BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE
Volume VII, No. 064
Market Indicators
As of 6:10 pm october 26, 2016 (wednesday)
FOREX
PHISIX
US$1 = P48.302
7,494.41
1.5
X Briefly
cents
85.81
X
points
Tripartite Council VALENCIA City -- Bukidnon Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BTIPC), in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (DOLEBukidnon) has conducted its Mid-Year General Assembly with its different Industry Tripartite Councils (ITC) on 18 August 2016 in Valencia City, Bukidnon. DOLE 10 Bukidnon Head and BTIPC Chairman Raul L. Valmores said that the creation of TIPCs and ITCs is pursuant to the mandate of Article 275 of the Labor Code, to institutionalize tripartism by providing continuing forum for tripartite advisement and consultation in aid of streamlining the role of government, empowering workers’ and employers’ organizations, enhancing their respective rights, attaining industrial peace, and improving productivity.
Lanzones Festival MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -- Looking back in history, Camiguin is set to showcase a tribal inspired thanksgiving performances for the lanzones festival this year, to keep the local feel. From the free interpretation street dancing and tableau competitions, Governor Maria Luisa D. Romualdo wants to give the celebration a unique, local touch. Artistic Director Consultant Vincent A. Aranas said they are keeping the official legend of Camiguin and its enchanting lanzones a contest piece storyline.
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Baseload investments on halt for 7-10 years www.businessweekmindanao.com
Thursday | October 27, 2016
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By MYRNA VELASCO, Contributor
NVESTMENTS for base load power plants in Mindanao will be on standstill for the next 7-10 years given the overcapacity situation that the grid will be putting up with in the short- to medium term. This has been the assessment of Alsons Energy Development Corporation of the Alcantara group – a company of which power i nv e s t m e nt s h a d b e e n concentrated in Mindanao grid.
“Sp eaking only of Mindanao, there will be no need for new baseload capacity in the next seven to 10 years,” Alsons Power Group Vice President for Business Development Joseph Investments/PAGE 11
Davao banana exporters eyeing market in Russia By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews
RECYCLED STROLLER: A little boy rides an ingeniously assembled stroller in Digos City. With a bamboo pole, his grandfather (the one pushing) assembled it from an old stroller originally bought for the child’s elder sibling. MindaNews photo by Eric S.B. Libre
BPI Family Savings Bank-CDO is 2nd topmost performing branch By MARK D. FRANCISCO
THE BPI Family Savings Bank branch in Cagayan de Oro City bested ten other business
centers nationwide, placing only second to North Luzon, as the topmost performing
DAVAO City – Banana exporters in the Davao Region are exploring opportunities to expand their market in Russia, a business leader said.
Edwin Sotto, Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) 11 executive director told MindaNews exporters/PAGE 11
branch outside Metro Manila for the third quarter of 2016. For this, BPI Family Savings Bank vice president topmost/PAGE 11
Mindanao biz leaders upbeat despite PH ‘separation’ from US By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews
MINDANAO business leaders have remained upbeat on the
Main Store: Prawn House Suites and Restaurant Regatta Square, Pueblo de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City Contact Numbers: 0915-959-4837 (Mobile) & 851-9014 (Landline)
country’s economy amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s
First Branch: Prawn House Seafood’s and Restaurant Opol, Misamis Oriental Contact Number at 0975-381-4929 (Mobile)
pronouncements the country will “separate” from the US militarily economically. upbeat/PAGE 11
CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Emelie Amith, a worker at the King Toto Farm of the Puentespina Orchids & Tropical Plants in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, Davao City harvests chrysanthemums ahead of the All Souls Day next week. MindaNews Photo by Ruby Thursday More
Second Branch: Prawn House Seafood’s and Restaurant Centrio - Ayala Mall, CM Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City Contact Numbers at 0917-367-0337 (Mobile) & (088) 323-6225 (Landline)
Third Branch: Prawn House Seafood’s and Restaurant Sayre Highway, Hagkol, Valencia City, Bukidon Contact Number at 0995-672-0181
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Economy
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Thursday|october 27, 2016
Electric coops to protect end users in any gov’t form T
By RECTHIE T. PACULBA, Contributor
HE Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AMRECO) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will hold the AMRECO Summit 2016 on November 25-26 this year to come up with legislative measures that will ensure that the electricity end users will be protected whatever will be the impact of the shift of government form
to the cost of electricity in the country. Wit h t he t heme, “Federalism, its impact on Mindanao Electric Cooperatives and its member/consumers,” the event will serve as the venue for electric cooperatives in Mindanao to discuss with the political leaders the issues at hand, to be able to prepare the systems and processes ensuring Mindanao electric cooperatives can harvest the benefit of federalism through
reduction of electricity cost. To e n s u r e t h at t h e people in Mindanao can benefit from the present administration, AMRECO President Sergio C. Dagooc said, “We would like to come up with some advocacies maximizing the leadership of a Mindanaoan.” Thus, Dagooc is hopeful that something valuable will be produced from the summit where 34 cooperatives and 700 to 1,000 participants are expected. For his part, Engr. Glen Jay Reston, Mindanao Power
Monitor ing C ommittee (MPMC) officer-in-charge, said that one of the concerns of MinDA is really to attract investors so we have to maintain this competitive advantage that we have a cheaper power as compared to Luzon and Visayas. He a d d e d t hat t he y are advo c at ing for t he non-privatization of the government-owned power plant such as the Agus and Pulangui Power Plant Complexes to make sure that the government has the control when it comes
to the changes of electricity rate. Reston said that pursuing the renewable energy will ai d i n e ns u r i ng ch e ap electricity source since it is not affected by the currency, rate exchange and oil price fluctuation. Hence, the rate will stay the same and as of now, the generation cost of such source per kilowatt hour is less than P1 and it is sold at P2.63 compared to the P5 per KWh rate of the private industries. Furthermore, Dagooc said that their advocacy is
centered on Mindanao for the Mindanaoan and “we don’t want that the market in electricity will be governed by the people in Luzon and Visayas.” In fact, on their meeting with MPMC on November 15, Dagooc stressed that one of the agenda is to request that the remaining capacity of the Agus and Pulangui Complexes “should no longer be allocated to the industries; it should be focused to the distribution utilities whether electric Protect/PAGE 11
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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
About 20 companies under the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry join the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) career expo on October 21, 2016. Philippine Call Center Institute (PCCI) Business Development Officer Vergel Michael Golosino said that there are 5,000 job vacancies are yet to be filled in the BPO industry.(CIO/PIA10)
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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CorporateWorld
Globe rolls out fiber broadband internet connection in public schools L e a d i n g telecommunications company Globe Tele com rol ls out its fiber broadband internet conne c ti on in publi c s cho ols to encour age adoption and application of te chnolog y among students and teachers in line with the company’s vision of ushering the Philippines into becoming a digital nation by 2020. The initial recipient of Globe fiber connectivity with speeds of up to 100 mbps is Manila Science High School (MaSci), the first pilot science high school in the Philippines located in Taft Ave., Manila. It is one of the schools under Globe Telecom’s Global Filipino School (GFS) program, a longterm educational initiative designed to transform select public schools into centers of excellence in Information a n d C om mu n i c at i on s Technolog y (ICT) and innovative teaching methods. As a GFS, MaSci enjoys free internet service; ICT tools for learning such as tablets, netbooks,
projectors, and a mobile cart; and teacher training on how to maximize technology in the classroom. MaSci Batch 91, on the other hand, will provide a collaborative working space in the school. “Wit h to day’s fastpaced advancements in technology and ever c h an g i n g e du c at i on a l landscape, we would like our schools to take advantage of the best educational information and services that they can get. If all local government units will work with us to realize our vision of developing connected communities, other GFS schools aside from MaSci would likewise be able enjoy the enormous benefits of high-speed internet such as higher download and upl o a d s p e e d s , l owe r latency, and faster internet browsing which bring dynamic resources into the classrooms,” said Martha Sazon, Globe Senior Vice President for Broadband Business. There are, at present, 80 schools under GFS i mp a c t i ng m ore t h an 7,000 teachers and 40,000 students around the country
with 60 more GFS schools to be launched next year. Globe aims to share the GFS Program to all 221 DepEd divisions by 2020. A 2015 study released by Taylor Nelson Sofres, shows how the GFS program was able to improve digital skills among teachers and students, particularly on usage of mobile technology and computer software;
enable 21st C entur y Learning Outcomes such as creativity, communication, collaboration and creativity; increase student engagement in classroom activities; and enhance school culture through readiness in ICT integration. For more information on how you can contribute to the program visit www. globalfilipinoschools.com,
TEXT G F S to 2 1 5 8 0 437 for donations, or email bridgecom@globe. com.ph for partnership opportunities. E a r l y t h i s y e a r, Globe appealed to local government units to support the deployment of fiber optics in 20,000 barangays by 2020, which will provide ultra-fast internet access to around two million homes
nationwide. Parallel to this, Globe will also pour significant investment in capacity enhancement for both mobile and wireline using different technologies that include 3G, LTE and even WiFi. The city government of Manila, led by Mayor Joseph Estrada, was the first LGU to respond to the call.
Php8M-worth agri-support to be given to Lanao Norte In sync with the efforts in amplifying the socio-economic condition in ConflictAffected Areas (CAAs) in Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DARFO 10) pledged to extend agri-support worth Php8 million to the province of Lanao del Norte. The assistance will be turned-over to the beneficiaries on October 22, 2016 at the Mindanao Civic Center, Tubod, Lanao del Norte during the simultaneous
launching of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and CAAs in Region IX, X and XII. DA-RFO 10 committed assistance from their banner programs including 245 bags of certified rice seeds, 5,820 bags of Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV) corn seeds, 1,200 packets of lowland vegetable seeds, 40 packs of forage seeds, and 500 pieces of planting
materials for forage. The said launching is relative to the directive of the president “to bring the programs and ser vices of the national government to ARMM and other CAAs in Mindanao.” Together in this endeavor are other government agencies, namely Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), who will also present their respective povertyeradication programs to the benefitting communities. The CRDA is done to ensure that farflung and conflict-torn areas will not be left behind in terms of government support and inter ventions, especially on programs for basic needs, infrastructure and economic development. # (MTDLugares, DARFO 10)
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Opinion
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Davao City driver: beauty of a humble heart
Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO
ALLAN mario MEDIANTE
Vice President for Corporate Affairs
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gilbert y. chao
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sandra encoy
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Do You Have Connections? Think a minute…A cartoon showed a thief wearing a mask and pointing his gun at a frightened woman. He yelled at her: “Give me your valuables!” The woman in the cartoon grabbed her FRIENDS, and started putting them into the bag. Clearly, the person who drew that cartoon understands the value of friendships. For you and I to have success and happiness, we must have close connections with other people. Everybody needs somebody. There are few things as lonely and sad as going through a painful experience all alone. One wise man said: “Friendships are the food of life. To love and be loved is the greatest success and happiness there is.” Robert Louis Stevenson stated: “No person is a failure, if he has a friend.” And one guy said, “A major goal in my life is to end up with eight friends who are willing to carry my casket.” At the end of our life, it’s not how much money we have that shows our worth, but the number of close friends we still have. Not only should our friendships be close and caring connections, they should be constr uctive connections: friends who
THINK
A Minute
Jhan Tiafau Hurst build you up, instead of pull you down. We can’t choose our relatives, but we can choose our friends. So choose your friends carefully. They will either make you or break you! Make sure your good friends are good people—who make you a better person. And remember, friends are not just a way to get what we need, they ARE what we need! If all you need friends for is to use them to get something else, then that’s all you’ll end up with: something else and no friends. God gave us things to use, and people to love and enjoy. So do you have connections—true friends who care? It starts with the best friend you’ll ever have. He loves you so much He gave His life to share it with hurst/PAGE 11
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… `But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them’…” (Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, in Matthew 15:18, the Holy Bible). -ooo THE BEAUT Y (AND BENEFITS) OF A SINCERE AND HUMBLE HEART: D on’t lo ok now but it became quite clear to me, on Saturday, October 22, 2016, that President Duterte would not be the only source of rightful pride among residents of Davao City nowadays. Even a simple van-forhire driver like Manuel Toniacao is making Davao City truly proud, not with g randios e p osit ions or fabulous wealth, but with a delightfully humble and sincere heart that is willing to sacrifice just to keep the integrity of his work and his customers satisfied. You see, a friend of his arranged that Manuel would be acting as the driver of the van that would take us to a wedding and to the subsequent reception which was supposed to be
participated in by President Duterte, no less. We agreed with Manuel’s friend that I would be charged P1,100.00, for transporting me, my wife, Judge Angelina Mauricio, and our daughter, Atty. Luisa, from our hotel, to the church, to the reception, and then back to the hotel. -ooo DRIVER WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR H I S PA S S E N G E R S : Unfortunately, the reception took all of four hours to complete, which, unknown to me, was way, way beyond the carbarn time for the van. When Manuel was taking us back to the hotel, his bosses called him, and told him that I should be made to add P1,400.00 more as our fare (or a total of P2,500.00) for the length of time he and the van waited. He asked me to talk to his bosses, and, of course, I insisted on paying only the amount that I agreed to pay, which is P1,100.00. The bosses refused to accept my payment, compelling me to say I am not paying the added amount. A few minutes later, Manuel received another call from his bosses, where I
heard him talking in Visayan. I did not fully understand what he was saying, but I got the drift: to avoid f u r t h e r c ompl i c at i ons , Manuel decided that he would be the one to shoulder the additional P1,400.00, certainly a big amount for him, which he would be able to pay by appropriate deductions from his 13th month pay in December. -ooo GOOD HEARTED AND DEDICATED WORKER: When I asked w hy, he said that although he was supposed to return the van at 5 pm, he did not do so because my family and I were still at the reception. He chose to simply wait for us. “It was my work at stake,” Manuel said. All the while that he was talking to us, he was calm, respectful, without raising his voice one bit. When I fully understood what he was trying to do, something snapped in my heart. I thought then that a good-hearted and dedicated worker like him should not be penalized for upholding the dignity of his work, and for looking after the comfort and welfare of his customers.
K akampi
Mo A ng Batas
Atty. Batas Mauricio -ooo THERE IS STILL MUCH GOOD AMONG FILIPINOS: Then and there, I handed him P3,000.00 to cover the transport fee, plus a little extra for his display of his beautiful character. When he tried to refuse the added money, I told him, it was my way of thanking God, because He showed me, by his example of humility and willingness to sacrifice, that there is still much good left in the heart of many Filipinos. If you are travelling to Davao City, it may be worth your while to call Manuel, so he can be your driver. His number is 0946 006 0299. Thank God in the Name of Jesus.
Abstracting and transcending We h a v e t o b e m o r e aware of these spiritual operations that are involved in our thinking, judging, reasoning and, of course, in our praying, desiring, wishing, and many more human acts. These spiritual operations have requirements that have to be met, and they can be tough, considering our human condition that is wounded and weakened by sin. The y a ls o ne e d appropriate dispositions that have to be developed, and they can be difficult to acquire, given a general atmosphere that is unfriendly and unhelpful to such dispositions. They have their proper source and end that obviously can only be God. And again, considering the way things are in the world at present, this prop e r s ou rc e and e nd may not be known and properly appreciated. In fact, there are signs that it is ridiculed. To a b s t r a c t i s t o d i s c e r n t h e e s s e n c e of things from their external incidentals or the sensible and tangible properties of t h e s e t h i n g s . T h at’s what we do whenever we say, for example, that something is a chair when w e s e e s om e t h i n g t h at looks like a chair and is
used as a chair. When we abstract, we get what is t he univers a l pr inciple behind things, removing it from the particularizing or singularizing properties and qualities of those things. In other words, we consider things as they are in their ultimate status and identity, without getting u n du ly e nt ang l e d w it h their properties, qualities, a n d o t h e r i n c i d e nt a l s . When we properly do the process of abstraction, we avoid what Christ warned us about with respect to judging things through appearance alone. “’o not j u d g e b y a p p e a r a n c e ,’ he said, ‘but judge with r i g h t e o u s j u d g m e n t ’” (John 7:24). To transcend is to go b e y on d a c e r t a i n l e v e l without necessarily leaving that level. In this article, I refer to going b e yond t he material to enter into the spiritual world without leaving the material or going beyond t h e n at u r a l t o g o i nt o the supernatural without leaving the natural. This power to transcend has something to do with what Christ once said, “Do not store for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and stead, but store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:1920). These spiritual operations are crucial for us to get in touch with the ultimate dimensions and causes of what we consider to be reality, and of course, in the last analysis, to get in touch with God. I am af raid t hat t he younger generations today have practically lost these capacities to abstract and to transcend. Many people are mainly guided only by their senses, their feelings and primitive instincts. They do not seem to have b een weaned f rom that level. Nowadays, many are trapped by the allurements of the new technologies. Instead of liberating them f rom the limitations of the previous generations, these technological mar vels have made the current generation as their slaves. From time-savers, these technologies have become time-wasters. Thus, they easily fall into narrow-mindedness and bigotr y in their thinking, and rigidity in their ways. They are into a free-fall into selfindulgence. It goes without saying that they find no value in praying and in cultivating a life of piety. They are at the mercy of
HINTS
and
Traces
Fr. Roy Cimagala the worldly things. They have lost the sense of the sacred. It’s a b i g c h a l l e n g e to parents and teachers a n d t o a n y a u t h o r i t y, i n c l u d i n g t h e C hu r c h , to recover these crucial human abilities. I would say that nothing less than a miracle is needed here. Thus, we need to do a lot of prayer and sacrifices for this intention, begging God to intervene in a more dramatic way. In the meantime, it would be good for individuals to appreciate once again the value of abstracting and transcending, and for families and schools to create the proper environment and systems that would facilitate the l e ar n i ng of t he s e b as i c human skills. roycimagala@gmail. com.
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DENR 10 keeps tab of targets for CY 2016
T
he Department of Environment and Natural Resources, R e g i on 1 0 ( DE N R 1 0 ) continues its work in attaining all its targets for this year. In her report to S ecretar y Regina Paz L. Lopez, DENR 10 Regional Director Ruth M. Tawantawan said that Region 10 is on track in accomplishing all its C Y 2 0 1 6 p hy s i c a l a n d financial targets. Director Tawantawan reported that a total of 19,611 hectares of forest lands were planted with forest tree species under
t h e Nat i on a l G re e n i n g Program (NGP). The accomplishment is from Ja n u a r y t o S e p t e m b e r 2016. The NGP has also generated 41,058 jobs for the same period. Validation of established plantations are conducted by regional office and/or j oi nt ly c onduc te d w it h Central Office personnel to ensure the veracity of reports. She further disclosed that a total of 2,377 residential f ree patents were approved and transmitted to the Register of Deeds. The DENR issues free patents on residential
lands as mandated by Residential Free Patent Act or Republic Act No. 10023. The DENR 10 provides te ch n i c a l a s s i s t an c e to lo cal government units ( L G Us ) t h r o u g h i t s dif ferent programs and p ro j e c t s . Un d e r t h e watershed management planning, the Integrated Watershed Management P l a n f o r t h e Mo l u g a n and Alubijid watersheds were submitted to the concerned municipal L G Us f o r l e g i t i m at i o n process. The nine protected areas in the region
with its Protected Area Management B oards (PAMBs) have approved 104 resolutions. The protected areas include Mt . Kit ang l a d an d Mt . Kalatungan Range Natural Parks in Bukidnon; Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Na t u r a l Mo n u m e n t i n Camiguin; Mt. Inayawan R ange Natural Park in L anao del Norte; Mt . M a l i n d a n g R a n g e Natural Park and Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape in Misamis Occidental; and Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape, Mt. Balatukan
Range Natural Park and Mimbilisan Protected Landscape and Seascape in Misamis Oriental. On habitat protection, a total of 31 volunteers were registered by the PAMBs. Community dialogues and advocacy activities were under taken to promote bio diversit y prote c t ion and conser vation. Two critical habitats are being m an age d by DE N R 1 0 . These areas are the Rafflesia Critical Habitat in Baungon, Bukidnon and Magsaysay Critical Habitat for hawksbill sea turtles. These areas are protected to safeguard the sur vival
of critically endangered flora and marine species. Meanwhile, the regional office, Provincial DENR offices in Camiguin and Misamis Oriental are mai nt ai n i ng a Wi l d l i fe Rescue Center (WRC). A WRC is an establishment that functions as repository and rehabilitation facility for confiscated, donated, r e t r i e v e d , t u r n e d - ov e r or abandoned wildlife species according to the Biodiversity Management Bureau of DENR. (With report from the DENR 10 Planning and Management Division) RPAO # 10291-2016
Disney and Globe launch Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream In one way or a not her, g irls a l l over t he world have seen themselves as a Disney Princess. Disney Princesses are an inspiration to most and inspire you n g g i rl s to d a re to dream big and make it a reality. I nspi re d by t he empowering values of Disney Princesses, in association with Globe, a first-of-itskind, digital reality-series comes to life with Disney
Princess: I Dare to Dream. The producers are calling on all girls aged 9 to 16 years old to join the open auditions to be one of the six that will be chosen for the show. Auditions will be held on Oc tober 22 , 2016 at Cortes delas Palmas, Alabang Town Center, and on October 23, 2016 at Ayala Center Cebu, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Disney Princess: I Dare
to Dream celebrates the aspirational values of the beloved Disney Princesses who have achieved their dreams, and hopes to encourage and inspire young g irls in t he Phi lippines to dare to dream, too. In the web series, the chosen girls will be staying in a house where they will be paired with a mentor who excels in the field that they aspire to be. The audience will be able to join their
journey as they take that first step in living their dreams through a 10-episode web series. “We are proud to bring to our customers our very f irst original content in collaboration with Disney. I Dare to Dream gives us an engaging platform to that will possibly change the lives of its participants. Not only are we able to give new and fresh entertainment content to our
customers, but we also become part of a meaningful project,” says Globe Senior Ad v i s or for C on s u me r Business Dan Horan. Ap a r t f rom t he l i ve auditions, interested participants may also submit their video auditions via www.idaretodream.ph. In the video, the contestant needs to introduce hersel f a nd ta l k about her big d re a m . Subm i s sion of ent r ies w i l l be u nt i l
November 4, 2016. The time has come for girls who look up to their favorite Disney princess to embrace their ambitions, achieve their potential, and above all, dare to dream! To stay updated on the digital reality series, just visit w w w.idaretodream. ph. For more information, just follow Globe and its official Facebook page as well as at @enjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram.
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Banking&Finance
DOF wants zero tax for workers earning P250,000 and less annually
T
HE Department of Finance (DOF) has presented to the Senate the Proposed Tax Policy Reform Program Package 1 granting zero duties for workers earning P250,000 and less annually. In its 26-page presentation before the Senate committee on ways and means chaired by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that tax reform is needed to fund the ten-point socio-economic agenda of the administration. Dominguez said that the administration aims to raise additional P1 trillion p er ye ar to fund thes e socio-economic agenda by instituting the following: • Tax Policy Reform to create a simpler, fairer, and more efficient tax system characterized by low rates and a broad base that can promote investment, job c r e at i o n , a n d p o v e r t y reduction; • Tax administration reforms in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC); • Budget Reforms to improve spending, transparency, and efficiency s o t hat s avings can b e generated; and • Solid economic growth to increase opportunities (multiplier effect) All are needed. Higher c h an c e s of t a x re for m succeeding if done together with other reforms. Dominguez said that by 2019, fiscal agencies aim to raise P600 billion (3% of Gross Domestic Product in 2019 prices) to fund priority investments of the Duterte
administration. • P400 billion (2% of G DP ) f rom t a x p o l i c y reform • P200 billion (1% of GDP) from tax administration reform • BIR: Increase taxpayer satisfaction, reduce compliance cost, gain public trust, and protect revenues. • BOC: Protect revenues f rom s mu g g l i n g w h i l e enhancing trade facilitation. Proposed Tax Policy Package A m ong t h e re ve nu e eroding measures, DOF said, are adjusting brackets to correct “income creeping; reduce Personal Income Tax (PIT) maximum rate to 25% over time, except for the highest income earners to maintain progressivity; and shift to a modified gross system to simplify Personal Income Tax system. For offsetting measures, the DOF said that it would expand the VAT base by limiting exemptions to raw food and other necessities such as e duc at i on and health; increase excise tax on all petroleum products and index to inflation (diesel and essentials from 0 to 6 pesos per liter; gasoline and non-essentials from around P4.35 to P10 per liter); Increase excise tax on automobiles (progressive ad valorem system). For mitigating measures, DOF said that low income consumers and businesses are already protected by the marginal threshold, which can be adjusted if needed; and use targeted programs to protect the poor and vulnerable. “Benefits will not be reduced,” it said.
Proposed income tax system With this, DOF presented to the Senate that for the first year and second year of implementation, those workers who are earning P250,000 and below will not be taxed. For those earing P250,000 to P400,000 there would be zero tax but will collect 20% of the excess over P250,000 plus 20% of the excess over P250,000. The government will collect P30,000 tax for those earning over P400,000 to P800,000 for the first year and P22,500 for the second year onwards, plus 25% for the first year and 20% for second year and onwards, of the excess over P400, 000. For those earning P800,000 to P2 million, there would be P130,000 tax for first year and P102,500 for the second year and onwards. But there will be 30% tax of the excess over P800,000 for the first year and 25% for the second year onwards. For those earning P2 m i l l i on to P 5 m i l l i on , P490,000 will be collected plus 32% of the excess of P2 million for the first year and P402,500 tax plus 30% of the excess over P2 million for the second year and onwards. For those earning over P5 million, P1.450 million will be collected plus 35% of the excess over P5 million in the first year; and P1.302 million tax plus 35% of the excess over P5 million for the second year and onwards. Value-Added Tax for seniors, PWD
Dominguez also said that the administration plans to stop Value-Added Tax exemptions to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. “While the poor and vulnerable rightly need prot e c t i on , u s i n g VAT system is not a good way to address their needs as it leads to large leakages. Targe t e d c a s h t r ans fe r are a better option,” the presentation said. For s e n i or c it i z e n s , Dominguez said this could come in the form of higher socialized pension or cash transfer using the 4Ps. “The alternative protection for senior citizen can be designed to be welfare neutral and still raise revenues as leakages are plugged. Less leakage means more money for benefits of the poor senior citizens,” Dominguez said. Me a n w h i l e , A n g a r a expressed strong reservation over the proposal to stop VAT exemptions to senior citizens embodied in RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010; and to PWDs under RA 10754, which was recently signed into law last March this year. “Ang mga batas na ‘yan ay pinas a ng Kong res o d a h i l na k it a nam i n na hindi pa kayang ipagkaloob ng gobye r no ang l a hat ng pangangailangan ng ating mga senior citizen at kababayang may kapansanan. Maliwanag na ang mga batas na ito at may saysay at puso. Huwag muna sana nating tanggalin ang mga benepisyong ito o yung exemption na ibinibigay sa kanila hanggat wala pang DOF/PAGE 11
7 OROBANKERS DIRECTORIES CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:
AMANAH/ISLAMIC BANK V. Neri Street Carmen, Cdoc 858988/8587965 / 722274
METRO BANK- COGON Osmeña Hayes St. Cdoc | 726438/8572057
ASIA UNITED BANK Cor.Camp Alagar Road Lapasan, Cdoc 729678 / 8568893
METRO BANK- CARMEN Max Suniel St. Carmen, Cdoc 8581722/ 8585162
BDO – VELEZ Velez-Rn Abejuela Street, Cdoc 2314246/8572075
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BDO – XU XU Lib. Annex Corrales St. Cdoc 8574108 / 8573796
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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
companies keen to do business in the Philippines. This is part of BCCP’s CrossSector Trade Mission where
participating companies visit the country to meet relevant business contacts. Participating companies
come from the aerospace, energy, food and drink, furniture, ICT, and skincare industries.
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.
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EAST WEST BANK Cogon De Oro Constraction Bldg. LKK Drive 8500339/8500331
STERLING BANK OF ASIA Tiano Velez St. CDO | 8528171/8528168
LBP – CAPISTRANO Capsitrano St. Cdoc | 8565515/727678
The British Chamber of C ommerce Philippines (BCCP) brought to the P h i l i p pi n e s e i g ht U K
Tiano Bros St. Cdoc | 727083 /727082
SECURITY BANK- VELEZ Velez Montalvan St., Cdoc | 728334/856632
FIRST CONSOLIDATED BANK CM Recto Ave., Cor.Agudo Road Cdoc 8565360/2316678
UK companies delegation come to PH to do business
PLANTERS DEVELOPMENT BANK
EAST WEST BANK #5 Juan Sia Bldg. Apolinar Velez St.Cdoc 8578801/720081
ENTERPRISE BANK INC. Centro Mariano Bldg Osmeña St. Cdoc 723869/ 3093395
Philippine British Business Council Chairman Amb. Jesus Tambunting, PNB Board Chairman Florencia G. Tarriela, BCCP Chairman Chris Nelson, Manuel Dayrit of HSBC, and Former Finance Secretary Bobby Ocampo join the farewell lunch for UK trade mission delegates in Makati.
PBCOM Tiano-HayesSt. Cdoc | 726519/8571558
LBP – VELEZ LunaVelez St. | 723549/8563198 LBP – PUERTO Puerto Cdoc | 8558858 MAYBANK JR Borja Tiano Cor. Bldg. Cdoc 8574439/726060 METRO BANK- DIVISORIA Pabayo Abejuela St. Divisoria Park, Cdoc 724783/8576999 METRO BANK- VELEZ A. Velez St. Cdoc | 8561724/726054 METRO BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc | 8572999/724415
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
UCPB BANK SAVINGS- OPOL Gf forever Books Bldg.Bulua National CDO 754519/8588063 UNION BANK Lapasan Cm.Recto Cdoc | 8566847/8563805 WEALTHBANK Velez Gomez St. Cdoc | 8568942/722174 1ST VALLEY BANK Vamenta Blvd. CornerLirio St. Carmen, Cdoc 8501871/ 8584146 OROBANKERS CLUB Inc. Pnb Carmen | 09151850242
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Lifestyle medicine specialist leads Edmark awardees
D
By MARK FRANCISCO
R. Dorwin Lojot, a known practitioner of lifestyle medicine in this part of the country, led the new awardees of Edmark International for the third quarter of 2016. Having garnered enough points to catapult him to the spot, Lojot enjoyed being promoted as Crown manager together with his lovely wife Loida and another couple – Mr. and Mrs. Juvy and Levi Ugbinada. In a ceremony held last October 21 at Philtown Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, the following were also promoted: Emerald manager Cecilia Gamotin, Ruby managers Helen and Dan Aligsao, Ruby manager Arlene Dedicatoria, Sapphire manager Analyn P u e r t o l l a n o, S a p p h i r e manager Nene Lumbrino, Sapphire manager Ian Hazel Ugbinada and Sapphire manager Cecil Zacal. Edmark International is a multi-million dollar company with market presence in over 25 countries and is involved in various business interests from manufacturing to exporting and distribution.
Edmark started as Ever Dynamic Marketing in 1984 with the letter “D” in the color red to represent its perpetual dynamism. It was through the vision of its founder and chairman Sam Low Ban Chai that Edmark became one of the world’s successful brands and a company known for synergizing dynamic business principles with spiritual foundations. Edmark brings a powerful multilevel marketing business model with its innovative health and household products to the world. When Lajot came on board in December 2015, he modified the flagship Power Four Healthy Lifestyle Programme of Edmark based on his decades of experience as a lifestyle medicine specialist. Step 1 is the Shake Off Phyto Fiber which is a superior colon cleansing health drink made from a l l natura l ing re dients that sweeps and flushes out all the toxins from our colons, leaving it clean and healthy. It comes in two
delicious flavours – pandan and lemon. Step 2 is MRT Complex, a delicious low calorie and highly soluble nutritional drink loaded with complete vitamins, proteins and energy-releasing amino acids. Coming in three delicious flavours
– chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, MRT Complex repl acesyour me a l and reduce weight safely while avoiding torturous hunger pangs. Step 3 is Edmark Splina Liquid Chlorophyll, a nutritional drink made from white mulberry leaves.
It cleanses the digestive system, increases blood count and reduces wrinkle and aging. Step 4 is the two coffee variants offered by Edmark – ginseng coffee and red yeast coffee which contains red yeast rice. In 2009, Lajot started
the DL Nutritional and DL8 Therapy and has earmarked hundreds of success stories all over Mindanao ever since. Delving mostly on nutritional medicine, these twin programs are tailormade for each individual patient’s health history.
Redefining smartphone experience Flash PH rolls out longer-lasting, high-end smartphones at the most competitive price yet!
S martphones h a v e evolved as one of the most indispensable innovations of digitalization. Over the years, it has revolutionized the way people live given its evolving capabilities in enabling how people live, play and work. However, as the demand for these gadgets continues to grow, experts say that nowadays, smartphone users
consider buying devices that are long-lasting. In a recent survey, global environmental organization, Greenpeace Philippines, noted that nine out of 10 Filipinos believe that the durability is an important aspect they look for in smartphones. Also, 98 percent of the 1,000 respondents also consider battery life of smartphones as another important feature.
In response to this demand, Flash Philippines— one of Asia’s rising developers of lifestyle and smart devices—rolls out its flagship phone, the Flash Plus 2, with superior and highly durable built-in features valued at the lowest price of Php 6,190. “Flash Plus 2 received positive reviews from its users as we first introduced it in the country earlier this year.
This model is developed to bring out superior functions while giving a more efficient and durable smartphone unit for the users,” Sheree Gayas, Flash Philippines’ marketing manager. Among the pioneering features of Flash Plus 2 include its sleek metal case, a fast-charging battery, fingerprint recognition, high definition phone camera, and Hi-Fi audio capacity. These attributes allow for more durability, efficiency, and convenience. Sleek and durable metal case Flash Plus 2 is made more durable with its aluminum case, which is crafted employing several kinds of metal polishing processes. The case’s sides are treated with Bead Blasting textures, allowing for a stylish side view. Meanwhile, the back panel is treated with high density hairline metal drawing processes for excellent
grip and added protection against scratching. High performance and fastcharging battery Flash Plus 2 is equipped with fast charging battery technologies—TI BQ25896 chip and 9V/1.67A battery— to achieve a mere 30-minute charging time for a 50 percent battery level. However, when fully charged, this phone guarantees a reliable capacity that lasts up to 10 hours of continuous calls. The smartphone also highlights its Helio P10 processor, which ensures low energy consumption while providing high performance. This feature, hence, allows for maximizing entertainment needs without worrying about speedy battery drain. Next-gen security feature When it comes to security, Flash Plus 2 integrates a next-generation front-facing fingerprint module. This feature allows the user opti-
mum convenience in phone unlocking because of a 3600 accuracy level that responds in half a second. It can also safeguard all the apps and private folders by assigning specific fingerprint or mark to access them. For instance, the user can assign his thumb to open Facebook, index finger to send an e-mail, among others. Hig h def inition phone camera In keeping with the superior photography DNA of all Flash products, Flash Plus 2 gives better images through its built-in high definition camera with a 13-megapixel rear lens. It also adopts PDAF and contrast focusing features, which allows the user to capture f leeting moments with its 0.1 second focal alignment capability. The camera phone also has built-in rear dual color flash/PAGE 11
quality tarpaulin printing contact: mindanao daily news publishing corporation Mdntarps@gmail.com
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Thursday|october 27, 2016
Investments... from page 1
C. Nocos said. He noted “Mindanao will have enough power supply to support its development plans.” This is a shared prognosis by many power project developers in Mindanao, with the grid now seeing at least 50-percent overcapacity in supply. Nocos further qualified “the challenge is to optimize the utilization of various generating assets on the island to ensure system stability and minimize cost.” Without a functioning Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in that domain, industry players have been seeing ‘stranded capacity’ not being channeled to end-users – an irony in a situation where there is too much supply but there are some areas that still experience energy poverty. “In Mindanao, where the WESM is not yet operational, generating capacity that is not contracted could end up being stranded,” Nocos explained. Notwithstanding that, he noted “there will be sufficient base load reserves in the short to medium term. Properly managed, these will enhance the reliability of the system and the attractiveness of the Philippines to industrial investors.” The Alsons Power Group is currently moving headway on the development of its second unit Sarangani coal-fired power plant at 105-megawatt capacity. Company officials said the comfortable level of contracts they have secured for the facility will ease any concern of their capacity not being soaked up by targeted end-users. The appetite for additional p o w e r i nv e s t m e nt s i n Mindanao is still there for many developers, including those that are blueprinting renewable energy projects that could then help lessen the current dominance of coal plants in the grid.
Exporters... from page 1
at the sidelines of Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw that some of the big banana players have been sending trial shipments to Russia for the last three to four years. He said they are currently verifying the volume Russia could take but said “malaki ang (there’s a big) potential. The population of Russia is just a little less than China.” “We have trial shipment already. We would like to look at the near future to ship on a regular basis to Russia,” he said. Sotto said they are looking for other banana markets outside the Philippines’ existing international markets such as Japan, currently the biggest buyer of the country’s banana exports priced at US$277,272,187 in 2015, followed by China (US$157,499,048), South Korea (US$80,986,180), Iran (US$53,144,575), and United Arab Emirates (US$24,415,404).
He said the big players that are now doing trial shipments still have to ship their exports from the port in Davao City to China, then to Vladivostok, Russia’s major Pacific port located near the borders of China and North Korea. He said the challenges of exporting to Russia have remained to be logistics and distance. He said the countr y must open new routes to Russia in the event that banana exporters here will be shipping out on a regular basis to this new potential market. He added these problems can be addressed if Congress passes the Comprehensive Development Act for the b an an a s , w h i ch wou l d establish the National Banana In du s t r y D e v e l opm e nt Council. “It was no other than President Rodrigo R. Duterte who endorsed the process. He doesn’t like an executive order. He would prefer a congressional law that would create a National Banana In du s t r y D e v e l opm e nt Council that would create the National Banana Research Center. An enabling law will take over the overall development of the banana industry,” he said. In his May 19 courtesy call with then Presidentelect Rodrigo R. Duterte, Russian Ambassador Igor A. Khovaev said they discussed fundamental and principal issues on developing bilateral relations between Russia and the Philippines. The diplomat emphasized the need to create a Joint Trade Economic Cooperation Commission, to promote e c o n o m i c c o o p e r at i o n between the two countries. He said they are interested in forging cooperation in other fields such as culture, agriculture, technology, and even sports. “We, the Russians, are open to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation in any fields,” he said. On the shipment of Philippine tropical fruits, Khovaev said that it’s another interesting field to explore since the Russian market needs fruits grown from the tropical region. “The export of tropical fruits to Russia, I think that’s a very interesting field. Russian market needs tropical fruits simply because tropical fruits are not produced in my country,” he said. He mentioned banana, mango, and durian.
Topmost...
from page 1 for Vismin Dennis Fronda p e r s on a l l y pi n n e d t h e accolade to CDO branch heads Rica Gador and Mark Sumido last Tuesday. BPI Family Savings Bank also used the event as an opportunity to recognize its top three performing real estate brokers for the third quarter of the year covering the months between July and September. Emerging as number one was Abegail Saab. The event, held at the
spacious KaVe Restaurant function room inside posh Limketkai Luxe Hotel, also doubled as motivational speaker Marianne Mencias’ platform in the BPI Reconnect Series. Fronda explained that the BPI Reconnect Series was conceptualized to inspire its clients and agents alike. For the October 25 engagement in Cagayan de Oro, it was the real estate brokers selling housing loans who were pampered via the Mencias’ inspiring messages. Mencias’ sharing, complete with a multimedia presentation culled from her What’s Your Life Masterpiece book, was down-to-earth and very relatable. Indeed, real estate brokers are being pampered yearround by BPI Family Savings Bank considering the role they perform as the bank’s frontliners to its customers. In the first quarter of the year, they organize this so-called Brokers Circle where the top performing brokers of the past year were recognized. By summer, they will have a sports tournament by company. For the fourth quarter of this year, the Reconnect Series was conceptualized. Aside from housing loans, BPI Family Savings Bank also offers auto loans, personal loans and Ka-Negosyo loans for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Upbeat... from page 1
Duterte announced the shift in foreign policy during his state visit to China last week. In a text message, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc. (DCCCII) president Bonifacio Tan told MindaNews the new policy won’t bring adverse effects to the country’s economy as direct investments from the US are not substantial, except for the remittances of the overseas Filipino workers there. He added it is the US militar y that benefits much from joint military exercises in the countr y with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “Actually, mutual military exercise does not benefit so much Philippine government because military armaments given to us very are minimal,” he said. Mindanao Business Council (MBC) president Vicente T. Lao added that Duterte only wanted to chart a more independent economic policy “because we are in a region with one of the best economies in the world and with the fastest growth.” “These are the economic realities of our times, so we have to realign our interest and directions to take advantage of these opportunities,” he said. Lao dismissed speculations that Duterte was completely c utting diplomatic ties with the West. DCCCII executive vice president Sofronio Jucutan said that Duterte did not
intend to sever ties with the US as “severance and separation are different in meaning.” “He did say separate, or part ways in foreign policy. He means sovereignty should be exercised,” he said. He said pursuing a more i n d e p e n d e nt e c on om i c foreign policy will do more good for “the dignity and business in the long run.” Another business leader, Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig, said that while the impact of “separation” from the US remains to be seen, Duterte knows what he is doing. “If China is indeed i nv e s t i n g a l o t i n t h e Philippines and considering that it is an economic power itself that can absorb a lot of our produce, then maybe the impact or effects of the separation may not be that great,” he said. L ast Friday, Duter te clarified in a press conference after his arrival at the F. Bangoy International Airport from state visits to Brunei and China that he was not severing diplomatic ties with the US. “You know, you have to take my words in the context of what I’ve been saying all along. It’s not severance of ties. Iyong sa severance of ties, you cut the diplomatic relations. I cannot do that. Why? It’s to the best interest of my country that we maintain that relationship,” he said. He maintained that he meant only separation of foreign policy. “In the past and until I became president, we always follow what the United States would give the cue. He would give the cue that we are there, we are there, we follow, sunud-sunod tayo. Hindi ako magsunod,” he said.
Protect... from page 2
cooperatives or private because the distribution utilities are the ones serving the poorest of the poor, which is the target of this a d m i n i st r at i on for t he reduction of electricity rate.” T he F i rst A M R E C O Annual General Membership Assembly and AMRECO Summit 2016 as highlighted by Dagooc, is the perfect occasion for participants to grasp the pulse of Mindanao’s power development plans in the advent of Federalism under the leadership of the new government. (RTP/ PIA10)
Hurst... from page 4
you. But the only way you can enjoy His peace and prosperity is to become His close friend. Today you can get connected to Jesus Christ and start enjoying His friendship and good life. Just ask Him to forgive you, and to take charge of your heart everyday. He’ll not only give you happier friendships and better connections, but He’ll make you a better friend to others. Just Think a Minute…
DOF... from page 7
tiyak na subsidiya,” Angara said. (These laws were passed by Congress because we saw that the government cannot yet grant all the needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. These laws are clear and have relevance and a heart. Let us not remove the benefits or exemptions given to them until there is a sure subsidy.) Angara said that interest groups has been coming to the Senate regarding various tax reform packages, including co op eratives, seniors, PWDs, oil companies, transport groups—a collective voice of already 10 to 15 million Filipino people that we should not ignore. “Dapat ay marinig natin ang sentimyento ng ating mga kababayan lalo na ang mga ap ektadong sektor dahil hindi pare-pareho ang epekto nito sa iba’t ibang antas ng lipunan. Tiyakin natin na hindi madedehado ang mga mahihirap at ang ating middle class sa usaping ito,” he said.
Flash... from page 8
f lash lamp, RealTone, and front LED f lash with Color
11 Rendering Index that make shooting clear images even under dim light. These specs can also produce as many as 64 different lighting combinations that produce much more vivid and natural color images. Immersive, Hi-Fi music experience Flash Plus 2 also boasts its high-fidelity amplifying functionality. It has a quality-retaining earphone acoustics, high sound volume effects, and MIX music production essentail in producing an immersive sound experience. These are made possible through the independent AKM4375 audio decoding chip coupled with state-ofthe-art IRD sound digital filter, with value-retaining signal output measuring up to high-f idelity acoustic effects. The music can also be amplified to reach 3.6 watts—eight times greater than the volume of average smartphones—using its NXP980 power amplification chip and built-in DSP algorithm. Flash Plus 2 is now available in two color options, Luna Silver and Venus Gold, which is now available in Lazada. For more details, please visit the website at http:// www.f lash3c.com/ph.
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