BusinessWeek Mindanao (May 28, 2018)

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Volume VIII, No. 150

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Briefly

More power projects THE management of AboitizPower expressed confidence that it will complete three major projects before yearend.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) chief executive officer Erramon Aboitiz identified the projects as the Pagbilao 3 in Quezon, the Manolo Fortrich hydropower in Bukidnon, and the Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) in Cebu.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday, he said the Pagbilao 3 project already begun early this year. “This serves as an expansion for the Pagbilao Units 1 and 2. It has a capacity of 420 MW. The Manolo Fortrich will be finished in the next three to four months, while TVI will be finished by the end of the year,” Aboitiz said.

Fund-raising for Marawi FUND-RAISING for the rehabilitation of Marawi City has raised about a fifth of the amount needed over four years but works are expected to begin in June as scheduled, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

NEDA Undersecretary Adoracion M. Navarro said the updated total cost of repairs outside ground zero is estimated at P53.42 billion until 2022, covering a total of 892 projects.

This year, the government needs P26.16 billion and half of it will be sourced from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

PPI 2017 CIVIC JOURNALISM COMMUNITY PRESS AWARDS

BusinessWeek Mindanao grabbed its second Best in Business and Economic Reporting award during the 22nd Civic Journalism Community Press Awards held May 25, 2018 at the Hotel Jen, Roxas Blvd., Manila. Receiving the prestigious trophy is BusinessWeek’s Editor-in-Chief Nelson V. Constantino (3rd from right). This is the second time BusinessWeek Mindanao got the same distinction as it also won the award in 2014 during its inaugural entry as regular member of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the biggest association of community newspapers in the country.

The following year, in 2015, it was also adjudged as Best in Environmental Reporting category. In this year’s awards, BusinessWeek was also shortlisted as among the Top 3 Finalists for Best Edited Newspaper (Weekly category). photo supplied by ppi

Amid depleted supply, NFA imports more rice

N

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

ATIONAL Food Authority (NFA) 10 assistant director Gil Tabor has assured the public the depleting rice supply in the region will soon be replenished as the next batch of imported NFA rice will arrive in less than a month.

Ta b o r h e l d a p r e s s conference over the weekend amid public uproar over the reported shortage of cheap NFA rice in the markets for almost two months already.

At the same day that the press conference was held, visiting presidential spokesperson Harry Roque criticized the agency for its rice/PAGE 11

IS PRINT MEDIA DYING?

By Al Pedroche Chairman Philippine Press Institute

THE supply of newsprint runs short as the number of trees, from where paper is derived dwindles fast. As a result, the cost of newsprint rises to an exorbitant proportion even as the prices of other wherewithals in newspaper or magazine production (such as ink) are turning almost prohibitive.

Advertisers are fast shifting to other effective

WILD BEAUTY. Paminahawa Ridge in Barangay Impalutao in Impasugong, Bukidnon is becoming a popular trekking and camping destination for locals and visitors from other towns of the province and neighboring areas. Photo taken on 26 May 2018. mindanews photo by alexandria m . mordeno

We can be millionaires someday: falcata farmers

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN

platforms in the cyber space in lieu of the newspapers or magazines.

The print media is print/PAGE 11

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur--- Tree farmers in the upland villages of this timber-rich province are keeping their fingers crossed falcata/PAGE 11

Falcata tree farmer Joseph Cajeras wearing tattered clothes stands with his four-year old crop is a showcase of hardwork that will make him a millionaire in the next three years.

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DOE commends partners for helping rebuild Marawi power facilities MARAWI City -- The Department of Energy (DOE) held on May 17 a recognition rites at Mindanao State University-Marawi for partners and donors who have helped rebuild wartorn Marawi.

During the painstaking relief and rehabilitation activities in Marawi City, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi vowed, “Dapat dito walang iwanan.”

“We did not abandon Marawi, we will never abandon Marawi, and we will continue doing the rehabilitation of Marawi,” the Energy chief emphasized.

He added, “We had given all our ground personnel during the Marawi siege support, including security assistance from the military and even food.”

Cusi commended the heroic efforts of Task Force Bangon Marawi, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Association of Mindanao Electric Cooperatives, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc., National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Power Corporations, National Electrification Administration, commends/PAGE 11

Economy

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Collaborative innovation key to industry dev’t S TRONG collaboration among government agencies, the academe, and industry stakeholders is a crucial factor to put regional industries in a better position to face the challenges in both domestic and export markets.

Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant secretary for Industry and Development, said the main recommendation from the different regional consultations conducted by the DTI was the

building of connected, creative, and innovative communities highlighted by more research and development (R&D) collaboration; strong support of legislation in terms of policies that would strengthen R&D; integration of innovation and entrepreneurship in the education curriculum; and improving the quality and utilization of government’s shared infrastructure such as shared service facilities, Fablabs, and food innovation centers.

According to Asec.

Aldaba, studies conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) have shown that there is a weak linkage between industry and academe in terms of innovation due to widespread mistrust between the university and industry communities.

“What is happening is that there are more competition than collaboration. There is also a lack of strong culture of research in universities,”

she noted.

These findings, she said, somehow support the low ranking of the country in terms of innovation efforts.

The Philippines ranked 73rd in the Global Innovation Index 2017 scoring lowest in creative outputs, human capital, and market sophistication.

While the private sector is seen as a major driver of growth, the government also plays an important role particularly on the crafting and implementation of industry/PAGE 11

FAO continues support for food security in conflict-affected communities in ARMM

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MARAWI CITY – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) joined the Marawi Week of Peace with a distribution activity of agricultural inputs as part of the livelihood assistance support for conflict-affected communities in Marawi City and outlying municipalities in the Provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

FAO, with the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium through the FAO-Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA), has been

delivering assistance to help returning and displaced farmers to restore their livelihoods and food security.

In the event, FAO distributed broiler production packages to help re-establish the livelihoods of farming families in Barangays Lumbaca Turos, Poona Marantao, Pintolonan, Tuca, Amito Marantao, Dayawan, Bacolod Chico, and Turos in Marawi City affected in May 23 siege last year.

Following the crisis, FAO has so far distributed rice, corn and vegetable seeds, fertilizer, farming tools and broiler chicken

production packages to more than 6 500 households in Marawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

“FAO’s emergency and recovery response to the Marawi crisis focuses on rebuilding the agriculture and fisheries sector, restoring the food supply chain in affected communities, and helping farmers reclaim and recover their lost livelihoods,” said José Luis Fernandez, FAO Representative in the Philippines.

FAO has been working closely with the Task Force Bangon Marawi food/PAGE 11

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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3

Asia-Pacific fisheries focus on resilience and sustainable blue growth

M

embers of the Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission (APFIC) have vowed to scale up collective efforts to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, the commission announced May 11 at its 35th Session, in Cebu, the Philippines.

As a region, Asia and the Pacific currently contributes over 55 percent of global capture fisheries and 90 percent of its aquaculture.

Resilient blue growth of capture fisheries and aquaculture in the region is of great importance to food security, nutrition, livelihood development and overall economic and social development in many countries of Asia and the Pacific and achievement of some important SDG Goals in the 2030 Agenda.

As demand for both capture fisheries and aquaculture rises, the industries will need to rely on innovations in a number of areas.

They will also need to become more resilient to the effects of climate change on fish stocks and aquaculture operation.

FAO’s Regional Initiative on Blue Growth offers some solutions and a way forward, and the Commission will examine these during the days ahead.

The 35th APFIC Session will review a draft six-year APFIC Strategy (2018-2023) prepared by the Secretariat for eventual revisions and endorsement.

APFIC convenes every two years to consider the Secretariat’s report to the membership and observers

on major programme activities carried out, and the achievement by the Secretariat during the intersessional period.

The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific provides the Secretariat services to APFIC and this 35th Commission Session is jointly organized by FAO and the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture.

Regional Consultative Forum The 35th Session of APFIC will also review and discuss the recommendations from a Regional Consultative Forum Meeting convened prior to the Session and is expected to endorse the proposed priority areas of work to support the member countries in addressing issues relating to the development of their fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The Regional Consultative Forum Meeting involved inputs from representatives of 16 countries and 10 international and regional organizations.

It focused on suggestions for improvements in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture production, management systems and governance based on the extensive sharing of knowledge, experiences and lessons by the participating countries and organizations.

The meeting also called for increasing efforts to strengthen gender-sensitive, equitable and inclusive fisheries and aquaculture value chains through suggested strategies and actions at country and regional levels.

PSALM issues Certificate of Effectivity on AboitizPower subsidiary’s purchase of Naga power plant complex AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Power Visayas, Inc. (TPVI) has received the Certificate of Effectivity (COE) from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM) to initiate the former’s purchase of the Naga Power Plant Complex located in Naga City, Cebu.

The COE implements the Sept. 28, 2015 decision of the Supreme Court, which upheld the April 30, 2014 award of the facility to TPVI. "We appreciate the decision of PSALM and we look forward to operating the facility and contribute to securing the energy

needs of the Visayas," AboitizPower President and COO Antonio R. Moraza said.

PSALM issued a notice of award to TPVI in 2014 after TPVI posted the highest bid of P1.088 billion for the asset after two failed bidding.

The Supreme Court in a Sept. 28, 2015 decision upheld the validity of PSALM’s public bidding. The High Court reiterated its decision in an Oct. 5, 2016 resolution.

The Naga Power Plant Complex is composed of diesel and coal power plants with a combined capacity of 153.1 MW.

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Opinion

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Presidential hits and misses

Speaking out Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

ALLAN mario MEDIANTE

Vice President for Corporate Affairs

RUFINO T. MAGBANUA

Vice President for Business Development

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Vice President for Administration

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VicePresidentforEventsandPromotions

joe palabao

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mike baños

Vice President for Digital

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

gilbert y. chao

Motoring Editor

JUN AYENSA

Regional Editor - Caraga

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ignacio bunye President Rody has a flair for drama which he uses to clearly drive his point.

Instead of just confiscating smuggled luxury cars and auctioning them, as he is allowed by law, he orders them destroyed. And in a dramatic fashion. On two recent occasions, we witnessed on television how

Kakampi mo ang batas

Batas Mauricio

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…

However, if you no longer listen to the Lord your God, Member: and no longer obey all his commands and decrees I Philippine Press Institute am giving you today, all these curses will come on Oro Chamber you and overtake you…”

(Deuteronomy 28:15, the Holy Bible).

-ooo P H I L I P P I N E S FA ST BECOMING A BURNING DESSERT: Because of the work and improve only makes think a minute you a better person who’s closer terribly great heat that many to reaching your potential. As Filipinos are frustratingly one guy put it: “Trespassing is okay, if the boundaries you cross are your own!” So when we set good, important goals for ourselves, they work in two hints and traces ways: we work on them, and they work on us. The real test of your success is whether you’re a better person than you were jhan tiafau hurst yesterday? Are your attitudes and character better? Are you Think a minute…Did you a better husband or wife? A have to compete with someone better father or mother? A else to get the girl or guy you better worker? wanted? Whether we like it You know, we can compete or not, competition is part of and win in our career and roy cimagala life. Usually there are other making money, but if we lose people besides you who want our good character by being that job, scholarship, business, dishonest or hurting and using WE should have the proper or title. But some people others, then we’ve lost the a t t i t u d e t o w a r d s o u r will stop at nothing to win. real competition and what’s blessings and misfortunes.

Whether it’s lying, cheating, important. The real measure Given our condition, these or gossiping and destroying of success is not what you are unavoidable items in someone’s reputation. Yet when HAVE, but what you ARE as our life and we just need to we compete only to win and a person. What kind of heart know how to handle them, beat the other person, it not and character do you have? so we can take advantage of only makes us bad losers, What kind of relationships do them rather than get spoiled but also bad winners. That you have with other people? by them. kind of competing produces If you’ve allowed yourself to The basic attitude to have a person with a bad heart and compete against others and is, of course, to count our character, with self-centered you’ve done dishonest things blessings always, rather than greed, pride, and envy. or hurt people. Why not ask brood over our misfortunes.

An important lesson in Jesus to forgive you today and Our blessings are obvious life is to learn to compete only start changing your heart and and countless, and we need against yourself. Then, whether way of living? Then you can to take account of them you win or lose against others, learn to compete only against especially as we go through you still win! Because all the yourself and win every time! the usual challenges, trials time and effort you spent to Just Think a Minute … and difficulties in our life.

The real competition

to his new friend – China – he is opening the way for six Chinese firms to corner the bulk (around P17B) of rehabilitation projects for Marawi. On the surface, nothing wrong with that especially if these Chinese companies can offer the best terms. After all, the offer of the Chinese will be subjected to “Swiss Challenge”.

Unfortunately, as it turned out, two of the companies have previously been blacklisted by the World Bank for alleged corrupt dealings involving Philippine projects.

In an earlier clarification, the palace said that President Duterte was not aware of the blacklisting. Subsequently, the inclusion of the two companies was justified for the reason that the

blacklisting, for 6 years and 5 years of the two companies, had already lapsed.

So what has happened to his “Ayaw ko sa corruption!” pronouncement?

Again, appointees who turned out to be incompetent (if not downright corrupt) were simply re-cycled. They were pulled out from their previous posting and kicked sideways to other jobs with high-sounding titles.

And just recently, he promoted to the next higher rank a Philippine Coast Guard officer who had been suspended over funds misuse allegations.

All of a sudden, the signals coming from the palace have become mixed up.

Marawi – a year hence bunye/PAGE 11

RP fast becoming a burning dessert

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multi-million peso cars were flattened and reduced to scrap by graders - to the horror of high end car aficionados.

In h i s mu ch - toute d fight against corruption in government, the President fired persons supposedly very close to him. Not content, he even followed this up with a shame campaign against his former political supporters.

Nowadays, he even asks Presidential Spokesman Har r y R o qu e to pre announce the forthcoming firings.

The message to corrupt officials would have been loud and clear.

Unfortunately, President Rody also has his share of misses which tend to negate his gains.

In his bid to get closer

t r y i ng to put up w it h nowadays, we cannot be faulted for thinking that the Philippines is about to be transformed into a vast smoldering dessert in the very near future. At the moment, there is nowhere else our countrymen can go to, to cool themselves down somehow, except the big shopping malls and hotels which are using giant air-conditioning units.

If we are to study the environment these days, the burning temperature which has been holding the country in its grip has become so grossly hot it can already scorch skins. But, wait a minute: why has the weather become so unbearably hot?

Scientists and others learned in environmental concerns say global warming and climate change is the culprit.

But, why is there global warming and climate change?

The prevailing view is that the environment has become

so degraded, especially with the natural coolers of the earth’s crust, the fossil fuels and other minerals originally lodged deep in the earth, having been irretrievably depleted. There maybe some truth to that assertion but there is a deeper reason than this, and that reason has something to do with the spiritual angle of global warming and climate change!

-ooo SPIRITUAL ANGLE OF HOT TEMPERATURES: Before mockers would mock this view once again as they have done so many times in the past, let me hurry to reiterate that my perceptions on this problem are not mine, but are anchored on the Bible.

In its Deuteronomy 28:15 and 22-23, for example, it is there explained that scorching heat temperatures and debilitating droughts and extreme dry spells are curses from God. These calamities are God’s

curses which He has heaped on people who no longer listen to Him and who no longer obey His commands.

If we are to study this a little more conscientiously, we will not fail to realize that God, through His prophets of old, consistently gave warnings to those who have turned their backs on Him, which are the people who no longer read His Bible and who no longer obey His commands.

God promised He will send a great number of curses to people who no longer read nor obey His Bible.

These curses number 53 in all, and any interested believer can read all of them in Deuteronomy 28:15 to 68 of the Bible.

-ooo B I B L E : T H E O N LY ANTIDOTE VS. GOD’S CURSES: One of God’s 53 curses is the curse of global warming and climate change. burning/PAGE 11

Our blessings and misfortunes We tend to take them for granted. To be sure, God is always there for us. He will never fail us. It’s rather us who can fail him and ourselves.

Let’s never forget that we are creatures of God, and in fact, the masterpiece of his creation. He has endowed us with intelligence and will and showered us with his grace such t hat we truly become his image and likeness, and adopted children of his through Christ in the Holy Spirit.

This basic truth about ourselves should infuse us with a deep sense of j oy and conf idence, in spite of whatever problem, difficulty, mistake and sin we can commit. Let’s always remember the parable of the prodigal son. No matter how much we abuse God’s goodness, God will always welcome us back if we decide to go back to him.

Besides, it would be good if we are constantly aware of the many good things that we enjoy in life and

that we tend to take for granted. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the family we have, etc.,--these things should lead us to be most thankful to God and to keep being close to him, always doing his will, because away from him, we can only have problems.

Even our misfortunes can be a source of blessing as long as we go through them with God. Everything will always work out for the good, St. Paul reassured us. (cfr Rom 8,28) We have to be wary of a strong current trend in the world today where people tend to depend simply only on their own resources instead of going to God. Such attitude, no matter how brilliant, talented and gifted a person is, cannot cope with all the challenges in life. Sooner or later, he will be overcome by life’s problems and troubles.

When we count our blessings, we unavoidably are led to God who is the source of all good things. In

this, St. James in his lettert old us very clearly. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (1,17) Nowadays, I see many people, even many young ones, already looking sad and depressed because they are more aware of their problems and difficulties r at h e r t h a n t h e m a ny blessings they have. Some have even gone to the extent of knowing only the bad things in life, and nothing of the good things.

I guess such phenomenon is due in large part to the trend of ignoring God in their lives, or just taking him for granted. There is so much secularism around, so much paganism, where the basic equality of men where everyone loves one another is forgotten and is replaced by the law of the jungle where the strong and fortunate can easily take advantage of the weak and the unlucky. blessings/PAGE 11

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5

Banking&Finance

Gov’t debt rises to 56% of GDP at end-March

T

HE national government’s debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio went up to 56.2 percent as of end-March this year from the 55.2 percent debt-to-GDP ratio in the same period in 2017.

In the economic bulletin released by the Department of Finance (DOF) Wednesday, it said the country has advanced its borrowing ahead of the projected triple adjustments in the policy rate of the United States Federal Reserve System.

“The Treasury issued PHP255.4 billion in Treasury bonds (T-bonds) in December 2017 at 4.625 percent to take advantage of favorable rates,” the DOF said. It added that this drove the domestic debt to increase to 36.5 percent of GDP as of end-March 2018 from 35.4-percent level during the same period in 2017.

From the 4.625-percent yield on T-bonds in December last year, average interest rate for

the government security climbed to 6.350 percent during the latest T-bonds auction Tuesday, May 22.

The government’s external borrowings slightly declined to 19.7 percent in the same period this year from 19.8 percent in the previous year. “The excellent design and timing of borrowings has allowed government to tap cheaper rates and longer maturities with higher volumes, enabling government to optimize savings for the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program and social expenditures,” the DOF said.

Moreover, debt-torevenue ratio as of endMarch declined to 268.6 percent this year from 273.9 percent in 2017, while debt-to-expenditure ratio fell to 230 percent in 2018 from 240.5 percent last year.

The government has maintained the 0.66 percent interest payments-to-GDP ratio over the 12-month period,

while interest paymentsto-revenue and interest payments-to expenditure ratios both decreased to 4.19 percent and 3.59 percent, respectively, as of end-March 2018.

Meanwhile, net debtto-GDP ratio declined to 39.6 percent as of endMarch 2018 from 40.1 percent as of end-March last year.

“Proactive debt

management has afforded the Philippines an expanded fiscal space as the level of debt has declined significantly from 87.2 percent in 2006 to 42.1 percent in 2017

-- a 45.1 percentage point decline. Net debt shows a bigger decline from 84.8 percent to 39 percent --a 45.8 percentage point decline,” the DOF noted.

(PNA)

DTI supports most provisions of TRAIN 2 THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed support for most provisions of the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Package 2 (TRAIN 2), but indicated that it is also closely coordinating with the Department of Finance (DOF) to air the concerns of various stakeholders.

During a hearing at the House of Representatives Tuesday, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said in his opening statement that the department supports the modernization of incentives as proposed in the TRAIN 2.

“DTI supports the proposed reforms on the existing incentive regime

making it more modern, relevant, responsive, competitive, pro-business, and pro-investments. We adhere to the principle that the incentives to be provided by the investment promotion agencies (IPAs) will be focused, timebound, performancebased, and transparent,” said Lopez.

He also revealed that the DTI has agreed to create a Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) to identify preferred areas of investment activity to be led by the Board of Investments (BOI).

The DOF seeks to create a single, unified list of preferred economic activities that will be

granted incentives by the government through the SIPP to be implemented nationwide.

“We welcome the expansion of the available incentives to include a menu which will be more useful for project proponents pursuing strategic and sociallyrelevant projects rather than offering income tax holiday (ITH) as a one-size-fits-all tool for attracting investments from across different sectors,” said Lopez, who is also the BOI chairman.

The trade chief likewise supports the proposal to remove the nationality requirement and bias for exports activities to qualify for tax perks.

“What is important is that jobs created here in the Philippines for the Filipino people, regardless of the ownership or market to be served. Markets for goods are already contestable under our free trade agreements,” he said.

On the other hand, Lopez cited inputs and recommendations from stakeholders for the TRAIN 2 which include the following: * Preserving a onestop shop character of the PEZA and IPA transactions; * Putting a cap or harmonizing the tax rates and fees which the local government units can impose; support/PAGE 10

6

Environment

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Monday|May 28, 2018

TIEZA expedites construction of temporary outfall in Boracay

M

ANILA – The Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA) has mobilized the construction of temporary discharge pipeline to fast track the rehabilitation activities in Boracay at the onset of the rainy season starting June.

The temporary outfall will prevent flooding on various underground utilities and road

construction projects while TIEZA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) augment their declogging activities in the drainage systems and sewerage facilities of Boracay.

The outfall will have a discharge pipe extended up to 800 meters off the shore of Bolabog beach. It will cater drainage water from the central Boracay section. The waters to be discharged from this outfall

will be treated accordingly before being released to the continental shelf.

This temporary outfall is part of the action plan to ensure that the 6-month Boracay rehabilitation program will be unhampered even during the June to December rainy season.

Working side-by-side with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and DPWH, TIEZA hopes to complete the temporary

outfall project by July 2018.

The permanent outfall will be completed by January 2019.

TIEZA hastens the implementation of Phase 2 of the Boracay Drainage Improvement Project. Phase 2, among others, targets to finish the construction of four more pumping stations and three sea outfall pipelines.

The mandate of TIEZA in Boracay rehabilitation program pursuant to Executive Order

No. 53 – Creating the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force – is to undertake the completion of the drainage system program, to work with DPWH in the establishment of flood control infrastructures, and to ensure the completion of the expansion programs of water and sewerage system in the three barangays of Boracay Island.

TIEZA is the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism.

‘Pagbubuklod ng Bakod’:

Recycling plastic materials to compost fence for school supplies MARAWI CITY — At Barangay Bito Buadi Itowa, in an evacuation camp by the foothill of Marawi City, young school children on summer break are being taught a lesson in environmental stewardship.

Using plastic bottles, wrappers, and other waste materials from the area, Meiyoshi Masgon of Xavier Ateneo’s Sustainable Sanitation Center is teaching how to recycle these into plastic bricks.

The brick bottles will be used to construct an all-plastic bottle fence to enclose a compost pit which will nutrient-rich materials to improve the soil and fertilize communal vegetable gardens In August 2017, three months after the Marawi siege erupted, XU Tabang Marawi has introduced

participatory agroenterprise development as a solution to help displaced residents cope with food security and unemployment.

As a supplement to this response, the Peace Crops agri-project is focusing on providing similar programs to out-of-school youth as a measure to lure them away from extremism.

Dubbed “Pagbubuklod ng Bakod,” the project aims to provide participating school children with an assortment of school supplies (from pens to notebooks to bags) commensurate with the quantity of plastic bottles produced.

“We believe this activity worth pursuing in collaboration with the public,” Masgon said. “We are looking for sponsors recycling/PAGE 10

How does KPOP influence and affect the learning process of pupils GENEROSE A. DENONONG Lourdes Elementary School - Teacher I Division of Valencia City

FILIPINO teenage fans are very active consumers of Korean popular music and videos and are highly exposed to Kpop. Consuming Korean music and videos gratify the Filipino fans’ needs on some levels but not all these gratifications serve as motivators for repeated consumption.

New knowledge about South Korea and the social interaction formed out of their fandom are only a part of the whole package that comes consuming Korean content.

Attraction of the Filipino fans on the foreign media content is because of the presence of familiar cultural offerings (language, visuals, cultural capital and story).

These cultural offerings in turn gratified the needs of

the Filipino fans especially in terms of their needs for entertainment (satisfied by visual and narrative aspects) and information (satisfied by language and cultural capital). Together, the appeal of the cultural aspects and the ability of Kpop to gratify the fans’ needs resulted to their active consumption of Korean music and videos.

Gratification can a c tu a l ly o c c u r i n t he beginning of the exposure and the gratification of needs can actually become the prerequisite for the continued consumption.

Filipino students become more i nvolve d i n t he information processing through their more frequent exposures to Korean music and videos.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE

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Editor: GILBERT Y. CHAO

mOTORING IN-DEPTH

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Monday|May 28, 2018

Inday Sarah enrolls at the Honda Safety Driving Center to advocate motorcycle safety

D

aughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Attorney Sarah Duterte Carpio, better known as Inday Sarah to Davaoeños, begins her Safety Riding training at the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) in Sucat, Paranaque as part of her support to Honda’s Road

Safety Advocacy.

A lawyer by profession and a certified motorcycle lover and rider as influenced by her father, Atty. Duterte is known to go around her hometown of Davao on her Honda XR200.

She is also an avid rider of Big Bike models.

As a politician well-versed in the country’s road and traffic

conditions, Duterte wants to set an example to the Filipino people, whose lives heavily depend on various modes of land transportation. Adding to this is the fast growing number of motorcycle riders, with sales growing at 115% from the previous year.

Statistics also tell that human errors caused by

inadequate skills and lack of a proper safety mindset cause 90% of road accidents, which results in delays, losses, and even fatalities. This is what HSDC wants to counter with its several courses focusing on safety practices for both twowheels and four-wheels.

The establishment of the HSDC is part of Honda’s

obligation as a motorcycle manufacturer to provide road safety education and programs for all by equipping Filipinos with road discipline, proper safety mindset and superior driving skills. Ultimately, Honda’s goal is to build a community of safe riders, so everyone can safely feel the joy of mobility.

Volkswagen PH unveils five new models Volkswagen Philippines recently unveiled five new models to re-define how the world-renowned German marque in the Philippines will develop and expand its local presence. Ayala Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala led the unveiling ceremony by driving one of the highlight vehicles onto the stage - the Santana MPI M/T Trendline. Other models introduced were

the Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Santana GTS MPI A/T Comfortline, and the Lamando 280TSI DSG Highline. Three of the five new models the Santana, the Lavida, and the Tiguan are available at the entire dealership network starting May 19, while the Santana GTS and the Lamando will be offered in November.

The Santana, which was among the 10 best-selling

models in China in 2017, is powered by a 1.4-liter Multi-Point Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, with maximum power output of 90 Ps at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 132 Nm at 3,800rpm.

For ride comfort and stability, the Santana features electronic power steering, front McPherson Independent Suspension, and rear composite torsion beam semi-

independent suspension.

Safety highlights include ISOFIX anchorage points (mounting fixture for two child seats on rear seat bench), Anti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS), and immobilizer. Available exterior colors are Polar White, Reflex Silver, Pepper Grey and Deep Black with an SRP starting at P686,000.

The Lavida, which is still the best selling sedan and second best-selling model for the entire Chinese car market, is equipped with a 1.4-liter Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) 4-cylinder unveils/PAGE 10

Caltex Havoline powers up Grab drivers and bike clubs members with self-defense training from ONE Championship Caltex Havoline, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), empowers the hard-working drivers of Grab and bike clubs by providing a free self-defense training.

Eduard “Landslide" Folayang, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, and Honorio “The Rock” Banario, gave hands-on training to select Grab drivers and bike clubs such as Super 8 Philippines, Mio i-125 Motorcycle Club PH and Soul i-125 Bikers PH. ONE Championship athletes from team Lakay demonstrated

basic-self-defense and stretching exercises to the participants. This initiative aims to enhance the driver’s alertness and mental strength as they spend long hours plying the city streets.

Transport network vehicles have become popular among Filipino commuters since Grab entered the country in 2014. Grab drivers have ensured the safety and convenience of their passengers ever since. But being a driver in the city is not an easy job. training/PAGE 10

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Coming Back Home:

Co-creating a Better Barangay Brgy. Inawayan, of the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, is the first barangay outside of Davao city in the south.

Home to around 7,000 Muslim and Christian residents, the community was highly dependent on fishing and agriculture.

With not much economic activity, people left to look for opportunities in other places.

These past few years, however, the economy started to pick up, thanks to the arrival of AboitizPower’s baseload power plant operated by Therma South.

Suddenly, there were jobs even for skilled workers. The once lonely intersection was bustling with storefronts -- from barber shops to eateries, stores, and even a surplus shop. Inawayan residents who were working in other places started coming back home.

“Ang mga dugay na nga nihawa, nanguli na sa atong barangay (Those who left a long time ago have come home to our barangay),” said Punong Barangay Romulo Elula as he mused on the rapid progress of the barangay.

From a fishing and agriculture-dependent village, Inawayan has

Advancing health services. One of the most significant changes in Inawayan over the last three years was the construction of their new barangay health center donated by Therma South in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation. (Left: Old health center, Right: new health center)

become host to a number of commercial and industrial locators.

“Before, people relocated to distant places to find work.

But now that a lot of job opportunities have opened up for them here, they are coming back to our barangay. Residents were able to find work, especially during the plant’s construction. TSI was the first big investor that entered Inawayan.

Other investors followed,” Elula said.

Inawayan’s experience with AboitizPower is not unique. This is part of the company’s values of

sharing progress to their host communities -- their partners.

“As a group, we have always looked at the success of our business as a function of the positive impact we have in our community. Our community should progress together with our business,” Therma South’s manager for Reputation and Stakeholder Management Jason C. Magnaye said, highlighting the group’s purpose of advancing business and communities.

Aside from improved employment

opportunities, the barangay also saw a significant increase in its tax revenues.

“Before the boom, we only had around P2 million pesos of internal revenue allotment (IRA).

Now, our funds are close to P5 million. In addition, the barangay has already downloaded P11 million in real property tax (RPT) from TSI alone,” Elula said.

As a whole, TSI has spent more than P43 million in its host localities since construction started in 2011.

Elula shared that from

TSI’s RPT contributions, the barangay will now be able to procure a dump truck to support its barangay solid waste management program, a barangay utility vehicle, and implement road concreting plans.

Income levels have also improved . Based on a survey conducted in 2015, the average monthly income of an Inawayan household head was around P5,000, which has now doubled to P10,000 in 2017.

While rapid development also brings about fears of environmental degradation, Inawayan’s environmental efforts have not been neglected.

“TSI has annual programs like the coastal cleanup, which was something that we seldom did. We used to do one

cleanup every three years before. But now, we do it annually and every year there is less trash to collect because of our joint campaign with TSI on proper waste disposal,” Elula shared.

The quality of education in the barangay has also improved.

Through TSI’s corporate social responsibility programs, teachers have been given opportunities to undergo trainings.

More school facilities and equipment have also been introduced, including classrooms, libraries, science laboratories, and tech-voc facilities.

In the field of governance, Inawayan has consistently been cited as a model barangay in various fields, the most recent of which was its recognition as the home/PAGE 9

Adult Leaders Undergo Training in Cotabato By: Rizalito S. Paloso Libona District-1

Inawayan Barangay Hall. In 2016, Inawayan inaugurated its brand new barangay hall. (Left: Old barangay hall, Right: new barangay hall)

Miss Camaman-an 2018 Rianne Mae Getuaban (center) is flanked by her runners-up May 11. photo courtesy of charms and queens

Five BSP Scruters were sent to Camp Bulatukan, Makilala, North Cotabato to attend the one week training for Advanced Training Course for Troop Leaders last April 14-20, 2018.

They were Scout Leader Anamarita Tagalog of Pongol Elementary School, Scouter Rizalito S. Paloso of Capehan Elementary S cho ol, S c oute r E l is a Geniseran of Libona Central School, Scouter Arnold Tagud and Scouter Adelino Sanosa from Dalag-ayan Elementary School, District of Libona , Bukidnon.

The group from Libona was headed by Dr. Robinson S. Sarominez, Public Schools District Super visor of Libona I and one Kawan Leader from Maramag District. Doctor Sarominez was one of the facilitator and was chosen as assistant course leader during the whole duration because of

his qualification as 3 beads holdres.

The participants were mostly from North Cotabato Davao Oriental, Davao City and Bukidnon. Despite of the very difficult series of training and challenging activities, everybody was eager to finish till the end of the session. Now, we have equipped with sufficient skills and knowledge in scouting and ready to help and guide our Boys to march forward to the right directions and everybody was happy upon receiving the scarp, woogle and 2 beads as wood badge holder.

The team would like to thanks to the local government of Libona, headed by Mayor Leonardo Genesis Calingasan, the Sangguning Bayan, the Local School Board for sponsoring all the expenses of the participants. From you Sir, we salute.

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When you’re in Davao City, Read:

HOTELS & RESORTS DIRECTORIES

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

Through the partnership of NGCP and the local Quezon City government, seven tower sites in Barangays Baesa and Sangandaan were cleared of informal settlers. NGCP will commence the upgrading of its San Jose-Quezon 230kV transmission line, which would ensure more reliable power transmission services for the greater Luzon area.

NGCP’s San Jose-Quezon transmission line project in full swing

N

GCP’s SanJose Quezon 230 kiloVolt (kV) transmission line upgrading project is now set to high gear after the Quezon City Government cleared the right-of-way corridor of seven transmission tower sites located in Barangays Baesa and Sangandaan.

The San Jose-Quezon 230kV Line 3 project is a critical project which will widen the power corridor into Metro Manila, and allow supply from power plants to feed the Luzon load center. It will also relieve the existing transmission line, prevent overloading, and will ensure that NGCP

maintains the line’s N-1 contingency. N-1 refers to the ability of the transmission grid to withstand a major power disturbance through redundancies in the grid system.

The project also involves the expansion of NGCP’s San Jose Quezon Substations, which are crucial facilities that serve the load requirements of Metro Manila.

“Thanks to our good relations with the government of Quezon City, we were able to rehabilitate and upgrade our transmission lines in the city which were previously inaccessible by our transmission line team. Our efforts

are now focused on expediting the project’s completion, and seeing a more reliable transmission of power in the country’s biggest load center,” NGCP stated.

Through an agreement signed by NGCP and the Quezon City government last 2017, the latter implemented the relocation of informal settlers living underneath the San JoseQuezon transmission line in the two barangays and cleared the tower sites of dangerous improvements, helping NGCP secure the ROW clearances of its tower sites within the city.

Respecting the ROW corridor of transmission

lines and facilities will prevent unnecessary power interruptions, ensure swifter maintenance activities, and will avert potential loss of life and property.

NGCP also renews its call for support from other LGUs to work with the company in securing ROW corridors of its transmission lines and facilities in order to fast-track the implementation of its projects nationwide.

NGCP is a Filipinoled, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders Henry Sy, Jr. and Robert Coyiuto, Jr.

Home...

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 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

from page 8

No. 1 Barangay in the entire province of Davao del Sur Katarungang Pambarangay programs.

As the years pass, Barangay Inawayan will continue to take strides in improving the quality of life for its people -- the same people who may have left for a better future before, but have come home for a better life now.

Wholly-ownedAboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) is the owner and operator of the 300-megawatt Davao Baseload Power Plant located in Binugao, Toril, Davao City. It is the first power plant in Mindanao to utilize the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) technology. TSI is also certified in three ISO standards, namely Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), and Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSAS 18001:2007).

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

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

Oreo Vamenta and Shekaina Valdehueza serenade SM City Cagayan de Oro shoppers during Mother's Day. photo by mark francisco

RUEMANGO APARTELLE & SUITES 516 Mangga St., Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City ruemangoapartelleandsuites@gmail.com www.ruemango.com Tel. Nos.: (082) 295-7175/ 295-7180

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Monday|May 28, 2018

Support... from page 5

* Reasonable duration and mo d a lit y to a l low current investors enjoying the 5-percent gross income earned to transition to the new regime; * Clarifications on the application of value-added tax exemptions, zero-rating, and refund systems on inputs across locators, and on constructive exports; * Longer transition period or continued conditional and performance-based incentives for purely exportoriented efficiency seeking projects, especially as these can easily relocate to another country; * The role and composition of Fiscal Incentives Review Board and the DOF; and * Power of the President to negotiate incentives beyond the menu of TRAIN 2 for highly desirable projects.

“The DTI and the Department of Finance are closely collaborating to provide a unified impact to the drafting of a bill an in engaging the different stakeholders all over the country,” Lopez said.

“The current status of our discussions with the DOF are not yet translated into specific provisions in the bills, and hence we are looking forward to the public hearings as this will be a venue to provide greater details and clarifications to the provisions and submission of proposed changes, statements, positions, and data supporting TRAIN 2,” he added.

He also requested lawmakers that a Technical Working Group (T WG) related to TRAIN 2 be created, the DTI should be part of the TWG. Meanwhile, Lopez highlighted that for every P1-tax incentive that the government provided to BOI-listed companies, these firms generated P2.3 billion worth of taxes paid to the government during the ITH availment.

He added that based on a 10-year projection of

BOI, ITH provided by the government to BOI-registered firms will amount to P52 billion, but the government will be collecting P300 billion as tax revenues from these companies. (PNA)

Recycling... from page 6

who recognize the unique opportunity and experience we present. We intend to deliver the goods in time for the school opening in mid-June.”

Donations in kind or cash convertible to school supplies can be channeled through Nestor Banuag Jr, team leader of the XU Tabang Marawi, at Room 106, XU Agriculture Building or call (+63 88) 853 9800 local 9201. Interested donors may deposit at the BPI account of Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan (Account Number: 9331013363) and send the deposit slip to vpsocdev@xu.edu.ph. (XU Communications Office)

Unveils... from page 7

gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technolog y mated to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission, capable of 130 Ps of power at 5,000 rpm and 225 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,500 r pm.

The interior features and comfort amenities include leather seat material, cruise control, Climatronic air conditioning, and sunroof.

Safety highlights include the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) with Brake Assistant, ABS, Electronic Differential Lock and Anti Slip Regulation (ASR), hill hold control, Push Start, and Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Available exterior colors are Polar White, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Limestone Grey, Sunset Red, and Opalsilver Metallic with an SRP starting at P1,171,000.

The Tiguan, which has comfortably maintained its position as segment leader in C hina w it h 330,000 units sold, has a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion

From Dreams to Reality By: Rizalito S. Paloso Libona District-1

Capehan Elementary School is one of the remote areas in the district of Libona I, division of Bukidnoin.

It is located at the foot of Mount Kitanglad, the Southern most part of the municipality. The barangay is bounded by river facing the lovely Greenfield of Baungon District. Most of the people are laborer and farmers. They have a limited source of income and land to till because of the wide area of Pineapple Plantation.

Last opening of the school year, the ABSCBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation through Special Action Force Leader Captain Boral, distributed more or less 350 school

bags and school supplies.

These were ver y much welcome by the teachers, local leaders and parents.

The pupils and parents were thankful to the Kapamilya Foundation for the gift they have received.

The rise of 2 classroom b u i l d i n g i n C ap e h a n Elementary School was just a dream of teachers before.

Now the dream comes true.

The request of the teachers and school head Mr. Sigfred B. Janubas was granted by the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Foundation and now the building is about to finish, probably it will be turn over and utilized by first week of July. Thank you to ABS-CBN Foundation and Mabuhay tayong lahat.

Technolog y mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission.

Maximum power output is 150 Ps at 5,000 rpm, while maximum torque is at 250 Nm at 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. Its interior features and comfort amenities include Vienna leather seat material, 2-zone Climatronic airconditioning, Pa n o r a m i c s u n r o o f , 8 speakers, and driver power 12-way seat adjustment.

Safety systems include ISOFIX anchorage points, ESP, ABS, brake assistant, ASR, EDS, EDTC, hill hold control, and rear PDC with acoustic warning signal.

Available exterior colors are Polar White, Titanium Beige, Hunting Brown, and Deep Black with an SRP starting at P1,648,000.

On the other hand, the Santana GTS is powered by 1.5-liter 4-cylinder inline MPI gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission w hile the Lamando is equipped with a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technolog y mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission.

The warranty coverage for all these five new models are comprehensive. Aside from the 3 years or 100,000-km general warranty, whichever comes first, Volkswagen Philippines also offers a 3-year warranty for paint and another 3-year warranty for through-corrosion of the main steel body structure.

The periodic maintenance s er v ice (PMS) inter va l schedule for these new models is also structured

for its owners convenience.

The PMS interval is once a year, or every 10,000 kms, whichever comes first. This is more convenient and more cost-efficient compared to the industry-standard 5,000km PMS interval.

Training... from page 7

Getting stuck in traffic means longs hours of stop-andgo driving that builds up unwanted carbon deposits in car or motorcycle engines which can result in poor engine performance. This is just one of the many daily challenges drivers face.

“Aside from the benefits of using Caltex Havoline, we also want to emphasize the value of strength and instill the importance of having confidence in our drivers. Together with ONE Championship, we are glad to provide free self-defense training to Grab drivers and motorcycle riders, creating physically and mentally alert drivers. With Caltex Havoline, these drivers now have the courage and strength to take on the challenges that they will face on the road,” said Hafiz Nasar, Area Business Manager for Finished Lubricants of CPI. Caltex Havoline range of motorcycle oils, with C.O.R.E Technology, provides cuttingedge solutions for today’s riders. It protects engines against stubborn carbon deposits, enhances engine performance and improves acceleration, giving more confidence and better driving experience to motorists.

ASIA WORLD PAWNSHOP

Main: Osmeña-Cogon Market, Cagayan de Oro Branch: Ipil St.,Carmen , Cagayan de Oro NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE Starting June 8, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. to 12 noon, this establishment will set an Auction Sale on all pledges since January 2018 at Osmeña-Cogon Market and Ipil St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT PAHIBALO

Sa Hunyo 8, 2018 sa may 10:00 sa buntag paingon da alas 12 sa udto, ang Tanan nga penirenda nga wala malukat sa bulan sa Enero 2018 maapil sa subasta sa Osmeña-Cogon Market ug Ipil St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Giawhag ang tanan suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

ANG TAGDUMALA BWM: May 28, 2018

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Rice...

Falcata...

i ne f f i c i e n c y i n stor i ng buffers when har vest of NFA quality varieties last year was still abundant.

Tabor however reiterated that only NFA stocks have d e pl e te d but t h e m ore expensive commercial rice is still available. Yet majority of the masses rely on the cheaper NFA varieties for their daily staples.

He added that the June imports coming from Vietnam and Thailand are of better quality than the previous NFA stocks.

Nor t h e r n Mi n d an a o will be allocated 250,000 metric tons comprising 300,000 bags of rice once the first batch of shipment docks in by next month, Tabor reported even as he said that both the Port of Cagayan de Oro and the Mindanao Container Te r m i n a l i n M i s a m i s Oriental are considered one of the load ports of the Philippines.

Of the said figure, 30,000 bags will be allocated to Cagayan de Oro City, the regional capital of Northern Mindanao and its largest and most populous locality.

These will then be distributed to local retailers at 50 bags a week, said Tabor.

they can be millionaires in the next three to five years when their falcata trees will be ready for harvest.

Madrid Havana,48, a farmer tending a hectare of falcata trees in an interior upland village of Halapitan in La Paz town is among the 1,363 farmers who are growing this crop since 2014 fully supported by the provincial government under the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) program, a pet project of Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza.

“I hope our lives will be better when the harvest time comes,” Havana said.

His falcata trees can be sold to a million pesos or more especially when it reaches the mature age of seven to nine years in 2021 to 2023.

Another farmer Wilfredo Cadenas who grows the tree in the village of Sinubong in Veruela town said he could wait to harvest his crop to be fully grown in ten years, the mature age for export market.

He saw his trees growing faster with almost 100 percent survival rate after learning the proper technology in planting falcata by USAD technicians. “Comparing it to what we did before, there is really a big difference now that we planted the USAD way,”Cadenas said.

“I could harvest it in the next three years but I’ll wait when the trees reach 10 years for me to become more than a millionaire,” he said.

Forester Vevencio Banog, USAD falcata coordinator, said the technology taught to farmers are the right planting design, the right planting on the site direction from east to west and proper tree distance which is four by four meters.

Linda Buquir, chief of USAD, said a fully-grown falcata can be sold at P2,000 per tree in the local market but if a farmer allows it to grow up to 9 to10 years which could already reach up to 30 cubic meters in diameter, the selling price in the export market can reach up to P12,000 per tree.

So if a farmer can harvest at least 500 trees for a hectare of a farm lot, he can be a millionaire, Buquir said.

Over the years, falcata ( scientific name: Falcataria molucanna) , a softwood tree species mainly used in making veneer, plywood and paper abounds in this landlocked province with almost a million hectares in total land area. Agusan del Sur is the main supplier of falcata logs in Caraga region, tagged as the timber corridor of the country.

Forester Danny Sarong of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources OfficeLocal Government Unit said falcata farmers in Agusan del Sur can produce at least 2,000 cubic meters a day, topping all other four provinces in Caraga region.

A study made by the Department of Environment

from page 1

Print... from page 1

first of all a platform to pursue various advocacy, p aramount of w hich is truthful information, but just li ke any ot her endeavors, it needs money to keep going. Without the mainstream press, the people’s right to truthful information is at stake.

The s o ci a l me di a in cyber space may offer a potential venue to inform but it hasn’t reached the point of being dependable, as any Tom, Dick and Harry have an e as y a c c e ss to propagate brazen lies and unconfirmed reports that can deprive the people of their opportunity to shape cor re c t and re as onable opinions on different issues.

Our country is in such a d i l e m m a . Fa k e n e w s on social media is so rampant and is even used as propaganda armaments of certain people to malign the reputations of others.

S a d l y, s o m e p e o p l e subscribing to the social media can be so gullible to embrace disinformation, h o o k , l i n e a n d s i n k e r.

T h e re i s ye t n o b e tt e r replacement for the print media in conveying factual information. It may not always be perfect but should there be anything amiss, there is always an opportunity to correct what is wrong, not to mention that the accountability is readily determinable.

Though there are great hurdles along the way resu lt ing f rom t he vicissitudes of the modern times, print media shall c ont i nu e s t r u g g l i ng t o survive.

from page 1

and Natura l Res ources showed that Caraga region supplies 70 percent of the country’s wood requirement.

Farmers who availed of the USAD program are called “farmer-enrollees” provided with capacity building technical support and tree seedlings for their farms.

They are however complied to sign a written social contract for them to commit in religiously tending their farm and never enter into loan out scheme, practice among farmers to sell their trees even in its early growing up stages.

Plaza has warned farmerenrollees attending the USAD forum not to be easily swayed by traders buying young growing falcata trees at a very low prices.

“Push for more effort for your lives to improve and never sell young trees to these buyers,” Plaza said.

Buquir said many farmers in the past before USAD was introduced has been selling their falcata trees still growing at two to three years to a measly P100,000 per hectare.

She said USAD farmers who would still engage with this ill practices will be blacklisted and can no longer avail of the program.

To sustain the program, mu n i c ip a l a g r i c u ltu r a l technicians are tasked to f requently monitor the growth of falcata trees of USAD farmer-enrollees to ensure their million-peson production target.

Commends... from page 2

and Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative in securing the energy facilities, rehabilitating generation plants as well as transmission and distribution lines, and in ensuring the safety of all those helping in protecting and rebuilding the Marawi City.

The Energy chief also acknowledged the donations and support given by One Meralco Foundation, Aboitiz Power Corporation, Liter of Light, Pepsi Philippines, PHINMA Energy Corp., and the United States Agency for International DevelopmentB LEADERS to the energy sector in Marawi City.

“Na kap agp atu loy p o kami sa paglilingkod dahil sa inyong mga tumulong sa amin dito sa Marawi. Maraming salamat po at mabuhay kayo!

(We persevere in serving the people of Marawi because of the help you have extended to us. We thank all of you for your support),” Cusi said.

(DOE)

Industry... from page 2

policies that will support the growth of regional industries.

“By improving our business and policy environment, we can attract more investments which is going to be the source of jobs, emerging new tech industries, as well as new products and services leading to improved productivity and competitiveness,” Asec.

Aldaba further said.

Close coordination among government agencies is also

critical.

Asec. Aldaba said collaboration and closer coordination within government can be promoted by expanding DOST-DTI innovation memorandum of understanding to include the Department of Information and Communications Technology which has a mand ate ove r phy s ic a l innovation infrastructure; the Department of Agriculture because of the R&D support it provides to the agricultural sector; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Commission on Higher Education to grant m o r e m a r k e t - o r i e nt e d research, commercialization support, and reforms in the curricula; the National Economic and Development Authority for the monitoring of innovation policy and evaluate implementation; the Department of Finance for fiscal support; and the Department of Interior and Local Government to link up with local government units. (APB/PIA-10)

Food... from page 2

(TFBM), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries– Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF/ ARMM), Department of Agriculture (DA), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Provincial Governments o f L a n a o d e l Su r a n d Maguindanao, and the City Government of Marawi in restoring agriculture-based livelihoods in Marawi and surrounding areas.

FAO has also mapped out a short-to medium-term strategic response plan to restore the food supply and agribusiness value chain in Marawi and other affected municipalities and enable them to be better linked to regional markets. (eor/FAO)

Burning...

our countrymen, came as a result of man’s refusal to read God’s Bible and his dislike in obeying His commands, it would be clear that the only antidote against such curses would be a diligent reading of the Bible, and truthful obedience to His commands.

And so I am appealing to those who are, like me, tr ying to seek the most effective solutions against God’s curses. We should start with ourselves, by reading the Bible daily once again, meditating on what we have been reading from its verses, and carefully obeying those commands everyday of our lives. If our readers here at Kakampi Mo Ang Batas are with me in this, please let me know by texting the numbers written below.

-ooo FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, or what we have discussed here, or to consult on any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917 984 24 68, or email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at www. facebook.com/attybatas.

Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

This curse can be read from Deuteronomy 28:25, 22-23.

From where I sit, mankind should try to understand well God’s catastrophic promises from Deuteronomy 28:1568, so that they would be empowered to find solutions against the curses promised

by God. If these 53 curses from God, including the curses of scorching heat and debilitating droughts which are even now thrashing

from page 4 It would be good if from time to time we pause and take account of the many good things God has given us. It would lead us to realize what is really important in life, and to avoid getting entangled and lost in the drama of life.

Remember that we are meant to be always happy and calm even in the midst of our misfortunes.

The government is work ing on it, assures Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jess Dureza.

Dureza concedes, however, that as of now there is no magic formula which answers all these questions.

At last – a national ID After several Presidents, we will soon have a national ID system. It is about time.

We are one of 9 remaining countries in the world which, to date, have not adopted one.

T h e a d v a nt a g e s f a r outweigh the disadvantages.

Not only will a national ID facilitate public and private transactions. It will also help enhance national and community security.

Of course, a noisy militant minority will continue the protest the system not just for being invasive of privacy but for being reminiscent of the cedula – considered as a sign of subservience to our former colonial masters.

Come one, guys. This is already 2018. Let us just move on. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to be afraid of.

Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com. You may also “like” us at Facebook at “Speaking Out”. from page 4

Blessings...

Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Minicipality of Initao -oOo-

Bunye...

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

from page 4

Seven months after the cessation of hostilities in Marawi, the rehabilitation of Marawi is moving ever slowly.

Nonetheless, considering the tedious process entailed preparing the rehab plan – much of which was taken up by multi-sectoral consultation on the best development mix – the palace has expressed satisfaction of what has been accomplished so far.

902 priority projects have been identified and are being readied for implementation.

Adequate funding – estimated in excess of P70 billion over CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J three Lim Bldg.,years Tiano Brothers the next – is being Kalambagohan Sts., budgeted.

Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 Unsatisfied, critics have CAMIGUIN described theBRANCH proposed B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, rehabilitation of387-0491 Marawi Camiguin Tel. # (088) as “a patchwork of sketchy CORRALES BRANCH Corrales The Ave., Cagayan de Oro City not plans”. plans do DIVISORIA BRANCH address many problems – not Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. the least ofCagayan which is City the age Velez St., de Oro Tel. # (088) 857-3631 old question of unresolved LAPASAN BRANCH property rights among the Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City MuslimTel.population.

This # (088) 231-6739 thorny issue has been tagged CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Oro City of as one of theCagayan rootdecauses Tel. # (088) 231-2011 conflict in Mindanao.

May 25, 2018 CCE-0033-2018 R.A. 10172

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 RITCHIE C. REGIDOR 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 in the date of birth from “ “ to “ “ in the certificate of live birth of RITCHIE B. CAPINPUYAN at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are ERICO N. CAPINPUYAN and CONCEPCION P. BAGARES.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than June 18, 2018.

(SGD.) ISAIAS S. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

BWM: May 28 & June 4, 2018

CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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

Monday|May 28, 2018

Phoenix Petroleum powers the 2018 STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge

T

hirty-one cars from 10 car manufacturers, importers, and dealers raced against each other at the recently concluded 2018 Sunshine TV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge.

From Clark Global City in

Pampanga, Phoenix PULSE Technology-powered cars started their 65.7-kilometer race to Harbor Point Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales—the longest distance the competition has had by far.

Focusing on precision driving rather than speed, the Auto Rally Corporate Challenge is a motorsport competition that follows the “On Time, All The Time” discipline and promotes road safety. The event tested both

the driving and navigation skills of the participants as the challenge required them to reach several checkpoints by passing through defined routes and arriving there exactly on the time specified.

Car brands Chevrolet,

Phoenix PULSE Technology-powered cars from different brands battle against each other during the 2018 STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge on May 12, 2018 from Clark Global City to Harbor Point Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Lexus, Mazda, Mini, Ssangyong, and Volkswagen joined this year’s competition.

For the first time in its 18 years of staging, a fuel performance benchmarking in rally mode was also conducted to test the fuel economy of participating vehicles. Phoenix PULSE Technology—a fuel additive with advanced cleaning and protection properties for enhanced power and acceleration—was the official fuel of the activity.

Participating vehicles were made to gas up on automatic full tank with their odometer reading registered and gas tank sealed before the rally at the Phoenix Mindanao Avenue station. A post-rally gas up on automatic full tank as well was done for each vehicle, but with a different odometer reading to determine the actual fuel consumed and distance traveled.

“When we launched Phoenix PULSE Technology early this year, we anchored our marketing campaign on one of its benefits—better fuel economy through continuous usage. Through the fuel performance benchmarking we introduced at this year’s Auto Rally Corporate Challenge, we were able to demonstrate and prove our proposition,”Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating

Officer Henry Albert Fadullon said.

In addition to allowing your fuel to run smoothly in your engine and burn efficiently, which results to enhanced power and acceleration, Phoenix PULSE Technology has three main benefits: It avoids fuel filter blockage for diesel-powered vehicles, it removes deposits from fuel injectors, valves, and piston surfaces, and it provides engine protection.

Team Mini emerged as winner for the Corporate Team category of this year’s competition followed by Team Honda and Team Isuzu for the second and third place, respectively.

The winners were given recognition during the Auto Rally Corporate Challenge Awards Night held on May 21, 2018 at the Valle Verde Country Club.

The Sunshine Television Auto Rally Corporate Challenge is a yearly motorsport competition participated in by local industry players. It is the revamped version of the Sampaguita Rally which was a popular local motor sports during the 60’s and 70’s.

This year, Phoenix PULSE Technology served as the official fuel partner and the presenter of the competition.