BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 10-11, 2015)

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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Volume VI, No. 074

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As of 5:30 pm December 10, 2015 (thursday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P47.19

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X

3 cents

X

27.65 points

Briefly Shop wisely THE Department of Health (DOH) tells the public to shop wisely for toys as gifts this holiday season. A safe toy is defined by the DOH as one that is suitable to the child’s physical capabilities, mental and social development, durable, and safe for the child’s age.

“We must not only look at the value but also the quality of the item. Aside from being appealing and suitable for a child’s age, toys should be safe.” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin explained.

For newborns to one year old, DOH suggests toys such as rattles, large and brightly colored balls, washable stuffed dolls or animals with big and clearly defined faces.

Toddlers or children ages two to three years old are recommended with toys such as wooden animals, dolls, sturdy kiddie cars, modeling clay, and rocking horses.

Job facilitation ILIGAN City -- The League of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Managers of Iligan City - Lanao del Norte, through the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10) – Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Office (LDN PFO), conducted its two-day Year End Performance Assessment and 4th Quarter Assembly on 9-10 November 2015 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

DOLE-10 LDN PFO Head Remegio D. Cabañog reported some 15 PESO managers of the city and the different Municipalities in Lanao del Norte Province attended.

Restituto Rosales, PESO manager of Tubod and the League President, presented the updates on Republic Act 10691, which is an act that gives way for the institutionalization of the PESO that was already signed by President Benigno S. Aquino, III during the recent PESO Congress that was held at the Philippine Cultural Center, Manila on 26- 29 October 2015.

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Longer brownouts to grip CDO this holiday www.businessweekmindanao.com

Thu-Fri | December 10-11, 2015

P15.00

By CHENG ORDONEZ, Executive Editor

P

OWER consumers in Cagayan de Oro are mostly likely to celebrate the entire Christmas season with more hours of darkness as the National Power Corporation (NPC) has imposed another 18-megawatt curtailment within the franchise area of local distributor Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (Cepalco).

This has exacerbated the existing shortfall in Cepalco’s energy supply.

Jaime Rafael U. Paguio, Cepalco senior vice president, said the distribution utility (DU) had no choice but to extend the brownout periods per district, following the 18MW curtailment and the pending approval of its provisional authority for the purchase of an additional 10MW from a new modular diesel power plant operated brownouts/PAGE 11

MILKFISH CULTURE. Workers prepare their gears before setting a harvest of milkfish, locally known as “bangus” at the floating fish cages in the coastal village of Mahayahay, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. Milkfish culture is a rising industry in this part of the province. photo by jun ayensa

More tourists expected in Peace-building fund build roads Dinagat Island this year helps in Lanao Norte

By ROEL CATOTO, MindaNews

NATIVE CAROLERS. Remy Bawian, 25, a lumad from Paquibato District in Davao City poses for a photograph at the Buhangin gymnasium in the city on Tuesday, December 8. Bawian is one of the hundreds of lumads from the hinterlandswho go around the city for caroling. mindanews photo by keith bacongco

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Island -The number of tourist arrivals in Dinagat Province has increased this year compared to the previous year, an official said.

Benlen Naval, head of the provincial tourism office in Dinagat Province said there were 45,825 tourists from January to September compared to only 25,966 from January to December last year.

“This would mean more jobs and opportunities locally,” Dinagat Gov. Glenda Ecleo said on Saturday.

In her State of the Province Address last Wednesday in San Jose town, Ecleo cited that the tourism industry has helped boost the local economy.

The sugar-fine white sand in Bitaog Beach in Barangay Rizal, tourists/PAGE 11

By MARK FRANCISCO Staff Writer

FARM-to-market roads worth P56 million in five towns in Lanao del Norte province were completed this year by the Department of Agriculture (DA) with funding from the Of f ice of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). fund/PAGE 11

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DAR turns over projects in Misamis Occidental OZAMIZ City -- The Department of Agrarian Reform recently turned over two projects in Tudela town, Misamis Occidental province.

On behalf of DAR-X Regional Director Faisar A. Mambuay, Reg iona l Information Officer Editha Salvador turned over the

level III potable water system funded under Agrarian R e f o r m In f r a s t r u c t u re Support Project III (ARISP III) to Tudela Municipal Mayor Estela Obut-Estaño and to the Rural Waterworks & Sanitation & Association (RUWASA) manager Erenio dar/PAGE 11

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DOH launches anti-firecracker campaign

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) teams up with the Department of the Interior and L ocal Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industr y (DTI), D e p ar tment of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Prote c ti on (BFP) and EcoWaste Coalition as it officially launches the 2015 anti-firecracker campaign which carries the theme,“Sa Ingay Walang Sablay, sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay.”

In the past, DOH c onv e y e d it s m e s s a g e s through both scare tactics and positive approaches.

This year’s campaign focuses on encouraging the public to use alternative ways in celebrating Christmas and welcoming New Year and

by piccolo (32%), followed by kwitis (15%), unknown firecrackers (11%), luces (7%) and fountain (5%).

Most fireworksrelated injuries came from the National Capital Region (57%), followed

by Ilo cos Region (8%), Western Visayas (7%), and CALABARZON (6%). In NCR, most cases were from Manila (37%), Quezon City (26%) and Las Pinas City (6%). Notably, no cases were reported from the c it i e s of S an Ju an and Muntinlupa.

The health chief emphasizes the earnest cooperation of the LGUs and the public to achieve zero casualty as we welcome 2016. The DOH reminds all Filipinos, both young and old, to have fun yet be vigilant at the same time.

In cas e of an injur y

avoid the use of firecrackers.

“For this year, instead of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use safe merry-making instruments a n d a lt e r n at i v e n oi s e makers such as ‘torotot,’ car horns, or by playing l o u d mu s i c . A l s o, t h e local government units (LGUs) are urged to foster community firework display,” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin said.

In 2014, the DOH final report on the FireworksRelated Injury Surveillance recorded zero death and 860 cases nationwide which is 16% lower compared to 2013 (1,018 injuries).

Of the 860 reported injuries, 840 were due to fireworks, 13 from stray bullet, while 7 were cases of firecracker ingestion.

Most injuries were caused

due to firecrackers, Garin reminded that the wounds must be immediately washed with clean running water until all visible dirt and gunpowder residue is removed. The patient must immediately be rushed to the nearest health facility for proper medical attention. The DOH ensures that all D OH Hospitals are prepared to attend to injuries related to fireworks.

“Serious injuries and a mp u t at i o n c au s e d by firecracker explosions have life-changing consequences.

It is an extreme gamble on one’s future. Ever y time a firecracker is ignited, a person’s life is at risk, hence, let us do all our part. Hindi dapat laging nasa huli ang pagisisi; sa ingay walang sablay, sa paputok goodbye kamay.”

Garin stressed. (DOH/PIA)

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Mr. Nice Guy Think a minute…Bram Stoker was a successful theatre manager in England during Queen Victoria’s time.

Everybody who knew him said he was the most easygoing, kindest man they knew.

Bram’s wife, Florence, was a beautiful woman who had been courted by wealthy men of high social status, including the famous Oscar Wilde. But she chose to marry this exceptionally kind gentleman, Bram Stoker.

The Stokers were seen at all the high-society parties and important events. Later, when their child was born people said their marriage and family was perfect.

Bram Stoker continued to be known as Mr. Nice Guy. He often gave money to his friends without even asking for anything in return.

Bram and his wife had many famous friends like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, and the President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt. No one ever suspected that this nice, kind man actually lived a double life. They didn’t know that at night after work and all his proper, social appearances, Bram Stoker became someone else. In fact, he was also a writer.

You see, he wrote the famous story, Dracula, based on his

THINK

A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst own real life at night, and all the evil things he did with prostitutes. Bram Stoker, this nice man by day and immoral monster by night, eventually died from the sexually transmitted disease of syphilis.

You know, Jesus Christ said that there are many nice, religious people who live double lives. They do all the good, right things on the outside for people to see, but inside they’re proud and live their own way for their own immoral pleasures. But even if we fool people, we can never fool God. Jesus said every human being needs His gift of forgiveness, because we’ve all done many things wrong. Jesus also said that we all, including nice, religious people, need His power to hurst/PAGE 11

Opinion

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“RP needs mother*cking John Wick” LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.

Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil…” (Amos 5:1213, the Holy Bible).

-ooo FACEBOOK GEMS: I am reproducing here today, with the least possible editing, materials I call “Facebook gems”, which are original posts in the social networking site Facebook by various personalities and groups reflecting on our beloved country, the Philippines. I enjoyed reading them, and I believe you, our readers here, will enjoy them, too.

So, read on.

-ooo D I F F I C U LT P S E PROCEDURES TO LIST A SM A L L C OM PA N Y: From Melcor Virata, a business entrepreneur: “The Philippine Stock Exchange has very few players. Or, few companies listed. I asked a group of lawyers to help me have my company listed sa small companies listing.

MAHIRAP/ MARAMING

REQUIREMENTS DAW (It is difficult, there are so many requirements allegedly).

“Ad v i s e n a n g i s a n g exp er ience d successf u l Chinoy businessman--BACKDOOR LISTING in other countries. Then have your company listed in Philippine Stock Exchange.

Any take on this?”

-ooo FURIOUS AGAINST C E BU PAC I F IC : From Rafael Abanggan Usa, Jr.: “Nakakainis talaga tong Cebu Pacific. Dahil hindi daw aabot ng three (3) hours yung delay, baka daw hindi magpo-provide ng meals.

Lang hiya, magla-lunch na po kaya?! Papa-iralin nyu pa yang walanghiyang threehour rule na yan?!!

“Buti nalang fighter tayo! Bumigay din! Pinas nga naman, kailangan mo pa talagang i-assert yung rights mo para maibigay ng wasto. Walang own initiative ng malasakit. Panu naman yung mga ordinaryong tao?”

-ooo T H E R E A L DA I LY LIFE OF FILIPINOS: From Michelle Callanta Toledo: “I kept and saved this picture

in my phone because I just found it too incredible to ignore. And what strikes the proverbial chord is just how unbelievable this image actually is because THIS IS REAL. THIS IS THE REALITY OF OUR PEOPLE. THIS IS THEIR EVERYDAY. THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. “A pi c tu re p ai nt i ng a thousand words... of a thousand people in line, in heat and humidity for hours, just to ride a rickety train JUST TO GO TO WORK. To make that honest, hardearned living (and only bring home 68% of it).

-ooo R P N E E D S “MOTHERF*CKING JOHN WICK”: “So as far as elections are concerned, all I want is someone to look at this reality and be MOVED TO THE CORE by it. This and so many other painful realities our country is facing and to be physically emotionally and spiritually SICKENED by it.

“I don’t want sympathy.

I don’t want consolation. I don’t want lip-service. I want someone to f*cking straight

K akampi

Mo A ng Batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio up MOURN at the sight of this and then go off and pull a motherf*cking JOHN WICK on whoever is responsible for stealing our car and killing our dog --I MEAN-- stealing taxpayer’s money and killing our spirit.

“Because shouldn’t that be the worst crime of all?

To kill a person’s spirit?

Gosh, if the Pope saw this he would probably curse himself out too. I mean didn’t Jesus also ask why he had been forsaken? Don’t we all feel like we’ve been forsakened?

Now I don’t know about you but there really is only one guy I see who can pull a dope John Wick, even though he ain’t no Keannu…”

Politics, morality, spirituality Now that the political scene in our country is getting hot and hotter by the day, we need to clarify a few points, so we all can do politics as it should be done, or, in another way of saying the same thing, as befits our dignity as persons and children of God. The idea behind is to make politics truly serve the common good. It is also to make politics be one concrete way of praising God, our Creator, who governs us even in our politics with his providence with which we also have to cooperate as fully as possible.

Politics, as a human necessity and as a free act of man, is definitely subject to the moral law, and as such, should also have a proper spirituality to animate it.

This is a truth of our faith that should never be lost in our mind, and much less, in our culture. The autonomy we enjoy in our politics is never to be taken to mean that God has nothing to do with it.

Politics just cannot be left to the raw forces of our human nature, which has the capability of detaching itself from its creator and his law.

It just cannot be subject to the law of the jungle. Without God, politics would be left to our own ideologies, historicocultural conditions, our own personal hunches of how things ought to be, etc.

These definitely have

some valid points, but they certainly cannot cover the whole scope of possibilities that our politics can create.

Neither can they help politics to bring us to our ultimate supernatural end with God. At best, they are only means, occasions and expressions that our politics can make use of.

We therefore need to realize that the Church has a duty to evangelize it, humanizing and Christianizing it, since Christ is the pattern of everything human. And more than that, he is our savior after we, and all related to our humanity including our p olitics, have sinned and have been alienated from God. The Church’s intervention in our political discourses is never partisan in nature.

It’s simply to give guidance, helping in shedding light on the human myster y and cooperating in solving contemporary problems.

The Church tries to scrutinize the signs of the times and interpret them in the light of the Gospel. Her role is strictly spiritual and moral which should underpin all our human activities, including our politics.

She can judge that a certain political view or option or behavior is not anymore moral or is contrary to God’s law and to our humanity. And that should not be considered as partisan.

In a way, the Church

seeks to lead us, including our politics, to Christ. It actually is a tremendous, over whelming task that makes use of spiritual and supernatural means rather than some partisan and political maneuverings.

The inter ventions of the Church are never an imposition, but as guidance.

Everyone is free to accept, agree and act on them, or reject them. Obviously, it is hoped that everyone, especially the laity, cooperates in carrying out this delicate task.

That is why the Church always calls everyone to do politics in a manner worthy of our Christian identity. That is to say, that we be honest and sincere, open-minded and respectful in our exchanges and even debates.

We need to allow Christ to enter politics. All of us, both the politicians and the electorate, should realize that given the nature and character of politics, we all need to be strong and firm in our spiritual and moral life. Otherwise, we would get swallowed up by the monster.

Christ humanizes and purifies politics. Christ sets the proper standards. The fine points of Christianity are not meant to hinder politics, but precisely to purify it and to protect it from falling into the grip of the devil’s game, to which it is very vulnerable.

Christ certainly demands

HINTS

and

Traces

Fr. Roy Cimagala from politicians that they undertake constant personal conversions, assiduous study and development of their political skills in monitoring developments, in dialoguing, consulting and consensusmaking, in making prudent decisions and implementing them.

Christ would certainly enlighten us as to what would constitute our proper and integral development. This has been the subject of many opinions, theories, ideologies and systems. But without Christ, these ideas just won’t have the proper spirit to bring us to our authentic end.

Christ would make us see the big picture without neglecting the small details and the constitutive parts.

He will teach us the ways of prudence, and ultimately of love, that would include precisely its difficult partwhat to do with mistakes, opponents, failures, etc. roycimagala@gmail.com.

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CorporateWorld 5 Max’s ramps up store openings in 4th quarter thu-fri|december 10-11, 2015

M

AX’s Group, Inc. has accelerated store op enings in the fourth quarter to catch up with its full-year target despite encountering unforeseen delays.

A BRANCH of Jamba Juice is seen at Burgos Eats in Bonifacio Global City, in this handout photo.

The country’s largest casual restaurant dining operator told the stock exchange it is opening 78 new stores for the entire 2015 -- close to its target of roughly 80 store openings.

Flag carrier’s new Manila-Auckland flight cuts travel time to just 10 hrs AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- A new route launched

by Ph i l ippi ne Ai rl i ne s (PAL) cuts travel time to Auckland, New Zealand, by about seven hours. Prior to the flag carrier’s 10-hour Manila-Auckland flight (which includes a one-hour layover in Cairns, Australia), a trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud took anywhere from around 17 hours -- at best -- to a day, depending on connecting flights and stopovers.

“About 13,500 Filipinos made their way to New Zealand last year, but it was tricky. They had to take a very long route,” said Adrian Littlewood, chief executive officer of Auckland Airport, at a dinner-reception organized by PAL at the the Stamford Plaza Hotel here.

The flag carrier’s new Auckland flight, with its shorter duration, will “easily double” arrivals for both countries, Mr. Littlewood added. From Jan.-Sept. 2015,

the number of inbound tourists to the Philippines from New Zealand stood at 14,206.

“We’ve been waiting for PAL for a longtime,” said Zenie Lorenzo Low, publisher and founding editor of the Filipino Herald, on the sidelines of a press conference held earlier at the same hotel.

Ms. Low, who has lived in New Zealand for 38 years, is part of a 44,000-strong Filipino community that has to had put up with countless

hours wasted at the airport on trips back to the Philippines.

It is primarily for people like Ms. Low that PAL opened this route. “It’s about time that we expand our operations in this part of the world. It’s a mature market that will help improve the profitability of the airline,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President and chief operating officer of PAL. Cairns is PAL’s fifth Australian destination after Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne travel/PAGE 11

Of the new launches, 48 stores will be opened in the fourth quarter to close the year with a network of “around 600 stores,” Max’s Group Deputy Compliance Officer Paul C. Cheah said in a phone interview.

Ma x ’s G r o u p C h i e f Finance Officer Dave T. Fuentebella said last month store openings were affected by delays in turning over sites to the company.

At end-September, the company was operating 547 stores across its stable of brands, up from 540 stores

by the end of 2014. The firm closed some underperforming branches during the year as part of its integration plan.

Max’s Group posted a net income of P313.12 million in the first nine months of the year, a reversal of the net loss of P31.36 million for the same period last year.

The results reflected the performance of Max’s entities and Pancake House Group in the January to September period.

At e n d - S e p t e m b e r, consolidated revenues rose max/PAGE 11

LBC Express seeks to undertake follow-on offering in first quarter LBC Express Holdings, Inc. is aiming to undertake its follow-on offering in the first quarter of 2016 after the courier and cargo business of the Araneta family failed to launch it this year as it has yet to receive the go-signal from the corporate regulator.

LBC Development Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Santiago G. Araneta told reporters last week the scheduling of the P829million offer was postponed because of several holidays related to the countr y’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific

Economic Cooperation in November.

LBC Development is the key shareholder of LBC Express, with a stake of 59.1% after taking over listed shell firm Federal Resources Investment Group, Inc. Mr. Santiago resigned as chairman and CEO of the listed company last month, citing his busy schedule.

“We’re still waiting for SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) to finalize the schedule but at this point if they don’t schedule the presentation (this week), lbc/PAGE 11

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Environment

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PH decries lack of financial commitment in draft Paris deal

W

ith only a few days left before the historic United Nations (UN) climate change conference ends, the Philippines has called on other countries for failing to include crucial adaptation finance in the current draft of the Paris agreement.

“The Philippine delegation is seriously concerned about the fact that there is not enough provision in the draft Paris agreement that provides

adaptation finance for the developing countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change,” Environment S ecret ar y Ramon J.P. Paje said during a high-level meeting held in Le Bourget on December 8.

More than 190 countries have embarked on two weeks of negotiations to hammer out a new universal climate pact that will specify tracks of finance, mitigation and adaptation actions from 2020

PH to developed nations:

Commit to accelerated, scaled-up support to tech development and transfer Secretar y Emmanuel de Guzman, Vice Chair of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and head of the Philippine delegation in the 21st C onference of Parties (COP 21), called on developed nations to commit to an “accelerated and scaledup” support for technology development and transfer.

De Guzman made this call as he lamented the weak progress on the call of support for technological transfer in the current draft of the Paris agreement.

“You cannot limit global warming to below 1.5-degrees Celsius if the support is not there,” De Guzman pointed out. “We need clear sources of support and assistance from developed countries.

This is not just in the form of finance, but also in the crucial areas of technology and capacity-building.”

E l p i d i o Pe r i a , l e a d negotiator on technology transfer, said the Philippines along with other developing countries, need the support of developed nations in the entire cycle of technology

development and operation.

“We need support, not just in the planning stage, but in the actual transfer of t e c h n o l o g y f or t h e implementation of projects that will help us achieve our target of reducing our emissions to below 1.5 degrees Celsius,” Peria said.

Meanwhile, CCC Deputy Executive Director Asec.

Jocelyn Goco, said that the Commission is conducting c on s u lt at i on s w it h a l l stakeholders to determine all specific technologies needed by the Philippines to achieve its goals to lower its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

According to Goco, the Philippines needs technology to enable it to fully adopt renewable energy and achieve energy efficiency, among others.

“Such technology could help us mitigate our emissions from different sectors, such as the transport sector,” she said.

“We also need technology for adaptation and disaster preparedness. Assistance for support/PAGE 11

and beyond.

Even after the first week of the talks have ended, there remains no clear language capturing the mobilization of adaptation funds for countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Paje emphasized that there was no reference to the amount of finance needed for adaptation in Article 6, which covers the element of finance in the new climate deal.

“My delegation hereby further intervenes to ensure clear reference to a collective target for adaptation,” the environment chief told the assembly.

Paje said there should

be a collective target for adaptation with a “solid quantitative goal,” or a p ar t i c u l ar am ou nt for adaptation finance that should be reviewed every five years.

Ac c o r d i n g t o Pa j e , predictable financing sources are critical for the implementation of initiatives like technology transfer a n d c ap a c i t y - b u i l d i n g innovations to enable the country to adapt effectively to climate change impacts.

At the same time, Paje said actions that will limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, which now enjoy the support of 112 nations, must be fast-tracked and sustained

despite the setback caused by the failure of countries to agree on the review of the 2-degrees Celsius goal.

Such review would have provided scientific evidence for the necessity of increasing mitigation targets, he said.

The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), an advocacy coalition of 43 middle income and developing small-island nations led by the Philippines, has pushed for the continued adoption of 1.5-degrees Celsius goal even after the setback.

Paje also emphasized that the climate crisis does not spare anyone and will impact all countries whether developed, developing or

least developed.

Thus, he s aid, it is i mp or t ant for t he 1 9 5 territories participating in the negotiations to work in solidarity in establishing the loss and damage me chanism, incre asing national mitigation actions and accelerating capacity development for adaptation.

The Philippine delegation, through its lead negotiator Climate Change Commissioner Vice-Chair Emmanuel de Guzman, ensures that the initiatives of the Philippines on behalf of the highly-vulnerable countries comprising the CVF, are strongly reflected in the Paris agreement. (DENR)

“A HAPPY” BOOKS DONATION TO JESHUA SEPTUAGINT SCHOOL – VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ received a very warm welcome from the faculty and staff, parents, and the students and pupils of Jeshua Septuagint School in Gingoog City as he visited the school to turn-over books from Children International Philippines, Inc. The books were turned-over to School Directress REV. MOTHER ROWENA HALLAZGO in the presence of Assistant Principal MRS. MARIETA LAURETO, Brgy Captain ELEODORO GARCIA and GPTA President MELCHORITA PAJO. The book donation is in support to the advocacy of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan dubbed as the “A Happy Reading and Writing Program” that aims to enhance and develop the reading skills and English Proficiency of students and pupils in Misamis Oriental. photo supplied

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Bukidnon IAs undergo Technical and Financial Management Capability Enhancement Training More than a hundred farmleaders and members of irrigators associations (IAs) in the province of Bukidnon undergo workshop on simple bookkeeping on their financial transactions and activities during the Ir r igators Ass o ci at ions Technical and Financial Management Capability Enhancement Training, held at Valencia City, Bukidnon on November 26-27, 2015.

As one of the activities done in the said training, the workshop was intended to teach farmers on how

to record their financial transactions for them to systematically trace their earnings and losses in their farming activities. Other topics discussed include: El Niño Mitigation, Water Saving Technology, Pest Management on Stem Borer, Sustainable Agriculture, C l i m at e Ad v i s o r y a n d Climate Change, which were presented by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10)’s r ice prog ram, its research stations, namely: Northern Mindanao

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Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) and Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), along with PAGASA. The said activity is par t of the series of trainings done by DA-RFO 10, through its Agri-Pinoy Rice Program, to update rice farmers on the latest agricultural interventions and technologies available for the improvement of their rice production, and of the region, as well. # (MCLPaylaga, DA-RAFIS 10)

12TH NOAC. Region 10’s participants to the 12th National Organic Agriculture Congress. R-10’s booth showcasing varied organic products such as: organic black and upland rice, rice-based products, vco, peanuts, coffee, coco-sugar, carrot juice, and many more. Together with the exhibitors from DOALNARA of Claveria, Misamis Oriental and Ms. Nemia Buhain, owner of VCO are Ms.Nilda Salas, DA-RFO 10 Organic Agriculture Focal Person and RAFC Chair Ed Layug.

The event was participated by more than 1,450 organic farmers and practitioners all over the country conducted on November 25-27, 2015 at the SMX convention center, Bacolod City.

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Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776 Editor: Nelson Constantino

BSP strengthens its cybersecurity unit Reserves dip slightly

T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has given more teeth to the “specialists group” it established earlier to deal with cybersecurity as the country’s e-money and e-banking transactions grow further.

“Anything that has to do with cybersecurity like hacking and other online threats, the CITSG (Core Informational Technology Specialist Group) handles that,” according to BSP deputy governor Vicente S. Aquino.

The CITSG’s mandate is to monitor any cybersecurity issues in the banking sector and recommends the issuance of regulations to the Monetary Board.

“ There are always threats to cybersecurity,” said Aquino. “They see to it that requirements (ensuring cybersecurity) that banks have to comply with (are addressed) to make sure they are able to neutralize or offset any threats.”

“You cannot just do away with these issues,” added Aquino. “You can negate, neutralize, preempt, but to eliminate totally, I don’t think so. This is a thriving business and the manufacturers are earning from this so they try to develop instruments or creatures (that undermine cybersecurity).”

Aquino said as far as the BSP is concerned, they are “always on guard against cyber attacks, cyber threats

and cyber risks.”

The central bank has recently concluded its first “Cy bersecurity Summit for the Financial Services Industr y” with par tner B ancnet, Inc., and t he meetings tried to assess t h e b a n k i n g s e c t o r ’s preparedness in averting cybersecurity threats.

BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr., in his keynote speech, reminded banks to be “on guard and proactive in managing cybersecurity risks, to collaborate and share information with concerned stakeholders, and to consider cybersecurity as not a technical issue requiring full support and attention of the banks’ top management.”

“In response to this evolving and growing cyberthreat landscape, the BSP has been taking measures to preserve public trust and confidence in the financial system,” a BSP statement quoting Tetangco said. These include “relevant regulatory framework” that it has adoped since the advent of electronic banking in the country.

At the moment, t h e B SP i s c ont i nu i ng review and upgrading of regulatory framework to counter emerging cyberthreats and to establish a dedicated cybersecurity division to “closely monitor c y b e r s e c u r i t y t h re at s” and “promote proactive measures.”

BPI offers financial solutions through microsite THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is setting a new trend in banking with its ‘Make the Best Happen’ campaign, offering innovative and accessible financial solutions.

BPI introduced a microsite,https:// makethebesthappen.ph/, with articles that offer practical advice and tips on travel, health, parenting, shopping, dining and planning for the future. The site reveals

several helpful reads such as listings of secret food stops outside Metro Manila, quirky Korean tours, inspiring workouts, some necessary life purchases, and teaching children the habit of saving.

In a statement, Cezar P. Consing, BPI President and CEO, said the bank wants to focus on needs-based financial planning where individuals make decisions based not on returns but on the goals they want to

achieve.

The process begins with helping clients identify their life needs and goals and then create a priority list based on those aspirations.

“We strive to know and understand the individual circumstances and financial needs of our clients, then offer financial advice. Only then do we propose certain solutions that are suitable and customized for each and every client,” Consing said.

Based on this initial assessment, BPI helps client create a game plan, mindful of their budgets, goals, risk profile, and investment options.

Tricia Quiambao, Head of BPI’s Strategic Brand Management, said BPI’s Make the Best Happen campaign is a different look on banking.

“We put a premium on understanding our clients and their needs, whether it’s bpi/PAGE 11

in November

THE countr y’s reser ves slipped slightly in November as the central bank saw lower values for its gold holdings and as the government increased its foreign exchange payments for the month.

G r o s s i nt e r n at i o n a l re s e r ve s ( G I R ) , w h i c h measure a country’s capacity to pay imports and service foreign debt, stood at $80.57 billion as of end-November, lower than the downwardrevised $81.1 billion seen as of October, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released yesterday showed.

Total reserves for the month, however, still came in above the $78.68-billion level seen at end-November 2014.

“The decrease in reserves as of end-November 2015 was due mainly to revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the decrease in the price of gold in the international market and payments by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations,” the central bank said in a statement.

Foreign investments, which for the bulk of the total reserves, stood at $71.08 billion at end-November, a tad lower than the $71.36

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billion seen the previous month, but higher than the $69.39 billion seen a year ago.

Gold reserves likewise slipped to $6.7 billion from October’s $7.18 billion mark and well below the $7.23 billion seen the year prior.

Foreign exchange holdings, meanwhile, rose to $1.17 billion at last month’s close, higher than the $931.6 million in October and an increase of more than fourfold from the $235.9 million seen last year.

Special drawing rights stood unchanged at $1.18 billion, while reserve positions w it h t he Inte r nat i ona l Monetary Fund (IMF) were logged at $434.9 million, down from $442.7 million in October and well below the $580.3 million seen last year.

G r o s s i nt e r n at i o n a l reserves are made up of gold, central bank assets held in various foreign currencies, country quota with the IMF, and foreign exchange deposits of the government and staterun firms.

Despite slipping from the prior month’s level, the central bank said the endNovember GIR is “ample” as it can cover “10.3 months’ reserves/PAGE 11

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BPI/MS Insurance promotes safer and smarter driving with the release of My Safe DriveTM smartphone application MAKATI CITY, Philippines—BPI/MS Insurance Corporation, a joint venture of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, one of the largest non-life insurance companies in Japan, has released an innovative new smartphone application. Called “My Safe DriveTM”, the app aims to promote safer and smarter driving in the Philippines.

Using a smartphone’s built-in camera, global positioning system (GPS) and smart software, My Safe DriveTM combines navigation, near-collision and lane departure alerts with driving analytics in a user-friendly app that’s available in multiple languages for the convenience of local drivers.

According to BPI/ MS Insurance President Kenichi Tanabe, the app is further proof that the company is committed to providing its clients and the public with reliable and innovative insurance solutions that help Filipinos make the best

happen for their lives.

“A car is one of the most significant investments a family can make, thus safe driving by using My Safe DriveTM helps protect that investment,” adds Tanabe.

The launch has been fueled by rising affluence among Filipino consumers and an expected increase in passenger car purchases.

Tanabe says, “The need for better road safety is imperative and the launch of the app empowers Filipinos to make their own contribution to promoting safer driving.”

Building on its commitment as a responsible insurer, BPI/MS Insurance Corporation launched the app by inviting the media to experience My Safe DriveTM in real time while driving different car models. With cars provided by partner automotive brands (Toyota, Isuzu, Honda, Hyundai, and Chevrolet), the media convoy travelled from Bonifacio Global City in Taguig to Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

In the photo: BPI/MS President, Kenichi Tanabe, BPI/MS Key Officers, MSIG (Asia) Pte. Ltd. representatives with motoring & technology media, various automobile partners, and AAP Road Safety Unit Head.

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Filinvest Land Inc. will give away a Toyota Wigo, a Toyota Innova and an FJ Cruiser in the grand draw

of its “Filinvest Joyride to Your Dream Home Raffle Promo” which kicked off last November 01, 2015 and will end on January 31, 2016.

But that’s not all! Filinvest will also pick 20 winners of P25,000 each for three (3) monthly draws

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SAP Registers Strong Growth in Q3 in Asia Pacific Japan P H I L I P P I N E S — SAPSE(NYSE:SAP) recently announced financial results in the Asia Pacific Japan(APJ) region for its fiscal year 2015 third quarter ending September 30, 2015.

Non-IFRS cloud subscriptions and support revenue grew 88%, driving non-IFRS cloud and software revenue up 8%.

New cloud bookings grew by double digits. In the APJ region, SAP registered strong growth in India and South Korea across cloud andsoftware.SAP S/4HANA adoptions across all regions and all industries have also been very strong, surpassing 1,300 customers globally, after just eight months in the market.

“Our strong momentum in the third quarter reflects the continued strength of our cloud business, powered by SAP HANA in the market,” said Adaire FoxMartin, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan. “We are facilitating our customers’ efforts to make the transition to the digital economy and our results area validation that they believe in our mission to help them run simple. An increasing number of customers are choosing SAP S/4HANA to digitize their core business processes, harness real-time data and turn insight in to action.”

SAPcustomerhighlightsinthethirdquarteracrossAPJ: • DutchMill, a leading provider of dairy products in Thailand and Southeast Asia, licensed SAPS/4HANA. With

SAP S/4HANA, DutchMill aims to simplify decisionmaking processes across the board and build a smarter organization that is better placed to respond to relevant developments in real time.

• PT Sukanda Djaja, a division of PT Diamond Cold Storage and a national leader in selling, marketing and distributing refrigerated food products in Indonesia, selected SAP Business Allin-One and SAP Business Intelligence Analytics. This investment will support the provision of real-time information and end-to-end sales canvassing to help PT Sukanda Djaja simplify its business and develop its expansion in Southeast Asia.

• Sangetsu Co., Ltd, a leading company developing and selling interior decorating products from Japan, selected SAP S/4HANA, SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud and Concur. With this investment, Sangetsu Co., Ltd aims to standardize and mobilize its business process to support real-time management and business diversification.

• C h a n g i A i r p o r t Group from Singapore selected SuccessFactors.

• Ageas, an international insurance group with a heritage spanning more than 190 years, selected SAP industry offerings for insurance on SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud for its expansion plans in Asia.

Ageas plans for this innovative end-to-end “insurance in a box” cloud to aid its expansion and operations in Asia. Empowered by SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud, Ageas will Run Simple on a

unified technology platform.

• Jasper InfoTech, which owns and operates India’s largest online market place, Snapdeal.com, has expanded its SAP Cloud footprint by purchasing SAP Ariba Sourcing Pro to reduce sourcing cycle time. With SAP Ariba, Jasper intends to simplify its business by automating the company’s entire sourcing process and create a single window in to all sourcing activities. Jasper previously selected SAP SuccessFactors to streamline

people processes, provide an integrated view of talent, and enable faster hiring and on boarding.

• CitiPower and Powercor Australia Ltd, a large electricity provider, selected SAP SuccessFactors solutions including SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central to empower managers and employees with self-service capabilities and optimized mobile capabilities. With SAP SuccessFactors, CitiPower and Powercor Australia plans to reduce turnover

of critical talent, provide clear alignment of employee goals with corporate goals and initiatives, improve business efficiency through automation and analytics, dramatically reduce manual workflow, and decrease turnaround time and errors on transactional HR processes.

• Asian Paints is India’s leading and Asia’s third largest paint company. As part of its corporate finance transformation, it went live with Simple Finance fol-

lowed by SAP S/4HANA to achieve better visibility of the cost structure of its multiple product lines, across various businesses.

The customer partnered with SAP Global Service & Support to deliver this project. With Simple Finance and SAP S/4HANA, Asian Paints is able to achieve exponential performance gains in data analysis.

For more information, visit the SAPNewsCenter.

Follow SAP on Twitter at @sap_apj

A contingent member from Tubod, Lanao del Norte participates in the water bucket relay during the Fire Olympics regionals held Thursday (December 10, 2015) at Limketkai Parking Lot D. photo by mark francisco

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Brownouts...

Tourists...

Mindanao Energy Systems, Inc. (Minergy).

Cepalco filed last Sept.

15 an application for provisional authority with t he E ne rg y R e g u l ator y Commission (ERC) and was expecting approval last week, the lapse of the 75 days by which the regulatory commission is mandated to take action on the matter.

However, ERC officials said this is not always the case.

“Even if there has already been an action or decision before the 75 day period expires, the preparation may take some time such that actual issuance of the ord e r a l re a d y h app e ns beyond the period,” said Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan, ERC executive director.

Cepalco has a peak demand of 150-170MW within its franchise area covering Cagayan de Oro, and the Misamis Oriental t o w n s o f Ta g o l o a n , Villanueva and Jasaan.

B esides its cur tailed allotment of 58MW, Cepalco can also call on an additional 50MW from its embedded generators op erated by af f i l i ate Mi ne rg y f rom bunker diesel, hydro and solar sources. On top of this, it can still tap an additional 23MW from its partner establishments through its Interruptible Load Program (ILP).

Sources from Cepalco said the utility is contracting short term power supply agreements with various generation companies (gencos), which are now in the final stages of approval with the ERC. A 10MW diesel power from Minergy is reportedly av ai l abl e and re a dy to o p e r a t e s i n c e Au g u s t , but power utilities still don’t have the provisional approval from the ERC to operate.

Cepalco can generate an additional 55MW from emb edded indep endent power producers within its f ranchis e are a on a mix of diesel, hydro and s o l a r p ow e r. T h i s w a s further boosted with the operation of the first phase of the Kirahon Two Energy Corporation (KTEC) solar power plant in Villanueva, M i s a m i s O r i e nt a l l a s t October.

On top of this, it can further call on an additional 21.3MW from its industrial partners through its Interruptible Load Program (ILP).

Howe ver, t he ut i lity is taking no chances and has applied for provisional authority with the ERC for a power supply contract from a 10MW modular genset it intends to construct at the compound of affiliate Minergy Energy Systems at Bgy. Tablon.

Paguio said the 10MW can drastically reduce the shortage during peak hours, Paguio noted.

Basilisa town in Dinagat Province offers tired souls an idyllic refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Photo taken December 7, 2015. Roel N. Catoto The sugar-fine white sand in Bitaog Beach in Barangay Rizal, Basilisa town in Dinagat Province offers tired souls an idyllic refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Photo taken December 7, 2015.

Roel N. Catoto Ecleo quoted a Department of Tourism-Caraga Region report that each tourist in the island would spend at least 1000 pesos every day.

She said the number of tourists this year means a monthly income of around P5 million.

On Sunday, Naval said 1,360 foreign tourists came to Dinagat last year and 2,663 so far this year.

At least 50 percent of foreign tourists came to San Jose, the capital town.

The province has seven towns.

Naval said that with more tourists coming in, inns in different towns have been receiving more guests.

“I guess this has something to do with social media where everyone posts pictures of tourist attractions in Dinagat,” he said.

Naval said the bulk of these tourists would come every May. For two weeks on this month San Jose town would host various activities to mark the founding celebration of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, a group founded by the late Ruben Ecleo Sr., husband of the governor.

from page 1

from page 1

Fund... from page 1

DA-Northern Mindanao Director Lealyn A. Ramos, in a news conference, said the roads are located in the municipalities of Bacolod, Kauswagan, Munai, Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Tangcal.

These areas were identified under the OPAPP’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, which combines infrastructure development and peacebu i l d i ng i n it i at i ve s i n isolated and conflict-affected communities.

For 2016, Mr. Ramos said the agency is looking at another P63 million worth of farm-to-market roads under the PAMANA fund.

The projects will cover other parts of the region, particularly areas within the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

Parts of the Northern Mindanao Region continue to harbor units of the New People’s Army, the armed group of the Communist Part of the Philippines, and conflicts involving indigenous peoples communities against alleged human rights abuses by the military and g ov e r n m e nt - s u p p o r t e d paramilitary groups.

Meanw hile, in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the OPAPP reported that training for Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) are being conducted despite the stalled discussions and passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The JPST is composed of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces. “[This training] shows the upscaled cooperation between the government and the MILF,” said retired Major General Leo Cresente M. Ferrer during the opening rites of the training as quoted in an OPAPP press release.

The training is part of the processes under the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the MILF, which serves as basis for the proposed BBL. Following the training, the JPST members will be assigned “some important tasks and responsibilities” in maintaining peace and order in “critical parts” of the ARMM. “You will be ambassadors (of ) peace who will carry out the mission to restore peace and order so that our people may live in harmony,” said Joint Peace and Security Committee OIC Co-Chairman Toks Ebrahim at the end of the training.

Among the responsibilities of the JPST are: tracking and documenting private armed groups and other ar me d g roups; helping reduce and control loose or undocumented weapons; supporting the observance of the ceasefire agreement; working on security arrangements for peace process-connected personalities and events; and supporting dispute resolution initiatives on the ground.

DAR... from page 2

Taga-ilo.

In her message, mayor Estaño talked about the challenges faced to achieve the level III water system.

“From the main source, we had to pass two rivers and a hanging bridge. But through our efforts and commitment, we have overcome those obstacles and now, more than 150 households are blessed by the said project,” she said.

CARP Officer for Te chnica l Adv is or y on Support Services of DARMisamis Occidental Engr.

Cesario Egos thanked the LGU, other line agencies, and the beneficiaries for their support during the implementation period.

“This event proves that we are a model of a good family backed with cooperation starting from the mayor’s office, barangay officials, office of the governor, people’s

organization, and other line agencies such as DOST and DTI,” he said.

Launching of 90 HP tractor with disc plow, trailing harrow, and 5-ton trailer of Colambotan Bajo, Sinuza, Balon (COSIBA) and SMART Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) under the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Supp or t Services (ARCCESS) project f o l l ow e d t h e t u r n ov e r ceremony. (Diofeleen L. Bacayan/ ERS/PIA)

Max... from page 5

6% year-on-year to P7.3 billion in spite of delayed op e n i ng s an d pl an n e d closures of underperforming stores, which form part of the company’s ongoing rationalization program.

Max’s Group’s stable of brands include Max’s Restaurant, Max’s Corner B a ker y, Kr ispy Kreme, Ja m b a Ju i c e , P a n c a k e House, Dencio’s, Kabisera ng Dencio’s, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak, Le Coeur De France, The Chicken Rice Shop, Singkit, Maple and Yellow Cab.

Travel... from page 5

and Sydney.

T h e Man i l a - C ai r ns Auckland route is served by an Airbus 320, a short-tomedium haul narrow-body jet with 156 seats: 12 in business class and 144 in economy.

Manila-Cairns-Auckland flies every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday.

The maiden flight, which took off on Dec. 2 had a passenger load factor of 75%, including PAL and Department of Tourism (DoT) executives and members of the press.

At the stopover in Cairns, PAL, having been granted fifth freedom traffic rights, dropped off seven passengers and picked up 20. The return flight had a passenger load factor of 50%.

Ryan Uy, PAL v icepresident for sales, noted that passengers may stay a couple of days in Cairns before flying to Auckland, at no extra cost. “This means that we’re giving you two countries in one ticket,” he said.

Ac c ord i ng to Mar i a C or a z on Jord a - Ap o, director of the DoT market development group director, the potential for New Zealand as a market is “very, very good.”

“You may think that Au s t r a l i a n s a n d N e w Zealanders are the same, but they’re not,” she said.

“Australians look for beer, beach, and barbecue -- that’s it. New Zealanders go for culture, food, art, and wine.”

DoT data also showed that tourists from New Zealand demonstrated high spending capacity of US$92.48 average daily expenditure with an average length of stay of 14.35 nights. It is estimated

that they spend an average of about US$1,300 per visit, which is higher than the overall average of about US$1,000.

LBC... from page 5

we will probably miss the next board meeting agenda. I guess we will probably get the approval after the year ends already,” Mr. Araneta said.

“It should be no problem [in the] first quarter,” he said of the timetable of the company’s share sale.

The listed firm plans to raise P829 million -significantly lower than the initial P7 billion that LBC Express had intended to raise from an aborted initial public offering in 2013 -- from a follow-on sale of 69.10 million common shares at a maximum price of P12 apiece to finance acquisitions and fund its expansion program.

LBC Express was gunning to launch the share sale in November, but the schedule looked tight given the number of holidays and several initial public offerings (IPO) happening on the same month.

With the delays in its share sale, LBC Express has been relying on internal cash flows to fund its operations.

“It doesn’t really matter even if I get the money this year. It’s the holidays,” Mr. Araneta said.

LBC Development of the Araneta family obtained a majority stake in Federal Resources in May and folded LBC Express, Inc. into the listed shell company in July, paving the way for the latter’s entry to the STOCK MARKET via the backdoor listing route.

T h e l i s t e d f i r m’s shareholders have approved these transactions, while the SEC has cleared a slew of amendments in Federal R e s o u r c e s’ a r t i c l e s o f incorporation in line with its transformation.

LBC Express is involved in logistics and money transfer services. It has roughly 1,100 stores nationwide and 70 stores in 22 countries.

Hurst... from page 4

change our proud, wrong hearts and character.

That’s why God the Son had to become a human being: being: to die and pay the penalty for all our wrongs. It was the only way we could be forgiven by our perfect Maker and start a new life living His way. So won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you and help you start changing today? Jesus will give you real satisfaction and peace, and the power to live His right way both in public and in private, night and day every day. Just Think a Minute!

Support... from page 6

early warning systems, as well as wastewater treatment is crucial for us.”

11

2014 ppi’S Best in ENVIRONMENTAL Reporting

De Guzman also urged for transparency on finance for mitigation, citing that the prevailing draft climate deal has not stated the willingness of developed countries to fund initiatives to help developing countries meet targets for partial contributions.

The countries have already pledged their goals for mitigation in their respective INDCs or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.

However, not all countries h ave t he c ap a c it y and resources to take measures to completely meet these goals, thus, support from developed nations is crucial to guarantee mitigation actions.

Dean Antonio La Vina, spokesperson of the Philippine delegation in the UN climate change summit, said that “support is a crosscutting issue. We cannot move for successful mitigation and adaptation if the support is missing.”

The necessity of support for mitigation and adaptation has also been cited in the Manila-Paris declaration of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). The Philippines is the current chairman of the CVF, an advocacy alliance of 43 middle-income and smallisland developing nations.

(COP21/CCC)

BPI...

from page 8

to travel, or start a business, or fund their children’s education,” she said.

The microsite addresses some of the top life and lifest y le go a ls of most individuals: travel, health, parenting, shopping, future, and dining. It is enriched every week with updated content derived from current areas of interest.

Reserves... from page 8

worth of imports of goods and payments of service and income” and “six times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.2 times based on residual maturity.”

Reserves are said to be adequate if the current level is enough to support three months’ worth of imports or fully cover all of the country’s external debt.

The central bank expects GIR to reach $81.6 billion this year, down from an earlier forecast of $83 billion. At end-2014, total reserves stood at a downwardly adjusted $79.54 billion, still at par with the BSP’s estimate of $79 billion for the year.

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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Another LDN star-studded int’l motocross event...

T UBOD, Lanao del Norte –Seven international riders competed against top Filipino racers during the recently concluded Lanao del Norte International Motocross and Night Supercross hosted by the provincial government at worldclass Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex.

According to Race Director Mener Sanes, more than 150 riders from different parts of the country converged in the capital town of Tubod on December 4 to 6, 2015, for the biggest motocross event of the year.

The 3-day event was in partnership with SEL-J Sports of Manila and featured death-defying stunts and jumps from wellknown Freestyle riders like Bradley Robert Burch and Harry Paul Bink.

“This is the best motocross racetrack of the Philippines and it is at par with the best racetracks in Asia. This is the reason why we keep coming back here to compete,” noted Balazs Deczi of Hungary.

International riders who participated in this international competition

include Richard Austin Yorks, Dennis Stapleton, Austin Robert Howell, and Jack Kristopher McNeice.

The mega-racing event saw motocross riders compete in the two racetracks created by the provincial government through its Provincial Engineering Office – the Motocross dirttrack and the new Supercross racetrack.

Among the categories riders competed in include Pro-Open, Expert-Open, Executive-A, Executive-B, Underbone Stock, NoviceOpen, Power Enduro, Enduro 125, Mini Class, Ladies, and Veterans.

The motocross event was also the first-time for the Lanao del Norte LGU to host a night supercross.

“Many came to watch the night supercross because

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there are more jumps in supercross compared to motocross. So it has more airtime and riders can do some fancy tricks”, noted Information Officer Lyndon Calica.

Winners of the international motocross event include Bornok Mangosong (Pro-Open/ Expert-Open), Hermes Bantoc (Executive-A), Popet Frias (Executive-B), Terence Napat (Novice-Open/ Mini Class), RK Cuesta (Ladies), and Athoy Belican (Veterans).

The provincial government also recently hosted the 2nd Lanao del Norte Triathlon on November 29, 2015 participated by more than 170 athletes from all over the country including seven nationally triathletes.

AERIAL BALLET. Two freestyle riders seem to perform an aerial dance during the Freestyle category of the Lanao del Norte International Motocross and Night Supercross hosted by the provincial government at its world-class Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex. (PIO-LDN)

The province of Lanao del Norte has been acclaimed as the ‘Motocross Capital of the Philippines’ by both motocross organizers and riders. (VNL/PIOLDN)

National athletes join 2nd LDN triathlon event Seven top triathletes of the country joined the more than 170 athletes who competed in the much anticipated 2nd Lanao del Norte Triathlon, held reently in the Province of Lanao del Norte.

The athletes came from different parts of the country, including Metro Manila, Bohol, Cebu, Camiguin, Dipolog, Ozamiz, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan.

Host province Lanao del Norte was well represented with athletes from Sultan Naga Dimaporo and the capital town of Tubod who joined the race.

Among the nationally rank athletes competing in the sporting event were Jonard Saim (#1 ranked male triathlete), Monica Torres (#1 ranked female triathlete), and LC Langit (#3 ranked female triathlete). triathlon/PAGE C3

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F eature C2 Camiguin woman: Gender equality alleviates life from poverty 2013 ppi’S Best in Business and Economic Reporting

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ATARMAN, Camiguin Province – Rising above any adversity is a daunting task for most people; it takes sheer will and determination, and a little help from your community.

Northern Mindanao region has come a long way in empowering women and instill the volunteerism in the communities.

Charina Torayno, 34, from Purok 4, Kompol, Catarman town, is a Pantawid Pamilya parent leader, was chosen by fellow volunteers as chairman for the organized Barangay Sub-project Management Committee that implements projects under the Department of Social Welfare and Development program –- the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development Program (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP).

Despite the stereotyping and resource limitations, Charina together with women beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya), implemented the construction of a multi-purpose building which would serve as the barangay center of her village as an evacuation center during calamities.

Charina’s participation in the construction of the barangay hall made her realize that women can be agents of change and eventually help in protecting the vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, women, children, and persons with disability.

“It is only through gender equality that women can help promote economic growth and alleviate poverty,” stressed Charina, who also join other women and men in her village in putting sands on sacks, piling hollow blocks, and mixing cement with aggregates during the construction of

the building.

“Before, I would only stay at home struggling to make ends meet,” Charina said, adding, “I will not bother to participate in any activities in school and in our community.”

Furthermore, Charina said “wala ko magdahom sa dako nga responsibilidad (I did not anticipate the magnitude of the responsibility) but insisted that women like her can manage and do the tasks usually done by men.)” Charina said her husband is also supportive and also said that some of her fellow volunteers had doubts if they can finish the tasks, but insisted to them “kaya ra ni ninyo, kay nagseminar baya ta ani (you can do this, we already had a seminar about this). “ Empowerment Charina reveals that her volunteer work led her to do almost all construction management tasks. She also admitted that before the actual work that she did not know some of the terminologies

in the construction industry. She, however, was enlightened during the seminars.

Charina’s tasks during the project were to organize the volunteers and serve as manager. She also revealed that she has earned the respect of her peers and fellow volunteers as the project progressed.

Charina also said that she was very hands-on

Island Garden City of Samal celebrates Urban Poor Solidarity Week

City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan thanks the urban poor organization officers and members for supporting and cooperating with the local government urban poor housing program which help in the development of the city.

Island Garden City of Samal – A total of 1,331 urban poor homeowners association members coming from different barangays all over the island gathered in Babak Gymnasium to celebrate the Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW) with the theme“ MARALITANG TAGALUNGSOD: May K ka sa Tuwid na Daan; Kakayahang Umunlad; Kahalagahan sa Lipunan; Karapatan bilang Mamamayan; Kasali sa Malawakang Pag-unlad” on December 4, 2015.

The Urban Poor Solidarity Week is an annual celebration facilitated by the Local Government Unit of Island Garden City of Samal

which has been celebrated for years since it has been implemented through the City Mayor’s Office- Human Settlement Division in coordination with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).

The celebration was also under the proclamation no. 367 that December 2-8 of every year declared as Urban Poor Solidarity Week Celebration. It is in this occasion where issues and problems on urbanization, poverty squatting and other related concerns are being aired and tackled.

It aimed to establish solidarity and teamwork through sports activity with partner agencies as well as to promote and strengthen

camaraderie among Urban Poor Organizations (UPOs). Presentation of accomplishments in terms of policies, programs and projects for the urban poor socialized housing was one of the highlights of the activity.

The week-long celebration included several activities such as cultural presentation, parlor games and sports activity participated by urban poor organizations (UPOs), Nongovernment Organizations and private individuals joining the celebration.

City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan was grateful to the cooperation and support of the urban poor organization to the local government housing program which help expedite development of the city particularly supporting the tourism industry.

During the activity, the award received by IGaCoS from the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council ( HUDCC)-NDAPSSS for winning the 2015 Best practices award Local drive Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates was presented to the audience.

This was the third consecutive year that the local government of IGaCoS received the award for curtailing the activities of professional squatters and squatting syndicates through sound legislative actions, pragmatic policies, innovative anti professional squatting programs and projects and effective implementation thus enhancing its capacity to address housing and urban development concerns.

Samal Info.

during the construction by actively doing follow-ups on deliverables; she also said that she was relatively strict and non-complacent.

She insisted helping out in tasks usually given to their male counterparts, like cement mixing and segregation of aggregates and sand, but also admits that there are certain tasks that she cannot do like bending of steel materials.

After three months of construction work, Charina and her fellow village volunteers finished the building. “We feel proud, this is a nice office, and during calamities, this will serve as an evacuation center and this placeis also safe from floods.”

Home and Family Life Charina said that despite the three-monthlong construction work, she still managed to do all her daily tasks as a parent.

She revealed that her usual routine is to cook meals and prepares her husband’s things the night

Triathlon... from page C1

Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Dimaporo.said they are very happy with the huge turn-out of athletes joining this triathlon event of the province. And they want this sport to be as popular as their international motocross races in Lanao del Norte.

The province of Lanao del Norte is the acclaimed ‘Motocross Capital of the Philippines.’

The swim-bike-run event started with a 1.5 kilometer swim in Panguil Bay, followed by a 44-kilometer bike ride across the municipalities of Tubod, Baroy and Lala, then finally a 10-kilometer run ending at the worldclass Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex.

Among the winners

before so her husband can get ready for work faster, bathes her twin 2-year-old daughters, prepares milk, cook for noontime and dinner, and constantly communicates with her fellow Pantawid Pamilya members.

Charina also said that the DSWD programs like Pantawid Pamilya and the Family Development Session really boost her confidence as a woman and a mother.

She revealed that these programs helped her to manage her home and finances. Now, their family can have savings, payment for school fees, and most especially for the well-being of her children.

Charina concludes that through these DSWD integrated programs she now has full confidence in her daily lifestyle and said that she has also gained the respect of others and more importantly – a sense of self-respect.

(DSWD-10) in the Elite category of this gruelling endurance race were Paul Jumamil of Team Alaska TRI Aspire (1st Place-Elite Men), Kristiane Lim of Team Alaska TRI Aspire (2nd Place-Elite Men) and Jonard Saim of Team Unilab Active Health (3rd Place-Elite Men). In the Elite Women Category, Monica Torres of Team Standard Insurance bagged the top spot while LC Langit of Team Red Cross took Second Place.

In the Overall Age Group – Male Category, the winners are Michael Acas (1st place), James Rey Dimco (2nd place) and John Alcala (3rd Place).

The sporting event was organized by the provincial government and Transition Production.

The race is also sponsored by the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts of Lanao del Norte.

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Barangay Iponan “Suman Festival 2015” EMPRESS M

by

Michelle Francisco

www.EmpressMichelleFrancisco.com

S

uman is a rice cake that is made from glutinous rice, cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves.

I was so happy to be invited by my friend, Kag. Anthony “Gaga” O. Brellita of Barangay Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, to be one of the judges for this year’s “Suman Festival”. This activity was last December 4, 2015 and it was held at their plaza. It was participated by all zones, subdivisions, organizations and schools in the barangay. According to Kag. Gaga, the “Suman Festival” started six years ago. Suman is the delicacy of the Iponanons and every after Misa de Gallo, it’s what they really eat and enjoy together.

With this kind of festival, the Iponanons unite as always and look forward during this holiday season to come up with this one

of a kind event. They really know how to promote their different kinds of suman.

Upon arriving at Iponan, I already felt the good vibe of the Iponanons. Of course, Kag. Gaga greeted me with a big smile. They served some delicious suman, puto, bibingka and sikwate (hot chocolate) for the guests before the judging started.

I was so happy to be greeted by the people while walking at the Barangay Plaza. Everyone was so nice, happy, game, excited, laughing, proud with their entries and all smiles. There were 42 entries so yes, I tried 42 different kinds of suman. Me and my fellow judges were actually joking that we needed to exercise after the judging because we ate a lot. But, I didn’t really mind over eating because I had so much fun trying them all and talking to the participants. It’s evident that they all really bonded while making their sumans.

They’re so proud of their creations and were truly made with love.

There were two parts of judging. One was for the best in presentation and the other was for the best tasting suman.

There were so many different variations. From

the classic suman that made me reminisce my childhood days, to the modern suman with mangoes and langka, pandan, chocolate and so on. All of them were really delicious. They also made very nice and unique presentations at their respective booths. Some of them even wore costumes and had props.

After the Suman competition, they had more programs for the Iponanons during the night like their annual Light-A-Tree, some dancing and presentations including the children. Last year, I was able to attend this and I had tons of fun as well.

So, don’t miss next year’s Suman Festival and try all their different versions of delicious Sumans.

Kag. Gaga Brellita with the judges... (From left to right: Kag. Gaga Brellita, Beging Soriano, Michelle Francisco, Nanette Roa, Emily Ceballos, Kathrina Disto and Manolito Muñoz)

Zone 4

Regency Plains Phase 1

The winners are as follows: Best in Presentation

Best Tasting Suman

Champion Zone 3

Champion Regency Plains Subdivision Phase 1

2nd Place Zone 4

2nd Place Iponan Elementary School

3rd Place Regency Plains Subdivision Phase 1

3rd Place Zone 4

Consolation Prizes

BWDC

Consolation Prizes

BWDC

ALS

Iponan Elementary School

BWDC

ALS

Zone 3

Congratulations to the winners!

Zone 3

Iponan Elementary School

For more photos, visit

M

www.EmpressMichelleFrancisco.com

Love,

You can follow me at the following social media: https://www.facebook.com/EmpressMCF https://instagram.com/empressmichellefrancisco https://twitter.com/empressmcf

ALS

Suman Festival Participants