BusinessWeek Mindanao (November 27, 2017)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE

Volume VIII, No. 73

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Damaged schools COTABATO City -- The education department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is eyeing the immediate repair of seven damaged public schools in Marawi City.

The repair, along with the rehabilitation of 54 other schools across the province of Lanao del Sur, is estimated to cost over P34-million, said Alfhadar Pajiji, Department of Education–ARMM assistant secretary.

Post-conflict assessment conducted by DepED-ARMM identified the seven schools in Marawi as the Matampay Elementary School; Tampilong Elementary School; Datu Saber Elementary School; Basak Elementary School; Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School; Pandi Elementary School; and the Marawi City National High School.

Need for peacetalks RESUMING talks with the communist insurgents remains the best option for the Duterte government if it wants to achieve lasting peace in the country, a religious leader said.

Bishop Felixberto Calang, an official of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and co-convenor of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), noted that negotiators from both the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) have already made progress during the several rounds of peace negotiations in Europe early this year.

Bishop Calang, who sat as observer to the rounds of negotiations in Italy and Netherlands, described how both panels adopted a twopronged approach in the talks that was “working.”

IN-DEPTH

Six agribusiness deals subject for revocation www.businessweekmindanao.com

As of 6:00 pm November 24, 2017 (friday)

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YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

Monday | November 27, 2017

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By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV MindaNews

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A V A O City -- Six Agribusiness V e n t u r e Arrangements ( AVA s ) s i g n e d between agricultural firms and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) may be revoked after being re v i e w e d b y t h e Presidential Agrarian Reform C ouncil (PARC), a top official of the Department Agrarian Reform (DAR) said Thursday.

Of the six AVAs, five are in Mindanao and only one in Visayas, DAR officer-incharge Rosalina Bistoyong said in an interview during the public hearing of the Hous e C ommittee on Agrarian Reform on the impact of AVA at the CAP Grand Auditorium here.

She said the PARC, chaired

by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, would revoke the AVAs of the agrarian reform beneficiaries with private investors due to the “very low lease rental payments and lack of provision in the deals/PAGE 9

MOTHBALLED. Children play on top of an abandoned government telephone project in Pantar, Lanao del Norte. The project implemented during the administration of President Fidel Ramos was abandoned amid charges of corruption. It has since then became a white elephant project and a playground for children in Pantar town. photo by froilan gallardo

NGCP to conduct WESM orientation for Energy Media

By MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

THE Philippines sole grid operator will be conducting a Media Literacy Program and Orientation on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) on Tuesday, November 28, at a local hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

“This activity will be attended by the Officers and Members of Iligan-Lanao del Norte Energy Press Corps, CDO Energy Press Corps, representatives from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and other media partners,” said orientation/PAGE 9

BARKADA KONTRA DROGA. A high school student from Makilala, North Cotabato joins the Barkada Kontra Droga poster making contest on Wednesday (22 Nov 2017). The activity is part of the month-long activity of the No to Drugs Education Program of the Department of Education. mindanews photo by geonarri o. solmerano

Local officials told to adopt 5 endangered tree species

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Contributing Editor and MELODY C. GEOLAGON, Correspondent

The Toog tree in Barangay Algeria in San Francisco town is listed as the world’s third tallest tree.

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur--- Five kinds of endemic trees which are still seen in different parts of the province will be taken care of by local officials to save their diminishing species.

This was realized after the provincial government

implemented the Community Awareness on Resources and Environment (CARE) project enjoining municipal and barangay officials to adopt the endangered trees found in their respective areas. tree/PAGE 9

‘Bantay Danao’ volunteers get basic skills training to safeguard Agusan Marsh

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Contributing Editor and MELODY C. GEOLAGON, Correspondent

P ROV I NC IA L C apit ol, Agusan del Sur--- Volunteers guarding the wide Agusan Marsh were recently taught with basic skills on life support and first aid for them to be more capacitated in their tasks.

At least 23 “Bantay Danao” volunteers from communities within the extensive nationally-preser ved wetlands hurdled the threeday training spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk training/PAGE 9

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Economy 2 LGU winners for 6th eGov awards bared S

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IXTEEN local government units (LGU) projects were cited during the 6thAwards for the Excellence in ICT for Good Governance for Local Government Units (eGOV Awards) last November 17 for their outstanding information and communication technology (ICT) systems.

The Internet Online Services (iOS) of Cagayan De Oro City was deemed Best in Digital Finance (P2G), with the GReAT System Architecture of Cavinti Municipality, Laguna second placer and the POS and Online Payment of Real Property (RPT) of Silang Municipality, Cavite third.

The Municipal Agriculture Information System-Farmers Agriculture Resource Management Systems (MAIS-FARMS) of Mina, Iloilo was adjudged Best in Business Empowerment (G2B) with the Integrated Queuing and Business Permit and Licensing System for LGUs (IQBPLS) of Bogo City coming in second and the Capitol IP-Telephony of Iloilo Province third place.

The Real Time Community Health Information System (CHITS) of Quezon City was cited as Best in Government InterOperability (G2G), with Cebu City’s Electronic Remittance System

Winners in the 6th eGov Awards for Digital Finance - Cavinti, Laguna (2nd), Cagayan de Oro (1st) & Silang, Cavite (3rd). (NICP-DICT photo)

Davao del Norte second, and Tricycle Franchise Registration Information System (T-FRIS) of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro third.

Baliwag High FVE Mobile App of Baliwag, Bulacan was the Best in Customer/Citizen Empowerment (G2C), with the e-Participation System of San Fernando City, La Union second, and 1SanMateo Mobile App of San Mateo, Rizal and the Cebu City Travel Lines (CCTL) both coming in third.

The awarding ceremony was part of the 9th National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) ICT Summit held November egov/PAGE 11

This activity was also in line with Proclamation No. 1030, s. 2015, declaring the month of November of every year as the ‘Organic Agriculture (OA) Month.’

“Annually, we conduct this trade fair to focus our attention on the importance of Organic Agriculture as a viable farming system for development, environmental conservation and health protection of farmers, consumers and the public,” Carlene C. Collado, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Regional Director of the Department of

Agriculture–Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) said.

He added that it served as a mechanism for agricultural producers and processors to change their mindset on farming as merely subsistence to a sustainable business enterprise.

“Once they reap the fair returns of their products, the only option that they have is to drive themselves towards producing and growing in order to meet the demands of the market,” Collado explained. fair/PAGE 11

(eRemS) second place and the Pulilan Integrated Wireless Network (PIWN) of Pulilan Municipality, Bulacan third.

CNN Philippines TV-9 Manila CNN Philippines TV-12 Baguio CNN Philippines TV-12 Dagupan CNN Philippines TV-26 Tarlac CNN Philippines TV-10 Iriga CNN Philippines TV-4 Iloilo

CNN Philippines TV-8 Bacolod CNN Philippines TV-9 Cebu CNN Philippines TV-5 Cag. de Oro CNN Philippines TV-5 Zamboanga CNN Philippines TV-7 GenSan CNN Philippines TV-9 Davao

Data-Driven Governance (D2G), with the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) of the Provincial Government of

Organic products showcased in Cagayan de Oro trade fair

RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide

The GeoHealthGeographic Information System (GIS) for HealthDengue Mapping System of Cebu City was Best in

DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos

TO broaden the market reach of organic products grown and produced in Northern Mindanao, a Regional Organic Trade Fair (ROTF) was staged on November 17 to 19, 2017 at the SM Cagayan de Oro City.

A total of 28 exhibitors from the city, municipal and provincial local government units (LGUs) and the private sector participated and showcased their certified organic and naturallygrown products and other value-adding and product innovations locally produced in Region 10.

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

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Opinion

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Open letter to US Ambassador Sung Kim HOTLINE

Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

ALLAN mario MEDIANTE

Vice President for Corporate Affairs

RUFINO T. MAGBANUA

Vice President for Business Development

Joe felicilda

Vice President for Administration

JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO

Vice President for Events and Promotions

joe palabao

Vice President for Marketing

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

gilbert y. chao Motoring Editor

JUN AYENSA

Regional Editor - Caraga

Cris diaz ATTY. antonio s. soriano mike baños 2f, ICS Building BONG FABE Tel.No.: 881-0176 Uriel quilinguing Tiano cor. Montalvan sts.

Contributing Editors Legal Counsel CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artist

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

ABEGAIL BAYNOSA Sandra encoY

Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., CDO Legal Counsel

Ruffy magbanua Dear Ambassador Kim, The Movement for a Brownout-Free Mindanao, a volunteer watchdog for t h e u n i nt e r r upt e d an d sustainable power supply in Mindanao is exploring

manila office: 9th Floor, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino Cor. Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel. # : 5555392,Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 lani vallido-Marketing Manager

The BusinessWeek Mindanao is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Corporation every Monday to Friday with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City.

It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Company Registration No. CS201531633 with BIR Certificate of Registration No. 2RC0000831068, TIN No. 463-826-272-000 – VAT. Reg., and with Business Permit No. 2017-02942. Tel. Nos.: (088)856-3344, 0923-432-0687, 0917-7121424 Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com

Member: Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

Christmas everyday think a minute

jhan tiafau hurst T h i n k a m i nute… Just because Christmas is o v e r d o e s n’t m e a n w e must stop giving things to others. In fact, we should enjoy Christmas day ever y day of the year! We could call these d a i l y g i f t s “O u r d a i l y Christmas celebration.”

At least 1 a day will make a big dif ference in your l i fe and i n t he l ive s of others around you. Here are a fe w suggestions.

Make peace with s omeone you quarreled with. Find a forgotten friend. Pay a long overdue debt. Be gentle and patient with an angr y person. Make a child h a p p y. M a k e o r b a k e s omething for s omeone els e - anonymously! L et go of a grudge. Make the time to listen to your

child’s real feelings and interests. Keep a promise.

F o r g i v e n a n e n e m y.

E xpress t han ks to your wife, husband, or children for w hat t he y do e ver y d ay. B re a k a b a d h a bit and start a new, good one in its place.

Speak kindly to a s t r a n g e r. L o w e r y o u r demands and expectations of others. Be honest. Take your wife out on a date.

Work harder at your job a n d c a r e e r. S h o w t r u e compassion and put yourself in the other p e r s o n’s p l a c e . L a u g h and have fun with your family. Take the time to talk and listen to an older person. Offer to baby-sit for a tired mother. Buy someone a meal or an ice cream. Apologize if you’re wrong. Give your teacher a break and do your best.

Give your students a break and b e realistic in your requirements.

L et’s make Christmas one life-long gift of ours elves to others. Oh yes, one more suggestion.

G i v e y ou r l i fe t o Je s u s Christ by loving Him and living His way ever y day. After all, He died to give His life to you. Just Think a Minute…

U S A I D h a s c on c lu d e d meetings among various stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss policy and research issues on energy development in the country.

A s w e a l l k n o w, Mindanao, widely known as t he c ou nt r y ’s bre a d basket, is the source of sizeable amount of natural resource yet up to now, its infrastructures including energ y has remained economically laggard due to inequitable distribution of national wealth, corruption in the energy coupled with unstable peace and security vis-a-vis internal threats on insurgency and terrorism.

As the mouthpiece

of power consumers in Mindanao, the movement would like to interact with you on relevant and timely issues in the power sector e . g . re n e w a b l e e n e r g y, among others.

In this regard, the movement takes its stride to corroborate with you in the promotion of technological energy innovation and push for regulatory and structural reforms for the energ y sector in Mindanao.

Thank you and more power.

Ruffy Magbanua, C h a i r, M o v e m e n t f o r Blackout-Free Mindanao ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo.com

What it takes for Elien Perez to get the Olympic Gold

Cell No: 09352379999

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an avenue of partnership w it h t he Unite d St ates Agency for International D e ve l opm e nt ( U S A I D ) for possible collaboration on the Energy Policy and D e v e l o p m e nt P ro g r a m (EPDP) for the countr y particularly the island of Mindanao.

The movement would appreciate ver y much if the USAID has included Mindanao in the promotion of best practices to achieve economically-sound energy policies for a cost-effective, sustainable and reliable electric ser vice of the countr y’s second largest island.

We u n d e r s t a n d t h e

Lucell larawan Excitement fills the ai r af te r E l i e n Pe re z wowed the countr y for her recent golds in the Asian Cup and the Asian Inter-Club Weightlifting Championships in South Korea. Prior to this, Perez also earned three bronze medals in the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship in Nepal last July. She will then compete in t he S out he ast Asian Games 2019. With these feats, will the 19-year-old Boholana get the highest Olympic dream?

This depends on crucial factors involved. In athletics, as in other fields, winning

is a state of mind. Perez has the focus, discipline and determination to move higher. Truth be told, she fixes in her barbell studies in criminology and two hours daily training. According to Perez, this is a tough balancing act; but despite the pressure, she still gets decent grades. Her strategy: she enrolls only 18 units at the University of Bohol to concentrate more on the lifting regimen. Every national player representing the country is expected to pass this common quiz; as she excels in sports, she should pass her subjects in school, too.

Is this common quiz strategic? If I may give my two cents worth, there are two issues: first is, this requirement ensures the future of Philippine athletes; the second, however, looks at this precept as a distraction.

If authorities have already seen the athletic qualities of a person, why demand more as if education is the only key towards a more decent life? This goes back

to the common notion that academic prowess is always a relevant form of genius which I disagree. The person involved should have been pegged at the right place for a laser focus—in this case, honing a psychomotor form of genius that should be treated as an equal to any form of genius--leading to more eminence.

In a sport like weightlifting, an athlete not on ly lif ts b arb el ls.

We a s s u m e t h at Pe re z battles with pain, injuries and fatigue, not just with gravity. She already had injuries which she shrugged away. This shows that the weightlifter should not just be disciplined, strong and skillful; she must be an iron like what she lifts because this is a battle of wills. The strongest will prevails.

Much also depends on her coach, Samuel Alegada.

Not only is Alegada a force to reckon with as a threetime gold medalist in the SEA Games; he is als o Perez’s uncle. His blood relationship with Perez adds

meaning to the mentoring equation.

If we base it on precedence, I see a 100 percent possibility of her getting a gold in SEA Games 2019 and a 60 p ercent probability of getting a silver during the Olympics. How about the probability of a gold in the Olympics? I believe it is 50 percent this time.

These probability estimates, however, can increase if the Philippine Sports Commission relaxes the demand for athletes to comply academic requirements and grants a full scholarship for Perez.

She has a partial scholarship from the university, but this is not enough.

In B ohol and nearby prov i nce s, found at i ons should initiate a drive to give incentives for national athletes. They should have raised an incentive of, say P1 million, for getting a gold in SEA Games 2019 and a higher amount for the Olympics. Not only is gold/PAGE 9

Knowing when to give Speaking out

ignacio bunye President Duterte knows and readily admits his limitations.

By his own admission, economics is not one of his strong suits. “I don’t even understand those graphs,” he once told a group of fellow Bedans. But to the President’s credit, he chose a good team of economic managers and allowed them to do their thing with the least interference.

Quarterbacking the economic team is Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez who is in charge overall of making sure that the government properly

collects money to fund the infrastructure and services needed for economic development.

He has submitted to Congress the first of several proposed tax reform packages designed to raise additional billions. A technocrat who has previously served in the cabinet of two former Presidents, Dominguez has a keen sense of what will work and what will not. He is very pragmatic. Having a good grasp of the total picture, Dominguez knows when to take and, just as important, when to give.

His recent decision to reduce (to only one per cent from the current five per cent) the withholding tax on gold sold by small miners to the Bangkok Sentral is one example.

By law, the People’s Small Scale Mining Act of 1991, the Bangko Sentral is supposed to buy the produce of small miners. The purchased gold is then refined into world

quality gold bars at the BSP’s Security Plant Complex in Quezon City. The gold bars are then sold in the world market but some are physically kept in the BSP’s vault.

For a long while, e v e r y t h i n g w e nt w e l l .

Everybody was happy. The small miners just walked in any of the gold buying stations nationwide of the BSP - in Quezon City, Baguio, Davao, Zamboanga and Naga - and were promptly paid.

The BSP kept growing its gold reserves.

Then former BIR Commissioner Kim Henares stepped in sometime in 2011. Henares insisted on automatically withholding 5 per cent on sales of gold to the BSP. No ifs and buts about it. That’s the law, Henares said.

She may have b e e n correct but unfortunately, Henares failed to anticipate the consequences of her decision. In the end, Henares

was able to collect a whooping five per cent of nothing!

To a man, the small miners got scared and stayed away from BSP. Instead, they sold their gold in the black market.

According to BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, the purchase of gold by the BSP plummeted and the production of gold bars practically went pfft.

From 2005 to 2011, the BSP bought an average of 900 thousand troy ounces of gold which produced 2,500 gold bars a year. This plunged to only 35 thousand ounces, yielding 79 bars the year Henares stepped in.

Last year, sales to the BSP further declined to 14 thousand troy ounces or the finished equivalent of 25 gold bars.

BSP averted a layoff of employees by retooling and re-assigning them elsewhere in the Security Plant Complex.

But the major collateral fallout, explained Guinigundo, give/PAGE 11

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Budget deficit for 2017 may fall below target on rise of revenues ECONOMIC managers predict that the P482.1 billion budget deficit ceiling for 2017 may not be achieved partly because of sustained improvement in revenue collections.

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) Thursday showed that revenues as of endOctober this year rose by 10 percent year-on-year to P2.006 trillion.

For the month of October alone, revenues amounted to P205.1 billion, 17 percent jump against year-ago’s P174.6 billion.

Expenditures during the 10-month period also expanded by 10 percent to P2.241 trillion as the government ramp up investments in infrastructure in line with its Build, Build, Build program, under which at least P8 trillion is programmed to be spent for roads, bridges and other infrastructure until 2022.

In the first 10 months this year, deficit rose by nine percent to P234.9 billion against year-ago’s P216 billion.

Budget and Management Secretary

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Benjamin Diokno said the budget deficit to date is around half of the full-year target but he expects this to rise further since the government still had a lot to purchase in the last two months of the year.

Among these purchases is the planned acquisition of 24 helicopters, he said.

Additional expenses for the remaining months of the year include the disbursement of state workers year-end bonus and payments for government contractors, he said.

“With two months to go before the end of fiscal year we are hoping that actual deficit would be closer to target deficit,” he said.

Diokno is, however, optimistic that the three percent budget gap goal is attainable in 2018 as more infrastructure projects are scheduled to be implemented.

Relatively, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said a below-target deficit this year is not an issue.

“I dont think it’s going to be by very much,” he added. (PNA)

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Monday|november 27, 2017

CDO FRANCHISE SEMINAR

F

ranchising is the best way to expand your business, that fact is proven by more than 1,000 Filipino Companies who went the Franchise Way for growth. On the other hand to buy a Franchise is a relatively safe way to invest money, since the Franchise model is proven and tested and the risk is minimal for any investor to get a Franchise compared to start a business by themselves.

Rudolf Kotik, Philippines most experienced Franchise Expert with more than 30 years in Franchise Management in three Continents and CEO

of RK Franchise Consultancy and President of FIFA Filipino International Franchise Association is giving a Franchise Seminar at Agus Room of Mallbery Suites on November 30 at 1.30 pm to teach about how Franchising works in details.

Among the topics of Rudolf Kotik are: What is Franchising, History of Franchising, Defining Franchising, Franchising 101, What does a Franchise provide, Benefits of buying a Franchise, How to select a Franchise, Advantages and Demands of Franchising, Mistakes by Franchise Buyers, Buying a

Franchise, Franchising your business, Legal Franchise Requirements, Franchise Operations Manual and Franchise Disclosure Information.

Senior Trademark Specialist Sokrie Malaco, who is also an experience Franchise Developer particular in the Middle East, will explain how to obtain a Trademark in the Philippines and why you should have a Trademark for your business.

RK Franchise Consultancy developed more than 680 Filipino Companies into Franchise Systems, from Cagayan de Oro Botoy’s, Kenko Naicha, Rika Drugstore, Motormate, Bigbys, Boy Zugba,

Missy Bon Bon, Work Space and Pop Rock among others.

Due to limited space at the Seminar we require to book in advance and please take advantage of the early bird rate, which is a 50% off from the walk-in rate. For details please call Lilibeth Layagon at 0956.739.9708 for Globe subscriber or Lyn Dava at 0946.428.3698 for Smart and Sun Subscriber and look at the Facebook page mindanaofranchise. All participants receive a CD with the book of Rudolf Kotik called “All about Franchising” and copy of FranchisingPH Magazines beside of Seminar materials.

BSP need not mirror Fed decisions: Espenilla T HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) need not follow what the Federal Reserve does since these central banks have different factors to consider in implementing their monetary policies, BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said Friday.

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting from October 31 to November 1 showed that US

monetary officials are keen in hiking the Fed’s key rates in the near term even as inflation remains below the 2 percent target since labor conditions continue to firm up.

Espenilla told journalists that the BSP does not need to follow whatever the Fed decisions are.

“Our monetary policy is independent of what Fed does. We’re not obliged to follow since we don’t have fixed

exchange rate. Instead, our primary focus is on the inflation outlook relative to our target,” he said.

The BSP’s policymaking Monetary Board will have its last meeting this 2017 on December 14 and analysts are divided on the MB’s decision during that meeting, with some projecting a hike given the sustained rise of inflation.

To date, the BSP’s key rate, or rate of the

reverse repurchase (RRP) facility, is at 3 percent, while rate of the repurchase (RP) facility is 3.5 percent and the special deposit account (SDA) facility is 2.5 percent.

The three facilities represent the central bank’s interest rate corridor (IRC), which was implemented since June 2016 to “better manage inflation and promote long-term sustainable growth.”

(PNA)

6.9% full-year growth attainable: Diokno BUDGET and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno is optimistic of a 6.9 percent growth of the Philippine economy this 2017 following the sustained expansion in the third quarter.

“Maybe a 6.9 percent full year growth is attainable,” he said in a briefing Wednesday.

The government’s 2017 growth target for this year is between 6.57.5 percent.

Diokno identified government spending as among the main drivers of domestic growth in the remaining months of the year.

He said implementation of infrastructure projects, request for payments by contractors and disbursement of government employees’ year-end bonus would boost expenditures in the last two months this year.

In the third quarter this year, domestic

growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), exceeded expectations because of improvement in government disbursement and strong government consumption, among others, he said.

Diokno said government spending on infrastructure is targeted to increase to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2017 up to 7.3 percent of GDP by 2022.

“To give you some perspective for the last 50 years we have only spent 2.6 percent of our GDP for infrastructure that’s why you’ve been complaining about poor roads,” he said.

In the third quarter alone, government ‘s final consumption expenditure rose 8.3 percent, higher than the 3.1 percent growth same period in 2016 and the 7.1 percent rise in the second quarter this year.

Diokno attributed the higher state spending

from July to August this year to increased spending on personnel services, which rose 13.9 percent, due to higher base pay of civilian workers and higher allowances of military and uniformed personnel.

Disbursements for maintenance and operations during the same period improved by 8.2 percent due to increased spending on education, healthcare, and social protection programs, he said.

The government intends to spend at least PHP8 trillion on infrastructure projects until 2022 and this, Diokno said, would ensure the sustained growth of the domestic economy.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has, thus far, approved 23 of the proposed 75 infrastructure projects of the Duterte

administration.

NEDA data show that of the 23 approved projects, 14 will be completed by the end of the current administration’s term.

Diokno is confident that all the proposed projects will be approved by the NEDA Board and most will be completed before the end of the Duterte administration.

He said one of the projects expected not to be finished within the Duterte administration is the proposed subway line from Quezon City to Taguig City, which is expected to be finished by 2025.

He said signing for the project is set for the first quarter of 2018, with the design and implementation to be given to the future winning bidder.

Traffic is expected to be hard during the project’s construction but Diokno said people need to sacrifice a bit. growth/PAGE 9

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PAL to mount nonstop flights to Toronto in Dec. P HILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) is set to mount nonstop flights from Manila to Toronto, Canada in December, as it prepares to open more international routes in the coming year.

In a statement, the flag carrier said the nonstop, thrice-a-week flights between Manila and Toronto will begin on Dec. 16. The flights will use Boeing 777 planes, with travel time of 14.4 hours.

PAL also said it will start operating a non-stop, thrice weekly flight on the Manila-Auckland route on Dec. 6. This will reduce the travel time from 13.6

hours to 10 hours. At present, PAL operates flights to New Zealand with a stopover in Cairns, Australia.

The airline said the delivery of two more Boeing 777-300s next month and two Airbus A350-900s within the first half of 2018 will allow it to increase non-stop frequencies between Manila and the US West Coast, as well as a nonstop Manila-New York flight.

“In the meantime, PAL will be introducing into service the long-range version of the Airbus A321 NEOs, which will enable the flag carrier to open new nonstop routes

Vista Land says bonds 5 times oversubscribed VISTA LAND and Lifescapes, Inc. (VLL) received strong market response for its $350-million sevenyear bonds, noting the issue was five times oversubscribed.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Villarled firm said the final orderbook for the issuance reached $1.7 billion, making it the largest raised by the company on a primary offering.

Investors’ response on the offer prompted VLL to price the bonds at 5.75%, 37.5 basis points tighter than its indicative price guidance of around 6.125%. VLL plans to issue the bonds by Nov. 28.

“The ability of (VLL) to price much tighter is a testament to the credit profile of the company, and the confidence it enjoys from offshore investors who continue to support their issuances,” HSBC (Philippines) Ltd. President and CEO Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso was quoted as saying in a statement.

HSBC along with DBS Bank Ltd. acted as joint lead managers and bookrunners for the issue, as well as joint dealer managers for the tender offer. Meanwhile, VLL has tapped China Bank Capital Corp. as domestic manager for the bonds.

VLL said 121 accounts made bids for the bonds.

Of this, 87% hailed from Asia, while 13% were from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Fund managers or 72% took up most of the order book, followed by banks at 16%, and private banks and other institutional accounts at 12%.

Proceeds of the issuance will be used for

7

CorporateWorld

debt refinancing. VLL has $51.8 million worth of bonds with an interest rate of 6.75% set to mature in 2018, and another $180.8 million with an interest rate of 7.45% due on 2019.

The company earlier announced it will be conducting a tender offer under a liability management exercise for the bonds.

“The new bond issue coupled with a liability management transaction, allows Vista Land to reduce our short term refinancing risk, extend our maturity duration and realize interest expense savings,” VLL President and Chief Executive vista/PAGE 9

such as Manila-Brisbane and Manila-New Delhi,” PAL said.

The flag carrier will also open new routes from its Cebu and Clark hubs. Starting Dec. 1, PAL will use the Bombardier Q400 Next Generation turboprops for its new routes: Cebu-Siargao, Cebu-Camiguin, CebuOzamiz and CebuLegaspi.

Also on Dec. 1, PAL will launch flights from Clark to Legaspi, Masbate, Calbayog and Catarman.

On Dec. 15, it will open routes from Clark to Bacolod and Tagbilaran.

Flights from Clark to Cagayan de Oro and Virac flights will be launched

on Dec. 16 and 10, respectively.

On Jan. 15, 2018, PAL said it will mount flights from Clark to Naga and Legaspi.

“The new domestic operations — which will help relieve NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) congestion — will enable travelers from the country’s regions to reach Central Luzon without having to touch down in NAIA and travel by land from Manila,” the airline said.

PAL is aiming to carry between 16.5 million to 17 million passengers next year. It is targeting to ferry 20 million passengers by 2021.

Goldilocks National Cake Day: A Celebration in Every Slice FILIPINOS always have a lot of reasons to celebrate in life - a celebration of an accomplishment, a celebration of another year in life, a celebration of commitment of vows, or a celebration of thanksgiving. That’s why Goldilocks continues to make these joyous occasions memorable and special because the company believes that behind every slice of Goldilocks cake is a sweet story.

November 26 is celebrated worldwide as “National Cake Day”.

Being the country’s number one bakeshop, Goldilocks is once again at the forefront of this

observance.

Earlier in the week, they brought an assortment of delightful cakes – not to mention an array of delightful activities – to the residents of the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.

During the celebration, Goldilocks made the affair even bigger and bolder by giving another “cake-allyou-can” buffet to all cake Goldilovers from Manila and different parts of the country, namely key stores in Batangas, Pangasinan, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Davao. In other Goldilocks branches nationwide, customers get a free slice of cake.

On the rise, a 4-storey building for the 21st century learners of Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City Isagani D. Olarte, Jr. Teacher 1 Indahag Elementary School

For so many years, Indahag Elementary School of the South District had a shortage of classrooms and thereby implemented two shift classes to cope up with the increasing number of enrollees. The school has enough space to c onst r u c t bu i l d i ng s due to the availability of area. Fortunately, Indahag Elementary School had been blessed to have an on-going construction of a 4-storey building with 16–classrooms.

It is funded by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the implementing agency is the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The contract cost of the project is around Php 28M. As an educator, I always believe that school buildings are an integral part in the formal education of the pupils. There are many considerations when designing a school building.

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 GRAND REGAL Km 7 Lanang, Davao City, Philippines Tel. 235-0888 / Fax 235-2335 email: grandregalhotelegmail.com

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

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

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

THE PERIDOT SUITES Carmelite Drive, Lanang, Davao City Tel. no.: (082) 305-6530 / Fax no.: (082) 305-38I2 Email: theperidotsuiles@gmail.com AZIENDA MEO APARTELLE 11 Corner Pioneer and Doña Vicenta Village, Phase 1, Davao City Telefax. No: (082) 227-4119 & 284-6689 Cell Phone No. 09256652626 Website: www.aziendameo.com Email Add: aziendameo@yahoo.com.ph Big 8 Corporate Hotel Visayan Village, National Highway, Tagum City Mobile nos. 09173029063 & 09328539372 Tel. No.: (084)216-0888 Email: info@big8corporatehotel.com www.facebook.com/big8corporatehotel.com www.big8corporatehotel.com HOTEL ELENA Avenida Santos Ave., Nova Tierra Vill, Lanang, D.C Tel. Nos. (082) 233-1941 & 305.8799 / fax No. (082) 233-1887

One, it must be conducive to learning, that will help enhance the potential of the pupils. Two, motivate them to come to school regularly and make them feel safe. Third, boost the learning process to meet the educational needs of our 21st century learners.

Other considerations would be accessibility, aesthetic, cost – effectiveness, functionality, productivity, security and sustainability.

Apparently, enrolment h a d i nc re a s e d b e c au s e of the relocation sites of the Sendong survivors in our barangay. Next year, the development of the 4

subdivision sites in our locality will be in full blast.

More enrollees are expected as the population booms.

Finally, I would like to extend my he ar tfelt gratitude to Madame ELENA M. B ORCILLO and the DPWH personnel for this great endeavor. Indeed, this 4-storey school building will serve as a legacy to the future pupils of Indahag Elementary School. To Ms. ALMA B. PENONIA, our School Principal, thank you for her never ending support for the betterment of the lives of the children in the community.

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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Monday | November 27, 2017

Municipality of MEDINA: Outstanding LGU for Tourism Promotion and Business Development in Mindanao

By Joe Palabao

D

Dante Sudaria Publisher/President Business Week Mindanao giving the award to Hon. Marriane Lloren Chan Chairperson MEDINA Municipal Tourism Development Council

Edan Mark Vosotros Medina Tourism Coordinator & Promotion and Investment Officer with staff Shore it up MEDINA Coral Restoration and Diving Festival

The Awardees of the 6th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards 2017

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uring the 6th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards 2017, the vibrant Municipality of MEDINA, Misamis Oriental was adjudged as Most Outstanding LGU, Municipal Level in Tourism Promotion and Business Development Program, a prestigious special award accorded to LGUs by the leading online print paper Business Week Mindanao, October 20, 2017 at Ayala Centrio Mall Activity Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

Municipality of MEDINA under the leadership of the “Man of Vision” Hon. Donato ‘Dandan’ N. Chan with the support of active Chair of MEDINA Municipal Tourism Development Council and the dynamic “ think tank” Edan Mark Vosotros the concurrent Tourism Coordinator & Promotion and Investment Officer.

The trio with the help of the different departments of the LGU has institutionalized seven (7) important, vibrant and colorful festivals. The Hinuklog sa MEDINA-an annual Lenten Religious Tourism Destination visited and being watched by thousands of foreign,

domestic and local Tourists; the Kapistahan Cultural Festival, a showcase of Beautiful and talented young ladies of the town coupled with a mesmerizing fashion show the Bestida Lubi de Medina, the Ginataan Festival/Araw Ng Medina, the MEDINA Mangrove Festival for Marine Life Preservation, the MEDINA Coral Restoration and Diving Festival, MEDINA is now considered as Global Diving Destination being supported by the Regional Director May Salvana Unchuan of DOT X. The Alta Tierra Tree Planting and Growing and the colorful Christmas Festival of MEDINA. Furthermore, catapulting them to receiving such prestigious award is the 5-point agenda of the Municipality of IHEAL , Infrastructure, Health, Education, Agricultural, Livelihood coupled with Tourism Economic Programs.

The award was received by Hon. Marriane Lloren Chan the Chair of MEDINA Municipal Tourism Development Council with staffs of the Municipality.

KUDOS Mayor Dandan Chan!!!

Alta Tierra Tree Planting and Growing Festival of MEDINA

9

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friday|november 24, 2017

Deals...

Orientation...

AVA contract for settlement.”

In S e pte mb e r 2 0 1 6 , Bistoyong said Duter te revoked the AVA between Marsman Estate Plantation Inc. and Davao Marsman Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Cooperative.

The DAR’s Administrative Order 09, which is currently under review, defines AVA as “the entrepreneurial collaboration between ARBs and investors to implement an agribusiness venture involving lands distributed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).”

The order sets out various forms of AVAs, including, among others, lease agreements, management contract, marketing agreement, service contract and production/contract growing/growership, she said.

Bistoyong said they are discouraging the farmers to go into lease agreement with private investors as most of the complaints DAR receives from the ARBs stemmed from this kind of scheme, “especially so if the lease rental is very low as to not give them earnings or income to provide a descent life for them.”

“What is happening now is that they complain when they already have engaged with investors. It’s now difficult for us to intervene. If we would want to intervene it’s quite too late already,” she said.

She said DAR provides the ARBs legal assistance if they are faced with legal challenges on the AVAs. AO 9 under review The DAR’s AO 9 is under re v ie w to include ne w guidelines governing the AVAs in agrarian reform areas, Bistoyong said.

She said they would be requiring that all AVAs should be submitted for review before DAR to allow the agency to monitor the compliance of the agreement between the investor and ARBs. “This is to ensure that the provisions of the AVA are strictly followed and no deviation that will divert and prejudice the rights of our ARBs,” Bistoyong said.

She said they noticed most of the AVAs that have been already reviewed have longer terms of 10 to 30 years wherein no changes can be made on the AVAs, displacing the ARBs awarded to them by government in the process.

Bistoyong said they are planning to shorten the terms to five years to make it easier to remedy any violations of the provisions of the contract t hroug h renegot iat ions between two parties.

Bistoyong s aid such arrangement leaves the ARBs without income when the CARP provides that smallholder tillers are supposed to be “managing, cultivating, and are supposed to be in full control of the land,” this being the “spirit of the law.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Mae Roselle L. Curiano, Regional Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department for Northern Mindanao of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The program includes a module on Proper Reporting and Journalism Ethics by Undersecretary Harold L. Clavite, Director General of the PIA. This will be followed by the Orientation on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM 101) to be conduct

by Zachary C. Gutierrez, W E S M Tr a i n i n g a n d Administration, and Dennis L. Enciso, Senior Specialist, of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) operators of the country’s WESM. An open forum on the WESM follows with the PEMC resource persons, Ambrocio R. Rosales, Head, Mindanao Systems Operations, NGCP and Cesar V. Sanchez, OICHead, Mindanao Systems Operations, NGCP to be moderated by Ms. Curiano.

The day’s activities will conclude with a message from Richelieu V. Umel, president of the Iligan-Lanao del Norte Energy Press Corps.

The affair will be hosted

by Elizabeth A. Ladaga, , Regional Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department for Western Mindanao of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

from page 1

from page 1

Tree...

from page 1 The Provincial Environment and Natural Res ources Of f ice-L o cal Government Unit (PENROLGU) has identified the endemic trees as White Lauan, two kinds of Philippine Iron Wood or Magcono, Dao, Toog and Narra.

Officials at the PENROLGU said these rare kinds of trees underwent tedious process in the identification and nomination of possible flora and fauna and inculcating the importance of endemic species conservation before they were submitted for adoption to the host villages where they are still sighted.

Among the towns and villages which adopted the endemic trees are Barangay Bitahon in Esperanza town, Barangay Mabuhay in Prosperidad town and Barangay Santiago in San Luis town for White Lauan, Dao and the two Magcono species in Barangay Alegria in San Francisco town and Narra in the poblacions of Sta. Josefa and Veruela towns.

Studies showed that the White Lauan (Shorea contorta) which belongs to dipterocarp family is considered endemic and c l a s s i f i e d a s c r it i c a l l y endangered based on the Red List 2007 of the International Union for Conservation of the Nature (IUCN).

The Philippine

Magcono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus), sp e cie of plant which belong to Myrtaceae family is endemic to the Philippines and classified as Vulnerable based on IUCN Red List 2007.

The Dao (Dracontomelon dao) although endemic to the Philippines can be also seen in the forests of Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua Ne w Gu i ne a , S ol omon Islands, and Thailand.

T h e T o o g (Combretodendron quadrialatum) which is also known as the Philippine R o s e wo o d b el ong s t he Lecythidaceae family. There are only two species of Toog: One occurs in tropical West Africa and the other is found in the Philippines.

The Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) which belongs to the Fabaceae family is the Philippine national tree is also classified as vulnerable based on IUCN Red List 2007.

These tree species can most likely b e s een in Mt. Magdiwata range and other mountainous parts of Agusan del Sur, but illegal logging and timber poaching continues to pose threat in its proliferation. The practice of slash and burn agriculture is also one of the causes of its depleting population.

The implementation of the CARE project is considered as a distinct effort to raise the level of environmental awareness of t he lo ca l government units and their constituents in response to the urgent need to conserve and protect the endangered tree species.

On July 15, 1988, the Department of Environment and Natura l Res ources (DENR), Department of E du c at ion , Cu ltu re, and Sports (DECS), and Department of Local Government (DLG) have entered into Memorandum of Agreement which gave birth to CARE. DENR Administrative Order No. 30 series of 1992 Section 3.2.C, cites that local governments are encouraged to choose, adopt, protect, and conserve flora and fauna species that are unique to the locality.

Training... from page 1

Reduction and Management Office(PDRRMO).

Agusan marsh which covers at least 14,800 hectares criss-crossing the towns of San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Veruela, Loreto, Talacogon, Loreto and La Paz, is one of the most ecologically significant wetlands in the country which is found in the heart of Agusan Basin.

This vast expanse covers an area of Metro Manila which contains 15 % of the nation’s fresh water resources in the form of swamp forest.

The training was organized

by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office – Local Government Unit (PENRO-LGU) under the project Developing Capacities and Seeking Platform of Convergence in the Protection

and Conservation of Agusan Marsh.

As a j oint ef for t of PENRO-LGU and PDRRMO, the training aims to provide knowledge and skills on basic life support and first aid.

Bantay Danao volunteers from District I particularly from Barangays Buenasuerte, Caimpugan, and Ebro of San Francis co; Novele, Tagbayagan, and Bayugan 3 of Rosario; and Mambalili and Nueva Era of Bunawan participated the training.

On t he f irst d ay of the training, participants were enlightened about common diseases and safety precautions in doing first aid. Proper wearing of safety equipment was demonstrated by Mr. Lu. The participants were also taught with appropriate patient assessment on the scene of the accident. A demonstration on patient assessment by FO2 Retuerto followed after the lecture. The afternoon session was simulation on basic life support in case of choking and airway obstruction or difficulty of breathing.

The second day started with the demonstration and simulation in doing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and choking first aid by Mr. Lu. The following sessions were mostly lectures on different injuries and appropriate first aid with simulations and demonstrations using the necessar y materials and appropriate tools for aiding.

An all-inclusive simulation of all the knowledge and skills gained from the past twoday lecture and activity was done on the last day of the training. The participants were laid with a multiple casualty incident situation wherein they were asked to apply all the knowledge and skills learned for the past two days.

Rogelio Alvarez from Buenasuerte was thankful on the training extended to them, for the time and the encouragement to learn.

He admitted that despite t h e i r s h or t c om i n g s i n understanding the technical terms, he learned a lot.

For his part, Abelardo Rodrigo from Novele was also thankful. He said that the learning he gained can be used to help his family and neighbours. He even shared that in the past, all he can do was watch on emergencies, but with the learning he gained, he will now be able to help.

This training on basic life support and first aid was only part of the series of skill capacity development for the Bantay Danao volunteers spearheaded by the PENROLGU. In order to deliver good service and enhance the skills of this conservation group, they also underwent trainings on paralegal and basic wildlife rescue.

Gold... from page 4

this move strategic; these foundations can be assured that such initiative leads to national paragons—the next Manny Pacquiao.

But what can supersede the most rational way to prepare for a higher prize? I find it in this quote: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14).” If He hears our prayers—which He always does through our faith-there can be no boundary to what we can achieve.

Growth... from page 6

“To me that’s just the start.

That’s phase one. Their plan is to leave their equipment here after they finished the project,” he said, citing that these equipment could be used by the government for its other projects.

Another expenditure booster next year is the scheduled increase of state workers’ pay, which under the proposed 2018 budget has been allocated PHP24 billion.

The salary hike is the third tranche under the Salary Standardization Law (SSL).

The last tranche will be in 2019.

Diokno said the fourt r an ch e S SL i n c re a s e d

government employees’ salaries by an average of 45 percent.

C overed by the SSL are all civilian workers in the Executive, Legislative, and Ju d i c i a l br anche s ; Constitutional Commissions and Of f ices, and St ate Universities and Colleges.

(PNA)

Vista... from page 7

Officer Manuel Paolo A. Villar was quoted as saying in a statement.

Mr. Villar added this international bond exercise will widen their relationships with investors overseas.

“It also provides us an opportunity to continue diversifying our sources of funding, ensuring we c ont i nu e t o bu i l d ke y relationships not only with our investors onshore, but also with investors from Europe and Asia,” he added.

VLL booked an 11% increase in attributable profit in the first nine months of 2017 to P6.95 billion, as revenues likewise rose by 11% to P26.86 billion on the back of strong residential sales.

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Oro boxer wins ABF Flyweight Crown

Monday | November 27, 2017

www.businessweekmindanao.com

A

By Mike Baños

nother Kagayanon boxer is now a world champion.

Jeronil “El Diamanté” Tonasan Borres, who now calls Villa Grande, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City home, defeated IBF World Youth Flyweight Champion Robert “El Rapido” Tinambacan Onggocan by majority decision to annex the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) Flyweight crown.

It was one of the five title fights featured during the 55th Oriental and Pacific Boxing

Federation Annual Convention at Princesa Garden Island Resort in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last November 10, 2017.

You can watch that fight by clicking on this link.

Borres, who fights for Highland Boxing Gym, now sports a 7-3-1 winloss-draw record with 5 KOs. Onggocan, who was born in Dapitan City but is now based in Biñan City, Laguna, was coming off a controversial 10-round decision loss to German Mirco Martin last August 12 (Sunday,

August 13, Manila time) in Saarbrücken, Germany.

The win was a good bounce back from Borres who was coming from three straight losses going into the ABF title fight.

He had previously lost a heart breaking split decision loss to Korean Joo Hyun Jung last February 2, 2017 at the Bomnae Gymnasium in Chuncheon, South Korea for the vacant WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Flyweight title.

Previous to that, he lost a majority decision to Richard Claveras last September 30, 2016

ABF Flyweight Champion Jeronil Borres presents his championship belt to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno (CIO)

in Strike Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite for the vacant OPBF Flyweight crown.

In his latest outing prior to finally winning a world title on his third try, Borres was TKO’d by Ivan Soriano last May 12, 2017 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City, the only loss of his young career which did not involve a world title.

Born April 27, 1995 in Catarman, Camiguin, Borres is a two- time National Boxing Champion and Gold Medalist representing Cagayan de Oro during his amateur career.

10

Jeronil “El Diamanté” Tonasan Borres of Villa Grande, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City presented his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) Flyweight championship belt to Mayor Oscar S. Moreno last Nov. 21, 2017. Also in picture are CDO Historical and Cultural Commission members Nic Aca and Mike Baños (CMO photo)

ABF president Naris Singwangha proclaims Jeronil ‘El Diamante’ Borres the new ABF Flyweight Champ last Nov 10 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. (Asian Fight Scene)

The Night Stalker

Boyband PH graces Vivo V7 Grand Launch in Bacolod The world’s fifth most popular smart phone brand has started rolling out its signature launch events for its new smart

phone models in the country’s regions with the successful launch of the Vivo V7 in Bacolod City.

Held last November 18

Boyband PH members show their favorite features of the Vivo V7 during the press conference of the Grand Launch in SM Bacolod

cmyk

at the North Wing of the SM City Bacolod Event Center, Vivo introduced its latest V7 smart phone with the signature flair and pizzazz millennials have come to expect from its spectacular product launches, headlined by Vivo Digital Influencer Boyband PH, the country’s hottest Boyband.

The Vivo V7 is the newest addition to the V series and is a powerful shooter sporting a 5.7-inch All Screen Display with HD resolution, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 CPU clocked at 1.8GHz, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a

3,000mAh battery.

Like its big brother V7+, the V7 also comes with an advanced 24MP selfie camera and a 16MP rear camera. It runs Funtouch OS 3.2 on top of Android 7.1 Nougat, introducing new features such as Face ID access, Game Mode, Smart Split 3.0, and App Clone.

BoybandPH (BPH) is a Manila-based Filipino boy band composed of Ford Valencia, Joao Constancia, Niel Murillo, Russell Reyes, and Tristan Ramirez.

Created on December 11, 2016, Boyband PH won the first season of

ABS-CBN’s reality show Pinoy Boyband Superstar, a franchise of Simon Cowell’s Latin American singing competition La Banda.

After winning the competition, Boyband PH released their first single (Unli) on January 1, 2017. It was followed by their second single, a cover of Depeche Mode’s

“Somebody” on February 14, 2017. Their debut, selftitled album was released February 4, 2017 under Star Music. On April 2, 2017, they were awarded the Gold Record Award, for selling 7,500 copies in less than two months.

Boyband PH is managed by Star Magic with a recording contract Vivo/PAGE 11

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Monday|november 27, 2017

Vivo... from page 10

with Star Music. They are currently a mainstay act on ASAP , a noontime variety tele vision show in t he Philippines.

Prior to the grand launch, Boyband PH joined Bacolod media at the Vivo V7 press conference on the same day where they sang praises to their favorite features of the new smart phone.

“As a group we love to take group photos and the Vivo V7’s shots are really the best,” Russel explained.“We all love listening to music so the V7’s HIFI audio has the best audio ever.”

The V7 is the latest of Vivo’s continuing efforts to serve the needs of today’s millennials, as the company continues its growth trajectory and international expansion by providing stylish and dynamic products to more consumers to show off their individuality and capture memories worth remembering.

The V7 reinforces Vivo’s leadership in selfies with its 24MP front-facing camera, which produces crystal-clear selfies. By keeping true-tolife color and contrast and a clear background at all times, V7 allows users to express themselves truly anytime, anywhere. Equipped with advanced technology, this phone is known for its exceptional photography features, screen quality and the overall product design.

The Vivo V7 will soon be available in stores nationwide.

Vivo V7 Specs: · 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 Octa-Core Processor · 4GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card (up to 256GB) · 5.7-inch 18:9 IPS HD All Screen Display with 2.5D Gorilla Glass Protection · 16MP Rear Camera,

Ultra HD Mode, PDAF, f/2.0 · 24MP Front Camera, Selfie Flash, Face Beauty 7.0, Portrait Mode, f/2.0 · Dual SIM, 4G/LTE · USB OTG · Fingerprint Sensor · Funtouch OS 3.2 on top of Android 7.1 Nougat · 3,000mAh battery

eGov... from page 2

16 at Cagayan de Oro City.

N IC P, t h e u m bre l l a organization of ICT Councils in the Philippines partnered with the Department o f I nt e r i o r a n d L o c a l Governance (DILG) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the awards.

The DICT also facilitated the DigitalCitiesPH National Launch, signalling a holistic approach to building digital LGUs by 2022 in terms of e c on omy, g ov e r n m e nt , human resource, mobility, environment and lifestyle.

DICT Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim announced that it is adopting the eGOV Awards as a key strategy under its digital government component starting next year.

Former NICP President and Trustee Jocelle BatapaSigue, leading eGov initiatives for NICP, said this is the sixth year of the awards but the first year for three new categories: Data Privacy, Government Inter-Operability and Digital Payments.

Thirty six projects were submitted by 26 local government units (city, municipality or province) and were judged according to impact, relevance, innovation and replicability.

NICP President Stephanie Caragos said the direction of DICT complements the NICP goal to ensure more innovation at the LGU level.

DICT Undersecretary

Republic of the Philippines Region X Province of Lanao del Norte Municipality of Kapatagan Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar NOTICE OF PUBLICATION R.A10172(Gender) In compliance with the Rule 7 of R.A 10172, A Notice is hereby served to the public that JOCEREY GIDA REGALADO has filed with this office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Gender from “MALE” to “FEMALE“ in the Birth Certificate of JECEREY GIDA REGALADO who was born on FEBRUARY 21, 1992 at MARANDING, KAPATAGAN,LANAO DEL NORTE and whose parents are MARIO NASON REGALADO and MARIA SESIO GIDA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 15 days.

SGD. IVY R. TONGCO

Municipal Civil Registrar BWM: Nov. 20 & 27 , 2017 Publication Noticed R.A (9048) Republic of the Philippines AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO Province of Lanao del Sur MUNICIPALITY OF MASIU NOTICE THE PUBLIC CFN No. 5, 2017

Dated: NOVEMBER 3, 2017

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum circular No.____ Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on RA 9048) Noticed is hereby served to the public that name of document owner has filed with the office a petition for CHANGE OF FIRST NAME from CAIRON to CAIRONISAH in the certificate of live birth of CAIRON CABIB ARIMAO at MASIU LANAO DEL SUR and whose parents are father CABIB M. ARIMAO mother SAMBAE B. ARIMAO. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file office his written opposition with this office not later ______________.

AMRON D. MACABANGKIT

Municipal Civil Registrar BWM: Nov. 20 & 27, 2017

Austere Panadero, commended all LGUs which participated in the eGOV awards for the last six years and encouraged more LGUs to join in the future, in his message shared by DILG Region 10 Director Arnel Agabe. (NICP/DICT)

Fair...

from page 2 The local government u n it ( LG U ) e x h i bit or s comprised the provincial LGUs of Misamis Oriental, who promoted and sold turmeric powder and duck eggs; L anao del Nor te, assorted varieties of rice; Bukidnon, vegetables and rice; and Misamis Occidental, kakanin and bottled processed fishery products; and the city LGU of Cagayan de Oro, fresh vegetables and fishery products.

Adding to the roster of LGU exhibitors were the barangay and municipal food terminals of Highland Fresh, flavored milk and vegetables and LGU Salay, respectively.

Further, the Organic Trading Post of Kauswagan - fruits and vegetables also displayed.

Meanwhile, the private sector also featured their re sp e c t ive ag r i - f i s h e r y products, namely: Quadro Onse - cranberr y juice and planting materials; Engallado’s Nature Farm and Natural Food Products - assorted processed rice byproducts; Agay-Ayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative - coconut sugar; Miel de Oro - honey and dragon fruit; Limonero Fruit Drinks - lemon juice; Gats Garden - fruit juice and cheese; NAS AgriCom - turmeric, salabat and ginger; VOPPTA - black rice; Queensland Farm - fruits and herbs; Kape Napalit - ground coffee; and GreenMinds Inc. - peanuts.

Completing the list of

exhibitors are Venida Farm - herbs and dragon fruit; Buhian Diversified Farm - virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, fruit tree seedlings and duck eggs; Binahon Agro Farm - fruit tree seedlings and processed vegetables; Kape Maramag - ground coffee; NM Foods - banana chips; Firestar Dream Concoctions – condiments and honey; Gran Molucas - bottled palapa and processed meat; Alomah’s Garden – herbs and vegetables and Marvelous Organic Resources - farm inputs and sweet corn.

“With the participation of our different exhibitors, the visiting public will not only have the opportunity to patronize the organic products of the region, but they will also serve as our advocates for the further promotion and development of OA,” Collado further remarked.

Now on its fourth year, the ROTF was spearheaded by the DA-RFO 10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division and Organic Agriculture Program.

(DA-10)

Give... from page 4

was the reduction of BSP’s ability to build up its foreign exchange reserves.

Dominguez said that the reduction in the withholding tax rate will be effected via a revenue regulation but the DOF will work with Congress to institutionalize the revenue regulation thru an appropriate amendment of the National Internal Revenue Code.

If everything works out as envisioned, the small miners are expected to troop back to the BSP, instead of being shortchanged, as it frequently happens, in the black market.

The move is also expected to allow the BSP to grow its

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12TH Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte HERLYN MIRANDA LUMAQUE, Petitioner.

SP. PROC. NO. 331-07-2017

-versus For: Correction of Date of Birth THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KOLAMBUGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE, Respondent.

X-----------------/ ORDER Before this Court is a petition for CHANGE OF DATE in the Birth Certificate of the herein petitioner.

Petitioner alleges that she is of legal age, married and resident of Riverside, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. Respondent is sued in his/her official capacity. Petitioner was born on January 11, 1956 at Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. That in all her existing personal records, documents and transaction, she indicated January 11, 1956 as her date of birth, as evidenced by her Baptismal Certificate, earliest school records and medical records. However, her date of birth appearing in her Certificate of Live Birth was erroneously entered as January 11, 1955 under registry number 2004-242 as shown in her Birth Certificate. That she has no pending administrative, civil or criminal records, evidenced by her NBl and Police Clearances. She seeks for the correction of such erroneous entry to conform with her existing records, documents and transactions. Hence, this Petition.

Set the initial hearing of the petition to December 11, 2017 at 8:30 in the morning before the sala of this Court. Furnish copy of this Order to the Office of the Solicitor General at Makati City, Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Tubud, Lanao del Norte, to Atty. Nestle S. Agopitac, petitioner’s counsel of Crossing, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and to the petitioner, Herlyn Miranda Lumaque of Riverside, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. The petitioner is hereby directed to publish copy of this Order to a newspaper of general circulation within the province of Lanao del Norte for three (3) consecutive weeks, at his expense.

Any person/s interested to the petition may come to Court on said date and time to show cause why said petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED. Tubod, Lanao del Norte. November 10, 2017.

(SGD.) DENNIS P. VICOY

Acting Presiding Judge BWM: Nov. 13, 20 & 27, 2017

international reserve without spending dollars since the purchase of gold from the small miners will be done with pesos.

No more talks with the Reds President Duterte has had it.

From hereon, there will be no more talks with the CPP-NDF, previously released negotiators for CCP-NDF will be re-arrested, and the CCP-NDF will be declared a terrorist organization.

The President has been dismayed by the apparent lack of sincerity of the other side as manifested by continued

attacks on government troops and various extortion activities.

Critics are wondering why it took the President that long to realize that he was only being taken for a ride by the communists. “Ang tagal na tayong inuuto ng mga yan.”

Peace will continue to be elusive, at least in this administration. But one can not fault the President for not trying.

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

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10th Judicial Region BRANCH 24 Cagayan de Oro City NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE Mortgagee,

-versus- EDITHA LIM CHAVES,

Mortgagors.

X-----------------/

EJF FILE NO 2017-344 FOR: EJF OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135

SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under ACT 3135 as amended filed by NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORP., (NHMFC), mortgagee, against EDITHA LIM CHAVES, mortgagor, resident of Block 15, Lot 1, Virginia Homes 1, Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of March 31, 2017, amounts to (P 896,847.23) excluding penalties, charges, attorneys fees and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at Public Auction on December 11, 2017 at 9:00 A. M. or soon thereafter at RTC Branch 24, Hall of Justice Building, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the properties with all its improvements to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-90299 A PARCEL OF LAND, (Lot 1, Block 15, Psd-104305-018798, being a portion of Lot 3656, Cad-237, Cagayan Cadastre), situated in the Barrio of Iponan, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao.

Bounded on the N., along line3,4 by Road Lot 6; on the E., along line 4-5-1 by Road Lot 14; on the S., along line 1-2 by Lot 2, of Block 15 of the subdivision plan, Cad-237, Cagayan Cadastre.

Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN (118) square meters more or less.

Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves, in the event of Auction Sale cannot take place for whatever legal reason the sale will proceed on the following day, without further notice, posting and publication, the title here in above describe and encumbrance thereon, if any there be.

Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, November 6, 2017.

BWM: Nov. 13, 20 & 27, 2017

(SGD.) TERESITO C. ESTENZO Sheriff IV

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Cagayan de Oro City BRANCH 25 OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE EJF File No. 2017-345 Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended filed by NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION, (NHMFC), mortgagee with postal address at 104 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City against NILA BUGAHOD PASA, Mortgagor, single, with postal address of Block 18, Lot 3, Villa Trinitas Subdivision, Cagayan de Oro City to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness which as of March 31, 2017, amounts to Nine Hundred Ninety Four Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Four 66/100 (994,374.66) exclusive of interest and penalty charges plus the expenses of the foreclosure, the undersigned sheriff will sell at public auction on December 20, 2017, at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at Regional Trial Court, Branch 25, Hall of Justice, Goldridge Building, Masterson Ave. Corner P.N. Roa Sr. Avenue, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the properties mentioned in the said mortgage which is described as follows: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-66640 “ A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 3, Block 18, Psd-10-015679, being a portion of Lot 1-D-2-E-9, (LRC) Psd-96900) situated in the Barrio of Bugo, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the W, along line 1-2 by Lot 2, of Block18 of the Subdivision plan Psd-10-015679 xxx. Including all improvements existing thereon, containing an area of One Hundred Forty (140) square meters, more or less. Registered in the name of NILA BUGAHOD PASA.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated date, time and place.

In the event the public auction on December 20, 2017 should not take place on the said date for whatever reason, the same will proceed on the following day, without further notice, posting and publication.

Prospective buyers/bidders may investigate for themselves the title of the herein above-described properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Cagayan de Oro City, November 6, 2017.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROVINCIAL SHERIFF:

BWM: Nov. 13, 20 & 27, 2017

(SGD.) LOVE M. VERDADERO Sheriff IV

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Monday|november 27, 2017