BusinessWeek Mindanao (April 14-20, 2013 Issue)

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Volume III, No. 186

April 14, 2013

P15.00

Siargao: Among world’s top island destinations p.2

TET ‘A living museum’ Bukidnon:

Travel

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Event

. Tourism

By Cheng Ordonez Editor-in-Chief

W

ith its beautiful lakes, best cowboys a nd abundant agricultural products, is an authentic area for et hn ic presentat ions; commended for its successful staging of the Kaamulan Festival 2013 recently, the Department of Tourism Regional Off ice 10 described Bukidnon as “a living museum.”

“Bukidnon has a new sense of pride. It is now gaining a far better performance in the tourism map of the country. It is now a by-word in adventure tourism, and soon to be an agrieco-nat ure-ret irement center in Mindanao. Almost all travel agencies in Cebu and in Manila are now selling the adventure package tour in Bukidnon. It is

a package tour that is actually selling almost like hot cakes,” DOT Regional Director Catalino C h a n , i n a n i nte r v ie w w it h Business World, said Di rector Chan sa id t he Kaamulan festival is perhaps t he resu lt of t he product of 36 years of staging. Sungkod Kamanga is participated by the Lumads alone while Kaamulan is a joint celebration of seven or eight tribes of Bukidnon and the people of Buk idnon.

“This is because even with the advent of modernization, the people are still adopting some of the customs and traditions of our forefathers, the pananghid, kasal, bunyag, pamalaye or even courtship,” Dir. Chan explained.

BUKIDNON/PAGE 6

POLL WATCH

FSUU paddlers gear for Bohol race

PAGE 6

Search for most outstanding farmers

PAGE 2

ADVERTORIAL

3 Baptist groups unite support for Villar

By Christine H. Cabiasa Reporter

Page 5

INSIDE LOOK

Photo by CARLTON MAGLANGIT / DOT -10

Program to improve product designs urged

PHL exports seen growing in 2013 Page 3

Page 3 Ties with Pacific countries strengthened for energy

Page 5

German dev’t media awards

For the first time, three religious groups in Cagayan de Oro agreed to support Tea m Pnoy ’s senator ia l candidate Cynthia Villar among the candidates in the upcoming May 2013 elections as they expressed t he i r m a n i fe st at ion of support during the Bishops, Pastors and Church Leaders Fellowship on Tuesday at Dynasty Court Hotel.

VILLAR/PAGE 11

Weekender: Tips to avoid cybercrime Page 3

Sports: Kobe Bryant badly injured Page 5

Page 10

Religious leaders belonging to Philippine Evangelical Network give senatorial candidate Cynthia Villar a thumbs up.

PHOTO BY SARAH JANE RAGAY

Lending for small businesses pushed

Editorial: Strong political candidates Page 6

Page 3

Showbiz: ‘I still love her as my friend’; Rayver

FIBECO accomplishment report of 2012

Page 10

Editorial and advertising email : businessdailymindanao@gmail.com • Cell Number : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Page 11

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April 14, 2013

Siargao hailed among top island destinations in the world BUTUAN CITY — No less t han t h ree major i nternat iona l t ravel magazi nes and on l i ne publications in Europe, Asia and USA have hailed Siargao island in Caraga Region as one of the top island destinations in the world to visit for 2013.

Travel a nd L eisu re Southeast Asia magazine, a prestigious magazine based in Hongkong included Siargao on its list of ” 8 Ultimate Islands” in Asia and the Pacific along with some must-see islands in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and East Timor.

The magazine describes Siargao as the place for tourists to hang around for an awesome vacation.

Another travel mag azi ne, t he Un ited K ingdom-based Conde Nast traveller, included Siargao in the list of “Top 10 Hot Destinations to Watch in 2013.”

W h i le t he ar t icle generally mentioned the Philippines as the place to go, it particularly mentioned Siargao and Palawan.

Likewise, Siargao has been named as one of the eight best Surf destinations in the world by CNNGo, t he t ravel adv isor y program/website of the giant global media Cable News

Network (CNN). It based its ranking from the list of the world’s 50 best surf spots tallied by Jade Bremmer, an acknowledged world traveler-surfer. Siargao officially joins Hawaii, Bali, Australia and New Zealand as surfing destinations in the Pacific region.

With this direct publicity and positive endorsement from the internat ional travel med ia, t he T he Department of Tourism in Caraga Region expects a rise in domestic and foreign arrivals in the island and the region because of this direct publicity and positive endorsement from the international travel media.

(MindaNews)

SIARGAO - surfing capital of southeast asia.

TET Travel

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Event

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. Tourism

Search launched for PH most outstanding farmers

By CHRISTINE H. CABIASA, Chief of Reporters

THE Junior Chamber International Philippines and Universal Harvester Incorporated launched on Monday the search for The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines Award of 2013 at Pearlmont Hotel here.

TOFARM recognizes the resiliency, ingenuity, and the strength of the hard working Filipino farmers and anchors in promoting farming in the youth sector in all regions. It also fosters steady increase of youth venturing in the agriculture sector and invigorates investment and scientific advancement to achieve sustainable food supply.

According to Ms. Milagros Ong-How, UHI Executive Vice-President, Filipino farmers should be given attention because they are the backbone of the country’s economy.

With this program, the farmers are acknowledged and [at the same time] encouraged to help in the enhancement of new agricultural technology such as the use of organic and inorganic farming and for them to share with their fellow farmers, Ms. OngHow said.

To uplift the agriculture sector, TOFARM also promotes best farming practices, techniques, and technology.

With it, TOFARM will be able to raise funds to support capacity building and laboratory facilities for the farmers and will initiate projects through advocacy and support to food supply conservation and patronage in Filipino produce.

“I believe sa mga magsasakang Pilipino, they have to be empowered at kailangan nating intindihin ang kanilang mga concerns, and they really help in growing the market.

Ang mga magsasaka kasi natin maraming potentials, golden

dedication and diligence in their work of life, in the field of agriculture that has meaningful (tangible or intangible) contributions to their community, the agriculture industry, as well as to the country.

So far, only one from Mindanao, Mr. Renante Inocando from Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, won as first runner up in last year’s awards.

Mrs. Milagros Ong-How, Executive VP of Universal Harvester Inc., (second from right) gives the trophy to Mr. Manuel Boniao, nominator (third from right) as a recognition for nominating Mr. Renante Inocando, only finalist from Mindanao (third from left) in the search for outstanding farmers of the Philippines during their launching at Pearlmont Inn on April 9. With them (from right), Mr. Bookee Quiblat, President JCI CDO, wife of Mr. Inocando, and Mr. Rommel Cunanan, National Chairman, TOFARM.

potentials and opportunities,” How said.

TOFARM award caters not only to the farmers (rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, high value crops, and organic) but also the fisherfolk (culture and capture), livestock (large and small animals), agri-entrepreneur (private, businessman, and trader), young farmers (18-40 years old), agriculture innovator (educator, inventor, and public employees), urban farmers (whose farm must be located in the cities only), agriculture cooperatives (exclusive to cooperatives only), family farmer (family, relatives, and farm community), local government units (programs, projects, and LGU-operated facilities), agriculture-initiatives (private organization, NGOs, and institutions), and People’s Choice (online poll).

Nominees will be evaluated and judged according to the JCI creed and must have demonstrated an exceptional

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 21 Cagayan de Oro City OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE EJF File No. 2013-066

Upon extrajudicial petition for sale under Act No. 3135 as amended by Act No. 4118, filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND – Cagayan de Oro Branch Office, a government financial institution with principal office address located at the Atrium Building, Makati Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila, against EVANGELINE G. ARGABIO of legal age, Single, Filipino Citizen with postal address at B3, L8 CRISTAN VILLA, DICKLUM, MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of OCTOBER 23,2012, amount to THREE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE PESOS & 38/100 (Php. 325,921.38) Philippine currency, inclusive of interest & penalty charges, attorney’s fees and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on APRIL 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the RTC-BR.21, Hall of Justice lobby, Hayes St., Cagayan de Oro City to the highest bidder, for CASH in the Philippine Currency, the following property/ies described below with all the improvements included thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERT. OF TITLE NO. T-195931 Lot : 32, Block 16, Pcs-10-003948 Portion of : Lots 3615-B, Psd-10-004675, 24178-A, Psd-10-009444,

3614-A-1-B, Psd-10-009566, 24178-B-1, Psd-10-010320,

24178-B-2-A, Psd-10-052968, 24178-B-2-B-1,

Psd-10-054199,

24178-B-2-B-6, Psd-10-05499, 4178-C-1, Psd-10-054997,

3605, Cad. 237, Cagayan Cadastre As Surveyed for : Liberty Land Corporation Land Use : Residential Location : Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City

SE., along line 1-2 ……………. Lot 30, Block 16, Pcs-10-003948

SW., along line 2-3------------ Road Lot 17, Pcs-10-003948

NW., along line 3-4 ----------- Lot 34, Block 16, Pcs-10-003948

NE., along line 4-1 ----------- Lot 33, Block 16, Pcs-10-003948 Beginning at a point marked “1” on the plan, being N.03 deg.32” 237, thence;

1-2 S. 49 deg.

07’ 2-3 N. 40 deg.

53’ 3-4 N. 49 deg.

07’ 4-1 S. 40 deg.

53’

W., 718.44 m. from BBM#19/Cad. W., W., E., E.,

10.00 5.00 10.00 5.00

m. m. m. m.

FIFTY (50) SQUARE METERS TRUE Corners 1, 2 & 4 by P.S, cyl. Conc. mons. 15x40 cm.

Nov. 1926 to July 1932 March 20-30, 2007 _________ / ________ May 15, 2007 Fernando B. Gurrea

Area : Bearing True : Description of Corners : Date of Original Survey : Date of Subdivision Survey : OCT No./ TCT No. : Date Approved : Geodetic Engineer :

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

In the event Auction Sale cannot take place for whatever legal reason, the same will proceed on the following working day, without further notice, posting and publication.

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

Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, March 19, 2013

(SGD.) EFREN G. MACABAYA

Sheriff IV

BWM: March 27, April 3 & 14, 2013

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10TH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 28 MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN In the Matter of Petition for Issuance of New Owner’s Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-532 in the name of DOMINGO K. TALIAN (deceased), represented herein by his son MICHAEL G. TALIAN, Petitioner,

MISC. CASE NO. 125

- versus -

HON. ALMA CONCEPCION M. PARREÑO, Provincial Prosecutor, In her capacity as Ex-officio Register of Deeds, Mambajao, Camiguin, Respondent.

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

(from left): Vice Mayoral Candidate Maria Lina Baura, Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr., Governor Del Rosario, Misis Hanep Buhay Cynthia Villar, Mayor Uy of Tagum City, Congressman Anthony Del Rosario and Mayoral Candidate De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, Son of Mayor Uy during the Procalamation Rally held in Freedom Park, Tagum City, Davao del Norte on April 04, 2013.

ADVERTORIAL

Petitioner, who is of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of Bugang, Sagay, Camiguin, thru counsel, states that after the death of his father on March 31, 2011 he with his co-heirs inherited several parcels of land one of which is Lot No. 475, Cad.-383-4 located at Barrio of Bugang, Municipality of Sagay, Camiguin containing an area of Four Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Four (4,534) square meters, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-532, in the name of Domingo K. Talian, duly registered in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Camiguin.

That the owner’s duplicate copy of the TCT of the aforesaid parcel of land was in the custody and possession of his late father, however after the death of his father on March 31, 2011 the same was nowhere to be found and despite earnest effort to locate it, the same prove futile. The fact of such loss was duly registered in the Office of the Registry of Deeds of Camiguin

That petitioner and his co-heirs have been religiously paying taxes on the subject Transfer Certificate of Title and the same is free from all liens and encumbrances.

It is the main thrust of the petition that after hearing the owner’s duplicate copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title which was lost be declared null and void and a new owner’s duplicate copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-532 be issued in lieu thereof under the same terms and conditions as contained in the original on file.

The petition being sufficient in form and substance is hereby set for hearing on July 9, 2013 in this Court’s Session Hall, to start at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Let copy of the petition together with all its annexes and of this Order be furnished The Register of Deeds at Mambajao, Camiguin; The Administrator, Land Registration Authority at Quezon City; and Provincial Prosecutor of Camiguin.

The Process Server of this Court is directed to post copies of this Order in the 1.)

Bulletin Board - Public Market, Sagay, Camiguin; 2.) Bulletin Board - Municipal Hall, Sagay, Camiguin; 3.) Bulletin Board - Provincial Capitol, Mambajao, Camiguin; and 4.) Bulletin Board – this Court.

Let copy of this Order be published at petitioners’ expense once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing in any newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Camiguin.

Any person or entity whose interests might be adversely affected by this proceeding may file written opposition within a reasonable time prior to the date of hearing and appear personally during the hearing to substantiate the same.

SO ORDERED.

Done at Mambajao, Camiguin, this 8th day of April 2013.

(SGD) RUSTICO D. PADERANGA

Judge BWM: April 14, 21 & 28, 2013

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ETE Economy

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Tech

. Enterprise

PHL goods and services exports seen growing 10% and 17.2% in 2013 DESPITE the decline in February, Philippine exports are expected to grow 10 percent and 17.2 percent this year.

Zeno Ronald Abenoja, director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Department of Economic Research, said the ten percent growth of merchandise exports was based on the projections adopted by the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) last November.

By commodity, Abenoja said that sales abroad of local fruits and vegetables are projected to grow 18.6 percent; coconut products, 16.2 percent; machinery and transport equipment, 12 percent; and electronics and furniture and fixtures, both 10 percent.

This year’s growth projection for electronics products, that comprise about

40 percent of the country’s total exports revenues, is a reversal from the 5.2-percent decline in 2012 compared to previous year’s.

Data indicated that the country’s total merchandise exports surged 7.6 percent to $51.99 billion last year from $48.30 in 2011.

On the other hand, growth of services exports this year is expected to be driven by the business process outsourcing (BPO), information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services.

“Growth of computer, information and other business services triggers surge in services exports,” said Abenoja during an exporters’ forum last month.

He said the computer and information services sector is projected to post 15-percent growth in 2013, and so are the miscellaneous business, professional and

Home items made of indigenous materials are on display at the capitol grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Stalls showcasing indigenous products and agricultural crops are among the attractions in the Kaamulan, an annual festival in honor of Bukidnon’s seven tribes. mindanews

technology services.

“Overseas clients continue to seek the expertise of the country’s miscellaneous, professional and technical service providers,” he added.

The country’s IT-BPO

Incentives for banks to lend to small businesses pushed EXPORT stakeholders are pushing incentives that will encourage banks to lend more to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Incentivizing banks’ compliance to the Magna Carta for MSMEs is one of the measures identified by the Export Development Council and its Executive Committee and other industry leaders during their recent meeting on how the government can help mitigate the impact of the peso appreciation on the export sector.

As a way of giving incentives to banks, the Small Business Corp. recommended to pursue an initiative of the Department Trade and Industry (DTI) on the creation of a Portfolio Guarantee Support Fund that will give rewards to banks who can develop new lending portfolios.

Such rewards will be also given to banks that can lend to the MSME sector in compliance to the Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta for MSMEs or Republic Act enacted in 1991 as RA 6977, amended

by Republic Act 8289 in 1997, and further amended by RA 9501 in 2008, mandates all lending institutions to set aside eight percent of their total loan portfolio for micro incentives/PAGE 11

POLL WATCH

industry is also expected to sustain growth of at least 20 percent in 2013, generating $16 billion in revenues, another data indicated. – (Danielle Venz, PHILEXPORT News and Features)

READ!

sunday April 14, 2013

3

BUSINESS WEEKENDER Program to improve manufacturing, product design capabilities urged METALS and engineering industry players are proposing a program that will improve the country’s manufacturing capabilities and product designs crucial for the sector to achieve much higher growth over the next few years.

“Manufacturing has to be a program, we want to see more government declaration to help the industry. If we want to see growth, there should be a central plan,” said Jimmy Chan, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) trustee for the metals sector.

Chan said there is a need to strengthen the industry’s manufacturing and product design capabilities to better serve the needs of the industries, particularly of the American and European markets.

“If we want to sell to companies like Europe and the Americas, they usually have product designs in their minds. We simply just executed (these) that is why, we are so much dependent on them.

The infrastructure for our own design capability is still a bit weak,” he said.

But despite the industry’s constraint, Chan sees the industry growing five percent at most in 2013.

“This year, until the US and the world economy comes back in full force, we will not expect so much. Probably next year and the following year, I think (there) will be (a) resurgence,” he said.

Gov’t asked to facilitate use of Batangas port

Japanese investors in the Philippines urged the national government to come up with a set of policy measures increasing the use of the Batangas international seaport, saying it will solve the perennial problem of traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

In a forum with government officials, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI) noted that discussions promoting the use of the Port of Batangas have been going on for a long time, and “what is needed now is implementation.”

Specifically, it recommended the issuance of policies stipulating the use of the Batangas port rather than merely providing incentives to make the satellite port in Southern Luzon more appealing.

JCCIPI added that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already funded a study proposing a set of policies for this purpose. Among the study’s recommendations is a reduction in wharfage, berthing fees, and vessel-related charges not just at the Batangas port but at Subic as well. It also called for a six-year moratorium in capacity expansion at the South Harbor and Manila International Container Terminal.

“Just do it, please,” reiterated JCCIPI, as it pointed out that implementing these policies will also lead to an increase in investments in the Philippines and generate more jobs and income.

Foreign investors call for removal of common carrier’s tax on cargo www.businessweekmindanao.com

ADVERTORIAL

UNA’s Emano throws support to Team-PNoy’s Cynthia Villar

By CHRISTINE H. CABIASA, Reporter

IN what cou ld be a surprising move, Padayon Pilipino mayoral candidate Vicente ‘Dongkoy’ Emano on Tu e s d ay of f ic i a l ly a nnou nced his a l l-out s upp or t to s e n ator i a l candidate Cynthia Villar.

E m a n o ’s P a d a y o n Pilipino party is closely allied to the opposition g roup, t he Un ited Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice-President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada while Mrs. Villar, wife of senator Manny Villar of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), i s c oa le s c e d w it h t he administration’s TeamPNoy. During the inaugural c a mpa ig n by U NA i n Cagayan de Oro last month, Emano has vowed to give the opposition group the solid vote of Kagayan-anons.

But e x pl a i n i ng h i s

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The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI) called for exempting foreign air and sea carriers from paying the three percent common carrier’s tax (CCT) as a means to improve the country’s export competitiveness.

In a forum, the Japanese delegation lamented that the tax exemption applies only to the transport of passengers and not to cargo. This was contained in R.A. 10378, or “An Act Calling for the Abolition of Common Carriers and Gross Philippine Billings Taxes which President Benigno Aquino III approved on March 7, 2013.

They said the continued imposition of CCT on cargo dulls the competitiveness of the country’s shipping and logistics sector compared to those of other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as Indonesia and Thailand.

Removing the tax will boost export volumes and invite more foreign investors to set up business in the country. “The CCT should be reviewed in view of current laws imposed in other countries,” JCCIPI said.

Philippine panel chair Lucita P. Reyes, executive director of the Board of Investments and OIC for industry development and trade policy of the Department of Trade and Industry, stressed that the government is serious about raising the country’s competitive edge, especially with the coming launch of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. The passage of R.A.10378 is a step toward this goal.

Exporters given tips to avoid falling victims to cybercrime Team PNoy Senatorial candidate Mrs. Cynthia Villar gives Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente ‘Dongkoy’ Emano a handshake after the latter strongly endorsed her senatorial candidacy before the Assembly of the Liga ng mga Punong Barangay in Cagayan de Oro held at the Dynasty Court yesterday. photo by rolando sudaria

support before the L i ga ng mga P u nong Barangay in Cagayan de Oro at the Dynasty Court yesterday, Emano said he has a personal conviction as to the integrity and dedication for public service by Mrs. Villar, a three-termer former

representative of Las Piñas, and his husband senator Villar.

“Mga tarung kini nga mga opisyales sa gobyerno ug tinuoray nga moserbisyo sa katawhan [They [Villar couple] are morally upright and sincere in serving the

people],” Emano said of Mrs. Villar.

Emano urged the 76 of 80 barangay chairmen present to give Mrs. Villar the votes of their constituents.

“I appea l to you to suppor t her ca nd idac y support/PAGE 11

Businessmen and exporters were offered tips on how they can avoid being victims of cybercrime.

Special Investigator Joey I. Narciso of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) advised participants in a recent seminar the use of different email addresses in different social networking websites. He also recommended for them to avoid practices such as giving email addresses during online transactions and sharing passwords, using strong passwords for security, and leaving computers on.

Narciso encouraged the participants to be vigilant and careful in doing transactions online, even as he also talked about the various schemes and modus operandi of criminal elements in cyberspace in a recent seminar on “Cybercrime: Don’t be the Next Victim” held in Taguig City.

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April 14, 2013

“We Grow Minds”

DILG 10 reaches out to stakeholders on BUB

By CHENG ORDONEZ, NewsCon Director

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has gone full blast in the implementation of Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) program of the government by conducting orientations to 10 members for every civil society organizations (CSOs) in the municipalities in the entire Northern Mindanao.

As a result, projects worth P708 million have been lined up for implementation this year and P1.1 billion worth of projects have been approved for 2014 for Region 10 under the BUB program, which the DILG chairs.

Of the P708 million, P64 million will come from the DILG while P205 million of the P1.1 billion will be shouldered by the DILG next year.

This was revealed by Lawyer Rene Burdeos, regional director of the DILG 10, who was the main guest of the BusinessWeek Mindanao NEWSCON, yesterday, April 12, 2013, , at the BWM Media Center.

Atty. Burdeos said that he himself attended, along

with the technical field personnel of the DILG 10, the orientation-workshops on BUB and planning process in the different municipalities in the region, and have been disseminating the information from the local government units down to the grassroots level through the CSOs. Director Burdeos said the budget for BUB projects vary -- P15 million for municipalities, P25 million for small cities, and P50 million for big or highly-urbanized cities.

Atty. Burdeos said that for a town or city to qualify, it must have the “Seal of Good Housekeeping.”

For this year, majority of the projects to be undertaken under the BUB

ATTY. RENE BURDEOS

are those under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para Sa Lahat project for waterless barangays also known as SALIN TUBIG project, he said.

Atty. Buredeos said he will try to negotiate solar

energy projects for consideration in next year’s BUB. BUB is also considered as an approach that will be used by concerned agencies for implementation of FY 2014 budget preparation, taking into consid-

eration the development needs of poor cities and municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans.

The program is in line with President Benigno Aquino’s “Social Contract with the Filipino People,” calling for transparent, accountable and participatory governance, among others, and was created under Executive Order No. 43, series of 2011 by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster (HDPRC), the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster (GGAC) and the Economic Development Cluster, together with the DILG, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

The DILG has been given the responsibility to implement the BUB Program, being the chair of the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT).

Thus, there is a need to mobilize its field officers in order for the Department to successfully implement the BUB process and to effectively monitor the implementation of the BUB projects.

Working together with DILG are the other members of the RPRAT: DBM as vice-chair, DSWD, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Major sponsors of the program are the Department of Tourism 10, Veterans Bank and Del Monte Foods.

NEWSCON is also being supported by the Sudaria Group of Publications, the Philippine Information Agency 10, Parasat and several tri-media outfits that regularly cover the weekly media event.

BEING BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

At the BWM Media Center - Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City

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Travel

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Event

April 14, 2013

. Tourism

Culture difference makes Brazilian come to PH for Rotary program

By Che ng Ordone z

export business.

He said he made sure to visit the important places and landmarks Cagayan de Oro has and joined in the activities of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro. He was happy to share his experience with the Rotary Club of Cagayan De Oro when they planted some 300 bamboo trees along the riverbanks in Villa Angela, Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City.

Fellow Rotarians said Rebel lo has comm itted to help rehabi l itate the Sendong-affected area.

Ye s t e r d a y, h e p a i d AFTER almost a month of stay in Cagayan de Oro City, a Rotarian from Brazil, a c a l l o n h i s f e l l o w who chose the Philippines over Texas under the International Rotary Club’s Rotarian, Dante Sudaria, Group Study Exchange, said it was difference in culture that made him decide and exchanged business experiences and pleasantries to come.

And now that his visit already visited 12 major A lthough, he said, it is with the publisher of the is almost over he told this cities in Mindanao. also hot in some parts of BusinessWeek Group of writer that he wants to He said he has difficulty the region in his country, Publications.

He was accompanied by come back despite some in two aspects while here compared to the region he unpleasant ordeals in traffic in M indanao: Food and came from, the weather here some lady Rotarians, like Glory Tan, Rebello’s host situations and difficulty in language difference, finding is “very hot.” language communication. it hard to speak in English.

The Brazilian said he was for his month-long visit here.

D ubbed as “ Peace B r u n o R e b e l l o , But, overall, Rebello said satisfied to go home having b u s i n e s s m a n a g e r o f he is i mpressed by t he visited and learned from the Through Service” the GSE Zebu, a publishing house hospitality of the Filipino visits he made to different program of Districts 3870 i n U b e r l a n d i a , M i n a s people. “We are the same business establishments here and 4770 made possible Gerais State, Brazil, was in treating people. Filipinos in Cagayan de Oro and Rebello and the five other one of the six Rotarians are hospitable, touch persons other parts of Northern Rotarians from Brazil come from the Rotary Club of and jolly,” Rebello said.

Mindanao. For a while, he to the Philippines.

L a s t Tu e s d a y, s i x Uberlandia Sul who came He was distracted though took stride to handle work to the Philippines under by the traffic congestions of a comptroller in printing Filipinos left for Brazil as the exchange program. He a nd compl a i ned about companies and also had their counterparts in the arrived last March 23 and the hot weather and food. some time in import and exchange program.

Regional Office No. 10

Cagayan de Oro City

April 2, 2013

Travel Advisory

Philippines is blessed with beautiful natural wonders of a paradise, from the beautiful landscapes of the mountains to the cool breeze of the coastlines down to the beautiful underwater gardens of the ocean. Spectacular destinations will surely welcome both local and foreign tourists as they go further into the country and into one the richest coastlines and undersea treasures in Northern Mindanao, where they will find different species of fishes, corals and other sea creatures that comprises an extraordinary experience on the people who will witness it.

One of the municipalities of Lanao del Norte in Region 10 shall celebrate the wealth of their coastlines, the Municipality of Kauswagan, which is known for its abundance in coastal resources which brings interest to the business sector engaging in food, shell craft and other industries, to come up with an event to showcase their food products, at the same time preserve their marine resources.

The Department of Tourism Region 10 is proud to announce one of the biggest environment awareness celebrations in Region 10, the HUGYAW SA KADAGATAN FESTIVAL. The festival is a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest of the sea. Among the various activities is the Fluvial Parade of Floats with street/ sea dance presentations by each barangay on the rafts. Other activities include slogan and poster making contests, National Downhill Longboarding Competition, Agri-Aqua Fair, among others scheduled between April 16-25, 2013. The festival coincides with the week-long celebration of the Town Fiesta and Foundation Day of Kauswagan, on the 24th day of April.

For inquiries, please visit or call the Department of Tourism Region 10 Office, located at the Ground Floor of Pelaez Sports Center, Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City or contact us through (088) 856-4048 / (08822) 723-696 / (08822) 726-394 or call Ms. Minda V. Regis, Provincial Tourism Officer, Lanao del Norte through (063) 341-5467.

CATALINO E. CHAN III Regional Director

5

DOE Chief strengthens ties with Trans-Pacific countries for renewable energy dev’t D E PA R T M E N T o f Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla called on Trans-Pacific cou nt r ies to foster cooperation in developing renewable energy (RE).

Speaking in the Pacific Energy Summit held in Vancouver, Canada last A pr i l 2 - 4 , S e c r e t a r y Petilla highlighted the i mpor t a nce of R E i n ach iev i ng t he Energ y Reform Agenda’s thrust o n e n e r g y s e c u r i t y, optimal energy pricing, and a sustainable energy system.

“Utilization of clean energy is an immediate priority of the Philippine g ov e r n m e n t a n d w e will support initiatives t h at w i l l s p u r t h e i r development by way of transparent policies.”

The Pacific Energy Summit is an invitationonly event that convenes high-level policymakers, i ndust r y leaders, a nd ex per t s to a r t ic u l ate regional energ y needs and opport un it ies, as wel l as to explore m a r k e t- b a s e d p ol i c y solut ions, coord i nate effor ts to effect ively use available technology and limited resources, and foster public-private partnerships.

Wit h t he t heme, “Forging Trans-Pacific Cooperation for a New Energy Era,” the summit seeks to thresh out best practices and solutions for successfully meeting Asia’s energy needs and

promoting environmental stewardship. Likewise, it aims to strengthen the Asia–North America ties which are envisioned to play a signif icant role in boosting energy and environmental security.

Summit participants included representatives f rom t he publ ic a nd pr ivate sector of t he fol l ow i n g c ou nt r i e s: Ph i l ippi nes, Un ited States, Canada, Singapore, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Papua Ne w Gu i ne a , C h i n a , Indonesia, and United Kingdom. “ T here shou ld be sharing among nations in strengthening R E k nowledge and technologies in terms of research, development and demonstration activities towards tech nolog y innovation and standards interoperability, capacity building through knowledge sharing, policy advice and technology transfer, and windows for financing and long term investments, among many others,” Sec. Petilla said in his speech.

The Philippines has been forging ties with ot her cou nt r ies for R E i n for m at ion a nd technology sharing, as well as promotion of energy investment portfolio of t he Ph i l ippi nes. L ast year, the Philippines also committed to participate in the ASEA N Green Connectivity and APEC Energy Security. (PR)

German Development Media Awards

Honoring outstanding reporting on HR, dev’t TH E German Development Med ia Aw a r d s r e c o g n i z e e xc e l le nc e i n hu m a n rights and development journalism. The awards champion independent media across the world and put t he spot l ight on jou r na l ists tel l i ng important stories affecting their communities, countries and regions.

T hese awards are a new i n it iat ive by t he G e r m a n Fe d e r a l Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Germany’s international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle.

The BMZ has a proud t rad it ion of honori ng

German journalists who focus on international development issues.

Now, i n p a r t ne r sh ip w it h Deutsche Wel le, the new German Media Development Awards are also open to journalists from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

The German Development Med ia Awards aim to support t he work of t a le nted journalists around the world and to emphasize t he role of hu ma n rights and development in strengthening democrac y, g ood governance, civil society and freedom of the press. ( PR)

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Opinion

April 14, 2013

EDITORIAL Strong political candidates

A

l m o s t t h r e e ye a r s into his term, public s upp or t for P re sid ent Benigno Simeon Aquino’s le ader sh ip rema i n s at unprecedented highs. Both the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan surveys, released last week, consistent ly demonst rate susta i ned levels of satisfaction (SWS, 74), trust (Pulse, 72), and p er for ma nc e approv a l (Pulse, 72) ratings for the President. All show positive gains from the most recent surveys conducted by the respective polling outfits.

Malacanang believes the results of these surveys reflect the Filipino people’s abid i ng con f idence i n the President, and their support for the reforms that he continues to institute.

Massive investments in the people through social ser v ices, hea lt h, a nd education; strategic focusing of resources in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure; and the establishment of a culture of integrity in governance have all redounded to the renewal of the people’s trust in their leaders, it said.

Malacanang, in a s t a t e m e nt , s a i d : “A l l t hese have a lso led to t he a f f irmat ion of t he international community in our country’s progress, the latest evidence of which is the credit ratings upgrade from Fitch Ratings, placing our country at investment grade for the first time in its history. Such widespread

support will be integral as the Aquino administration pushes for more reforms, which will allow us to take greater strides along the straight path to equitable progress.”

T he su r ve y re su lt s strengthen Malacanang’s resolve as the government move towards the next half of the term.

It i s a l s o t i mely t hat President Aquino continues to impress the Filipino people, especially now that he needs their support – votes for the senatorial and local candidates under Team PNoy who he wants to win this coming elections. No doubt, Malacanang wishes that all the survey results be converted into votes.

Like they always said, the Filipino people remain this administration’s strength.

President Aquino knows that the mandate entrusted him when we took office must remain as his guide.

With this in his mind and in his heart, Malacanang is encouraged by the support of the public and guided by the knowledge that the Philippines is beginning to reap the fruits of positive, meaningful change, and that the President might just get the voters’ discernment on May 13 in favor of most, not all though, of his senatorial candidates.

Paradoxically, the nonTeam PNoy winners in the polls are the strong ones that President Aquino’s effective running of the government affairs failed to trample.

eek BusinessWMindanao DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA General Manager

CHENG ORDOÑEZ Editor-in-Chief

ALLAN MEDIANTE Executive Editor

Ruel Pelone Online editor

Cris diaz mike baños SHAUN YAP UP Sub-Editors ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Legal Counsel

NELSON CONSTANTINO Managing Editor

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D

Subliminal campaigning

on’t be surprised when the jeepney or tricycle driver you were with suddenly talked about politicians running in the locality and the consequences of their winning or losing. These drivers are paid “barkers” of politicians to influence the minds and decisions of people who are about to vote come May 13, 2013.

I was on my way to the market last Sunday and chanced upon a jeepney without a passenger up-front. As soon as I was seated, he went on driving and started talking like he doesn’t care whether I and the other passengers listened to him or not. He just went on to talk and talk about almost everything we passed by.

And when we passed by a university, he started praising a politician who, according to him, was the very person responsible for the infrastructure developments inside the campus of the university.

Then, he went on to talk about road improvements, health programs, educational advancements and so on and so forth, touching almost the major aspects of Filipinos’ lives in the locality.

I was amazed by the knowledge stock the driver has and by how much time he consumed talking and praising the politician who he said was responsible for the developments in the city.

The other day, I rode a tricycle and the driver started to murmur and complained about the traffic situation we were into. But after a while, he started to talk about the consequence if the incumbent city official will lost in the forthcoming elections, saying the traffic situation will worsen the more. Huh? His reason was based on the presumption that the new official will install several changes in running the affairs of the city and that it will be difficult for people to adopt it right away.

A

O

THINK

A Minute

how to live right!”

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst Many people and examples around us are showing us how to live. Sometimes it’s hard for us to know who to follow in life. There’s really only one Person Who can heal and change your life permanently for good. You see, Jesus Christ will not only show you how to live, but He will also give you the power to do it. Then, you can finally start living the good life you want and were created to enjoy. But you and I must first choose to stop living our way and start living Jesus’ way—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s a choice you’ll never regret for the rest of your life.

Just Think a Minute…

More about one town one product

NE of the unexplored small enterprises that have not been given importance in Mindanao is the footwear industry for the need of more than 25 million Mindanaons and to the other 67million Filipinos. Many of the shoes and foot wear that are displayed and sold in the malls or the local stalls are imported brand coming from the Peoples Republic of China. Others are under foreign manufacturing licenses which are either made in Vietnam or Malaysia. The same with the second hand shoes peddled by hawkers at the “ukay-ukay” stores are Hongkong if not Korean made. How did this disparity of free trade and importation manage to slip in our country viz a viz to our exports? Why were the importations of used and second hand shoes allowed by the Bureau of Customs? This could be the primary reason why the Philippine shoe products from the 20 or more Marikina manufacturers are losing its competitiveness against the imported foot wears flooding the local market?

The provinces of Masbate and Bukidnon have abundant source of raw hide leather coming from the cattle industries of these regions. High quality material can also be produced from the skins of crocodiles cultured in the Farms of Puerto Princesa and the Crocodile Farm of Davao City. Various livestock industries in the Philippines have the capacity for the raw hide materials. Goat skins can be made into fine leather but we like to cook and eat them instead as “Papaitan”. We have many local designers that have earned accolades in the fashion scenes abroad yet Philippine shoe products are unheard in the international fashion scene.

During the early 80’s when the former First Lady Imelda Marcos used to order dozens of shoes from the local Marikina producers to be worn for her countless trips abroad. She was widely criticized for her extravagance and branded as “Imeldefic”. Few took credits that she was advertising and promoting Philippine made foot wears

& Couch

By Cheng Ordoñez He said that it is better to keep the incumbent official and to just let him finish his term. After all, he said, the official is on his last term.

These drivers are obviously paid “barkers” of these politicians. They were instructed to talk over and over about the “goodness” of electing or re-electing the politicians who paid them.

Thus, a form of campaign strategy, which I coined “subliminal campaigning.”

Subliminal in the sense that they operate somewhat below the threshold of consciousness of people who they intend to hear what they are bound to deliver indirectly (not talk directly to). They employ stimuli with insufficient intense by being indirect in their talks but enough to produce a discrete sensation designed to be intense enough to influence the mental processes or the behavior of the individual. It is similar to what we know as subliminal advertising.

Although, it has never really been proven that subliminal messages work to any great degree, remember that Rock music once came under fire for containing messages of words or phrases recorded backwards that people thought were intended to corrupt young minds.

Another type of subliminal message that received strong criticism are certain animations although the producers denied having them there intentionally. But, there are people who will say that subliminal messages may not work since they may never be consciously ordoñez/PAGE 11

Learning to Walk

social worker named Margaret Sangster saw a young boy in a poor ghetto of a big city. He had been hit by a car months earlier. His legs were so badly broken and twisted that he couldn’t walk. This boy was not even part of Margaret’s job and responsibility, but she took him to a doctor who operated on the boy’s legs. Two years later this young boy was completely healed! He walked into the office of Margaret Sangster to thank her for changing his life. Naturally she was so happy to see him finally walking and living a normal life.

Years later, Margaret was telling this story to some other social workers. She asked them where they thought that boy was today as a young man. They each thought, and asked if he was a teacher now? Or a doctor? Maybe even a social worker like Margaret. But Margaret, trying to keep from crying, said: “This young man is now in jail for a terrible, evil crime! You see, I helped him walk again, but there was no one there to teach him where to walk and

CANOPY

TRAVERSING

abroad. Nobody took notice the Tourism H i - way

By Ped Quiamjot that when the Philippine Trade Center was opened in New York located at the famous World Trade Center Building many Philippine shoe products were prominently leveled and displayed. The Philippine Trade exhibits has long ceased and closed before the World Trade Center was bombed and destroyed in the famous 911 incident.

The footwear industry is one of the most important economic activities next to food and clothing. People moved and travel with all types of shoes and footwear’s in their lifetime. Man can survive not to have a luxury vehicle or an Armani suite but he may not do without shoes. We provide our children a minimum of three types of foot wears a year for their safety and comfort. The same with the pragmatic thinking of an average Filipino to own the basic 3 foot wears, of a slipper, a leather shoes and an athletic shoes to as far as our indigenous brothers who lives in the mountains of Compostela Valley and the Igorots of Banue.

While travelling around the major cities of Mindanao, it came to the reality of our economics that we have not been able to produce a single shoe manufacturing plant in our region to deliver the 75 million pairs of footwear worn by more than 25 million Mindanaons. It is a dismal failure that the one town one product encouraged by the government is not working in the shoe manufacturing sector in our country. Do we lack investors to explore its development? Or the Board of Investments has forgotten to quiamjot/PAGE 11

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Features

eek BusinessWMindanao April 14, 2013

7

Bukidnon: ‘A living museum’ From page 1

He said: “Bukidnon is the home of the country’s cowboys, topnochers in professional exam, two consecutive overall champion of the Kumbira Cu l inar y compet it ion, Philippines best cultural master on bead works proclaimed by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Philippines best brewed coffee of the monks and Hinaliban, home of the beautiful lakes -Lake Apo is declared as one of the emerging destinations in the country as proclaimed by the Women in Travel Association of the Philippines and the BSU Chorale that amazed the people in Manila during the Pasundayad Sa Northern Mindanao at Mall of Asia.”

The ethnic dance with the storyline of a giant, harassing a food-abundant community, killing a beautiful woman, who is a cousin of three datus and whose blood flowed all over the place and literally painting the town red, is a big winner, bagging this year’s Street Dance and Ground Competitions during the Kaamulan Festival of the Province of Bukidnon,

held from the second half of February to early March.

The top awards in the festival’s two big categories went to K itaotao, a town in Bukidnon named after a Manobo leader Datu Tayaotao, who bravely and successfully helped a Muslim Datu fight against the invasion of the Spaniards and, in gratitude, the Muslim Datu offered his only daughter in marriage and gave him a huge area of land he named after Datu Tayaotao which later on became Kitaotao - the Land of Wealth.

K itaotao is d iverse i n ethnic groups. Among the domineering tribes are the Dumagat, the Matigsalog and the Manobo. The presence of the cultural communities in the locality with its unique customs and traditional practices made Kitaotao a cultural tourism destination of Bukidnon. It won the festival’s two big categories with its presentation of a dancefight with giant Aragasi.

PLOT ARAGASI Kitaotao, a place loved and blessed by Manama (God) with

the abundance of fruits from the forest and meat from the deer (salawing), wild pig (beboy nemahintalunan), monkeys, fishes and edible forest rats (talibaboy). One day the tribe could not go hunting or gather food because they fear the Aragasi – a giant man believed to eat humans or any creature for his food. The three cousins Datu Lana, Tulalang and Agyo used a woman as bait to capture the hideous creature. They manage to catch the Aragasi but were unable to save the beautiful woman for she died in the hands of the Aragasi.

Her blood flowed all over the place, and the land where the beautiful woman died became red. The tribe brought the giant into Sinangawan mountain cliff.

The three cousins Datu Lanang, Tulala and Agyo casted a spell over the giant that turned the latter into a huge white stone permanently fixed on a very high cliff overlooking the Pulangi river. From then on, the giant could no longer bother the tribe.

So, as a gesture of thanksgiving, the tribe honored the three cousins with an indigenous

ceremony.

THE GATHERING

Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukindon, f lourished in food, business and cultural activities with songs and dances that were truly ethnic every year the Kaamulan Festival is held. Garden shows, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Livestock Show converted the Capitol grounds every year into a marketplace, like in the old times, except that there were already modern commodities put up for sale.

Kaamulan also involves u n i q u e s p o r t i n g e ve nt s , like Rodeo and the modern m o t o c r o s s , M o t o Tr a i l Challenge, wall climbing and a lot more. No wonder, young and old alike from the different parts of the country come and troop to the Kaamulan Festival.

This year, the DOT 10 declared the Kaamulan Festival as one of the best festivals in the country today, urging the local government unit and private entities to put up more accommodations accredited by DOT 10 to house the increasing number of local and foreign tourists year after year.

Director Chan sa id: “Kaamulan was the best in presentation for eco-tourism; best ethnic festival; and having the best f loats in a cultural festival. It is my wish that we can bring the Kaamulan Festival to Manila and show the world how wonderful it is.”

K aa mu la n is from t he Binukid word “amul”, which means “to gather”. It is a gathering of Bukidnon tribepeople for a purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a t ha n ksg iv i ng festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these put together.

Showcasing t he un ique indigenous culture of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan is held annually in the province from the second half of February to March

10, the date that marks the anniversary of the creation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917.

As a n et h n ic fest iva l , t he K a a mu l a n celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited the Buk idnon reg ion, namely, t he Buk idnon, H igaonon, Ta l a a n d i g , M a nob o , Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. Several tribal fol k s re prese nt i n g t hese seven hill tribes of Bukidnon gather in unity with the local dwellers in town, wearing their intricately woven costumes studded with trinkets, anklets, earrings, necklaces, leglets, headdresses and amulets. They dance together, chant, perform ancient rituals, and compete in indigenous sports.

What makes the Kaamulan

Festival unique is the presence of the tribe-people themselves in the dance presentations.

They dance with their authentic ritual moves and clothing, which other festivals in the country can hardly have.

The Provincial Government of Bukidnon will be celebrating i t s C e n t e n n i a l Ye a r o n September 1, 2014. The basis of such was t he resea rch f i nd i ng s of t he Nat iona l Historical Commission of the Philippines, duly signed by Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, dated May 31, 2012, stating that the province of Bukidnon was created under Act No. 2408 that took effect on September 1, 1914. Such creation was affirmed and adopted then by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) headed by Vice Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr.

FSUU paddlers gear for Bohol race BUTUAN CITY – Members of the Father Saturnino Urios University dragon boat team are upbeat on their chances in the 2nd Cobra-Philippine Dragon Boat Federat ion (PDBF) International Club Crew Challenge to be held three weeks from now in Dauis town, Panglao Island in Bohol.

But team captain Archie Sumalindao clarified that the team needs to do more to make it through the competition.

“As of the moment I think we have a 50 –50 chance in landing a spot in the semifinals but so much is still needed to be d o n e .

Right now, several of the team members lack the focus and determination and develop that mindset of going for it and giving out everything that they can to win the race,” said Sumalindao.

For t y-eight ma le a nd female students from FSUU have joined the 4:30-9:00am daily training to prepare them for the all-male, all female and mixed categories in the international dragon boat race.

Sumalindao, a veteran competitive swimmer and triathlete suggested that the paddlers should motivate themselves by studying,

watching video and doing research about the sport.

FSUU women paddlers Laurice Munoz and Chrismae Tindoy shared the enthusiasm and confidence that they have the chance of garnering a place in the competition.

“It a huge pressure for all of us since we will be bringing not only the name of our school but also carrying the name of Butuan City on our shoulders,” said Munoz, a 3rd year economics student.

T i n d oy, a f i r st ye a r accounting student and the youngest in the team at 17, said that the support from

family members and friends is also a big help in boosting the confidence of the team members.

FSUU vice president Fr. Chito Butardo also expressed optimism on the chances of the school’s dragon boat team.

“This is a big challenge, since it will be our first time to compete in such a competition.

We will be bringing not only the name of the school but of Butuan City as well. The exposure and experience will also be a chance for our paddlers to scale up their sk i l l and learn

more,” said Butardo.

Butardo, who started the idea of building Butuan’s first dragon boat team pointed out how privileged they are to be invited by PDBF and the organizer in Bohol.

“There are only two teams from Mindanao who are going to participate in the dragon boat event in Bohol, our team and the Sarimanok Club of Lanao del Sur,” he said.

“We got the invitation t hrough PDBF Secretar y General Pinky Castillo who came here to coach our team a few months ago. Hopefully she’ll be back next week to

share more on her knowledge on the sport,” he added.

Butuan City’s dragon boat scene started to emerge in June 2012 when Butardo convinced two other schools, Butuan Doctors College and Agusan Colleges Incorporated, to form their respective dragon boat teams.

By July, the three teams we r e t r a i n i n g w it h t he Philippine National Police national dragon boat team, the Patriots. They then competed with each other in a 200-meter race across the Agusan river last September 15, 2012 .

(MindaNews)

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April 14, 2013

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Entertainment

April 14, 2013

B A S K E T B A L L U P D AT E

This Week’s

Lakers survive, Kobe Bryant injury in crucial win Kobe Bryant pushed his fraying body and his Los Angeles Lakers teammates relentlessly through the second half of a vital game until he felt a searing pain in his left heel.

Bryant’s Achilles tendon apparently is torn. His season likely is over.

And though the Lakers held on to beat the Golden State Warriors, Bryant thinks they’ll have to continue their playoff chase without their leader.

Bryant scored 34 points while playing much of the second half in obvious pain with an injured left leg, eventually leaving with 3:06 to play in the Lakers’ 118116 win over the Warriors on Friday night.

Bryant hyperextended his left knee early in the half, but didn’t come out while the Lakers chased a victory they needed to stay one game ahead of the Utah Jazz for the eighth playoff spot in the West.

Bryant said he hurt himself more seriously on a move he’s made countless times in his career while driving to the hoop.

He got the ball on the perimeter, stuck out his leg and pushed off his left foot to drive past Harrison Barnes. Bryant didn’t make it two steps before he fell to the court in obvious pain while Barnes was called for a foul, but Bryant stayed in the game long enough to hit his free throws before trainer Gary Vitti helped him to the locker room.

“I can’t walk,” Bryant said solemnly, leaning on crutches in the Lakers’ locker room. “I tried to maybe put pressure on my heel, but there was nothing there.”

Immediately after the game, the Lakers announced Bryant probably had a torn tendon. He will have an MRI exam Saturday, but Bryant knows the injury is likely to end his season.

Bryant called it the most disappointing injury of his career “by far. We worked so hard to put ourselves in position and control our fate.”

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) - Remember the past, but try not to dwell on it. You may be more backward-focused than usual this week, but that just means you’ve got some unresolved issues. Think hard, then move on.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - You feel better about yourself in some small way -- but it has a big effect on you! It’s one of those days when you can tell that you’re on the right track, so make sure that you keep moving.

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) - Is it time for a yard sale? Your clutter may be overwhelming, and a little handy cash is always nice. Create a win-win by getting organized and clearing away the remnants of a forgotten past.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - Try not to make a big deal out of it, but you need to make sure that you’re integrating yourself with other people this week. Your great energy should draw them near, so you don’t have to do much!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - Communication is vital now, so make sure to reach out to those you haven’t heard from in a while. Double-check your email and other inboxes to clear out anything that shouldn’t be there.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - Even if you’ve got nothing scheduled for this week, try to get yourself invited to something fun. You’ve got great social energy, and it’d be a shame to let it go to waste. Failing that, start something yourself !

LEO (July 23 – August 22) - Lavish attention on someone deserving this week -- possibly you! It shouldn’t be too hard to identify someone who would be a worthy target for your affection. Pay it forward without concern for what comes back to you.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - This week is perfect for thinking big about the issues that matter most to you. Your spiritual and mental energies are flowing perfectly in sync with each other, so philosophical thought comes easily.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - Politeness matters -- and nobody knows that better than you! This week is all about treating each other with respect, though you may have to act as an enforcer if someone behaves like an oaf.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) - Things start to get really crazy this week -- so much so that you may have to intervene! Try not to make a big scene, but you should see if you can get your people to at least calm down and face the real issue.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) - Can you forget about the long-term for today? It’s hard for someone like you, but it’s also kind of essential right now. Things are looking up, but you have to take care of the tiny details right now.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) - Your romantic impulses are making life a lot sweeter for you -- so make sure that you’re able to act on them! Your partner may need a pick-me-up, or maybe you’re ready for a new fling.

SHOWBIZ PEEK Rayver to Christine, ‘I still love her as my friend’ Many people are happy because even after the break-up of Rayver and Chrisitine, the two still have a very close relationship.

“Hindi naman nabawasan pero nandun pa rin kapag nagkikita kami sa set parang ganun pa rin dati, close pa rin. Hindi na nga lang kasi kami after work na laging magkasama

pa rin na ihahatid ko siya sa kanila and pag may libreng time magkita kami ng personal. Hindi na lang yung ganun kasi hindi na kami, pero nandun pa rin yung friendship”, Rayver said.

But, some of their fans have doubts about their true relationship now. But Rayver said in

an interview that even though they’re friends and comfortable at each other, he admitted that unlike before they are not that open to what’s happening on each other’s side. Rayver also admits that before they’re relationship, there were too many issues that they faced together.

That’s why, even in

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their status now, Rayver can always say : “Kung pagdating ng panahon kung matanda na kami e kami pala talaga, bakit hindi, ‘di ba? Kasi wala naman kaming samaan ng loob at iba namanyung pinagsamahan namin ni AA kung kayo, kayo. Kung hindi at least friends kayo”.

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across

1. Obsessive fear (6) 5. Portal (4) 7. Shed (5) 8. Shortly (4) 9. Nautical hail (4) 10. Lee, TV comedian (5) 11. Glenn, bandleader (6) 13. Mart (4) 14. Slender (6) 18. Published (6) 21. Crossword pattern (4) 22. Arm muscle (6) 24. Conclusive (5) 25. Floor-covering (4) 26. Beautiful fairy (4) 27. Governs (5) 28. Honey-based drink (4) 29. Nervous pressure (6)

DOWN

1. The, Alwings Rings Twice film (7)

2. Unoriginal (5)

3. Garden flower (5)

4. Italian composer of The Four Seasons (7)

5. Spectacles (7)

6. Couple (7) 12. Self-esteem (3) 15. Aviation Company (7) 16. Robert, US actor/director (7) 17. Crease (7) 19. Snow-blade (3) 20. Remove (7) 22. Consecrate (5) 23.

Antic (5)

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DENR sets standards FIBECO Board of Directors’ for fine particle pollutants Accomplishment Report of 2012 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) took an important step to protect the health of Filipinos from particle pollution by setting the air quality standard for particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller, or commonly known as PM2.5.

PM2.5 is a fine particle found in smoke and haze, and can be directly emitted from sources such as forest fires or they can form when gases emitted from power plants, industries and vehicles react in the air. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health problems.

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje recently issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2013-13 setting the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value (NAAQGV) for PM2.5 at 75 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Ncm) for an average of 24 hours or short term, and 35 µg/Ncm for an average of one year or long term, starting from the DAO’s effectivity until Dec. 31, 2015.

The DAO also provides tougher standards after 2015.

Effective Jan. 1, 2016, the NAAQGV for the short and long terms will be at 50 and 25 µg/Ncm, respectively.

Paje said the standards for PM2.5 were issued in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air

Act of 1999.

“This administrative order was anchored on the basic right of Filipinos to a balanced and healthy ecology, as well as the government’s policy to maintain a balance between development and environmental protection,” Paje explained.

He, however, clarified that the DAO was not for compliance purposes, but to set standard values in evaluating the quality of outdoor air in a surrounding environment, also known as ambient air.

“These values are established in the same way that we have established standards for total suspended particulates (TSP) and PM10.

These will help us determine which actions to take vis-àvis the impact of air pollution on our health,” he explained.

Technical personnel of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will conduct sampling periodically using manual methods, or continuously using automatic real-time ambient monitors.

Compared to TSP and PM10, PM2.5 pollutants are of finer particles usually emitted by vehicles and burning plants. Their small size allows them to stay in the air longer and travel farther, and can pass through the body’s smaller airways deeper into the lungs, leading to respiratory and circulatory diseases, cancers and brain damage. – (PR)

Villar...

financial institutions (GFIs) and lenders.

They believed that the suspension of some prudential measures like the loan loss provisions will allow the SMEs to use purchase orders (POs) from the country’s leading enterprises as collaterals to apply for loan with the GFIs and private banks.

Under the Big BrotherSmall Brother program, leading companies known as “big brothers” are committed to allocate a portion of their purchases to SMEs. Such is an industry chain program initiated by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) where a large enterprise adopts one or two SMEs from its pool of suppliers with an overall objective of improving their performance.

Likewise, exporters requested the allocation of part of the loan compliance penalty fund to be used for productivity enhancement program. The Magna Carta stipulates that the BSP imposes penalties for banks not complying with its mandatory lending provisions for MSMEs. Meanwhile, as a measure to minimize or avoid losses from a strong peso, exporters using the hedging facilities of certain banks also called

from page 1

Societ y of Act ive Leaders Tr a n sfor m at ion ( S A LT ), Philippine Evangelical Network (PEN) and the Baptist church followers vowed to support Cynthia Villar and hoped that she will help them in any of their religious endeavors.

Pa s t o r Jo s e p h D a z o , Chairman of the Hinterlands Associat ion on People of Worship Evangelical Renewal (POWER) under SALT said t hat t he convergence was settled as per see they have no doubts for Cynthia Villar’s capacity when she will sit as a senator on May 14 and that they believed that she has a heart like her husband Manny. “We hoped that this expectation will be met”, Pastor Dazo stressed.

According also to Pastor Genesis Udang, one of the SALT leaders, Cynthia Villar is more of a statesman than a politician. “When you say a statesman, she moves forward for the next generation while a politician moves forward for the next election”.

Incentives... from page 3

and small enterprises and two percent for medium firms.

Apart from this measure, the EDC and industry leaders also asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to provide a regulatory relief on the provisioning rates it required to government

THE Board of Directors of FIBECO, Inc. takes upon good governance yielding toward sustainability of electric service to each and every member consumer within the franchise area. In fulfillment thereof, the Board is mindful of its inherent power to decide cooperative policies subject to the oversight review of the National Electrification Administration (NEA); thus, has set the directional perspective of the organization intertwined with the Board’s functional responsibilities.

On policy directions, the board has achieved the following: (1) Adopting the e.ICPM ( Enhanced-Integrated Computerized Planning Model) of the Cooperative for the year 2012-2016 and approving the annual work plan for 2021; (2) Requesting NEA for technical assistant in the preparation for the organizational reconstructing in FIBECO, Inc.; (3)Creating the Plantilla positions of Asssistant General Manager, Assistant Area Manager, Executive Assistant and Executive Technical Assistant appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes; and (4) Adopting the retirement plan rules and regulations of Fibeco based on the scheme promulgated by NEA. Furthermore on the legal responsibility vis-a-vis power supply plan, the following are there achievements: (1) Authority to enter power Sales Agreement for the mini Hydro Power Plant projects of FIBECO; (2) Authority to sign the renewable Energy Service Contract entered into by FIBECO and the Department of Energy for the development of the Maramag and Muleta Mini Hydro Power Plants; (3) Authority to file with the energy Regulatory Commission on the Sale for Resale Agreement with BUSECO for the Available electric power of FIBECO computed as excess and appropriating funds for the purpose; (4) Authority to enter into an energy Power Purchase Agreement/Power Supply Agreement with Filinvest Development Corporation Utilities Inc. for the 15 MW power supply for and in behalf of FIBECO; (5) Approving the organization of Project Companies and to form a joint stock corporation therewith for the development and operation of mini hydro and Bio-energy power plant project s of FIBECO; (6) Authority to sign the application for registration with the securities and exchange Commission(SEC) on the project companies formed and organized by FIBECO; (7) Authority to enter into contract with USAID for the conduct of Biomass Resource Assessment in Mindanao to be undertaken by FIBECO ; (8) Acquisition of the 69 KV line in consortium with BUSECO; (9) Formation

for the lowering of their minimum threshold from $100,000 to $10,000. The current criteria, they claim, is designed for big exporters since export shipments for hedging should be valued between $100,000 to $200,000.

Other measures recommended to help exporters cope with the peso appreciation include the creation of a dollar bourse, waiving of various fees charged as import/export fees and refraining from speculating on future currency movements. (philexport news and features )

Quiamjot... from page 6

to promote or encourage shoe ma nu fac t u r i ng i n Mindanao, a reason many prefer instead to wear the imported shoes associated with the tongue twisting foreign brands? With the BOI mandate to promote bilateral trade pacts with the free economic enterprise worldwide, expanding the one town one product in Mindanao may need the BOI endorsement for the possibility of a shoe brand to be manufactured at the Phividec industrial estate in Misamis Oriental Many Economic Zones in this country were

created a nd f u nded by the government to pump prime the manufacturing sector. Business locators were granted tax incentives to reduce the cost of doing business and be competitive in the export market. Filipino entrepreneurs as it appears are on the top list for lending suppor t by government banking institutions to raise capital.

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of the BECO Foundation for the CSR of FIBECO and BUSECO; (10) Authorizing power supply agreement with king Energy Generation Inc. and Crystal Sugar Company , Inc.; and (11) Approving the buying out of PULANGIIV hydro power plant with stakeholders.

Also, on their internal control operations, it includes: (1) Approving the budget of 30th AGMA of FIBECO; (2) Adopting the 2011 Audited Financial Statement of FIBECO; (3) Granting cash incentive benefits to the officers and employees for garnering the best Achievement Awards from NEA; (4) Appropriating the needed amount for the development and operation of project companies of FIBECO subject to reimbursement from their respective investors; and (5) Increasing the budget for Renewable Energy investment from 3M to 10Mretroactive April 2012.

FIBECO also provides employees and officers benefits to: (1) Granting the Anniversary Bonus to the Officers and Employees at P10, 000 each and P2, 000 each to Probationary, Outsourced and Security Guards and appropriating P2, 864,000 for the purpose; (2) Granting cash incentive benefits to the officers and employees in the amount of P 25,000 per officer/employee and P5, 000 per probationary, casual & outsourced employees for garnering the best Achievement Awards from NEA; (3) Approving the grant of benefits for December 2012 in the amount of Fourteen Million One hundred Thirty five thousand two hundred forty Six pesos ( P14,135,246) intended for the officers, employees, and other personnel of FIBECO and appropriating funds for the purpose; and (4) Submitting to NEA for approval the allowances due the FIBECO Board of Directors as proposed by the management and appropriating funds for the purpose.

Aside from the employees, the consumers also acquired advantages: (1) Authorizing the release of funds for the 3rd MSEAC Congress; (2) Authorizing the release of funds for BAPA capability building and training; (3) Organization of FIBECO Barangay Member Consumer Electrification Committee; (4) Authorizing the release funds for the holding of forum on different barangays which are identified as SEP beneficiary prior to implementation; and (5) Authorizing the mobilization and the release of funds for the member Consumer Empowerment and Leadership Program (MCELP).

Now, FIBECO abides to do more for this year for the common good.

Ordoñez... from page 6

when the message or things being delivered may affect our lives.

So, the next time you will hear drivers praise politicians indirectly, do a comparative analysis of what the drivers say of the politician against your true knowledge of the subject person. These drivers were only after the immediate resolution of their financial problems because they were paid. But, the votes you cast on May 13 are supposedly for the good of the majority of the Filipino people.

perceived.

In advertising, there are more obvious forms of subliminal messages like women and liquor to make the best partner for enjoyment and entertainment that women’s group often protest about.

The idea of hiding things in plain sight or messages in plain understanding is from page 3 subliminal. No matter how because it is my firm belief people will react, it is always that Mrs. Villar is a kind best to be direct, especially of leader that we need and who is willing to extend her help even in her personal capacity,” Emano said.

V i l l a r, t h r ou g h t h e family’s Villar Foundation that she manages, has been able to provide livelihood projects to 154 municipalities throughout the country.

In her speech, Mrs. Villar thanked Mayor Emano for her support and vowed to replicate her advocacy of providing livelihood to poor people in the countryside.

“This is because, I believe, hanep ang buhay kung may hanapbuhay,” echoing her monicker as Mrs. Hanep Buhay for her foundation’s thrust of providing livelihood projects especially the famers and the fisherfolks. www.businessweekmindanao.com To complement Emano’s

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Villar leads Manila Bay clean-up

Misis Hanepbuhay Cynthia Villar leads the clean-up drive at Las Pinas-Parañaque Critical Habitat & Eco-Tourism Area (LPPCHEA), which was recently included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, an intergovernmental treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

MANILA -In consona nc e w it h t he forthcoming Earth Day celebration, Team PNoy s e n at o r i a l c a n d id at e Cynthia Villar yesterday led the clean-up drive at Manila Bay in the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat & Eco-Tourism (LPPCHEA), which was recently included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, a n i ntergover n menta l treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. “ We have to care and protect our environment.

We have to repay Mother Earth for providing us all the necessary materials we need to survive,” stressed Villar.

Villar said, the clean-up activity at Manila Bay which started at 7 am, is their simple way of saying “thank you,” and demonstrating their love to Mother Earth.

However, she stressed that “caring and loving” ou r env i ron ment shou ld not only be done during the Earth Day celebration.

“Everyday of our lives, we should all strive to protect Mother Earth,” said Villar who has earned the moniker “M isis HanepBuhay” for giving jobs to Filipinos.

V i l l a r was joi ned by

st udents a nd volu nteers from various sectors in last Friday’s clean-up activity, which was followed by a tour along the stretch of LPPCHEA aboard a banca around 7:30 am.

The activity ended with a boodle fight, also led by Villar.

The three-term Las Pinas congresswoman said she feels happy with the improvement at the LPPCHEA since there are lesser garbage bei ng collected.

“We can attribute this to our consistent clean-up efforts,” said Villar.

The Villar Foundation, where she sits as Managing Di rector, tog et her w it h students and other volu nteers, a lso conduct weekly cleanups.

“The more partners we work with, the better it will be for the environment,” she said.

The Villar Foundation had earlier inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Manila Broadcast ing Company (MBC) represented by radio station DZRH in its Manila Bay Cleanup drive.

“The Villar Foundation and DZRH agree that this is not only a joint cooperative u n d e r t a k i n g , but m or e importantly, it is a major public service activity that would help contribute to the promotion of a livable,

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hea lt h ier a nd ecolog ica l susta inable Man i la Bay,” read the MoA. V i l l a r noted t here is more reason to protect the 175 - h e c t a r e L P P C H E A area after it was listed in R a msa r a lon g w it h t he world-renowned Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park and t he Puer to Pr i ncesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River), both found in the Philippines.

“Ramsar has recognized L P P C H E A’s g l o b a l importance to biodiversity and the need to give it special protect ion from va r ious threats,” said Villar, adding that LPPCHEA is the socalled ‘last bastion’ in Metro Manila.

Based on Proclamation No. 1412 , LPPCHEA is a crit ical habitat because of its globa l i mpor tance t o b io d i ve r s it y. It i s a habitat for the survival of threatened, restricted-range and congregatory species.

But despite being a critical habit at , Vi l la r la mented it faces t h reats of bei ng reclaimed.

In opposing the planned reclamation, Villar, a strong env i ron menta l advocate, noted that taking care of our environment will save us from disasters and calamities.

She maintains calamities would further burden the already poor Filipinos who are facing various problems due to difficult times.

Disasters like f looding, Villar said, can make one poorer if his properties are destroyed.

To avoid worst scenarios, Villar, who has earned the m on i k e r “ M i s i s H a n e p Buhay” for giving jobs to Filipinos, underscored the need to clean our rivers, our creeks and other bodies of water especially Manila Bay. “ We ca n si mply help protect the environment by not throwing our garbage i nto t he sea, r ivers, and c re ek s . I f we re sor t to indiscriminate throwing of garbage, these wastes will return to us during floods,” warned Villar.