BusinessWeek Mindanao (October 7, 2019)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE

Volume X, No. 52

Market Indicators AS OF 6:00 PM OCT. 4, 2019 (FRIDAY)

FOREX US$1 = P 51.730

8.5

PHISIX 7,704.60

X X Briefly

cents

159.05 points

Retailers credit card DAVAO City’s homegrown retailing company New City Commercial Center is rolling out next month its credit card, NCCC Credit Card, its partnership with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. In a statement over the weekend, the retailer said its representatives, those of the bank and the solutions provider GHL Systems Philippines, Inc., signed the agreement in June for the release of the credit card.

It said the card will “provide its customers more payment options” and it will replace its NCCC Kanegosyo Rewards Card used by wholesalers and sari-sari store owners.”

Easy loan AGRICULTURE Secretary William D. Dar has assured farmers that simplified loan access will soon be provided by governmentowned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), with the terms of the new lending arrangements now being finalized.

“Rest assured that in the next three months we can smoothen everything,” Mr. Dar said.

The newly-installed head of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said he brought up the need to ease loan processing.

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MinDA seeks partner to push organic rice www.businessweekmindanao.com

Monday|October 7, 2019

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By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

T

HE Mindanao De velopment Authority (MinDA) will partner with a seed company and a farmers’ cooperative to push a shift to organic premium rice production. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar has assured farmers that simplified loan access will soon be provided by governmentowned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), with the terms of the new lending arrangements now being finalized.

“Rest assured that in the next three months we can smoothen everything,” Mr. Dar said at a news conference here Saturday.

T he ne w ly - i nst a l l e d head of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said he brought up the need to ease loan processi In a statement, the agency cited the benefits of organic

brown and black rice and premium quality rice varieties for export.

MinDA C hair man Emmanuel F. Piñol wants to support farmers who have been affected by declining local prices due to the Rice Liberalization Law. Mr. Piñol earlier said one way to mitigate the impact PARTNER/PAGE 11

THE SILENT WITNESS. “The Silent Witness” is a two-panel mural collaboration by Piguras Davao artists greets visitors as they enter the Mindanao Art Fair and Exhibit at the Gaisano Mall in Davao City. mindanews photo by manman dejeto

Incentive code ammended to lure more investments

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

DAVAO City — The city government has amended its Investment Incentive Code by adding new perks including

tax breaks for projects in “preferred areas” outside the city center and for hiring indigenous peoples (IPs)

and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Approved last week, the new ordinance, according to Councilor Nilo G. Abellera, CODE/PAGE 11

THE joint tourism and business matching meeting organized to help boost the viability of Garuda Indonesia's foray into Mindanao raked in

over P1 million in negotiated sales, the Department of Tourism in Region 11 (DOT11) said.

“This sale is accumulated

o u t o f D av a o - G e n e r a l Santos tours and hotel accommodation bookings in Davao during the business TOURISM/PAGE 11

Davao-Manado tourism B2B rakes in over P1-M sales The Sulu hornbill.

photo courtesy of bim quemado

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2

Morale high despite ‘ninja cops’ Issue, PNP-10 spokesperson says

By JIGGER JERUSALEM, PNA

OFFICIALS of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 10 said Thursday the police forces in Northern Mindanao are not affected by the “ninja cops” issue hounding the leadership.

Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa, Police Regional Office-10 spokesperson, said the morale remains high among the police ranks in the region despite the ongoing Senate investigation that dragged the name of PNP chief, General Oscar Albayalde in the shabu recycling issue when he was still a provincial director in 2013.

Hortillosa said PRO10 “will remain steadfast

in serving the people and [will] never be affected with the issue since it [does] not represent the whole organization and it was pointed out only to the concerned involved few PNP personnel”.

According to the testimony made during a joint Senate hearing recently by Benjamin Magalong, former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief and now Baguio City mayor, Albayalde allegedly tried to intervene in the dismissal of the suspected officers who were then under his command as Pampanga provincial police commander.

MORALE/PAGE 11

Local

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MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

DSWD in NorMin warns public versus impostors T

By ERCEL MAANDIG, PNA

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) has warned the public of impostors, who are selling registration forms of the Pantawid Pamilya Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP).

In a statement on Friday, DSWD-10 director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga-Libang said these unscrupulous persons are engaged in collecting

money in exchange for an individual's supposed inclusion in the MCCT-IP, the agency's conditional cash transfer program for tribal communities.

Libang identified the group as the Philippine Tribal Governance Administration, which is

reportedly has an office at Zone 3, Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

DSWD-10 cited reports that the group has been operating its modus operandi in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces.

Libang clarified that Pantawid beneficiaries are identified through

the use of a poverty targeting system called the "listahanan" that identifies who and where the poor are.

She added that the process by which the beneficiaries are selected "includes assessment of the demographic and socioeconomic data IMPOSTORS/PAGE 9

TURNOVER. FDC Misamis Power Corporation’s (FDC Misamis) Community Relations Specialist Analiza Miso (right) hands over four (4) units of Salter scale to Marites Gomez, Misamis Oriental Provincial Nutrition Officer, in a simple turnover ceremony held at the Provincial Administrator’s Office, Provincial Capitol in Cagayan de Oro City on September 23, 2019. These weighing scales will be used by the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO) as one of the mediums to determine the malnourished kids in Misamis Oriental. This is also in support to the PNO’s drive to further enhance its health care service in the local communities.

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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MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

3

Motoring

Suzuki Introduces Two New Workhorses for the Filipino Entrepreneur: the All-new Carry and the Dzire GA

S

UZUKI Philippines Inc. (SPH), the country’s pioneer subcompact car distributor, introduces its newest breed of workhorse vehicle, the all-new Suzuki Carry.

Designed to meet the needs of commercial businesses, the all-new Carry is packed with

upgraded features and a lightweight yet fuelefficient engine, making it a tough and reliable partner to drive every Filipino business owners to success.

“Filipinos are a hardworking people. The all-new Suzuki Carry is engineered to match the level of dedication

Filipinos put into their businesses. We designed this new workhorse vehicle to deliver any business requirements with efficiency and power to do more. With the all-new Suzuki Carry, we

extend the Suzuki Way of Life! to small and medium enterprises and be a part of their journey to success,” Suzuki Philippines Director and Automobile Division General Manager Keiichi Suzuki shares.

Succeeding the Suzuki Super Carry, which bagged the 2016 Best Commercial Utility Vehicle by Car Awards Group, Inc., the all-new Carry amps performance with a stronger and fuel-efficient

K15B 1.5-liter engine, providing more power to carry out every task in any road conditions with ease. This upgrade delivers more output power at 96hp/5,600rpm and torque at 135N.m/4,400rpm over the entire range, giving business owners the confidence to deliver on their business commitments.

The all-new Carry stays true to its nature as a reliable and functional workhorse with its exterior design exuding simplicity, durability and a good sense of balance.

It has a wider and longer body with access to side gates opening from all sides, making loading and unloading cargo of any size and shape easier. The SUZUKI/PAGE 11

4

Opinion

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JUN AYENSA

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No greater love Think a minute… A fouryear-old girl was terribly hurt in a car accident and going to die—unless the doctors quickly found a person with her same rare blood type who was willing to give her their blood. Then they discovered the girl’s seven-year-old brother had the same blood type as her.

The doctor led her brother into his office and told him that his baby sister was very sick and unless she received blood she would probably die. Her brother’s eyes filled with tears, and after a few moments he bravely said to the doctor: “I’ll give my blood to my sister.”

Later as the young boy watched his blood going through a tube into his sister’s body, his fear reached a point of panic. The doctor saw the terrified look on the little boy’s face and said: “It’s OK, son, it will all be over soon.” The boy started to cry: “So now is when I’m going to die?” When the doctor had first asked this young boy to give his blood to his sister, the boy thought it meant he was giving ALL of his blood,

THINK A MINUTE

MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

A very precious gift from Emirates Red Crescent

BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO CORPORATION Publisher

Vice President for Corporate Affairs

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IGNACIO BUNYE As the nation prepared to celebrate National Teachers Month, the teachers and students of Itaas Elementary School in Muntinlupa City received late last month a generous donation from Emirates R e d Cres cent (ERC).

The gift, dubbed as “Dubai School”, consists of a 4-storey 8-classroom school building, complete with arm chairs for pupils, teachers’ tables and chairs and 9 comfort rooms.

500 students also received school bags.

Emirates Red Crescent is a volunteer humanitarian organization based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies since 1986.

ERC is focused on 1) e ducat ing p e ople in international humanitarian law 2) spreading health awareness and education 3) establishing projects

for the good of those in need: orphans, widows, elderly, and special needs 4) rescuing people from the effects of disasters and 5) attracting talents for volunteer work.

In the Philippines, most of its projects are related to education. To date, ERC has constructed or repaired 21 school-buildings enough to accommodate 10,000 students. Other facilities donated by ERC include 15 multi-purpose covered courts, 12 theaters, service and health facilities and computer laboratories.

The Dubai School construction commenced in October 2018 immediately following the signing of a

memorandum of agreement between DepEd Muntinlupa repres ented by S cho ols Division Superintendent, Dr. Mauro C. de Gulan; Raul T. Felix, the school principal and H . E . Ham a d Z a e d Alzaabi, UAE ambassador to the Philippines.

Funds for the project were donated to ERC by Mr. Ahmed Al Abdullah Al Ansari.

Several dignitaries from the UAE attended the turnover last September 25.

They included H.E. Hamoud Abudllah Alawi Mohammed Aljneibi, General Secretary of Marketing and Donation (M&D) of the Emirates Red Crescent; UAE Ambassador, GIFT/PAGE 11

Active-contemplative synergy Give n t he i nc re as i ng ly pre s s i ng c on d it i ons of the world today and the permanent, ultimate and most precious goal of ours, we really need to be more serious and more skillful in synergizing both the active and contemplative modes of our life.

We have to be immersed and involved in all our worldly affairs, attending to their requirements as promptly and actively as possible. But we also have to see to it that we do not lose sight of what is most important in our life—to be with God and to aim at heaven. “What does it profit a man,” Christ said, “if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” (Mk 8,36) We need to be both with God and with the world.

These two modes of our life need not be in conflict.

They can and should be put together to enable us to live

a life proper to us as persons and children of God. We have to learn to find the connection between the material and spiritual, the temporal and eternal, and the mundane and sacred aspects of our life.

The active and contemplative modes of our life may each have their own ways, but we have to develop a strategy of how those distinctive ways can be put together. It wouldn’t be good for us if we would just be active but fail to be contemplative, or just contemplative but not active.

We have to be both.

The secret, I believe, is to begin everything we think, desire, speak, and do with God, the creator of everything, the author of what is true, good and beautiful in the world. With him, we get to see the unity that binds together all the different aspects of our life.

He is the source, pattern,

and end of unity.

Thus, a period of prayer, meditation, and contemplation should have priority over our work and other forms of activity.

Prayer in its many forms, together with the recourse of t h e s a c r am e nt s an d making sacrifices, should help us have a deep, strong supernatural outlook such that we can somehow feel God’s presence everywhere and see and abide by his will.

We have to devise some means to keep our presence of God all day even in the middle of the most mundane activity we have. In this regard, we have to be most inventive, creative, flexible, and versatile. It helps that to be truly motivated by our love of God and for others, we be sportive and game in our lifestyle, since every day is actually like a game with endlessly varying possibilities.

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA To b e contemplative is usually associated with being isolated, withdrawn f rom things, ref lective, silent, recollec ted, and far-looking, but it has to blend with our need to be with others, immersed in things, constantly reactive to whatever immediate stimuli may come our way.

If we have a true contemplative spirit, the things of the world would not be a hindrance in our relationship with God. In SYNERGY/PAGE 11

Are you really committed to succession?

Prof. Josep Tàpies of IESE Business School in Spain is absolutely right when h e re m ar ke d, “No on e assumes that the son of a great violinist will also be a virtuoso on that instrument”.

So when do we consider a JHAN TIAFAU HURST succession successful? First, it is when the company’s and that he would die so founder hands over the his sister could live. Yet bu s i n e s s s e am l e s s ly to because he loved his sister the children, along with so much, he still chose to their spouses without any give his life for her. fanfare nor disturbances We o f t e n d o n o t in any of the three critical know how much people pillars: Family, business and really love us until their ownership systems. relationship with us costs Second, it includes the t hem s omet hing. S ome transfer of power to the most friends are only friends to qualified and deser ving us as long as it is convenient next generation leader, who for them, or if they get will navigate the enterprise some advantage from our together with his or her friendship. But Jesus taught siblings. The transition to a and showed us that “There chosen successor is a critical is no greater love than when decision made unanimously someone gives his life for by all the siblings, the BOD his friend.” and the senior executive Amazingly, even when team. we rejected Him and wanted The third element in nothing to do with Him, the succession journey is LOVE/PAGE 11 that every strategic move

i s g u i d e d by a f a m i l y agreement or a charter where governance issues are raised to the family council for approval using pre-agreed barometers. It is also essential for every m e mb e r of t h e f a m i l y council to be involved in a consensual decision-making process under a culture of transparency and respect.

In my family governance work at W+B Advisor y, it can take up to 10 to 12 sessions or close to a year to create a family agreement.

Why that long? There is no short cut to creating a real and authentic governance process. Just to initiate a transition from an informal set of rules to documenting for ma l ag re ements can b e daunting for family members who are not used to corporate best practices.

During sessions, family members are made aware of their inherent responsibilities. They are guided on every item covering a slew of code of

conduct policies where they simulate a formal meeting and collectively negotiate an acceptable governance s olution to predic table problems that will likely happen in the future.

The fourth element is the creation of a Family Business Training Institute meant to inculcate good parenting programs, values formation training, business skills enhancement, shareholders education, a rigid successor program, Board level governance and institutionalizing a culture of stewardship to all family members.

And f ina l ly t he l ast element in the succession journey is the creation of a Single Family office (SFO) that seeks to manage and preserve the family’s wealth.

An SFO is a private company that manages investments and trusts for a single family.

Other services include family governance, financial and investment education, p h i l a n t h r o p y, e s t a t e

FAMILY BUSINESS COACH

PROF. ENRIQUE SORIANO planning and tax mitigating services. For ultra-high net worth (UHNW) families ably assisted by my firm, we assist family businesses in pursuing diversification strategies using private equity and liquidity investments.

Tàpies concludes, “All c omp a n i e s a re s u bj e c t to r i s k s c om m itte d by governments and managers, but f am i l y c omp an i e s , because of their very nature, can more easily succumb to a series of mistakes.

The succession process is COMMITTED/PAGE 11

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MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

5

Motoring

Toyota Fortuner Gets Updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

T

OP automotive manufacturer Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) updates the infotainment system of its bestselling midsize SUV, the Toyota Fortuner. Starting this September, all six (6) variants of the Toyota Fortuner will now have the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mobile compatibility features pre-installed.

Aside from this software upgrade, the head unit’s hardware also receives significant changes such as a new dedicated SD card slot for multimedia, 6.75inch total screen size, and 512 MB of RAM with 8GB of ROM (both previously at 256MB). The updated Toyota Fortuner is now available in all 70 Toyota dealerships nationwide.

“Toyota listens to the demands of the local market, and

we are always on the lookout when it comes to adapting technologies that make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone,” said TMP First Vice President Ms. Cristina Arevalo.

“Equipping the

Fortuner with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is something our customers will surely appreciate.”

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both smartphone mirroring services that allow drivers to focus on the road

with quality-of-life features such as GPS navigation, music playback, and managing texts and calls, all through the vehicle’s built-in display.

Their common goal is to minimize driving distractions

by making it easy for drivers to control these factors by using voice commands, touchscreen panels, and traditional knobs or buttons in their car’s infotainment setup.

“We’re confident that this much-

anticipated set of software and hardware improvements will make the Toyota Fortuner even more appealing to its target market,” she added.

Year-to-date, the Toyota Fortuner already sold a total of 12,519 units, again cementing its status as the SUV of choice among Filipinos. Next to Metro Manila, Toyota Fortuner sales in terms of volume are strongest in Calabarzon (Region IV) and Central Luzon (Region III) areas.

For the latest Toyota news and information, visit TMP’s official website at www. toyota.com.ph and follow the official Facebook page at www.fb.com/ ToyotaMotorPhilippines.

To know more about the updated Fortuner, please go to any of Toyota’s 70 dealerships nationwide.

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MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

Miss Earth 2019 candidates, mobisita sa MisOR

S

AMOT nga magmabulukon ang unang mga adlaw sa bulan sa Oktubre ning tuig tungod sa laing higayon mobisita pagusab ang mga kandidata sa Miss Earth 2019 karong petsa 6 hangtud petsa 8 ning bulan.

Ang mga maanyag ug adunay malantip nga salabotan nga mga kandidata gikan sa nasud sa Austria, Italy, Croatia, Malta, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Paraguay, Kenya, Reunion Island, China, Tonga, India, Liberia, ug Vietnam gilaumang motambong ug ipa-ila ila sa publiko karong adlaw’ng Lunes, Oktubre 7, 2019, atol sa sinemanang pagpakayab sa nasudnong bandila sa kapitolyo. Human niini, adunay courtesy call ang mga dalaga kang Gobernador Bambi Emano ug Provincial Tourism Officer Atty.

Jeffrey Saclot, aron personal sa duha ka opisyal ang pagpasigarbo sa mga hiyas nga ania sa lalawigan sa Misamis Oriental.

Si Ms. Philippines Air 2019 Ana Monica Tan moduyog usab sa nasangpit nga kalihukan, kung diin siya usab mahimong special tour guide sa nasangpit nga mga kandidata gikan sa nagkalain-laing nasud.

Si Ms. Ana Monica gikan sa Misamis Oriental nga bag-o lang nakoronahan sa Miss Earth Philippines 2019 didto sa kaulohan.

Samtang ania sa Misamis Oriental ang langyaw, ipaubos sila sa tukmang has-has sa mga miyembro sa prensa pinaagi sa usa ka press conference kon unsay ilang mga adbokasiya kon ugaling sila makoronahan sa Miss Earth International 2019.

Dipa dinhi mahuman ang pagbisita sa mga dalaga, aduna pa gayud ilang ipahigayon nga fashion show sa Ayala Centrio Mall Activity Center, kung diin sila mo-rampa bitbit ang dungog sa ilang tagsatagsa ka nasud. Dili pa gayud deretsong mamauli ang mga international beauty queens, mosalmot

pa sila sa ipahigayon nga Mangrove Tree Planting sa Tubajon Aquamarine Park sa lungsod sa Laguindingan, ug mosuroy sa InitaoLibertad Protected Seascape & Landscape sa Initao, Misamis Oriental.

Garbo, dili lang ni

Gobernador Bambi Emano, apan lakip sa katawhan sa Misamis Oriental nga mapaila ang lalawigan ngadto sa tibuok kalibotan, maoy hinungdan gimando sa amahan sa lalawigan kang Provincial Tourism Officer Atty. Jeffrey

Saclot nga imbetahon gayud ang nasangpit nga mga kandidata aron mas molig-on pa ang pagtuo sa mga langyaw nga luwas gayud bisitahon ang Mindanao, partikular ang Misamis Oriental.

Gilaumang resulta sa ilang pagbisita ang walay

puas nga pagsulod sa mga business investments sa lalawigan, lakip small and medium entrepreneurs makabenepisyo niini, gawas pa sa mga hotels ug restaurants sa lalawigan sa Misamis Oriental ug dakbayan sa Cagayan de Oro.

BARMM eyes ASEAN experience, best practices in education THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is benchmarking the experiences and best practices of ASEANmember countries in developing its educational system.

Speaking before the delegates of the 35th ASEAN Council of Teachers +1 Convention held here on 28 September 2019, BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said BARMM looks up to its neighboring countries, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, for inspiration and expertise in education.

It can be recalled that Iqbal sent his team to Indonesia in June 2019 with support from Australia through the Pathways Program.

The team looked into Indonesia’s educational system, which provides

integrated education services to all of its people regardless of background.

“We learned a lot from that learning trip to Indonesia and we hope to gain more insights from our neighboring countries,” he said.

Like Indonesia, Iqbal said BARMM will also provide its constituents equal opportunities.

“The Bangsamoro Government shall develop an educational framework relevant and responsive to the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people,” he said.

He added education in the Bangsamoro shall be accessible to all – Moro, Christian, and IP. “We’ve seen this educational system worked in Indonesia,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal shared that the Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education is

tasked to draft and submit the Bangsamoro Education Code to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The code shall govern the education system in the Bangsamoro and set the strategic direction for

the implementation of a balanced educational structure and standard in the Bangsamoro.

He closed his keynote speech by thanking the government and people of Brunei Darussalam for

their continued support to the peace process by sending a contingent to the International Monitoring Team.

He also appealed for more investments in the BARMM.

“This will help your brothers and sisters come to their knees after almost 50 years of struggle for selfdetermination,” said Iqbal.

(Regional Information Office - Ministry of Basic Education, BARMM)

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MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

A Brown eyes possible buyout of Vires Energy

A

Mary Lasanas was recently crowned as Miss Macasandig 2019. Macasandig is a barangayin Cagayan de Oro City. joshua sepe photography

BROWN Co., Inc. said on Thursday that it had signed a deal to possibly acquire control of a company proposing to develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage and regasification terminal with a floating power plant in Batangas City.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the Cagayan de Oro City-based company said it had signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Argo Group Pte. Ltd. “for the possible acquisition” of approximately 99.995% of the outstanding capital of Vires Energy Corp.

The listed company said the MoA entered into “is a preliminary agreement and the prospective acquisition will be concluded after the completion of the customary due diligence period of a maximum period of 180 days.”

A Brown said Vires, which is owned

by Argo Group, is the proponent of an integrated floating LNG storage and regasification terminal and a 506-megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired power plant.

The facility is located in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City. Vires has already secured registration with the Board of Investments.

Based on data from the Department of Energy (DoE), Vires had been cleared as early as 2016 to undergo a study that will assess its power plant project’s impact on the grid, or the country’s network of interconnected power transmission lines and substations.

Sought to confirm a pending application for a floating storage and a regasification terminal, the DoE’s Ma. Laura L. Saguin said in a text message: “As

of now, we did not receive any application from Vires.” Ms. Saguin is chief science research specialist at the DoE’s natural gas management division.

Aside from its real estate business, A Brown is also into oil palm nursery and seedlings distribution, palm oil milling, operation of hotels, real estate brokerage, power generation, and investment in gold mining assets.

In 2014, it put up Peakpower Bukidnon, Inc., which has a 15-year buildoperate-maintain-and transfer agreement with the Bukidnon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. The two have a power purchase and transfer agreement for a 10.40-MW diesel/ bunker-fired power plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

A Brown’s disclosure comes after the DoE on Sept. 20, issued a “notice to proceed” (NTP) to US-based firm, Excelerate Energy L.P. to develop an LNG floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) facility in Batangas province.

The NTP requires Excelerate to comply within six months with construction permitting requirements, including the submission of permits from various government agencies and endorsements from local government units. The company is also required to submit proof of financial closing to the DoE. In March, the DoE announced the signing of an NTP for First Gen Corp., which in December last year signed a joint development agreement with Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. to develop an LNG facility. The Lopez-led company said last month that its immediate focus is to complete a detailed study on modifications on its existing jetty in Batangas to allow bringing in an FSRU.

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BILLBOARD IN-DEPTH

Monday|October 7, 2019

8

Rotary New Generation forum T

By MARK FRANCISCO

HE Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro has once again shepherded 32 junior high students from various schools here to act as mayor, vice mayor, councillors and department heads with their real life

counterparts.

For one week starting September 23, the junior high students busied themselves immersing in the various functions of the local government unit (LGU).

Prior to the event, these students attended

the New Generation forum at Philtown Hotel with the topic on mental health.

Panelists in the forum this year were Northern Mindanao Medical Center psychiatrist Dr. Doris Inihao, Lourdes College guidance counselor Marilou Descallar and I Will Serve Foundation

president Emily Mora.

Project chair Tito Mora said they chose mental health as the topic for this year’s forum because of its relevance among the youth.

Two days later, the students were ready.

Nathan Josh Ruelo of Phinma-COC took his oath as youth city

mayor along with Chelsea Kirsten Alpaca of Liceo de Cagayan University as youth city vice mayor.

From thence, they immediately assumed their duties for the whole week such as sitting side by side with their respective adult counterparts and formulating

recommendations at the end of the week based from what they have learned.

The Rotary Youth Officials Week is one of the biggest annual projects of Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro. It aims to cause leadership development among the youth in the city.

Globe fires up three cell sites in Siargao to enhance connectivity GLOBE enhances connectivity at the tourist paradise of Siargao in Surigao del Norte as it fires up three cell sites in the municipalities

of General Luna, Pilar, and Dapa.

The move paves the way for more tourists from different parts of the country and the world to learn

about Siargao as well as promotes financial inclusion and business growth in the island.

Siargao, known for its unique island vibe, has drawn foreign and local tourists in the past years and has contributed to the boom of tourism-related establishments such as hotels, restaurants and travel operators, among others.

“We know that a lot of people in Siargao are looking for better connectivity. The topography of Siargao is quite challenging -- a large area, quite hilly, and the population is spread out so its very expensive to put up a cell site in Siargao.

However we also know its potential given the beauty of the place and Globe cell site in Catangnan which covers the municipality its commitment to of General Luna where Cloud 9, the surfing area in sustainable tourism,” said Ernest Cu, Siargao, is located

Globe President and CEO. He added: “With these three new cell sites, we bring data services to the island so that tourists can share their Siargao experience to the rest of the world. We are laying down fiber so that businesses can have better internet connection to aid them in the digitalization of their operations. Since Siargao lacks banks, we enable financial transactions through the mobile phone using GCash. This is just the start, there are more coming up,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. Globe spends about 45 percent of its annual income on telco infrastructure, with the belief that providing data services is the first step towards true progress. Thus, Cu implored local government officials

in Siargao to help expedite the release of permits for site acquisition and establishment of cell sites if Siargao is to become an important player in the Philippine tourism industry.

“The local government units are a major component of our efforts to bring connectivity to the communities. Let us make Siargao an example so that all of these impediments to building infrastructure in this country will go away. We will bring our services to the people because we believe Globe can change people’s lives. We are already doing that through connectivity and financial inclusion, among others,” he said.

Cu pointed out the perennial problem being encountered

by Globe in the deployment of cell sites in the country. From negotiations and documentation of prospective cell site location to securing structural permits and approvals, Globe estimates an average of eight months and over 25 permits before it can build one cellular tower.

Siargao is one of the major tourism areas in the country where Globe showcased its various products and services such as Globe myBusiness digital tools for MSMEs, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, GoWiFi, Globe Traveler SIM, and GCash.

This is part of the recent strategic partnership entered into by Globe and the Department of Tourism on the promotion and digitalization of Philippine tourism.

9

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MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

RDC-X oks creation of Regional Halal Committee

T

HE Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) approved the creation of a Regional Halal Committee (RHC) as a Special Committee during its 119th Full Council Meeting held here, September 30.

The creation of the RHC is a recognition of the importance of Halal industry to the region’s development and the need for more focused coordination among

responsible agencies and organizations in harmonizing the implementation of Republic Act 10817 or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016.

With the creation of the RHC, policy measures can be instituted to ensure compliance of producers, manufacturers, and would-be providers of Halal products with national and international standards,

making them competitive in the export market.

The Committee shall be chaired by the regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and cochaired by the regional director of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

The members shall be composed of representatives of the following regional government agencies: Department of Science

and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Board of Investments (BOI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Food Processors’ Association of Northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association, research institutions in the higher education institutions in the

Impostors... from page 2

The Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) approves the creation of a Regional Halal Committee (RHC) as a Special Committee during its 119th Full Council Meeting in recognition of the importance of Halal industry to the region’s development. (ZRD/PIA Cagayan de Oro) Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte IN RE: PETITION FOR SOLE CUSTODY SPL. PROC. NO. 348-07-2019 and EXERCISE OF SOLE PARENTAL AUTHORITY OF MINOR CHILD - for ATHEENA CLAIRE ARAGON VALLE

Child Custody and GE-ANN C. ARAGON-HOFMAN, Exercise of Sole Parental

Petitioner,

Authority

- versus – GRIFFITH B. VALLE,

Private Respondent, THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KOLAMBUGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE,

Public Respondent.

X-------------------------------/ ORDER

Filed before this Court is a Petition for Sole Custody and Exercise of Sole Parental Authority of Minor Child ATHEENA CLAIRE ARAGON VALLE by the herein Petitioner, praying among others that upon due notice, publication and hearing, judgment be issued granting the petition.

Petitioner is a Filipino, of legal age, married and a resident of Purok 6, Poblacion, Baroy, Lanao del Norte while Private Respondents GRIFFITH B. VALLE is of legal age, single and a resident of c/o NICOLAS BARONDAY VALLE, of Purok 4, Baybay, Tinagsa, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. Public Respondent is sued in her official capacity as such. That out of wedlock, Petitioner gave birth to a child named ATHEENA CLAIRE ARAGON VALLE on March 13, 2009 at the Kolambugan Provincial Hospital, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. That the child with the consent of the Respondent bears his family name, VALLE. That on July 21, 2018, Petitioner was legally married to NICOLAS TOBIAS HOFMAN, a citizen of Netherlands and who is now residing in Purok 6, Poblacion, Baroy, Lanao del Norte where he and the Petitioner have established their conjugal dwelling.

That the child ATHEENA has been living together with the Petitioner and her husband since they got married. That Petitioner is of good character and has been a resident of Poblacion, Baroy, Lanao del Norte since birth. That she and her husband wanted to bring along the child for a short vacation in Netherlands and from time to time may travel with them to other countries.

For reasons only known by Respondent, he refused and continue to refuse to sign documents in support of the child’s VISA application and in fact refused to communicate with Petitioner or the child but only through his mother, NICOLASA B. VALLE. Although being an illegitimate child of Respondent, Petitioner, the mother by operation of law exercised sole parental authority and care of the child. However, Petitioner has been inconvenienced by the constant need of Respondent’s consent due to the fact that the child bears the latter’s family name as appearing in her Certificate of Live Birth. That moreover, due to the requirement of Petitioner’s husband a foreign government for a court order/pronouncement showing that consent of the father is not required before the child can be granted a visa and in order to put an end of requiring theCONSENT of Respondent in official transactions involving the aforementioned child, a minor, Petitioner is constrained to file the instant petition.

Set the initial hearing of this petition to November 29, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning before the sala of this Court. Any person interested to the said petition may come to Court on said date and time to show cause why said petition should not be granted.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Office of Region X, Cagayan de Oro City is hereby directed to conduct a Case Study over the Petitioner, Respondent and the subject child in the petition and to submit his/her Report/Recommendation at least three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

Furnish copy of the Order to the Office of the Solicitor General in Makati City, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Tubod, Lanaoi del Norte, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, to the Private Respondent, Griffith B. Valle through his mother, NICOLASA BARONDAY VALLE of Purok 4, Baybay, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, Atty. Dorothea S. Basalo, the Petitioner’s counsel and to the Petitioner herself, GE-ANN C. ARAGON-HOFMAN at Purok 6, Baroy, Lanao del Norte.

Let copy of the Order containing the petition be published in a newspaper of general circulation for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner. Another copy be posted at the Bulletin Board of this Court.

SO ORDERED.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

September 30, 2019.

BWM: October 7, 14 & 21, 2019

(Sgd.) DENNIS P. VICOY Acting Presiding Judge

collected from millions of households in poor areas" and does not involve any collection of money.

The public is advised to immediately report to DSWD similar instances through the Pantawid Pamilya Grievance Hotline 0918-912-2813 or through the assigned City/ Municipal Links of Pantawid Pamilya offices located nationwide. (PNA)

region, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., and regional certifying bodies.

As a Committee under the RDC, the RHC shall plan the Halal

Industry Development Agenda, set regional policies and direction on Halal development and innovation, and provide support in the implementation of Halal programs, among others.

(APB/PIA10)

Engaging students with critical thinking

By JANA MAE B. LIBAY Teacher I Bongbongon Elementary School

CRITICAL thinking is the analysis of facts to form a judgement. The subject is complex and several different definitions exist which generally include the rational, skeptical u nbi a s e d a n a l y s i s or e v a lu at i on of f a c tu a l evidence. Critical thinking involves the evaluation of sources such as data, facts, observable phenomenon and research findings. Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information and discriminate between useful and less useful details to solve a problem or make a decision.

The ability to think critically will b enef it students throughout their lives. It is one skill separating innovators from followers.

Critical thinking isn’t just about thinking clearly or rationally. It’s about thinking independently. Critically thinking about something means formulating your own opinions and drawing your own conclusions.

This happens regardless of outside influence. It’s about the discipline of analysis and seeing the connections between ideas.

Create a culture of critical thinking in your school where questioning is not only accepted but also encouraged at all levels, including teachers and students.

Provide opportunities for deeper learning (reflection, application, guided discussion). Introduce a model or framework of critical thinking to organize and expedite learning.

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IN-DEPTH

Monday|October 7, 2019

10

Ricky Yanson supervises the NOFA Cup at the Sta. Maria Field in Talisay, Negros Occidental. He is expected to attend the Mindanao Cup at the Tiongko field in Davao City on Oct. 22-25.

Planting seeds of grassroots football in Mindanao

T

By JACK BIANTAN

HE Mindanao Cup set at the Tiongko Field in Davao City on Oct. 22-25, will be the start of the revival of the grassroots development of the beautiful game here in Mindanao.

Organized by the local FA and the supported by the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) under Ricky Yanson Jr., the tournament is for players born 20082009.

The tournament is envisioned by Yanson

to discover young talents to play in the different national teams in the future.

The Mindanao Cup is the spill over of the five-year grassroots effort of Yanson in Negros Occidental, the NOFA Cup. The tournament held every summer at

the Sta. Maria fields Talisay City since 2014, has become a showcase of young talents nationwide.

Out from the NOFA Cup young talents like ‘Whiz Kid’ from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Elizah Zedric Ballesteros, the ‘Little Maradona’ from Kidapawan Kurt Sarip, ‘The Tiny Messi’ from Muntinlupa Jax Pena, Julio Yoldi from Dumaguete City, Lucas Andan, Adrian Bacolod, Earl Siconieguem,Viggo Louis Herce have emerged and have already represented the country in various age group competitions abroad.

The Mindanao Cup will be the start of the formal planting of the grassroots of the sport in Mindanao and it takes a Negrense, Ricky Yanson Jr. to do the initiative.

Does anyone remember a Mindanawnon initiating grassroots program for football in the island?

This tournament will surely boast the grassroots development of the sport in the island where grassroots development has long been forgotten by the football gods.

When was the last time that there has been a grassroots development program

in Mindanao or probably in the country? It has been a long time and I can’t even remember it now.

No wonder why our age group teams are whipping boys in any international tournaments abroad.

The 17 local football associations affiliated with the PFF are excited about this tournament and most of them are expected to send teams to the weeklong competition.

Football is very popular in Mindanao.

Just watch the different football festivals organized by local FA and you can just ask the question where do these players come from.

The players come in different sizes, different ages, boys and girls, men and women. They come in droves just to have a chance of kicking the football and competing against other teams.

These festivals sprout every weekend in every corner where there is a football pitch. In every big city fiesta celebration there is always a football fiesta.

Two weekends ago there was the Diyandi Football Festival in Iligan.

A week prior to the Diyandi Football Festival, there was

the Rep. Siao Festival also in Iligan. Last weekend the town of Initao in Misamis Oriental, through its local government also held its own football festival. This weekend, Dipolog will host its own football festival and after that more festivals are held all over the island.

These festivals are organized by individuals or local football FA’s without any support from the PFF. Sometimes local politicians fund these events like Mayor Regencia and Rep. Siao in Iligan and the Guingonas in Gingoog or the LGU of Dipolog.

These festivals attract hundred of teams from different age levels.

They are magnets of politicians, sponsors and players.

These festivals are the only source

of competitions among our young players aside from the Department of Education Palaro eliminations.

Despite of the lack of a grassroots program in the island there are countless good players in and the best are plying their trade in the collegiate leagues in Manila. Just check the lineups of the different teams in the UAAP and in the NCAA. They are abundant with players from Mindanao.

The Mindanao Cup will only be the start of many grassroots program to come initiated by Ricky Yanson Jr. With his resources and his love for the sport, the golden age of grassroots football in our country is coming and the future of the beautiful game is bright. (Jack Biantan)

11

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MONDAY|OCTOBER 7, 2019

Suzuki... from page 3

new truck is also packed with 22-rope hooks to secure any cargo during transit.

Supported with a bed 365mm longer and 75mm wider than its predecessor, the all-new Carry boasts a greater loading capacity of 940kg with better weight distribution when fully loaded. Its cabin space now features a more spacious design to ensure a more comfortable seating position with ample distance between the hip point and the center of the accelerator pedal. Aside from the added storage in the dashboard and the cabin, the shift lever is now situated on the dashboard to provide extra legroom for an optimum driving experience.

The all-new Suzuki Carry can be converted and modified to suit any business needs. It can be used as a utility van, cargo truck, or pick-up truck with the same reliability and functionality expected of a trusted workhorse.

The All–New Carry price starts at: • 509,000 – Carry truck • 576,000 – Carry Cargo Van • 614,000 – Carry Utility Van Alongside the all-new C a r r y a n d t o s upp or t Filipinos’ diverse business and transport requirements, SPH also introduces the latest variant of its signature compact sedan – the new Suzuki Dzire GA. SPH hopes to provide Filipino commuters with additional ride-sharing options with the all-new Suzuki Dzire GA. Suzuki’s signature sedan gets a fresher look with easy-to-handle compact dimensions and expanded storage capacity, making it an ideal addition to a taxi fleet business. The all-new Dzire GA features a more compact K12M engine under its hood with increased fuel efficiency. Its interior and engine performance are guaranteed to givecomplete comfort for all the passengers traversing the busy streets of the metro.

Added in their Dzire vehicle list Suzuki Dzire GA price starts at: • 549, 900 – Dzire GA 1.2L – Manual Transmission

Code... from page 1

its author, “aims to provide a favorable and stable business climate consistent with the development needs of the city and will encourage new investments and will provide employment opportunities.”

The amendments are necessary to “make (the Code) more responsive and dynamic, and to harmonize it with the National Government’s initiatives, laws, and regulations on investment-related activities,” added Mr. Abellera in his explanatory note.

Aside from the changes in the composition of the Davao City Investment Incent ive B o ard w hich expands its membership, among the key changes in

the Code include three-year permit fee exemptions and tax deductions for certain costs, including locallyprocured materials, as well as preferential treatment for industries listed as priority investment areas.

Projects set up in so-called preferred districts, or areas outside the commercial center of Davao City, will also be granted perks, as will the hiring of IPs and PWDs. The specific mechanism for the IP and PWD hiring incentive is a deduction from gross income of the wages paid to such employees.

On the other hand, micro, small and medium enterprises currently doing business in industries classified as priority investment areas will be eligible to avail of all incentives granted to both new and expanded businesses.

Qualified social e nte r pr is e s , w h i ch t he board will define in the implementing rules and regulations, will be granted a 60% discount on business tax.

The new ordinance also encourages land owners to seek partners or sell their property for conversion into economic zones.

These property owners will be exempt from paying local transfer taxes, among others, while the business registered to run the economic zone will be exempt for two years from real property taxes, excluding the barangay’s share, and will receive help from the city in clearing the property of informal settlers.

Partner... from page 1

of low rice prices is for farmers to find alternatives to increase their income such as growing premium varieties that foreign markets are looking for.

Mr. Piñol earlier this month went to Papua New Guinea to sign a memorandum of understanding for agricultural cooperation between Mindanao and the country, which would pave the way for more premium rice exports from the Philippines.

Under the deal, MinDA will help Mindanao rice farmers in exporting about 5,000 metric tons of rice.

Local farmers will also help their counterparts develop their agricultural sector.

MinDA is also looking at other markets such as the US and Middle East for its premium rice varieties.

Tourism... from page 1

matching,” DOT-11 Tourism Operations Officer Kervin Kyle Elijay said in a press release.

DOT Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Myra Paz Abubakar lauded the initial success of t he D avao– Manado Joint Tour Packaging Workshop and Business Matching, held in support of the recent revival of DavaoManado air linkage.

Abubakar commended the people behind the businessto-business event, as well as the participants, for turning in P1.344 million

in negotiated sales.

“My best wishes and congratulations to all. This is a very good development for the Philippines and the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei D ar uss a l am - Ind one s i a Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) region.

I hope that other airline companies will also see the potential of flights coming to and from the Mindanao,” said Abubakar, who is also the Philippine-EAGA Tourism Cluster national coordinator.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), as the Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA (PC OBE), also expressed its gratitude to the DOT-11 and local tourism industry players for organizing the event.

MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said the results of the event were promising to the revival of the Davao-Manado air connectivity.

"Let us work together, all Philippine-EAGA lead agencies, in creating economic activities that will spur more tourist arrivals between the two areas,” said Montenegro, adding that “We have to collectively do our part for the sustainability of the route.”

DOT-11 said it plans to visit Manado in November to bring the Davao tour operators for the tourism market matching with their Indonesian counterparts.

MinDA S ecretar y Emmanuel Piñol underscored the importance of the air link as it strengthens the position of Davao as the gateway to Asean, boosting investment and tourism potentials of Mindanao and North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Piñol has also proposed for a two-day business and trade matching on October 28-29 in Manado to allow Mindanao agribusiness leaders to engage with their counterparts in North Sulawesi for potential export of fruits and other products. (PNA)

Promote... from page 12

eco-bag. They can also get exciting freebies like water tumbler and metal straw if they avail of GoSakto promos. Those who will sign up as volunteers for the Oct 5 Siargao Beach Clean Up will also get a Globe Eco-Kit. The company also p r ov i d e d Nat u r e K i d s of Siargao, a non-profit association that involves more than 1,700 kids and their families, with used tarpaulin for upcycling. By turning plastic waste into treasure, the organization is able to provide employ ment and sk i l lbuilding opportunities to the residents while contributing to proper and responsible waste management. Globe is also exerting efforts to fully transition to an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for tarpaulins.

More ov e r, G l o b e i s working on a partnership with Lokal Siargao, Bathala Land Tours and Bayatakan Farm Experience. These three businesses value sustainable,

responsible and inclusive tourism at the core of their business model.

Lokal is a platform that provides accessibility for farmers, fishermen and artisans to reach customers from the hospitality and tourism industries, and allows them to generate more funds to ensure sustainability within their respective communities.

Bathala Land Tours holds guided tours in the northern part of the island and shares the importance of preserving the Filipino heritage, while Bayatakan Farm Experience is an eco-tourism initiative in Siargao, that provides hands-on farming, culinary experience, and cultural immersion to tourists who are interested in sustainable living.

E a r l i e r, t h e G l o b e Citizenship team together with Globe myBusiness also conducted workshops for various stakeholders in Siargao, specifically, businesses and local government units, on marine biodiversity conservation a n d b e s t pr a c t i c e s on sustainability.

Aside from Siargao, Globe is committed to be present in all major tourism sites in the country.

Love... from page 4

Jesus still gave His own perfectly innocent life for us.

He, our Maker Who created us to share and enjoy life with Him, did all of this for us. But He will never force you to love Him in return. Otherwise, it would not be love, since love must be freely chosen. He will always respect your freedom to choose—especially since He is the One Who gave it to you.

Won’t you ask Him once and for all to become your Rescuer, Lord and closest Friend? Seriously ask Jesus to forgive you for all of your wrongs and sinful living, and to become your Lord as you start truly living His way each day. He promises He will never leave you, and that you will never regret having Him as your very best Friend—now and forever.

Just think a minute…

Gift...

from page 4

H.E. Hamad Zaed Alzaabi; a n d O b a i d R a h m at A l Baloushi, ERC Director of Projects.

The visitors were received by Muntinlupa City officials led by Mayor jaime R. Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, city councilors Raul R. Corro and Paty Katy Boncayao.

The D epE d fami ly was represented by Dr. Mauro C. De Gulan Schools, Division Superintendent; principals of different Muntinlupa elementary schools, Public Schools District supervisors, parents , and students. The office of DepEd Regional Director was represented

by Mrs. Victoria Mayo.

Speech Laboratory Project E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Itaas Elementar y School

(which happens to be my Alma Mater) received an additional 15-seater speech laboratory, courtesy of SM Foundation. The additional facilities complement an earlier donation by alumni and friends of Itaas, led by Class 1956.

Note: Please feel free to share the foregoing article via Facebook, Twitter and/ or Linked-In.

Synergy... from page 4

fact, the things of the world would become the means, instrument, occasion, and reason to be with God. It is in them that we can and should develop and show our love for him and for others.

In ot her words, our active life of work and other worldly concerns is also where we can contemplate God. It is in them that we can and should meet God. There is no event in our life where we cannot meet God. Even when in our earthly affairs we suffer some misfortune or commit mistakes or even fall into sin, we should not forget that we can and should still be with God. Yes, even in our worst condition, God would be most solicitous of us, as illustrated in the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son.

Committed... from page 4

a key issue that the family company must confront. It is a long process that requires planning and collaboration with outside advisors. A well-prepared succession r e q u i r e s t h e i nt e n s i v e training of one or several different successors. It also requires you to establish conditions that will regulate relationships between shareholders, managers and corporate personnel in the future.”

In closing, succession is a new beginning, a process, an ever evolving phenomenon.

Most of all, it is a journey.

Hence, adequate preparation is key and this includes: · An agreement or willingness of the successors to go on the trip · A common

destination with shared values · Milestones for monitoring progress · Fuel to sustain the journey · Fundamental skills for dealing with road obstacles

Morale... from page 2

Despite the allegations against Albayalde, Hortillosa said their morale remains " high” and that “the regional office will not stop the public safety services and give the people the better peace and order they deserve”.

Hortillosa also appealed to the public not to immediately prejudge the issue based on what they may have heard during the Senate hearing.

He said the public must "wait [for] the final conviction by competent court to prevent the premature statement that will affect the trust and confidence of the people towards the police”.

For his part, Maj. Evan Viñas, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office spokesperson, said it was “normal” for the PNP rank and file to feel “low” after Albayalde’s name was dragged in the “ninja cops” issue, “but it will not affect our daily routine in dispensing public services”.

“We’re told by our superior officers not to be onionskinned in the ongoing Senate inquiry wherein [Albayalde] was implicated in the issue.

We are steadfast in doing our primary task as law enforcer,” Viñas said.

He has also encouraged his fellow law enforcers not to be affected by the issue. Lt. Col. Surki Sereñas, former PRO-10 information officer and now the police chief of Valencia City, Bukidnon, also issued a statement. “I do not think the morale of the entire PNP is affected,” he said.

“The PNP has reached that organizational maturity where personal issues are detached from the entire organization. It may have affected community perception but the trust and confidence is intact, otherwise, we won’t be seeing people seeking police assistance to the PNP,” Sereñas said.

“The PNP has kept its mandate and is still considered the last bastion of peace,” he added. (PNA)

ALLAN'S LECHON Main: Purok 4 Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City Cell #: 0928-616-4431 / 0905-777-0670 Branch: 31st Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City Cell #: 0926-594-9540

Free: HALANG-HALANG or DINUGOAN!

Branch: Casinglot, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

For orders, please call:

KAG. LOLITA L. WAHING

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DOT, Globe partner to promote sustainable and digital tourism Kick off partnership at Globe Siargao Sustainability Week

Rep. Francisco Jose "Bingo" Matugas II of Surigao del Norte, 1st District (center) and Siargao Tourism Operators Association (STOA) President Ian Sermonia (right) join Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (2nd from left) at the celebration of Globe-Siargao Sustainable Tourism Week. With them are hosts Joyce Pring (left) and Marc Nelson (2nd from right).

T

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) and Globe have entered into a strategic partnership for the promotion and digital transformation of the Philippine Tourism industry while jointly advocating for the adoption of sustainable practices among all stakeholders concerned.

As the official telecommunications partner of DOT, Globe has created a new official tourism video (https://

youtu.be/y-YYPuxQ59s) to be used for domestic and international promotions in order to encourage more travelers to visit the country and experience the warmth of the Filipinos. The video celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the Filipino people, manifested through culture and values, as reasons why “It’s Always More Fun in the Philippines.”

“It is the Department of Tourism’s thrust to promote and build the Philippine tourism industry and make it competitive globally and we warmly welcome Globe’s support for this undertaking. Through Globe’s expertise in digital technology and its commitment to sustainability, we are confident that we can work towards our common goal of promoting sustainable tourism and jumpstarting the digital transformation of the industry,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“We are excited to be working closely with DOT in promoting and transforming the tourism sector. Through this partnership, we hope to realize our vision of becoming an integral part of the best travel experience in the country.

We want to be at the forefront of connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability through enhanced communications infrastructure, affordable digital tools and solutions for businesses, and environmental protection and conservation efforts,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. To kick off the partnership, Globe held the Siargao Sustainability Week which showcased the beautiful island of Siargao, also known as the surfing mecca of the Philippines, as its first tourism project. This coincides with the celebration of the Philippine Tourism Week and World Tourism Day. All activities focused on the four pillars of support that Globe committed to DOT -inclusivity, excellence, digital innovation, and sustainability.

Globe started by firing up three cell sites in Pilar, General Luna, and Dapa to further enhance mobile coverage in Siargao and address connectivity requirements of tourists and businesses. GoWiFi, Globe’s fast and secure public wifi service, also equipped Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao with free high-quality internet connection which travelers can easily access. GoWiFi continues its expansion plans nationwide and is

accessible in over 2,500 sites as of the first half of the year.

Globe, likewise, provides free Traveler SIM cards at the Sayak Airport to foreign visitors which they can bundle with load and GoSurf promos to enhance their Siargao experience and has also committed to support the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup on October 4-9.

On the other hand, Globe myBusiness, the micro, small, and mediumsize enterprise (MSME) arm of Globe, empowers local businesses especially those in the tourism sector such as accommodations, food, transportation, travel agencies, entertainment/ recreation, and retail with digital solutions to help them grow and become more competitive. This is complemented by learning sessions from Globe myBusiness Academy both on-ground and online to provide opportunities to MSMEs to learn relevant and updated business processes and digital tools, which they can use to reach more customers and provide hassle-free customer experience.

Meanwhile, GCash is now available in select establishments in Siargao such as Siargao Corner Cafe, Habhab Cafeteria, Louise Cakes and Pastries, Lunares Cafe, MA+D, Isla Mercato, Mercato Coffee, Isla Cabana, Isla Cusina, Beach Bar, Langyaw Souvenirs 1 & 2, Greenhouse, Kudosurf, Harana Surf (hotel, shop, restaurant, school), Mama’s Grill, Chef Justice, Lokal, Bayatakan Farm, Bulan, Butang Concept, Sizzy Diner, Raffys Grill, Karagatan Restaurant, and Siargao Bleu. Through GCash QR payments, GCash is able to help MSMEs transition into the digital arena while allowing customers a fast, easy, and secure way to pay for goods and services.

The Globe Siargao Sustainability Week highlights the turn over to the Siargao Tourism Operators Association (STOA) of several e-Waste bins where customers can place broken cellphones, laptops, tablets and other electronic wastes. This is part of Globe’s Project E-R3 (Reduce, Recover, Recycle).

At the same time, Globe set up an Ecobooth that serves as a hub for environmental awareness conversation and sharing of best practices on how to protect and preserve the environment, particularly marine biodiversity.

Anyone can visit the Ecobooth to exchange their plastic bags and plastic bottles with an PROMOTE/PAGE 11