Issuu

BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE

Volume VIII, No. 60

Market Indicators

As of 6:00 pm October 20, 2017 (friday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P51.508

8,420.95

4.5 cents

66.42

points

Briefly

Livelihood for IDPs THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has provided some P942.5 million worth of livelihood assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters on the sidelines of the 43rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo Thursday said amount had benefitted some 17,650 IDPs. Lopez said about P151.5 million of livelihood assistance was directly funded by DTI, providing the IDPs with equipment such as mobile rice mill, mini-trucks for delivery hauling and sewing machines. The DTI has also given IDPs, who would like to immediately return to businesses, with shared equipment for woodcraft, food processing, and agro-industrial business, as well as starter kits for cooking, baking, and barbeque business.

Fair competition BUTUAN City – Power retailers and consumers should be able to compete fairly under the retail competition and open access (RCOA) system, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said during the second public consultation on the RCOA policy at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark in Pampanga. “We have to properly explain to the industry players our way forward in implementing the ‘power of choice’ provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and one of them is the provision on retail competition and open access,” Cusi told some 130 representatives from contestable customers, retail electricity suppliers and distribution utilities who attended the meeting on the draft circulars on RCOA. “The demand-side contestable customers and the supply-side retail electricity suppliers must be guided towards a competitive and transparent system under a fair playing field,” Cusi said.

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COWD-MetroPac joint venture gets SEC nod www.businessweekmindanao.com

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the registration of a joint venture company created by the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and Metro Pacific Water. COWD general manager Rachel Beja reported over the weekend that the new joint venture company is called Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. It is 95 percent-owned by

Metro Pacific Water and five percent-owned by COWD. At the same time, Metro Pacific Water also created the MetroPac Cagayan de Oro Joint/PAGE 11

P15.00

Wednesday | October 25, 2017

Icon hotel to rise in Davao City By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

DAVAO City — A P300million boutique hotel is being developed in the same complex housing the Apo View Hotel, according to the Global C omfort

Group Corp. Global Comfort Group Managing Director Edmundo G. Las said the planned Icon Hotel will target travelers looking for

more “affordable rooms that can offer better amenities” while the Apo Vi e w, n o w u n d e r t h e company’s management, wou l d re m ai n for t h e higher-end market. hotel/PAGE 11

SIARGAO. Tourists flock to Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, the country’s surfing capital. Siargao is not just for surfers but also for visitors who want to spend a quiet day in the beach like these visitors in Magpupungko Resort, San Isidro, Siargao. photo by jules benitez

After 40 years, school built in remote Higaonon village By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Contributing Editor

ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur—For 40 years, children in the remote tribal village of Balobo have been deprived of a formal school that they

have to trek mountains and ride on bamboo rafts just to go to school in the faraway neighboring villages. higaonon/PAGE 11

DREAM SCHOOL. The 2-classroom lumad school building built by the community through the bayanihan spirit is a dream come for children in the remote village of Balobo. photo provided

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sari-sari store CAAP to spring back Davao 30 starter kits distributed airport to Top 10 list in Asia to Marawi IDPs

AVAO City – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has vowed to work harder to spring back the Davao International Airport (DIA) to top ten list of best airports in Asia. Last week, DIA, which is officially named as Francisco Bangoy International Airport, was among the four Philippine airports in the list of the top 25 best airports in Asia for 2017. The others are the Iloilo International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Clark International Airport.ector Nabua,

officer-in-charge of CAAP in Davao, was happy DIA is now at number 17 of best airports in the world in the recent survey. He said DIA was at No. 9 in the past, but slid down in the ranking for two years due to lack of air conditioning system at the terminal building. It took time for CAAPDavao to acquire and install the centralized air conditioning system because it has to undergo government processes. The system amounted to P45 million. This year, Nabua said CAAP installed the system, beautified

the surroundings and repainted the terminal building. Probably, he said this came in time for the survey that DIA made it back to best airports. But Nabua said CAAP Davao’s goal is to bring back DIA to the top ten list of best airports not just on aesthetics but modernizing all the air navigational system and facilities. He said the national government already made improvements on the navigational facilities in January, activated the radar to comply with surveillance system which enables one to see actual

RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

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position of flight and ensure safety. The improvement of navigational facilities alone would amount to billions, Nabua said. For Davao airport, Nabua said the government allocated P6 million for interior and exterior improvements such as repairs, waiting sheds for well-wishers, and roof cover for path walks, CAAP/PAGE 9

ILIGAN City -- As part of the efforts of the Business and Livelihood Sub-Committee of Task Force Bangon Marawi to provide assistance to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Marawi City, 30 sari-sari store starter (neighborhood sunry or convenience store) kits were distributed at Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del Norte Office.

The starter kits were given to the IDPs staying at the four evacuation centers in Iligan City and five evacuation centers in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. The worth P5,000 starter kits aim to give aid to the IDPs to earn profit while staying at their evacuation centers. Elvira Redublado, Consumer Protection Division chief of DTI Store/PAGE 11

Inside a sixth grader’s mind By: Betty O. Balanay Master Teacher II Bongbongon Elementary School

SIXTH graders are often reckless, carpe dim action seekers bouncing from one high stimulus activity to the next. Accident prone? You betcha. Impulse control? Sorry, that region of the brain – the formal cortex – is still embryonic. Sixth may eat desserts until they get sick, they often leap before they look and they frequently raise their hands enthusiastically in class before they realize they don’t know the answer. Dopamine is a hormone that encourages novelty seeking sensation hunting behavior and sixth graders have high levels of it due to their puberty. Self control isn’t part of their neurological package. From sixth grade to maturity, the brain’s primary growth area is the prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobes,

a region that’s referred to as the CEO of the brain. This cognitive control or executive function center is responsible for general intelligence and activity like mediating conflicting emotions, making ethical decisions, inhibiting emotional and sexual urges and predicting future events.

The brain at this point is changing tremendously in a sort of synaptic pruning process that fortifies certain neural highways while virtually abandoning the majority of others. The transitional activity of this renewing phase is disorienting for your sixth grader and often rears its ugly head in the form of recklessness, poor decision making and emotional outbursts.

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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Friendliest kitchen in town

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Start again think a minute

jhan tiafau hurst Think a minute…How will you celebrate Christmas? With presents and Christmas songs? A big feast with your family? It’s funny how our birthday is such a big, important event to us when we’re children. We can hardly wait a whole year before our next birthday. But when we’re older, it’s the opposite. The years fly by and we seem to go “straight from pimples to wrinkles! So by the time our face clears up, our mind gets fuzzy!” They say the two greatest days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you discover why you were born. You know, Jesus Christ was born just so you and I could finally know why we were born. It’s sad that some people live their whole lives and die without ever even knowing why they were born.

It’s like doing something the wrong way all your life without ever knowing there’s a right way to do it. So it’s only natural that the one Person Who knows the right way our life works is the One Who made us. Jesus Christ, who’s God the Son, said that for us to know why we were born we have to first be born again. What did He mean by that? Simply that we each must start life all over again by asking Jesus to forgive us for our past wrongs and living our own way. Then we must let Him take full control of every area of our life every day. Jesus does not want us to have religion. He wants us to have a daily, personal relationship with Him. This is why Jesus died and came back to life: so you could be forgiven and free from your past, wrong life. He’ll show you how to start living His right, successful way everyday for the rest of your life. So why not make today the greatest day of your life? You can be born again right now, if you’ll just ask Jesus for His free gift of forgiveness and your new life. It’s the most important choice you’ll ever make, and the one you’ll never regret. Just Think a Minute…

Ruffy magbanua ALONG the iconic Capistrano, one of Cagayan de Oro’s oldest streets lies a home-grown restaurant uniquely called Cucina Higala -- the friendliest kitchen in town. Located right smack at the very heart of the city’s rustic yet historic divisoria district, the former Thai Me Up restaurant has been renamed Cucina Higala -a marriage of Spanish and Cebuano words which simply means kitchen and friends. The name is a perfect bite

for Cagayan de Oro, the city known for its golden friendship flavor –- far and wide. Today, Cucina Higala boasts as Cagayan de Oro’s newest modern Filipino and heritage cuisine restaurant offering specialty dishes that is uniquely Kagay-anon in taste and flavor. From Camiguin’s Surol, Cagayan de Oro’s Humba de Oro and Sinuglaw to Lanao del Norte’s Beef Rendang, and a long list of oriental favorites are what Cucina Higala can offer to suit every guest’s palate. And for the fish lovers out there, Cucina Higala’s kinilaw comes with candied dilis for sweet contrast and crunchy bite. Other best-sellers are proudly listed as well on the menu: Fresh Lumpia, Tuna Panga, Flakes Salad, Chicken Barbecue, Pork Liempo and Tinapa Fried Rice, among others. The restaurant’s special

dessert, Sizzling Binaki comes with a caramel sauce that is equally matched with its top beverage called the Magic Potion -- a health drink made from the blue ternate flower extract. The irresistible Cucina Higala prepares each dish following traditional local recipes, giving all orders a one of a kind attention –- from start to finish. The result? A perfect a la carte to the max! In fact, Joe Almodobar, the ever suave and gracious man of the house is inviting ever yone to experience Cagayan de Oro’s top dining destination featuring the most extensive selection of local cuisine. The experience is guaranteed a sumptuous delight by itself -- a gastronomic voyage of sensorial frenzy at Cucina Higala! At present, the restaurant can easily accommodate 200 customers all at one time with

so much elbow room to enjoy. With an aura of an old Spanish home, the place is wide enough reminiscent of an old fort restaurant in Manila. Cucina Higala is owned and managed by a local corporation called the TFC Group, the original owners of Thai Me up restaurant. It has more than eight years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Working behind the scene are owners Jan and Maggie Uy, the Cagayan de Oro-based husband-and-wife team. The young couple has other food-related businesses such as Monster Kitchen Academy, Bite Me Up Food Corporation and Thai Me Up restaurant. Excellent food. Exceptional customer service. These are Cucina Higala’s weapon to achieve excellence. Come to the friendliest kitchen in town and savor the best Kagay-anon cuisine. Bon appetit! (ruffy44_ph2000@ yahoo.com)

Happiness is serious business in heaven An Installment of Heaven

live forever. Our spirit longs for that land where the sun shines everlastingly bright, where we drink from clear streams of living waters, where no tears shall mar the beauty of our ageless faces, and where we will praise and worship at the Master’s feet. Since there is a scarcity of eyewitness for heaven, questions bombard our minds Girlie Gualberto-Suan about this marvelous land. What’s it like? How will we “To gain victory in life, we look there? What will we do have to keep our focus on there? But really, the only the goal. And the goal is question to ask and the most heaven.” important of all is: Shall I get Majority of people believe there? in Heaven and want to go I r e a d a b o u t t h i s there. Even if life on earth conversation between two can be a virtual paradise, friends. One friend asked, yet the human heart craves “Shall we know each other for something more. After in heaven?” The other birth, comes the struggle of answered, “Yes.” The first living, and then death. That’s friend asked, “Shall we be it? We clamor for something greater fools there, than we more. We sense deep inside are here?” of us, that we were made to I will be the one to answer

that question. In the first place, you won’t get to heaven. Because God does not suffer fools. Heaven is not for the foolish. Remember the parable of the ten virgins? Five were wise and five were foolish. Only the wise entered. To the foolish, the Bridegroom said, “I do not know you.” We might think, isn’t this too harsh? The girls were nice and decent. They were virgins, not prostitutes. Yet the gates of heaven were slammed in their faces. Why? Because they made no preparations for this momentous event. They carelessly took it for granted, not even making the effort to bring sufficient oil for their lamps. This is not a trip to the mall, this is a journey to the Eternal City. If you don’t put great value to heaven, then it will not reserve a mansion for you there. Heaven is for

the heavenly! It is not for the selfish, who indulge in frivolous amusements while on earth, and then at the last moment will say, “Lord, Lord.” They shall hear the terrible reply, “I do not know you!” Let me share this story that jolted me to plan with urgency my life’s journey. In a small kingdom, the king ordered that a special cane be made. It has a gold handle and made of red cedar wood. Then he called his Jester and presented the cane to him. The Jester asked, “Your Majesty, why are you giving me this cane?” The King answered, “This cane belongs to the biggest fool of all. You are that fool.” The Jester asked, “What will I do with this cane?” The King answered, “Keep it until you find someone who is a bigger fool than you.” Many years passed. One Happiness/PAGE 9

Come on: Give me a smile! have my say

klaus doring I am writing columns for several papers from all over the world since the early 1980’s. Sometimes, while writing, I am indeed not in a good mood. I rewrite and rewrite - and then the moment comes, I am asking myself: “Do the readers of this publication really like to read my columns?” Anyway, I try my best. It’s

actually a sweet day today, so sunny, so calm, so bright, it’s like the bridal of earth and heaven. The grandeur of God flames out like shining from shook foil. I feel like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore. I observed again a multi national couple somewhere in my neighborhood fighting each other. Gosh. Stupid people have an uncanny way of hitting the right nail on the head with the wrong hammer! Maybe, you are angry also right now, while reading this. You are angry, even for others it’s a beautiful day. You are angry? It’s okay. We are all battling against one of the most powerful emotions known to man anger! Anger. A day rarely goes by without us feeling

angry. Or, maybe seldom a days goes by without feeling anger... . Anger is he main part of our daily life. That’s why it’s really important to talk about this phenomenon. What is anger, what does it do and how does if affect our lives? Where does it come from and how can we learn to handle it in a constructive instead of destructive way? Only, if the roots of our anger exposed and explained, we can defuse its explosive and dangerous potentials. As I said earlier, anger is one of the most basic emotions. Everyone can get angry. You and me? Now, later, tomorrow...! It’s a feeling of being against something or someone. Anger is a hostile emotion that sets people against one

another, or even themselves. By its nature, anger involves opposition, hostility, hatred and disliked. It happened b etween Filipinos, and b e t we e n F i l ipi no s and foreigners as well, living here in the Philippines. It even happened at political level right nowadays. Anger, however, is simpler to define than to identity. Emotions of antagonism can take a wide variety of faces. Expressions of anger range from the overt, in-your-face brand of open hospitality to the cold indifference of a silent individual. At times, anger can be felt like an inner fire... . Millions of defense, not a damned penny for tribute, as Charles Pinkney stated... . Anger between people: the smile/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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CorporateWorld

PLDT completes fiber optic expansion in Mindanao

EADING telecoms and digital services provider PLDT has completed its domestic fiber optic network (DFON) expansion project in Mindanao to further improve its Internet services in the region. The P1-billion fiber infrastructure which runs through the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur is expected to provide additional resiliency for the transmission backbone serving PLDT Home and Enterprise customers in

Mindanao. The fiber optic cables which span over 300 kilometers were installed underground to make them less vulnerable to damage caused by strong winds, falling trees and utility poles. “Our sustained network investments are part of our commitment to deliver the best quality services, particularly Internet connectivity, all over the country,” PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said in a statement. “With the completion of this project, customers using our

AirAsia set to launch Bali, Jakarta flights in January PHILIPPINES AIRASIA, Inc. will launch flights from Manila to Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia in January 2018. The local unit of the AirAsia Group is set to fly daily to the Indonesian cities of Bali and Jakarta starting Jan. 19 and Jan. 9, respectively, as part of its continuing expansion to further establish itself as the leading Southeast

Asian carrier. AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter M. Comendador said in his remarks yesterday during the launch of the flights, “This strengthens our position as a truly ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline.” He added in a statement that the lowcost carrier is now the airasia/PAGE 9

fixed and mobile phone networks in Mindanao will experience even more superior voice, data and multimedia services,” he added. The newly installed fiber optic lines will reinforce PLDT’s existing network that spans from Cagayan de Oro to Malaybalay, Davao, Tagum, Bayugan, and Butuan. This complements the boosted capacity in the DFON facilities in the area which has over 300Gbps (Gigabits per second) already installed in the local loop and is targeted to raise

the capacity to 400Gbps by end of the year. “This fiber redundancy project opens up the region for more investment and development projects that will be enabled by PLDT’s expanded network capacity, and improve the quality of services to industries and consumers located in Mindanao,” PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto said. PLDT has invested P300 billion or $6 billion over the last 10 years to roll-out the country’s most expansive network

infrastructure both for domestic and international. Last year, it set aside P48 billion for capital expenditures allocating a significant portion in further expanding and fortifying its domestic fiber infrastructure. PLDT has recently announced the expansion of its fiberpowered fixed line network by about 80 percent to reach around 4 million homes passed by the end of the year enabling faster Internet connection through making its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services available to more subscribers. (PNA)

Ayala speeds up completion of Indonesian wind farm By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

AC Energy Holdings of the Ayala group, and its partner-firm UPC Renewables will be advancing to completion of their 75-megawatt Sidrap wind form installation off South Sulawesi in Indonesia.

In a statement to the media, the company noted that the project is now at 70-percent completion level; and this sets them ahead of their targeted completion by first quarter of 2018. The venture is under

corporate vehicle PT UPC Sidrap Bayu Energy (UPC Sidrap), and this is considered among the pioneering ventures of Indonesia on the wind development space. The facility is equipped with 30 Gamesa G114 wind turbine generators at 2.5-megawatt capacity

each. Installations of the turbines kicked off August this year. The Ayala firm noted that the project site had recently been visited by Indonesian officials, led by its Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan, together ayala/PAGE 9

Feature

Attaining an Inclusive Digital Economy

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KasamaKa opens affordable digital finance for all

he public and private sectors have joined forces to made affordable funds more easily accessible to grassroots entrepreneurs through digital means. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and FINTQ, the financial technology arm of the PLDT Group’s Voyager Innovations, and several partners in the government, banking, financial services, and civil sectors recently launched “KasamaKa,”

a grassroots movement aimed at promoting inclusive digital finance for all Filipinos. “Many Filipinos remain at the outskirts of society when it comes to access to finance, which translates to limited economic opportunities needed to drive inclusive growth,” said BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. “We welcome FINTQ’s KasamaKa as a private sector initiative that supports the objectives of the National Strategy

for Financial Inclusion. We see its potential to promote the development of inclusive digital finance and establish a mechanism where Filipinos can become ambassadors of financial inclusion in their respective communities,” he added. KasamaKa is an income and community builder that aims to spread greater access to finance to more Filipinos nationwide through a digital referral system. finance/PAGE 9

FINTQ Team with CDO Bloggers and Media (photo provided)

Cebu Pacific launches Cadet Pilot Training Program ·

Now EveryJuan can be a pilot under Study Now, Pay Later plan

The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) launched its Cadet Pilot training program aimed at addressing the airlines expansion requirements over the next five years. The program, to be conducted in partnership with Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), will create 240 professional pilots who will subsequently join the corps of pilots of Cebu Pacific. The Cebu Pacific (CEB) Cadet Pilot Program is a 56-week program that recruits candidates from ab initio, and puts them on a 56-week integrated flying training; flight theory and education course to become licensed Commercial Pilots. Upon completion of the program, the cadet-pilots become First Officers at CEB, and join the corps of aviators at Cebu Pacific, flying domestic and international routes. CEB will be investing a total of 25 million US dollars over a fiveyear period for this Cadet Pilot Program. “The Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program will enable everyJuan to achieve the dream of becoming a pilot. This program will allow us to train homegrown Filipino pilots with best-in-class international standards,” said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific. “The candidates need not worry about shelling-out money for tuition to flying school to achieve their dream. Cebu Pacific will shoulder the cost first and expose candidates to one of the best pilot training facilities in the world. Through this program, we aim to have continued access to a pool of highly skilled aviators that would support our growth,” he added. CEB has a current fleet of 59 aircraft, comprised of comprised of one Airbus A319, 35 Airbus A320, eight Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500, and seven ATR 72600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of seven Airbus

A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo, and nine ATR 72-600 aircraft. The CEB route network, including that of subsidiary Cebgo, reaches 37 domestic and 25 international destinations, with over 100 routes. Cadet-pilots are enabled to study and train at flight school now, and then they can amortize the payment for the course while they are employed. The entire program will be financed by Cebu Pacific, with successful cadetpilots guaranteed employment with CEB upon graduation. They will then pay for the cost of the program through salary deduction over a maximum of ten years. Sixteen candidates will be chosen per batch, with CEB sending three batches of cadetpilots per year. The screening process for applicants begins with an online screening, followed by an on-site screening for core skills and pilot aptitude tests, among other examinations where a fee of AU$425.00 (PHP17,000.00) will be charged. CEB and FTA will jointly select the final list of candidates. The successful candidates will then be sent to the FTA campus in Adelaide, Australia for 52 weeks. There, they will undergo learning modules and training and earn diplomas in Aviation. The cadet-pilots will then move on to training on a flight simulator, and then flight time on an actual aircraft, to complete the licensing requirements to become a Commercial Pilot. The cadet-pilots then return to

Manila for a four-week training to obtain a Pilot’s License under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. “We are proud to support the expansion of Cebu Pacific, and be part of its thrust to connect more of the Philippine islands and enable economic development. Our partnership with Cebu Pacific will create future competent pilots; uplift their lives and that of their families,” said Johan Pienaar, Chief Executive Officer of Flight Training Adelaide. “We look forward to offering high-quality, fit-for-purpose training program for future Filipino pilots, and facilitate the employment of First Officers with Cebu Pacific,” he added. Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) is a provider of world-class, customized aviation training solutions for the fixed wing and rotary wing industry. Founded in 1982, FTA is focused on producing future airline and helicopter captains, rather than simply training cadets to obtain a license. The program is open to all Filipinos who are college graduates, proficient in English and hold passports valid for at least two years prior to the start of the program. The CEB Cadet Pilot Program is set to take flight by the beginning of 2018, with the final list of 16 aimed to be completed by December 2017. Interested aspirants may apply athttp://bit.ly/ CebCadetPilots.

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When you’re in Davao City, Read:

HOTELS & RESORTS DIRECTORIES

VILLA MARGARITA HOTEL J. P Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, Philippines Tel. No.: (082) 221-5674 / Fax No. (082) 226-2968 MICROTEL By Wyndham Davao Damosa Gateway Complex Angliongto Rd., Lanang Davao City 8000, Philippines Tel +63 82 233 2333 / Mobile +63 917 795 3548 www.microtelphilippines.com PINNACLE HOTEL Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City. No. (082) 300-5885 Telefax: 300-1881/ 221-3025 Website: www.thepinnaclehotel.com 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

Normal supply to waterless portions of COWD’s west service area expected to resume on October 26 Repair of the submarine pipe of Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc. (RVWCI), Cagayan de Oro City Water District’s bulk supplier, is expected to be completed tomorrow, October 25, 2017. This development comes after Rio Verde requested for a one week extension from its original commitment of restoring normal supply

last October 18. Several barangays in the west part of the city experienced very low pressure to no water when the pipe which crosses the Cagayan de Oro River was damaged by the strong river currents and earthquake which hit the city last month. More or less 24,953 connections were initially affected.

Gradually, water supply was restored in 95% of these areas. By October 07, however, only 1,937 connections, mostly in Lumbia and Opol remained either waterless or with very intermittent supply. Water delivery has since been concentrated to these areas. Though repairs will be completed by Wednesday,

it will take one more day for sufficient pressure to be built before normal supply to the affected areas will be restored. Therefore, COWD customers in Lumbia, those along Masterson Avenue and those residing in elevated portions of Opol may expect normal supply by Thursday, October 26.

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

The provincial government of Misamis Oriental represented by Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano (left) donates 220 chairs to be used by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) here. Accepting is Executive Judge Dennis Alcantar. photo by mark francisco

Cebu Landmasters CEO is Ernst and Young’s Philippines Industry Entrepreneur of the Year Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) chief executive officer Jose Soberano III was awarded as “Industry Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst and Young last October 18 in an awards banquet at the Makati Shangrila Hotel. Soberano is one of the 19 outstanding finalists representing enterprises from different industries nationwide chosen by Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Philippines in its search for the country’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. “Industry Entrepreneur of the Year” is one of the four awards given by EOY Philippines.

EOY Philippines is a program of the SGV Foundation, Inc., with the participation of co-presenters Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Philippine Stock Exchange. Soberano was awarded for his remarkable role specifically in the Real Estate industry. He was credited for establishing CLI, which is now one of the top local developers in Visayas and Mindanao, to address the need for quality and affordable housing and later expanded to include residential

estates, offices, condominiums, hotels and mixed-use projects. Soberano is also this year's Entrepreneur of the Year by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We have worked very hard to put CLI to where it is today and to make an impact on the lives of many Filipinos. This would not have been possible if not for the never-ending support of my family and the CLI employees who are part of my extended family,” said Soberano. In the last 14 years, CLI has rolled

out fast-selling highend, mid-market and economic housing real estate developments. CLI just recently went public at the Philippine Stock Exchange. Its debut last June made them the first Cebu-based real estate developer to ring the bell. “What inspires me now is to build a company that can last many generations. What further fuels us as a family-oriented company is the goal to become the leading homegrown real estate developer in the Visayas and Mindanao region by 2020,” said Soberano.

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wednesday|october 25, 2017

Finance... from page 6

KasamaKa encourages enterprising entrepreneurs by making it easy for them to access to affordable credit, and a complete suite of digital financial services. “Digital technology plays a key role in giving wider access to finance for all–but it must be complemented by a program that recognizes the realities lived by Filipinos every day,” noted Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman at PLDT, Smart, Voyager and FINTQ. KasamaKa aims to be that bridge linking the government and the private sector’s efforts to the common folk so that all of the benefits of technology are genuinely felt by all,” he added. KasamaKa actualizes BSP’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) framework into an inclusive, on-ground, scalable, and sustainable execution that will also help push the share of digital transactions in the country to 20% by 2020– one of the key goals of the National Retail Payments System (NRPS). Unequal access to financial instruments According to the first FINTQ Inclusive Digital Finance Study 2017, access to financial instruments remains unequal across the country– with only 23 of 82 provinces comprising virtually all of the domestic deposit and domestic loan volumes in the Philippines. Most of these deposits a n d l o a n v o lu m e s a re found in Metro Manila and Southern Luzon–seats of power and commerce in the country–which further skews the staggering imbalance financial access against the rest of the country. T h e s t u d y, w h i c h determined levels of access to financial services such as bank branches and ATMs and access to financial services such as loans and deposits, also found that access to financial instruments remains unequal and unchanged in the past two years–mandating a shift toward a more inclusive and grassroots approach that would benefit the rest of the country. Thus, a key objective of KasamaKa is to address these gaps in access to financial instruments. “Dig it a l and mobi le technologies provide the much-ne e de d b o ost i n pushing financial inclusion in the Philippines,” said Lito Villanueva, Managing Director at FINTQ. \ “Through their mobile phones, users can now apply for a loan, open a micro savings account, buy an insurance product, start with a micro investment, send money to loved ones or pay bills from wherever they are in the country,” Villanueva noted. Through KasamaKa, we are building a groundswell of inclusive digital finance ambassadors who will help promote these innovations to their communities, and

earn additional income for themselves,” he added. “The rollout of digital lending service Lendr is just one of the many digital financial interventions that would jumpstart the country’s digital transformation. So far, it is the largest digital lending service in the country with the most extensive digital footprint covering 100% of provinces, 91% of cities and 26% of municipalities,” Villanueva stressed. Multi-sectoral drive To help achieve financial inclusion, FINTQ has partnered with various companies and groups from multiple sectors of society to help fill the gaps needed to roll out the program on a massive scale. “KasamaKa is true financial inclusion at work that will not only help push for a more inclusive growth, but also help bring about the digital transformation of society. This has been our vision at Voyager from the start–to help bridge the digital and financial divide in the country, which will help in creating ‘one happy planet’,” said Orlando B. Vea, President and CEO at Voyager Innovations. KasamaKa has launched a nationwide caravan that will help teach financial literacy to Filipinos within their communities. KasamaKa also counts private-sector companies and non-government organizations such as Hapinoy, Gawad Kalinga, Grameen Foundation, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Pangarap Foundation, PLDTSmart Foundation, ERDA Foundation, Inc. (Educational Research & Development Assistance), Grab, MyPhone, OLX among its supporters. The event also saw the launching of the “Race to 20 by 2020” campaign by multi-sectoral stakeholders to help accelerate digital financial transactions in three years to 20% by 2020. This is in keeping with the government’s framework of attaining an inclusive digital economy. To become a KasamaKa Builder, interested individuals only have to register via www. kasamaka.com or text KKK to 292901555 to receive their unique Builder ID, which they can give out to family, friends, and community members who would like to avail themselves of various digital financial services such as loans, insurance, micro-savings, and microinvestments, among others, and earn for themselves as much as P300 for every successful application.

AirAsia... from page 5

only airline that services all countries in the ASEAN region and with established operations in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The low-cost carrier is also set to launch direct flights thrice a week between Manila and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam on Nov. 19. Earlier this month, the

airline announced that it is set to conduct its initial public offering (IPO) by mid2018. The company expects to raise up to $250 million from the IPO, which will be used mainly for expanding its facilities. The IPO is also part of the plan of AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes to consolidate its Southeast Asian units under one listed holding company. This plan is seen to create economies of scale and establish a dominant position for AirAsia in countries where it operates. In May, the AirAsia Group reported that the Philippine unit recorded an operating profit of P400 million in the first quarter of 2017, which was attributed to increase in passenger count by 19% and rise in revenues by 41%.

Ayala... from page 5

w it h lo c a l gover nment officials and the executives of Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the state-run power utility of Indonesia. This is the second investment that the Filipinoowned Ayala conglomerate had cast in Indonesia, the first had been via its involvement in the acquisition of geothermal assets in that country. AC Energy has 20-percent shareholdings in Star Energy (Salak-Darajat) B.V. that had won the bidding in the Indonesian divestment of the geothermal assets of American firm Chevron. The Sidrap wind venture was previously reported commanding total investment of $150 million; and had been AC Energy’s first investment on renewable energy overseas. Fo l l ow i n g t h i s , t h e company is further setting its investment sight on a new RE venture in Vietnam, its second offshore play within the Southeast Asian region.

Smile... from page 4

one side remains cold as ice while the opposite plays meek as a lamb. Sige, burn the midnight oil! And what the result at the end? A shadow of doubts remains after each fight getting its origin out of anger. The silent withdrawal and lack of understanding and innumerable shortcomings of one or both partners are often an indication that one is angrily punishing the other for not doing things his or her way. We are all selfish! Yes, me too! That’s why we see the cause of anger as something outside of ourselves. Life is unfair! Life is hard! +++ Email me: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or visit one on of my websites www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com .

Happiness... from page 4

day the King called the Jester to his deathbed. The King said, “Jester, I am going on a long journey and I bid you

farewell.” The Jester asked, “Where are you going?” The King answered, “I don’t know.” The Jester asked, “When will you be back?” The King answered, “I’m not coming back.” The Jester asked, “What provisions have you made for your journey?” The King answered, “I made no provisions.” The Jester said, “You are going on a long journey. You don’t know your destination. And you made no provision?” The Jester left the king’s chamber but quickly returned. He said, “O King, I believe this belongs to you.” And he presented the king with the special cane, with gold handle and made of red cedar wood. Don’t be a big fool. Heaven is calling. Prepare for your journey now!

CAAP... from page 2

which was one of the top complaints of passengers. For s e c u r it y, C A A P installed a total of 68 CCTVs in the whole complex. Other complaints are the long queue at the X-ray machine and terminal fee. Nabua said the terminal fee will now be included in plane tickets. However, he said this is not fully implemented. “Hopefully, we can put back Davao Airport to top ten at least next to Iloilo and Laoag International Airports,” Nabua said. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

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SM Foundation now accepts college scholarship applicants The SM Foundation is now accepting college scholarship applications for school year 2018-2019. Applications will be coursed through an online system through the education page of the SM Foundation website. Public high school graduates and private high school graduates (with DepEd voucher after completing Grade 10 from public schools) are eligible to apply. The scholarship covers key areas of the country and there are over 30 partner schools in Vis/Min:

Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negro Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga del Sur. A grade requirement of at least 88 percent by the second or third grading period of fourth year or grade 12 qualifies applicants. To accommodate deserving students, the scholarship requires that the total household income of the applicant must not exceed P150,000 per year. SM Foundation scholars enjoy their

choice of specialization in accounting, information technology, engineering and education. The scholarship covers full tuition. The scholars also receive monthly allowances and part-time job opportunities during semestral and Christmas breaks. Upon graduation of the scholars, they receive exclusive job offers with the SM group and engage in other fun-filled activities and enrichment programs throughout. Fueled by Henry Sy, Sr.'s belief in education--

that it is the best defense against poverty--the SM Foundation provides college and technicalvocational scholarship grants as well as access to primary education through school buildings to help the youth achieve their dreams. Application period is from October 15 to December 31, 2017. For more information, email education@smfoundation.org; to apply, scan the QR code or visit http://www.sm-foundation. org/programs/education (or short link: https://tinyurl. com/smscholarship2018)

EastWest wins ‘Auto Loan Product of the Year’ award

EastWest Bank Senior Executive Vice President & Consumer Lending Head Jacqueline Fernandez (3rd from right) holding the bank’s ‘Auto Loan Product of the Year’ award plaque from The Asian Banker. With Fernandez are (from left) The Asian Banker Senior Research Manager Neeti Aggarwal, EastWest FVP & Consumer Lending Marketing & Business Operations Head Alessandro Villaraza, EastWest VP & Auto Loan Sales Head Jocelyn Legaspi, The Asian Banker International Resource Director Richard Hartung, EastWest President Roberto Reyes and The Asian Banker Managing Director Foo Boon Ping.

EastWest was awarded the Auto Loan Product of the Year at The Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards 2017 held on October 6, 2017 at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The prestigious award recognizes EastWest’s continued efforts in making auto loans affordable and accessible for Filipinos. The bank’s Auto Loan business ranks among the biggest in the industry, offering customers attractive promotions, low interest rates, flexible payment options, and quick approvals. “This award is further

proof that EastWest continuously offers products and services that are most suitable to the market our Bank serves. We are truly proud that our consumer lending products – credit cards, personal loans, and now auto loans, have all been recognized by esteemed institutions as the best products in the country,” said Jacqueline Fernandez, EastWest Consumer Lending Cluster Head & Senior Executive Vice President. The bank was also recognized at The Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards 2016 for its innovative and

versatile Personal Loans which was named Best Consumer Finance Product. EastWest is the most consumer-focused bank in the country with 71% of its total loan portfolio lent to consumers. The Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards is one of the most prestigious of its kind for the independence, rigor, impartiality, and transparency of the evaluation process. Winners were selected by a distinguished council of advisors based on a balanced and transparent scorecard and stringent evaluation process.

EastWest to deactivate non-EMV debit cards on December 4, 2017 EastWest Bank is set to deactivate all its nonEMV, magnetic stripeonly (magstripe) debit cards at 11:59 PM of December 4, 2017. Upon deactivation, customers can no longer use these cards at automated teller machines (ATMs), point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and online merchants. To avoid the rush and inconvenience, customers who are still using magstripe-only EastWest Debit Cards are encouraged to visit

their store of account well ahead of the deactivation date to claim their free EastWest Debit Card with EMV and payWave. Those with payroll accounts are advised to coordinate directly with their company’s HR Department. “We are deactivating all magstripe-only debit cards for our customers’ own protection. Debit cards with EMV chips are safer to use as they provide layers of security protection against skimming and transaction fraud,” said EastWest

SEVP & Retail Banking Head Gerardo Susmerano. An EMV card, also known as a chip card, contains a microprocessor chip that creates a unique transaction code for each payment that cannot be used again for succeeding transactions. Named after its developers Europay, MasterCard, and Visa, EMV chip technology is now the globally accepted industry standard for card payments. In contrast, the magnetic stripe on a traditional card contains fixed information, which when accessed by

Customers still using magnetic stripe-only EastWest Debit Cards (left) are advised to claim their free EMV and payWave-equipped replacement cards (right) before December 4 to avoid the rush and inconvenience.

fraudsters, can be used to make unauthorized purchases. EastWest Debit Cards with EMV and payWave have enhanced security features to protect against fraud and identity theft and secure contactless technology for greater convenience and global

acceptance. For more information on the deactivation, visit www. eastwestbanker.com or call EastWest’s 24-hour Customer Service at (02) 888-1700. EastWest began issuing debit cards with EMV as early as May 2015. The bank’s 580 ATMs

nationwide are EMVready. It also embarked on a re-carding program this year to provide free replacement debit cards with EMV & payWave to around 300,000 customers who opened accounts prior to May 2015 and were issued magstripeonly debit cards.

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wednesday|october 25, 2017

Store... from page 2

Lanao del Norte, said that sur veys were conducted in evacuation centers to determine what the IDPs want to do for a living. “We also coordinated with camp managers, kasi may mga [because they also have] observations toward IDPs” said Redublado. Sh api ng p ati en c e an d courage Redublado also urged the IDPs to remain patient as the distribution of the starter kits will be done per group. She also encouraged the beneficiaries to remain determined as they use the starter kits for their living. “Sana ituloy ninyo… para hindi kayo magdepend sa tulong. Atleast sa sariling sikap may additional na kayong income,” Redublado urged. [I hope you will pursue it… so that you will not just depend from other’s assistance. Atleast, with your own hardwork you can earn income.] Fueling Hope and Determination Nhor Ali Maminta, who was a freelance electronic technician in Marawi , expressed his gratitude as he no longer have to roam around the streets of Iligan just to desperately ask people to acquire his service in fixing electronic devices. “Ginawa ko iyon para sa mga anak ko na nasa elementary at high school. Kinapalan ko ang mukha ko para lang sa kanila,” said Maminta. [I did it for my children who are studying in elementary and high school. I swallowed my pride just for them.] Maminta was also among the beneficiaries who availed the free stalls provided by DTI at Diyandi Fiesta Park last September. “ Hu w a g t u m i g i l n a manalangin kay Allah kasi siya ang nagbibigay ng lahat. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Kaya natin yan,” said Maminta talking to his fellow IDPs. [Do not stop praying to Allah because He controls everything. Do not lose hope. We can do it.] “Maghintay lang kayo na mabibigyan kayo. Huwag lang tayo mawalan ng pag-asa,” said Mohmina Pangilamun. [Just be patient and you shall receive this benefit soon. Just do not lose hope.] (LEAntonio/PIA ILGN/LDN)

Joint... from page 1

Holdings Inc. to represent its 95 percent shares in Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. Last August 15, Metro Pacific Water and COWD sig ne d a j oint venture agreement creating Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. subject for registration by SEC. No w t h a t S E C h a s approved the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc.’s registration, COWD is beginning to draft the contract it will sign with the joint venture company to provide bulk water to the

government-run utility. Along this line, Beja denied reports that the price of water per cubic meter that they will purchase from Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. is 60 percent higher than the current price of P10.34 it contracted with Rio Verde Water Consortium, Inc. – a contract that will soon be terminated. “There is no final contract yet, not even a draft,” Beja said. But she added that the P10.34 price COWD had with Rio Verde was 13 years old and should have been modified through time had it not for a long legal tangle. Earlier, Mayor Oscar Moreno assured the public that whatever water price COWD would ink with its new supplier, it would be a “regulated rate.” Moreno was a witness to the signing of the joint venture agreement between COWD and Metro Pacific Water.

Higaonon... from page 1

Not anymore when finally, a 2-classroom public school was built with government intervention and residents’ “bayanihan” efforts to end the school children sufferings. Mayor Leonida Manpatilan, who was born in this Higaonon hinterland community and endured the hardships of going to school in her childhood, led the inauguration of Sitio Salimahan Primary School on her birthday last October 17. The constr uction of the school building was realized under the Kapit Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Manpatilan said the project has long been her cherished dream to realize but it took the Department of Education so long to identify a spacious school site that would be cleared for the future school buildings. “My father prohibited us to go here because of the old Balete tree standing in the middle of the once forested area,” Manpatilan recalled about the school site.. According to Filipino folklore, Balete trees are forbidden because supernatural beings dwell there. Bayanihan spirit For their part, parents of this farming community had to spend at least a day of volunteering to work in building the Higaononinspired school made mostly of sturdy yakal wood that was finished in just two months. The advent of a new school which also opens grades 5 and 6 was significant in the wake of the increasing number of school children now reaching 114 pupils, according to Romnick Precioso, one of the three school teachers. Precioso said the new school would decongest the old and dilapidated small s cho ol hous e ac tually intended for day-care classes

but shared by pupils from grade 1 to grade 4 on shifting sessions . Teachers have to contend with raw unpainted plywood blackboard teaching on multigrade curriculum. Some other classes have been held to a makeshift community social hall just adjacent to the old school. End of hardships He said before children reaching grade 5 have to study in distant villages and have to bear the brunt of hiking long hours in the mountains and crossing rivers to reach the schools. Manpatilan shared the same plight as she recalled she had to hike the treacherous mountain trail deep in the jungle to reach the village in Bakingking where she was a grade schooler . She had to stay on her grandfather’s house and only went home only on weekends. Surprisingly, Precioso noted, there was only three percent drop out cases among school children despite the old school house was overcrowded. “We would compel the pupils to attend classes by constantly reminding them about their future,” he said. Million-peso project The Kalahi-CIDSS school building project cost P1.6 million but the volunteer labor cost and the P6,000 share from the local government reduced the Asian Development Bank grant into more than P1.5 million. Village councilman Julito Ayocan said the school building project should have been completed in just a month with around 15 volunteers working each day but heavy flooding in their western hinterland villages in this town last month caused the delay in transporting by bamboo rafts other construction materials like corrugated g.i. sheet roofs, cements, nails and iron bars. The wooden materials for the posts, floor, ceiling and walls were taken from naturally-grown Yakal trees in the jungles. Sentimental homecoming Manpatilan , who already served four terms as town mayor, admitted it has been 40 years since her sentimental homecoming journey in her birthplace that she purposely dated it on her 62nd birthday to celebrate with her former neighbors and village folk. Aside from the traditional Higaonon blessing rituals called “talaphagon” where a pig and a chicken were killed using a spear and a bolo as offer to the gods, the mayor brought along workers f rom dif ferent municipal departments to extend services like free registration on children, medical outreach, free haircut,and distribution of falcatta tree and vegetable seedlings . Children were also given school bags, bags of toys and sweets, and hundreds of new slippers in different feet sizes were also fitted in to each of them. Lunch were served with an upland native rice and traditional Higaonon cooked foods.

Hotel... from page 1

“(Icon Hotel) will cater to a different clientele,” said Mr. Las at a press conference last week. Construction for the sixfloor Icon Hotel is targeted to start by next year. “Normally when we open up (a new hotel), it is usually 120 rooms,” said Mr. Las, but added that the building’s foundation would be ready for a possible expansion to 200 rooms based on a 10-year demand projection. The company is looking at a capital expenditure of about P300 million. Meanwhile, the 69-yearo l d Ap o Vi e w H o t e l , considered one of the city’s landmarks, is undergoing a face-lift. Located in the center of the downtown area, the hotel will renovate 156 rooms, while its facade will undergo a restoration. Mr. Las said they are about halfway through the work, having spent about P150 million of the P280-million budget. He noted Ap o View managed to sustain a 60% occupancy rate despite the declaration of martial law in Mindanao last May and the ongoing renovation. Since t hen, Mr. L as said the hotel’s occupancy rate has gone up to 75% in September, making the company optimistic it can hit 85% by the end of 2017. Davao Region Tourism Director Roberto P. Alabado III, meanwhile, said the opening of more hotels is a welcome development, particularly for the hosting of meetings, incentives, conference and expositions (MICE). “The city needs more rooms,” he said, noting that there are currently about 10,000 in Davao, including the smaller inns and guest houses that cater to leisure tourists rather than the MICE market. Mr. Alabado said it is difficult to host MICE events simultaneously in Davao City because of the scarcity of rooms. “When there is enough supply of rooms, the tourism industry will grow massively as big events can be brought to the city,” he said.” — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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BDO – COGON Sky hi Bldg JR Borja St. Cogon, Cdoc 8577963/ 725209/ 725203 BDO – OSMEÑA Osmeña corner Ramon Chavez St. Cdoc 724567/8563727 BDO – LAPASAN Lapasan Highway Cdoc 8563233 /8563234 / 725178 BDO – RN- PELAEZ George Town CyberMall Rn Pelaez Blvd Kauswagan Cdoc | 8562617/729052 BDO – CARMEN Maxsuniel cor.V Neri St. Carmen, .Cdoc 8584854 /8581133 BANK OF COMMERCE- VELEZ Akut- Velez St.Cdoc | 8564371 / 726880 BANK OF COMMERCE- LAPASAN

CM Recto Ave. Lapasan, Cdoc, 8563991/727731

BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK RER kauswagan,HW Cdoc 8573733 /722519 BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK Gaston Park Cdoc | 8801518 BPI – LAPASAN Cm Recto HW Lapasan Cdoc 724076/ 8524602 BPI- VELEZ Velez-JR Borja St.Cdoc 8564213/722406 BPI – CAPISTRANO Capistrano St. Cdoc 8574264/8574263 BPI- COGON Osmeña St. Cdoc 8571297/8571298 CHINA BANK –GAISANO 745887/745880 CHINA BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc 8572212/8573274 CHINA BANK- LAPASAN CM Recto Lapasan HW Cdoc 8561325 /722240 CHINA BANK – CARMEN Max Suniel, Cor. Yakal St. Cdoc 8583903/723091 CHINA BANK – DIVISORIA RN Abejuela St. Divosoria Cdoc 8575759/722641 CITY SAVINGS BANK TS Fashion Ave.Justo Ramonal Corner St.Cdoc 2316060/ 2316059 CHINATRUST Suite U&5 G/LGateway Tower Lapasan Lkk Cdoc 8521846/8521844 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK HW. Lapasan Cdoc | 8564201/ 8564201 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK Vamenta Carmen Sts. Cdoc | 8585366 DBP – CORRALES Corrales Ave., St. Cdoc | 8572087/722649 DBP – CAPISTRANO JR Borja Capistrano St. Cdoc 8567776/722819

PBCOM Tiano-HayesSt. Cdoc | 726519/8571558 PLANTERS DEVELOPMENT BANK

Tiano Bros St. Cdoc | 727083 /727082 PHILTRUST BANK Ramonal OsmeñaSt. CDO 8807234/2316694/2316695 PNB- CORRALES Corrales Avenue Cdoc | 729500 / 729723

PNB- LKK MALL NORTH CONCOURSE

LKK Mall N.Concourse Cdoc 8574149/8575682

PNB- CARMEN Elipe Bldg.Carmen, Cdoc | 8583158/ 8584203 PNB- LKK LKK Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564347/722872 PNB CDO– DIVISORIA Tiano Bros.Cruz Taal St., Cdoc 722861 /722816 PNB CDO– LAPASAN LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564732 / 723992 PNB CDO– COGON LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc 8571991/ 723992 PHILIPPINE POSTAL SAVINGS BANK, INC. bels_domingo@yahoo.com.ph Rizal Chavez Cdoc 8572194/725438 PS BANK Velez Corner A. Mabini St., Cdoc 8574183/725184 PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK Tiano-Abejuela St. Cdoc 722644/8573386 QUEEN CITY DEVELOPMENT BANK, INC. Sacred Heart Mont. Cm RectoAve., Cdoc 8562390 RCBC- VELEZ Velez-Borja St. Cdoc | 8564982/8568888 RCBC- COGON Simplex Bldg. Osmeña St. Cdoc 8562888/725863/8521329 RCBC- LAPASAN Cm. Recto Lapasan HW. Cdoc 8561888/722449 RCBC- LKK Gateway, Tower 1 LkkCenter, Cdoc 8563707/722449 RCBC SAVINGS- CARMEN Walingwaling St.,Carmen St. Cdoc 8585793/ 8586248 RCBC SAVINGS- VELEZ Velez St. Cdoc | 729083/8562460 RCBC SAVINGS- AGORA 8807891/8807892 RURAL BANK OF CABADBARAN, Inc.

#58 Tiano FernandezSt.CDO 727215/ 8563552 *805

SECURITY BANK- OSMEÑA Osmeña St. Cdoc | 8563965/ 723411/728774 SECURITY BANK- LKK Limketkai | 8801258/8801625

EAST WEST BANK #5 Juan Sia Bldg. Apolinar Velez St.Cdoc 8578801/720081

SECURITY BANK- VELEZ Velez Montalvan St., Cdoc | 728334/856632

EAST WEST BANK Cogon De Oro Constraction Bldg. LKK Drive 8500339/8500331

STERLING BANK OF ASIA Tiano Velez St. CDO | 8528171/8528168

ENTERPRISE BANK INC. Centro Mariano Bldg Osmeña St. Cdoc 723869/ 3093395 FIRST CONSOLIDATED BANK CM Recto Ave., Cor.Agudo Road Cdoc 8565360/2316678 LBP – CAPISTRANO CDO MAIN BRANCH Capsitrano St. Cdoc | 8565515/727678

P & J–Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers LBP VELEZ LunaVelez St. | 723549/8563198 Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. #– (08822) 727-829 * LBP PUERTO Puerto Cdoc | 8558858 Telefax # (088) 856-1947

MAYBANK JR Borja Tiano Cor. Bldg. Cdoc CAMIGUIN BRANCH 8574439/726060

B. Aranas St., Poblacion, METRO BANK- DIVISORIA Mambajao, Camiguin Pabayo Abejuela St. Divisoria Park, Cdoc 724783/8576999 Tel. # (088) 387-0491 METRO BANK- VELEZ A.CORRALES Velez St. Cdoc | 8561724/726054 BRANCH

CorralesBANKAve., JR BORJA METRO JR Borja St.de Cdoc 8572999/724415 Cagayan Oro| City

UCPB BANK- LAPASAN Osmeña Corner Lkk Drive, Cdoc 85771842/ 725135 UCPB BANK- VELEZ Velez Corner C. Pacana St. CDO 8564474/8564527 UCPB BANK SAVINGS-CAPISTRANO

Capistrano Corner CruzTaal St. CDO 8524099/722695

DIVISORIA BRANCH UCPB BANK SAVINGS- OPOL Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., Gf forever Books Bldg.Bulua National #61 Don A. Velez St., CDO 754519/8588063 Cagayan de Oro City UNION BANK Tel. # (088) 857-3631 Lapasan Cm.Recto Cdoc | 8566847/8563805

LAPASAN BRANCH WEALTHBANK Lapasan Hi-way, Velez Gomez St. Cdoc | 8568942/722174 Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 1ST VALLEY BANK

Vamenta Blvd. CornerLirio St. Carmen, Cdoc

CARMEN BRANCH 8501871/ 8584146 Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City OROBANKERS CLUB Inc. Tel. (088) 231-2011 Pnb#Carmen | 09151850242

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wednesday|october 25, 2017