BusinessWeek Mindanao (May 1, 2017)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE

Volume VII, No. 144

Market Indicators As of 5:00 pm April 28, 2017 (friday)

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20.1 cents

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65.44

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Briefly

Capacitating workers TO capacitate workers associations in Misamis Oriental, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has recently conducted an orientation on Workers Organization Development Program (WODP) to 14 livelihood-assisted associations from the western part of the province.

This year, DOLE Western Mindanao Office through Provincial Chief Ebba B. Acosta chose to enhance the capabilities of some associations. “These are groups who wanted or needed trainings but have no funds,” Acosta said.

WODP targets trade unions and workers’ organization for self and group development through these learning sessions or trainings.

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New wage hike expected for Normin workers soon www.businessweekmindanao.com

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By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

HE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Northern Mindanao is expected to grant another wage increase within the next 30 days.

RTWPB-10 chair Joffrey Soyao said that the board is currently deliberating on the petition of the Associated Labor Union – Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) for a P168 wage increase.

But in the last 18 wage orders, the RTWPB in this region limits itself to granting only a measly double-digit hike, facing stiff competition from the business sector which has submitted several position papers to counter

Monday | May 1, 2017

the ALU-TUCP petition.

Other members of the RTWPB are the regional directors of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and business and labor representatives.

After receiving the ALUTUCP petition, the RTWPB immediately held provincial hearings on the matter, capping with a regional hearing last week here in wage/PAGE 11

Workers wear shirts with their calls to raise their minimum wage in this file photo. (http://retiredanalyst.blogspot.com)

Davao-GenSan-Bitung route to decongest ports in Manila

Trade protectionism WITH the alarming rise in trade protectionism sentiment globally, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the world’s fastest and most successful trade bloc, is expected to issue a call for sustained opening up of economies including the reduction in non-tariff barriers/ non-tariff measures (NTBs/NTMs) to achieve the region’s growth targets of becoming a $9.2-trillion economy by 2050.

This developed as Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak issued a call yesterday for ASEAN to reduce by 50 percent the growing non-trade barriers and 20 percent in fixed trade cost in ASEAN to facilitate trade in the region and achieve sustained growth targets.

NTBs/NTMs are a form of trade protectionism.

In a keynote speech at the “Prosperity For All Summit,” a side meeting organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council at the ASEAN 2017 Summit, Najib noted that NTBs/NTMs in the region rose to 5,975 between 2000 and 2015.

IN-DEPTH

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

DUTERTE BURGER. Marvin Pabua, chef at the Wild Onion Pub and Grub diner, makes the final touches of the now-famous “Duterte Burger.” Measuring 8 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches thick, the burger has gained popularity due to its unique design. The “Duterte Burger” costs P375 and consists of beef patty, lettuce, cucumber, tomato and other garnishes. PHOTO BY GERRY LEE GORIT

DAVAO City – The operation of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung, Indonesia roll on/roll off (RORO) Shipping Service starting on April 30 will decongest port traffic in Manila, an official of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said.

In a press conference on the launch of the Davao-GenSan-Bitung sea route at the Apo View Hotel Davao Friday, Eamarie M. Gilayo, development management officer III at the MinDA, said government intends to ease out the traffic at the ports in the country’s capital aside from creating economic activities with the opening of this new sea

connectivity.

She said exporters from Luzon and Visayas have either committed or signified interest to use the DavaoGenSan-Bitung route that offers a shorter travel period of one to two days.

The route also provides a “better alternative” to existing route connecting Manila to Bitung via Jakarta.

Gilayo said there are 5 to 10 large companies who will use the initial voyage of the Cebu-based Asia Marine Transport Corp.’s M/V Super Shuttle RORO 12 with a 500-TEU capacity owned by businessman Paul ports/PAGE 11

GenSan labor leaders to meet PPRD in Davao City today

By MINDANEWS

Tadeco furor THE Solicitor-General has backed Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez’ claim that the extension obtained

by Tagum Agricultural Development Co. (TADECO) for the use of land owned by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) exceeds the 50-year legal limit on such deals.

TADECO says Calida statement ‘premature and uninformed’ as BuCor deal under review.

“The [Joint Venture Agreement (JVA)] entered into by BuCor and TADECO is void as it goes against the Constitution and the Public Land Act,” Solicitor-General Jose C. Calida said in a statement released yesterday.

G E N E R A L S anto s C it y – Leaders of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and other labor groups here and the neighboring areas will join the scheduled dialogue with President R o d r i go R . D ute r te i n Davao City on May 1 in line with the 115th Labor Day celebration.

Gerie Lampitco, chief of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board in Region 12, said Friday local labor leaders confirmed

in a meeting earlier this week that they would be participating in the dialogue.

A s i d e f r o m K M U, representatives from labor groups affiliated with the Associated Labor UnionsTrade Union Congress of the Philippines are also attending the event.

As a re su lt , he s aid K M U a n d i t s a f f i l i at e groups decided to cancel its planned mobilization here on Monday, May 1. leaders/PAGE 11

SUPER SHUTTLE. The Super Shuttle Roro 12 at the KTS Port in Sasa, Davao City. Mindanews Photo

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Economy

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ARMM holds investments roadshow M ARAWI City -- The Regional Board of Investments of the Autonomous Region in Muslim in Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) has gathered investors and representatives from the business community, government agencies, banks, and the academe in a consultation in a bid to improve investment opportunities.

The consultation forum covered presentations of the economic activities of the ARMM, insights and concerns about investments generation in the region, investment opportunities, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for qualified investors, process for registration under the

RBOI, and review of the 2017 ARMM Investment Priorities Plan (IPP).

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI-ARMM chairperson, said the plan is focused on the theme “Scaling Up and Dispersing Opportunities,” which will ser ve as the blueprint in guiding investors in matching their

business capacities with opportunities identified in the region’s IPP to steer economic growth. “ The re as on for t he conduct of regional IPP roadshows is to inform the participants about the salient features and implementing guidelines of the new IPP,” Atty. Mastura said.

The 2017-2019 ARMM Investment Priorities Plan is formulated based on the up dated Philippine Development Plan 20172019 and ARMM’s Regional Development Plan.

Anchored on the Duterte administration’s zero + 10-point Socio-Economic

MAL AYBAL AY City — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Bukidnon is currently conducting series of briefings to keep consumers and t raders updated on Fair Trade Laws (FTL).

Throughout the early weeks of this month, two separate FTL sessions were held at Veranda, Casisang, Malaybalay City and at Va le nc i a Cit y Negosyo Center.

Likewise, another two FTL briefings will roll up on 27 April 2017 at Negosyo Center (NC) Maramag, and in NC Manolo Fortich on May 4.

DTI-Bukidnon C o n s u m e r We l f a r e Division Chief Eriberto

Ta b a n - u d J r. s a i d 3 0 participants from various business establishments and accredited consumer organizations in the province are expected in every session.

“We are urging accredited consumer organizations to join in this activity to have in-depth appreciation on consumers’ rights and responsibilities. In the same way, we encourage those who are already in business to join in such briefings because even if they are already entrepreneurs, yet they still are consumers.

Both sectors are entitled to be updated especially on laws and trends in buying & selling,” he said.

The FTL sessions cover

vital trade and industry laws such as Consumer Act of the Philippines and Price Act; Basic Consumer Rights and Responsibilities; Consumer Welfare Desk Program and the DTI Bagwis program, among other trade-related issues.

In a statement, DTIBukidnon Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said the agency has been regularly conducting this activity since 2014 as a platform for participatory governance to ensure a People-Centered G ove r n an c e u n d e r t h e 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan.

“Interested consumers and entrepreneurs may visit laws/PAGE 11

Consumers, biz groups in Bukidnon given refresher on Fair Trade Laws

Agenda and Ambisyon Natin 2040, the 2017-2019 ARMM Investment Priorities Plan promotes investments in preferred economic activities and sectors that will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of ARMM’s constituents.

IPP consultations in the region were organized as early as mid-2015 starting in Lamitan City in Basilan followed by multisectoral public consultations in Cotabato City, Parang and Upi in Maguindanao; Bongao in Tawi-Tawi; and Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. A total of six multisectoral consultations were

conducted region-wide to craft ARMM’s new list of investment priorities.

ARMM’s list has the priority investment areas on export industry; agriculture and aqu ac u lture; b asic industries; infrastructure; industrial service facilities; engineer ing industr ies; logistics; Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the PhilippinesEast ASEAN Growth Area ( B I M P- E A G A ) - r e l a t e d investment enter prises; tourism; health and education services and facilities; Halal industry; bank and nonbank financial institutions including Islamic banking and finance; and energy.

Atty. Mastura reiterated that ARMM seeks to attract more financing, or financial institutions, since the region remains severely underserviced by banks. Access to basic financial services in ARMM is practically non-existent, he said. Other than conventional banking and finance, the list also includes Islamic Banking and Finance.

Similar consult ation forums will be conducted in the five provinces and two cities in the region to bring investment concerns and services to the public, especially the investors.

(BPI/PIA-10)

Traveling with cloth diapers. Meg Gabe of the Modern Nanays of Mindanao (MNM) shares her experience in traveling with infant and cloth diapers saying that exclusive cloth diapering is possible and manageable during the Great Cloth Diaper Change on April 22 at Centrio Ayala Mall. She also mentions the reasons why families do not want to use cloth diapers and stresses that proper care of cloth diapers and discipline are among the keys to have a successful cloth diapering journey.(RTP/PIA10)

RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide Ambisyon Natin 2040. Engr. Nestor Lisondra, chief economic development specialist of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-X, explains to participants of the ASEAN Barangay Forum held in Baroy, Lanao del Norte on April 26 the essence of AmBisyon 2040. He said it describes the kind of life that people want to live and how the country will be by 2040. As such, it is useful in crafting the development plans for the region and the country as a whole.(RTP/PIA10)

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Motoring 3 The wonders of bamboo - Ford goes further by going greener Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

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W

hile investment in research has led to breakthroughs in new materials like super strong carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum, nature’s wonder material may have been growing all along – at up to one meter in a day – in our own backyard.

“Bamboo is amazing,” said Janet Yin, a Materials Engineering Supervisor at Ford’s Nanjing Research & Engineering Centre. “It’s strong, flexible, totally renewable, and plentiful in China and many other parts of Asia.”

The benefits of bamboo have been recognized for more than a century – Thomas Edison even experimented with it when making the first light bulb. In building, its tensile strength (or how much it can resist being pulled apart) is well known, as it can rival or even better some types of metal. And, because it grows to full maturity in just two to five years – compared to up to decades for other trees –

bamboo also regenerates easily.

Over the past several years, Janet and her team have worked with suppliers to evaluate the viability of using bamboo in vehicle interiors and to make extra strong parts by combining it with plastic. The team has found that bamboo performs comprehensively better than other tested synthetic and natural fibers in a range of materials tests, from tensile strength tests to impact strength tests. It’s also been heated to more than 100 degrees Celsius to ensure it maintains its integrity.

While tests on bamboo continue, Ford is already making use of sustainable and recycled materials in the company’s vehicles in Asia Pacific.

Before a sustainable or recycled material is given the green light, it needs to meet all of Ford’s global standards. In Asia Pacific, Janet leads a team who conduct thorough testing and analysis on each material to prove that it is as good – if

not better and more durable – than its original material equivalent.

One material that has made the cut and can now be found in Ford vehicles across Asia Pacific is high quality nylon fiber from carpet and garment factories. The team uses it to make the cooling fan blade found inside the Ford Focus and Escort. By working with suppliers to tap into this excess nylon fiber (or yarn), which typically makes up around 1-3 percent of all yarn used in some factories, Ford saves over 700,000 kilometers of yarn from landfill every year in Asia Pacific – nearly enough to travel to the moon and back.

Perhaps just as surprising is that Ford uses carefully selected, durable parts from washing machines to make air deflectors, which sit just under a vehicle’s floor and reduce air drag force and improve fuel efficiency, ultimately saving drivers money.

Recycled materials aren’t just confined to hidden parts either, thanks to Ford’s use of

seat fabrics with REPREVEbranded fiber, which is made from 100 percent recycled materials, including plastic bottles. In Asia Pacific, Mondeo, Escort and Edge owners can feel especially good about what they’re sitting on. To date, Ford's use of REPREVE seat fabric has diverted nearly 25 million plastic water bottles from landfill.

In each of these cases, the original raw material is first made into a more malleable form to allow it to transform into the end product used in Ford vehicles. Before becoming cooling fan blades and air deflectors, yarn and washing machine parts become resin pellets, while prior to being turned into seat fabric, plastic bottles are melted into PET fiber, then PET yarn and fabric.

Because it can be hard to picture bottles in seats and yarn in fans, Janet says her role as a green advocate continues outside the lab: “When I first tell people about how we’re using sustainable and recycled

GILBERT Y. CHAO - Motoring Editor

materials in vehicles, they either love the idea straight away, or want to be assured that the materials are of a high quality. All the work my team does ensures they are not just great quality, but are strong and sustainable in every way.

After they understand that, they’re convinced.”

Ford’s commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle is part of the company’s global sustainability strategy to lessen its environmental footprint while accelerating development of fuel-efficient vehicle technology worldwide.

In recent years, Ford has increased its use of recycled nonmetal and bio-based materials. With cellulose fiberreinforced console components and rice hull-filled electrical cowl brackets recently introduced, Ford’s bio-based portfolio now includes eight materials in production. Other global examples are coconutbased composite materials, kenaf fiber composite for door trim inner, and soy foam seat cushions and head restraints.

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Opinion

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How to Receive GOD’s Best (Part 5): Action = Results

Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

ALLAN mario MEDIANTE

Vice President for Corporate Affairs

Joe felicilda

Vice President for Administration

joe palabao

Vice President for Marketing

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

gilbert y. chao

Motoring Editor JOEL ESCOL

BONG FABE

Feature Editor

Associate Editor

CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artist

JUN AYENSA

shyne campaner

Regional Editor Caraga

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The Magic is in the Mix Think a minute…A little boy named Mike was watching his mother bake a cake.

She put all the ingredients on the table: flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and vanilla. Then when his mother wasn’t looking, little Mike sneaked a taste of each ingredient. But they all tasted bad just by themselves! Then he watched his mother mix all the ingredients together, pour them into a pan and then into the oven to bake.

That night after Mike had enjoyed 2 big pieces of the cake, he said: “Wow! How can mixing all those BAD tasting things make such a GOOD cake?” His mother smiled and answered: “Son, the magic is in the mix!”

You see, sometimes bad things happen to us; and that thing by itself can be terrible and painful. We might get discouraged and lose hope because we think it’s hurt or ruined our plans for a good life. Maybe you didn’t get that job you really wanted; or your daughter dropped out of school because she became pregnant. It could be that someone in your family suddenly became very sick.

Natura l ly w hen b ad things like this happen to us, it’s very hard for us to imagine that anything good

THINK

A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst can possibly come out of it. We might continue to blame ourselves or others for causing these bad things to happen. For example, we might keep making our pregnant daughter feel that she’s a failure and loser because that mistake she made has now ruined her life. But friend, if a person is a failure just because they failed, then we’re all failures!

We’ve all failed at one time or another. That’s exactly why Jesus Christ came: to forgive and free us from all our past failures and wrongs so we can have a fresh start.

But this time we will have His strength and character living in us.

So why not make today the first day of your new life?

Sincerely ask Jesus to forgive hurst/PAGE 10

“Yo u w i l l b e b ui lt o n goodness. You will be safe from cruelty and fear. So you will have nothing to fear. Nothing will come to hurt you. “- Isaiah 54:14 This concludes the 5-part preaching on How to Receive GOD’s best, by Ptr. Ron. The series revealed a lot about what we thought we knew about the way GOD gives.

About what He gives and how He gives it. We have 1.) learned that GOD has already blessed us, we only need to search it with all our hearts; 2.) realized that miracles is not = blessing, when we are blessed, we do not need miracles; 3.) the truth that GOD’s blessing is not physical or material opened our eyes, and 4.)

GOD’s blessing is irrevocable.

PART 5 brings it all

together. GOD has already blessed us – how many times have we been told about this?

Especially in grace, this is not a new revelation. This is like bread and butter to us. But with the whispers of the enemy, it is easier to forget than to hold on to GOD’s promise. Rather than activating the blessings that has already been set before us, we go back to working on it as if our good works will assure its manifestation. No. GO BACK TO THE CROSS! GOD has prepared blessings before us no human standard can measure. But the enemy sets obstacles along the way. Obstacles so small; like rejections, failures, back logs, that become so big. We allow them to swallow us. We allow them to be bigger than the

GOD-sized blessings waiting for us. When all we see is the hindrance, we fail to see the bigger promise – and we go back and shrink in ourselves.

No. GO BACK TO THE CROSS! Failed grades? GO BACK TO THE CROSS! Back log in reports? GO BACK TO THE CROSS! Rejected sales pitch? GO BACK TO THE CROSS! Going back to the cross reminds us that our blessing is not assured by how good we study, how fast we do work, how we close a sale.

It is assured by the cross.

Action = result? The action has already been done, JESUS already died for us to be blessed. For as we were highly favored, GOD allowed His Son to die for us. Result? The blessing is there! What’s left for us to do? GO BACK TO

The Ripple

By AMBongay

THE CROSS and BELIEVE! This Christmas, may we be even more reminded about the One who has redeemed us. Let us celebrate the life of JESUS, our CHRIST! A blessed Christmas to you and your family!

This interpretation is based on Ptr. Ron Bayron’s preaching.

Funding economic growth Of his many personal traits, President Rody Duterte’s candor easily stands out. He admits to lack of knowledge of economics.

“I don’t even understand those graphs,” he once told a gathering of fellow Bedans.

That said, he professes to rely heavily on the advice of his trusted economic advisers to help him move the country forward.

Easily among his top four are Finance Secretary C ar l o s D om i ng u e z I I I , Budget Secretar y B en Diokno, Economic Planning Secretary Ernie Pernia, and Transportation Secretary Art Tugade.

Although legally independent of the Executive, the BSP Governor would be the 5th man in the team.

Here is wishing that President Rody makes a wise choice on or before July 2, when the 2nd non-extendible term of BSP G overnor Amando M. Tetangco expires.

Finance Secretar y D o m i n g u e z , D u t e r t e’s economic captain ball, rightfully gives credit to

the Arroyo and Aquino administrations for leaving behind a healthy economy.

But more still needs to be done.

Growth must be inclusive, Dominguez said. As we grow, we should be able to lift millions out of poverty.

Dominguez explains that one of the strategic objectives of the Duterte administration is to reduce the nation’s poverty rate from the current 26 % to just 17% or a reduction of the poor by 1.5% per year for the next 6 years.

Difficult yes, but eminently achievable.

Echoing the “7x7 formula” of former Neda Chief Romy Neri, Dominguez stated: “ T h e re i s on ly on e benchmark we need to consistently attain year after year: this is to keep growth at 7% for the next generation.”

But this growth must be inclusive, Dominguez states, “with the goal of enhancing a c c e ss to opp or tu n it y, reducing disparities among the regions and preparing the young for meaningful

economic roles through superior but accessible educational systems.”

One of the linchpins of the growth strategy is massive infrastructure spending. The strategy was rolled out in detail during the recent Dutertenomics fora, which Dominguez himself helped organize.

Massive infra spending “should immmensely improve the logistics backbone of our economy as well as create jobs in the area that are less progressive.

Gains in the efficiency of moving people and goods through the archipelago will bring down costs for consumers and enhance the productivity of farmers, as well as manufacturing.”

“The dispersal of our economic activity will be helped by improvements in our ports, airports, rail and road. “ The re is i ncre as e d convergence, therefore, b et we en t he incre as e d spending on infra and the pursuit of inclusive growth.

“The better our infra

SPEAKING

O ut

Ignacio Bunye becomes, the more otherwise i n a c c e s s i b l e are a s c an participate in the national economic mainstream.”

And how does the Duterte government intend to fund all these projects?

1. By continuing to tap the private sector in big-ticket projects. The big guns, like Ayala and SMIC, immediately pledged to continue to do their share of the heavy lifting.

2. By borrowing locally.

This could be sourced from massive OFW funds remitted annually.

3.

By improving bunye/PAGE 10

“Manila’s Finest” violated law on arrest of suspects LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…

Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him…”

(Ecclesiastes 8:12, the Holy Bible).

-ooo “MANILA’S FINEST” V I O L AT E D L AW O N ARREST OF SUSPECTS: There is something more sinister than mere “lack of space” at the Raxabago unit of the Manila Police Department where men and women suspected of peddling illegal drugs have been detained even without charges, totally incommunicado and clearly not allowed to communicate with anyone, including their relatives.

The whole affair showed the blatant disregard of

Manila policemen, who call themselves as “Manila’s Finest”, of the rights of men and women arrested or invited for questioning in connection with a crime, provided for by the 1992 law called Republic Act 7438.

What is Republic Act 7438?

Its full title says: An Ac t D e f i n i n g C e r t a i n Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained, or Under Custodial Investigation as well as the Duties of the Arresting, Detaining, and Investigating Officers, and Providing Penalties for the Violations Thereof.

-ooo POLICE HAVE THE DUTY TO GIVE A LAWYER TO ARRESTED SUSPECTS: I will let RA 7438 itself speak about the rights of anyone being arrested, detained, or invited for questioning,

and about the duties of the arresting, detaining, and investigating officers. Here are its important provisions: “ a) Any person arrested detained or under custodial investigation shall at all times be assisted by counsel. “(b) Any public officer or employee, or anyone acting under his order or his place, who arrests, detains or investigates any person for the commission of an offense shall inform the latter, in a language known to and understood by him, of his rights to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel, preferably of his own choice, who shall at all times be allowed to confer privately with the person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation.

“If such person cannot

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio afford the services of his own counsel, he must be provided with a competent and independent counsel by the investigating officer.

-ooo SEVERE PENALTIES AWAIT POLICEMEN WHO DISOBEY RA 7438: “(f) Any person arrested or detained or under custodial investigation batas/PAGE 11

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Monday|May 1, 2017

NAIA Terminal Fee exemption for OFWs goes online at CEB

T

he Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), works hand-in-hand with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to exempt Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from paying the International Passenger Ser vice Charge (IPSC), or the Terminal Fee, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Starting today (April 27), OFWs flying with Cebu Pacific to their job site do not need to pay for the P550.00 NAIA Terminal Fee. Passengers who booked through CEB’s ticketing offices or travel agencies have to present valid documents at the time of purchase. For bookings made through the Cebu Pacific Reser vation Hotlines or via the website, www.cebupacificair. com, valid documents must be presented at the Airport Bag Drop Counter upon check-in. Valid OFW documents include the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC);

and those included under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Balik Manggagawa program such as a valid employment contract, recent payslip, or Company ID. Bookings made through the Cebu Pacific mobile app and GetGo (points) redemption will allow exemptions soon.

“After months of working with the MIAA on the details, Cebu Pacific is ver y proud to be the first carrier to make available such a benefit for our OFWs. We are pleased to offer our kababayans working abroad the convenience of not having to go through a process of reimbursement for fees they are already exempted from under the Migrants Workers Act,” said Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

Aside from OFWs, pilgrims with authorization from the Philippine Sports Commission, and guests who have been issued a MIAA exemption certificate (MEC) are also

exempted from paying the IPSC, provided valid documents are presented.

Recently, Cebu Pacific passengers have been given the

option to pay for the Travel on international flights of PHP1,620.00, plus a handling fee of PHP80.00 when they book their flights online via www.

cebupacificair.com, or through any Cebu Pacific ticket office.

Passengers who are exempt from the tax, or are eligible for reduced Travel Tax, on the other

hand, can still book, pay and confirm their flights on Cebu Pacific, but they need to present valid tax exemption documents upon checkin.

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VILLA MARGARITA HOTEL J. P Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, Philippines Tel. No.: (082) 221-5674 / Fax No. (082) 226-2968 MICROTEL

By Wyndham Davao Damosa Gateway Complex Angliongto Rd., Lanang Davao City 8000, Philippines Tel +63 82 233 2333 / Mobile +63 917 795 3548 www.microtelphilippines.com PINNACLE HOTEL Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City.

No. (082) 300-5885 Telefax: 300-1881/ 221-3025 Website: www.thepinnaclehotel.com ALU HOTEL M. Roxas Avenue corner Padre Faura Street, Davao City.

Tel No (63 82) 221-5232 / Mobile (O943) 652 3927 Email: aluhoteldavao@yahoo.com info@alu-hotel.com / www.alu-hotel.com GRAND REGAL Km 7 Lanang, Davao City, Philippines Tel. 235-0888 / Fax 235-2335 email: grandregalhotelegmail.com

VIAJEROS ECONOMY HOTEL Patnubay St., Sandawa, Matina, D.C Tel. No. 297-5710 / Telefax (6382) 298-5134 Mobile: 0922.-8268425 Website: www.viajeroseconomyinn.com

ROYAL MANDAYA HOTEL J.Palma Gil St., Davao City 8000 Phils.

Tel. No. (082) 225-8888 / fax No. (082) 225-1885 info@theroyalrmandayahotel.com www.theroyalmandayahotel.com HOMITORI Bangoy Street corner Santa Ana Avenue, Davao City Tel. No. (082) 295-2969 & 295-2471 / Mobile: (0922) 8994646 Email: homitoridvo@gmail.com or Like us on www.facebook.com/pages/Homitori-Davao BIG APPLE HOTEL Brgy. Angliongto, Lanang, D.C. Hotline Nos.: (082) 234-8459 Facebook account: bigapplehotel@ymail.com Email: bigapple_hotel@ymail.com

THE PERIDOT SUITES Carmelite Drive, Lanang, Davao City Tel. no.: (082) 305-6530 / Fax no.: (082) 305-38I2 Email: theperidotsuiles@gmail.com AZIENDA MEO APARTELLE 11 Corner Pioneer and Doña Vicenta Village, Phase 1, Davao City Telefax. No: (082) 227-4119 & 284-6689 Cell Phone No. 09256652626 Website: www.aziendameo.com Email Add: aziendameo@yahoo.com.ph

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AboitizPower restores 6-MW binary plant

A

P RENEWABLES, Inc. (APRI), the renewable power unit of Aboitiz Power Corp., on Thursday launched the newly restored 6-megawatt (MW) binar y plant at the Makiling-Banahaw ( Ma k B an ) g e ot h er m a l project in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

“This plant shows our commitment to renewable e n e r g y, t h r o u g h o u r Cleanergy brand...We have always emphasized that AboitizPower will continue to pursue renewable energy projects for as long as it is sensible and cost-effective for our customers,” AboitizPower President and Chief Operating Officer Antonio

R. Moraza said during the presentation of the plant.

APRI completed the restoration of Binary Plant 1, which uses excess heat from spent brine to generate clean energy for the Luzon grid, in July 2016. The plant restoration cost P107 million, lower than the initial budget of P130.7 million.

“It took us more than a year to complete the restoration, but we were able to add 6 MW installed capacity of renewable energy to our facility, utilizing heat from geothermal byproducts a n d i d l e e q u i p m e n t ,” APRI President and Chief Operating Officer Felino Bernardo said.

The additional renewable

capacity was added to the Luzon grid by the end of 2016.

The plant is one of three binary cycle power plants in the MakBan Geothermal Project complex that the company had acquired in 2009, and the only one found fit for rehabilitation.

Prior to the restoration, the plant had been encountering commercial issues until it was shut down in 2004. At that time, it was operated by the National Power Corp.

At the same time, Mr. Moraza said there is potential to source 20 to 24 MW from their geothermal power plant located in Tiwi, Albay.

“We’re actually doing the feasibility study now, we have

the costing already... They’re developing now,” Mr. Moraza said.

The project will cost around $1.5 billion and take up to 18 months.

The listed power firm currently 44 generation facilities with a net sellable capacity of 2,402 MW. This year, AboitizPower looks to finish the 420-MW Pagbilao III coal-fired power plants and 68-MW Manolo Fortich hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon.

“Unfortunately we’re a bit delayed in Manolo Fortich.

We hope to finish that by the end of the year,” Mr. Moraza said, attributing the delays to the frequent rains that halted construction.

GLOBE Telecom has further increased its mobile Internet speed as it ramps up its deployment of long-term evolution (LTE) services across the country.

Globe has registered the highest in terms of LTE availability with speeds of 7.42 Mbps compared to the 4 Mbps in February 2016, based on the latest report from OpenSignal, a United Kingdom-based company specializing in crowdsourced mobile coverage mapping.

The telco firm has also recorded the highest score of 55.3 percent in the latest OpenSignal LTE availability in the country. According to OpenSignal, the score means that their testers were able to find Globe LTE signal 55.3 percent of the time nationwide, based on data

gathered from Nov. 1, 2016 to last January 31.

In a statement, Joel Agust in, Glob e S enior Vice President for Program G o v e r n a n c e , Ne t w o r k Technical Group, disclosed that more than 1,200 LTE 700 sites using the 700 megahertz (MHz) frequency band and some 2,500 sites for both the 1,800 MHz and 2,600 MHz bands will be rolled out this year in addition to existing deployments last year.

About 70 percent of the company’s $750 million capital expenditure for the year has been allocated for the improvement of mobile, home, broadband and corporate data.

“O ur st rateg y to immediately use the dormant LTE spectrum from SMC is paying off. Now more Globe

customers, especially here in NCR, are experiencing the difference of a better and more seamless mobile internet from one area to another,” said Agustin.

“We need to continue deploying more LTE sites to fulfill the evolving digital lifestyle of our customers using our mobile network.”

Last year, Globe deployed 1,700 LTE sites -- 500 sites for the 700MHz band and 1,200 for the 2,600MHz band -- attaining 38 percent of its commitment to deploy 4,500 sites using the spectrum under the co-use agreement approved by the National Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission (NTC) following the sellout of the telco assets of San Miguel Corp.

“Globe customers are now experiencing the benefit of

a wider LTE coverage with the use of the 700MHz and 2,600MHz frequencies. Our plan is to roll out more LTE sites this year in line with our desire to make the nation admired through expanded coverage, enhanced capacities and improved overall Internet experience of our customers,” Agustin stated. (ABP/PNA)

Globe to intensify LTE deployment amid faster mobile Internet speed

Holcim Philippines Q1 profit down by 37%

HOLCIM Philippines, Inc. reported a 37% decline in earnings for the first quarter of 2017, as demand for cement slowed amid lower infrastructure spending by the government and tighter competition.

In a statement, the listed cement manufacturer said profit/PAGE 10

Big 8 Corporate Hotel Visayan Village, National Highway, Tagum City Mobile nos. 09173029063 & 09328539372 Tel. No.: (084)216-0888 Email: info@big8corporatehotel.com www.facebook.com/big8corporatehotel.com www.big8corporatehotel.com HOTEL ELENA Avenida Santos Ave., Nova Tierra Vill, Lanang, D.C Tel. Nos. (082) 233-1941 & 305.8799 / fax No. (082) 233-1887 PARADISE ISLAND Tel. No. (082) 233-0251 & 300-2343 / CP No.: 09209546780 E-mail: paradiseislanddavao@gmail.com MARCO POLO DAVAO C.M Recto St., Davao City davao@marcopolohotels.com www.marcopolohotels.com (63 82) 221-0888 HOTEL ESSE Brgy. 9-A F Torres Street, Davao City Hotline: No: 227-37-73 / Fax: 295-34-85 Website: www.hotelessedavao.com.ph Email Add: hotel_esse_davao@yahoo.com RUEMANGO APARTELLE & SUITES 516 Mangga St., Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City ruemangoapartelleandsuites@gmail.com www.ruemango.com Tel. Nos.: (082) 295-7175/ 295-7180

GCDC 2017. About 99 families participate in the simultaneous Great Cloth Diaper Change (GCDC) on April 22 at Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro City to show their support for Earth Day and give better option for their babies. The event aims to entice more families to opt for eco-friendly products such as the cloth diaper.(RTP/PIA10)

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Banking&Finance

S&P affirms ‘BBB’ investment grade on PHL, outlook ‘Stable’

DEBT rater S&P on Friday affirmed its investment grade rating of ‘BBB’, with Stable outlook, on the Philippines on back of the country’s robust external position.

In a statement, S&P c i t e d t h e P h i l i p p i n e s’ “strong external position, characterized by ample foreign exchange reserves and low external debt.”

It, however, said these factors are countered by the country’s lower middle income st atus and t he weakness on institutional and governance framework.

Amid these flaws, the credit rater pointed out that these are offset by the

Stable rating outlook, which “reflects our view that the policy environment remains conducive for sustained e c on om i c g row t h t h at contributes to continued stability of the sovereign’s fiscal and debt metrics.”

The credit rater also af f ir me d its ‘axA/axA2’ ASEAN regional scale ratings on the Philippines and the ‘BBB+’ transfer and convertibility (T&C) assessment.

It cited the Duter te government’s bid to improve further the economic situation in the country through its “10-point plan”, aimed at lessening poverty

rate, increasing domestic expansion and addressing security issues.

On the other hand, it cited that “the president’s strong focus on improving law and order has given rise to concerns among some international observers.”

“When combined with t h e p r e s i d e nt’s p o l i c y pronouncements elsewhere on foreign policy and national security, we believe the predictability of future policy responses is slightly diminished,” the statement said.

S&P forecasts an increase in the country’s per capita output to around $2,950 this

year, through an annual per capita GDP growth of around 4.9 percent from 2017 to 2020.

These forecasts, it said, reflects “the balance of a strong domestic economy and a modest collective outlook for the Philippines’ trading partners.”

Growth of the economy is seen to still be driven by strong domestic consumption, investments and exports.

“These strengths will likely be underpinned by strong household and company balance sheets, sound growth in jobs and income, inward remittance flows, and an stable/PAGE 10

Local financial system posts strong expansion THE Philippine banking system saw robust growth in 2016 as minimal exposure to cross-border flows allowed it to remain resilient versus global uncertainties, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said yesterday.

The central bank said the local financial system posted double-digit growth in loans and assets while keeping bad debts at bay, as banks remained on solid footing despite increased volatility in the global markets.

“The banking system re mai ne d d ome st i c a l ly oriented as cross-border financial position of banks was minimal,” the BSP said in a statement on Tuesday.

BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. described 2016 as a “challenging” year for markets after surprising developments shocked the global economy. Among these key events were the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union back in June, the victory of now-

President Donald J. Trump during the United States elections, and the Federal Reserve’s rate hike, among others.

Still, t he Philippine economy remained growing last year, even clocking in a 6.9% pace that brought the country as among the fastestgrowing in the region -- a move that spurred further expansion in the banking industry.

The central bank said that the Philippine financial

system saw a 16.6% rise in total lending to reach P7.612 trillion, alongside a 13.8% jump in deposits now worth P10.507 trillion.

Assets held by the banks likewise expanded by 12.4% to amount to P13.6 trillion, the BSP said in a statement.

Despite the surge in credit, the share of non-performing loans -- or those at risk of default -- dropped to 1.9% by yearend, improving from a 2.09% share in 2015. expansion/PAGE 10

7

ING Bank economist eyes PHL first quarter GDP at 6-6.3% AN economist of ING Bank Manila sees a six to 6.3 percent expansion of the Philippine economy in the first quarter of 2017.

This would be lower than the 6.8 percent print the economy registered in the first quarter of 2016.

ING Bank Manila s e n i or e c on om i s t Jo e y Cuyegkeng said that while the Philippine government’s first quarter 2017 spending was not expected to help sustain the strong domestic expansion last year there were factors seen to counter this.

In a r e s e a r c h n o t e , Cuyegkeng said the gove r n me nt’s sp e nd i ng output in the first quarter of the year “is likely to affect overall 1Q GDP (first quar ter g ross domest ic product) growth.”

This after government expenditures rose by only four percent last March to P241.7 billion, a far cry from the 14 percent increase of revenues to P180.2 billion.

In the first three months of the year, government spending also rose by four percent to P615.4 billion while revenues jumped by 11 percent to P532.4 billion.

Cuyegkeng explained that the sustained rise of revenues is a “good news” as this will limit the rise of budget deficit, which at the end of the first quarter stood at P83 billion, down

26 percent compared to year-ago’s P112.5 billion.

The economist also said improvement of exports was also a plus but pointed out that this would only be erased by the robust growth of imports. ”A s t r o n g e r t h a n expected 1Q 2017 economic growth would now require a stronger private sector activity while exports continue to rebound and agriculture recovers from the drought impact of the 1H 2016,” he said.

Cuyegkeng said “monetary indicators show more promise in financing faster economic activity in 1Q.” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data show that bank lending remain strong, with the February 2017 growth at 18.1 percent excluding banks’ placements in the central bank’s reverse repurchase (RRP) facility.

Inclusive of RRP placements, bank lending went up by 17.5 percent during the same period. ”We expect improvements in government spending performance in the coming months. Otherwise (this) may mean a more moderate 2017 growth than market consensus view,” Cuyegkeng added.

The government’s 2017 G DP t arge t i s a r ange between 6.5 to 7.5 percent.

(PNA)

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9

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Hurst... from page 4

you for your past wrongs, and to take full charge so He can start changing your life.

Then with His power and help you can start living His way every day. Jesus will even take all the bad things from your past and start mixing them together so that in the end they can actually benefit you.

Then instead of being guilty and ruined by those things anymore, you’ll thank God for forgiving you and using those lessons to change you into a much better, happier person.

Just Think a Minute …

Bunye... from page 4

tax collection efficiency through the approval and implementation of the proposed tax reform package.

Of the last, Dominguez acknowledges that raising taxes is never popular. Thus, Dominguez proposes to ease the pain by seeking to lower personal and corporate income taxes.

But of course, each item that will result in revenue loss will have to be coupled with a proposal that will result in revenue gain.

H e r e’s h o p i n g t h a t Congress expeditiously passes the proposed tax reform package. (to be continued next week) Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com. You may also like us on Facebook at “Speaking Out”.

Profit... from page 6

net income reached P939.36 million in the three months ended March, from the P1.5 billion recorded in the same period in 2016.

Net sales of cement products fell 12% to P8.81 billion in the first quarter from P10.063 billion a year ago “due to the challenging business environment.

Holcim Philippines noted cement demand “slightly declined” from the same period in 2016 when infrastructure spending accelerated ahead of the May elections.

Despite the slowdown in demand in the first three months, Holcim Philippines still maintains a positive outlook for the year.

“In f r a s t r u c t u re a n d innovation are cited as pillars for the country’s 2017 productivity growth forecast at 6.4% GDP growth. These pillars are strengths of Holcim Philippines that we believe will buoy the company and make a big difference for customers. This region has been showing strong growth, giving us the optimism to continue to transform and serve our customers even better,” Holcim Philippines Chief Operating Officer Sapna Sood was quoted as saying.

Stable... from page 7

a d e qu ately p e r for m i ng financial system,” S&P said.

Risks to this outlook include uncertain conditions in the countr y’s export partners and infrastructure

gap, par ticularly on transportation and energy, it said.

“Without the closure of i n f r a s t r u c tu re g ap s and improvements in the business climate through greater political stability and regulatory reforms, the Philippines may experience challenges in maintaining its relatively robust rate of economic expansion over the medium to long term,” it said.

The government’s decision to increase infrastructure beyond five percent of gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to bring the general government budget gap to 2.8 percent annually from 2017-2020, higher than the 0.3 percent average from 2013-16.

Economic managers have increased the budget deficit ceiling from two percent of GDP to three percent to allow greater space for infrastructure spending.

“We estimate the deficits will lead to a gradual rise in net general government debt to approximately 25 percent of GDP in 2020 versus 22 percent in 2016, but the government’s debt position remains a rating strength,” the statement said.

The country’s current account, which covers inflows of remittances, receipts of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector and foreign direct investments, among others, “is likely to remain modestly in surplus amid the decline in recent years because of strong importation to address increasing domestic requirements.

S&P eyes the current account to average by one percent of GDP annually until 2020 “reflecting robust services exports (including mainly tourism, healthcare, maritime, and business process outsourcing), large remittance inflows, and lower oil prices.”

The services exports of the country is also seen to remain strong in the next five years due to “a large young, educated, and flexible labor market.”

“We expect the Philippines to remain in a solid net external creditor position, demonstrated by its narrow net external debt averaging about negative 24.8 percent ver 2017-2020,” S&P said.

The country’s banking sector is also a plus on the ratings, it said, citing that this remains funded by deposits by residents and has limited link with global markets.

S&P said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) “strengthened oversight of the financial sector” along with modest growth in private sector liabilities and of real estate prices “has also contributed to improved system stability in recent years.”

It remains positive on the central bank’s capacity to help sustain strong domestic expansion while at the same time ensuring that economic and financial shocks are prevented.

“This reflects the central bank’s sound record in

PIA-10 intensifies ASEAN awareness in Bukidnon

By Recthie T. Paculba

BUKIDNON – As an integral part in playing the country’s ASEAN role in promoting unity, cooperation and harmony, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)10 held the Multi-Sectoral and University Forum on April 27 in Malaybalay City and Maramag town, Bukidnon.

With ASEAN, the country becomes “part of a community that gives a lot of opportunities for us economically, politically and socially,” PIA Director General Harold Clavite said.

As the host country for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, over 100 meetings will be held in the Philippines and this indicates that the country has the opportunity to showcase the best of what it can offer including the Filipinos’ hospitality, tourist sites, locally made products and diverse culture.

Clavite also stressed the varied opportunities of being part of ASEAN and these include international scholarships, bigger market for the business sector, upheld rights and protection for migrant workers, and travel perks with the Open Skies Policy.

Aside from ruling the seventh largest economy in the world that uplifted its member-countries, ASEAN has also helped the Philippines in overcoming calamities and disasters like bringing the first responders, ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Centre, when Typhoon Yolanda hit the country.

To further emphasize the benefits of ASEAN, Supervising Economic Development Specialist Rosann Dime of the National Economic and Development

Authority (NEDA)-X said that they are working on AmBisyon Natin 2040 which is created to be an anchor for development planning across administrations and a guide for engaging with international development partners.

Dime also said that AmBisyon Natin aims to emphasize the widelyshared common vision for self and for the country, that motivation for aspirations is family, a comfortable life with the family—free of hardship and worry, and families create vibrant and resilient communities Meanwhile, Venus S. Villanueva of the Department of Trade and Industry discussed the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) saying that such will help maintain competitiveness, promote cross-border complementation, sustain inflow of investments, gain mutual support on issues of common interest and uphold benefit of consumers.

Villanueva also said that with ASEAN, there is a high growth in service industries such as fast food chains, language tutorials, education, hospitals, tourism, technical vocational and call centers.

With such growth, Villanueva stressed that there is a need to be modern and progressive but necessarily Western, and a common set of values for harmony and order.

The ASEAN awareness activities of the PIA is designed to encourage togetherness among communities, increase public knowledge and promote understanding regarding the international community.

(RTP/PIA10)

keeping inflation low and its history of independence,” it said pointing out that “the BSP’s new monetary policy measures will improve the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission.” “ In o u r o p i n i o n , a deeper and more diversified financial and capital market would fur ther improve the effectiveness of policy transmission and facilitate improved credit metrics,” it said.

“Our monetary assessment of the Philippines assumes there will be no material changes to the BSP’s charter by the new government, nor in its management of the peso,” it added. (Joann S. Villanueva/PNA)

above the 10% requirement set by the BSP and the 8% international standard.

A total of 602 banks operated in the Philippines l a s t y e a r, w it h 1 0 , 5 7 6 branches and banking offices scattered nationwide. The number of firms dropped from 632 banks in business in 2015, although their branch network was just at 10,124 that year.

Trust companies likewise grew their assets by over a tenth to reach P3 trillion, which represents 21.8% of banking industry resources, the central bank said.

On the other hand, foreign bank branches also reported a 6.8% asset growth, on the back of increasing deposits and capital infusion from its parent firms.

International credit raters have cited the Philippines’ sound banking system as a credit strength in affirming the country’s investment g r a d e s t at u s . Mo o d y ’s Investors Service also kept its “stable” outlook for the local banking sector in a recent report, citing high asset quality when compared to other Asian economies.

Expansion... from page 7

Banks also reported a cumulative net income of P154.125 billion last year, up by 13.9% from the P135.341billion bottom line in 2015.

The lenders were likewise able to maintain more than enough financial buffers, as they posted a capital adequacy ratio at 15.4% as of end-September. This is well

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Wage... from page 1

Cagayan de Oro City.

The tripartite wage board is mandated by law to act on the petition within 30 days after the last hearing.

Soyao, also the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 10 director, said that the board has always granted an increase whenever the labor sector files a petition.

But the amount will always be contested by the business sector.

Ports... from page 1

Rodriguez.

Among the goods to be traded include animal feeds, aqua products, charcoal, coffee beans, construction m at e r i a l s , c opr a , f e e d ingredients, fertilizers, food and beverages, fresh fruits, ice cream products, meats, peanuts, poultry (halal), soya, sugar, and synthetics.

Goods that won’t be traded include gift toys, housewares, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fresh fruits due to some quarantine and trade issues.

On security concerns, Gilayo said the security will also be tightened to ensure the safety of the vessel.

She said government forces have given their assurance to secure the route as the vessel starts voyage on Sunday.

D r. M a r i a L o u r d e s Monteverde, former president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), said the business sector will ask for subsidy from the Philippine government in a form fuel and tax exemptions to ensure the sustainability of the sea route and to support the operations of the shipping line.

She said they will also ask both countries to lift the tariffs to allow a freer trade, although some exporters in the initial trading period will be tax exempt.

The goods from the Philippines, she said, will be necessar y to support the operations of the large Filipino fishing companies based in Indonesia while some raw materials that are available in Bitung will be exported to Mindanao.

Monteverde is optimistic the sea route will be sustained as there are businessmen who signified the interest to increase the volume of goods that will be transshipped to Davao and General Santos City before going to China.

Exporters can cut cost of

shipping to P34,713 twentyfoot-equivalent unit (TEU), or 68 percent lower, from P109,098 with the DavaoManila-Jakarta-Bitung route that takes about three to five weeks of travel period.

A feasibility study was conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in c ol l ab or at i on w it h t he United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Research Education and Institutional Development Foundation (REID), on the sea route in 2010 as part of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Connectivity Plan.

MinDA chair Abdul Khayr Alonto said Mindanao is already catching up with the rest of the country with the launch of the DavaoGenSan-Bitung route, as it can unlock the economic potentials of the island, now being poised as the gateway of the Philippines to the ASEAN neighbors and the world.

On Sunday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will fly to Davao City from Manila after the ASEAN Summit on April 26 to 29.

A l onto b el i e ve s t h e new sea route will not only benefit the big exporting companies in Mindanao but also the small and medium entrepreneurs by encouraging them to produce products catering not only the domestic market but also ASEAN’s.

He said this will present economic opportunities for the people in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other underdeveloped parts of Mindanao.

He s aid it wi l l a ls o strengthen cooperation and collaboration not only in the Brunei-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines E ast Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) but also the ASEAN. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Leaders... from page 1

Lampitco said the labor group had earlier scheduled a protest rally in front of Catholic Church-run radio station dxCP along the national highway here.

“Their leaders will instead converge in Polomolok (South Cotabato) and proceed to Davao City for the dialogue with the President,” he said in a press conference.

But R ayan L ariba,

Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro City NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 10172, a NOTICE is hereby served to the public that KENNETH JHANYE J. MANGUBAT has filed with this office a petition for the correction of clerical error in the entry of the child’s SEX from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of KENNETH JHANYE JADAP MANGUBAT who was born on February 27, 1991 in Cagayan de Oro City and whose parents are ROEL ADAJAR MANGUBAT and JULIET PERRIR JADAP. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 29, 2017.

(SGD.) NORMA S. DIPUTADO

City Civil Registrar BWM: Apr 24 & May 1, 2017

spokesperson of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan Soccsksargen, said their allied groups will stage a protest action here on May 1.

He said they are also coordinating simultaneous mobilizations in other key areas in Region 12.

Lariba said the protest actions will focus on their continuing calls for government to effectively end all illegal contractualization practices, specifically “endo” and laboronly contracting.

He said they will also raise their opposition to Department Order (DO) 174 issued last month by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DO 174 prohibits labor-only contracting and several other contractual arrangements, but Lariba said it lacked the teeth in dealing with violators.

Sisinio Cano, DOLE-Region 12 director, said they welcome the planned protest actions and noted that it is within the rights of the militant groups to raise their sentiments.

But he noted that the agency has been exerting efforts to address the issue, especially in the region.

DOLE-12 has already recommended the regularization of some 2,175 private workers who were found employed under illegal contractualization schemes.

The concerned employees were from eight local companies and business establishments that had been assessed with such violations.

Laws... from page 2

the nearest Negosyo Centers in their area to attend and learn about the Fair Trade Laws,” Abang said.

He emphasized that these briefings are offered free and open to all, subject to pre-registration and confirmation. (MC Dominic Valdehuesa, DTI-Bukidnon/ RLRB)

Batas... from page 4

shall be allowed visits by or conferences with any member of his immediate family, or any medical doctor or priest or religious minister chosen by him or by any member of his immediate family or by his counsel, or by any national nongovernmental organization duly accredited by the Commission on Human Rights of by any international non-governmental organization duly accredited by the Office of the President…”

If these rights are not accorded those arrested, detained, or invited for questioning, there are severe penalties for the policemen who arrested, detained, or invited the suspects for questioning--eight to 10 years imprisonment for policemen who will not inform the accused of his or her rights, and who will not provide them with a lawyer at the time of the arrest, detention, or investigation.

The penalties include perpetual disqualification from holding government positions. Also, four to six years imprisonment await policemen who prevent or obstruct any lawyer, any immediate family member, doctor, or priest or any religious minister from visiting or conferring privately with the arrested person. I say, let us test if this RA 7438 is still a good law by the filing of cases against the policemen involved.

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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL SUR 12th Judicial Region Branch 09 Hall of Justice, Marawi City IN THE MATT ER OF THE CANCELLATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF NORFAIDAH GUINAL MOOMININ UNDER Registry No. 2004-2317 IN THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MARAWI CITY NORFAIDAH GUINAL MOOMININ,

Petitioner,

-Versus- SPECIAL PROC. NO. 2426-17 THE ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY AND THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MARAWI CITY, LANAO DEL SUR,

Respondent.

X--------------------------------------------/ ORDER

Before this Court is a verified petition for Cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of one Norfaidah Guinal Moominin. Petitioner has two Certificates of Live Birth, one was registered under Registry No. 2007¬2377 and another under Registry No. 2004-2317. The latter contained contained an erroneous entry as to petitioner’s date of birth. Petitioner was born on August 23, 1996 and has been consistently and habitually using the same in all of her transactions and records. However. in the said birth certificate, her birth date was erroneously entered as August 28, 1996. Petitioner is praying for the cancellation of birth certificate under Registry No. 2004-2317.

Finding the aforesaid petition to be sufficient in form and substance. it is hereby ordered that the same be set for hearing on June 29, 2017 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in Marawi City and Iligan City for three (3) consecutive weeks.

The Civil Registrar of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. and the Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority, Quezon City , or any person or party who has an interest in the petition, may file his/her opposition thereto within fifteen (15) days from notice of this petition or from the last day of publication of this Order.

Further, let copies of this order be posted, also at the expense of the petitioner, for fifteen (15) days prior to the date of hearing at the following areas: 1.) Bulletin Board of the City Hall of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, 2.) Bulletin Board of Civil Registrar of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur , and 3.) the Bulletin Board of this Court.

Serve copies of this Order, and copies of the Petition dated January 4, 2017 and its annexes, to the Civil Registrar of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, the Honorable Solicitor General, OSG, Makati City; and the Philippine Statistics Authority, Quezon City.

SO ORDERED.

Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Philippines, January 30, 2017.

BWM: Apr 24, May 1 & 8, 2017

(Sgd.) SITTIE LAARNI R. UMPA Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 44 Initao, Misamis Oriental IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF DITAS BAGARES MADRIAGA

SPEC. PROC. NO. 2016-1408

DITAS MADRIAGA LLORONG,

Petitioner, -VersusOFFICE OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPAL REGISTRAR OF NAAWAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL,

Respondent.

X--------------------------------------------/ ORDER Finding the petition for Cancellation of Certificate of Live Birth of Ditas Madriaga Llorong sufficient in form and substance, the same is set for hearing July 24, 2017 at 8:30 o’clock in the mornng, at this court sitting at the Hall of Justice, poblacion, Initao, Misamis Oriental.

The Civil Registrar concerned and any person having or claiming any interest under the certificate of live birth whose cancellation/correction is sought may, within fifteen (15) days from notice of the petition, file his or her opposition thereto.

At the expense of the petitioner, let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental.

Further, let a copy of this Order and the petition be posted at the bulletin boards of the entrance door of this court, Hall of Justice, Initao, Misamis Oriental and Municipal Hall Naawan, Misamis Oriental.

Finally, let A copy of the petition and this Order be furnished to the Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the Civil Registrar concerned.

SO ORDERED. February 17, 2017, Initao, Misamis Oriental.

(Sgd.) MARISSA P. ESTABAYA

Presiding Judge

BWM: Apr 24, May 1 & 8, 2017 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL SUR 12th Judicial Region Branch 10 Hall of Justice, Marawi City IN THE MATTER OF CANCELLATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF DIAMOR BAULO BENANING

SPL PROC. 2436-17

DIAMER BAULO BENANING,

Petitioner,

-VersusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MARAWI CITY, and THE ADNIINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY,

Respondent.

X--------------------------------------------/ ORDER

Before this Court is a verified petition for cancellation of the certificate of live birth of DIAMOR BAULO BENANING dated February 2, 2017, and which reads in part: 1. Petitioner is of legal age, single and a resident of Panggao Saduc, Marawi City where she may be served with the orders and other processes of this Court; 2. Respondent Local Civil Registrar (LCR) of Marawi City is the custodian of all records of birth of persons born in the City of Marawi, and may be served with the orders and other processes of this Court at the Office of the Civil Registrar, Marawi City Hall Compound, Marawi City; 3. Respondent Civil Registrar General and Administrator of the Philippine Statistics Authority is the central custodian of all records of birth in the country and may be served with orders and other processes at the NSO Building, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City; 4. Petitioner was born to parents OMAR C. BENANING and MONA M. BAULO on January 26, 1997; 5. Petitioner belatedly registered the fact of her birth with Respondent LCR of Marawi on February 6, 2011, a copy of her Certificate of Live Birth (COLB) under Registry No. 2011-1391 is hereto attached and marked as Annex “A”; 6. Unknown to her, her birth was belatedly registered in the year 2009. As a matter of fact, when she was to secure another SECPA copy of her COLB under Registry No. 2011¬1391, she was given COLB with Registry No. 2009-7747 (Annex “B”). Apparently, COLB under Registry No. 2011-1391 has been locked up in the system of the Philippine Statistics Authority; 7. Unfortunately, the COLB with Registry No. 2009-7747 reflects numerous erroneous entries. Her middle name is BAMLO instead of BAULO; her year of birth reflects 1995 instead of 1997; her place of birth is Lilod Madaya instead of Panggao Saduc, Marawi City; the last names of her parents were interchanged, her mother’s was BENANING instead of BAULO and her father’s was BAULO instead of BENANING; and the same COLB reflects FARMER as the occupation of her father instead of BUSINESSMAN; 8. The existence of COLB with Registry No. 2009-7747 is unknown to herein petitioner much more the cause behind the erroneous entries thereto; 9. When she asked her father, who was the stated informant in the said COLB, her father denied having secured the same; 10. The following documents are hereto attached to prove that indeed the entries in the COLB under Registry No. 2009-7747 are erroneous, otherwise, it could have appeared in the said documents: a.

Secondary Student’s Permanent Record Annex “C” b.

PHILHEALTH Member Data Records Annex “D” c.

PHILHEALTH Identification Card Annex “E” d.

Civil Service Eligibility Examination Gate Pass Annex “F” 11. COLB 98-988 should be cancelled, not only because it contains erroneous entries but much more because it raises an unreasonable confusion as to the identity of the petitioner; 12. Further, this petition is never intended to defraud anyone, much more the government of the Republic of the Philippines but solely for the purpose of straightening the records of the petitioner; 13. Lastly, petitioner submits that nobody will be prejudiced by granting of this petition.

Finding the aforesaid petition to be sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby ordered that the same be set for hearing before this Court on MAY 10, 2017 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in Lanao del Sur or Marawi City or Iligan City for three (3) consecutive weeks.

The Local Civil Registrar of Marawi City and the Civil Registrar General, or any person or party who has interest in the petition, may file his/her opposition thereto within fifteen (15) days from notice of this Petition or from the last day of publication of this Order.

Further, let this Order be posted for fifteen (15) days prior to the date of hearing in the Bulletin Board of the Local Civil Registrar of Marawi City and the Bulletin Board of this Court, at the expenses of the petitioner.

The petitioner is directed to notify this Court of the publication of this Order not later than three (3) days before May 10, 2017.

Furnish copies of this Order, together with the copies of the petition to the Local Civil Registrar of Marawi City, the Hon. Solicitor General, Makati City; and the Hon. Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Sta. Mesa, Manila.

SO ORDERED.

Marawi City, Philippines. February 28, 2017.

BWM: Apr 24, May 1 & 8, 2017

(Sgd.) WENIDA B.M. PAPANDAYAN Presiding Judge

12

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Monday|May 1, 2017