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Volume VIII, No. 62
Market Indicators
As of 6:00 pm October 30, 2017 (monday)
FOREX
PHISIX
US$1 = P51.686
8,365.26
11
X X Briefly
cents
69.31 points
Assistance for IDPs AT least 30 families who were affected by the conflict in Marawi City now seeking shelter in Iligan received aid from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help them start a small business to sustain their needs as they wait to return to their respective homes. As part of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), DTI, together with other government agencies comprising the subcommittee on business and livelihood (SC-BL), will assist affected Marawi residents start small businesses and earn while fast-tracking the rehabilitation process of the war-torn city. At least P5,000 worth of groceries were distributed per family, who are staying at evacuation centers, which they can sell in evacuation centers or nearby areas.
Camiguin boom MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – This province is poised t o become o ne of th e Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean) most sought-after tourist and event destinations as two local hotel chains are expanding their business here. This was according to Gov. Maria Luis Romualdo, who identified the Cagayan de Oro hotel chains as Limketkai and Mallberry. Limketkai will construct its own hotel in Barangay Tupsan Pequeño, Mahinog town, while Mallberry will expand its existing hospitality business in Barangay Bonbon in the municipality of Catarman, Gov. Romualdo said. (J. JERUSALEM)
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DOE pushes rehab work on Marawi power infras www.businessweekmindanao.com
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By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor
ITH the war-torn Marawi City in the government’s major focus now, the Department of Energy (DOE) has also jumped in to announce its planned rehabilitation of power infrastructure facilities in the area.
LOOMING WATER CRISIS. Water tankers could be the only source of water in the COWD west service area if its bulk water supplier shuts down. photo courtesy of the cdo volunteer fire brigade
Rio Verde says shutdown possible due to unsustainable operations By MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large
UNLESS the Cagayan de Oro City Water District implements the proper pricing, Cagayan de Oro’s sole bulk water supplier warned
over the weekend that they may be forced to shut down its operations. On Thursday last week, Rio Verde Water Consortium, Inc.
The rehabilitation process, the department said, will be rooted on the archetype of “energy resiliency,” although the specific assets to be repaired or replaced with new ones have yet to be identified. No specific rehabilitation cost on power infrastructure projects had also been set out, but it is worth noting that the Lanao de Sur Electric Cooeprative (LASURECO) which is servicing the area, has already been heavily-
indebted to the tune of more than P10 billion. The DOE is also crafting its ‘energy resiliency policy’, but what is missing still is the department’s real drive, not just lip service, to enforce that in the industry. In Marawi’s case, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “the policy will help guide the massive restoration and rehabilitation efforts of energy facilities.” power/PAGE 11
(Rio Verde) served a notice to COWD declaring it was increasing the selling price of its bulk water to the utility from P10.45 to P16.35 per cubic meter of treated water. shutdown/PAGE 11
Senior high studes immerse into Agusan Sur rich cultural heritage By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Contributing Editor and DANNAH RUFALYN M BUQUIR, Correspondent
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Senior high school students immersed themselves in the province’s rich `cultural
heritage during a one-day historical symposium at the provincial museum- Sugwak Tu Agusan recently hosted
by the Provincial Tourism Office. The museum situated at the ground floor of the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center is the province’s forst immerse/PAGE 11
NATURES’ BEAUTY. Creating history together, beauty queens June Cyra Pineda and Mary-ann Pomoy join in the Camping and Trekking Adventure – the first Bai Naliyagan and Sabuyakan to conquer Mt. Magdiwata. photo courtesy of janus louise panganiban
Mainstreaming BIMP-EAGA among LGUs: a problem waiting to be addressed By WALTER I. BALANE, MindaNews
(First of a Series) MALAYBALAY City — In a corner at the local crafts store, 38-year old Marj Libanda, father of two, strings beads into a headdress to meet a local order. He has been at this for a couple of weeks even as some say this is not a man’s job. Libanda used to be a security
guard for a poultry farm and had earlier worked as farm laborer, vendor and construction worker. In the handicrafts store of Perla Rubio, an exporter of fashion accessories, Libanda earns an average of 200 pesos a day based on the number of pieces he finishes. A friend has enticed
him to work in a construction project where the pay is higher but there is no vacancy for now. Back in Manalog, an upland village here, neighbors earn a living as farmers of abaca and weavers of its textile product. His mother is among the village’s long time weavers. But they are experiencing a slowdown of production of due to a number of problems, including diseases problem/PAGE 11
WEAVER. Marj Libanda, strings beads into a headdress in the store of an exporter of handicrafts made of abaca and other indigenous materials in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. mindanews photo by walter i . balane
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Economy
Farmers learning the ropes in producing specialty coffee
D
AVAO City – For good agricultural practices, the Philippines Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) has cited Filipino small farmers for slowly and intricately learning the process of producing specialty coffee. PCBI president and co-chair Pacita Juan also attributed this to the continuing awareness of producing quality coffee where farmers grow his coffee and taste his produce. “And it is only when you taste your own coffee that you will know
how good is your coffee produce,” she said. Following the right steps of production, she said the farmers now label their products by indicating its moisture level. “Nagkaroon na sila ng (They have the) information on what is being asked of the specialty coffee market,” she said. Moisture level of coffee must be maintained between 11 to 12, but ordinary farmers could not afford to buy a P20,000 moisture meter. This is where coffee farmers are asking the
support of government to help them acquire postharvest facility. Juan said the IPs, most especially, need help to improve their production and access the market. She recalled that in 2016, there were 80 entries of the Kape Pilipino and the two winners from Bukidnon, the Arabica and Robusta scored in the 80s. The winning entries were sent to Seattle, Washington to see how coffee is “cupped” and judged by the international buying community. Juan said the American roasters and other buyers
during that exposition were looking for them as they were surprised and amazed of the aroma and the taste of the Philippine coffee. The farmers, Juan said were a hit among those who joined the competition and they were called by coffee roasters to buy the coffee. “That is why our market for specialty coffee are the roasters because they pay three-folds of what ordinary peoplepay. In the US they will look for the top quality coffee for their own style of roasting,” Juan said. The buying price of Robusta as a commodity is at P80 to P90 while the roasters pay P150. The Arabica before was priced at P140 to P150, now the selling farm price of coffee coffee/PAGE 11
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wednesday|november 1, 2017
ARMM extends assistance to Maguindanao flood victims COTABATO City -- As most of 130 villages in 16 towns in Maguindanao are still submerged i n floods, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) humanitarian arm statted relief distribution to thousands of affected families. Hasan Salilama Pendulong, a fresh water fisherman in Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, said the flood that hit their community for the past four months now not only affect his abode but his livelihood too. Pendulong is a fisherman harvesting “halu-an” (mudfish) as his main source of livelihood. “It’s gone for four months now,” he said in the vernacular of his regular harvest. “Mudfish go somewhere else when water level rises, I have no more area to fish,” he added. Pendulong said during
dry season, his harvest could earn him an average of Php1, 000 a day but with mudfish gone, he had to find other source of livelihood, including driving a “sikad-sikad” (pedicab) borrowed from a relative. On Wednesday, the ARMM’S Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMMHEART) started distributing relief assistance to families affected by floods in Maguindanao. Myrna Jocelyn Henry, speaking for ARMMHEART, said food packs have been prepared and distributed to affected Maguindanaons. Floods, triggered by heavy rains the past several days, have submerged 16 of 36 towns in Maguindanao, affecting, 35,273 families or about 211,000 residents in 130 villages assistance/PAGE 9
Cacao City showcases region’s chocolates RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide
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DAVAO City -- Cacao City, a store selling chocolate products locally sourced from cacao farmers and processors opened at Davao City’s Pasalubong Center on October 2. The project was a joint effort by the City Agriculturist Office and the private sector, led by the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao (CIDAMI). CIDAMI Vice-
President Lizabel Holganza said the store answers the need for a one-stop shop where one can find local chocolate and cacao-based products. Holganza said the Cacao City features the value-adding initiatives of cocoa processors, which would benefit not just the processors but also the cacao farmers. He also said that the location of the Cacao
City is strategic as it seeks to attract tourists and residents to try Davao’s famed chocolate products. The Pasalubong Center is a city government owned building, which hosts shops selling souvenir items and homemade commodities. Davao Region is the source of about 81% of the country’s total cacao production. (PIA/RG Alama)
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
CorporateWorld Max’s Group eyes more stores in Mindanao
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ISTED casual dining chain operator Max’s Group Inc. (MGI) plans to open more stores in Mindanao following the end of Marawi conflict, as it seeks further expansion opportunities here and abroad. MGI President Robert F. Trota said the company has already 15 branches in Mindanao, including those in Zamboanga, General Santos City and Cagayan de Oro. “Now that the Marawi siege is over, again there’s more opportunity I believe for us to grow the business… I think the economy of Mindanao is growing and we would like to be able to open more stores,” he said in an interview this week. Trota noted that even with the Marawi conflict, the company has been looking to put up Max’s Restaurant and Pancake House branches in Iligan City. “It never stops us from looking at Mindanao to grow the business,” he
said. MGI has allotted this year up to PHP800 million in capital expenditures mainly for the rollout of 60 to 70 new branches primarily among core brands Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza and Krispy Kreme. “We are on track to meet that number. Some might open around December already but we will meet that target of opening 60 to 70 stores. We should be about 50 plus (branches) already,” added Trota. The company has set a goal to establish 1,000 outlets, including 200 international, by 2020. Trota said the local market comprises 90 percent of company’s total revenues, while the remaining 10 percent is shared by its overseas stores. MGI is continuously expanding across the Philippines and in the Middle East, North America, Canada, Singapore, China, and
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 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
FAME, a local modeling agency based here in Cagayan de Oro City, held its pre-Halloween ramp show last Sunday at Limketkai Event Center. Eighteen-year-old Khelly Nicole Amora is shown here strutting. photo by mark francisco
Vietnam, he said. Trota further said the company is looking to open more stores overseas. “Indonesia is one. We would like to look into India as well. Of course,
we would like to look as far as Australia. Within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) alone, Asia Pacific, I think our hands are full,” he added. (PNA)
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
PLDT allots P11B for broadband upgrade PLDT, INC. on Thursday said it will spend P11 billion in the next two years to upgrade its fiber optic network. In statement, the telecommunications company said it will upgrade the connection of around 1.3 million subscribers of its fixed line home broadband service by rolling out over one million ports nationwide. This means DSL customers will be upgraded to fiberfast connectivity. “We have roughly 1.2, 1.3 million who are on our copper DSL. The program is to [upgrade into fiber] the subscribers in the next two years,” PLDT First Vice-President and Head of Home Business Marco Alejandro T. Borlongan said on the sidelines of the PLDT and Smart Consumer Group event on
Wednesday. This year, PLDT Home has been rolling out fiberto-the-home (FTTH) network nationwide, in a bid to deliver faster Internet speeds to its subscribers. “In the past four years, all our new rollouts are already fiber,” Mr. Borlongan said. PLDT is targeting to expand its FTTH coverage to about four million homes passed by the end of 2017. It recently completed its P1-billion fiber optic network expansion project in Mindanao, as well as rollouts of fiber connections in the residential and commercial areas of the Rockwell Center in Makati and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. “Our vision is to
make high-speed internet connectivity the standard of every Filipino whether they are at home or on the go. With reliable and fast connectivity, PLDT is fully committed to revolutionize the way Filipinos experience and enjoy world-class digital services and content on their various screens – the television, personal computers, tablets, and mobile phones,” PLDT and Smart Executive Vice-President and Chief Revenue Officer Eric R. Alberto was quoted as saying in a statement. At the same time, PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications said it has completed its LTE rollout in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, Boracay, and in Rizal province. The LTE rollout is on going in Metro Manila.
“By end-2018, over 90% of the country’s population will have Smart LTE coverage. We are complementing this LTE rollout with our deployment of ultrafast Smart Wi-Fi, which registers over 100Mbps download and upload speed, and is now available at key airports, other transport hubs, popular food parks, bars and restaurants as part of our SMART Spots Program all over the country,” PLDT and Smart First Vice-President and Head of Consumer Business for Market Development Oscar A. Reyes, Jr. was quoted as saying in a statement. For this year, PLDT set aside P38 billion for capital expenditures, mainly for network modernization and expansion program.
Number of billionaires worldwide jumps 10% THE number of billionaires worldwide rose above 1,500 last year, a 10 percent jump from 2015, due largely to a surge in Asia, Swiss banking giant UBS and auditors PwC said Thursday. In an annual report, UBS and PwC said that last year marked the first time it recorded more billionaires in Asia (637) than in the United States (563), crediting the rise of
China’s entrepreneurs. There are now more than 1,500 billionaires worldwide, according to a report. Europe took third spot in the report’s billionaire database with 342. The total wealth controlled by the ultra-rich group also shot up to $6 trillion (5.1 trillion euros), marking a 17 percent rise on the previous year when billionaire wealth actually
shrank, the report said. The group of 1,542 billionaires either owns or partly controls companies that employ 27.7 million people, it added. While the chasm between the world’s rich and poor remains a burning political issue across the continents, UBS and PwC said that billionaire assets are increasingly likely to benefit the needy.
“Looking further forward, we estimate that $2.4 trillion (2.1 trillion euros) of billionaire wealth will be transferred in the next two decades as billionaires age, with a significant amount going to philanthropic causes,” the report said. Three quarters of those who newly became billionaires in 2016 were from China and India, the findings showed.
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 HOTEL ELENA Avenida Santos Ave., Nova Tierra Vill, Lanang, D.C Tel. Nos. (082) 233-1941 & 305.8799 / fax No. (082) 233-1887 PARADISE ISLAND Tel. No. (082) 233-0251 & 300-2343 / CP No.: 09209546780 E-mail: paradiseislanddavao@gmail.com MARCO POLO DAVAO C.M Recto St., Davao City davao@marcopolohotels.com www.marcopolohotels.com (63 82) 221-0888 HOTEL ESSE Brgy. 9-A F Torres Street, Davao City Hotline: No: 227-37-73 / Fax: 295-34-85 Website: www.hotelessedavao.com.ph Email Add: hotel_esse_davao@yahoo.com RUEMANGO APARTELLE & SUITES 516 Mangga St., Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City ruemangoapartelleandsuites@gmail.com www.ruemango.com Tel. Nos.: (082) 295-7175/ 295-7180
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Opinion
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Don’t cry for terrorists
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Justice and mercy think a minute
jhan tiafau hurst Think a minute…Have you ever missed a bus or plane because you were just a little too late? Recently I had to catch a plane for a very important meeting, so I got to the airport early and waited for the announcement to board the plane. The announcement never came. When I finally went to the gate, I was shocked to see it was closing and the airplane engines had started! I panicked and tried to get the airline worker to let me on. I had nothing to lose and was desperate so I told her I wasn’t asking for justice, I was begging for mercy. Well, she did not give it to me. You know that terrible feeling when you’ve done something wrong and you know you deserve to suffer the consequences? Every religion, except Christianity, has certain rules or rituals and good deeds
that people must do to try to earn their god’s forgiveness for their wrongs. Some religions even make people torture and punish themselves to pay the penalty for their own wrongs. But Jesus Christ showed that there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn or deserve God’s forgiveness for all the wrongs we’ve done. Not even our religious prayers, duties, and deeds come close to paying our debt to Him for all our sins. We don’t need justice, we need mercy! None of us can ever reach God’s standard of perfect goodness in everything we think, say, and do. That’s why God the Son became a human being to do it for us. Jesus said that our only hope is His mercy, because He has already paid the penalty for all our sins by giving His own perfect life for us on the cross. We just have to ask and believe that He will give us His free gift of forgiveness and new, eternal life. Then we can start life all over again, loving Him and living His right way that He plans for us to enjoy. So today, won’t you ask Jesus for His free gift of forgiveness and new life? Then ask Him to start changing you so you can live His successful and satisfying way He created you for. Just Think a Minute...
Ruffy magbanua Terrorism has spread globally and is mounted rapidly in almost ever y nook and cranny of the world -unprecedented, and by leaps and bounds. Most p e ople shou ld know the story of David and Goliath. Actually, we are the Davids of today. The Islamic terrorists, the fanatics and others are the goliaths.
I n t e r e s t i n g l y, our slingshots are rather big but paralyzed, and mostly because we are hampered by would-be patriots. Haters are everywhere and the time has come for the world to unite against this global terrorism now in our midst. Something to seriously consider by the global community to make every effort to put a complete halt on this global menace— terrorism! The radicals such as the ISIS, al Qaida, and those who have similar aligned beliefs want the entire world to live back in a of time of stone age. The free world has been burning with fear. Tragically, and it is indeed dreadful -that our basic institutions of modern-day society are
threatened endlessly, by extremism and worst, by fanaticism! What was once called ISIS propaganda is now certified news, over the mainstream and social media. And what is the certified war cry of Islamic terrorists? Allahu Akbar. It was the Islamic terrorists final words before flying jetliners into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and an open field in Pennsylvania. And Allahu Akbar was w hat the ISIS-inspired Maute terror group chanted when they declared war in Marawi. The result was the total destruction of this once peaceful Islam City of the South. Let it be said by now that the declaration of martial law in Mindanao has somehow
served as the driver against fear of the terror spawned by the Mautes, Abu Sayyaf and foreign terrorists who were able to sneaked through Mindanao via back door entry. To all the soldiers who died in Marawi with their boots on, they our heroes -- our salute! To the ISISbacked terrorists, your tribe must be wiped from the ends of the earth –- permanently. Unfortunately, what is being spread out these days seem out of whack. Who wants to live in fear? Indeed, the time has come of the skylarking to end. Time to stop the evil thinking of extremism – the terrorists, killers, hostage-takers and all those who hate us must come to an end. (ruffy44_ph2000@ yahoo.com)
Muslim scholar calls for consultations on Marawi rehab Kakampi mo ang batas
Batas Mauricio LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored…” (Proverbs 13:18, the Holy Bible). -ooo M U S L I M SCHOLAR CALLS FOR C ON SU LTAT ION S ON MARAWI REHAB: In the “peace and conflict seminar” of the Rotary Club of Manila Cosmoplitan last Saturday, October 28, 2017, I profusely
thanked the president of the Club, Great President (and Born Again Pastor) Jojo Gonzales, for inviting me to listen to the lecture of the guest speaker. In the process, I was convinced that indeed, there is still hope for unity in this country. The seminar’s topic was “Understanding Islam”, which is the religion of Muslim Filipinos from Mindanao. Pastor/Great President Jojo pushed the peace and conflict seminar in compliance with the directives of Governor Emmanuel Cosico of Rotary International District 3810 (which is composed of Manila, Pasay City, Cavite, and Occidental Mindoro). The guest speaker was Dr. Macrina Morados, the dean of the Institute of Islamic Affairs of UP Diliman, Quezon City, who is herself a Muslim and a known expert on Islam. The focal point of Morados’
lecture was this: the Duterte government must take pains to take into consideration the command on consultation from the Koran in any effort to rehabilitate Marawi City, to assure its success. -ooo KORAN MANDATES CONSULTATION AMONG DIFFERENT SECTORS: The command on consultation on anything that concerns or affects Muslims is called by the Koran, the holy book of Islam, as “Shura”. Morados said all Muslims, in the Philippines or in other countries, are mandated to undertake a prior consultation with different sectors before any decision or any action is made on any given issue. During these consultations, effort must be exerted to determine what the Koran says on the matter at hand. “This is what is missing at present,” the dean added.
She said that even imams, or Muslim religious leaders, are no longer consulted and are basically ignored, which, she said, is a big mistake because imams exercise great influence on their followers. Imams must be allowed much leeway in explaining the doctrines contained in the Koran, and espoused under Islam, to enable decisionmakers in government to formulate plans and programs that would take into account the traditions, practices, and, most of all, the faith, of Muslims. -ooo HOPE FOR A UNITED RP RAISED IN ROTARY MEETING: If only Shura (or the command on consultation in Koran) is observed with fidelity in any situation affecting Muslims, our country would not be suffering from the violence, rehab/PAGE 9
Hopefully heading toward the Good News hints and traces
roy cimagala Let’s hope that all this discussion about what is real news as differentiated from fake news will lead us to the conclusion that the Good News of Christ’s gospel is the real news meant for all men for all time and for all situations. It is what should always be proclaimed and upheld as we go through the different events and issues of our life. It is what contains the answers
to all our questions, the solutions to all our problems including the humanly insoluble ones. It is what gives meaning and purpose to everything in our life. It is what relates everything to God, our Creator and Father, our source and end. No amount of academic and intelligent discussion about this issue can really help us to distinguish fake news from real news if God, the gospel and everything the gospel teaches, like charity, sincerity, justice, mercy, compassion, etc., are marginalized. Without God, we would be left with a very limited and even subjective view of reality. We need to overcome the bias that in our temporal and mundane affairs any appeal to God and to religion is out of place. Quite the contrary is true. With God at the
center, we would know how to discover, pursue, affirm, and defend the truth in charity. Without God, we would just be left to our own devices, our own rationalizations. Let’s remember that God is the source of all truth. That’s why Christ said, “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” (Jn 18,37) And that’s because Christ is the Son of God who became man to redeem us. As such, he is the fullness of the revelation of God, of the Truth, to all of us! And what would happen if we put God aside in the pursuit of truth and enlightenment in our earthly discussions? Let’s quote some words of St. Paul to give us an idea what will happen. “Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord
Jesus Christ and the religious te a ch i ng ,” he s ai d, “ is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. “From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain.” (1Tim 6,3-4) I consider these Pauline words as spot-on in describing the toxic environment we have at the moment in the field of politics especially, and also of the media. We need to remember that if not inspired by the Good News of Christ’s gospel, any piece of news cannot be part of the Good News. It can only be a fake news, driven by worldly and suspicious motives. If not inspired by saved/PAGE 9
DISCLAIMER: All articles and commentaries published in this section are construed to be the sole responsibility of the writers and do not in any manner reflect the stand of the newspaper, its publisher and editors -- The Editor in Chief
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Banking&Finance
BPI to expand Davao network By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent
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AVAO City – Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is expanding its network of branches in the Davao Region with up to seven new branches planned for opening by 2018. BPI Executive VicePresident for Retail Banking Joseph Albert L. Gotuaco said there are currently 24 branches in the region, including three of its thrift bank, the BPI Family Savings Bank. “We are already on construction, we will be completing construction of another five branches east and west of (Davao) city itself,” Mr. Gotuaco said in a press briefing. Three of the five new branches will be in Davao City and one each in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and Mati City, Davao Occidental. The other provinces that comprise the region are Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Compostela Valley. Mr. Gotuaco said by the first half of 2018, there would possibly be around 31 branches with the addition of two BPI Family Saving Banks, one
in Davao City and another in Compostela Valley. “That (31 branches) is very big when you put that into context, right now in Cebu we have 36 branches,” he said. BPI has 829 branches nationwide. Mr. Gotuaco said the expansion in Davao is brought about by a growing client base, both in the retail and corporate
markets. “When you see that the population is growing and people are beginning to save money, and your companies are trying to invest, trying to bring in factories, offices, malls, tourism investments to the region, you have to follow them,” he added. In other parts of Mindanao, where BPI currently has a network of 55 branches, Mr. Gotuaco said they are opening
new branches before the end of the year in two other major cities and some smaller cities in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region (South CotabatoCotabato-Sultan KudaratSarangani-General Santos). “We’ll be opening a new branch in Iligan and another branch in Cagayan de Oro, also in Tacurong … Next year, probably another 10 to 15 new branches total,” he said.
About P12 million to P13 million is invested to build one branch with a minimum area of 200 square meters. About 50% of the capital expenditure is spent on the technology infrastructure, including the vault system, according to Mr. Gotuaco. Alongside the branch expansion, Mr. Gotuaco said they are also engaged in training local staff for the corresponding human resources needed. “More importantly, we are not just investing in
branches as branches have to be manned by people and the people are the ones who take care of our customers. So we are also training,” he said. “This month, we are not doing this in Mindanao yet, but we are training our first batch of officers on Cebu. The fact that we’re training some of our important employees who are not in Metro Manila is a sign of how our focus on the VisMin (Visayas-Mindanao) area is increasing,” he said.
BSP excludes MFI-guaranteed loans from cap on banks’ loans
Asian dishes abound during the two-day CIC Asian Cookfest 2017 at Centrio bridgeway ground level in Cagayan de Oro City. photo by mark francisco
BANKS have been given extra leeway to increase financing of high priority projects following the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) directive excluding loans guaranteed by Multilateral Financial Institutions (MFIs) from the cap on banks’ loans to subsidiaries and affiliates. “(This latest decision by the Monetary Board) will enable concerned banks to increase their loan budget available to high priority projects (e.g. infrastructure) that attract MFIs guarantees,”
BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. told reporters in a message Friday. The central bank, in a statement, identified the MFIs as the International Finance Corp. (IFC), the lending arm of the World Bank (WB); the Manilabased Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility. The latest MB decision “aims to promote a level-playing field for bank borrowers through consistent application of regulatory limits on loans/PAGE 9
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Ozamiz retains regional campus journalism title By URIEL QUILINGUING
DepEd 10 RD Allan G. Farnazo with Ozamiz division campus journalism coordinators Federico Araniego and Mary Rose Abapo
Once again, Ozamiz bested 13 other school divisions in Northern Mindanao as the Regional Schools Press Conference overall champion during the awarding ceremonies at Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro City on Oct. 24, 2017. Twenty-six of Ozamiz City-based campus journalists, who competed and won in individual and group journalistic competitions, and 18 school publications earned berths for the National Schools Press Conference. Campus journalism
coordinator Angelina M. Buaron of the Department of Education regional office10 said the schools division of Dumaguete City, Central Visayas region will host the NSPC on Feb. 22-25, 2018. Buaron said first and second runner-up honors went to the schools divisions of Misamis Occidental and Iligan, with 13 and 23 NSPC qualifiers, respectively. Ozamiz 26 NSPC delegates consist of 12 individual contest qualifiers and 14 group contest qualifiers since she
won in radio broadcasting elementary level in English and television scriptwriting and broadcasting secondary level in English. DepEd 10 records show her 13 NSPCbound campus journalists include the seven-member collaborative publishing team elementary level in English and nine top 10 school publications from elementary and secondary levels, both English and Filipino media. Iligan City Schools Division, for her part, will be sending 23 delegates to the NSPC, 14 of them composed two radio
broadcasting teams in elementary level in Filipino and secondary level in English who were adjudged regional champions. Other qualifiers for NSPC in group contests were Misamis Oriental in collaborative publishing elementary level in Filipino while Cagayan de Oro City schools division won both English and Filipino media in secondary level for the same group event. Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro have 11 and 18 NSPC qualifiers, respectively, Journalism/PAGE 9
Marriott International Named Best International Hotel Chain at Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards Top accolade judged by Travel Weekly Asia readers honours the best in the industry Marriott International has been named Best International Hotel Chain at the Travel Weekly Asia 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row. The coveted award was announced at a gala dinner at the Mandarin Orchard Singapore in front of an audience of more than 100 hospitality leaders across the region. The awards celebrate the best in the travel industry in Asia and are voted for by readers of Travel Weekly Asia, a group made up of professionals from different fields within the industry. The Best International Hotel Chain award honours outstanding hotel chain operating a network of properties internationally. “Travel Weekly Asia would like to congratulate Marriott International for its impressive success at this year’s awards. It’s clear that our readers, who number some of the most well-
travelled people in the region, continue to be impressed by Marriott’s distinct offerings such as its industry-leading loyalty program and remarkable breadth of brands”, said Irene Chua, group publisher, Travel Weekly Asia. Craig S. Smith, President and Managing Director of Asia Pacific for Marriott International, said: “I’m so proud of all of more than 130,000 associates across the region who are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our guests. At Marriott we put people first, so I am delighted with this fantastic recognition of their hard work.” “2017 is truly a breakthrough year for us. With our larger portfolio of individually distinctive brands across destinations, we now provide guests greater access, unprecedented choices and unparalleled benefits on their travels whether for business or leisure.” Continued Craig.
Marriott has strong momentum in the region with nearly 80 hotels targeted to open, bringing 19,000 new rooms to Asia Pacific in 2017. Additionally, the company is debuting two brands in Asia Pacific - MOXY Hotels, Marriott’s Next Gen boutique-hotel brand for the ‘always on’ and digitally savvy, opened its first property in Indonesia this month, and Delta Hotels, a premium brand distinguished by its rich Canadian heritage, will come to Asia at the end of this year. With these two additions, Marriott is offering guests a total of 23 desirable brands that will cater to every occasion and traveller; forging ahead of the competition and strengthening its leadership position as a luxury, premium and select service hotel operator. Now in its third year, Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards bestows 46 awards across 10 categories and
seek out enterprises who have had a breakthrough year. With the selected the theme ‘Saluting Brilliance’, the award ceremony toasts the flying stars of the travel trade and give them the recognition that they duly deserve, as voted by the publication’s esteemed readers. After a year of record growth for Marriott, including the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, in late 2016, Marriott International has enhanced its global portfolio of 30 worldrenowned brands including St. Regis®, W®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Aloft®, and Element®. Marriott now has over 500 properties in its development pipeline in Asia Pacific which are expected to open by 2021.
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cmyk
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Empowering IPRA (8371) In DepED K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum
Ranita Sudaria-Cabuguason IP School Coordinator Macapari Central School Macapari, DamulogBukidnon
Education is a continuous process to every individual regardless of age, color, culture, and race. Department of Education as government agency has an important role in empowering the whole nation about thisLaw (IPRA) also known as R.A. 8371. For 20 years since the law was passed, it is only known to the very few. Only lumad did acknowledge it hence, the said law is for every Filipino. In full blast implementation of K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, aligning with the said law. According to R.A. 8371 under Science and Technology Section 10, stated here that, the state shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to
science and technolog y education, training and services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the country’s productive systems and national life. Therefore, the Department of Education as it is mandated to do so,must focus more on Science and Technology, NOT in the Language. Fu r t h e r m ore , u n d e r Arts and Culture section 14, the state shall foster the prevention, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino natural culture b as e d on t he pr inciple of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellec tual expression. Therefore, this law is not just for the minorities rather, it’s
Assistance...
then returned few days later,” she said in Tagalog dialect, adding that she expected help from the local government. Her husband, Samson, a pump boat operator, said many residents would prefer to stay home than move to higher grounds. “Our experience tells us that the water will subside after few days anyway,” he said in the vernacular. In Nor t h C ot a b at o, torrential rains also submerged low-lying towns near the Liguasan marshland every time water level rises. The province has experienced rains for more than two weeks now and water flow directly to the marshland, raising its water level. The North C otabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) said affected are low-lying villages of the towns of Pigcawayan, Libungan, Midsayap, Pikit, Kabacan, Matalam, M’lang and Tulunan. The PDRRMC is yet to determine the total number of families affected by floods. The 220,000-hectare marshland serves as catch basin of river waters from Maguindanao, South Cotabato, Bukidnon and North Cotabato. (PNA)
from page 2
Some of these towns are under water for more than a month due to recurring rains spawned by low-pressure area and inter-tropical convergence zone affecting eastern and southern Mindanao. Henr y said relief operations had been conducted since Wednesday and still on going. She said the local government units of flooded villages were expected, as first responders, to have extended initial assistance to flood victims. Henry said the affected towns with corresponding villages and number of families affected are Mangudadatu (8 barangays – 3,417 families); Shariff Saydona (5 barangays – 1,812 families); Sultan sa Barongis (5 barangays – 1,612 families); Sultan Kudarat (16 barangays – 4,980 families); Ampatuan (3 barangays – 646 families); Sultan Mastura (6 barangays – 1,014 families); Northern Kabuntalan (10 barangays – 3,112 families); and Mother Kabuntalan (17 barangays – 3,868 families). Also inundated were Rajah Buayan (10 barangays – 1,912 families); Buluan (5 barangays – 973 families); Mamasapano (1 3 b ar ang ays – 4,523 families); Datu Salibo (17 barangays – 3, 281 families); Datu Paglat (3 barangays – 1, 702 families); Datu Paglas (1 barangay – 189 families); Datu Piang (3 barangays – 300 families); and Pandag (8 barangays – 1,932 families). Henr y said although recurring floods have affected their daily activities, most families preferred to stay home. Some have moved to neighbors or relatives’ homes and only return when floodwaters receded. Alibai Kusain, a resident of Barangay Katuli, Sultan Kudarat, said they are used to floods. “ We a r e t i r e d o f evacuating, haul our valuables
Rehab... from page 4
mayhem, and the shooting war that happened in Marawi City that involved terrorists and foreigners, Morados stressed. She recalled that there were many instances in the past where Muslims were in authority in different countries but gave full recognition to the right of non-Muslims. This is the “ideal rule” of Islam, Dr. Morados said. She added that there is really a need for everyone, whether Muslims or Christians, to recognize the differences between them and that they should strive for understanding land cooperation at all times.
for the Filipinos as a whole. To continue, in section 15, Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the state. The State shall conserve, promote, and popularized t h e n at i o n’s h i s t o r i c a l and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations. So, it does not follow to focus only on lumads but to the whole citizenry. Henceforth, These law is applicable to every Filipino alike regardless of our ethnicity. On section 16, 17, and 18 under article of Arts and Culture still promotes the welfare of the entire Filipinos as citizen of the country. Additionally, under Culture and Sports section 19 again, promote national and international involvement in sports. Furthermore, article XV section 1, the state recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it
As a whole, the hairs on my body stood on their ends with Dr. Morados’ pronouncements, and I know that the other Rotarians who were in the room, and the other people who listened to her, who were all Christians, experienced the same emotional reaction. I realized that if only every Filipino will strive hard, there is hope that Muslims and Christians can be united and, hand-in-hand with each other, push for real progress in the Philippines. -ooo WATCH ANG TANGING DAAN” AT FACEBOOK: “Ang Tanging Daan” is a Bible exposition and prayer session for everyone, in English and Filipino, 24/7, worldwide, that can be viewed at w w w. f a c e b o o k . c om / angtangingdaan. Please see the video section. Reactions: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.
News...
from page 4 the charity of God, then any fact, data or opinion, no matter how objective and fairsounding, cannot achieve the status of the truth, since truth and charity are inseparable. Again let’s hope that the futility of our discussion of issues without God at the center can lead us to the realization that only with God can we be in the truth. It’s only with God can we have real news and fair opinions. roycimagala@gmail.com.
Loans... from page 5
credit.” C u r r e n t l y, M F I guaranteed loans are exempted from the Single Borrower’s Limit (SBL) and the cap loans to Director, Officer, Stockholder and their Related Interests (DOSRI). The statement explained t hat e xclu s i on of M F I guaranteed-loans is targeted to “re cog n ize t hat t he mitigation of credit risk
shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development. Finally, R. A. 8371 also known as Indigenous Peoples Right Act Law commence its 20th year’s celebration last October 28, 2017 the M a h a r l i k h a n Tr i b e o f Kingdom Filipina Hacienda extend her greetings to all advocators and patriots to earmarks the success of its full implementation. L ong l ive , Hr h Q u e e n SalvacionLegaspi YES. similarly applies to all MFIguaranteed loans regardless of whether the borrower is a third party, DOSRI, or a subsidiary or affiliate of the bank.” “ The rationalization of prudential measures is expected to result in greater flexibilities in financing the country’s large-scale projects for developmental purposes. In addition, the credit risk mitigant offered by MFIs will provide added cushion for the credit risk exposures of the banking system,” it added. (PNA)
Journalism... from page 6
while Bukidnon which topped television script-writing and broadcasting in Filipino has 17 NSPC-bound students. Other school divisions and their NSPC delegates are Camiguin with nine, El Salvador with one, Gingoog with 12, Lanao del Norte with 13, Malaybalay with five, Oroquieta with seven, Tangub with four, and Valencia with eight. Aside from Ozamiz, only two other school divisions, Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro, have backto-back overall championships in the RSPC, DepEd 10 records show. For three days, some 3,083 campus journalists from Northern Mindanao region tested their skills in writing editorial, feature, science, sports and news as well as in copy reading and headline writing, editorial cartooning and photojournalism. Others in a seven-member team competed in collaborative publishing, radio scriptwriting and broadcasting, and in television scriptwriting and broadcasting. Also included in the evaluation under group contests are school publications which are published in 12 to 20 pages. Annual individual and group journalistic competitions in elementary and secondary levels, both public and private schools, under the auspices of the Department of Education are held pursuant to Republic Act No. 7079, otherwise known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991.
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Pia Wurtzbach Makes A Stand at Love Gala As Ripple Awards Nominees are Revealed
W
ith the revelation of the 20 Ripple Awards nominees, Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach explained the importance to support and honor HIV and AIDS advocates through events like the Love Gala –Asia’s Premier Charity and Awards event on December 1. Wurtzbach, who is the Love Gala Ambassador, said, “It’s about time that we acknowledge them, gave them their time to shine, especially on an event like this.” “Hopefully, it’ll give them a lot more motivation and drive to continue their work,” the former Miss Universe said. Exceptional social advocates, influential people, game-changers, celebrities, local and international officials and advocacy groups are among those who will make a stand during the World AIDS Day celebration on the same day. Love Gala will take place at the elegant BGC Arts Center in Taguig City. During the gala, ten (10) outstanding Filipino individuals will be awarded with the firstever Ripple Awards, which symbolizes a person’s unparalleled dedication and passion in changing the landscape of HIVAIDS advocacy in the country and the world over. The Ripple Awards nominations closed last 15 September, and screening commenced after in which viable nominees are further evaluated by a sectoral panel of judges to complete the roster of awardees. One of the highlights of the Gala is a charity fashion show featuring one-of-a-kind creations by five of the Philippine’s top couturiers who have earned the respect of the international fashion industry, namely: Francis Libiran, Cary Santiago, Nat Manilag, Cheeta Rivera and John Herrera. The event also boasts of world-class performances by Filipino talents. Conceptual
photographer and advocate, Niccolo Cosme, will also display his artworks under his series, “Project Headshot Clinic X,” which celebrates its 10th year on World AIDS Day. An after party will be held at Nectar Nightclub along BGC Fort Strip. Help and take part in fighting the HIV epidemic by being a donor-guest and purchasing Love Gala tickets here http:// lovegala.org/tickets/. Donor-guests can reserve the following seats: VIP (P7,000.00); Patron (P5,000.00); Balcony A (P1,500.00) and Balcony B (P1,000.00). Ten percent (10%) of the ticket prices will benefit the worthwhile activities of partner organization. Joining this year’s Love Gala is Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. The Love Gala organization believes that “a single person’s act of love can start a wave that can save millions of people.” The Love Gala is a collaboration of private and public institutions and youth-oriented organizations that aim to augment the efforts in mainstreaming the HIV-AIDS advocacy to a larger audience, as around 30 incidences of HIV infection are observed everyday in the country, according to the latest data from Department of Health. Institutions and organizations coming together for Love Gala are the following: AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Better Together Initiative, Black Maria Productions, Castro Communications, Decent Image of South Signal Association (DIOSSA), Dentsu, Nectar Nightclub, Philippine National AIDS Council, Pinoy Plus Association Incorporated, Positibong Marino Philippines, Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), Taguig City Government, The Red Whistle, The LoveYourself Incorporated, UNAIDS, the US Embassy and World Health Organization-Philippines.
Xavier Ateneo Psych students, alumni present papers on reproductive health, rights Xavier Ateneo junior Psychology students and alumni shared their studies with Hivos and South East Asia Researchers’ Network on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SEARN-SRHR) during the launching of its local namesake project on Thursday, October 19. The SEARN-SRHRCDO project aims to support researchers working on sexual and reproductive health and rights-related subjects and to provide solutions to issues and opportunities for collaborations in the field. Three papers were presented at the said gathering last week. Experimental Psychology students from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, led by Irish Jane Patica and Lasseny Noynay, shared the outcome of their research titled “The Effect of Intimate LGBT Videos to the Tolerance Level of the Xavier University Engineering Students towards Samesex Relationship.” They were accompanied by their research mentor
SEARN-SRHR-CDO PROJECT. Pictured here are Dr Loyd Brendan P Norella, SEARN project coordinator of Hivos South East Asia Hub (first row, center), together with his team that includes Xavier Ateneo's Dr Joey Jegonia (second from right), and participants from Department of Health personnel and faculty members from academic institutions in Cagayan de Oro City. Contributed photo.
Rogelio A Lee Jr, assistant professor of the Xavier Ateneo Department of Psychology. According to the said study, exposure to LGBT-themed videos can affect one’s judgment, feelings, and behavior, as it revealed a “decreased tolerance level” among the male participants after watching an intimate LGBT video. The treatment (video
presentation) created a negative attitude towards homosexual relationships. It also showed that males are “more favorable” to lesbians than gay couples. The study added that culture, religious beliefs, and personal values are major influences on one’s attitudes towards a samesex relationship. Psychology alumni group, composed of Jason Ang, Ima Junia Yamut,
and Maureen Marie Avila, also presented their undergraduate thesis, a qualitative study on “The Lived Experiences of People Living with HIV.” Their mentor was Jhoanna Marie Mocorro, also the current chairwoman of the XU Psych Dept. In the above study, three phases were found out: labeled as (a) struggle phase, (b) transformation present/PAGE 11
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Power... from page 1
He announced that his department is now “fasttracking the issuance and implementation of the energy resiliency policy, as this would guide us, especially in rebuilding Marawi City.” In a recent consultation that the agency had done in Mindanao, the DOE noted that the propounded edict on the “Adoption of Resiliency Planning and Program in the Energy Industry to Mitigate Adverse Effects Brought About by Disasters” keeps pace with the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to build inf rastr uc ture projects that are not only able to withstand ‘humantriggered’ attacks but more importantly of the multitudes of natural disasters wobbling the country. Realistically, the DOE is still fledgling on its energy planning strategies, that until now it has not really come up yet with any concrete and tangible plans that should have been guiding the sectors it has been supervising. Integrating ‘resiliency’ on its planning scheme then would be an added challenge, and getting there is even less clear now for many of the sector’s stakeholders. Cusi can just assert at this stage that “with this policy, we are building with the industry players a structure on how to plan and address human-induced disasters that compromise existing power facilities.” The department insisted that the proposed edict must “strengthen the existing energy infrastructure and systems; institutionalize the ‘build back better principle’; improve existing disaster resilience operations; and develop resiliency practices, systems and standards.”
Shutdown... from page 1
In a follow up letter to COWD on Saturday, copy of which was furnished to this paper, Rio Verde Vice President Joffrey E. Hapitan warned that the price increase was based on necessity and equitable grounds as explained in their notice of price increase. “Rio Verde has been e x p e r i e n c i ng f i n an c i a l difficulties for many years because COWD did not implement the provisions in the Bulk Water Supply Agreement (BWSA) related to volume and water price increases.” “The company has had to comply with several legislated wage increases and prices of chemicals and operating supplies aside from many other legitimate expenses to maintain its facility in top shape which has unavoidably increased the cost of operations many times over.” “It is reiterated that the financial debacle Rio Verde has been experiencing has been worsened further by the accidental damage recently to its underwater pipe crossing the Cagayan River, attributed to the combined forces of
earthquakes and flooding.” “C OWD’s cont inue d refusal to accept and heed Rio Verde’s fair and reasonable request for price increase will unavoidably result to disruption and stoppage of bulk water supply. COWD will need to be ready to take full responsibility for the ensuing repercussions,” Hapitan cautioned. In its response letter obtained by this paper dated October 27, 2017, COWD General Manager Rachel M. Beja expressed surprise upon receipt of the notice of price increase, since both parties were already working on a Compromise Agreement which remains to be decided by the courts. “We regret to inform you that, like in the previous years, COWD can only sustain disbursements of P10.45 for payment of your bulk water supply due to apparent legal constraints,” Beja said in her letter. “We believe you understand the very reason why we cannot further implement the next two phases of our contract, i ncludi ng t he p o ss ibl e water price adjustments, as provided for in Article 9 of the Supplemental Agreement signed on January 21, 2005,” she added. Beja attributed COWD’s inability to comply with the terms of the contract to the Commission on Audit (COA) Fraud Audit Report, COA disallowances, and the nullification case pending with the courts. The COWD is referring the notice of price increase to its Statutory Counsel, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, for appropriate action. The Office of the G overnment C or porate Counsel (OGCC) is the principal and statutory law office of government-ownedand-controlled corporations (GOCC’s), such as the COWD. Rio Verde had previously served COWD a Notice of Increase in bulk water price rates 01 March 2007, barely three months after it started operations, as provided under the terms of the BWSA. Rio Verde said the increase to P11.55 per cu.m. was constrained by “extraordinary increase in power rates and extraordinary inflation.” This, as well as a subsequent notice for a further adjustment dated March 15, 2011 to P13.461 per cubic meter as provided in the BWSA were not implemented by COWD, citing certain disparities in the model agreement and the signed BWSA on August 3, 2007. Hapitan argued in his follow up letter that COWD has publicly admitted it can afford to absorb the price increase petitioned by Rio Verde without passing it on to water consumers. “It is noteworthy that recently, COWD made a public announcement that it is financially capable of absorbing the P16.35/m3 bulk water price without need of increasing its water tariff to the consumers. COWD has likewise openly declared that
is has signed a bulk water agreement with Metro Pacific Water Investments (MWIC) for P16.35/m3 bulk water price,” Hapitan explained in his letter. “It is definitely unjustified for COWD to refuse the long overdue, reasonable and necessary price increase being asked by Rio Verde,” he added. “It is thus imperative for COWD to issue a Purchase Order at the new rate of P16.35/m3 effective Nov 1, 2017 to enable Rio Verde to sustain the operation of its water treatment facility.” “We have been selling our bulk water to COWD for the same price for the last 10 years already,” Hapitan stressed. “Under the terms of our original BWSA, P16.35 should have been the current price by which COWD would have already been buying water from us at this time.” COWD has posted two notices of price increases covering the period 20112014 posted in its official website: The first dated Nov. 1, 2013 brought the minimum charge for the first 10 cu.m. of residential and government accounts from P168 to P184.80, while another dated May 1, 2014 increased the minimum charge further to P218.40 for COWD’s Main Service Area and to P238.40 for Youngsville Subdivision, Opol, Misamis Oriental. The latter post further explained that this was the last tranche of the 30% rates adjustment approved June 17, 2011 per LWUA-BOT Resolution #84 effective May 1, 2014. The COWD assured its concessionaires lately it will not implement another round of rate increases during the next two years.
Immerse...
from page 1 and only museum which proudly showcases unique artifacts , centuries-old indigenous peoples battle gears and photos Taking aim for a more meaningful public service, the Provincial Tourism Office doubled its efforts and initiatives in preserving Agusanon culture, heritage and upholding local history. Thus, the first ever Historical Symposium in the province. The said activity was participated by 140 senior high school students and their respective mentors. Board Member Hazel O. del Rosario, SP Committee Chair on Tourism, Culture and Indigenous Peoples also graced the activity in which in her welcome message she accentuated the importance of local history in today’s modern innovation and technology. “We wouldn’t be where and who we are today if not for our history as Agusanon,” she added. Enlightening and broadening the knowledge of the young ones, Arnel C. Pasilan, sole Eco guide in the country and a homegrown talent, imparted significant information as to how and when the history of Agusan began. He also showed some documentaries and photos of evidences to back his facts
up such as the discoveries of stegodon, stone axe and the famous Golden Tara. A museum tour and a quiz bowl competition then followed where the San Jose National High School from Prosperidad bagged first place, Sibagat National High School, second place and Corpuz National High School, third place.
Problem... from page 1
plaguing abaca hills and lack of access to financing to buy weaving machines. Rubio, his employer, says business is picking up but notes that while local crafts may be able to compete in the domestic and international markets, cost issues are a problem. National government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Depar tment of Science and Technology ( D O ST ) have prov i d e d Rubio support but she is not getting any help from agencies nearer her. “ There is no support from the local government. We don’t see them backing us,” she said. For Rubio, local government units (LGUs) must support small and medium enterprises in their area, especially in helping t he m acce ss e nte r pr is e development and business opportunities. Rubio said she has been wanting to join a trade fair in Malaysia, hoping to tap the market in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). But getting there is a problem due to transportation and other costs. BIMP-EAGA Forum R ome o Monte ne g ro, Mindanao Development Aut hor it y Assist ant Secretary told MindaNews LGUs play a critical role in realizing many of the targets under ASEAN integration. He cited the effort to generate wider public engagement across political, economic and socio-cultural pillars. The Brunei -IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) LGU Forum (LGF), he added, has been adopted as a regular venue for local governments of the focus areas to convene, exchange ideas and pursue p o s s i b l e c o l l a b o r at i o n to complement specif ic projects of different clusters. So far, the BIMP EAGA has five pillars: connectivity, food basket, tourism, environment and sociocultural. But he admitted that the forum is convened only if there is a meeting of the ministers. When there is none, they don’t see each other. In t h e B I M P- E AG A Vision (BEV) 2025, the new blueprint for development in the sub-region, the LGF is considered an institutional mechanism. Started in 20042005, the forum is made of the chief ministers of Sabah and Sarawak and the
chairman of the Labuan Corporation in Malaysia, and governors of the prov inces of Indonesi a and the Philippines; Brunei Darussalam is represented by its Ministry of Home Affairs. Much remains to be done about the forum, which is supposed to promote cooperative activities and opportunities for crossborder trade and investment on a bilateral or multilateral basis. Interestingly, while the 12th BIMP-EAGA Summit identified “increasing local government engagement” as one of four aims, only one of the 22-item joint statements at the end of the summit in Manila last April mentioned local government. “We urge our respective concerned agencies at the national and local levels to provide policy, technical, funding and administrative support to ensure the e f fe c t ive, e f f i c i e nt and timely delivery of the BEV 2025,” it said. Montenegro attributed this to the lack of multilateral framework on how LGUs can participate directly. “There is no functional mechanism yet that the LGF can operate on its own. This is something we will still have to build,” he added. On the side of the Philippines, he said, they are looking at establishing first the Mindanao-wide framework. “We are not looking at Davao and General Santos cities only, we will factor in the other LGUs,” he added. Mont e n e g ro s ai d s o far there are only bilateral frameworks between Davao and Manado (Indonesia) cities and Palawan and Kudat (Malaysia) primarily because of the direct connectivity, specifically commercial flights, already established in the past. He admitted, too, that initial feats in engaging the LGUs are limited only to the key cities like Davao and General Santos. Nothing has been substantially done for interior provinces, like Bukidnon. Jezreel Mangubat, Acting Provincial Planning and Development Officer of Bukidnon, one of Mindanao’s 27 provinces, s aid t here is no dire c t engagement in activities as yet between the province and the movers b ehind BIMP-EAGA mechanisms. “It’s just indirect. Our only possible connection is our alignment to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). We have to align our plan to the PDP,” he said. Mangubat said he looked forward to capacity development opportunities s o L G Us c a n b e m o r e mindful of working towards the direction of BIMPEAGA. Local planners admit t hat t he pr iv ate s e c tor in the locality have been directly involved through their business chamber and DTI. (To be continued)
Coffee... from page 2
from Balutakay Farmers Association of Davao del Sur is at P250. “I think that is how we will empower the farmers by producing quality coffee that could command higher market price,” she said. “We have a grading sheet for our coffee,” she said, “and in fact the quality of Philippine coffee is one of the top where some scored at 86,” she added. The PCBI have graders that were trained by the Coffee Quality Institute and they are called Professional Q Graders and Certified Q Graders. She said the new wave of coffee shops that are sprouting anywhere in the Philippines sell coffee before at P40 to P50. Now, specialty coffee ranges from P120 to P140 and even up to P180 if the preparation is done openly. She said this development would encourage to produce more specialty coffee. “We hope to double our entries from 80 in 2016 to 160 in the next Kape Pilipino 2018,” she said. According to Manny Torrejon of PCBI, the secrets are not secrets after all. “Clean your farms. Taste and cup your coffees. And be serious about quality. The other secret is in the processing,” he said. Torrejon has been cupping coffee for over 20 years now. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)
Present... from page 10
phase, and (c) transition phase. The struggle phase has started when the subjects were diagnosed with a seropositive HIV status and had the struggle of disclosing their serostatus to the society, most especially to their significant others as they have feared the ongoing stigma. The second phase encompasses the transformation phase of the subjects in which they have to alter life-changing effects of HIV. In the said phase, the subjects gradually disclosed their seropositive status not just to their loved ones but also to some people. In the third phase or the transition, the subjects involved themselves to advocating awareness on HIV. The subjects tend to embrace their new identity as people living with HIV as they have come with full acceptance of their situation. Lastly, a study from the Department of Health Region 10, “RAMOS Reproductive Age Mortality Survey” was also showed in the forum. Besides t he paper presentations, the CDO group plans to construct a website that will provide researchers an avenue to upload their studies and build a network. The launching was headed by Dr Loyd Brendan P Norella, SEARN project coordinator of Hivos South East Asia Hub which aims to support local researchers towards an improved access and sharing of SRHR research data and information.
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wednesday|november 1, 2017