BusinessWeek Mindanao (May 11, 2018)

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Volume VIII, No. 143 As of 6:00 pm May 10, 2018 (thursday)

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Briefly Free tuition DAVAO City -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) recently conducted an information dissemination campaign to create awareness on RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Ed u c a t i o n A c t a m o n g t h e stakeholders here.

“We are going around the country to spread free higher education. We want to cover all qualified college students,” UniFAST Executive Director Carmelita Yadao-Sison said.

Yadao-Sison announced that free higher education benefits for students in SUCs and LUCs include tuition fee for all subjects, courses or classes and free miscellaneous and other school fees.

IN-DEPTH

Friday|May 11, 2018

cmyk

Lapasan Highway, Cagayan de Oro City

P15.00

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By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

HINA’S GoodFarmer Banana Trading Corp. is increasing its banana purchases from Davao producers to 300 containers from 150 containers a week between this year and 2019, a company official said last week.

MINDANAO’S BANANA. Chinese banana industry players, on a tour organized by GoodFarmer Banana Trading Corp., watch and take photos of the operations of Tagum Agricultural Development Co., Inc. in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. photo by carmelito q. francisco

GoodFarmer Country Manager Michael Li said the company, among the biggest sellers of bananas in China, is also looking at expanding

its market by exploring new areas. “ There is still a big requirement for bananas in China; we can still grow our

market,” Mr. Li said during a tour of about 30 stakeholders from Guangzhou province to the banana farms of Davao del Norte.

The group said the banana industry in the region is e f f i c i e nt a n d m o d e r n , citing the packing houses of the Tagum Agricultural D e velopment C o., Inc. (Tadeco) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

“We never see a packing orders/PAGE 11

Davao eyes sister city agreement with Marikina, Qinhuangdao DAVAO City -- The City Government here is expected to forge a sister city agreement with Qinhuangdao, People’s Republic of China, and Marikina City, the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) announced on Tuesday..

This, after the Davao City International Relations

Rubber COTABATO City — The provincial government of Cotabato, which is aiming to be one of the country’s top producers and exporters of natural rubber-based products by 2020, plans to set up more trading posts to encourage farmers to maintain as well as develop more rubber areas.

Governor Emmylou TaliñoMendoza, in her State of the Province Address delivered on March 20, said producers of rubber cup lumps — the raw product from tapping rubber trees — have shown “interest again” in the crop after being discouraged by the record low price of P14 per kilogram (/kg) several years ago.

Last year, the implementing rules and regulations for Provincial Ordinance No. 594 were finalized, paving the way for the establishment of Rubber Trading and Auction Centers, known locally as bagsakan, in several municipalities.

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Board endorsed during its May 3 meeting the sister city agreement proposals to the City Council’s International Relations Committee to grant Mayor Sara Duterte the legislative authority to sign the sister city agreements for and on behalf of the City Government. agreement/PAGE 11

RUINS OF WAR. An imam checks on the ruins of the mosque where the Daesh-inspired gunmen made their last stand during their five-month siege of Marawi City. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

Bongbong Marcos to grace RI 3870 Discon

By GERRY GORIT, Reporter

FORMER Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will grace the second day of the Rotary International (RI) District 3870 District Convention (DisCon) 2018 tomorrow (Saturday, May 12) morning here at Limketkai Atrium.

Marcos, who will talk about Leadership and Integrity, is just one of the many guest speakers in the three-day affair from May 11 to 13.

The other guest speakers are the representative of Rotary International’s president

himself Muhammad Faiz Kidwal, ANC’s On the Money anchor Ma. Salve Duplito, ABC 5’s Alagang Kapatid Foundation executive director Ma. Concepcion Silvestre, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Assemblyman Zia Adiong, discon/PAGE 11

AMBULANT BEGGARS. A young man and his kid are asking jeepney passengers for spare coins purposely to feed his family. photo by gerry lee gorit

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Economy

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Davao Region surprises with historic 10.9% growth in ‘17

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AVAO City -- Davao Region (Region XI) posted its highest Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at 10.9 percent in 2017.

This was the highlight of the 2017 Report on the Regional Economy of Davao Region which was reported

by Rosendo M. Aya-ay, chief statistical specialist of the regional office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The 2017 GRDP growth eclipsed the 2016 GRDP growth which as at 9.5

percent. The GRDP growth is higher than the Gross Domestic Product growth of the country (2016-2017) at 6.7 percent.

The industry sector posted a 19.1 percent growth followed by the service sector 7.3 percent and the agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing sector at 1.7 percent.

The services sector continued to account for the biggest share to the region’s economy at 49.6 percent.

Industry followed with a 39.2 percent share; and

agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing (AHFF) with 11.2 percent share.

Being the top performing economy in Mindanao, Davao Region has the 5th biggest economy in the country and the second fastest growing economy next to Cordillera Autonomous Region.

GRDP measures the goods and services produced in each of the geo-political regions of the country.

It provides for an analysis of the regional distribution of the country’s GDP, the

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industries and factors that contribute to the regional economies, and the pace at which these economies are moving on an annual basis.

It is compiled annually by the PSA. National Economic Development Authority-XI Regional Director Maria

Lourdes Lim said that Martial Law, which was declared all over Mindanao in May of last year had no impact or even contributed to the record economic growth in the region.

“There was apprehension in the first few months of martial law, there were

cancellations of tourism bookings and events, but the economy recovered in the third and fourth quarter of 2017,” Lim said.

She added that martial law gave a sense of security to investors and businessmen in the region.

(PIA/RGA)

BRIGADA ESKWELA 2018

By ETHEL M. ARIENZA, TEACHER III STO.NIÑO ELEMTARY SCHOOL STO.NIÑO, MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON

Environment plays a vital role in children’s learning. It is in the school where they to take their first step in exploring the world of knowledge molding them to become productive and effective members of the society as they grow up.

This is where one is crafted to become a better person, who will be an emblem of kind of learning center where he was raised.

And so, the school as home for learning of the pupils must be in its best condition. These would need dedicated school personnel, cooperative parents, supportive community and innovative learners to accomplish the tasks and objectives concerning the school demands.

The Depar tment of Education conducted this year’s Brigada Eskwela otherwise known as National Schools Maintenance week

on May 15- May 20, 2017 with the Theme : ‘’Pagkakaisa para sa Handa , Ligtas at Matatag na Paaralan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan” This program aims to prepare the school one week before its formal opening of classes.

All education stakeholders are welcome to contribute their time, effort and resources in ensuring that the school facilities are ready in time for the school opening.

As soon as the educators of Sto. Niño Elementary School got informed about the Brigada Eskwela, the steering committee and other working committees immediately prepared and decided to have schedules for the implementation of the program within duration of one week. Of course, this activity will not realized without the help and cooperation coming from the community of Barangay

Sto. Niño. Furtunately, all the people especialy the parents of the learners, school stakeholders, barangay officials, teachers youth, and pupils united as one and volunteered to support the program.

Since no national government agency was put into Brigada Eskwela (because there was simply no budget for that purpose), the school eagerly tapped some people and enterprises to solicit donations to cover the effort of repair and maintenance of the school material, equipment and facilities as well as the surrounding area of the institution. The donors include barangay officials, PTCA members, stakeholders, parents livehood and business enterprises, private and public sectors, cooperative banks,local corporation, and other foundations and organizations.

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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CorporateWorld

Globe launches online tutorial for entrepreneurs

G

LOBE Telecom launched on Wednesday an online entrepreneurship website that aims to provide lessons on business management through the testimonials of various industr y experts.

The website called Globe myBusiness Academy Online, was created to reach out to entrepreneurs across the countr y using the latest in digital technolog y, Globe

executives said.

The online business academy will give new and existing business owners access to tips and get key business advice from seasoned business practitioners for free, they explained.

“Globe myBusiness’ vision is to enable all our entrepreneurs to thrive in their business. We have ver y distinguished partners.

Entrepreneurs will be able to draw and bring insights,” Derrick Heng, Senior Adviser for

Max’s Group shifts focus on franchising for expansion MAX’S Group, Inc. (MGI) touted as the country’s leading casual dining chain, has reduced its capital expenditures (capex) to P600 million for 2018, as it refocuses its efforts to franchising for expansion to sustain double-digit growth.

The company spent P800 million in capex last year.

MGI President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Trota said it planned to roll out 80 to 90 new outlets here and abroad this year, 55 of which are going to be franchised.

“As we have a portfolio of 35 percent franchised to 65 percent company-owned, the intent is to reverse that in the next three to five years, where we will have more franchised outlets in the pipeline rather than company owned, reaching our goal of 1,000 stores by 2020,” he told reporters after MGI’s stockholders’ meeting on Wednesday.

Trota said all 16 to 20 overseas outlets will be franchised this year, noting MGI has no intention to open any company-owned stores.

MGI currently has 618 locations in the Philippines and 55 branches overseas throughout various cities in North America, Middle East and Asia as of yearend 2017.

“As 2018 comes in, we are still going to secure territories but not maybe six to eight, maybe we are looking at two to four territories. And right now, we’re talking to somebody in Australia and in Vietnam,” added Trota.

For his part, MGI Chief Finance Officer Dave Fuentebella said the firm’s topline growth for the past two years has been double-digit.

“There are two things that we are planning to do now: to continue that momentum in terms of double-digit growth and ensure also cost competitiveness, such that it will translate into a better bottom line this year,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the company earmarked P600 million in capex for the construction of new stores, renovation of select flagship outlets, and modernizing existing commissary systems and equipment. (PNA)

Globe myBusiness, said in his speech during the launch in Makati City.

Globe myBusiness Academy will provide articles, live-streamed or prerecorded workshops and webisodes from leaders in the food, tourism, education,

finance, retail and manufacturing sectors, among others, that will provide guidance on aspiring entrepreneurs on how to succeed on their chosen endeavors.

The website is also envisioned to be a source of expertise and inspiration for startup

owners and experienced businesspersons apart from offering solutions that ease the daily operations of various enterprises.

“We tr y to uplift these entrepreneurs by creating a community of learning through first-hand experience

and valuable insights of industr y experts and reputable partners,” according to Heng.

Globe myBusiness has conducted 53 entrepreneurship sessions in Metro Manila and other key cities nationwide last year. (PR)

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Opinion

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RI 3870: Men and women of good deeds HOTLINE

Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

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Ruffy magbanua The purpose of life is not only to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Being true to its commitment to help build communities into a thriving, resilient, peaceful place to live, the Rotary Clubs of RI 3870 are working on the

Kakampi mo ang batas

Batas Mauricio

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish Member: your plans…” (Proverbs 16:3, the Holy Bible).

Philippine Press Institute -ooo EX CAPT. GAUDENCIO Oro Chamber SUNGA, 73, A PILLAR BGY. SAN MIGUEL, MEXICO, PAMPANGA: Mr. Gaudencio Sunga of Bgy. San Miguel, Mexico, Pampanga is one of the former village chiefs of their locality who is until valuable time?

Would you think a minute like to know the two best now valued by his constituents investments of your time for his opinions on a lot of that will bring you real success and wealth in your life?

The first smart investment of your time is hints and traces people. Spend your time with your family. At the end of your life, you will never be sorry for the time you jhan tiafau hurst spent with your children, your wife or husband, your Think a minute…Imagine brothers and sisters, and t h a t e v e r y m o r n i n g your parents. We should somebody put $86,400 in also spend our time on the your bank account. Then, many people all around us every night whatever you each day to help make their roy cimagala didn’t spend that day was lives happier. Spending your taken out of your account time on people gives you and thrown away. Wouldn’t wealth and happiness that IT’S indeed good that we you take out every cent of you can never lose be faithful and loyal to your $86,400 and spend it The second, yet by far the particular vocation, every day? So none of it most important, investment spirituality or charism that would be wasted or thrown of your time is to spend it we have. That is a Godaway. with your own Maker. He given gift that we should Did you know that you is the Person Who Himself tr y our best to be most really have a bank account gives you every second you faithful to. We just have to just like that one? It’s called receive to keep living. You see to it that such fidelity TIME. Every morning our see, God didn’t just make us and loyalty do not prevent us time bank gives you and and then forget us. Quite the from appreciating the other me 86,400 seconds. Then, opposite! God created you to spiritualities, vocations and every night the time we did be His child and friend, so charisms within the Church. not use that day is gone. you can enjoy living every More than that, we have to So we must use it all up or day with Him. That’s why learn how to work in tandem lose the time each day we God the Son came to show and in solidarity with the do not spend well. You use us what He’s like. He wants other Church-approved it or lose it. Then what are us to see the good life He spiritualities, no matter how the best bargains and deals designed for us to enjoy. different they may be from in life which are worth our account/PAGE 11 ours. In this, we have to take

Biggest bank account

peace and development in all fronts – the Rotary way.

No doubt, this Discon 2018 whose attendance is expected to swell could be another opportunity for all Rotarians, men and women alike, to prove once again that in unity there in strength.

Notably, clubs under RI 3870 are guided well with these six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development.

As an organization of business and professional people committed to provide humanitarian service, Rotary Clubs encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and

help build goodwill and peace – globally.

RI 3870 shall always bring out the best it can to serve the communities through sustained programs and projects this year and beyond.

Its humanitarian projects are aimed at addressing the community needs by providing sustainable, measurable outcomes beneficial to communities in particular and the country in general.

With men and women of good will, RI 3870 is poised to continue serving the community by adhering to the four-way test of Rotary: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship?

And will it be beneficial to all concerned? (ruffy44_ph2000@ yahoo.com)

Old Pinoys worried about Filipinos’ too much self-interest

manila office: 9th Floor, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino Cor. Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel. # : 5555392,Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 lani vallido-Marketing Manager

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ground in unison to build an inclusive economic growth through collaboration and sustained partnership with players of diverse backgrounds.

More than ever, Rotary Clubs are itself part of a closeknit community and therefore it is always in the forefront of extending help and support to the people it cared about.

With a theme most appropriate this summer “To CDO, We Go”, RI 3870 finds it easy to get so wrapped up in helping others whenever it can primarily because of the solid commitment of its dynamic members.

Wi t h a b a t t e r y o f distinguished guests and speakers, this year Discon which starts today, mirrors how unity in diversity works so well to advance progress,

things, one of which pertains to his perception that more Filipinos nowadays have become shamelessly selfish.

Although he is already 73 years old, he is still being tapped as an adviser of the present barangay captain.

I happened to be with Capt. Sunga on Tuesday, May 08, 2018, at a court hearing at the Mexico Municipal Trial Court and, later in the day, at the house of a common friend, Mr. Roberto Ibe, where we were both invited to partake of the fiesta delicacies---stewed native duck, pork menudo, shrimps, and blanched vegetables dipped in a local Kapampangan delicacy called “buro” among others--- they prepared for their barangay fiesta on that day (see photos at w w w. f a c e b o ok . c om / attybatas).

In the course of our d i s c u s s i o n s , I s aw a n overriding concern on his

part where the Philippines might be headed just several years from now, in the face of what he said was an emerging yet clear culture of selfishness on the part of many of our countrymen, mainly pushing and working only for their own personal, family and political, interests, above everything else.

-ooo OLD FOLKS WORRIED ABOUT FILIPINOS’ C U LT U R E O F S E L F INTEREST: Former Bgy. Capt. Gaudencio Sunga of Bgy. San Miguel, Mexico, Pampanga surely is not alone in perceptions like this. Many from the older generation of Filipinos are also worried that more and more Filipinos are steadily shedding godliness and patriotism. And they are aware of the dangers that this kind of selfishness is sure to bring about, especially in fomenting dissension and outright discord among the

citizenry.

Many senior citizens have come to be comparing this brewing dissension and discord among Filipinos to the curses which God in the olden times threw against the men and women who tried to put up a tower that would reach the gates of heaven--the one they would call the Tower of Babel. Because of God’s anger against the people who seemed to have desired putting themselves at par with God, He allowed them to fight with one another, and be deprived of understanding.

This ended up in the people’s destruction, and the destruction as well of the tower they wanted to reach the sky with. From the point of view of Filipino senior citizens, it would seem that the same kind of Biblical discord is striking the Philippines right now, particularly among the governing or ruling worried/PAGE 11

The particular should link with the universal the initiative to know more about them and to see what we can do to be able to work with them for the good of the whole Church, since every spirituality, vocation and charism is meant for building up the Church.

We have to be wary of the danger of falling into some restrictive and exclusivistic lifestyle that would isolate, if not alienate, us from the others. This, sadly, is a common tendency among the many Church institutions and groups, giving rise to petty rivalries, jealousies and gossips.

Obviously, the higher authorities of the Church should exercise the prudence of how to orchestrate the different institutions with the different spiritualities in play.

But each institution should do its part of coordinating and establishing linkages with the others.

There has to be mutual respect among them and the legitimate differences should be acknowledged, respected and made to work along the

lines of complementation and supplementation in order to work for the common good of the Church.

We have to remember that no spirituality, vocation and charism has the exclusive possession of the universal essence of what is to be holy, of what true love is, etc. And every spirituality, vocation and charism is not a frozen thing, but a dynamic one, alive and always open for further enrichment, deepening and adaptation to changing circumstances.

Thus, a Church institution that only talks about itself or ab out its par ticular spirituality and charism, with hardly any effort to know more about the others, would be going along a dangerous path. We need to break away from that attitude. Everyone should try his best to follow what St. Paul once said: to be all things to all men.

Especially at this point o f C hu r c h a n d w o r l d development, there is need for us to be more united in pushing for what is essential

in our life while respecting and coordinating the different ways of doing it. Everyone should have a universal out l o ok w h i l e ke e pi ng his respective particular spirituality.

We have to face this challenge squarely if we want to be truly faithful to God and to affirm our real Christian identity. I wonder if our Church authorities in the different levels are doing something about this.

It seems ironic that with all the progress we have in our communication technologies, we do not seem to make corresponding progress in coordinating the different institutions and groups within the Church.

Yes, indeed, there are some efforts toward this end, but we look like we are still ages away from what can be considered as a working ideal. If, for example, we ask today some Church-goer at random about this issue, most likely we are going to hear that he has not heard link/PAGE 11

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Holcim pilots road building solutions, technical services in Davao

Building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. has begun test runs of its road construction products and services with contractor partners in Davao to showcase innovative offerings that can help local builders as the government steps up infrastructure investments in the region.

Holcim Philippines is implementing the Solido road building approach, an integrated offer of materials and services, for contractor P.L. Sebastian Construction as it starts building a nine-kilometer twolane thoroughfare in Davao del Sur in April. Holcim Philippines will provide technical and safety trainings to P.L. Sebastian, as well as access to its aggregates batcher and mobile

Holcim Philippines will open a Php 15 million-construction laboratory in Davao City by the second quarter of 2018. The testing center, its first outside Metro Manila, will be equipped to conduct concrete and soil analysis for partners in the region.

Holcim Philippines Marketing and Innovation Head Paul Vu Huy Dat said the With the government pouring resources to upgrade infrastructure in Mindanao, Holcim new road building Philippines, Inc. introduced in 2017 new building solution offerings to help builders in the solutions are part region better execute their projects. This mobile laboratory, which allows Holcim to provide of the company’s technical support to partners building in the countryside, is one of the latest offerings. commitment laboratory for April 17 to19 the helps contractors to provide not the project. The soil stabilization manage proper just cement Solido approach technology, which costs as it removes but innovative was developed by improves the existing the need to replace technology and Holcim Philippines to soil condition in areas existing ground services to help the help partners build where the available with materials from country build better. good quality roads, ground is unsuitable another location.

These are part of optimize concreting for construction Soil stabilization the PROSOLUTIONS cost and finish projects, for several also helps improve offerings, a range of projects earlier and sections of roads durability of roads innovative products safer. being built in the by making the base and services from In Davao City, metropolis. sturdier and less structural to finishing Holcim Philippines A common prone to erosion that applications for and contractor technical practice can damage the road, infrastructure, Ulticon Builder, outside the country, structure. residential, and other Inc. tested from soil stabilization Furthermore, building projects.

“We are very excited to roll these out in Mindanao.

Local builders will have a lot on their plate as the government pours substantial resources to fast-track the development of the region. Through these offerings, we can help our partner and customers be better equipped in taking in more advanced projects and complete these faster, more durable and cost-effectively,” he said.

Reports citing the National Economic and Development Authority said 10 infrastructure projects worth Php 94 billion are set to be implemented in the Davao region. Plans are also underway to convert 163 kilometers of local roads in Davao City into national ones given its continued development.

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Opportunities opening up for Filipino workers via VA jobs DAVAO City -- Better opportunities await Filipinos going into virtual assistant (VA) jobs for Australian clients.

“There is a large demand for VAs in Australia,” Says Linh Podetti, founder and

director of Outsourcing Angel, a VA recruitment company based in Australia.

Virtual assistants are independent contractor providing administrative services to clients while operating outside the

client office. Many are usually engaged in secretarial or office management work.

Podetti said that many small companies in Australia are looking to expand and the cheaper way is to look for

outsourced VAs. She said many of the VAs are engaged in marketing while some are into accounting, bookkeeping, and graphics.

The company Outsourcing Angel helps

recruit potential VAs and matches them with clients.

It also trains VA prospects and orients the companies hiring the VAs. It has employed 60 Filipino virtual assistants with 12 VAs in Davao City.

“We are looking for people who are definitely, honest, friendly, love what they do, hardworking and who do not look at money before work,” Podetti said.

She said the VA job is an equal opportunity employment, as it doesn’t discriminate age, sex or disabilities.

“We have VAs who are 50 and 60 years old,” Podetti said. “Some of the VAs started at around 18 and 19 years old.”

A VA for an Australian client earns around Aus$ 600 (P22,800) to Aus$ 1,500 (P57,000).

VAs don’t have fixed working time, depending on the client’s package.

Some clients can have 10 hours a week, 20 hours a week or 40 hours a week.

The company can also adapt to the work schedule of the VA. Among the advantages of VAs are flexible working time, the ability to work anywhere.

“If you are a mother, if your kid got sick you don’t have to seek the permission of your boss to be absent from work.

Because you can work at home,” Podetti said.

Aside from having laptops or computers the minimum internet speed for a VA is about 2 mbps.

The software used in VA work is supplied by the client.

“Our goal right now is not just to get more VAs for us we just try to help more people become VAs and encourage you to be a VA,” Podetti said. (PIA/ RGA)

SSS inaugurates newly-renovated SSS Makati-Gil Puyat Branch The Social Security System (SSS) formally opened its newly-renovated MakatiGil Puyat Branch located at the ground floor of Employee Compensation Commission Building along Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City on May 8.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said the renovation of the SSS Makati-Gil Puyat Branch is part of the continuous commitment of SSS to provide better service to its members.

“With the growing number of members, we want to provide them with a more convenient place for their transactions and better facilities to cater to their needs with their SSS accounts,” said Dooc.

Situated in Makati’s Central Business District, the newly-upgraded branch caters to more than100,000 members and over 8,000 employers from four barangays namely: Bel-Air, Dasmariñas, Urdaneta, and Forbes Park.

As of March 2018, SSS Makati-Gil Puyat branch has an average daily transaction of over 17,000 with an average monthly collection of P151.40

million.

“We have also created additional tellering facilities to accommodate our paying members,” said Dooc.

Dooc led the inauguration and was joined by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary and concurrent Social Security Commission ex-officio member Silvestre H. Bello III and other SSS officials, namely SSS Senior Vice President for NCR Operations Group Jose B. Bautista, SSS OIC-Vice President for NCR South Cristine Grace B. Francisco, and SSS Makati-Gil Puyat Branch Head Maria Rita S. Aguja.

“SSS Makati-Gil Puyat Branch has been committed in providing service to our members for more than 33 years now. We thank our dear employees for their dedication and patience in providing unrelenting service to our members,” said Dooc.

Categorized as a mega branch office, SSS Makati-Gil-Puyat offers wide array of services such as issuance of social security (SS) number, sss/PAGE 11

Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Baungon, Bukidnon CCE-0011-2018 RA 10172 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-3 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on RA 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JULY D. GUILLERMO has filed with this Office a petition for correction of entry in SEX from ‘’MALE’’ to ‘’FEMALE’’ in the Certificate of Live Birth of JULY D. GUILLERMO, born on July 20, 1990 at Baungon, Bukidnon and whose parents are BERNABE R. GUILLERMO and MARIETA O. DANGOS.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file a written opposition with this Office not later than 10 days.

(Sgd.) EVANGELINE C. LIBAYNON

Municipal Civil Registrar BWM: May 11 & 18 , 2018

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Friday|May 11, 2018

Orders... from page 1

house like this in China,” Mr. Li said, noting that some of the visitors, including growers and suppliers, “want to know about the best practices of the local banana industry.”

Last year, GoodFarmer signed a marketing agreement with Tadeco subsidiary Anflo Banana Corp. for about 840,000 boxes of Class A bananas annually for two years.

The bananas will be sourced from Anf lo Banana’s farms in Pantukan, Compostela Valley and Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental.

In 2015, government data show China bought about 448,000 boxes of fresh bananas from Philippine growers.

Apart from the Philippines, GoodFarmer also imports banana from Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Vietnam.

The other agricultural commodities it buys from the Philippines are pineapples from Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City, and dragon fruit from Biñan, Laguna.

G o o d Far m e r, w h i c h started operations in Davao City in 2011, also exports to the Philippines agricultural products from China such as garlic, ginger and apple.

“We have grown very fast here,” Mr. Li said.

Agreement... from page 1

A separate endorsement was also passed to renew the 1994 sister city agreement with Quezon City.

City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head Ivan Cortez, who sits as one of the members of the board, said in an interview on Tuesday that the city and Qinhuangdao share similar characteristics.

He added that the two cities have ports, making it ideal for both to sign a mutually beneficial agreement, which would pave the way for the establishment of direct linkage and networking among the Chinese and Filipino businessmen for easier communication.

C or te z s aid a t rade route between Davao and Qinhuangdao and a direct flight are highly possible due to the cultural and trade linkage.

“For sister agreement to prosper, both parties should have a secretariat to oversee the exchanges in communication to oversee the implementation of the agreed memorandum of agreement,” he said.

Aside from Qinhuangdao, Davao also signed last February 5 a letter of intent with Jinjiang City deputy mayor Li Zili in Fujian Province for establishment of sister city agreement.

DCIPC chief Lemuel Ortonio said Jinjiang has a thriving manufacturing industry and they see the cooperation to benefit both areas’ sports tourism.

Davao already has an existing sister city agreement with Nanning City, China, signed in 2006.

C ortez said that the Chinese are interested in Davao because it is the hometown of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who was mayor of Davao for 22 years.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Arturo Milan said a Chinese Consulate is set to open in the city in September this year.

Chinese Consul General Li Lin was formally introduced to the business community during the DCCCII’s 4th General Membership Meeting last April 26 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

Mi l an re ve a l e d t hat the Consul General, as the conduit of China in trying to establish a direct linkage with Mindanao, wanted to improve the cultural, social, and economic ties.

He said they also expect to increase the presence of Chinese in Davao. The consulate office will also issue visa.

“Now that they have consulate general office here in Davao, it means only that they wanted also to increase their presence not only in Davao but also in Mindanao because this serves the whole of Mindanao maybe, culturally, socially, and also business,” he said.

Discon...

from page 1 Senate President Aquilino Martin Pimentel III and presidential spokesperson Herminio Harry Roque.

Activities already started as of yesterday with the DisCon 2018 Fun Golf from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

The program today will kick off with a call to order

by RI District 3870 Governor Rosalinda Deleste in the afternoon. From thence forward, all aspects of the program flow will be managed

by DisCon 2018 chair Gigi Go. Deleste will likewise report on the RI 3870’s accomplishments during her ongoing term.

It will be followed in the evening with a carnivalthemed fellowship night featuring contestants and floats from all five zones.

Each zone will also field its own Brazilian Carnival Queen and King.

On the second day, Duplito will talk on Choosing the Right Financial Investments in the morning followed

by Silvestre talking about Beyond Help, Compassion before Marcos’ keynote address. After Marcos’ speech, Rotarians will select their zone representatives for the nominating/selection committee for RY 2021-2022.

Before the lunch break, the Resolutions C ommittee will deliberate proposed resolutions while Deleste and District Awards chair Lennie Medalla and the five zone coordinators will present awards. There will also be breakout sessions among club presidents and assistant governors at the nearby Limketkai Luxe Hotel.

In the afternoon, Adiong

will talk about Peace and C onf lic t R es olut ion in Mindanao followed by the Myh Rotary Story – Marawi

by Assistant Governor Emelda Taib. In the evening will be the Governor’s Ball.

On the third day after the speeches of Pimentel and Roque, RY 2020-2021 Governor-elect Laurentino Badelles will be introduced.

At least 600 Rotarians from the 46 clubs under RI 3870 are expected to attend the three-day event.

Account... from page 4

The more time we spend with Jesus, the better we know how to live well and successfully.

In fact, Jesus Christ guarantees that if each day you will spend your 86,400 seconds on living for Him and others, then at the end of your life when you’ve run out of seconds, you will be truly wealthy and satisfied with no regrets!

Even if you just start right now. So why not ask Jesus to forgive you and to take full charge of the time you still have left? Just Think a Minute…

Link... from page 4

anything about this concern.

We have to have a way of determining that we are making progress in terms of more and more people aware at least of this issue and doing something about it.

I am sure there are many relevant issues involved in this concern and that need to be addressed. They can be complex and complicated.

But we should at least try to work on them little by little.

Email: roycimagala@ gmail.com

Worried... from page 4

class. There is fear that this dissension and discord of our leaders would similarly result in the crushing and total destruction of our country.

-ooo CHANGE MUST START IN, NOT OF, MEN: Capt.

Gaudencio Sunga of Bgy. San Miguel, Mexico, Pampanga and I discussed possible solutions to this problem--what should Filipinos do, and when should they act, to resolve the country’s problem of self-interest among its citizens.

And was I surprised that we both were led to a point which was somehow discussed among the people who attended the wake of my mother---that the country’s problems could be solved only if Filipinos would undergo a personal change in their hearts, minds, soul and spirit, towards recognizing and honoring God in their minds, speech, actions, and appearance.

Mr. Sunga and I were one in the perception that the one important change that the country needs today is not the change promised, or sponsored, by any politician or government official, but a change in each Filipino

citizen himself or herself, a change that would compel him to recognize and honor God in his thoughts, speech, actions, and appearance.

Then and only then would beneficial change can truly come about!

-ooo FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, or what we have discussed here, or to consult on any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917 984 24 68, or email me at b a t a s m a u r i c i o @ y a h o o. com, or post your concerns at w w w. f a c e b o o k . c om / attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

SSS...

from page 8

Employer ID number and certificate of registration; acceptance of contribution and loan payments; data capture services; issuance of Unified Multipurpose Identification (UMID) Card; and receipt of benefit and loan applications.

It has been a recipient of several recognitions, among them the 2015 CSC Excellence Rating Anti-Red Tape Act, 2014 PhilPost Recognition Award for Process Excellence, and 2017 Mobile Champion from Filmetrics.

Converge... from page 12

women Rotarians will wear Brazilian Carnival inspired costumes. A jawdropping da nce contest with a whooping php 50,000 grand prize will highlight the evening’s merriment.

Six distinguished and renow ned spea kers w i l l grace the Conference: Ma. Salve Duplito, a TV Anchor and a Resident Financial Adviser of On The Money will talk on "Choosing the Right Financial Investments"; Ma Concepcion "Menchie" Si lvestre, t he Execut ive Director, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, ABC 5 will share on "Beyond Help, C o m p a s s i o n". S e n a t o r Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will speak on " Leadership w i t h I n t e g r i t y ". T h e Senate President Aquilino M a r t i n P i m e nt e l 111w i l l tack le "Federa l ism in the Philippines", while Secretary Herminio Harry L . Roque -P re sident ia l Spokesperson will speak on " The Challenges That Confront the Filipino Nation From a Global Standpoint; and ARMM assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong –would give a message on - "Peace and Conflict Resolution in Mindanao. The Inspirational Message will be delivered by Misamis Oriental governor Yevgeny Vicente "Bambi" Emano.

The most-awaited part of the DISCON also is the Governor's Ball . Female Rotarians will be wearing their formal evening attire

while Male members are required to wear coat and tie /bow tie. The evening will be filled with the spirit of camaraderie as Rotarians enjoy with co-members from other Rotary clubs, the the Governor's address, and fine cuisine.

Governor's Ball attendees will have a feel of the admired leadership of Governor Linda Deleste whose feat in achieving resources is famous, and kindness is her trademark according t o c ol le a g u e s . “ S he i s sympathetic and works hard for the betterment of RI District 3870, and would leave a legacy of greatness,” a District member opined.

Secreta r y Roque, on the other hand, expressed admiration of Rotarians “who have committed themselves to ser v ing communities and people, especially the underprivileged.” He says he is deligthed to have the privilege of speaking before

the DISCON 2018 on a timely topic of "The Challenges That Confront the Filipino Nation From a Global Standpoint."

“The Government, too, is centered on addressing t hese cha l lenges. The President's programs and policies remain focused on bringing comfortable life for all Filipinos, especially the poor and marginalized sectors. This vision is no dif ferent of Rotar y and this reason he urges the Rotarians to continue to look for potential collaborations in these areas, in keeping with the motto of Rotary "Service Above Self, Roque added.

Sec. Roque urges Rotarians to inspire and strengthen its resolut ions”to be of service to our countrymen.

Continue to touch many lives, uplift communities, and become the Government's indispensable partners in making a difference to the lives of many people the Rotary way.”

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Rosalinda Rosales-Deleste District Governor RY 2017-2018

PAG Gilda “Gigi” Go DISCON 2018 Chair

Maria Virginia “Margie” Diaz-Rojas Host Club President

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Friday|May 11, 2018

Muhammad Faiz Kidwai RI President Representative Key Note Speaker

Hon. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III Senate President / Speaker

Hon. Ferdinand “Bonbong” R. Marcos, Jr. Speaker

Secretary Harry L. Roque, Jr. Presidential Spokesperson Speaker

Hon. Zia Alonto Adiong Assemblyman, ARMM Speaker

Ma. Concepcion “Menchie” Silvestre Executive Director, Alagaan Kapatid Foundation, ABC 5 Speaker

Ma. Salve Duplito TV Anchor, ANC News Channel Speaker

Rotarians converge in Oro today for the 2018 DISCON C

By RTN. JOE PALABAO

AGAYAN DE ORO - More than six hundred (600) Rotarians, guests and dignitaries are expected to attend, starting today until Sunday (May 11-13), the 2018 District Conference under the leadership of Governor Rosalinda 'Linda' RosalesDeleste, at the Atrium Limketkai Center and at the Grand Ballroom, Luxe Hotel, respectively, in this city.

The RI District 3870 DISCON 2018 is projected as the biggest, the grandest and the most spectacular Rotary event, this year. Its Kick off pre-conference activity was the DISCON 2018 friendly Fun Golf tourney hosted by the Rotary Club of Kalayaan and was held at the Pueblo de Oro Golf Club,

yesterday, May 10.

“This would be a one true blast” according to PAG Gilda "Gigi" Go, DISCON Chair 2018.

“A DISCON that each one will remember for a long time. Fun-filled activities, exciting surprises, new learnings from well-renowned speakers, good food, and a grand Fellowship Night where the

Rotarians will meet old friends and make new ones while experiencing the World Famous Brazilian Carnival,” she added.

City mayor Oscar Moreno will give his Welcome Message. The Address of District Governor Rosalinda Rosales-Deleste entitled "Making a Difference RY 2017-201 and a

Glimpse of the District Accomplishments, follows. PDG Fe "Bing" Juarez will introduce the Keynote Speaker, Rotary International President's Representative (RIPR) Muhammad Faiz Kidwai.

The most anticipated Event is the Fellowship Night where men and

converge/PAGE 11