Metro
CAGAYANLifestyle TIMES Weekly DE ORO
Volume 8 | No. 40 | Cagayan de Oro City | May 17-23, 2021
A Just and Forthright Life Well Lived
Filomeno Avanceña Bautista, Jr., 93 A
The Bautista Family during their salad days Rolando, Teddy, Dodong, Herietta and seated with doll, Baby
Dodong with Mayor Moreno and PVB First VP Mike Villa-real
T THE end of the fourth month of his nine decades and three years on Earth, Filomeno Avanceña Bautista entered into eternal life on April 29, 2021. “Dodong” as he was fondly known to family and friends, was a model of integrity who was looked up to by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He had a 45-year career with the one and only job he held in his professional life, as a career executive with Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI), formerly Philippine Packing Corporation, as PPC, where he rose through the ranks to become a purchasing manager, hospital administrator and manager of DMPI Cooperative, reaching the pinnacle as President of the Cooperative Union of the Philippines (CUP) where he served for three consecutive terms. In his civic affairs, he was also a member of the Cagayan de Oro Historical and Cultural Commission during the administration of the late Mayor Pablo P.
Filomeno A. Bautista, Jr. Magtajas. Dodong was the second child of his namesake the eminent historian Filomeno “Nono” Marcos Bautista y Abellanosa and Hospecia “Pesing” Avanceña y Chaves. According to a tribute read at his wake by his nephew, Judge Vincent “Vince” Bautista Rosales, the only son of his elder sister Henrietta (“Tita”), he was actually the third in a succession of Filomenos in the family. The first Filomeno was his grandfather Filomeno Bautista y Neri. Born on April 25, 1890 in Cagayan de Misamis, his father Nono personally witnessed the Fiesta Nacional of January 10, 1899 celebrating the Philippine independence from Spain. A government scholar at the Philippine Normal School, he was appointed principal of
Mambajao Elementary School in Camiguin and eventually became the Division Academic Supervisor of Misamis, Surigao and Bukidnon. For this momentous birth of his first son, Nono wrote in his diary: “On May 26, 1927, a baby boy was born to us in Mission Hospital. Rays of sunshine were seen in the family and our third child was named Filomeno. Esther was fond of him and she would oftentimes come up to his crib and kiss him. She called her Papa Junior. At the delivery were Miss Florence Fox and Miss Ortega, myself and my mother in-law (Fortunata Chaves Avancena). Pesing stayed in the hospital for 9 days and Dr. Ramos just charged us P75.” “As recounted by my mom, Tito Dodong was sickly as a child. He
The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424
suffered from nephritis and Lolo (Nono), then assigned in Surigao, would often order from his friend a ship captain, to buy Bear Brand milk for him in Cebu,” Judge Vince recalls. He grew up in the family residence in Licoan, the present site of a convenience store next to Sabal Hospital. He learned to play the violin which he didn’t like very much since he was teased by his friends for engaging in an effeminate pursuit. But he would also join his barkada in making kabit on tartanillas all the way to Divisoria and back on their roller skates. When the family put up the Cagayan de Oro Hotel sometime in 1938-1939 next to Plaza Divisoria at the corner of what is now Tiano Brothers and Tirso Neri streets, it was the first recorded public BAUTISTA/PAGE 5
2
Metro
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
May 17-23, 2021
Sports Tourism
By CHARLES LIM
Pelaez Sports Center
Privatization of Sports Facilities
I
N LESS than 70 days, barring any calamitous and uncontrollable surge of COVID cases in Japan, the Tokyo Olympics will be declared open on July 23, 2021, after a delay of one year. Athletes, coaches and games officials from no less than 200 countries
will be descending on Tokyo. Fifteen thousand sportsmen and women are expected to compete, nay, celebrate the true Olympic spirit with emotions never seen in the history of the Olympiad, In certitude, we shall hold our breath for a good 14 days, while
Metro
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
CAGAYAN TIMES/Sudaria Group of Companies Publisher MIKE BAÑOS Editor-in-Chief SUSAN P. DENNIS GEAN T. CESAR RANDY FAMACION MAI MAI SISON KLAUS DORING ANNIE GORRA RAGO WENDY RAMOS-GARCIA Contributing Editors CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artist PINKY DOMINGO Marketing KHRISTHA RIVA FELICILDA Advertising ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Legal Counsel The Metro CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa Street, Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884, and with Business Registration Plane No. 17211 with Business License Certificate 2014-00691. TIN No. 311-982-549-000 Tele/Fax #: (088) 856-3344 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES email us at thecagayandeorotimes@gmail.com Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)
facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES
organizers, Japanese host cities, the International Olympic Council (IOC) and a hosts of other organizations, complete the programs one day at a time, amidst the strictest health protocols ever. At present no overseas spectators will be allowed in the stadia to watch the Games. And that's final. Prior to the Olympics, another significant sports spectacle will be happening halfway round the world - Euro 2020. Like the Tokyo Olympics, this monumental event, primarily to be hosted by Britain, will kick off from June 11 to July 11, 2021. European football will take centerstage and will keep Asian eyes glued to the telly up to the early mornings, from China to Indonesia to Australia. Here at home, and at Clark to be precise, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will stage the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers from June 16 to 30 in a strict bubble situation. Sports tourism in the Philippines will be on a sparkle, even briefly, thanks to the efforts of the amazing SBP team inspired by its former Chairman and Sports Tourism Personality of the Year Awardee, Manny V. Pangilinan and its president, Al Panlilio. Despite the worldwide pandemic, SBP won the bid to host an impressive assemblage of teams from Japan, China and Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Guam. The qualifiers will, no doubt, thrill millions of Filipinos for an interesting fortnight. Clark will again shine as an established sports tourism destination.
Back to Japan for the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5, 2021 - only if things have gone well with the earlier Summer Olympics. The Japanese host cities, organizers and the IOC would have scored their own performances in hosting Tokyo 2020 before welcoming the Paralympics. A reality yet to be seen. Other mega events lined up in quick succession next year will be the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022, Asian Games 2022 also to be held in China (Hangihou) and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. While we may have around a dozen Filipinos qualified for Tokyo, hundreds more are already preparing for the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in November this year. The Philippines were crowned champions in the 2019 SEA Games and we are determined to proof it wasn't a fluke. A strong showing, landing in second or third this year, would already call for a huge celebration. Reflecting on the training of our athletes, so dismally interrupted by the epidemic, I can fully understand the plight and desperation of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in conjuring schedules of athletes and coaches alike during the last year. I had suggested in an earlier column of upgrading the PSC to a bone fide ministry of sports and the reaction was a big resounding yes! Let's hope that our planners and leaders can see gold, silver and bronze in this
move. Include Youth to this ministry and you will have the dream Department of Youth and Sports. As we marvel at the venues and host cities of all the above games, year after year after year, I conclude that we will never win a bid to host a multi-sport event such as the SEA Games or Asian Games in Cebu in the next couple of decades. I have studied in my advocacy for sports tourism and creation of sports cities for many long years, and am amazed at how some sports complexes around the world, have been privatized by their local governments or sports organizations to become successful monuments and institutions . We encounter, in almost every city in the Philippines, the poor state of sports facilities due to sheer neglect and poor management. More often than not, the issue would be lack of funds and completely no comprehension of standards. Would privatization be the answer? I have lived through privatization of hotels, parks and airports, starting with Cebu, then Clark and soon Bulacan, Davao, Bohol and quite a few more. Our express roadways and skyways, sprouting and connecting north, south, east and west of Manila are again classic examples of build, operate and transfer agreements. Will there be willing takers to invest in the Pelaez Sports Complex in Cagayan de Oro? I strongly believe so.
It involves complete renovation for both the oval, football field, tennis courts, swimming pool and other indoor facilities. It may not be the New Clark City or the Philippine Arena, but it will do Mindanaoans proud. Sports management companies based in Europe and Australia have branched out into Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Foreign funding has also come into the Philippines to establish football clubs like the United City FC, dominating the Philippine Football League and sending hopes of credible rankings in the Asian football scene. In basketball, major global entities are involved in the forthcoming FIBA World Cup to be staged here in the Philippines in 2023. Specialized sports venue management companies with strong marketing expertise and sponsorship support could innovate all parties concerned. We have witnessed the dynamic transformation and growth of the Mactan airport under the GMR Megawide management. LIPAD has taken on Clark International Airport, the consortium of Dennis Uy is to handle Davao and Aboitiz will operate the airport in Panglao, Bohol. Why not our sports facilities? Privatization has always resulted in proper funding, professionalism in management, sound marketing, improved training skills for employees, financial FACILITIES/PAGE 6
Metro
ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH | EVENTS | TRAVEL & TOURISM | PEOPLE
CAGAYANTIMES Feature DE ORO
May 17-23, 2021 Page 3
A German Expat in the Philippines
WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS
By Klaus Döring
Chapter XV:
My home - Two Countries MEANWHILE, Rossana and I had been married for over six years. We commuted back and forth between a lot of work for various publishing houses and several trips within Germany. Our flights for the next stop in the Philippines were also already booked. "Can't we go to the theatre or a concert again?" Rossana asked. "I already miss Ludwig van Beethoven and all the others,” she added. Said and done. Although we were both piano lovers, this time a violin concerto awaited us. The one in D-major, Opus 61 - Beethoven's only completed concert in this genre. Rossana was particularly fond of the third movement RondoAllegro. With its 6/8 theme, it is reminiscent of a hunting theme, which is later processed in a virtuoso cadence. From Beethoven to Imelda Papin from Germany to the Philippines. The difference couldn't be
greater. But Imelda Papin was on a European tour and also paid a visit to Berlin for a performance in our Philippine Community. Imelda Arcilla Papin (born January 26, 1956) is a Filipino singer and one of the bigger names in the Philippine music industry. Dubbed the Sentimental Songstress, Imelda Papin is responsible for songs such as "Bakit (Kung Liligaya Ka Sa Piling Ng Iba)" and "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig". Our life became once again a roller coaster. "She" really came to Berlin. Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, born Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco; (January
25, 1933 – August 1, 2009), popularly known as Cory Aquino, was a Filipino politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines from 1986 1992 as the first woman to hold that office. It was an official state visit. Once again, I developed feelings of wanting to live in the Philippines forever, although Rossana and I were really not doing badly in Germany especially in Berlin. In March 1989, we flew again to Rossana's (and meanwhile my second) home - this time for another six weeks and with our best friends from Berlin: Christa, who worked
The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424
then at the American Embassy, Barbara and Ronald as well as Jochen. First travel destination: Cotabato City. At that time, it wasn't exactly a safe plan! (To be continued)
‘Klaus Doring was born in Spenge, a little village near Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia, former West Germany. A publishing house manager and journalist by profession, i.e. managing editor for law magazines in Berlin, New York and Amsterdam, radio and TV host.’
4
Metro
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
Is Dining Out Safe During COVID-19? May 17-23, 2021
Delivery, patio eating and dining in have different levels of risk
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, many of us yearn for the days of sitting in a restaurant. There’s something wonderful about eating food
you didn’t cook off dishes you don’t have to wash. Maybe your favorite restaurant is now open for business, and you’ve thought
about going, but still feel unsure about whether it’s safe to eat out during the pandemic. And while many establishments have created
seating plans that incorporate social distancing, you still might be wondering if these new arrangements or even patio seating makes dining out
safer right now. Donald Dumford, MD, internal medicine specialist, shares some things to consider before you eat out.
Lowest risk: carryout and delivery If you’re missing that amazing house sirloin from the steakhouse across town, go ahead and order it. But to keep your coronavirus risk to a minimum, opt for takeout or delivery. Many restaurants offer curbside pickup, carryout or delivery options — even if they didn’t have these choices before. “Carryout or delivery is the safest way to eat out right now,” Dr. Dumford says. “Your interaction with other people is short and limited. Wash your hands before and after getting your food, and wear a mask during pickup or delivery.”
Medium risk: eating outside If the weather is agreeable, you may be thinking about dining on a patio at your local restaurant. But it’s not a foolproof way to avoid the virus. “If the tables are spaced at least six feet apart, eating outdoors is safer than eating inside,” Dr. Dumford says. “But there’s still some risk of getting the virus because you’re around other people.” Consider your acceptable level of risk. “People who have low risk factors for the coronavirus may be comfortable eating on a restaurant patio,” he says. “Older adults or those who have health conditions may not want the risk.” If you choose patio dining, make sure the restaurant has strict policies on mask-wearing and social distancing. Even outdoors, tables should be at least six feet apart. Customers should wear masks when they’re not seated, and employees should wear them all the time.
Highest risk: eating inside the restaurant Eating inside a restaurant — big shocker — carries the highest risk. In a recent study, adults who tested positive for the coronavirus were about twice as likely as those who tested negative to have been to a restaurant. If you decide to eat in, check the restaurant’s safety measures. Look on the website or call and ask if the staff is:
• Spacing tables at least six feet apart. • Wearing masks at all times. • Cleaning tables and chairs with disinfectant between customers. • Limiting the number of people who can come inside.
Even if the answer to all of these questions is “yes,” there’s still a risk that you could get exposed to the virus. “Social distancing and disinfecting don’t eliminate all risk,” Dr. Dumford says. “If someone coughs or laughs, they can exhale a cloud of virus. People are not wearing masks while eating, so there’s a higher risk at a restaurant versus a place where everyone is masked at all times.” Dr. Dumford recommends avoiding restaurants that use shared areas and objects – think salad bars, drink machines and other self-serve options. Even restaurant menus can be germy. “Anytime you’re touching an item that someone else has touched, like a pair of salad tongs, you risk getting germs on your hands — including the coronavirus,” he says. “Avoid these items whenever possible. If you can’t, sanitize your hands before and after touching shared items. And don’t touch your face.”
Cucina Higala uses air cleaners to also clean the air inside the resto to avoid accumulation of microdrops in the air.
Restaurant air quality matters A major factor to consider is the restaurant’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The World Health Organization says a well-maintained, clean HVAC system can reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus if there’s plenty of outdoor airflow. And a poorly maintained system could allow those viral particles to float around and spread to others. But there’s no way to know whether a restaurant’s HVAC system is doing its job. Instead, look for lots of open windows. The fresh air coming in may lower the risk because it gets
rid of some recirculated air. But be wary of fans. “Restaurants should avoid using fans that blow air between tables,” Dr. Dumford says. “If you’re downwind from someone who has the virus, the fan could blow the virus right at you.” Protect your server: wear your mask In most restaurants, servers must wear masks at all times, but customers can remove them once they’re seated. “Ordering food without a mask on puts your server at risk,” Dr. Dumford says. “If you see your
server approaching your table, put your mask back on. It’s a great way to say you care about protecting them.” Risk of food transmission is low Some people are concerned that they could get the coronavirus from their food. But experts say this isn’t the case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there is “no evidence” of transmitting COVID-19 through food. “Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food,” says Dr. Dumford. “But don’t be overly concerned about the coronavirus living on your meal and spreading
to you. It’s not likely to happen.” Consider yourself and others You have options when it comes to eating out. But if you decide to dine in, there’s a higher risk of exposure to the coronavirus. This may not worry you personally, but think about highrisk people you spend time with. If you’re seeing Grandma next week or your dad has health issues, delivery or carryout may be your friend. Enjoying your favorite foods from the comfort of your couch or backyard certainly has its own unique appeal.
The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424
Feature
Bautista... from page 1
installation of the name. “This was our second hotel just before the war in 1938-1939,” the late Dodong recalled during a 2020 interview at this residence. “My father named it the Cagayan de Oro Hotel because at that time Cagayan was known for the gold which could easily be found in the hills of its hinterlands like Tumpagon. It was our second hotel after the first one my father established on a rented property fronting what is now the downtown office of Cepalco.” “My father was a former Division Academic Supervisor and he coined the name long before Mayor Max Suniel became the city’s first mayor, and long before Assemblyman Maning Pelaez named the city in his bill,” he added. Manong Dodong attributed his father’s coining the phrase Cagayan de Oro to his passion for history. An educator, his father founded the Parent Teachers College (now Phinma Cagayan de Oro College) and relentlessly pursued his research on the history of Cagayan de Misamis. He retired in 1933 to write Glimpses of Mindanao-The Land of Promise and The Bautista Manuscript of the Philippine Revolution in Misamis Province, 1900-1901, both published in 1939. “I was his clerk for both manuscripts,” he noted. After school, Dodong’s Lola made him sell barquillos, and like most boys his age, he was a shoe shine boy along with Tito Lando and Tito Ted, Judge Vince recounts. When World War II broke out in December 8, 1941, Dodong was 14 and in second year high school at the Misamis Oriental Provincial High School. As a member of a Boy Scout Troop, he and his fellow Scouts in their uniforms helped direct traffic and enforce the mandatory blackout alongside Filipino and American soldiers. Among the fellow Scouts in his troop were former Mayor Reuben Canoy, and Fernando Ablaza, while their Scoutmaster was Segundo Salas. Though the family evacuated to Olot, Balingasag,
they did not abandon their residence in Licoan and would surreptitiously check on it from time to time. Later, upon hearing that they were in danger from some wayward Magahats, the family moved the town proper finally settling in Sapong, Lagonglong. The family survived the war by making soap which they bartered for food and other essentials. (more on that story by Celine Itchon from this link) “ When I was about to go to college at the Ateneo de Manila, Lolo and I won a national writing contest about recounting his experiences as a civilian here in Misamis Oriental during World War II,” his granddaughter Celine Itchon remembers. “Lolo was with me when I went to Ateneo to look at the campus and the dorm. He even called a good friend in Manila and informed him of the good news. I cannot forget this because his friend, Mr. Terry Mon brought us to the best Chinese restaurant and treated us to a sumptuous dinner.” After the war, Manong Dodong was accelerated and he graduated in 1947 at the Misamis Oriental Provincial High School, with his best friend Reuben Canoy (whom he fondly calls “ Guy” ) as valedictorian. He pursued his college degree in BS Commerce (Accounting) at the University of the East and afterwards worked for the first and only company in his 45-year professional career with Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI, formerly PPC, Philippine Packing Corporation) then the first and only multinational company in the city. Phil (Bebot) his eldest child recalls his visits to the PPC office when he was a kid. “Daddy was always a corporate man. I remember when I was 5 or 6 years old he would always ask me if I wanted to go to his office during Saturdays and reminded me to bring a jacket for during that time when Americans were the bosses at PPC, the offices were really cold from the air con units running.” Judge Vince relates, “I was indeed fortunate to have two models of integrity as a judge - my father who led an honest life as a BIR employee
Dodong Bautista’s Boy Scout Troop sometime in 1941. Dodong is the rightmost scout in the first row.
Metro
DE ORO
May 17-23, 2021
Tita, Dodong, Baby and Vince during the Dec 1, 2008 opening of the City Museum ( Old Water Tower). The 2nd floor contains artifacts and memorabilia donated by the Bautista Family.
Dodong Bautista reunites with his old neighbors (L-R) Russ, Rev. Lloyd and Norman Van Vactor during the UCCP CDO Church Centennial last 2016.
who never enriched himself in his position, and my Tito Dodong who led a modest life while serving in various executive positions at PPC.” “He was successful in his career, rising from the ranks to an executive position. I respect my uncle for his integrity as a purchasing manager of PPC. It was a juicy position but I never heard any comment that he received any bribes for any contract of supply or purchase he entered into.” From the rank and file, Dodong was promoted to supervisor, then purchasing manager, hospital administrator, consultant to the Del Monte credit union, then as President of the Cooperative Union of the Philippines - the pinnacle of his career. On March 16, 1957, Dodong married Mengkie Lumbre of Palawan and Tacloban whose family emigrated to Cagayan de Oro after the war. Mengkie was a graduate of Lourdes College. The couple has six children: Filomeno (Bebot/ Phil), Cesar (Peewee), Raul (Bambi), Naomi Ruth (Honey) Bautista-Roble, Suzette (Sue) Bautista Itchon, and Robert (Bobby). Phil and Bobby are currently residing in the US. However, it was not all flowers and sunshine since his busy schedule often kept
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly
him away from his family. If one wanted to meet with him at home, one had to be early at his house otherwise you wouldn’t catch him. When Manong Dodong finally decided to retire in 2002, he continued to pursue his Papa Nono’s advocacy in preserving the history and heritage of Cagayan de Oro. To this end he served as a commissioner in the City Historical and Cultural Commission (HISCOM) in 2000 with his brother, the late Thaddeus Teddy Bautista. He continued his passion even beyond his tenure as commissioner by staying active in the city’s history and heritage activities. Dodong and Mengkie also moved from Gusa to Capisnon, Kauswagan in 2011. Judge Vince recounts how his mom, Dodong’s elder sister Henrietta (Tita) always made it a point to visit them on weekends. “Tito Dodong always saw my mom, being the eldest, as the matriarch of the Bautista clan. My mom always visited Tito Dodong and Tita Mengkie on weekends bringing food, pasalubong for her younger brother. The pandemic was never a deterrence. When I asked why it was always us who visited them, Ma said Tito Dodong couldn’t visit him since he always wanted Tita Mengkie by his side. Tito Dong and Tita Mengkie became inseparable in their twilight years. And for Mama and Tito Dodong the close fraternal bond is best exemplified with no disgusto for the past 93 years.” “We may see his death as untimely, but in God’s view it was timely, it was his appointed time and no could question it . But that is life – mais c’est le vie.” (with Vincent Bautista Rosales and Eduardo Itchon)
The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424
5
6
Metro
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
Aboitiz Board Extends Group CEO term to December 2027 May 17-23, 2021
The Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) Board of Directors approved the extension of Sabin M. Aboitiz’s term as Group President and CEO to December 31, 2027, from the original scheduled retirement date of December 31, 2024. The board’s vote of confidence on May 5, 2021 for Sabin comes as AEV and its business units are targeting recovery after the widespread economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aboitiz Group posted a
consolidated net income of P7.8 billion in the first quarter of 2021, a 276% increase from P2 billion over the same period in 2020. “These times have indeed been extraordinary and unexpected, and the Aboitiz Group has managed to adapt and respond to them by learning from the lessons of 2020 and always working to become a future-ready organization with the commitment, passion, innovation, and resilience of our leaders and team members,” said AEV Chairman Endika
M. Aboitiz. Sabin Aboitiz took office as the President and CEO of Aboitiz Equity Ventures on January 1, 2020, succeeding his brother Erramon I. Aboitiz. His first year as chief executive was hailed for his decisive leadership, innovative mindset and ensuring business continuity amid the turbulent economic climate due to the pandemic.
“At the helm of this ship is our captain, AEV President & CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz, who has proven to be a leader who can steer us wisely and resolutely in the right direction,
through turbulent waters toward a safe and prosperous harbor in the years to come,” the chairman noted. “Under his watch, the Group was able to ensure the safety and wellbeing of
our team members — the lifeblood of our organization — and that delivery of our vital products and services to communities remained unhampered,” he added.
21st Century Education By: ANICETA T. BATALLONES
A 21st century education is not a bunch of students sitting quietly at desks, in neat rows, writing down every word that the teacher says or writes on the blackboard. It’s not teaching to the test, telling students what they need to memorize to get an A+, assuming every child is or should be on the same path, or measuring schools or teachers solely by average scores and college acceptance rates. Defining and delivering 21st century learning is a little messier than that. It’s a little more complicated. A little more nuanced. A whole lot harder to assess. And when done correctly, it creates environments in which engaged students are actively shaping their learning. The role of educators in the 21st century should be helping every student learn how to learn. It’s inspiring creativity, encouraging collaboration, expecting and rewarding critical thinking and teaching children not only how to
Facilities... from page 2
viability and most, importantly, less bureaucracy. Cities will not lose pride nor ego when they privatize. It will be the reverse; they may see themselves in partnership or in naming rights agreement with super brands like Nike, Adidas, Emirates, Qatar, Allianz, AIA, Rolex, Shell, Toyota, Canon, Red Bull, Milo, BMW and the like. It all evolves as to how serious local governments are in creating their cities into accredited and
communicate, but also the power of effective communication. These are skills students need to develop in order to thrive in today’s and tomorrow’s dynamic workplace. If we want to provide every student with a 21st century education, we must foster deeper learning through the purposeful integration of rigorous academic content with experiences that intentionally cultivate the skills, mindsets and literacies needed for the students to become lifelong learners and contributors in our ever-changing world. A 21st century education is one that responds to the economical, technological and societal shifts that are happening at an ever-increasing pace. It’s an education that sets children up to succeed in a world where more than half of the jobs they’ll have over their careers don’t even exist yet.
recognizable host cities for tourism, sports, conventions and events, boosting its economy and image. In some countries exclusive golf clubs are provisioned to allow their courses to be venue hosts for up to certain number of days a year to accommodate the staging of tournaments. I am sure our golfers in membership clubs here can sacrifice two or three weekends a year to boost sports tourism and the economy in their city and, to their amazement, benefit from watching golf pros from around the world compete in their very
own (backyard) greens. These may be provoking thoughts today but, generally, it's progressively happening around us. The question is when will it happen here? Charles Lim is the founder and chairman of the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. He has been an advocate of sports tourism since 2004 with the inception of the Sports Tourism Forum - a popular seminar for those in the sports and tourism industries - which is currently still ongoing. He can be reached at charles.selrahco@gmail. com.
www.cagayandeorotimes.com
Visit us online @:
The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424
Metro
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
May 17-23, 2021
7
URC’s Thai Subsidiary feted for efforts to cut waste, protect the environment
Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Thailand’s General Manager Tanant Suwanraks
F
ilipino-owned Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been cited with three prestigious sustainability awards for its efficient waste management process at its production plants in Thailand. URC Thailand was given the 3Rs, 3Rs+, and Zero Waste Achievement Awards by Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works, Ministry of Industry, for its efforts to cut yearly wastes and costs at its factories.
These efforts have proven effective at conserving natural resources, landfill space and energy, the company said. “This recognition confirms that we are on the right path towards meeting our corporate social responsibility to protect the environment by reducing wastes coming from our factories through recycling and other methods that maximize use of raw materials,” said URC Thailand General Manager
Tanant Suwanraks. The 3Rs, 3Rs+, and Zero Waste Achievement Awards recognize companies that use efficient waste management systems that help improve environmental sustainability, and encourage ethical business and social responsibility for consumers. URC Thailand’s factories 4 to 6 won the Gold Level 3Rs+ Award, while its factories 1 to 3 won the Silver Level 3Rs+ Award for three types
of new innovation or creation. This includes economic returns such as Discounted Payback Period (DPB) for less than a year; Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of more than 1,000%; and efficiency waste reduction by practicing and following the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) method and hitting more than 80 percent of the required audit criteria. To acquire the Zero Waste Achievement Award, URC Thailand’s factories 1 to 6 had to pass the 3Rs practice
criteria and win the 3Rs Award. These factories were able to reduce their total waste to 1,000.76 tons cutting disposal cost and lost cost of dough by 1,994,659 Thai baht (around P3,074,208). From the waste, the factories generated 762,078.00 kWh electricity and had 267.47 tons CO2 savings—which are equivalent to sustainable green energies for 94 homes. URC Thailand was earlier named as among the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” for a work culture that values its employees as key resources. Established over 20 years ago, URC Thailand manufactures and exports brands in Thailand that are also a staple in the Philippines, including Jack ’n Jill, Fun-O, Tivoli, Roller Coaster, Lausanne, Dewberry, Dynamite and Lush.
It has a factory, research and development center and warehouses at the Samutsakorn Industrial Estate, and a head office in Bangkok. URC is among the Philippines’ largest food companies and makers of popular brands like Jack ‘n Jill products, C2 and Great Taste coffee. The company was also one of the Top 100 Sustainable Businesses of Vietnam in 2020, a glowing testament to the company’s continued efforts towards sustainable manufacturing and business operations. It was likewise named among the top 10 admired beverage companies in Vietnam, where it has been recognized many times not only for its sound business practices, but also for its efforts to help the nation’s children and workers with disabilities.
New Snacks and Drinks to enjoy from URC Universal Robina Corporation (URC) recently unveiled new snack and beverage offerings that consumers can enjoy anytime. Patrons of the popular Cream-O chocolate cookies can enjoy its chocolatey goodness with the new Cream-O Cake Bar. It’s a soft chocolate cake with creamy chocolate filling topped with irresistible chocolate chip toppings that complement its overall texture. For milk tea fans, the new X.O. Milk Tea candy is a fresh take on smooth winter melon tea and sweet cream flavors all packed in a candy. With its rich-tasting milk tea flavor for just a peso, this variant is ideal for those who crave for milk tea sans having to go out and get a cupful.
Cheese lovers will also enjoy two new cheese-flavored treats from URC. Aside from launching a new look for its packs, Magic Creams has introduced a new Cheese variant. It’s ideal for those who want a quick, energizing snack. URC has also unveiled Cheesy Knots, a yummy milky-cheese flavored coated pretzel snack. Go ahead and try it now, and say cheese to Knots and Knots of fun with the new Cheesy Knots. Missing your go-to coffee in your favorite coffee shop? Great Taste is introducing its new Iced Coffee series available in three popular coffeeshop flavors: Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte and Chocolate Mocha. Lastly, C2 fans can add another refreshing and healthy drink on
New URC snacks and drinks for you to enjoy
their list with the new C2 Plus Immuno-C. This orange-flavored juice tea drink is made from 100% natural tea leaves, combined with
the power of Vitamin C and Zinc to help boost your immunity! These new snacks and beverages, along with many other well-
loved treats from URC, are now available in select groceries and supermarkets nationwide. Learn more about
The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424
URC’s products by visiting its website (www.urc.com.ph) or by following @ URCPhilippines on Facebook.
8
The
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
May 17-23, 2021
The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424