BusinessWeek Mindanao (May 4, 2015)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO “We Grow Minds”

2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

Volume V, No. 157

Market Indicators

As of 6:23 pm may 2, 2015 (saturday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P44.52

7,714.82 points

20 cents

X

110.65

X

points

Briefly Caraga’s best BUTUAN City -- The Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) will be bringing Caraga’s Best to the International Food Exhibit (IFEX) on May 21-24, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

IFEX, otherwise known as Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show, is a unique showcase of Asia’s ethnic and specialty foods, tropical fruits, vegetables, fresh sea foods, Halal-certified products, as well as natural, organic, and exotic food products. It responds to the growing preference for specialty foods in the international market, featuring culture-rich food products that are currently making waves in major supermarkets, gourmet food stores, and natural food retailers.

The event is considered as a strategic and significant route for trade ventures considering that Philippines is just a few hours away by air from all Southeast Asian megacities.

CBMS Census PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur recently launched the 2015 communitybased monitoring system – disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (CBMS-DRRCCA) census to assess the real situation of a community and frame up a realistic planning for the province.

The activity kicked-off on April 6 during the flag raising rites at the Naliyagan Cultural Center in Patin-ay, this town with its theme, “CBMS Census 2015, Apil Na! AgusanonIkawangNumero Uno!” “Indeed, this CBMS will help us assess the real situation of a particular community in conformity with what is suited in that particular area. So I’m very happy that the updated result of this will surely help us in formulating and updating our provincial master plan,” said Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hazel O. Del Rosalio of the province’s first district.

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M’danao-Palawan links pushed for BIMP-EAGA Floyd cements legacy; outpoints Pacquiao

GALLANT FIGHT. Manny Pacquiao covers his head as Floyd Mayweather throws a right hook in this bit of action in the first round of their fight dubbed “Fight of the Century” yesterday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won the fight via a unanimous decision to annex the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight belts. (Reuters)

FLOYD Mayweather cemented his status as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world with a unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao as the “Fight of the Century” failed to live up to the hype.

Scattered boos rang out around the crowd of 17,000 in the MGM Grand after Mayweather comfortably outboxed his Filipino rival to frustrate hopes of a full-blooded slugfest.

The 38-year-old Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) retained his WBC and WBA welterweight titles and seized Pacquiao’s WBO belt by winning the fight on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

Mayweather received scores of 116-112 from two judges. The third judge scored it 118-110.

But when the results were announced the pro-Pacquiao crowd booed lustily and tried to drown out Mayweather’s post-fight comments legacy/PAGE 11

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Correspondent

D

AVAO CITY -- Sea and air links between Mindanao and Palawan are being pu s h e d by t h e M i n d an a o Development Authority (MinDA) as a component of the strategy to strengthen the Philippine’s network within the BruneiIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines (BIMP) sub-region.

At the leaders’ summit in Langkawi, Malaysia which ended on Thursday, Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, MinDA chair, said the Philippines has the weakest transport connections within the BIMP-East Growth Area.

“The Philippines is working on the establishment of air and sea linkages (for Mindanao and Palawan) to be fully accessible to our EAGA neighbors,” said Ms. Antonino, the country’s signing minister for the subregion.

Mindanao and Palawan are the focus areas for the Philippines within the sub-region. pushed/PAGE 11

Domestic liquidity growth accelerates

ONE MORE FIGHT. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. displays his belt after outpointing Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather reiterated he would retire after his next fight in September which will fulfil his six-fight contract to Showtime Sport. (AFP)

DOMESTIC liquidity (M3) grew by 9.4 percent year-on-year in March 2015 to reach P7.7 trillion faster than the 8.5-percent expansion recorded in February, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 increased by 2.1 percent.

According to the BSP, the accelerated domestic liquidity growth during the month was due in part to the slower increase in placements of trust entities in the Central Bank’s special deposit account (SDA) facility growth/PAGE 11

NCCA wants state honors for T’boli ‘dreamweaver’

By MINDANEWS

GENERAL Santos City -- The National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will offer state honors to the late T’boli “national living treasure” Be’ Lang Dulay, who passed away on Thursday after being in coma since

January following a mild stroke.

Carlo Ebeo, vice chair of the NCCA’s national committe e on c u ltur a l e duc at ion, s aid Fr id ay Lang Dulay is entitled to full state honors being a

Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasure awardee.

Su ch re c o g n it i on i s equivalent to the national artist award bestowed by the national government, he said.

“She’s a national cultural icon so it’s only fitting for honors/PAGE 11

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BBL upholds rights as enshrined in Philippine Constitution

T

HE Bangsamoro B a s i c L aw ( B B L ) will respect the rights of Filipino citizens, most especially those of the Indigenous People, and will support freedom of choice as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.

This is clarified in the proposed law’s Article II, S e c t i on 2 w h i c h s t at e s that, “freedom of choice of other indigenous peoples shall be respected.”

IP’s rights will not be hindered as BBL will not be imposed on anyone.

Although Bangsamoro s o cio-p olit ica l ident ity can be ascribed, this identity will not provide any special privileges over other identities.

Article IX, Section 5 also supports this claim as it mentions that there

will be “right to freedom of choice” as to the identity of the indigenous peoples.

Basic rights of inhabitants in Bangsamoro will also be protected as guaranteed in Article XI of BBL. These basic rights include the right to

freedom from religious, ethnic, and sectarian harassment; right to life a n d t o i nv i o l a bi l it y of one’s person and dignity; and right to freedom and expression of religion and beliefs.

In addition, tribal laws

an d ju s t i c e s y s t e m are upheld and will still exist in Bangsamoro once the law will be implemented.

Although the Shari’ah law will be strengthened, this will only be applied and t app e d e xclus ively for Muslims. (PIA-10)

BSP informed public on Normalization leads to new authority of collection security in Bangsamoro agents for credit cardholders THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued an advisory to inform the public on the extent of authority of external collection agencies to offer and approve debt restructuring of credit card.

T h is is i n re sp ons e to t he c ompl ai nts and inquiries received by the BSP’s Financial Consumer Protec tion Depar tment involving credit card debt restructuring.

Credit card issuers, in the course of their business, refer problem credit card accounts t o a c c re d it e d e x t e r n a l agencies for collection.

H o w e v e r, a c c o u n t s referred to collection agents which are restructured often result in complaints on unfair collection practices due to lack of awareness of credit cardholders on the extent of the authority of the external collection

agencies to negotiate for debt restructuring.

Complaints also result from the inconsistenc y between the terms of payment offered to the credit cardholder by the external collection agencies and the terms of payment approved by the credit card issuer.

It is also a common practice among external collection agencies to pressure bsp/PAGE 11

COMMUNITIES that will be under the proposed Bangsamoro will no longer be affected by armed conflict as new security will be implemented within the area as part of normalization process.

The Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) will be responsible for recommending proper policing in Bangsamoro that will consider cultural sensitivities in relation to constitutional parameters.

According to their report

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submitted to the Philippine Government on April 14, 2015, ICP stated that, “the police for the Bangsamoro shall be professional, civilian in character, effective and efficient in law enforcement, fair and impartial, and accountable under the law for its actions.”

The ICP further stated that the police “shall be responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and the communities it serves.”

In line with security, an Independent Decommissioning B ody (IDB) with its Chairman Haydar Berk from Turkey will oversee the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF)

forces and weapons.

In the decommissioning, a graduate program shall be undertaken by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to turn-in weapons.

T he M I L F w i l l a ls o coordinate with the Philippine Government to disband private armed groups.

Furthermore, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be redeployed orderly by the C entral Government and the Bangsamoro Government as part of the normalization in Bangsamoro.

However, the AFP will still retain their installations for national defense and security.

The normalization process will begin once Bangsamoro will be created. (PIA-10)

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Pursuing Peace

hink a m i n u t e …

This a true story about a young couple w ho just had their f irst child. A fe w weeks after g iv i ng bi r t h , Patt i, t he ne w mother, was telling her f r iends a l l she had b een through. She said: “Four years ago I found out I was pregnant. I was not married and alone!”

She said, “Even though I was going to church, I couldn’t give up my old bad habits and f riends.

I was still smoking dope e ver y d ay and sle eping with the man who lived n e x t d o o r. Ye t o n t h e weekends I was at church, and working with the church youth group.

But getting pregnant finally showed ever yone t hat I was a hyp o cr ite!

Many times I wanted to change and get right with G o d, but I kept fa l ling back into my old bad habits and lifestyle. I was s cared and thought the only way to clean up my b a d p ast w as to ge t an abortion so no one in the church would ever know.

Even my religious family told me to get an abortion and save our family name and reputation.

It was then I realized I had to make this decision alone, by myself ! I prayed and aske d Je sus C h r ist to forgive me for living

Battles that changed the course of history (15)

T

he Northern Luzon guerrilla ranks continued to swell especially after two consecutive U.S. submarine landings in late 1944. Stingray and USS Gar unloaded muchneeded arms and supplies for the resistance fighters.

The guerrillas eventually grew to more than 20,000 and were formally integrated into the allied forces as the United States Armed Force in the Philippines – Northern Luzon or USAFIP-NL. Except for its American commanding officer (Col. Russell Volkman) and three aides, the USAFIP-NL was an almost all Filipino group.

Zosimo Paredes, Emilio Narcise, Eulogio Balao, Simeon Valdez, Fortunato Abat, Gregorio Hufano, Faustino Somera would be remembered for their courage prior to, during and immediately after Bessang Pass. Thousands more nameless and faceless patriots wou l d b e re me mb e re d through the units under which they served (121st, 15th , 66th and the Provisional infantry regiment).

A group, aptly called as The Bolomen, volunteered to face the Japanese, armed only with their bolos and their stout hearts. Faustino Somera, Sr., a boloman, would later be credited for the killing of General Hara of the Japanese Imperial Army “with a single stroke of his bolo.”

The Battle of Bessang Pass consisted of a series of battles fought over almost 6

A Minute

L

a l i fe of hy p o c r is y and not really living His right way ever y day. So I asked Jesus to help me trust and ob e y Him, e ven thoug h I was rejected by my f riends and family. And for the f irst time in my life, I had real p eace in my heart and mind. And God took care of me. The d o c t o r t h at h e l p e d m e with the pregnanc y and delivery didn’t charge me any mone y at all for his care.

I t o l d my C h r i s t i a n f riends e ver ything, and t h e y h e lp e d m e s t ar t a new life. Then God helped me find a good Christian couple to adopt my baby g i r l n am e d S ar a h . A n d today I have a wonderful C h r i st i an hu s b an d an d a ne w baby of our own.

But more imp or tantly, I f inally have p eace with God my father and maker.”

Think a Minute…

months. The initial battle was fought in Bitalac, Tagudin on January 8, 1945 while the last was waged on June 14, 1945 at Nangyatan Hill. In between, bloody see-saw battles were fought in Lower Cadsu Ridge, Upper Cadsu Ridge, Lamagan Ridge, Laguiatan Hill, Magun Hill and Baracbac Point.

The USAFIP-NL fought the 4,000 strong Japanese shock troops directly under the command of General Yushiharu Ozaki. Ozaki was waging a bruising rear-guard action to protect Tomoyuki Yamashita who had fled to Bontoc from his Baguio headquarters.

In a way, Ozaki was fighting his own Battle of Tirad Pass . Four decades earlier General Gregorio Del Pilar with his Gallant 60 fought a brave but futile day-long battle against the 300-strong soldiers of Major March. Del Pilar was protecting the rear of President Aguinaldo who was retreating towards Isabela.

But Bessang Pass proved to be a more formidable stronghold which would take almost 6 months to overcome. The terrain of Bessang Pass has rendered it almost impervious to a ground assault. Bessang Pass is located in the mountainous area of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. It is surrounded by a cluster of high peaks (Nagucan, Namandaraan, Nalidaoan, Libo-Libo and Buccual – all not less that 5,500 feet high) deep gorges and ridges.

Military historian Robert Ross Smith (“War in the Pacific: Triumph in the Philippines”) described the battleground. Most of the year, the weather was “wet, cold, misty, foggy and rainy” rendering the grounds very muddy and slippery.

The impenetrable forests were infested with malarial mosquitoes and leeches.

Ozaki’s defenders initially enjoyed the advantage of high ground and normally kept the attacking forces pinned down on the slopes. But as the battle progressed, the Japanese slowly lost their advantage.

On clear days which, however, did not come often, the USAFIP-NL was able to call in air strikes against Japanese positions.

At this stage of the war, the Filipinos could rely on resupply. Food and ammunition would occasionally be air dropped but in most cases they were brought to the front by hundreds of civilians who walked up narrow slippery trails carrying the food and munitions on their backs.

At this stage of the game, Bessang Pass became Bataan in reverse. The hungry, sick and ill-supplied Japanese were now taking the pounding from Filipino troops.

Ground-fighting became especially fierce towards the last two weeks of the battle.

The last bloody encounter took place on June 14, 1945.

Capt. Emilio Narciso and his

SPEAKING

O ut

Ignacio Bunye men charged Nangyatan Hill where the Japanese kept their munitions. After an hour-long battle, Narciso and his men had control of the Hill.

To signify Filipino victory Narcise hoisted a make-shift flag consisting of a GI-issue olive green towel.

The Battle of Bessang Pass was over. 3,400 gallant Filipinos were either killed or wounded in this epic battle which forced the eventual surrender of Tomoyuki Yamashita.

--ANZAC Day Not m any F i l ipi n o s know this. More than 4,000 Australian sailors, soldiers and airmen participated in the Liberation of the Philippines, 92 of whom lost their lives.

Among them were nine crew of a Royal Australian Air Force Catalina that disappeared over Manila Bay. We salute you mates from Down Under!

Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com.

AND KNK: we can save even the dead sinners

THINK

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

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IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…”

(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the Holy Bible).

-ooo AUNTIE ZENY CROSSES OVER TO ETERNITY: It is with deep sadness that my cousins who are the children of my uncle and aunt, Orville R. Mauricio and Azucena “Zeny” Lahora Mauricio, announced the other day of the death of Auntie Zeny, after a deadly stroke which hit her five days after celebrating her 85th, and evidently her last, birthday last April 25, 2015.

Among the saddest of these cousins of mine is Orlan, a fellow newsman and veteran TV reporter who is at the same time tasked with running the family’s newspaper in Malolos City, Bulacan. Orlan called me up, crying unabashedly and saying he is now very afraid.

The reason? He told me he was the one holding the

hands of Uncle Orville and Auntie Zeny when they breathed their last, and he could not understand why it had to be him presiding at the final moments of their parents. Oh yes, what could someone like me say to him, at his moment of huge grief and, yes, of trembling fear?

-ooo DEATH IS THE FATE OF EVERYONE ON EARTH: I had to think fast and organize my thoughts to either comfort him or calm him down. Yet, in all these, what kept coming to me, and which I ultimately shared with him, are what I have been reading in the Bible, and what we have been preaching all the time at the Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo (AND KNK, or the Children of God Blood Kin of the Christ) Church.

AND KNK, the Church of Jesus in the Far East, is clear in its doctrine: Death is the fate of everyone here on earth. Nobody stays here on earth forever. At some point in time, everyone in this world will have to leave.

This proves that earth is not our final destination, as it were. It is just a brief-stop over to where all humans are really going.

Where are all humans really going? To eternal life.

But there are two kinds of eternal life. The first is the eternal life in Paradise, in heaven, in the presence of God. The second is the eternal life in hell, where the worms that will eat those who will go there will not die, and where the fire that will burn them will not be quenched.

-ooo AND KNK: WE CAN SAVE EVEN THE DEAD SINNERS: The Bible teaches us that, even now, we can already determine which of these two eternal lives we will be going to. If we accept Jesus as God and Savior, and act according to His commands, we will go to Paradise, in heaven, and live there in joy forever. If we reject Jesus as God and Savior, there is no other place to go but hell.

After the death of anyone, it is not true that he or she immediately goes to Paradise, in the presence of God, or to hell, to be with God’s enemies. The Bible is clear that the spirit of all dead men and women will have to be imprisoned first somewhere (AND KNK calls this place, the “prison for souls”), obviously to await judgment.

For AND KNK, while the

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio dead can no longer hear or do anything anymore, they can nevertheless hear the Word of God. That is why, AND KNK teaches that even if a person died a sinner, he or she can still be saved, provided he or she is fed the Word of God continuously.

Does you church teach this, too? If your answer is no, you are being shortchanged. Call us!

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

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of Indophil stake props up Cebu Pacific’s Q1 passenger Sale Philex’s first-quarter earnings traffic grows in the low teens

C

E BU Pa c i f i c a n d Tigerair Philippines flew more passengers in the first quarter even as the number of occupied seats per flight dropped from a year ago.

In a statement, Gokongwei-owned Cebu Air Inc (CEB) said the combined passenger traffic of Cebu Pacific and Tigerair rose 13 percent to 4.28 million in the January to March period from 3.79 million in the same three months of last year.

In March alone, both carriers flew 1.53 million, or 11.7 percent more than the 1.37 million in the same

month of 2014.

Both carriers mounted 32,728 flights in the first quarter.

Despite the increase in traffic, first-quarter load factor however slipped to 78.9 percent this year from 83.5 percent last year. Load factor refers to the number of occupied seat per flight.

In March alone, load factor also slid to 79.9 percent from last year’s 82.5 percent.

Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for marketing and distribution, said the airline will mount flights to more destinations this year.

“CEB has set its sights

on Doha, Qatar, which we will launch on June 4, and continues to explore adding flight frequencies or seat capacity to popular destinations,” she said.

CEB earned P853.5

mi l lion l ast ye ar, a 67 percent increase from the P511.95 million in 2013.

This as revenue grew 27 percent to P52 billion from P41 billion over the same period.

PHILEX Mining Corporation managed to grow its net income in the first quarter despite a drop in revenue across all sources.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Philex said it earned P305.3 million in the January to March period, a 14 percent increase from the P267.4 million in the same three months of last year.

This was despite an 18 percent drop in revenue to P2.393 billion from P2.913 billion in 2014, as all sources of revenue -- gold, copper, silver and petroleum -- contracted.

Gold, which comprised 60 percent of total revenue, dropped 11 percent to P1.423 billion this year from P1.610 billion in 2014. Copper, which

contributed 38 percent to total revenue, also declined by 22 percent to P912 million from P1.178 billion over the same period.

The drop in gold and copper owed to weak international prices and a dip in production brought about by lower ore grades.

S i m i l a r l y, w e a k international oil prices pulled down Philex’s petroleum revenue to P37.6 million this year from P102.3 million in 2014.

What gave Philex’s profit a lift was a non-recurring gain from the sale of its under two-percent stake in Indophil Resources NL, which early this year was taken over by the Alcantara Group. philex/PAGE 11

On the other hand, Marc Medina, Medix’s CEO and Founder said: “mClinica’s track record shows that they have the mindset to achieve regional scale. Since we share their goal to extend the reach of care in Asia’s emerging markets, we are excited to be working with them.” mClinica currently operates a similar service called Connect Pharmacy.

The service, which won the

2015 Hack Osaka Award in February, allows pharmacies to connect with their patients through loyalty and health education programs. By bringing pharmacies onto a single digital platform, the ser vice also allows pharmaceutical companies to access fragmented networks of pharmacies at scale, which increases access and reduces prices for essential medicines. mClinica/PAGE 11

mClinica makes strategic investment in Medix mCLINICA, a global provider of mobile health technology for pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry has acquired a stake in Medix, a cloud-based clinic management service based in the Philippines, laying the foundation for a strategic partnership that supports their shared goal of improving healthcare in Asia.

Medix was launched in 2013 as a service for dental

prac t ices, but re cent ly developed an electronic me dic a l re cord (EMR) platform that has gained traction among hospitals and clinics in the Philippines. By partnering with mClinica, which maintains digital networks of pharmacies across Asia, Medix will gain operational expertise for entry into new markets and access to mClinica’s client base which includes some of

the world’s largest healthcare companies.

For mClinica, the deal includes an undisclosed equity stake in the company as well as access to Medix’s technologies and development resources.

These technologies will help power Connect Physician, a new service from mClinica that enables doctors to build stronger relationships with their patients.

“ We e x p e c t s t r o n g synergies from our partnership with Medix,” said Farouk Meralli, CEO of mClinica. “As we help them grow their business, we plan to use their impressive technologies to improve doctor-patient relationships, which will increase health awareness, adherence to treatment regimens, and overall health outcomes for patients.”

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Consult other Central Banks on multi-ply coins, BSP urged

A

consumer advocacy group yesterday urged the B angko S entral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to consult other C entral Banks, especially from countries whose demography and environment are similar to the Philippines, to determine the most appropriate technology for the New Generation Currency coins it plans to issue in the Philippines.

Rodolfo “RJ” Javellana, convenor of the Union of Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFFC), said the BSP must get an unbiased and accurate understanding

of the Multi-Ply product, the technology reportedly being considered by the BSP for the production of new coins.

“We are not experts ourselves, so we appeal to the BSP to consult and get the opinion of other Central Banks to ensure that we get durable and high quality coins,” Javellana said.

“Although BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo was reported as saying that the BSP is still conducting a very thorough review and no decision has been made with regards to the technology that will be used, we have multiple sources inside the

BSP saying that the BSP has chosen multi-ply plated steel for its new generation coins,” Javellana said.

“Mr. Guinigundo also stated that the BSP has issued multi-ply coins in the past years, and our sources said he is referring to one-peso coins, particularly those dated 2012, 2013, and 2014,” he said.

“Our research shows that some of these multi-ply coins are already worn and deteriorated, showing a rusty red discoloration especially on the edge,” Javellana said, showing some samples of the coins. “Our BSP sources said this is because the thin

Primavera launches credit card facility for rental payments As an added option for easier and secured payments for clients, Primavera Residences launches their credit card payment facility with BPI. Starting April 29, 2015, rental payments for short-term or long-term stay can be made through the credit card equipment.

“We are pl e a s e d to announce that Primavera Residences is now accepting c re d i t a n d d e bit c a rd payments for its rentals business. Our credit card facility is primarily for the convenience of our customers. Giving them another option of payment, and as one of the ways in ensuring our service is topnotch,” Franz Enriquez, ITPI’s Leasing Manager, said.

Primavera Residences is a 10-story eco-friendly condo property in Pueblo Business Park in Cagayan de Oro. The property has serviced residences with hotel-like ser vices, less expensive and homier options for vacationers and travelers.

“Initially, we are offering this service to the rentals bu s i ne ss of Pr i m ave r a Residences, and will soon pan out to include payment for the sales of our units as well,” Enriquez expressed.

Located in the prime spot of Pueblo de Oro Business Park in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, a multi-awarded sustainable development, is just a short walk from one of the city’s biggest malls, a short drive

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

to Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, and Xavier Sports and Country Club.

The green building is also minutes away from the city proper with public transports available.

“This summer season, we shall be coming out with exciting promos soon that will cater to a larger market segment, offering the same exceptional ser vice and reasonable cost,” Enriquez said.

It a l p i n a s Eu r o a s i a n Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI) is a leading CDO eco-developer in the Philippines that aims to d e vel op sust ai nabl e properties in secondar y cities in the country. ITPI’s flagship condo development in C agayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, is the first and only sustainable condominium in Northern Mindanao. It has received numerous awards locally and internationally for commitment to build sustainable properties.

To know more about Primavera Residences and its facilities, you may reach them at 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002. You may also visit their website at www.primaveraresidences. com.

outer layer of these coins had already worn away.”

Mu lt i - ply c oi n i s a technology patented by only one mint, which has licensed the technology to only one other producer which is its partner company in the US. Guinigundo said the BSP will require any winning supplier to make their technolog y available to other suppliers “should their specific method be selected and recommended based on the finding by an independent, inter-departmental ad hoc technical working group”.

Industr y sources, however, said this is unlikely

to happen especially in the case of the multi-ply patent owner which has not issued or prepared any license to other producers except to its partner firm, not to mention the huge cost it would entail for other suppliers to adopt the technology.

The Philippines is one of the biggest markets in the world for coin blanks and the BSP forecasts a huge demand for coins over the next 10 years.

The UFFC earlier wrote the BSP to say that while it believes the BSP will take utmost care and conduct its business in the most

transparent manner, “we are nevertheless appealing to your good office to ensure the adequate supply of durable and high quality coins because ordinary consumers and commuters will be the ones to bear the adverse effects of any shortage” that may arise from poor quality coins.

The group cited reports that presently, some jeepney drivers refuse to give exact change to commuters by claiming that they don’t have enough 25-centavo coins to be able to give the 50-centavo change to passengers in minimum distance routes.

Celebrate Motherhood everyday at Baby Company of The SM Store

Shop and save on all the baby brands mommy loves with Celebrate Motherhood everyday promo. Enjoy up to 50% discount on select Baby Company items and

get the best deals. Promo runs on May 1 to 31 in all Baby Company stores nationwide. Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 6765, series of 2015.

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News

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

Adopt principles of peace process in seeking justice for Mamasapano, nun urges gov’t MANILA – A Catholic nun and civil society leader has urged the public, as we l l a s l e g i s l ators an d policymakers, to use the underlying principles of the peace process as a guide as the nation seeks justice for the tragedy in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

These underlying pr inciples are out line d in Executive Order No. 3 issued by former President Fidel Ramos which c re ate d t he p ol i c y and administrative structure of the government’s peace efforts “ We l au d a n d f u l l y support the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its efforts to serve justice for what happened in Mamasapano,” said Sister Arnold Maria Noel, convenor and member of many cause-oriented organizations such as the Balay Rehabilitation Center, Mindanao Solidarity Ne t w or k , Pe a c e m a k e r s C i rc l e , We AC T 1 3 2 5 , and the Mindanao Peoples Caucus.

“B ut t h e t r a ge d y i n Mamasapano and the peace process are clearly linked,” Sister Noel noted. “Because of that, it would be best if we use the underlying principles of our peace efforts as guideposts in making sense of and moving on after Mamasapano.”

“For instance, Section 3 of Executive Order No. 3, which declares the three underlying principles of the peace process, states that “a comprehensive peace process seeks a principled and peaceful resolution

t o t h e i nt e r n a l a r m e d c on f l i c t s , w it h n e it h e r b l a m e n o r s u r r e n d e r, but with dignity for all concerned,” Sister Noel explained.

“We all want justice and we all want peace,” Noel said. “But, as the principles of our peace process say, it should be without blame and surrender, and should instead accord dignity to everyone concerned.”

“We reiterate our hopes t h at t he p e a c e pro c e ss should not be held hostage by t his t rage dy,” Sister No e l s a i d . “O t h e r w i s e we will only have more Mamasapanos. Our quest for justice should not hinder our quest for peace.”

Sister Arnold, in her strong appeal to pursue success of the peace process to end internal armed conflict in the south a n d a d d re s s h i s t or i c a l i nj u s t i c e s e x p e r i e n c e d by the Bangsamoro p e o p l e re m i n d e d a b o u t Pope Francis’ message of mercy and compassion. “ I n s t e a d o f a n g e r, hatred, prejudice, we should choose peace, mercy, and compassion.

Pope Francis has reminded us during his visit in the country on the same month of January about reaching out and l e ar n i ng f rom those in the peripher y.”

Sister Arnold said this also means understanding the context and aspirations of the peoples in Mindanao for peace and progress.

Pope Francis said in a message that “I note with pleasure that last March an agreement (Comprehensive

Agreement on the Bangsamoro) was signed to end long years of tension in the Philippines.”

T h e J o i n t Na t i o n a l Bureau of InvestigationNational Pros ecution

Service Special Investigation Team (NBI-NPS SIT), has recently released a report recommending the filing of charges against some 90 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters

(BIFF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and private armed groups in connection with the incident. Justice Secretary L ei la de L ima has s aid that the Department

of Justice is giving the team of prosecutors and investigators another two months or until June 20, 2015 to complete t heir i nv e s t i g at i o n i nt o t h e matter.

Builder puts up 57-story skyscraper in 19 days C HA N G S HA , C h i n a — A Chinese construction company is claiming to be the world’s fastest builder after erecting a 57-stor y skyscraper in 19 working days in central China.

The Broad Sustainable Building Co. put up the re c t angu l ar, g l ass-ands t e e l M i n i S k y C it y i n t h e Hu n a n p r o v i n c i a l capital of Changsha using a modular method, assembling three f loors p e r d ay, c omp any v i c e president Xiao Changgeng said.

The company, which has ambitions to assemble t h e w o r l d ’s t a l l e s t skyscraper at 220 floors i n o n l y t h r e e m o nt h s ,

worked on Mini Sky City in two spurts separated by w i nt e r w e at h e r. It s time-lapse video of the rapid assembly has become popular on Chinese videosharing sites since it was first uploaded on YouTube.

“With the traditional method, they have to build a skyscraper brick by br i c k , but w it h ou r method, we just need to assemble the blocks,” company engineer Chen Xiangqian said.

Such modular approaches have been used for high-rise apartment blocks elsewhere, including in Britain and the U.S. Some critics say t he me t ho d c ou l d l e a d

to cityscapes with overly uniform architecture.

L i u Pe n g , a s s o c i at e director of the engineering c on s u lt i n g f i r m A RU P Beijing, said the method is worth developing because it c ou l d b e c ome a s afe and reliable way to build skyscrapers rapidly.

“But it is not perfect, and it does not meet all kinds of personalized demands,” Liu said. “People nowadays want more personalized architecture.”

Mini Sky City, which has 19 atriums, 800 ap a r t m e nt s a n d o f f i c e space for 4,000 people, goes on sale in May. The structure is safe and can wit hst and e ar t hquakes,

Xiao said.

The Changsha-based company spent 4½ months fabricating the building’s 2,736 modules before construction began.

The first 20 floors were completed last year, and t h e re m ai n i ng 3 7 we re built from Jan. 31 to Feb. 17 this year, Xiao said. The company has honed its technology to accelerate it s c on s t r u c t i on s p e e d from two floors to three floors a day, he said.

“This is definitely the fastest speed in our industr y,” Xiao said.

The company is awaiting approval for its 220-floor Sky City in Changsha. (AP)

Here’s how aspirins may help you fight against cancer A ne w study on dr ug’s preventive effects on colorectal cancer has indicated that taking aspirin reduces a person’s risk of colorectal cancer.

The study conducted at University of Minnesota discovered that aspirin might exert its chemopreventive activity against colorectal cancer, at least partially, by normalizing the expression of epidermal

g rowt h fac tor re ceptor (EGFR) in gastrointestinal precancerous lesions.

Hormel Institute’s study revealed a previously unknown functional association between EGFR and COX-2 - an enzyme associated with pain and inflammation during the development of colorectal cancer.

Consistent clinical trial data strongly suggests that

regular use of aspirin and other non-steroidal, antiinflammatory drugs lowers a person’s lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Dr. Zigang Dong said that they found that EGFR

BULLYING

By DONABEL C. FABRE - TEACHER III PALACAPAO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF QUEZON II QUEZON BUKIDNON

Bullying is an intentional tormenting in physical,verbal or in psychological ways.It range from hitting, shoving, namecalling treats and mocking.

Nowadays it is happening in the classroom, school, playground and even in our home.

Being bullied can seriously affect a person physical,emotional academic and social well-being.Many victims of bu l ly ing l ack s elfconfidence,feel bad about themselves,have few friends and spend a lot of time alone.If bullying is not stop or prevent it will eventually result to depression.

Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear.Children who are being bullied in school elude themselves in NEW MEMBER OF THE BOARD – VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ takes oath as the new Member of the Board of Directors of United Way Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and Gingoog City, Inc. United Way Vice President for External Affairs and DILG Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos administered the oath. United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded non-profit organization which aims to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. It also envisions a world where every individual has an opportunity to succeed, and entire communities thrive as a result. Also present during the activity were United Way CDO, MisOr and Gingoog City President and DOT Regional Director Catalino E. Chan III, and DOH Regional Director Dr. Aristides C. Tan who was also a guest speaker during the activity, among others.

over expression was an early event in the formation of colorectal cancer that could be greatly reduced by regular use of aspirin.

The study is published in the open-access journal EBioMedicine. (ANI)

going to school.They make varied reason such as (he adache,toothache,stomach ache) just to prevent them from going to school.If they are forced to attend school they show anxiety and fear.

They have the difficulty in concentrating their lesson and engage in school and classroom activities.Worst is they may end up dropping out from school.

Bullying can erode selfconfidence and ruin a child's life.To help restore it.There should be Parental care and support.Encourage to spend time with friends who have positive influence to them.

Join clubs,organization and actively participate in diffferent sports and other enjoyable activities.

These build strength,selfconfidence and friendship.

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Feature

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Mariwasa’s celebrity guests bring entertainment at 2015 WorldBEX MARIWASA Siam Ceramics, Inc. (MSC), the country’s leading tile maker, once again took part at the country’s biggest construction exposition – the 29th Philippine World Building & Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX) last 11th to 15th March 2015 at World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City.

As Mariwasa showcases its latest Full HD Collection, celebrity guests grace the booth and joined in at some of the activities.

Professional Basketball Player Jeffrei Chan, actress and TV host Gladys Reyes and comedienne and interior decorator Carmi Martin paid a visit in Mariwasa Booth and were featured in

Mariwasa Live TV, an interview session with the said celebrities who shared how Mariwasa tiles transformed their houses into a beautiful living space. This activity was hosted by Mr. PJ Lanot and Ms. Valerie Tan. Opening and ribbon-cutting activities were attended by Mr. Sunchai Jindasri, President, SCG Marketing Philippines Inc., Ms. Emilie Maramag, VP-Finance & Administration of MSC, Hon. Edna P. Sanchez, Municipal Mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Mrs. Regina Coseteng, Chair of the Board of MSC, Mr. Jakkrit Suwansilp, VP-Sales & Marketing of MSC and Arch. Jose Ramon “ Pippo” Carunungan.

Actress and TV host Gladys Reyes Philippine national basketball with Mariwasa VP-Sales & Marketing team and PBA player Jeffrei Chan Mr. Jakkrit Suwansilp

2015 WorldBEX Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies at SCG COTTO & MARIWASA Booth Complex (from left to right) – Mr. Sunchai Jindasri, President, SCG Marketing Philippines Inc., Ms. Emilie Maramag, VP-Finance & Administration of MSC, Hon. Edna P. Sanchez, Municipal Mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Mrs. Regina Coseteng, Chair of the Board of MSC, Mr. Jakkrit Suwansilp, VP-Sales & Marketing of MSC & Arch. Jose Ramon “ Pippo” Carunungan

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National Finalist - Best in Business and Economic Reporting - Best in Environmental Reporting - Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting

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2014 CIVIC JOURNALISM COMMUNITY PRESS AWARDS 19th National Press Forum and 2015 Annual Membership Meeting “Media and Election: Expanding the Discourse” May 14-16, 2015 - Diamond Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Sister publications:

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Pushed... from page 1

Budget airline AirAsia Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd, announced recently that it is studying a ser vice linking Davao City, Puerto Princesa, and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.

At present, the airline operates Cebu-Kota Kinabalu and Manila-Kota Kinabalu flights.

At t h e s a m e t i m e , re p re s e nt at i v e s of t h e Philippines and Indonesia are working on a roll-on/ roll-off shipping link between Davao and General Santos Cities and Bitung, North Sulawesi, said Romeo M. Montenegro, MinDA public affairs head.

Initially, the two sides agreed to tap a privatelyowned vessel which can accommodate 20 20-foot equivalent unit vans.

“Since this is a private initiative, we hope this can start within the year,” said Mr. Montenegro, pointing out that the vessel company is still securing the needed permit for the sea link.

The Philippine side is also pushing for a sea link between Brookes Point in Palawan and Kudat in Sabah which is expected to “strategically provide a faster and cheaper channel of trading goods” between the areas.

Other pending proposals include regular commercial flights between Davao City and Manado, Indonesia as well as Zamboanga to Sandakan, Sabah and Palawan-Kota Kinabalu.

Tr a d e an d In du s t r y Undersecretary Prudencio M. Reyes Jr., who also attended the summit, said the Philippines will continue to pursue these linkages that are expected to strengthen the economy of Mindanao and Palawan.

“Connectivity brings food, people and investments around the sub-region and will stir further socioeconomic developments within the EAGA,” said Mr. Reyes in a statement.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry will continue to “help pursue initiatives and projects aimed to spur trading and economic activities in the sub-region,” as he cited the gross domestic product growth propelled by tourism and investments among the countries in the sub-region.

Based on data from the EAGA Facilitation Center, trade within the sub-region hit P7.319 trillion last year.

Foreign direct investment in the sub-region grew in 2013 by 23% to P444.8 billion compared with the previous year.

Growth... from page 1

relative to the previous month.

The M3 growth in March 2015 also reflects statistical base effects associated with the significant increase in

domestic liquidity a year ago of 35.3 percent, following the operational adjustments involving access of trust entities to the BSP SDA facility, which were completed in November 2013.

Meanwhile, money supply continued to increase due largely to sustained demand for credit. Domestic claims grew by 10.4 percent in March from 10.0 percent in February as credits to the private sector expanded at a slightly faster pace relative to the previous month.

The bulk of bank loans dur ing t he mont h was channeled to key production sectors such as real estate, renting, and business services, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, financial intermediation, and utilities.

Net public sector credit, on the other hand, contracted by 6.5 percent in March after declining by 4.5 percent a month earlier.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose at a faster pace of 8.3 percent in March from 7.3 percent in the previous month.

The BSP’s NFA position expanded during the month, after contrac ting since July 2014, on the back of continued robust foreign exchange inflows coming mostly from overseas Filipinos’ remittances and business process outsourcing receipts.

The NFA of banks likewise increased as banks’ foreign assets expanded, while their foreign liabilities contracted.

Banks’ foreign assets increased due mainly to the growth in their investments in marketable debt securities and deposits with other banks, while banks’ foreign liabilities decreased on account of lower placements made by foreign banks with their local branches.

The BSP said continued exp ansion in domest ic liquidity during the month indicates sufficient liquidity to sustain the economy’s growth momentum.

With this, the BSP will closely monitor monetary conditions to ensure that liquidity in the financial system remains in line with the BSP’s price and financial stability objectives. (BSP/ APB/PIA-10)

Honors... from page 1

us to give her the highest honors,” he told MindaNews.

Lang Dulay died at age 91 at around 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at her home in Sitio Tukolefa, Barangay Lamdalag in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

Ebeo said her health started to deteriorate late last year due to hypertension and other illnesses that eventually led to a mild stroke in late January that rendered her comatose.

About a month ago, he said the Dulay family decided to transfer her from the Doctor’s Clinic and Hospital in Koronadal City to her home in Lake Sebu town.

Aided by some apparatus

provided by the hospital, he said Lang Dulay continued to live but remained in coma.

Two weeks ago, Ebeo said her family decided to remove the oxygen and other attached apparatus.

Eb e o, w ho is b as e d in Koronadal City, said the NCCA is currently coordinating with the Dulay family for her wake and funeral arrangements.

He said the commission has allotted some P500,000 for the arrangements until the scheduled funeral on May 28 as initially set by Lang Dulay’s family.

The NCCA earlier released some P750,000 to help cover for her hospital expenses, which reached P1,030,000, he said.

“Our Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan committee members are arriving today to take care of the arrangements,” he said.

As to the state honors, Ebeo said it would depend on Lang Dulay’s family if they would want a state funeral for her.

But consider ing t he province’s distance to Manila, he said they could opt for modified rites that would be held in the area. “ The commission is still discussing this with the provincial government (South Cotabato) and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 12 since we also need to consider the traditions of her tribe,” he said.

Lang Dulay was known for her contributions in the preservation of the T’boli culture through the tribe’s famed T’nalak fabric.

She was conferred with the National Living Treasure (Manlilikha ng Bayan) award in 1998 by the NCCA for her efforts in promoting the T’boli culture and for her fine craftsmanship as a T’nalak “dreamweaver”.

Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan said the entire municipality is presently mourning the passing of Lang Dulay.

The mayor said her death is a big loss to the T’boli tribe and the municipality, especially in terms of tourism and cultural preservation efforts.

L ang Dulay and her Manlilikha ng Bayan T’nalak weaving school had been among the town’s top tourist drawers.

“We will make sure that her legacy will continue to live on, especially with the younger generation,” Fungan said.

Nelly Nita Dillera, DOT12 director, said the region’s tourism stakeholders are also mourning the passing of Lang Dulay.

“Her contribution has brought T’boli and their crafts to the world, admired and produced into various fashion and house accessories. Her weaving center that served as an area where she taught younger generation the art and skill of weaving had been frequented by media, d e s i g ne rs and tou r i st s

worldwide,” she said in her Facebook post.

The official recommended the construction of a tourism road leading to Lang Dulay’s home in Barangay Lamdalag, Lake Sebu that will be named in her memory. (MindaNews)

Legacy... from page 1

over the public address system.

Filipino star Pacquiao suffered the sixth loss of his career to go with 57 victories and two draws.

The fight is widely believed to be the most lucrative in boxing history with revenues of $400 million.

Pacquiao was the aggressor, pressing action from the first round and was able to land some big lefts on Mayweather’s chin, especially in the final seconds of the early rounds.

But ultimately Pacquiao wasn’t able to keep up his frenzied early pace for all 12 rounds and Mayweather, who was the bigger of the two fighters, managed to slip in counterpunches and hard right hands that stopped the Filipino in his tracks.

Mayweather reiterated after Saturday’s super fight that he would retire after his next fight in September which will fulfil his six-fight contract to Showtime Sports.

“My last f ig ht is in S eptember. I’ ll do that and I will hang it up,” said Mayweather, estimated to have earned $200 million.

Pacquiao meanwhile insisted he thought he had won.

“I thought I won the fight.

He didn’t do anything,” he said.

The entrance of the fighters to the ring was delayed about 45 minutes because of problems with the heavy demand for payper-view telecast and the providers ability to distribute it.

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood, entertainment and sports were in attendance, including director Clint Eastwood, actors Robert De Niro, Jon Voight, Denzel Washington, Bradley Cooper, musician Sting, former NBA star Magic Johnson, actress Claire Danes and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who visited Pacquiao in his dressing room before the fight.

Only a lucky few had tickets to the super fight but thousands more milled around the outside of the Grand Garden arena and in the hotel’s casino.

Before the fight started, the downstairs lobby of the Grand Garden was crowded with people standing about, taking pictures and hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity coming in or out of one of the VIP rooms.

May we at her made a grand entrance befitting of his superstar status. He was accompanied by his “The Money Team” which includes his father/trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.

But Pacquiao arrived first to the ring, smiling relentlessly and even taking a selfie with long-time trainer Freddie Roach during his entrance.

BSP...

from page 2

credit card holders to pay any amount, just to enforce collection, notwithstanding the amount has not yet been approved by the credit card issuer.

A collection agent is authorized to negotiate for repayment schemes based on specific guidelines set by the credit card issuer.

Credit cardholders may get a copy of the guidelines from the credit card issuer.

Only the credit card issuer can give the final approval of any type of repayment scheme reached with a collection agent which is supported by a Conforme Letter and/ or a Promissory Note. This must be signed by both the credit card issuer and the cardholder.

Further, it is not necessary for the credit cardholder to give payment prior to the negotiation for a repayment scheme.

Philex... from page 5

Going forward, Philex expects a boost from its Silangan project after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) early this month approved the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility (DMPF), which clears the way for the start of production.

This authorizes Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI), the Company subsidiary which owns the project, to proceed to the Development and Operating Periods of Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA), subject to compliance with the conditions of the Order.

“This is indeed a very wel c ome ne w s for t he company, amidst the overhang of weak global metal prices.

The approval of the DMPF will facilitate the initial stages of mine development and bring us closer to the targeted commissioning of the project by 2018,” Philex president Eulalio B. Austin Jr. said.

“We expect the project’s Definitive Feasibility Study also to be completed by the second half of this year, which will enable us to finalize the financial requirements for the project,” he said.

Also seen contributing to Philex’s upbeat outlook is an increase in the resource estimate for the Padcal mine, increasing the possibility of extending the life of the mine.

mClinica... from page 5

Piloted in the Philippines, Connect Pharmacy now boasts a network of over 1400 pharmacies in the country, which together provide access to over 20 million patients nationwide.

11

These numbers have enticed many of the country’s leading pharmaceutical companies to join the platform. Based on this initial success, mClinica has since expanded into Vietnam and Indonesia, and is eyeing other high-potential markets around the region.

Both Medix and mClinica are part of the investment portfolio of Kickstart Ventures, the venture capital arm of Globe Telecom. Medix joined Kickstart in 2013 while mClinica followed a year later through a funding round that also included 500 Startups and IMJ Investment Partners.

NBA... from page 12

After three days of basketball boot camp at the PICC Forum and the SM MOA Music Hall, Robert Alomar Castro and Lloyd Raphael Oliva of La Salle Greenhills, Luis Sebastian Locsin and Edrian Custodio of De La Salle Zobel, Joshua Garing of De La Salle Lipa, Miguel Luigi Santos of Ateneo de Manila, Ernest John Felicilda and Jeffy Mailim of Corpus Christi School, Cagayan de Oro, Christian Allen Magno from St. Albert the Great of Dagupan, and Daniel Anthony Coo of St. John’s Institute of Bacolod have joined the elite circle of past Jr. NBA All-Stars like Kiefer Ravena, Kib Montalbo, Henry Asilum, Kobe Paras, Tyler Tio, Ricci Rivero and Lorenzo Navarro that are the new lifeblood of the collegiate and juniors basketball leagues.

Nelia Jean David and Micaela Denise Pentecostes of the Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City, Kyla Flores of Parañaque Science High School, Luisa Krizelle San Juan of Amazing Grace School in Laguna and Heart Pagara Donor of Assumption College of Davao are this year’s Jr. WNBA All-Stars.

The following players received special awards for their outstanding achievements in the National Training Camp : Ernest John Felicilda and Nelia Jean David, Most Valuable Players; Akemi Marteja of De La Salle Zobel, Globe Sportsmanship Award; Luisa de la Paz of University of St. La Salle, Bacolod, Gatorade Hustle Award; Miguel Luigi Santos and Micaela Denise Pentecostes, Phoenix Petroleum All Star Players of the Game; and Miguel Luigi Santos and Kyla Flores, Alaska Youth Ambassadors.

The Top Ten boys and Top Five Girls were culled from a group of 50 boys and 24 girls aged 10-14 who were selected from regional selection camps held in Puerto Princesa, Biñan, Iloilo, Baguio, Bacolod, Davao, Manila and the Alaska Power Camp from February to April this year.

A crowd-entertaining highlight of the event was the third Jr. NBA All-Star Alumni Game between Team Nerlens (Blue) -- led by Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers -- and Team Ruth (Red) -- led by WNBA Legend Ruth Riley. Starring Jr. NBA All-Star alumni that are now stars of national youth teams and the top collegiate leagues, the exhibition game showcased the talents of Kib Montalbo, Hubert Cani, Janjan Jaboneta, Carlo Escalambre, Lorenzo Navarro, Jarrell Lim, Ricci Rivero, Rhayyan Amsali, Thristan Laman, Patrick Ramirez, RK Ilagan, Mahloney Tarranza, Tyler Tio, Vince Ferrer, Luigi Velasco, Miguel Competente, Ichie Altamirano, Arnie Padilla, Cyril Narvasa and Vince Dolendo.

Red won over Blue for the first time in three years, 88-79, on the heroics of 2009 All-Star Escalambre and 2010 All-Star Montalbo. The Mall of Asia crowd was also mesmerized by power dunks stuffed by 2013 All-Star Ricci Rivero.

Ruth Riley conuducted an NBA Cares fun basketball clinic for the children of World Vision after the All-Star Game.

Fans can follow Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines. For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and follow us on Facebook (www. facebook.com/philsnba) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nba_philippines).

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

MONDAY | MAY 4, 2015

editor: SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

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

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Corpus Christi Boys chosen Jr. NBA Philippines 2015 All-Stars Corpus Christi’s Ernest John Felicilda is National Camp MVP

By MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

Jeffy Mailim from Corpus Christi School

2015 Jr. NBA MVP Ernest John Felicilda from Corpus Christi School

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA 2015 All-Stars with Nerlens Noel and Ruth Riley (First Row, from left) Joshua Garing, Heart Paraga Donor, Luisa Krizelle San Juan, Micaela Pentecostes, Nelia Jean David, Kyla Flores, Robert Alomar Castro, Ernest John Felicilda; (Second Row): Nerlens Noel, Jeffy Mailim, Christian Allen Magno, Daniel Coo, Lloyd Raphael Oliva, Miguel Luigi Santos, Luis Sebastian Locsin, Edrian Custodio and Ruth Riley. [Supplied Photos]

TWO basketball talents from Corpus Christi School in Cagayan de Oro were among the 10 boys and five girls who topped the 2015 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA National Training Camp held recently in Manila.

The 2015 Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars were selected from over 12,000 boys and girls who joined this year’s program since January.

Ernest John Felicilda, a student from Corpus Christi School in Cagayan de Oro, was enjoying his summer vacation in Manila with his uncle and decided to try out for the Jr. NBA to improve his skills. It is his first time to join the Jr. NBA. He was selected as a finalist in the Manila Regional Selection Camp (RSC) April 11-12, was selected as one of the Top 10 and ended up the Camp MVP! While Felicilda joined the Manila RSC, another Corpus Christi student Jeffy Mailim joined the Davao RSC to make it two Kagay-anons representing Mindanao in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA

Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska.

The ten boys and five girls will be rewarded with a unique, overseas NBA experience together with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia later this year.

Also feted at the culmination of the four-month long basketball program were the new Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Coaches of the Year -- Chino Tan from Lucena City and Shine Echaves from Puerto Princesa. The coaches will travel with and coach the All-Stars on their NBA adventure.

Four Alaska Power Campers, two from the Manila Regional Selection Camp and one each from regional selection camps held in Biñan, Baguio, Davao and Bacolod are the new Jr. NBA All-Stars of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska.

Four Manila girls, one from Biñan and one from the Alaska Power Camp make up the new batch of Jr. WNBA All-Stars of the NBA’s global youth development program.

NBA

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