao this year after the Department of Social Welfare and Development has approved the project proposals of 30 municipalities and five cities which are under the B ottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) modality under the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KalahiCIDSS).

Projects like day care centers, crisis centers, multipurpose halls, common service facilities, protective services centers, evacuation centers, Indigenous Peoples (IP) centers, offices for Persons with Disabilities

(PWDs), are some of the common infrastructures that have been approved by the DSWD with a total amount cost of more than P109.32 Million.

The Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the flagship antipoverty programs of the national government which empowers communities to participate in local development initiatives by letting them identify challenges in their communities that contribute to poverty, and by enabling them to make informed decisions to resolve these challenges through community volunteerism.

(Charmaine P. Tadlas, DSWD)

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Heat stress in swine a serious concern in PHL -- US expert H E AT s t r e s s i n swine, caused mainly by elevated body temperatures, can result in reduced fe e d i nt a ke s as wel l a s l ow e r p re g n a n c y and fertility rates that impact overall growth p er for mance, and is a particular challenge in tropical countries like the Philippines, a US animal nutrition expert said.

Dr. Ken L. Bryant, who holds a doctorate degree in swine nutrition, said there is a need for new nutritional strategies to help prevent the elevation of the animal’s body heat or temperature during the digestive process to mitigate heat stress.

Dr. Br yant is Vice President of Akey, a nutrition solutions provider based in Ohio, which is dedicated to ser ving the needs of the feed, livestock, and poultry industries all over the world. He was on e of t h e fe atu re d sp e a kers du r i ng t he 24t h Nat iona l Hog Convention and

E xhibits held at t he PICC Forum in Pasay City from March 19 to 21 this year.

“In a tropical country like the Philippines, strategies to lower body temperature will b e ve r y helpf u l and useful because these will help reduce heat stress and result in the improved overall swine p e r f or m an c e i n h ot environments,” Bryant said.

He said their research showed that a balanced d i e t ar y re g i me w it h t he r ig ht amount of c e r t ain ami no ac ids h e lp s m a x i m i z e pi g performance, and thus ensure more profit for both big farms and small backyard hog raisers.

“Our research shows that the right balance between proteins and amino acids ensures metabolic efficiency.

And this is what we have shared with our longtime partner here in the Philippines, UNAHCO,” he said.

For his part, UNAHCO Marketing Director Clint

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Escondo said Akey’s n e w “A d v a n c e d Cooling System to Lower Heat Stress in S w i n e” h a s a l r e a d y been incorporated in their flagship Pigrolac Premium Hog Feeds a n d P i g ro l a c Ma m a Pro to help local hog raisers maximize animal growth.

“This exclusive nutrition technolog y o f f e re d by P i g ro l a c should be very helpful to our local hog raisers to prevent swine heat stress, which is usually characterized by animals that are panting or out of breath, refusing to eat, or sows refusing to nurse their young because their teats are inflamed due to intense heat,” he said.

Escondo said that the average temperature in the Philippines is between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius, while the ideal temperature for pigs is between 21 and 24 degrees, thus the need for Pigrolac’s Advanced C ooling System to prevent swine heat stress.

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Solon urges barangay level Earth Hour ‘switch off ’ MANILA -- Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III urged on Thursday all national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs), through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), to actively participate in the annual worldwide Earth Hour “switch off” as mankind struggles against the deadly and devastating impact of climate change.

Albano said the national government, through the DILG in cooperation with the LGUs, can make this year’s Earth Hour bigger and more effective by ensuring participation at the community or barangay level.

Albano said the various organizations of local government officials: the leagues of governors, city, municipal mayors, vice mayors, councils and even barangays, can be activated to make house-tohouse observance of Earth Hour possible.

“Earth Hour, the global effort to switch off the use of electricity for one hour, has become more relevant and important to the Filipino nation as we face the grim prospects of power outages in the coming months due to climate change and cope with the national trauma over deadly, devastating natural calamities like

typhoon ‘Yolanda’ and more than 20 typhoons wreaking havoc in various parts of the archipelago annually,” Albano, a member for the House Minority Bloc of the Committee on Energy, said.

On March 28, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., millions of consumers and establishments all over the world are once again expected to heed this year’s Earth Hour switch off call: “One Hour for One Bright Future.”

“At least an hour of darkness will do a lot for Mother Earth and for a brighter and sustainable future for the next generations because our generation is responsible for the destruction of Mother Earth, and therefore, it is incumbent on us to heal our endangered environment,” Albano, also a former executive director of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), said.

In 2012, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the Philippines consistently had the biggest number of Earth Hour participants in the world since the country joined the event in 2009.

Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007. (PNA)

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Heat stress in swine a serious concern in PHL -- US expert HEAT stress in swine, caused mainly by elevated body temperatures, can result in reduced feed intakes as well as lower pregnancy and fertility rates that impact overall growth performance, and is a particular challenge in tropical countries like the Philippines, a US animal nutrition expert said.

Dr. Ken L. Bryant, who holds a doctorate degree in swine nutrition, said there is a need for new nutritional strategies to help prevent the elevation of the animal’s body heat or temperature during the digestive process to mitigate heat stress.

D r. B r y a nt i s Vi c e President of Akey, a nutrition solutions provider based in Ohio, which is dedicated to serving the needs of the feed, livestock, and poultry industries all over the world.

He was one of the featured speakers during the 24th National Hog Convention

and Exhibits held at the PICC Forum in Pasay City from March 19 to 21 this year.

“In a tropical country like the Philippines, strategies to lower body temperature will be very helpful and useful because these will help reduce heat stress and result in the improved overall swine performance in hot environments,” Bryant said.

He said their research showed that a balanced dietary regime with the right amount of certain amino acids helps maximize pig performance, and thus ensure more profit for both big farms and small backyard hog raisers.

“Our research shows that the right balance between proteins and amino acids ensures metabolic efficiency.

And this is what we have share d w it h our longtime partner here in the Philippines, UNAHCO,” he said.

MinDA Secretary Luwalhati Antonino (2nd from left) inspects the site for the Panguil Bay bridge mega-project connecting Tubod town in Lanao del Norte and Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. Accompanying her are Vice-Governor Cristy Atay (3rd from left), Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza, and several Provincial Boardmembers. (PIO LDN)

For his part, UNAHCO Marketing Director Clint Escondo said Akey’s new “Advanced Cooling System to Lower Heat Stress in Swine” has already been incorporated in their flagship Pigrolac Premium Hog Feeds and Pigrolac Mama Pro to help local hog raisers maximize animal growth.

“This exclusive nutrition technology offered by Pigrolac should be very helpful to our local hog raisers to prevent swine heat stress, which is

usually characterized by animals that are panting or out of breath, refusing to eat, or sows refusing to nurse their young because their teats are inflamed due to intense heat,” he said.

Escondo said that the average temperature in the Philippines is between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius, while the ideal temperature for pigs is between 21 and 24 degrees, thus the need for Pigrolac’s Advanced Cooling System to prevent swine heat stress.

DENR requires cleaner fuel, sets new emissions standards MANILA -- The Department of Environment and Natural R e s ou rc e s ( DE N R ) has issued a directive requiring the use of cleaner fuel and imposing stricter emissions standards for all vehicles to be used or introduced in t he market ef fe c t ive July 2015.

The DENR Secretar y Ramon J.P. Paje said the new emission standards shall comply following Euro 4 standards instead of the current Euro 2 standards.

Under the Euro 4 fuel, the sulfur content of diesel is already 50 ppm instead of 500 ppm for Euro 2 fuel.

For gasoline, the sulfur content of Euro 4 is also 50 ppm instead of the 500 ppm for the Euro 2 fuel.

Benzene in gasoline is 1% by volume compared to 5 for Euro 2 fuel.

For aromatics, Euro 4 fuel contains only 35% by volume compared to Euro 2 fuel, which prescribes no limit.

Paje said the planned shift to EURO 4 was ma d e p o ss ibl e t h rou g h the support of oil players, c ar m anu f a c tu re r s an d t r a n s p or t g roup s , w h o are doing their fair share to curb air pollution and

reduce its impacts.

“Low sulfur fuels will lead to reduced emissions of particulate matter. This particulate matter, along w i t h o t h e r p o l l u t a nt s , can penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can worsen existing respirator y and heart diseases,” the environment chief explained.

T h e D E N R Administrative Order No. 2015-14 issue d by Paj e provides more stringent e m iss i on st and ards for carbon monoxide (CO), hydro carb on, oxides of nitrogen , and particulate matter to be complied with by new passenger, and lightand heavy-duty vehicles.

For instance, the Order sets an average CO emissions limit of 2.0 grams per kilometer (g/km) for gasoline-fed passenger and light-duty vehicles instead of 2.2 g/km, and 0.9 g/ km for those using diesel instead of 1.0 g/km.

It als o provides that all new vehicles to be used or introduced into the Philippine market

by January 2016 shall be e q u i p p e d w i t h Eu r o 4 engine and compliant with Euro 4 emission standards.

The DENR-EMB (Environmental Management Bureau) shall issue Certificates of Conformity (COC) only to Euro 4/IV vehicles starting January 2016.

COC is issued to new vehicles that complied with the emissions standards prescribed by the DENR. It is a requirement for initial registration of vehicles with the Land Transportation Office.

The Department of E n e r g y i s e nj o i n e d t o ensure the availability of Euro 4 f uels to comply with the new emissions standards by July 1.

Paje said the implementation of vehicle emission limits was consistent with Republic Ac t No. 8749, or t he Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. (PNA)

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Auction... from page 1

7. They should also execute Confidentiality of Agreement and Undertaking and pay a non-refundable participation fee of P120,000 by April 13.

Due diligence can be performed by prospective bidders starting April 13 until two business days prior to the deadline for bid submission.

PSALM has scheduled the bid submission deadline for Sept. 23, with a pre-bid conference on May 6.

Located in Misamis Oriental, the plant was constructed in 2006 under a 25-year BuildOperate-Transfer scheme.

The plant -- which supplies about a fifth of Mindanao’s power needs has an installed capacity of 210 megawatts (MW) but the government’s contracted capacity is only 200 MW. The cooperation period of the government with the plant operator, STEAG State Power, Inc., will end in 2031.

“The Mindanao Coal IPPA selection is the second privatization activity of PSALM for this year, following the launch of the IPPA selection for the Bulk Energy of the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plants (ULGPP) two weeks ago,” PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. said in a statement.

Steag supplies more than a fifth of the Mindanao grid’s power needs.

Earlier, Aboitiz Power Corp (AboitizPower) has expressed interest to bid for Steag’s independent power producer administrator (IPPA) contract.

“This year, PSALM wants to do [the auction for] Steag. We definitely want to participate in that,” Antonio R. Moraza, who is also AboitizPower’s chief operating officer said after the company’s analysts’ briefing last week.

Moraza said the company is particularly interested in four assets.

Apart from the Steag plant, Mr. Moraza said the company is also interested in the contracted capacity of the 140-megawatt (MW) Casecnan hydro plant in Nueva Ecija, the CalirayaBotocan-Kalayaan (CBK), and the Unified Leyte geothermal power plant (ULGPP).

PSALM was formed under Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 to assume ownership of and manage all National Power Corp.’s assets, liabilities, contracts with independent power producers, real estate and other disposable assets.

Meanwhile, AboitizPower is the power generation and distribution arm of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. -- the listed holding firm of Aboitiz-owned businesses, which also include real estate, food and banking.

Airport... from page 1

UN Habitat has chosen Lumbia airport as project site because it is safe from possible flooding and storm surges considering that it sits 180 meters above sea level.

Chris Rollo, country program manager of UN Habitat,

emphasized that Cagayan de Oro City is dubbed as the country’s fastest urbanizing area under Moreno’s administration.

According to Rollo, Mayor Moreno’s vision on the city’s economic growth and its openness to the private sectors have greatly helped the city’s tremendous development.(CIO/ PIA10)

Budgets...

from page 1 amounting to P1.393 billion (1.5% share); Ms. Emma A. Nieva for the Economic Development Sector’s P4.315 billion (4.6% share); Mayor Philip T. Tan for the Infrastructure Sector agencies’ P39.868 billion (42.3% share); and Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval for the Social Development Sector’ requirement of P48.757 billion (51.7% share).

Some amendments/ additional projects were also proposed for consideration by the concerned agencies for FY 2016.

The DPWH-X was asked to consider the following projects: the esplanade along Cagayan de Oro River, Macabalan-PuntodCarmen and Cathedral City Hall; reconstruction and widening of Cagayan de Oro port road; Balulang-Macasandig Bridge and Access Road; MacabalanBonbon Bridge and Access Road; Widening of ButuanCagayan de Oro-Iligan Road (Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, Kinoguitan and Medina in Misamis Oriental); and the preparation of a master plan to mitigate flooding in Gingoog City.

Various projects were also proposed for the Misamis Occidental including among others the Construction of the Clarin Drainage System; construction of the OzamizClarin-Tangub-Bonifacio-Don Victorinao (OCTBDV) AgroEco Tourism Hinterland Road; completion of Bagacay-GalaOzamiz City Road leading to Hoyohoy Highland Park, Ozamiz City; and construction of the Oroquieta-Sebucal-Don Victoriano-Molave Road for funding from the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program.

The body also required all projects under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) to be implemented in consultation with the congressional representatives concerned. It asked DOH-X to allocate funds for the improvement/upgrading of the Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional and Teaching Hospital; NHA-X to allocate funds for the right of way acquisition for the expansion of Ozamiz City’s Labo airport and to consider housing assistance for Sendong victims from the formal sector (teachers, policemen and other national government employees) as well as additional funds to finish the housing projects for the informal sector; DSWD-X to increase the Conditional Cash Assistance (CCA) under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); DA-X to appropriate bigger budget for cloud seeding; and for DOT and DWPH regional offices to consider improvement/ rehabilitation of roads leading to tourist destinations.

The body also endorsed the following proposals: 1) rehabilitation works of the Pulangui IV hydroelectric plant reservoir; and 2) port development programs and projects of the Philippine Ports Authority Port, Management Offices in Region X. Personally present among the congressional representatives were Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez; Rep. Peter M. Unabia of the 1ST District of Misamis Oriental; Rep. Henry S. Oaminal of the 2nd District of Misamis Occidental; and Rep. Jorge T. Almonte of the 1ST District of Misamis Occidental. Rep. Jose Maria F. Zubiri III (3rd District of Bukidnon), Rep. Abdullah D. Dimaporo (2nd district of Lanao del Norte), and Rep. Juliette T. Uy (2nd District of Misamis Oriental) were represented by their respective staff.

Award... from page 2

Pilipinas for teachers who taught best lessons on saving, money management and entrepreneurship in elementary curriculum through the subjects Edukasyon Sa Pagpapakatao, Araling Panlipunan and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan.

The awarding ceremony was held on March 18 this year in Metro Manila. (PNA)

Tourist... from page 2

One of the awardees, the Golden Sunset Beach Club of Barangay Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, through its Manager, RJ Gucor, disclosed to DOLE that being a COC awardee for the first time is an advantage to their business. “We will really display our certificates for it shows a good perception to the tourists,” Gucor humbly shared.

Also, as the Chairperson of the Labor Sector under the HRR ITC, he fully supports the Labor Law Compliance System of the DOLE, “Not just an officer of the Council, it is also my duty to advocate to others to be labor laws compliant.” (Mildred E. Dablio/DOLE-10)

Batas... from page 4

operation. As Napenas has been disclosing recently, it was Aquino himself who authorized that operation. In fact, reports have it that the date of the Marwan operation----January 25, 2015---was precisely chosen

by Aquino to coincide with the birthday anniversary of his mother, former President Cory Aquino.

-ooo PNOY CLAIMS ON MAMASAPANO INCREDIBLE: Only the most dumb and the most uncaring leader would not be bothered by the absence of real time updates, coming from Napenas or Purisima, on what was happening to the operation to arrest or kill Marwan. Getting Marwan was not just an important mission for the SAF, nor for the Philippines, but for the United States as well, and it was important for a US ally like Aquino to know what was actually happening on the ground.

It was therefore highly

incredible and unbelievable that the President was not getting updates from Napenas or Purisima about the operation, especially after Marwan was confirmed to have been killed. If Marwan was already neutralized, and this fact was made known to the President, the next most important thing for him as the commander-in-chief should have been to inquire about the condition of the SAF operatives.

I could not believe Aquino did not inquire on the condition of the SAF officers and men. I believe that, in the euphoria of being informed that Marwan was indeed killed by the SAF, Aquino was also informed that the policemen who killed him were also being routed and mercilessly killed. The real question here would be, what did Aquino do after he came to know of the dire situation of the SAF commandoes?

-ooo REACTIONS? Please call me at +63 917 984 24 68, +63 918 574 0193, +63 922 833 43 96, or Skype (batasmauricio), Viber (+63 918 574 0193) and Line (+63 917 984 24 68).

Email: batasmauricio@yahoo. com, melaniolazomauriciojr@ outlook.com, mmauriciojr111@ gmail.com.

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Farming... from page 5

village, town or city. It also involves animal husbandry, aquaculture agro-forestry and horticulture.

The measure refers to “vertical farming” as the method of farming that is brought to the urban space by employing the concepts of indoor agriculture in skyscrapers and other modern buildings.

Now pending at the Committee on Food Security chaired by Rep. Agapito H. Guanlao, the bill mandates the Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to promote the use of integrated urban agriculture and vertical farming in the country’s metropolitan areas.

The measure provides that idle and abandoned government lots and buildings owned either by the national and local governments or available land resources in state universities and colleges (SUCs) shall be considered for growing crops, raising livestock and producing food using such method. The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall issue the rules and regulations to implement this section.

The bill also seeks the creation of a 10-man Urban Farming Council (UFC), which shall be attached to the DA and chaired by the DA Secretary.

It further provides that the local government units (LGUs) shall formulate a policy on the practice of integrated urban farming, utilizing unused spaces and idle lands. This shall require enactment of local legislation institutionalizing urban gardening or agriculture in all levels of the LGU. This shall also require LGUs to enact measures or ordinances that shall include gardening or agriculture as a

regular component in budget appropriations of the LGU. The measure provides that all cities and urbanized municipalities, where urban farming activities are conducted, shall extend assistance and incentives to urban farmers.

Likewise, all homeowners associations, neighborhood and community associations and people’s organizations are encouraged to participate in urban farming activities within their areas of operation. The concerned LGU shall grant incentives to these participating groups.

GMA... from page 5

efforts to circumvent the rule on regular employment under the Labor code and prevailing jurisprudence.

In pushing for the investigation, de Jesus said Article II Section 18 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms labor as a primary social economic force and it directs the State to protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

“Security of tenure is best guaranteed by affording employees the status of regular employment under Article 280 of the Labor Code and the prevailing jurisprudence on regular employment,” de Jesus said.

Ilagan said there is rampant denial of regular employment in almost all types of businesses and industries in the country, with the clear mandate to promote regular employment often circumvented by contractualization and miscategorization of employment.

“Contractualization and miscategorization of employment allows business owners to skirt the payment of mandated benefits, which they instead pocket as additional profits to the detriment of their employees

11

who are literally kept at their mercy,” Ilagan said.

The unchecked practice of non-regulation, Belmonte said, has resulted in the undesirable fact of contractual employees far outnumbering regular workers.

Belmonte said it not only the House, which should investigate GMA for the alleged violation of the provisions of the labor laws on regularization of employment.

“Considering the serious allegations of TAG members on GMA’s practices against regularization of employment and considering further that the same affects many of its employees, the Department of Labor and Employment must exercise vigilance by investigating these alleged practices by GMA and other businesses against whom allegations of serious labor violations are made,” Belmonte said.

Budgeting... from page 5

and taking active roles during the planning process of the projects that their local governments will implement.

Amante said the implementation of projects included in the program, which were jointly identified by the LGUs and organized citizens groups, shall be guided by the stringent standards of the seal and good local governance and other existing rules and regulations.

“The program will benefit the communities which were once isolated and disenfranchised in the budgeting process through the implementation of various infrastructure and livelihood projects.” Amante said.

“If the new budgeting approach is guided by the principles of convergence, participation, and citizen empowerment, can help fight corruption and promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” Amante said.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO THE BUSINESSMEN’S NEWSPAPER 2013 PPI’S BEST IN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC REPORTING

FRI-SAT | MARCH 27-28, 2015

editor: SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

DISTRICT 3870 DISCON MAY 7-9, 2015 @ PRYCE PLAZA HOTEL

PAGE 12

The Night Stalker:

Wrangler opens biggest PH Boutique in Limketkai Center

T

he iconic American jeans denim brand Wrangler branch has opened its biggest boutique store in the Philippines at the 2nd level of Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

According to Joanna Antonette “Toni” L. Wong, boutique operations manager, the Wrangler Limketkai Center boutique is 155 square meters of space and includes the only “denim bar” among its six stores in Mindanao with a duly-trained “denim mechanic” who can make needed alterations on the spot for new jeans buyers as well as for those wanting to revamp their old Wranglers with a new look.

The iconic American jeans denim brand Wrangler branch opens its biggest boutique store in the Philippines at the 2nd level of Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, March 26.

The Wrangler Denim Spa jeans’ manufacturing process include spraying with moisturising ingredients that include passion fruit oil, rose hip oil, apricot kernel oil, shea butter, monoi de Tahiti and squalene, these properties then transfer to the skin when the jeans are worn. The Spa jeans are soft and fragrant. the Spa line comes in three finishes - Smooth Legs (the anti-cellulite model), Olive Extract (for moisturisation) and Aloe Vera (to soothe sensitive skin).

“We also have a special treat for those visiting our bar and boutique,” Ms. Toni quipped. “It’s our special brand of coffee we can brew to your taste!”

So besides the admittedly great tasting coffee, what else can the visitor expect for visiting the country’s biggest Wrangler boutique?

“We have the biggest variety of styles and products you can choose from,” said Ms. Toni as she brought us around the excellently designed and laid-out store. “Besides our traditional jeans, Wrangler is now a complete outfitter who can dress you up from head to foot with our new lines including socks and underwear imported from abroad.”

For its traditional jeans products alone, Wrangler probably now offers the widest variety of styles from the classic Wrangler jeans from the classic straights now available in limited edition collections to the newest jeggings, leggings, skinny jeans, tubes and shorts for both men and women.

Joanna Antonette “Toni” L. Wong, boutique operations manager, introduces us to some new Wrangler products - the underwear collection

Inside the Wrangler branch at Limketkai Center, CDO

All Photos by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

Dresses, tees and tops, blouses and tunics, sweater and cardigans, pants and shorts, you can now have most if not all of their extensive line to choose from their store located in the 2nd floor of the Limketkai Center that’s conveniently located near the main entrance and a short walk from Shopwise.

In parting, Ms. Toni shared with us a tip for making your jeans smell and feel fresh even if you’ve worn it three times already (or more, as is more the case with men who don’t give a second thought to wearing the same pair for a month).

“Put it in the freezer soon as you reach home and the cold will kill all bacteria in your jeans,” she advises. “Defrost in the morning soon as you’re up and presto! All fresh and ready to go?”

No kidding? Only one way to find out. Although Wrangler does have jeans which are silver treated and smell good even after extended wear.

So what will it be for you? A new Wrangler or the freezer?