BusinessWeek Mindanao (May 21, 2015)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO “We Grow Minds”

2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

Volume V, No. 170

Market Indicators As of 6:21 pm may 20, 2015 (friday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P44.60

7,888.49

9

X

X Briefly

cents

17.18 points

Personal remittances PERSONAL remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) rose by 11 percent in March 2015 reaching US$2.3 billion.

This was the highest monthly growth registered in 15 months, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said.

As a result, growth in cumulative remittances for the first quarter of 2015 accelerated to 5.1 percent from 2.1 percent in the first two months of the year bringing the cumulative remittances level to US$6.4 billion.

The BSP said the continued increase in personal remittances during the quarter was driven by robust inflows from both land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more (5.3 percent), as well as seabased and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year (6.1 percent).

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Thursday | May 21, 2015

By JELLY F. MUSICO, Philippine News Agency

M

ALACANANG on Wednesday thanked the House ad hoc committee for approving the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

”We would like to thank the House committee for approving the draft BBL,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a text message to Malacanang media.

Lacierda said the

passage of the BBL at the committee level of the House of Representatives brought the government closer to transforming Mindanao as new economic hub of the country. draft/PAGE 11

‘THE YES HAVE IT’. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez leads House members of the ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law in a three-day deliberation on the newer working draft of the bill that will form part of the House version of the proposed law. By the vote of 48 in favor, 18 against and one abstention, the committee adopted the new draft with only a minimal deletion from the original form submitted by the peace panel. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

Weak hydro keeps M’danao on brink

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

M I N DA NAO’ S p owe r supply remains tight with output from the two main hydropower complexes, which provide more than half of the southern island’s demand, continuing at well

Portfolio investments TRANSACTIONS in foreign portfolio investments for the month of April resulted in overall net outflows of $31 million, slightly higher than the $22 million net outflows recorded in March.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said this may be attributed to profit taking, as the first two months of the year yielded a total net inflow of $1.8 billion.

Registered foreign portfolio investments during the month declined to $1.9 billion or by 7.1 percent from $2.1 billion last month. However, a slight improvement of 3.3 percent was noted yearon-year.

A total of $2.0 billion outflows recorded for the month, 6.6 percent lower compared to the $2.1 billion for March 2015 but 27.0 percent higher than the $1.5 billion posted in the same period last year.

P15.00

Palace thanks panel for passing BBL draft www.businessweekmindanao.com

POVERTY. A demolished church building in Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City reveals a picture of poverty behind it. mindanews photo by h . marcos c . mordeno

below capacity.

The return to operations of a 105-megawatt (MW) coal-fired unit of Steag State Power, Inc., which was put on emergency shutdown for about two weeks, has not

provided much relief for the Mindanao grid.

Jerome R. Soldevilla, Steag communications officer, confirmed to BusinessWeek Mindanao that the 105MW power unit resumed operations on May 14 and hydro/PAGE 11

State of calamity in CDO’s agri villages mulled

THE city council committee on agriculture and fisheries on Wednesday would tackle prop osal to declare 15 agricultural villages here

By ARJAY SERAFIN FELICILDA of Mindanao Daily News under the “state of calamity.”

During the regular session T H E O r g a n i z a t i o n A project of BusinessWeek Monday, the City Council set D e v e l o p m e nt S e m i n a r Mindanao C or p orat ion aside the proposed resolution (ODS) takes place starting ( BW MC ) , t h e t wo - d ay marked as “urgent” by City today at the UCCP Christian activity is expected to provide BRIGADA ESKWELA. Parents help clean the surroundings Mayor Oscar Moreno to Education Center, Claro M. managers and leaders with of Bulua Central School during the yearly pre-school year declare the 15 rural farming Brigada Skwela nationwide clean-up Monday, May 18.

Recto Ave., this city. seminar/PAGE 11 villages here under the state photo by mark francisco of calamity and because of damages to crops spawned by the more than three months drought here.

The City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) have submitted a consolidated report about the estimated damaged of crops and farm animals in the 15 villages here “hardest hit” by the long dry spell that became the basis Get your BWM Loyalty Card NOW at any of our participating establishments for ONLY P350.00, and avail DISCOUNTS. calamity/PAGE 11

Org dev seminar reels off

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New Child Development Center soon to rise in Tignapoloan THE parents in Barangay Tignapoloan in Cagayan de Oro City are happy to know that, not long from now, a new Child Development Center will be built in their area.

The constr uction is estimated to cost P766,366.00 and will be funded by the Special Education Fund managed by the Local School Board.

The constr uc tion of Child Development Centers, together with the construction of many classrooms for elementary and secondary education, is one of the priorities of Mayor Oscar Moreno’s administration.

Data shows there is an increase in the number of center/PAGE 11

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CDO’s hotel, restaurant industry briefed on Employees Compensation Program

T

HE intensified a w a r e n e s s c amp ai g n on t h e Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) has found its way to the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA).

Stella Mae Obice, Information Officer from Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Regional Extension Un i t N o . 1 0 s a i d t h a t a l m o s t a l l m e mb e r s of COHARA have sent their

representatives to attend a n d p a r t i c i p at e i n t h e s eminar w hich was held in March 2015.

S h e a l s o a d d e d t h at the event was held in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Of f ice No. 10 B e i n g t h e “G at e w ay of Northern Mindanao,” the hotel and restaurant industr y is one of the economic drivers of the re g i on a s it t a k e s c a re

RUSH SALE 12 Hectares of Land about 80% planted with Benguet/Carribean Pine Trees.

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of the needs of its lo cal and foreign visitors.

Cagayan de Oro is also a choice venue for national conventions—events where the s er vice of the hotel and restaurant industr y is best utilized.

In 2012, the City Planning and D e ve l opm e nt O f f i c e of Cagayan de Oro recorded 550,249 tourist arrival in the city.

“With the multitude of local and foreign visitors f lo cking to C agayan de Oro it is just fitting that the men and women behind the hotel and restaurant industr y of

the city should be assured that when unexpected t h i ng s h app e n i n t h e i r performance of their jobs, they can rely on the government, specifically the ECC, to support them. That way, they will become more productive, more confident in doing their jobs,” ECC Executive Director Stella ZipaganB anawis said.

The COHARA, in turn, appreciated the effort of the D OLE and the ECC in informing them of the benefits and ser vices of the ECP. (Employees C o m p e n s a t i o n C ommission)

Getting a college degree in the Philippines

By CELSO L. PAGULON Principal III City Central School

IT’s such a disappointment to hear the news that college degrees are just being made in Recto. Think of the hundreds of thousands of students in the Philippines who diligently study five days a week nine months a year for four (to some, five years) just so they can earn that oh so coveted diploma. That’s not to mention the hundreds of thousands of pesos that have accumulated paying up the colleges and universities as tuition. And in one flash of a moment all of that will be had by outof-school folks who just pay

up the forgers at Recto. The forgers at Recto are there in daylight in plain sight. I don’t know why police officers or the PRC (backed by police officers) are turning a blind eye on them. This is one law that our government should consider strictly implementing.

Getting a college degree in the Philippines is not so bad at all. We send our best graduates to high paying jobs around the world. We send our best milkers to milk cows in New Zealand. We send our best nurses to the UK and Canada.

And we even have foreigners dropping by the country to enroll here in a semester or two. Our tertiary education here is doubtlessly at par with Iran, which is highly regarded in terms of scientific and technology education.

In the 1970s, our agriculture educational programs are the best in the Asia Pacific.

Considering these facts, I’m proud to say that I belong to the family of educators in the country who mold young minds.

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Aboitiz plans P40-B borrowing

Aboitiz Power is intensifying its power generation portfolio by raising more funds to finance its run-of-river hydro plant in Bukidnon (similar to the Tudaya plant in Davao City shown above) and the Toledo coal plant in Cebu.

ABOITIZ EQUITY Ventures, Inc. (AEV) plans to raise over P40 billion via the debt market to partly fund construction of two power projects, according to company officials.

“We are currently in the advanced stages of closing s e veral project f inance packages for our newest greenfield projects,” Stephen G. Paradies, AEV senior vicepresident and chief financial officer (CFO), said in a report to shareholders.

These projects -- which are being undertaken by subsidiaries of Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) -- were identified as the 510-megawatt (MW) Toledo coal plant in Cebu and the 68-MW Manolo Fortich hydropower project in Bukidnon.

Pre s s e d for d e t ai l s , AboitizPower CFO Manuel R. Lozano said the funding will come from a syndicate of local banks.

Ayala reports P5-B net income in Q1 AYALA Corporation posted P5 billion in net profits in the first quarter of the year, driven by sustained positive momentum in its real estate, banking, telecom, and electronics manufacturing bu s i n e s s e s , w h i l e n e w businesses, particularly in power generation, have moved to execution phase.

Without the effect of the P1.8 billion divestment gains from its business process outsourcing unit in 2014, Ayala’s first quarter earnings grew 39 percent.

With the divestment gain considered, net profit declined 8 percent. Ayala’s positive earnings momentum in the first quarter is further reflected in the 11 percent sequential growth from the strong fourth quarter results in 2014.

The overall strong p erformance of Ayala’s business units in the first three months of the year contributed a total of P6.4 billion in equity earnings, 27 percent higher year-on-year.

Compared to net income inclusive of the net divestment gain in the same period last year, equity earnings declined 7 percent in the first quarter of the year.

“We cont inue to b e encouraged by the strong performance of the businesses across the group. We remain optimistic that we can sustain the strong first quarter results throughout the rest of the year, and stay on track to meet our strategic goals and financial targets,” Ayala President and Chief Operating Officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala said.

Real Estate Most of Ayala’s core businesses reported doubledigit earnings growth yearon-year in the first quarter.

Its real estate unit, Ayala Land, reported a 19 percent

growth in net earnings to P4.1 billion, boosted by a 13 percent growth in real estate revenues. Recurring income for the first quarter comprised 44 percent of net income, driven by the steady performance of its malls, offices, and hotels and resorts.

Banking In banking, Bank of the Philippine Islands’ net income climbed 36% to P4.9 billion from the same period last year. Net interest income grew by 15% year-on-year due to an expansion in average asset base. Non-interest income rose by 23% during the period mainly from higher securities trading gains. Core banking business remained strong, with customer loans up by 14%, while deposits grew by

17% year on year.

Telecommunications In telecommunications, Globe Telecom’s bottomline grew very significantly by 43 percent over the same period last year to P4.2 billion. Gross service revenues increased by 13 percent driven by growth in data revenues across all major service lines. EBITDA margin increased to 42 percent from 38 percent in the previous year.

Electronics Manufacturing Services In electronics manufacturing ser vices, Integrated Microelectronics Inc.’s earnings increased 27 percent to P288 million visà-vis its first quarter last year despite foreign exchange ayala/PAGE 11

“We’re looking at around P34 billion for Toledo plant and P9 to 10 billion for Manolo Fortich,” Mr. Lozano said in a briefing after the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Makati City.

“We expect to close both of them within the third quarter,” he added.

AboitizPower tapped First Metro Investment Corp. as the lead arranger for the Toledo plant funding; and BPI Capital Corp. for the

Manolo Fortich project, Mr. Lozano said.

The 510-MW project in Cebu is being carried out

by Therma Visayas, Inc. -- which is 80% owned by AboitizPower and 20% by aboitiz/PAGE 11

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BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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The Magic is in the Mix

T

hink 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!”

Yousee,sometimesbadthings 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.

Naturally when bad things like this happen to us, it’s very hard for us to imagine that anything good 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

THINK

A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst 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 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 …

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Best defense vs. magnitude 7 earthquake

L

IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding… then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…” (Proverbs 2:1-2, 5, the Holy Bible).

-ooo GHOST FROM 2013: E A R T H Q UA K E S A L L AROUND RP: This column first came out on October 26, 2013: “I guess Metro Manila will really have to brace itself seriously now for the `big bang’, or the Magnitude 7 or more earthquake which scientists are projecting to occur in the National Capital Region (NCR) more or less around this time.

“The earthquakes that hit the Visayas and Mindanao regions, and that which rocked Japan anew just the other day, seem to indicate that big earthquakes are now shaking the ground all around Metro Manila and the whole Philippines, g iving r is e to t he ver y certain possibility that the projected major earthquake in the NCR is going to strike real soon.

“We are not praying that this should happen now, but scientists are the

ones saying that this kind of a very strong temblor is already very much due, and that, when it finally happens, it can be ver y damaging, causing some 60,000 deaths more or less, and hundreds of thousands injured right away, with about 40 percent of Metro Mani l a’s l and ter r itor y liquefying and sinking away in an instant.

-ooo BEST DEFENSE VS. MAGNITUDE 7 EARTHQUAKE: “What kind of an effective preparation must Filipinos undertake in the face of this grim scenario? It should be one with an understanding that earthquakes in many places have been predicted to happen… by the Christian Bible. Therefore, side by side with the preparations being undertaken… should be the spiritual preparation of our people.

“What is this spiritual preparation we are referring to here? It is an effort to bring our people concretely back to God, through an earnest study of His Word (the Bible for Christians, and the other holy books for other believers), and a careful obedience to His commands from now. How can this be carried out?

“Let us start with the various religions the country

has given birth to, now.

Despite their differences, t h e s e s p i r i t u a l g ro u p s must strive to require their followers to really read the Bible daily, meditate on its content day and night, and then carefully obey everything that is written in it (which) are the only three things that can stay the hand of God insofar as calamities and tragedies from nature are concerned.

Other spiritual groups can do the same thing.

-ooo BIBLICAL BASES OF E A R T H Q UA K E S : “ I n Matthew 24 of the Bible , Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, gives this warning about the end of the world: `As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the d i s c ip l e s c am e t o h i m privately. `Tell us,’ they said, `… what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ Jesus answered: “`…There will be… earthquakes in various places…’

“In Isaiah 5:25 of the Bible, it is written: `… they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore the Lord’s anger burns against his people; his hand is raised and he strikes them down.

The mountains shake, and the dead bodies are like

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio refuse in the streets…’

In Luke 21:11 of the Bible, it is also written: `… There will be great earthquakes… in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven…” There is still time to prepare. We must u n d e r t a ke t h e k i n d of preparation that God will not refuse, to spare us from the death and destruction from the big earthquake that is projected to hit Metro Manila.

-ooo REACTIONS? Please call at +63 917 984 24 68, +63 918 574 0193, +63 922 833 43 96, or Skype (batasmauricio), Viber (+63 918 574 0193) and Line (+63 917 984 24 68). Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, melaniolazomauriciojr@ o u t l o o k . c o m , mmauriciojr111@gmail. com.

-30-

A good father and shepherd

W

e have j u s t celebrated for the first time last May 12 the feast of Bless ed Alvaro d e l Po r t i l l o, t h e f i r s t successor of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei.He was beatified on September 27 last year in Madrid.

He was a very holy man.

I can personally attest to that as I lived with him for at least two years in Rome. He was a very quiet, humble man who, in spite of his position and the great human endowments he had, always exuded both calmness and quickness of mind.

T he re w as no d oubt that his intelligence was very high though he never flaunted it. His memor y was tremendous. He could repeat verbatim the words of t h e fou n d e r an d , of course, texts and citations from the gospel and many other documents. He had a ver y sharp sense of obser vation.

The first time I met him was in Manila way back in Januar y 1987 when he visited our region. From the airport, he came directly to what can be considered as our main house where I was one of those waiting for him.

To my surprise, he went directly to the oratory and prayed aloud a prayer of thanksgiving, and I could

see how heartfelt he made that prayer. I was moved to see him do that, since I imagined that after a long trip the first thing one would do was to rest and fix himself.

No. He looked normal and fresh, again with that signature calm composure he had and with a face that was always at the point of smiling. He impressed me as very fatherly and as one whose character and behavior was consistent either in public or in private. He did not have one persona in public and another in private.

It was only much later on that I learned that he really exerted great effort to b e a lw ay s w it h G o d and to b e mindf u l and thoughtful of the others.

Even when he was in great physical pain or in some d is app oi nt me nt , w h i ch I w a s aw are of w h e n I was with him in Rome, h e a l w ay s m a n a g e d t o smile and to be of good disposition. He did not allow irony or sarcasm to tinge his words.

On the few occasions I was privileged to be alone with him, I always came out v e r y i mpre s s e d by the aura of simplicity and goodness that he exuded.

He frequently interspersed his responses to what I told him with, “Gracias a Dios!” (Thanks be to

God.) And I just told him things that I considered of little importance only.

Of course, with him, I was ver y transparent. I felt so confident with him.

That I was impressed with him or, in fact, in awe, did not so overwhelm me that I could not say things clearly and objectively. On the contrary, I was always draw n to s ay t hings as sincerely as possible.

He was ver y fatherly i n a v e r y d i r e c t w a y.

O n e t i m e , I w a s a s ke d to accompany him when he had his haircut. That time, I just celebrated my birthday more than a week before, and yet when he saw me, the first thing he asked was how my birthday celebration was.

I did not expect him to know about my birthday, since there were many of us, about 200, and I did not think he would make it a p oi nt t o k n ow t h e birthdays of the people staying with him but in a separate house.

Besides, he was out of town when I celebrated my birthday.

And when he had the chance, he would always say something nice to me.

One time I was asked to sing in a musical family g e t - t o g e t h e r. W h e n it ended and we were going out of t he place, he appro a che d me just

HINTS

and

Traces

Fr. Roy Cimagala to say that I sang well.

Obviously, I was floored by that compliment even though I knew ver y well that my singing skills were ver y limited.

When he was made bishop in Januar y 1991, I had the fortune to be one of those on whom he exercised his first act of diaconal ordination. It was a very memorable moment because my family could not make it to that event.

But he made sure that I would feel the atmosphere of a family by providing me with many others who att e n d e d t o m e du r i n g those days.

He w a s t h e e pit om e of extreme fidelity to the saintly founder and knew how to adapt the spirit of Opus Dei to the changing circumstances of life. He was truly a good father and shepherd. roycimagala@gmail. com

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Pag-IBIG Fund to help build BCDA employees’ rental housing in Clark Green City

P

ag-IBIG Fund and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will finance the construction of a 2,000-unit rental housing project for prospective employees working for the different companies in the soon-to-rise Clark Green City (CGC) project. It will be built within the 25-hectare land of the CGC located at Sitio Kamatis, Capas, Tarlac.

The signing event was led by Pag-IBIG President and CEO Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe and BCDA President and CEO Atty. Arnel Paciano D. Casanova.

“We are honored and excited to be part of the Clark Green City project of the BCDA,” said Atty. Berberabe.

"The CGC is the first green, smart, and

disaster-resilient city in the Philippines. Our partnership involves the housing project for the employees of locator companies in the 9,450 hectare development. We plan to embark on rental housing, which we are eager to get into as a governmentto-government arrangement."

BCDA President & CEO Atty.

Casanova welcomes this collaborative opportunity with Pag-IBIG, saying: “the reality remains that low-income families cannot immediately aspire for homeownership because of the tremendous costs involved. There is thus a need to create for them, in the interim, a rental housing program with affordability as the primary driver. As we build Clark Green City together, we will be able to provide

decent, humane, and inexpensive rental housing for employees who will be working in the CGC. We are thankful for Pag-

IBIG Fund for their support,” he said.

BCDA Director and former Pag-IBIG Fund President & CEO Zorayda Amelia C.

Alonzo also expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “Thank you, PagIBIG, for helping us in making this project

possible.” Miss Alonzo has the longest tenure as President of PagIBIG Fund, from July 1989 to October 1999.

Pag-IBIG Fund President & CEO Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe (second from left) and BCDA President & CEO Atty. Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, ESQ (second from right) lead the signing event between the two agencies.

Joining them are Pag-IBIG Fund Deputy CEO Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti (leftmost) and BCDA Director Zorayda Amelia C. Alonzo (rightmost).

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9

Globe, Disney seal multiyear collaboration Filipinos to enjoy Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Maker content via video-ondemand, interactive content and promotions on mobile and broadband

Philippines’ number one mobile brand Globe Telecom once again enhances the Filipino digital lifestyle experience with a comprehensive and multiyear collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.

This collaboration will give Filipino customers access to video-on-demand, interactive content, promotions and other related services across multiple devices and affirms the relationship of Globe with Disney whose brands include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and global leader in short-form video, Maker Studios.

Globe customers will now have access to an array of Disney content offerings including long- and short-form programming, interactive content and games, theatrical releases and retail promotions.

Offerings include: • Disney Movies On Demand (DMOD): an on-demand subscription service for selected evergreen Disney and Pixar titles such as the Toy Story franchise, Finding Nemo, The Princess Diaries, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas, Cinderella and much more, that can be viewed on any device anytime, anywhere • Disney On Demand (DOD): an on-demand subscription service for selected Disney TV favorites such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Phineas & Ferb, that can be watched on any device anytime, anywhere • Maker On Demand: an on-demand subscription service featuring the best short-form videos from Maker Studios’ portfolio of content across gaming, comedy, music, sports, fashion, and family, to name a few,

featuring popular talent from Makers’ network of 55,000 creators globally • Maker and Globe will also team to create custom branded entertainment featuring top digital influencers—supporting the Globe service • WATCH Disney Channel apps – entertainment apps which provide access to Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. Kids and Family can enjoy all the 3 Disney Channels via this digital destination.

• Disney Interactive: a world of mobile and webbased games, apps and e-books based on the best-loved Disney stories • Promotions, merchandising and retail activations that bring Disney’s latest theatrical releases closer to Filipinos “We are very happy to enter into a relationship with such an iconic brand. Everyone loves Disney – that’s why we are excited to bring the brand closer to Filipinos and give the best content experience on their devices anytime, anywhere. We know that our customers are equally excited to get into the wide portfolio of Disney content such as movies, TV shows, games, merchandising, theatrical releases, and interactive videos available across our mobile and broadband services,” says Dan Horan, Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business.

“We are thrilled to bring the Disney brand of storytelling closer to more Filipinos through this collaboration with Globe,” said Rob Gilby, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.

“With this unique collaboration, Disney fans in the Philippines will now be able to take their favorite stories and beloved characters everywhere they go across their choice of devices.”

This collaboration continues the journey of Globe as it brings globally innovative brands and content to the Philippine market, including tie-ups with Facebook, Google, Viber, Spotify, NBA, Hooq and recently WhatsApp. These partnerships, together with the company’s US$790M network transformation program, have cemented Globe as the undisputed leader in mobile data business, enriching the customer experience with entertainment and lifestyle content offerings.

In 2014, Globe mobile browsing and other data revenues reached P14.3 billion in 2014, up 23% from P11.6 billion in the previous year, giving Globe a clear edge in the mobile data business with 64% revenue market share. The Globe network also carried significantly higher data traffic at 87,000 terabytes of data, increasing 270% from the previous year because of a significant surge in mobile browsing activity and higher smartphone adoption among its customers.

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7

TOYOTA reaches one million sales since start of operations Last April 2015, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) registered a total of 9,467 units for the said month. This has brought the number one automotive company in the country to break the one million sales mark. Based on the most recent Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) report, Toyota recorded 1,000,468 units since it started operations back in 1989.

The well-loved Toyota Tamaraw FX, Revo and Innova combined sales total to 268,065; while the Corolla and the Vios

have contributed 213,325 and 157,347, respectively, to Toyota’s 1M Sales in only less than three decades.

As one of the major players in the local automotive manufacturing industry, Toyota has sold a total of 615,899 units of locally-manufactured vehicles, all produced in its previous Bicutan assembly plant and Santa Rosa facility in Laguna. This is a testament to Toyota’s thrust in continuously producing ‘always better cars’ that has gained trust from its customers in the country.

In a statement, TMP

President Michinobu Sugata conveyed, “Achieving this 1 Million Sales Milestone is a great accomplishment for our company and the local automotive industry. We initially forecasted that this breakthrough will only be realized by the 2nd semester of the year, but because of our continued strong sales, we achieved this feat 3 months ahead of time. Toyota Philippines’ 1 Million Sales milestone has been made possible in just 27 years, through the loyalty and trust of our customers and the strong partnerships and linkages we have

3rd Geeks On A Beach

forged with all our stakeholders.

Truly, we owe this achievement to them. We, at Toyota, put to heart that achieving more than 1 Million sales only means that we have already generated more than a Million customer smiles.

While this delights us, it further fuels us to serve our customers more fervently by consistently providing better products and services through our 47 dealers nationwide.”

“As the Company reaps the fruits of its successes, TMP seriously takes on its commitment in driving the Philippines

toward social and economic development. Aside from economic contributions through investments, taxes and duties paid, as well as stable employment generated, Toyota remains committed to invest in people and technology, as well as actively implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the areas of health, education, environment, and community service. On top of making our customers smile, we also want to put a smile on the faces of many Filipinos by giving back to society”, Sugata further remarked.

Summit in Boracay this August Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) surfs its way back to Boracay Island this August for its third year of gathering tech startups, technopreneurs,businessmen, and designers from all over the world.

“Also known as the International Summit for Tech, Startups and Design, GOAB 3 eyes to create productive discussions on building products that make a difference and enhancing the lives of everyday people with less hype but more action,” said Tina Amper, TechTalks.ph founder.

With the past two years’ massive success, GOAB returns with a triple splash this coming August 20-21 which means triple number of innovative minds, triple funding opportunities, and triple dose of fun.

Amper confirmed the attendance of 17 tech champs so far to speak before an expected 600 to 1,000 participants from across the globe.

Some of the speakers include IdeaSpace President, Earl Valencia; Monk’s Hill Ventures Managing Director, Kuo-Yi Lim; Kickstart Ventures President, Minette Navarrete; Rappler CEO, Maria Ressa; SMART Communications Developer Evangelist, Paul Pajo; Department of Science and TechnologyInformation and Communications Office (DOST-ICTO) Deputy Executive Director, Mon Ibrahim; 500 Startups Managing Partner, Khailee Ng; Benjamin Joffe, General Partner of Haxlr8r; Mikko Perez, Founder & CEO of Ayannah. com; Gwendolyn Regina Tan, Director of Strategy and Business Development Asia Pacific of Mashable; Chow Paredes, Co-Founder of Zipmatch; Jojo Flores, CoFounder and Vice President of Plug and Play Tech Center; Christina Laskowski, Founder and Managing Director of Alquemie Partners; Arup Maity, President and CEO of Blastasia Inc.; Farouk Meralli, CEO of mClinica; Jay Fajardo, Founder and CEO of Proudcloud; and See Mei Chow, head designer of Piktochart.

“GOAB will be maintained as an ‘honest-to-goodness, no holds-barred

conference’ where people exchange their share of truths about startups, technology, and design—minus the long sleeves, coat and tie,” said David Overton, founder and CEO of Sym.ph, and Chief Geek for GOAB. Two days are set aside exclusively for the main event but in a span of one week; all geeks are welcome to join the weeklong run of workshops, training sessions, networking opportunities, pitching events, and product demonstrations with or without their flip-flops on.

Boracay Island, being one of the best islands in the world, sets a relaxing background of what is usually thought as an intense and stressful conference.

OrganizersTechTalks.ph and the DOSTICTO have partnered once again with Sym.ph, Happy Garaje, and PRWorks VisMin, with major sponsorships by SMART DevNet, IdeaSpace, Microsoft, and Monk’s Hill Ventures.

DOST-ICTO continues to team-up with TechTalks.ph to encourage Filipino startups to get mentoring and funding in the country instead of going abroad.

GOAB is open to anyone who is interested in the tech and startup industries in the Philippines including those looking for tech and entrepreneurship learning events, business and investment opportunities, outsourcing partnerships, and connection with leaders in startups or "innovation driven enterprises" (IDE) in the Philippines as well as Southeast Asia.

Interested participants are invited to view event details or register at www.

GeeksOnABeach.com. Early bird discount is up to 45% off and is valid until May 15 only. Potential sponsors are invited to contact GOAB at hello@ GeeksOnABeach.com TechTalks.ph, organizer of numerous startup gathering in the country including GOAB and Startup Weekend, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering Filipinos tech entrepreneurs and promoting the Philippine tech sector to the world.

TechTalks.ph partners with Microsoft PH for Startup Cloud Camp Dumaguete

C

ebu-based non-profit tech organization TechTalks.ph brings Microsoft Philippines in Dumaguete for a first-ever Startup Cloud Camp this coming May 23, 2015 at Foundation University. TechTalks. ph, a non-profit organization for technology, business, and startup enthusiasts, is partnering with Microsoft Philippines to offer “Startup Cloud Camps” in various cities of the Philippines.Powered

by Microsoft and co-organized by TechTalks.ph, ICT Association of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental and DuTCom, this one-day workshop is free and open to the public.

It is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, academe (professors, students) and those interested in starting their own technology-based businesses or “startups.”

Entrepreneurs and other members of the business sector who want to use technology to enhance their businesses are also invited to join. The first event was held last April 11 in Batangas which was co-organized with startup hub Brainsparks.ph.

Last May 7 and 9, camps were already held in Bohol and Cebu respectively.

After Dumaguete, TechTalks. ph will camp next to General Santos City on May 30 and Iloilo City on June 6. "TechTalks.ph partners with local universities and other citywide organizations to hold the events as part of our farm-to-market-highway strategy. We aim to have longlasting partnerships with local stakeholders and bridge the provinces to resources from the national and international levels. For example, a promising entrepreneur from the province with access to tech resources can help sell his products to the suitable market," said Tina Amper, TechTalks.ph founder.

For those interested, join the

mailing list at www.TechTalks. ph to be informed of event details. At this Startup Camp, the participants will learn about tech startups or Innovation-Driven enterprises (IDE); and ways that one can start their own business.

For entrepreneurs and those working in existing businesses, they will hear about ways to enhance their business with technology tools.

The attendees will also learn about building websites, mobile applications, and enterpriseclass applications using Microsoft products. There will be an information overview of Microsoft BizSpark program which provides technology, support, visibility, and community to qualified, promising startups and entrepreneurs—all at no charge.

For software developers and tech startup founders, they will hear about the new Microsoft Azure features and services.

Azure is Microsoft’scloud platform: a growing collection of integrated services: compute, storage, data, networking, and app—that help companies move faster, do more, and save money.

Interested participants are advised that these basic concepts will be explained during the workshop. We welcome all to join this learning event.

For more details, go to www.

TechTalks.ph, Facebook Page: "TechTalks.ph” Twitter: @ techtalks_ph or email at info@ techtalks.ph.

TechTalks.ph is a non-profit, independent community of business, technology, and startup enthusiasts.

Members meet to share ideas, learn new skills, and discover growing opportunities in the field of technology. TechTalks. ph is organizer to various tech and entrepreneurship events such as Startup Weekend and international tech confab Geeks On A Beach (GOAB).

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Weak El Niño still exists in PHL, says PAGASA

By Leilanie G. Adriano

R e s i d e nt s c ont i nu e t o experience hot temperature while several villages here are now running out of water supply.

In Batac City, the Batac Water District has temporarily cut their water service utilities due to water shortage.Based on the latest El Nino Watch advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), weak El Nino is still present in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

According to PAGASA, warmer than average sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) of at least 0.5°C has been observe since October 2014.

Recent analysis from global climate models suggest that the on-going El Niño condition particularly in this northern part of Luzon will likely continue until the middle of 2015 and it may intensify toward the end of the year.

In April, the weather systems that affected the country were the northeast (NE) monsoon, ridge of high pressure areas (HPAs), easterlies, low pressure areas (LPAs) and the passage of one tropical cyclone which made a landfall over the coastal areas of Isabela but subsequently dissipated into

an LPA as it moved towards mainland Cagayan Valley.

Rainfall assessment from December 2014 to April 2015 showed that several areas of the country were affected by either drought or dry spell.

Drought is defined as three (3) consecutive months of way below normal or less than 60 % reduction from average rainfall condition. The drought-affected provinces include the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, Pa lawan and Pampanga in Luzon, Bohol in Visayas, and Agusan del Norte, Basilan, Camiguin, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, dr y spell is characterized by three (3) consecutive months of below normal or 21 % to 60% reduction from average rainfall condition.

Provinces affected are: Albay, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Masbate, Nueva Ecija, Sorsogon in Luzon, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Negros Oriental, Samar, Southern Leyte in Visayas and Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leyte, Maguindanao, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Sarangani, Siquijor, el niño/PAGE 11

Environment As part of earthquake preparedness

EcoWaste Coalition pushes chemical accident prevention MANILA -- An environmental network for chemical safety and zero waste has expressed its support for enhanced collaboration among the various stakeholders to minimize the adverse impacts of strong earth movements and other natural exigencies.

The EcoWaste Coalition joined the growing call for earthquake preparedness as two government agencies, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS), urged the public to be ready for any future emergencies.

The MMDA last Sunday advised Metro Manila’s residents to check on the structural safety of homes and buildings following the devastating quake in Nepal that killed over 8,500 people with dozens still missing.

W h i l e P H I LV O C S yesterday warned the public anew of a massive quake if the Valley Fault System moves.

The system is comprised of the 10-kilometer East Valley Fault in Rizal, and the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault, which passes through six Metro Manila cities and parts of the Bulacan, Cavite,

Laguna and Rizal provinces.

“Given that many of our communities are at risk for earthquakes, we cannot overstate the value of multistakeholder coordination and preparation to be done now before the big one strikes,” said Thony Dizon, Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect.

“As earthquakes can trigger chemical spills, explosions and fires, as well as toxic releases and exposures, it’s important for all facilities, public and private, to double check their preparedness in preventing and reducing chemical-related incidents during natural disasters,” he said.

“For inst ance, toxic materials should be properly labeled, used, stored, treated and disposed of in an environmentally-sound manner to avoid chemical accidents in normal and abnormal times that can poison humans and other living things,” he said.

Dizon specifically cited the need for institutions with high child and youth occupancy to review their current procurement and storage practices for h a z a rd o u s s u b s t a n c e s ,

Sen. Aquino: Is Metro Manila ready for massive quake?

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA – Alarmed by the strong earthquakes that killed thousands of people in Nepal, Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV proposes Senate inquiry to determine if Metro Manila is ready for massive quake. ”Is Metro Manila ready for massive quake?,” Aquino asked as he filed Senate Resolution No. 1354 seeking to assess the preparedness and capacity of the different stakeholders in case a massive

earthquake hit the country.

Last Friday, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum reportedly said the West Valley Fault is already ripe for strong quake.

Aquino’s move to call for Senate inquiry stemmed from 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal that killed more than 8,000 people and the magnitude 7.2 tremor that shook Bohol and Cebu in

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2013, killing over 200 people. “ There is a need to assess and strengthen the capacities and preparedness of the concerned national government agencies, local government units, and partner stakeholders to mitigate and prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impact of a massive earthquake,” Aquino said.

Aquino stress ed t he need to institutionalize systems, plans, programs and approaches to beef up disaster resilience of local

communities, especially in vulnerable areas in the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA).

He said the GMMA is vulnerable to earthquakes because of the presence of a Valley Fault System (VFS) composed of a 10-kilometer East Valley Fault in Rizal and a 100-kilometer West Va l l e y Fau lt t hat r u ns through different cities and municipalities of Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna. aquino/PAGE 11

including cleaning agents and laboratory chemicals.

He also cited the need to revive the process initiated by t h e D e p ar t m e nt of Environment and Natural Resources “to strengthen the capability of government, industry and community to eliminate or reduce injuries and deaths caused by major chemical accidents.”

“This process would have established a formal Task Force on Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness (CAPP) that is tasked to develop, implement and monitor the country’s road map on CAPP,” he said. “ The likelihood of a

hugely destructive earthquake h app e n i n g du r i n g ou r lifetime and the occurrence of extreme weather events like super typhoons makes CAPP all the more essential for our country and people,” he emphasized.

A strong CAPP program is vital for a disaster-prone country like Philippines, which “sits in a typhoon belt in the Pacific ring of fire where earthquakes, volcanic e r upt i ons and t ropic a l cyclones frequently occur, which can trigger or aggravate chemical accidents,” the EcoWaste Coalition said, citing a government draft policy on CAPP. (PNA)

Instilling values in young age is important

By Karen B. Ta-an Teacher – II San Vicente Elementary School Sumilao District

This world is changing.

Change, in a sense that it is improved by ways of the existence of modern technologies. As an example, people nowadays could communicate to each other even though ocean aparts through the use of mobile phones.

Technologies are indeed beneficial. It makes task easier and faster to perform.

It makes solutions more effective. Moreover, it gives comfort to a lot of entities.

Different to good things that it cause, however. There are matters that have been negatively affected by technology.

One is the attitude of the people. This has changed as well. In the negative sides, technologies have taken away their values.

Thus, Values Education

should be given with utmost importance.

This subject is offered under the curriculum of both elementary and high school. It aims to coil values among students.

These values are considered core traits representing each person’s beliefs and guiding principles that form the person on who he is.

This subject is so much important for at young age, it is encouraged that parents and teachers should input to children the positive and worthwhile values in order to assist them in building and strengthening personal and social skills and responsibilities.

This world is indeed changing, but let the values instilled grow as a person explore this world.

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CDO local price coordinating council conducts IEC to market vendors

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Cagayan de Oro City Local Price Coordinating Council (CDO-CPCC) conducted on 18 May 2015 an Information Education Campaign (IEC) to market vendors of barangay Carmen and Bulua Westbound Terminal.

Composed of vendors particularly in the cafeteria, cooked food, wet market section of Carmen market a n d B u l u a We s t b o u n d Terminal, the IEC aims to inform and educate market vendors of the ser vices of the government, their responsibilities and a better understanding of the law in terms of doing business in the market.

Engr. Peter Abejuela, Manager-Designate of the City Economics Enterprise Department (CEED) said that this IEC started last year with over 300 market vendors from Cogon Public Market in attendance.

He said that the public market is the image of the City. If the market is dirty then it follows that the City is dirty.

Aside from the IEC, this is a venue where there will be a greater understanding of the role of government agencies involved in making sure the public markets are managed well.

Meanwhile, Almer Masillones, Chief Trade and Industry Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry-Misamis Oriental (DTI-MOR) enumerated concerns of market vendors gathered from last year.

Most common issues

include excess stalls of side walk vendors, overflow of drainage, no cleaners inside the market, foul smell of canal, and the need for daily collection of garbage and daily sanitation inspection in the area.

In terms of rental, market vendors also expressed their desire to go back to the daily payment of rentals just like in the past. They aired that they wanted daily rental collection back. Also, they want all meat vendors to get business permits.

Engr. Abejuela said that with a total of approximately 5,000 vendors for Carmen and Cogon Market in the city, it is not overnight that they can reform the market. Rest assured, they are implementing the law by means of closing down st a l ls wit h no business permits and making sure that everyone has a leveled playing field, he said.

At the moment, 70% of the stall owners in Cogon market have business permits.

Meanwhile, he said that t he y are i mpl e me nt i ng monthly rental because the CEED wants market vendors to pay directly to the cashier everytime they pay their rent. The practice before was someone will collect their daily rental; however, some payments did not reach the cashier.

Now, they want market vendors to take full responsibility of paying their rent.

One market vendor from Bulua terminal shared their plight with “rugby” boys in

Inauguration of Mananum Bag-o/ Dig-aguyan/ Palaopao Road, Medina ,Misamis Oriental. photo courtesy of gov . bambi emano

the market during 12am to 3am everyday where they cause disturbance to the vendors and customers.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Cagayan de Oro City represented by PInsp Nelson Salaan said these kids are always caught by the police and brought to the Department of Social Welfare Division (DSWD) but they always escape.

However, they will still go to the area during the time requested.

Als o, s ome of t he re quests of t he market vendors there is the regular collection of garbage in the market and for CEED to

not allow vendors selling outside the market.

The agencies who presented their functions include the City Health Office, City Veterinarian O f f i c e , Bu re au of F i re Protection (BFP), Philippine Nat iona l Police (PNP), CEED, City Treasurer’s Office and Roads and Tr af f i c Ad m i n i st r at i on (RTA).

There will be two more sessions with other government agencies to be held in Brgy Carmen covered cour t wit h t he same participants on 25 May and 1 June 2015 at 1:00 p.m. (JMOR/PIA10)

A WELCOME VISIT – VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ meets VICE PRESIDENT JEJOMAR C. BINAY at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental as the latter visited the Province during the weekend. Also shown in the picture are former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano (exteme right) and Talisayan Mayor Rommel C. Maslog (extreme left). Vice Governor Pelaez, a political ally of Vice President Binay, firmly believes that the baseless accusations hurled against the Vice President are just harassments by his political opponents.

facebook page

DOST-ARMM distributes ceramic water filter to address need for potable water MARAWI CIT Y -- The Depar tment of S cience and Technolog y of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOSTARMM) is addressing the need for potable water in remote communities through ceramic water filter system that “can remove contaminants in drinking water.”

My r a M a n g k a b u n g , DOST-ARMM secretary, said the ceramic-based water

filter can purify tap water, deep well water, and even raw water from ponds and spring.

“Through the filters, safe, potable drinking water is readily available and accessible even in remote areas,” Mangkabung said.

DOST-ARMM provided ceramic water filter systems on May 7 and 9 to 78 households in four barangays in the provinces of Sulu and water/PAGE 11

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Draft... from page 1

”It brings us closer to transforming Muslim Mindanao from a permanent potential into a reality where peace and prosperity abide,” Lacierda said.

Voting 48-18 with one abstention, the House ad hoc committee on BBL approved the substitute bill and the committee report on the proposed law.

The approval came after a 13-hour marathon hearing on Tuesday where the lawmakers deliberated and introduced minor amendments to the BBL. Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the ad hoc committee, described the 50 hearings participated by 91 lawmakers as unprecedented in the history of the House of Representatives.

Rodriguez is expected to report out the proposed measure to the plenary next week.

In the Senate, the committee on local government chaired

by Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos will conduct another hearing for the Sultanates and indigenous people (IPs).

Marcos said he is not thinking of the June 11 deadline but on how they could come out with a BBL version which is constitutional and inclusive.

The second regular session of the present 16th Congress will adjourn on June 11. (PNA)

Hydro... from page 1

has since been synchronized into the grid.

Peak demand in Mindanao on Tuesday was 1,394 MW, higher than the 1,377-MW capacity, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Web site.

The Agus and the Pulangi power complexes, which can produce a maximum of 982 MW, have been delivering as little as 20% of their rated capacity, with the 250-MW Pulangi complex in Bukidnon dependably producing only 90 MW. Actual delivered power is only 50 MW. At the Agus complex with six plants spanning from Marawi City in Lanao del Sur to Iligan City in Northern Mindanao, the Agus 6 plant, the oldest, is the most problematic with actual output at only 120 MW even though it is rated at 200 MW. Technical glitches at the Agus 6 unit triggered the Mindanao-wide blackout on Easter Sunday.

In Davao City, electricity distributor Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) issued another advisory yesterday announcing the continued implementation of one-hour rotational brownouts in parts of its franchise area.

DLPC pointed to the continued reduction in the capacity of the Agus 6 and the low water level at Pulangi as the reasons for the reduced allocation from NGCP. Last week, Rossano C. Luga, DLPC spokesperson, said the grid operator reduced the allocation of the Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) subsidiary to 216 MW from the contracted 279 MW. Mr. Luga said the company has to implement rotating brownouts because the available

resources outside the grid allocation are still not enough to meet increasing demand.

DLPC has a standby diesel plant and has also contracted power from sister companies Hedcor, Inc. and Therma Marine, Inc. Next month, Therma South, Inc., another AboitizPower firm, is expected to start the commercial operations of its first 150-MW coal-fired power unit.

Therma South has just finished construction of its 300MW power project located at the boundary of Davao City and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. The other 150-MW unit was also supposed to start operations this year but it sustained problems as a result of the Easter Sunday blackout.

Rehabilitation of the unit will require 10 months and it is now scheduled to start operations in February next year.

Seminar... from page 1

knowledge and tools to plan and implement the change that need to be introduced to make the organization in step with the changes in the organization and realize its vision.

An introductory course that seeks to introduce the participants to planned change, the ODS will cover topics, like Understanding Organizations, Understanding Organization Development, Leadership: An Important Element of OD, Managing Change, Mental Models and Change, and Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry, as an Approach to Planned Change.

The resource person is Miss Ophelia del Puerto Tongco, whose areas of expertise, include Institution and Organization Development (Strategic Planning, Changes in Management, Capacity Building, Human Resource Management and Development, Organizational Assessment and Design, Performance Management, Team Building), Project Management, Leadership and Management Development and Governance and Anti-Corruption. She is the former Senior Vice President for Regional Operations of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).

Mr. Dante Macasero Sudaria is the chief executive officer of BWMC.

Aboitiz... from page 3

Vivant Corp.

The first project -- which started construction last month -- is slated for a 2018 commercial operation.

On the other hand, Hedcor Bukidnon, Inc. manages the hydropower project, which is scheduled to go online by end2017.

AEV last week filed a registration statement for its P25-billion fixed-rate retail bonds -- including oversubscription _ with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The planned fund raising activity will be used to support its venture into infrastructure development, which the company said would be the fifth leg of its business portfolio.

Calamity... from page 1

for the endorsement of the proposed resolution.

Moreno has proposed the passage of a resolution that would allow the city executive department the release of Php 56 million from the city’s Calamity Fund.

The City Council, however, put a spike on the proposed resolution pending a review, study, and recommendation by the committee on agriculture on the actual extent of agricultural damage in the affected area.

“We cannot simply allow the release of the amount without an official resolution by the local village officials that would certify the value of the crops that have been damaged by long drought in areas concerned,” a city council official said. ,City Councilor Alden Bacal, a member of the committee on agriculture and fisheries, said that the representatives from the City Agricultural and Veterinary Services Office, CSWD, Department of Agriculture (DA), chairman of CDRRMO and barangay chairmen of the affected hinterland barangays to attend the meeting on Wednesday.

The affected rural villages in Cagayan De Oro City are the Barangays of Balubal, Pagatpat, San Simon, Lumbia, Pagalungan, Tagpangi, Bayanga, Mambuaya, Dansolihon, Tuburan, Pigsagan, Tumpagon, Tignapoloan, FS Catanico and Canitoan all farming villages here. (PNA)

Center... from page 2

students aged 3-4 years in Day Care Centers in 2014. In the previous year, the number of enrolees reached more than 10 thousand in the entire city, in nearly 200 Child Development Centers.

Enrolling the children in Day Care Centers is free and there is also a feeding program from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) to provide good nutrition to the children.

Moreno is focused on sharpening the intellect of small children in their early years and strengthening them in their formative years to prepare them for the bright futures waiting for them.

Ayala...

from page 3 challenges, on the back of better margins on realized cost savings and productivity. Net income margin increased by 94 basis points to 3.4 percent, mainly due to lower direct labor costs and administrative expenses year-on-year.

Water Infrastructure The strong performance of these units counterbalanced results from the remaining businesses in the portfolio. In water, Manila Water Company, Inc. reported flat net income at P1.4 billion, with stronger billed volume levels offsetting higher operating expenses. Non-East Zone businesses accounted for 15 percent of total net income for the period.

Power Generation Ayala’s recent investments in power have come into fruition

and started operations. In April, AC Energy Holdings, Inc. secured the Feed-in-Tariff for the 81 megawatt windfarm of the North Luzon Renewable Energy Company and the 19 megawatt expansion of Northwind Power Development Corp. In addition, AC Energy commenced commercial operations for the first 135 megawatt unit of South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. in April.

Balance Sheet Ayala’s balance sheet remains healthy. As of March 31, 2015, parent company cash reached nearly P43 billion, putting its net debt-to-equity ratio at 0.23 to 1 at the parent level and 0.76 to 1 at the consolidated level.

El Niño...

Water... from page 9

Basilan which have problems in accessing potable water.

Mangkabung said the DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute has developed several models of water filters that will address the region’s problems, specifically access to potable water.

“Three water filter models have already been developed. These ceramic-based water filters can remove contaminants in drinking

Aquino... from page 8

Based on a study conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study in 2004, a potential rupture of the 90-kilometer West Valley Fault would lead to heavy or partial damage to 40 percent of all residential buildings, 34,000 deaths, and 114,000 injuries.

“A significant factor in ensuring earthquake safety is ensuring the ability of houses, buildings and all public infrastructure to withstand earthquakes even with magnitudes of 8 to 10,” Aquino said.

With this, Aquino called to audit the safety of existing and future construction projects to ensure their strict adherence to relevant and appropriate regulations, standards and guidelines, including those provided by the National Building Code. ”We should make sure that everything is ready. Locations of houses and buildings must be checked for safety based on the VFS Atlas recently published by Phivolcs,” Aquino said.

Aquino said both the national and local government should do everything to avoid the damages suffered by Nepal. (PNA)

water, making them perfect for home use,” Mangkabung said.

Data culled last year showed the most common food and water bornediseases in the region are diarrhea, with 52 deaths out of 14, 252 cases; typhoid fever, with eight deaths out of 933 cases; and amoebiasis, with four deaths out of 237 cases.

Another 200 water filters would be distributed to pre-identified barangays in Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur this year. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/ PIA-10)

Grade 10 Science Teachers From Three Divisions In Region X Attended K-12 Mass Training

By Mr. Jerry P. Ramo Science Teacher CONSUELO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Misamis Oriental Division Region X

from page 8

South Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur in Mindanao.

The month of May marks the weakening of the easterlies and gradual start of southwest monsoon wind. The onset of the rainy season is expected in mid-June. Other weather systems that are likely to affect the country for May are the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), easterlies, LPAs, ridge of HPAs, and one (1) or two (2) tropical cyclones to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Afternoon or early evening thunderstorm activities are also expected to increase during the period.

Rainfall for the month of May are likely to be near normal over the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley Region, Northern Mindanao, CARAGA, and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) while the rest of the country may experience below normal rainfall conditions.

PAGASA will continue to closely monitor the on-going weak El Niño condition and updates shall be issued as appropriate.

Meanwhile, concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate its potential adverse impacts.(PNA)

11

T

eachers who were Science enthusiasts from three (3) Divisions in Region X (Bukidnon; Misamis Oriental; and Oroquita City) actively participates in the Mass Training conducted at Capitol University-Cagayan De Oro City.

The participants were: Twenty One (21) Teachers from the Division of Bukidnon; Thirty (30) Teachers hails Oroquita City Division; and One Hundred Seventeen (117) Teachers from the Division of Misamis Oriental.

On May 12,2015 the Day Zero of the training: Registration of participants; book i ng to hotel s ; and distribution of training materials were done in the morning. At 1:30 Post Meridian on the same date was the opening program and getting to know each other both trainers and participants that took place at CU’s gymnasium.

Day 1 of the training was on May 13,2015 and is focused on: K to 12 Updates; The overview of 21st century Teachers and Learners; comparing and contrasting Localization and Contextualization; Lectures on Differentiated Instruction; and Understanding the K to 12 Curriculum. Management

of Learning underwent by the trainees were: Earth and Space (Astronomy); Force and Energy (Physics); Living Things And Their Environment (Biology); and Matter (Chemistry).

Lectures and workshops including hands-on were done by participants in all learning areas (Astronomy; Biology; Chemistry; and Physics) Day 2 of the training May 14,2015. First session was on Assesstment, According to the resource speaker Grade 10 learners in Science shall be assessed through: Written Work 40%; Performance Test 40%; and Periodical Test 20%.

For six days training in K to 12 Grade 10 Science, the trainers were: Professor Corazon R. Asencion, (Gingoog City Division); Professor Rapunzel P. Epanis (Misamis Oriental Division); Professor Elna G. Mentang (Tangub City Division); Professor Riztine L. Monsanto (Lanao Del Norte Division); and Professor Aris A. Rusiana (Cagayan De Oro City Division). Capitol University hosted the 6 day training with quality facilities, well ventilated classrooms; quality meals; peaceful environment; and safe transportation to the hotels (De Luxe; and Conchita).

0935-160-0668 HERMILINO VILLALON

22nd/31st Naza reth, Cagayan de O ro Cit y

Publication Notice Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -o0oNOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CCE- 0015-2015

Date: May 12, 2015

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that MARICRIS E. CELESTIAL has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “ “ to “ “ and correction of entry in sex from “ MALE ” to “ FEMALE ” or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ “ to “ “ in the certificate of live birth of MICRICRIS M. EDUBOS at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are ROMULO P. EDUBOS and PROSERFINA C. MACALONG.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than June 3, 2015.

BWM: May 14 & 21, 2015

(Sgd) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

BusinessWeek MINDANAO “We Grow Minds” 2013 PPI’S BEST IN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC REPORTING

THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2015

editor: SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

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

PAGE 12

The Night Stalker:

Style Origin returns to Ayala Centrio on May 24 Ayala Malls signature fashion event returns to Cagayan de Oro at Centrio Mall on Sunday, May 24, 2015.

“Style Origin is an annual Ayala Malls signature event that features its fashion merchants,” said Lorraine Anne Yasay, Centrio Marketing Manager. “Being a signature event, it speaks for the Ayala Malls brand in terms of the concept and quality of the event.”

This year’s community fashion show will be directed and produced by Amilliard, a Manila-based event organizing

company that has been tapped by Ayala Malls in its various events.

The group is tasked to ensure the standard of the brand and a uniformed concept is applied across all the 12 participating Ayala Malls nationwide.

Style Origin 2015 was launched in Greenbelt last May 8 and as expected, it was attended in droves

by Manila’s glitterati.

Style Origin returns to Centrio Mall for the third straight year on May 24 at its Activity Center featuring professional models who will both come from

Manila (mostly foreigners) and community models from in and around Cagayan de Oro. For this year’s edition, Style Origin participating brands include Asics, Onitsuka Tiger, Bettina Boutique, Nautica, Claire’s, Planet Sports, Collezione C2, Folded and Hung, Giordano, Jockey, Mags, Mango, Original Penguin, Petrol, Columbia, Herschel, Sanuk, DC, Quiksilver, Roxy, The Travel Club, Bratpack, R.O.X., Res Toe Run, Promod, Robinson’s Department Store, Spruce, Sunglass Haven and Wrangler.

Photos & Graphics Supplied

‘A Taste of BGC’ by Guest Chef at Seda Centrio

S

Modern international cuisine to be showcased on May 25-30, 2015

eda Centrio presents “A Taste of BGC” featuring modern international cuisine by guest chef Romualdo “Pepe” Castillo at the hotel’s Misto restaurant on May 25-30, 2015.

Comprising bestsellers from Seda’s flagship property in the cosmopolitan area of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila, the dishes will impress by their authentic taste as well as their creative presentations inspired

by Chef Pepe’s exposure to a global audience at the newest and most modern community in the Philippines, Bonifacio Global City.

Chef Pepe is the Executive Chef of Seda BGC. At Seda Centrio, Chef Pepe will present dishes like Angus beef ribs, crispy sea bass, grilled cedar plank salmon, and osso bucco lamb shanks, plus a new and creative range of desserts that make up a visual feast due to their artistic presentations.

“Remarkably good!” said an enthusiastic diner—one of the many who have given rave reviews for Chef Pepe’s delicious food.

“The key,” he says, “is precise timing, plus the use of fresh, high-

quality ingredients.” “This is how we give our dishes that personal touch,” he explains. “We stay true to the original recipe, then leave our own imprint by modifying its appearance to enhance its aesthetic appeal.”

Chef Pepe will offer a 3-course Set Lunch at Seda Centrio on May 25-29, 2015 featuring options for appetizer and the main course, and a sweet dessert for the finale. More food varieties will be available on the buffet dinner on May 25-30, 2015 at the hotel’s Misto restaurant.

Chef Pepe was formerly connected with an international luxury hotel, a renowned resort and an exclusive club. A multiawarded culinary expert, he has won top honors in prestigious industry competitions including “Best Dessert” in the Manila Black Box Culinary Challenge, “Award of Excellence” in the Cold Meat Platter category of Chefs on Parade and “Bread-baking Champion” in an activity sponsored by the Les Toques Blanches Philippines chefs association.

“A Taste of BGC” is part of Seda’s “Chefs Exchange”, where the hotels’ head chefs show off their specialties in other Seda locations

to offer innovations in the menus.

Previous to this, Seda Centrio featured “A Taste of Japan” with Seda Nuvali’s Executive Sous Chef Danilo Gallardo.

For reservations to “A Taste of BGC”, please call Seda Centrio at (0917) 5775910 or (088)3238888 or email cdo@sedahotels.com.

Osso Buco Lamb Shank at Seda Centrio

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon at Seda Centrio

Chef Romualdo Castillo presents A Taste of BGC at Seda Centrio