BusinessWeek Mindanao (March 13-14, 2013 Issue)

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Market Indicators FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P40.69

6,813.95 points

X

19.82 points

Briefly

X

1 cents

Pyramiding scam

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public of a Davao City-based firm illegally offering insurance plans, according to an advisory posted on the corporate regulator’s Web site. “The SEC has received reports that a certain company in Davao City is engaged in unauthorized sale to the public of insurance and pre-need plans, specifically life insurance and memorial plans, by means of a pyramiding scheme,” the advisory dated March 6 read. The fraudulent scheme offers life insurance and memorial plans via membership that requires payment within five years of an unspecified amount due in monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual instalments and inviting three other persons to do the same.

T

By IRENE DOMINGO, Reporter

HE national government is setting aside a total of P3.8-billion to restore the normal electricity supply in the power-stricken Mindanao grid.

In a statement, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) said that with the budget already earmarked Mindanao’s power crisis will soon be solved. “The Aquino adminis-

Child labor

Tax campaign

GOVERNMENT business regulator SECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public of a Davao City-based firm illegally offering insurance plans, according to an advisory posted on the corporate regulator’s Web site. “The SEC has received reports that a certain company in Davao City is engaged in unauthorized sale to the public of insurance and preneed plans, specifically life insurance and memorial plans, by means of a pyramiding scheme,” the advisory dated March 6 read. The fraudulent scheme offers life insurance and memorial plans via membership that requires payment within five years of an unspecified amount due in monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue has kicked off its annual tax campaign aimed at meeting the bureau’s tax collection target. BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe said that BIR’s tax collection goal for 2013 is set at P1.2 trillion. Last year, BIR narrowly missed its collection goal of P1.066 trillion as the Bureau collected P1.057 trillion or 98% of the target. However Aspe said that the collection figures grew by about 14% from 2011. Aspe said they are expecting P30-40 billion collections from the implementation of the Sin Tax law.

March 13-14, 2013

P15.00

NGCP assures public of stable power grid during mid-term election

SEC warns public of pyramid scam

CHILD labor focal persons in Northern Mindanao will converge here to further improve and strengthen the region’s anti-child labor program. Lawyer Johnson G. Cañete, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said member-agencies and program partners of the Regional Child Labor Committee (RCLC) will meet on March 13 to tackle child labor concerns in the region. Cañete, who also chair the RCLC, said the meeting will serve as a venue to discuss updates of the services, programs, and projects implemented by service providers in line with the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL). The PPACL works to transform the lives of child laborers, their families, and communities, towards their sense of self-worth, empowerment and development. It envisions a child labor-free Philippines.

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Mindanao gets P3.8-B to end power problem

Issue No. 175, Volume III • As of 5:59 pm MAR. 11, 2013 (Monday)

Cagayan de Oro City

Now

scam/PAGE 7

tration has set aside P1.67 billion for the repair and rehabilitation of the country’s hydropower plants,” MinDa chairperson Lualhati Antonino said. Hydropower plants are supposed to have

a maximum lifespan of only 30 years, she said, but our hydropower plants are more than 30 years old. She said government seeks to restore the hydropower plants to its original and more efficient state after the repair and rehabilitation works. Antonino said another P2.2 billion has been set aside by government for the repair of Mindanao’s water

dikes. She said there is a need to control the flow of water from the dikes being used in hydropower plants to avoid downstream flooding. She said it is not only General Santos City that is experiencing up to six hours of brownouts but also other areas in Mindanao. The government is looking at the possibility of using a 300 Megawatt interruptible power load plan to solve the

power problems in the island. Companies with their own generator sets are also encouraged to share their power and the rates will be discussed with the Energy Regulatory Commission in two weeks time, she said. Meanwhile, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has announced that the country’s power grid will remain reliable and stable power/PAGE 7

JV thankful for maintaining 5th in surveys UNITED Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial candidate San Juan City Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada has expressed gratitude to the public after the latest Pulse Asia survey showed that he remained in 5th place among the socalled “Magic 12” or list of senatorial candidates preferred by Filipinos. Pulse Asia released on Monday its February 2013 Pre-Election Survey fielded from February 2428, 2013. Ejercito Estrada placed 5th among the 33 senatorial candidates and was favored by 43.8 per cent of the survey respondents. “The sustained strong trust being given to me by Filipino voters inspires me to do more for them,” surveys/PAGE 7

SURE WINNER. United National Alliance senatorial candidate JV Ejercito-Estrada talks of a Maginhawang Bayan in front of eager supporters in Guiguinto Bulacan. JV, son of former President Joseph Estrada, remained consistently within top 5 among the senatoriables in all surveys conducted by independent survey firms. He thanks the Filipino people for believing in his advocacy. advertorial

Pioneer Mindanao cable firm offers VOB By MIKE BAÑOS, Correspondent

J.P. RIZAL - CRUZ TAAL STS., (NEAR SHANGHAI BAKERY) DIVISORIA, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

MINDANAO’S pioneer cable television company marks another milestone by being the first to over “Voice Over Broadband” (VOB) service in the island. “VOB enables the delivery of an integrated voice service with cable-Internet and/ or cable TV subscription,”

said Engr. Elpidio M. Paras, president and chief executive officer of Parasat Cable TV, Inc., the first cable television (CATV) company in Mindanao during the product launch held March 8 at a local restaurant. “This means that voice, internet and cable TV will pass through a single connection and subscribers can avail of one bundled

service package instead of three separate subscriptions.” Parasat has partnered with Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (Bayan) for the voice service feature and will initially be offering the “Triple Play” package in Cagayan de Oro and eventually to all its other service areas. cable/PAGE 7

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Baliangao protected scapes pushed as eco-tourism site THE regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Cagayan de Oro City expressed full support to the local government move of promoting the Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) as an eco-tourism site.

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In a report to DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, OIC Regional Executive Director Ruth Tawan-tawan said that her office has embarked on a close partnership with the municipal government of Baliangao in Misamis Occidental for the development of the protected area as an eco-tourism site. Tawan-tawan said that the protected area, which covers around 300 hectares in barangays Tugas, Misom, Sinian and Landing, is home to 21 species of mangroves, with bakauan as the dominant species. It also boasts of a 75-hectare marine sanctuary where 39 colorful fish species could be found, and serves as

a research laboratory that offers educational and scientific values for marine researchers or related studies. Among the eco-tourism activities allowed in the area include boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and islet hopping. Nature walk can be done in the boardwalk of the Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape. The boardwalk, which was constructed beneath the mangrove forests, connects the islets from the mainland. Proclamation No. 418 issued on November 22, 2000 declares the wetland areas of Baliangao as a protected area. Last year, the DENR,

in cooperation w it h local stakeholders, initiated a three-hectare mangrove rehabilitation project in the protected area in support of the National Greening Program (NGP). Other activities conducted in BPLS include managing the protected area, implementing the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) and the conduct of nature conservation, education and extension in schools and communities. Prior to its proclamation as a protected area, BPLS was originally known as the Misom Sea Sanctuary established by the local government of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental pursuant to Resolution No. 01, series of 1991. The 74-hectare marine reserve at Brgy. Misom was established by the PIPULI Foundation, Inc., an environmental non-government organization. (PNA)

LOCAL companies exporting food and agriculture products to China are now required to register and secure accreditation online to ensure the entry of their products. “All goods to enter Mainland China (fishery, feeds, processed food and beverages and fresh fruits, etc.) require registration (new and old) and accreditation. For new (exporters), this may involve site inspections and product tests/sampling,” said Christine dela Cruz, commercial officer of the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in China. Dela Cruz said China’s Decree 55 requires all exporters and agents, as well as Chinese importers, to complete a web-based registration process. The decree covers a wide range of products under the jurisdiction of China’s State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (SAQSIQ) Food Safety Bureau. These include food commodities such as meat and meat products, aquatic prod-

ucts, egg and egg products, dairy products, bee products and other non-prescribed foods such as biscuits and beverages. Dela Cruz encourages exporters to work closely with their importers to provide the required information. China is implementing the electronic certification (e-cert) system to establish a unified data exchange platform and achieve automatic data exchange and one-to-one certification. When Chinese authorities finish inspecting and quarantine, they will issue the electronic certificate and printed certificate. All the data of electronic certificate can be viewed in the e-cert system. The printed certificate, on the other hand, will be transmitted to the import authority along with the goods and will be delivered to the exporter. Measures for inspection, quarantine, supervision and safety management are applicable to import and export food, as well as on food-

related products, grains, fruits and edible live animals. Exporters need to establish a quality safety management system, prepare a purchase inspection and record system for raw materials, auxiliary materials, food additives, packaging material and containers and establish production records about safety management of exported food. For food imported for the first time that has no national safety standard, the consignee shall submit the permit certificate issued by the health administration department of the State Council to the inspection and quarantine agency. China is also undertaking label inspection regulations for import and export prepackaged food. Food that is found substandard will undergo a technical process under the supervision of inspection and quarantine agencies. If it’s still found substandard after the process, it will not be allowed access to China.

KORONADAL City -- The Philippine government has already spent nearly P2.5 billion or $60.9 million for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Soccssksargen Region or Region 12. Bai Zorahayda Taha, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12, said the fund was used as cash grants to 202,851 indigent families covered by the government’s f lagship poverty program since 2008. Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cota-

bato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato. DSWD 12 also covers Marawi City in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “We are happy to report that children of poor families are now enjoying better access to education and better health services,” Taha said. “Our government is sincere in its campaign. No one gets left behind in terms achieving holistic and inclusive growth,” she added.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and a social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the “poorest of the poor” households identified in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) survey in 2007. Under t he prog r a m, household beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of P500 as well as P300 a month per child for educational expenses. A household with three qualified children could 4ps/PAGE 7

Goods entering China require registration, accreditation

Govt spends P2.5B for 4Ps in Region 12

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Robinsons Land to open four provincial malls PROPERTY DEVELOPER Robinsons Land Corp. expects to increase its leasing portfolio to over one million square meters by yearend after opening four new provincial malls worth a total of P6 billion in the fourth quarter, the company said in a statement yesterday. Robinsons Place Isabela in Santiago City, Isabela will open in October, while Robinsons Place Roxas in Roxas City, Capiz will open in November, the statement said, adding that Robinsons Place Butuan in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and Robinsons Place Malolos in Malolos City, Bulacan will both open in December. All in all, the four new malls will bring the firm’s network to 36 establishments and add approximately 102,500 square meters to t he company’s gross leasable area (GLA) to accommodate over 780 new tenants. In comparison, Robinsons Land opened three malls in 2012 (Robinsons Place Pangasinan, Robinsons Place Palawan, and Robinsons Place Magnolia), redeveloped Robinsons Metro East, and expanded Robinsons Place Bacolod and Robinsons Place Tacloban.

“We have a ‘ f irstmover advantage’ as the markets there have growing consumer markets and have been underserved for years. Business growth is also strong there,” Frederick D. Go, Robinsons Land president and chief executive officer, said during the malls’ launch at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Quezon City yesterday, citing the new malls’ strategic locations. Mr. Go told reporters on the launch’s sidelines that the four malls are expected to cost “at least P6 billion” and will push the company’s total leasable area to “over one million square meters.” The company’s Commercial Centers Division, which handles malls, contributed P1.8 billion or 48% of Robinsons Land’s revenues in the first quarter ending December of its OctoberSeptember fiscal year. Incorporated in 1980, Robinsons Land is the

property arm of listed conglomerate JG Summit Holdings, Inc. As of end-September last year, the company had 32 shopping malls, 34 residential projects, eight office buildings, and nine hotels. Robinsons Land and its subsidiaries are engaged in the business of selling, acquiring, building, developing, leasing and disposing of real properties such as land, buildings, shopping malls, commercial centers and housing projects, hotels and mixed-used property projects. The company earned P1.189 billion in net income in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending September, up 3.12% from P1.153 billion in the same three months in 2011 on the back of improved revenues across business segments. In t he sa me comparative periods, revenues -- consisting of rea l estate a nd hotel operations -- climbed by 9.75% to P3.726 billion from P3.395 billion, while costs expanded by 10.61% to P1.783 billion from P1.612 billion.

Robinsons to open mall, hotel in Butuan City this year.

PAL launches new routes to Australia, China, ME PURSUING an aggressive route expansion, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) yesterday launched the flights to six (6) new destinations in Australia, China and the Middle East. PAL president Ramon S. Ang said PAL’s new destinations are Kuala Lumpur (May 1); Brisbane, Darwin and Perth in Australia and Guangzhou, China (June 1); and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (October 1). Ang said PAL is launching the new routes in response to the clamor for more flights to these destinations. “Australia, Kuala Lumpur and Guangzhou are major destinations for business and leisure. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, has a large concentration of OFWs, making it a prime destination in the Middle East,” he explained. Tickets for Kuala Lumpur and the new Australian

routes are now on sale, while tickets for Guangzhou and Abu Dhabi will be sold starting March 15. PAL is offering special promo rates for early birds. The new ser vice to Kuala Lumpur (PR 517) departs Manila every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:55AM. Manila-Guangzhou (PR 382) flies every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 10:30PM and arrives 12:45AM. Manila-Darwin (PR 221), departsManilaevery Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:05PM and arrivesDarwinat 4:00AM (next day); Manila-Brisbane (viaDarwin) follows the same departure schedule but arrives inBrisbaneat 9:20AM (next day). Manila-Perth (PR 219 via Darwin) leaves Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 10:25PM and arrives

in Perth at 7:50AM (next day). PAL’s Abu Dhabi flight (PR 656) departs Manila daily at 4:25PM and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 9:45PM. The addition of six new routes brings to 34 PAL’s total number of international destinations (including Manila). Aside from route expansion, fleet modernization and inflight service enhancements are the three pillars of growth earlier identified by Ang. Adopting a new campaign tagline ‘Your home in the sky,” PAL hopes to bring its uniquely Filipino style of warm “at home” service to its passengers to and from the Philippines. PAL passengers will also enjoy the flag carrier’s delectable menu created by select master chefs, inf light amenities and topnotch entertainment systems.

Air Asia buys 49% of Zest Air

THE Philippine unit of the Southeast Asia’s largest lowcost carrier has acquired 49 percent of Zest Airways. Under the strategic alliance agreement between Air Asia Philippines and Ambassador Alfredo Yao, the Philippine unit of Malaysia’s Air Asia will invest in the Zest Air Group by acquiring 49 percent of Zest Airways Inc and 100 percent of Asiawide Airways. Air Asia will also infuse funds into the local airline to augment working capital. Yao, in turn, will subscribe to Air Asia Philippines’ shares. The agreement will still need regulatory approval. Marriane Hontiveros, chief executive of Air Asia Philippines, said the strategic alliance between the two airlines shared a common vision of providing passengers with the best value fare possible that enables them to fly to various destinations.

“This proposed investment in the Zest Group will complement the strategies for future growth of PAA, which current operates out of Clark,” Hontiveros said. “This will allow us to leverage on out respective strengths, which in the case of Zest Air, include its operations out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which constitutes majority of air traffic in the Philippines.” she added. Hontiveros also said Zest Air constitutes ma-

jority of the air traffic in the county and a strong domestic network which feed into its current international routes. Owned by former ambassador Alfredo Yao, Zest Air operates in 20 local destinations out of Manila and Clark. The Philippine lowcost carrier flies from Manila to Incheon and Pusan in Korea, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Taipei and Jinjian City in Fujian, China. In addition, the airline has direct flights to Beijing and

other Chinese destinations from the Kalibo and Cebu airports. Zest Air is working for flight entitlements to the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Air Asia Inc, on the other hand, operates out of Clark to Singapore, Taipei, Thailand, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong. For domestic destinations, the airline flies to Davao and Kalibo. Air Asia Philippines is 40 percent owned by Malaysia’s Air Asia through AA International. The remaining 60-percent is held in equal partnership by Maan Hontiveros, businessmen Michael Romero and Antonio Cojuangco. Earlier, Yao said Zest Air was in talks with Hainan Air and two other Asian carriers for the sale of at least a 40 percent stake in the Philippine carrier.

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Opinion

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The BusinessWeek Mindanao is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Advertising and Promotions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the week with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certificate No. 00875701, and with Business Permit No. 2010-5698, TIN No. 946-396-807 – Non VAT. Tel. Nos.: (088)8578447, 74-5380, 0923-432-0687, 0917-7121424

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Voters Education

HARRY TAMBUATCO

THE Comelec needs to initiate vision in their campaign to address the priority issues to educate voters about elections. The tedious and apparent strategy to police violations by candidates should be relegated to the police units be it for the MMDA, the PNP and or the even the Barangays and village home owner associations. The Comelec need not go after campaign spending other than require media to be strict in monitoring expenses and submit to the BIR no less an audited report as required by law and should these agencies not follow to the letter for the duration of the campaign period, report them to the executive and the judiciary to suffer its consequences. But instead there is talk or reprimand for color coding on TV appearances. There is talk of poster sizes disregarding the content of the message of the posters (with reference to the Church; which is correctly positioned

THINK a minute… No one knows for sure who wrote this following statement. Ever y time I quote it, I still have the same amazement. It’s a good, important reminder to us at this Christmas time. “He was born in a small, unimportant village, the baby of a teenage girl. He grew up in a low-class, backward area. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was 30 years old. Then for just 3 years he was a travelling teacher. He never wrote a book. He never held a political po-

by the way as to team Patay and team Buhay). If only the Comelec would address the constitutional issues like dynasties, equal opportunity towards public service, auditing the performance and promises of failed leaders who persist in their fiefdoms. Another issue would be the unregulated media TV spending where all the monies go. A significant portion of the candidates expenses especially for national positions are spent on the two giant networks amounting to billions. Can you imagine how these candidates will make every effort to get back what they call investment or what we call expense. We have a government TV channel that is nationwide that has close to no content. Should we utilize this Network we can limit the TV spending if not restrict it all together and instead provide for free the candidates platforms and messages months on end before the election to generate the awareness and promises of politicians at the same time equalizing the playing field for the poorer candidates. This way there will be less if no significant expense these candidates will try and retrieve while in office. The Comelec can also address corruption and the traditional politicians who have lorded for decades who by the way many of whom have pending criminal and tambuatco/PAGE 7

sition of respect and power. He never owned a home. He never had his own family. He never went to university. He never travelled more than 200 miles from the place he was born. He never did any of the things we call successful or great. While he was still a young man, public opinion turned against him. His closest friends ran away and abandoned him. He was betrayed and given over to his enemies to go through a completely untrue, unfair trial. Then He was tortured and killed between 2 evil criminals.

While he was dying, his executioners gambled for the only thing he owned on earth: his coat. Then after he was dead he was put in a borrowed grave. About 2000 years now have come and gone, yet today he’s still the most fa mous, impor ta nt person of the human race. All the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever sailed, and all the governments and kings that have ever ruled, all put together, have not changed as many lives as this One Life.

Think a minute

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

So today, why not ask Jesus Christ to start changing your life? Just think a minute…

Exercising parental authority

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FR. ROY CIMAGALA EXERCISING authority is always both a delicate and rewarding duty. This is especially so when done toward growing children. That’s where one’s integrity and the authenticity of his love, with its usual demand for sacrifice, can be shown, as well as developed. That’s because it’s in the home, living with the children 24/7, where the battlefront of this exercise is located. In other aspects of our life, as in our profession, social or political life, the exercise of authority can be intermittent and can easily be delegated to others.

The Financial Doctor

dr. adonis agcopra, mba, rfc®

YOU have started to learn the ins and outs of investing your money. And perhaps for the first time ever, you are now actually doing it! Welcome to the club of the investors – those who are making their money work for them. But have you actually asked yourself why are you growing your money? What are you investing for? What are your investment goa ls? W hen wou ld you need it? We have so many reasons

Not quite so in the family, with children still growing up. We, of course, know that the power and authority we may have over the others is always a participation of the authority of God. And such authority should be exercised with God’s will always in mind. That’s what St. Paul clarified. In his letter to the Romans, he said, “There is no power but from God, and those that are, are ordained of God.” (13,1) We need to be clear about this, because many times we can feel that the authority we wield is simply ours. Or that our authority comes from us individually or personally, or from among ourselves through some consensus, and that it can be used to pursue solely our own goals and designs. This point has to be brought out because big sectors in society today, especially those influenced by leftist and Godless ideologies, consider authority as simply originating from them. They confuse the divine

beginning and end of authority with the mechanics of who to assign it among ourselves, what its coverage is, how to exercise it, etc., all of which can be decided among ourselves. Of course, in the context of the family, parental authority is easily recognized by the children. No need to figure it out through some election or other screening processes. What is to be kept in mind more is that this parental authority be maintained and done properly. But how can we do this? I suppose that first of all we have to be reminded that power and authority has to be used as an expression of love, shown in deeds of service, and not regarded as an entitlement to some privilege or advantage over the others. Christ himself warned his disciples about this. He said: “You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them, and they that are greater exercise power upon them. “It shall not be so among you. But whoever will be

the greater among you, let him be your minister, and he that will be first among you, shall be your servant, even as the Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve...” (Mt 20,25-27) In the context of the family, the parental authority can be done well if it is exercised to give the children the basic equipment to become better persons and ultimately, better children of God. This can happen if the parents can show by consistent example to their children that they are happy with their own lives that are dedicated in pursuit of the love of God in all aspects of their lives. Besides that, they should exercise their authority with due respect and an unconditional love for their children, treating them as they are but slowly molding them to be good persons and children of God. This is how the parents can gain their children’s trust and confidence in an increasingly meaningful way. Children are usually observant of their parents cimagala/PAGE 7

Why do you invest? for growing our money. These may either be generic or personal. But growing your money for no reason at all might lead you nowhere. Being able to retire with a comfortable lifestyle someday is perhaps the most common generic investment goal for all. Would you in your right mind plan to still work actively for your entire lifetime even if the physical strength that you once had is already waning? That retirement – whether by choice or by force – may come in early for some, or perhaps by the age of 60 for many. Retirement for most is attaining that state of not being obliged to work actively, even if you do not want to, just to earn your keep. For by then, you should have already accumulated enough balanced assets that can support your chosen lifestyle for the rest of your life. For many families, another common goal is to

prepare adequate funds for the education of the children in due time. If the college you would like to send your child to in ten years’ time currently charges P150,000 in annual school fees, would you have an idea how much should you have saved by then? Other reasons may be personal and varies from individual to individual. That might be having funds to start building your dream house in five years. Or that cou ld be enjoy ing your dream family vacation in one of those exotic places in a year or two. Perhaps it could even be accumulating more than enough wealth for altruism, and helping others for a noble cause! Nevertheless, whatever those goals are, the most important questions you need to be asking would be: Are my goals realistic? Are they monetized into the right figures? Are my assumptions with regards

to returns correct and realistic? In setting future financial goals, you need to establish how much is enough and when would you need it. For only then would you be able to know if you have reached your investment target. Only then would you be able to select the best portfolio from the investment py ramid with the appropriate mix of risk, return and liquidity to match your investing horizon and profile. Being able to come up with the right assumptions and projections for your future lifetime financial goals might need the help of a reliable financial professional. Act now! ---- (Dr. Adonis Agcopra, MBA, CIS, RFC® is with the IARFC and is portfolio director of AFIC Meridian Consultants. URL: www. aficfinancialconsultants. com. Email: aficfinancialconsultants@outlook.com.)

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Power... from page 1

during the coming mid-term election in May. In a statement, the NGCP said a special task force was already created which will be responsible for the smooth transmission of electricity and creation of contingency plans and measures during the election. Accord i ng to NG CP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP’s task force has commenced its operation as early as February 2013 and will work 24/7 from May 10 to 17, 2013, covering the date of the election which is May 13. “NGCP creates a task force every election season to guarantee uninterrupted power transmission, and this election will be no different. Part of the task force’s mandate is to secure the lines and substations from any threats to avoid unplanned outages,” explained Alabanza. “Of course, NGCP can only guarantee that there will be no transmission related interruptions. Any power interruption caused by other factors, such as generation deficiencies, or those pertaining to distribution utility operations, are beyond our control,” she stressed. As part of its preparations, NGCP will defer its regular maintenance activities 1 week before and 1 week after the election to make all the transmission assets available for power delivery. Alabanza assured, “We will make sure that power delivery is excellent and transmission lines and equipment are at their best to ensure that we have electricity for the voting machines.” “NGCP’s task force is aligned with the Power Task Force created by DOE. We shall be in constant coordination with them and with other agencies in the power industry, to ensure that we have a power interruption free election this year,” said Alabanza.

Cable... from page 1

Mr. Paras said the new service does not involve the installation of any new cables for their existing Parasat CATV and Cable 21 internet subscribers except the special modems with voice ports and can be activated immediately. All three services can also be operated simultaneously by the Triple Play subscriber without any degradation of any of the three services, he added. “All calls to Bayan Telecommunications 200,000 existing subscribers nationwide are free,” said Mikhail Rio P. Villacin, sales headMindanao who represented Bayan at the launch. “Callers will also be able to call subscribers of other land line systems since interconnection is mandated by law.” Parasat began offering CATV services in Cagayan de Oro City in 2000 and now serves the adjacent municipalities of Opol, Tagoloan, Ba lingasag, Vi l la nueva,

Jasaan in Misamis Oriental. It also has affiliates in the cities of Malaybalay, Valencia and Don Carlos, Bukidnon and San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. It is one of the remaining independent CATV companies following the consolidation of the industry into some big players and medium-sized independent operators. Parasat had its humble beginnings in 1976 as an electronics retail store and repair shop known as Paras Electro-Industrial Systems. It offered customized music cassette tape recording and video (betamax) rentals, and specialized in the installation of high-end sound systems for discotheques which were then in vogue like Mindanao Hotel’s Salamin and Alta Tierra in Cagayan de Oro, Hotel del Rio in Iloilo and Xenon disco in Davao. Paras Electro also pioneered the installation of widescreen TV screens in fast foods and restaurants which were hooked up to video cassette recorders and satellite television featuring NBA Basketball and world boxing mega matches. In 1985, Mr. Paras started manufacturing satellite dishes and television receive only (TVRO) systems which became an unwitting player in Philippine history when it beamed the 1986 EDSA Revolution and the 1990 Gulf War live to the living rooms of Kagay-anons via the then f ledgling Cable News Network, now better known as CNN. But it was in 1989 when Executive Order 205 deregulating the cable TV industry was signed by Pres. Corazon Aquino that business really took off as CATV operators all over the country made a beeline to Parasat’s humble office in Cruz Taal Street to order their TVRO systems. In 1991, Paras established Parasat Cable TV, Inc. as the first ever CATV system in Mindanao. With an initial investment of P200, 000 and less than 10 employees, its headend was the backyard of the Paras residence in Villa Ernesto Subdivision in Gusa. With an initial offering of 12 channels, the service was first offered to their neighbors in the subdivision. Today, Parasat Cable continues to grow and has given birth to diversified interests in adventure sports (Dahilayan Adventure Park/ Great White Water Tours), coffee shop (Coffee Works), salon and spa (Vanity Works and Ban Sabai), call center/ BPO ( Arriba Telecontact and Paramedix Inc.).

Scam... from page 1

installments and inviting three other persons to do the same. “The public is hereby warned that the offering to the public of insurance and pre-need plans such as life insurance and memorial plans without the proper license from the Insurance Commission is strictly prohibited by law,” the SEC noted.

“Before investing, make sure that the company offering life insurance and pre-need plans is properly registered with the SEC, and licensed to offer pre-need plans and life insurance by the Insurance Commission.” Just last week, the SEC warned the public of a pyramid scheme targeting teachers in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur that promises to double in six months an initial investment of P16,800. Last January, SEC also warned of a similar scam in Imus, Cavite that offers unsustainable returns on initial investment ranging from as low as P3,000 to as much as P1.2 million. The corporate regulator had been ramping up investor protection efforts since October last year, when it ordered Aman Futures Group Philippines, Inc. -- a Pasay City-based firm with operations in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur -- to stop offering unregistered securities to the public after the group was charged with siphoning roughly P12 billion from the Visayas- and Mindanao-based investors.

Surveys... from page 1

said Ejercito Estrada. The San Juan solon has vowed to pursue measures that will ensure that economic growth rates being posted by the Philippines would translate into more decent jobs for Filipinos. Ejercito Estrada, son of former President Joseph Estrada, is a consistent top performer in pre-election surveys conducted by Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations.

4Ps...

from page 2

receive as much as P1,400 monthly. For these cash grants to be sustained beneficiaries should comply with certain conditions, including preand post-natal care for pregnant mothers, attendance of parents to the Family Development Sessions, regular preventive check-ups and vaccination of 0 to 5 year old children, attendance to day care or pre-school classes at least 85 percent of the time by three-to-five year old children, and enrolment and 85 percent attendance of six to 14-year-old children in elementary or high school as well as compliance to the twice-a-year deworming of 6sixto 14-year-old children. Mea nwhi le, assista nt regional director and CCT project manager Gemma Rivera, welcomed the World Bank’s recent findings citing the program on tract in terms of meeting goals keeping Children Healthy and in School. The World Bank also cited that CCT is on track to achieve its objectives in promoting investments in the health and education of children while providing immediate financial support to poor families. Under World Bank’s report, “Philippines Condition-

al Cash Transfer Program, Impact Evaluation 2012,” it confirms that children of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are enrolling and attending schools, with improved health due to regular visits to health stations, and pregnant mothers getting proper care.

Cimagala... from page 6

and tend to imitate them even automatically. If they see their parents praying and how that prayer is helping their parents, making them happy and at the same time able to cope with all the challenges of life, then the children will just develop a love for prayer and the a love for cultivating a life of faith and hope. How parents react to the different events and circumstances of life, both good and bad, happy and sad, is also how the children will learn to react in similar events and circumstances. That’s why parents really have to spend time with the children. They should see to it that they organize their life, especially in the aspect of their profession and other social obligations, such that the quality time with the children is not compromised. They have to cultivate healthy family practices and traditions to foster family life, and to exercise parental authority effectively, and even with the children not noticing it.

Tambuatco... from page 6

civil cases in courts. As for those who have records for violations they should be automatically disqualified but no, instead they are recruited into the commission and given more authority. There is a dire need to educate voters be it for the flunky machines we are about to undertake and with priority the agenda of politicians. Legislators should ideally promote specifically what it is they propose to legislate other than the usual better education, health and security which is synonymous to the administrative positions. There is a need to up grade the moral standing of candidates the Comelec can begin to address. Candidates should stand to be leading examples for good not with reputations for being exconvicts, killers, corruptors, gamblers, womanizers, etc. Need more be said? Then there is the issue of competent commissioners who should be required to be IT experts and not necessarily lawyers.

Ensure...

from page 8 items in the three provinces to prevent a shortage and undue increase in prices. He instructed Administrator Orlan Calayag of the DA’s National Food Authority to sustain the delivery of rice, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and respective local governments units (LGUs).

Sec. Alcala also instructed the DA regional directors in Mindanao to send additional supply of cassava, which also serves as a major staple, to Tawi-tawi and Sulu. In a report to Sec. Alcala, Calayag said the NFA as of March 9, has delivered an initial 2,200 bags (50 kilos each) to Tawi-tawi and Sulu (at 1,000 bags each), and 200 bags in Zamboanga City. The DSWD has allotted the rice for Filipino returnees from Sabah. The NFA is shipping 180 to 250 bags of rice, two to three times a week, to Suu, and the NFA regional office in Davao is ready to ship 50,000 bags to Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Calayag said. Other NFAl regional offices, particularly in Metro Manila or NCR and Region 6 (Western Visayas), are also set to send additional rice stocks to Zamboanga for delivery to the country’s three southernmost provinces, and cater to the needs of Filipinos returning from Sabah.

Implements... from page 8

scaled up to reach and engage a bigger number of ARBs/ ARB households. With this, 30 cooperatives nationwide will be developed as microfinance conduits of which one cooperative has been selected as project partner in Zamboanga del Norte. This co-op is the Langatian Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Lacarbemco) of Langatian, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. As part of the formal start of the program, the co-op underwent a microfinance capacity development program orientation, planning and initial mentoring and technical guidance session. To ma x imize project resources, the initial mentoring and technical guidance (MATG) will focus on the review of the articles of cooperation and by-laws and vision-mission-goals and objective have been conducted vis-a-vis the project orientation session with the co-op officers, staff, selected clients as well as the municipal agrarian reform officer as participants. The microfinance project intends to reach out to more ARBs needing micro-agri financial and non-financial services, as microfinance is an effective tool for poverty alleviation. After the said training, the cooperative has been brought to Kimaya Peoples Multipurpose Cooperative in

7

Jasaan, Misamis Oriental for a learning expedition in order to familiarize its selected officers and management staff with the operation and implementation of microfinance in the community. OIC-PARO Raul J. Sy,said during the opening ceremony that he hopes, “This program will succeed and for them to work hand in hand for the development of the cooperative.”

Win...

from page 10

as, to discover Mathematical talents among the youth. The competition also serves as a venue for young Math-enthusiasts to enhance their skills in Mathematics. The regional elimination was conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the ARMM in partnership with Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP). The Math challenge regional winners will represent ARMM in the national finals.

Pnoy... from page 11

there must be a complaint from the IP right owner,” he said. The new law also creates the Bureau of Copyright and Other Related Rights under IPO. The bureau will be in charge of policy formulation, rule making, adjudication, research, and education. The law mandates the accreditation of collective management organizations or CMOs, whose job will be to ensure the protection of the rights and financial benefits of copyright owners. It allows the non-commercial reproduction of copyrighted works for use by people with hearing, eyesight and reading problems. With the amendments, Rodriguez said the government’s campaign against IP pirates, infringers and criminal syndicates would be strengthened. “Ordinary citizens, like returning Filipinos and overseas workers, students, and members of the academe, have nothing to fear. The amendments are meant to protect the Filipino artists and creators, while making copyrighted works accessible to more Filipinos,” he said.

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Wednesday-Thursday I Mar. 13-14, 2013

Aggie News

BFAR sees 50,000-MT hike in tuna landings By ALLEN ESTABILLO, Contributor

GENERAL Santos City -- Fisheries officials are projecting an increase of around 50,000 metric tons (MT) in the country’s annual tuna landings once tuna fishing companies here complete the deployment of their 36-vessel quota into the reopened high seas of the tunarich western Pacific Ocean.

Lawyer Asis Perez, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) national director, said tuna fishing companies based in this city have already deployed 14 catcher vessels into the Pocket 1 of the westernPacific Ocean’s high seas since it was reopened to Philippines-based fishing vessels in September last year. “We have 14 vessels operating in the area right now. That (number) would have been 20 already if not for typhoon Pablo,” he said in an interview. He said six of the tuna catcher vessels that resumed operations in the area last year had went missing and were presumed to have sunk following the onslaught of typhoon “Pablo” off Mindanao’s eastern seaboard last December 4. A total of 47 fishing vessels owned by tuna fishing companies based in this city went missing at the height of the super typhoon. Eight bodies were recovered while 352 crew members from the area remained missing and were so far presumed dead. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) reopened Pocket 1 of the Pacific high seas to local fishing f leets in September last year following an extended fishing ban that started on Jan. 1, 2010. Pocket 1 is located in an area of about 590,000 square kilometers north of Papua New Guinea and east of southern Indonesia, which are areas closest to the Philippines and where local purse seine tuna fish-

ing companies operate. The WCPFC, a treatybased organization that leads the conservation and management of fish stocks in the Pacific Ocean, initially imposed a two-year fishing ban in Pockets 1 and 2 of the high seas in the western and eastern areas to replenish the dwindling stocks of the highly migratory tuna species. The ban was imposed on all its 25-member countries and 10 other observer-states as a result of scientific studies and the emergence of statistics that showed the drastic decline of tuna fish stocks, especially bigeye and yellowfin tuna. Dr. Alma Dickson, chief of BFAR’s Marine Fisheries Development Center, said they were assisting tuna fishing companies in properly complying with the requirements set by the WCPFC for fishing vessels to facilitate their deployment into the reopened high seas. She said these include the installation of a vessel monitoring system (VMS), deployment of an observer and the use of appropriate net size to prevent catching of juvenile tuna. The WCPFC earlier set that “purse seine net shall have mesh sizes not less than 3.5 inches starting at the mid-body to the entire wing while ring nets shall have mesh sizes not less than 3.5 inches at both wings.” Dickson said most fishing companies have been facing difficulty in complying with the fish net requirement due to their high costs. “A V M S on l y c o s t s around P180,000 but the

nets could costmillions,” she said. Perez said they were hoping that local tuna fishing companies would be able to fill up their 36-vessel quota within the year. “Our main consideration in meeting that quota is the additional catch of around 50,000 MT that we will get there. Based on our assessment, each vessel deployed there could produce around 20 tons of tuna on a good day,” he said. The fishport complex here recorded a total of 244,472 MT in total fish landings last year, about half of which comprised tuna species that were either exported fresh or processed by the six tuna canneries based in the city. In 2011, the Philippine Fi s her ie s D e ve lopment Authority (PFDA), which operates the city’s fishport complex, reported a total of 97,013 MT in tuna landings out of the 212,638 MT in total fish landings. A PFDA repor t cited that the fishport complex’s total fish landings last year still increased significantly despite the noted drop in commercial fishing vessel arrivals from 15,014 in 2011 to just 13,922 in 2012. During the first three quarters of 2012, the Nat iona l St at ist ic s O f f ice (NSO) noted a 128.7-percent increase in the country’s tuna exports (fresh, frozen, prepared or preserved in airtight containers), with total receipts valued at US$ 47.99 million. Tuna, which generated total receipts of about US$ 21 million last year, posted the highest annual increase among the country’s top 10 exports, NSO said. Tuna, which posts average export receipts of US$ 250 million yearly, remains the biggest export earner for this city and contributes around 50 percent to the area’s economy. (PNA)

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SARDINE CLOSE SEASON: Atty. Asis G. Perez, national director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) opens the Mindanao-wide Environmental Media Conference aboard MV DA-BFAR off the coast of Zamboanga Peninsula Straight and East Sulu Sea, March 7-10, this year. The activity also marked the Ceremonial Lifting of the Zamboanga Sardine Closed Season. photo by arjay s . felicilda , minstar and minpressdev

PNoy boosts agri sector to foreign investors PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III boosted the country’s agricultural sector to foreign investors on Tuesday, inviting them to be part of its “rise” as it works towards the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice this year. “If there is anyone interested out there in being a part of the rise of the Philippine agricultural sector, our Agribusiness Lands Investment Center will be more than happy to conduct briefings for you,” he told the attendees of the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum

in Makati City on Tuesday. Aquino also said that the country hopes to “regain [its] footing in the export markets by exporting 100 metric tons [MT] of high-quality rice in 2013.” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and National Rice Program coordinator Dante Delima earlier said that the Philippines plans to export 50 to 100 MT of premium rice—heirloom rice varieties from Benguet and colored rice varieties from Quezon and the Mindanao region—to Hong

Kong, Macau, and Europe this year. Aquino also emphasized that the agricultural sector, which employed 12.1 million as of 2012, is one of the government’s priority areas. He noted that its budget has been increased by 22 percent to P75 billion this year from P61.4 billion last year. “This will fund the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, enhance irrigation systems, and provide support services, among others,” he said.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) will provide additional supply of rice and basic food items in Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Basilan to satisfy

the increased demand due to the inf lux of returning Filipinos and refugees from Sabah. Agriculture Secretary

Proceso J. Alcala has instructed concerned DA officials to ensure a steady supply of rice of other basic food ensure/PAGE 7

DA to ensure rice, food supply in Tawi-tawi, Sulu

DAR implements microfinance capacity project DIPOLOG City -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. jointly implemented the Microfinance Capacity Development Project for Partner Organizations (MCDPPO) to provide sustained credit access to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by developing ARB cooperatives as microfinance conduits. Because of the significant performance of the project and the need to adopt a more sustainable approach through the complementation of financial and non-financial services in its implementation, the project has been implements/PAGE 7

LPI-EWS FIELD VISIT/EDUCATIONAL TOUR. WITH the target of properly capturing the livestock and poultry meat market of the region that would be reflected in situationer reports, the Livestock and Poultry Information and Early Warning System (LPI-EWS) team of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao recently went on a field visit/educational tour to two (2) different processing plants within Cagayan de Oro City. Through the activity, the team learned the source and amount of supply that goes to such processing plants, particularly noting the livestock and poultry producers’ challenge in meeting specifications for them to gain entry to more business ventures in the city. Above photo shows Production Team Leader Bryan Gam (standing) prepping the LPI-EWS team before entering a processing plant’s chicharon production station. joanne l . olson , da-10

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Wednesday-Thursday I Mar. 13-14, 2013

RTWPB-10 calls on entrepreneurs to join Productivity Olympics THE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Region 10 (RTWPB-10) is calling all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to participate in the 2013 Productivity Olympics. The Olympics is a national competition for best productivity programs or practices focused on business excellence and resource management of MSMEs nationwide. It is organized by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) in coordination with all its tripartite boards. The Olympics aims to intensify national awareness and commitment to quality and productivity. It also seeks to enhance establishment’s performance in quality and productivity, as well as, showcase the best

productivity improvement programs and practices. According to RTWPB-10, awards and incentives await the 2013 winners such as Productivity Olympics trophy, cash award, use of Productivity Olympics 2013 award logo for publicity purposes for three consecutive years, and priority endorsement to other training programs and services of the NWPC/ RTWPBs and other agencies of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Interested MSMEs can download the nomination form from the NWPC website at www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph or they may also inquire from the RTWPB office. The last day of submission is on June 30 while the awarding will be held in October in line with the celebration of the National Quality and Productivity Month.”

Marawi City kids win regional eliminations of Metrobank Math tilt MARAWI City -- Four kids from the Marawi City School Division topped the recently concluded Metrobank Math Challenge 2013 regional eliminations. Siddiykh Goling, Majit Rasul Macaalia, Ishihaya Magumpara and Moh’d Yusoph Marohom bested other math-enthusiasts from the nine participating Schools Division in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Goling and Macaalia won in the Team Category for

the Fourth Year level while Magumpara and Marohom emerged as winners in the same category for the Grade Six level. Goling and Magumpara also won as regional champions in the Individual Category for Fourth Year and Grade Six levels, respectively. The Metrobank Math Challenge is an annual competition that aims to awaken greater interest in Mathematics among elementary and high school students, as well win/PAGE 7

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A whole lot of greens at the Worldbex 2013

SUSTAINING not only the minds of the building and construction industry but the environment we live in as well, the 18th Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition – WORLDBEX 2013 with the theme “ON SOLID GROUND” sets to break open with solid green products on display this March 13-17, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the World Trade Center Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center. Worldbex, being t he country’s largest and much attended construction exposition, has always been active in promoting sustainable construction efforts for the environment while putting on show the latest streak of eco friendly construction products that is highly certified to be green. And for this expo, twice as much greens are at hand as the products promises to be more than just

green, they are solid green. Coming to invade shelves this March is the new Boysen Cool Shades heat reflecting roof paint. This latest colored roof contains infrared-reflecting pigment technology that repels infrared light before it turns into heat. Cool shades also has 100 percent acrylic binder that provides excellent dirt pick up, having the ability to preserve heat reflective properties over time helping

any home to cool down for the upcoming summer heat. Making a green entrance as well is the all new LED lights and bulbs collections of Akari. LEDs are known to produce light brighter than your usual home lights and bulbs without the surge on your electric bills. The APO Realwood collection on the other hand is a collection of 100% engineered wood which is comes from an FSC certified forest concession. APO Realwood is also infestation-free ensuring the industry of a clean environment, healthy indoor air quality with definitely no harmful emissions. Another innovative product is the “SCG Cooling System”. The system, which can be installed on ceilings and walls, helps prevent too much

THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office 10 reminded all state workers in the region to submit their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) before April 30. CSC-10 Regional Director Lourdes Clavite-Vidal reiterated that the revised SALN form will be used for declaration of properties and other required disclosure.

The Commission has earlier issued CSC memorandum Circular No. 2, s. 2013 on the use of the revised SALN form as well as the prescribed guidelines in the filing out of the form. The SALN, which is a declaration of assets, liabilities, and business or financial interests of a state worker, should reflect information as of December 31, 2012.

The submission is required by law under the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees. Failure to submit SALN is punishable with suspension of one to six months for the first offense and dismissal from service for the second offense. Vidal clarified that the submission of SALN is still

heat from transferring into the house while also helping to conserve energy. The materials used in the insulation are Green-3, a hygienic and eco-friendly product, and HyrotectTM, a water-resistant material that helps to improve durability. These, plus sustainable talks and seminars are all lined up in this one massive construction exposition one should not dare to miss. Discover more sustainable products and industry efforts at hand only at the 18th Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition – WORLDBEX 2013 “ON SOLID GROUND” taking the lead this March 13-17, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the World Trade Center Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center.

lodged with the appropriate government agency mentioned under Section 8 of RA 6713 such as the Office of the President, Office of the Ombudsman and the CSC as the case may be. The revised SALN form, guidelines in the filing out of the form, and other attachments may be downloaded from the CSC website www. csc.gov.ph.

CSC-10 reminds state workers to file SALN before April 30

Cebu Pacific gets new aircraft delivery THE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific Air took delivery of its 43rd aircraft last March 7, 2013, just in time for CEB’s 17th anniversary. Acquired brand-new from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany, CEB’s 43rd aircraft is the 2nd Airbus A320 aircraft in the Philippines equipped with Sharklets, a new fuel-saving wing tip device. CEB now operates the largest Airbus fleet in the Philippines with 25 Airbus

A320 and 10 A319 aircraft. It also operates 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. With this fleet, CEB is set to add flights during the Holy Week period to accommodate demand, and provide more opportunities for travel. It will mount an additional daily flight from Manila to Hong Kong from March 20 to 30, 2013. There will also be an additional flight from Manila to Legazpi on March 27-28, as well as an additional flight from Manila to Naga

on March 28 and 30. Travelers bound for Puerto Princesa from Manila may also book seats on CEB’s additional flight on March 29, 2013. Bookings may be done through www.cebupacificair. com or reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)2308888. CEB operates the most extensive network in the Philippines with 34 domestic destinations and hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, Kalibo and Davao. It of-

fers 21 international destinations, namely Bangkok, Bali, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon (Seoul), Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Xiamen. Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 51 more aircraft: 17 Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo and 4 A330-300 aircraft orders.

BUTUAN City -- The Department of Health-Center for Health (DOH-CHD)-Caraga is commemorating rabies awareness month this March. During the media forum held here recently, Rabies Nu r s e C o ord i nator M s . Lourdes Plaza said rabies remains a public health problem in the Philippines. The annual incidence of rabies from 1987 to 1997 ranged form five to nine cases per million population. Approximately 300 to 600

Filipinos die of rabies every year. In Caraga Region, nine rabies deaths occurred in 2011 and 3 in 2012. Plaza also said the decline is attributed to the following factors: increased level of awareness among the public where and when to seek immediate treatment, establishment of Animal Bite Treatment Centers in strategic areas regionwide with trained doctors and nurses, good referral system, intensive advocacy on Responsible Pet

Ownership, close collaboration with partner agencies, strong support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), and enforcement of RA 9482 or Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. The Department of Agriculture also strengthened their dog vaccination activities. March of every year is celebrated in the Philippines as Rabies Awareness Month to create and focus the public’s consciousness with this fatal disease. For this year’s celebration the theme is “Working

together for a Rabies-Free Philippines: Register and Vaccinate your Dog.” With the aim of eliminating rabies and declaring the Philippines Rabies-Free in 2020, the Department of Health through its Centers for Health Development, provides technical assistance, logistics and health promotion activities to LGUs, partner agencies and the community to ensure full implementation of the Law especially on Responsible Pet Ownership.

March is Rabies Awareness Month

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Solons laud signing of law rationalizing taxes on int’l carriers HOUSE members welcomed President Aquino’s recent signing of Republic Act No. 10374, which recognizes the principle of reciprocity as basis for the tax relief to foreign carriers and rationalizes other taxes paid by international carriers in the country. According to the lawmakers, RA 10374 will boost tourism in the Philippines by enhancing the country’s international air transport connectivity which is the most crucial infrastructure linking the country to the gross tourism market. [Hon. Isidro Ungab] Rep. Isidro Ungab (3rd District, Davao City), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, which conducted hearings on House Bill 6022, the basis for RA 10374 along with Senate Bill 3343, said the new law has a direct impact on the operating costs of international airlines that can also benefit the passengers and the tourism industry. “The basis is reciprocity, which means that if we grant these incentives to a foreign air carrier, the country where the airline originates must also grant the same incentives to our local air carriers if they fly or operate in the said country,” said Ungab, one of the 12 authors of HB 6022. Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, (4h District, Isabela), also an author of HB 6022, said the law would ultimately benefit Filipinos, as it will encourage foreign airlines to continue business in the country. [Hon. Giorgidi Aggabao] “I am hoping that, in the immediate term, foreign airlines will continue to do business in the country, providing a robust competition to local airlines. Competition drives quality. Thus in the long term, the law will be most beneficial to all Filipinos,” said Aggabao, a Vice Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. [Hon. Hermilando Mandanas] Another author of the measure, Rep. Hermilando Mandanas (2nd District, Batangas) said the law would be “Great for our tourism. It will bring back direct flights

to Europe from Manila and back.” House Bill 6022, approved by the House on third and final reading on May 21, 2012, is also authored by Reps. Rodolfo Albano (1st District, Isabela), Tomas Apacible (1st District, Batangas), Jerry Treñas (Lone District, Iloilo City), Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Fernando Gonzalez (3rd District, Albay), Luis Villafuerte (3rd District, Camarines Sur), Roger Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte), Florencio Miraflores (Lone District, Aklan), and Elmer Panotes (2nd District, Camarines Norte). Last March 7, 2013, President Aquino signed RA 10374 “An Act Recognizing the Principle of Reciprocity as Basis for the Grant of Income Tax Exemptions to International Carriers and Rationalizing Other Taxes Imposed Thereon by Amending Sections 28(A)(3)(a), 109, 11 and 236 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as Amended, and For Other Purposes.” It provides that foreign carriers – both air and shipping – are exempted from paying the three percent Common Carriers Tax (CCT) imposed on passenger traffic only. Carriers will also be VAT (value added tax) exempt for the transport of passengers. The President said the passage of the law will only bring in more traffic, and facilitate connectivity among our countries” and that “everybody wins from our aviation industries, to our tourism industries, to the millions of our peoples who will have greater freedom in planning their trips.” Once it takes effect, the President said the law will exempt all international and shipping carriers from paying the three percent common carriers tax on receipts and income derived from transporting passengers. The carriers are also exempted from paying tax on the gross revenue derived from the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail provided that the same exemption is granted by the carrier’s home country to the Philippines.

11

P-Noy signs IP Code amendments NOW that President Aquino has signed a bill amending the Intellectual Property Code, there is no more limit to the entry of copyrighted products into the country for personal use. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, a principal author of the bill, made this clarification yesterday amid apprehensions raised by overseas Filipino workers and travelers that the new law bans the bringing in of products covered by intellectual property (IP) rights. The confusion arose from the deletion of two provisions

in the old law limiting the bringing in or importation of such products for personal use to only three copies. The President signed the amendments into law on Feb. 28. The new statute, denominated as Republic Act 10372. It takes effect 15 days after its publication in two national newspapers. Rodriguez said the deletion of the two provisions does not mean that the new law bans the bringing in of copyrighted products like books, music and films or movies. On the contrary, it means

that there is no more limit to the entry of these products, provided that they are for personal use, he said. The new law also allows religious, charitable and educational institutions to import more copies, “for as long as they are not infringing or pirated copies, so that more Filipino students in the country may use such works,” he said. He added that RA 10372 does not criminalize “jail breaking,” or the practice of tweaking a communications gadget or circumventing technological measures.

He pointed out that what is prohibited is the illegal downloading of copyrighted works as this would amount to violating a copyright. “Jail breaking is merely an aggravating circumstance that increases the penalty for copyright infringement,” he stressed. Rodriguez said the other major changes in the IP Code include the grant of police power to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines. “However, as IP rights remain to be private rights, pnoy/PAGE 7

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BusinessWeek Mindanao NewsCon is an hour-and-a-half long program with Awith a weekly recurring and unique feature segments. It comes to fore with special media PROVIDING our dear readers news conference that tackles different primarily issues in Northern and elsewhere is coverage, by the fourMindanao major newspapers in the with Team,a program plus otherthat media inquisitive, upbeat and intervening about a variety of topics of vital importance entities invited to join in the news conference for their regular coverage. to kagay-anons and the rest. week after President Benigno Aquino and Muslim rebel chieftain Murad Ebrahim led the launching of a socio-economic initiatives for Muslim communities in Mindanao, the historic event continues to draw accolades and praises from various civil groups and Moro residents. Aquino was accompa- ers,” Mark Navales, bureau nied by his Cabinet offi- chief for the regional cials led by Presidential newspaper Mindanao Expeace adviser Teresita aminer, said. Deles to the town of Sultan He said the Sajahatra Kudarat in Maguindanao Bangsamoro, which litermeans “Peace province, a stronghold of ally Moro Islamic Liberation Bangsamoro,” is also Front rebels now negotiat- aimed at uplifting the ing peace with the govern- health and education of MILF communities in the ment. Security was tight Muslim autonomous rethroughout the launching gion which comprises of “Sajahatra Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Bangsamoro” with army Maguindanao and Lanao soldiers and rebels guard- del Sur province, including the site where the ing the cities of Marawi event was held. Hundreds and Lamitan. During his visit, of Muslim villagers flocked to the area to wit- Aquino distributed health ness the historic event, insurance, college scholone journalist was cover- arships and technical voing Aquino’s visit said. cation training, including “It was really a historic education assistance to Isvisit and everybody was so lamic schools, among happy that finally the gov- other government proernment is now putting at- grams for the poor. tention and efforts to upAquino said his goal is lift the condition of Mus- to accelerate the transition lims in this part of the of MILF communities, country. I saw rebels and steeped in armed struggle, soldiers guarding the to a productive citizenry venue and there is this at- that buys into the national mosphere of camaraderie agenda, and contributes and brotherhood and to shared goal of equitable imagine from former foes, progress. He said the now they are peace broth- peace negotiations is

moving forward unhindered by secrecy and manipulation, and propelled by solidarity towards the shared goal of empowering every Filipino in the Muslim autonomous region. Aquino’s visit was the first of any Philippine president to a rebel stronghold to launch peace and development projects. In October, Aquino invited Ebrahim to the Presidential Palace to witness the signing of the Framework on the Bangsamoro Agreement which shall replace the current Muslim autonomous region. Under the accord, the government and the rebel group would intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction of poverty-stricken Muslim communities and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants and war refugees, according to Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte. “Even before a peace agreement is signed, you will see that it’s about providing the social services to the MILF and to the Moros in Mindanao because of the Framework Agreement. It shows also the sincerity of both sides as a

BusinessWeek is anconduit, hour-and-a-half long program withto Ultimately, BWMMindanao NewsCon,NewsCon as a weekly will help people find ways recurringessential and unique feature It comes to foreresponses with special answering questions andsegments. learning from prevailing that media experts coverage, primarily by the four major newspapers in the Team, plus other will shareentities as guests in the newsinconference. media invited to join the news conference for their regular coverage.

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President Aquino and MILF chieftain Murad Ebrahim during the launching of the 'Sajahatra Bangsamoro' in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao province. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Mark Navales) continuity to talk and to finalize the annexes in the Framework Agreement,” Valte said. Mike Pasigan, the MILF spokesman for Sajahatra Bangsamoro program, told the Philippine Information Agency that the head of their peace panel Mohagher Iqbal has also

affirmed the partnership of the parties in Sajahatra Bangsamoro. “Both sides have been working together in identifying and designing the projects that will address the immediate needs of Bangsamoro communities. The program will further strengthen the collabora-

tion between the government and the MILF as we build on the gains of the peace process. We believe that Sajahatra Bangsamoro is a step towards long-term development that will benefit not only the Bangsamoro people but all Filipinos,” Iqbal said. (Mindanao Examiner)

COTABATO CITY – Mahigpit ang pagbabantay ng mga netizens sa pangasiwaan ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao na kung saan ay tila wala pa rin humpay ang mga sumbong ukol sa ibatibang anomalya sa pamahalaan. Sa Facebook account ng grupong “ARMM WATCH” ay samut-sari ang batikos na tinatanggap ng ibatibang mga opisyal. Mga bintang ng pangungurakot mula sa mga ahensya hanggang sa luklukan ng kataastaasang tanggapan at kung anu-ano pa. Nagsisilbing mga mata at tainga ang naturang social-media watchdog sa mga kaganapan sa ARMM at iba't-ibang isyu ang binabantayan mula sa mga ghost teachers, nepotism at ang gastusin sa pondo ng ARMM. Isang miyembro nito ang nagsabing: "SO THE PUBLIC MAY KNOW. I have a reason to believe that there are still remaining "ghost teachers" in the ARMM who are receving salaries without really teaching or reporting for work for

the simple reason that they do not have the knowhow to perform the job. What they do is they pay other persons to do the dirty work while they do nothing at all. They are hard to find because they hide behind the veils of their protectors in the ARMM who are pretending to be champions of change and development. (Nota bene: Pasintabi po sa mga taong totoong maganda talaga ang hangarin sa ARMM)." Ilang beses na napaulat na maraming ghost teachers ang natanggal sa ARMM ng umupo si dating congressman Mujiv Hataman bilang officer-in-charge, at pinuri pa ito ng Pangulong Benigno Aquino at binansagan pa itong "ghost buster." Ngunit sa katotohanan ay wala pang 80 diumano ang nadiskubreng ghost teachers sa mga paaralan sa buong ARMM na kumukulekta ng sahod, ayon sa Department of Education. Wala rin balita kung may nasampahan ng kaso ukol sa mga anomalya at hanggang ngayon ay blanko pa rin ang publiko sa isyung ito. Nagsisilbi rin sum-

bungan ng mga mamamayan ang ARMM WATCH ukol sa kanilang mga napupuna at nakikita sa kapaligiran. Isang halimbawa ang pagbisita ni Pangulong Aquino kamakailan lamang sa Maguindanao, na bahagi ng ARMM, upang ilunsad ang “Sajahatra Bangsamoro” na kung saan ay namudmod ito ng mga Philhealth cards sa maraming mamamayan. Ngunit ito naman ang naging tugon ng isang mambabasa sa ARMM WATCH: “PNOY, magpatayo ka muna ng Hospitals, Schools, colleges at Universities sa ARMM para sa Bangsamoro people para sa ganun magamit nila yung mga pinamimigay mo na na mga Philhealth cards at scholars sa Bangsamoro... Useless kung itoy nakatago lang sa WALLET ng bawat Bangsamoro....hanggang sa itoy masira na lang at di nagamit...Aanhin mo pa yan kung di mo naman magamit...ilagay na lang ba sa frame at isabit sa Wall Street, NYC.” (Mindanao Examiner)

Ultimately, BWM NewsCon, as a weekly conduit, willthat helpthe people findpeople ways BusinessWeek Mindanao NewsCon’s Team believes earlier bantay-sarado sa ‘ARMM WATCH’ to answering essential questions and learning from prevailingARMM responses that understand the challenges and the probable solutions, the better off we will all experts will share as guests in the news conference. RUEL PELONE be in the long run. BusinessWeek Mindanao NewsCon’s Team believes that the earlier people understand the challenges and the probable solutions, the better off we will Welcome to the BusinessWeek Mindanao NewsCon! all be in the long run. Welcome to the BusinessWeek Mindanao NewsCon!

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09495449724 / 09064670148 (Cheng) or (088)856-3344, (08822)74-53-80 (Marketing Dept.) 0917-7121424 / 0947-8935776 (Dante) or 0949-5449724 / 0906-4670148 (Cheng) Poverty, aside from corruption, remains the biggest problem in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

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Century Properties bares strong demand for real estate projects LISTED real estate firm Century Properties Group Inc. said it likely sustained positive pre-sales growth in the first two months of 2013 after reporting strong sales take-up rate of 92 percent of its launched six residential and commercial projects. Company co-chief operating officer Marco R. Antonio said 12,289 units were sold of 23 launched buildings as of end-2012. Antonio attributed the high take-up sales to not just the high demand for property but also to the shift in market preferences for premium products that offer value, quality and investment potential. “The favorable economic backdrop helped boost market confidence and low homeownership rates are empowering end users and first time home buyers to make wise choices in their property purchases,” he said in a statement. For its projects within the affordable segment, Century reported that its P8-billion resort-inspired Azure Urban Resort Residences has pre-sold 96 percent for its

first seven buildings made available for sale. Its Quezon City development, the P4-billion Residences at Commonwealth by Century, has 92 percent of its first seven buildings launched. Century’s projects in the middle-income segment also posted strong pre-sales. The P7-billion Acqua Private Residences in Mandaluyong City has pre-sold of its first five buildings within the development. Acqua’s two branded residential towers, Acqua Livingstone interior design by MissoniHome and Acqua

Iguazu yoo inspired by Starck, added significant value to the property, where units are now sold at an average of P145,000 per square meter. The P3-billion Milano Residences with interiors designed by Versace Home and Trump Tower at Century City are pre-sold by 87 percent and 72 percent, respectively. Centuria Medical Makati, the medical arts and outpatient building rising within Century City, has pre-sold 84 percent of its 553 clinic spaces mostly to medical doctors and healthcare practitioners. (PNA)

SM Development Cor p. (SMDC) is applying for tax breaks for a mass housing project along Roxas Boulevard, a notice in newspapers said. SMDC “is applying for registration with the Board of Investments as a new developer of low cost mass housing on a non-pioneer status.” The tax breaks are for its Breeze Residences condominium in Pasay City which will have 1,938 units

when completed. If approved, SMDC will be able to get perks like a four-year income tax holiday and duty-free importation of equipment. Mass housing is one of the sectors listed in the 2012 Investment Priorities Plan. As of end-2012, SMDC had 15 ongoing residential projects in the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati, Manila, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig and Quezon in Metro Manila, as well as in Tagaytay. As of

end-December 2012, SMDC held a 50-hectare land bank in the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay in Metro Manila, as well in Batangas. For 2012, the developer had earmarked P30 billion for capital expenditures for the launch of five residential condominiums in Metro Manila (Joy, Breeze, Grace, and Rich Residences, and Grass Residences Phase 2) that will have an estimated total market value of P37 billion.

CEBU City -- Owners of land and structures affected by the widening of Tay ud-ConsolacionLiloan road are willing to sell their properties to the Cebu Provincial Government, an official said. Of the 26 property owners, 10 are completing the expropriation process, with one already paid, Acting Cebu Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora told Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 Director Ador Canlas. Ja mora told C a n la s they will see if they can enter the properties even if expropriation procedures are not still finished. Canlas said that once DPWH is given the permit to enter the properties, they can start working on the site. Canlas earlier com-

plained to Acting Cebu Gov. Agnes Magpale that the delay in acquiring the lots since 2009 has pulled dow n his per forma nce rating. Cebu Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) head Adolfo Quiroga earlier said the delay was caused by the refusal of some owners to sell their properties unless they are paid on the spot. But under accounting r u les, which requ ire a signed deed of sale before the release of funds, this is not possible. Ja mora is conf ident that once other property owners see their neighbors being paid, they will let go of their properties as well. There are 278 lots affected by the road-widening project. Of these, 158

lots are in Liloan and the rest are in Consolacion. Acquisition of the lots and structures is Capitol and DPWH’s primary objective before they can widen the road after the Cansaga Bay Bridge going to Liloan Church. Capitol needs to pay the property owners so it can liquidate the P50 million DPWH initially gave to the province. ”This is still 2009 funds, and we are trying to save the P100 million funds,” said Canlas. The funds will be returned to t he nationa l treasury if they remain unused. DPWH requires Capitol to liquidate the initial amount so it can star t working on the release of t he rema ining P10 0 million. (PNA)

SMDC applies for tax break for mass housing project

Land owners along road widening project sell property to Cebu govt